PETS ARE US

 

Junie--  Jes, Jessica, and Noah's golden lab

Junie is a fun filled dog.  She does things like swiping Noah's boot, climbing up on tables, and it looks like, in the picture above, she is destroying someone's Christmas gift. But she is loved and well cared for.  

Gucci and Axel belong to Heather and Jessie and girls.

Gucci and Axel are interesting dogs.  They refuse to eat their food all day hoping that someone will give them people food.  At the end of the day they go ahead and eat their food.  They want to be spoiled.

Anna is Natalie's cat.  She allowed us to photograph her on her climbing tree.

Samantha and her cat Perry several years ago.

Perry is a friendly cat and likes to be with the people.

I've noticed that many people in our family have pets.  I asked my cousin Rinda why she had so many pets -- which at one time included dogs, cats, snake, bird, mouse, and a horse among others--she said that she liked her control over the animals. Her animals are well behaved but have lots of freedom as well. 

Rinda

Chris and I have had many pets over the years but now we choose to have none.  When one of us dies Chris plans to get a golden retriever.  When one of us dies I plan to clean the garage.  So maybe you can tell who is the goal oriented person and who is the dreamer.

Proverbs 12:10 Whoever is righteous has regard for the life of his beast,

NAUGHTY OR NICE

 

Chris

Chris's mother told us that he was a perfect child.  My mother told us that I was a perfect child.  We couldn't understand why we had imperfect children.  By having these children our eyes were opened to our own failings.

I think my sister was perfect.  The only time she ever got into trouble was when she wouldn't go to bed on time.  Our dad clapped his hands at her and she obediently ran up the stairs to bed. I can remember only one time I got into trouble.  I had invited a friend over to play and we were too noisy while my dad was trying to sleep.  (He worked the night shift and had to sleep during the day.) As I look back on it I believe I got into trouble for childish irresponsibility.  I hadn't meant to disobey. But then as I got older I realized it was my pride and self righteousness of what I was guilty. My brothers can probably remember other sins I committed.  I can remember the defects of my brothers!

Me, Jay, Davy, Santa, Evy 1953

Even though we determine to be nice--  all are guilty of some naughtiness. This is exactly why Jesus came.  We come face to face with our sin, our flaws, our need, and face to face with our Savior. Jesus was the God/man who lived a perfect life and died for our sins and rose from the dead so that we might be with Him forever in His glorious kingdom. 

As we sing the old and new Christmas carols this Christmas may we recognize the promises from centuries earlier being fulfilled in a tiny baby. 

Galatians 1: 3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, 4 who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, 5 to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.