Sunday, December 18, 2011

Christmas Presence


Genesis 2:15 Then the LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it.

It has been a couple years now since we lost of our family dog. That beautiful yellow Labrador was not only our cherished companion, but became the “neighborhood” dog, as all the children of the block came over to pet her and rub her belly. She loved to lay on the raised front porch of our Bungalow home and watch the world and take long walks on the sidewalks of our big bustling city, but she wouldn’t leave her front yard on her own. The bible makes it clear that the LORD created and loves all creatures, and put the care of them into the hands of mankind … plants, water, ground, and air also. It’s hard-wired into our soul to love and care for the creation. God cares, we are made in His likeness, so we naturally care; to not care is unnatural. Studies show that a pet given to elderly people improves their life, both mentally and physically. It’s a joy of life. We’ve owned two cats and two dogs in our 35 years married, and both all through my childhood.

Genesis 8:1 Then God remembered Noah, and every living thing, and all the animals that were with him in the ark.

Yesterday, we brought home “Tobias”, a cute, cubby little yellow Lab, to join the family. Looking up the meaning of the name, we found that it means “God is good” in both the original Hebrew and Greek. We couldn't disagree with that, so “Toby” became the latest addition to our home and family. Our oldest son bought his brother “Rossi” at the same time, so they can visit and go on walks together. They can watch “Toby”, when we go on vacation and vise-versa. The adventure begins with this blessed Christmas presence. What are your pets, and pet memories?

Psalm 104:24 O Lord, what a variety of things you have made! In wisdom you have made them all. The earth is full of your creatures.

In Christ, Brian

6 comments:

child of God said...

Hi Brian,
Adorable!! I love Tobias. Labs are amazing, loyal dogs. And a puppy to boot. Have fun with your new family member. :)

I have many animals, too many to name and give you a story. At the present time we have 5 dogs, 3 cats, 12 horses and 26 cows. They all have names and are dearly loved.

God bless brother,
<><

Undergroundpewster said...

Congratulations on the new arrival!

Our 2 yr old pitador (part chocholate lab part, pit bull) is all lab in disposition, and an excellent alarm clock as well.

Brian Ray Todd said...

Child of God, How I'd love to experience the open farm life. I think that most urban-locked folks dream of the country. Thanks for writing.

Pewster, Don't pets capture our hearts and bring unconditional love to their owners? God creates good.

Anonymous said...

Well happy Tobias times to you! I'm sure he's going to enjoy you as much as you will him.
I grew up with lots of pets, but my husband wasn't much of a pet-guy. We did inherit a little terrier-chihuahua mix shortly after we married. We named the little critter, "Bo" (a little name for a little dog). Bo quickly became part of our family and went with us everywhere. Unfortunately, when we had our son and he began to crawl, Bo became extremely jealous and tried to bite him. We ended up having to give Bo away.
The only other dog we had was "Ruthie" a blue-tick/beagle mix. She was our son's and an outdoor dog only, but a great one!
Aren't we blessed to be able to enjoy the blessings of animals who adopt us?

Brian Ray Todd said...

I like your thinking Deb. With our pets, who really adopts who? I know who gets their hearts stolen. And there a size and type for everyone's taste. It must be by the Lord's design. Thanks for writing.

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