Do You Want to be the Dog?

I have two dogs and I love them dearly.  They are part of our family, which is what 75% of pet owners report.  Over half of the 90 million dog owners allow their dogs to sleep in bed with them.  Some people throw their dogs birthday parties, complete with cake, balloons, and doggie party guests. …

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Is it Real or Simply Tradition?

I find it interesting to read about wedding traditions in various cultures.  Some may seem to make sense – such as the practice that began in the south, where there are two wedding cakes.  The second cake is called the “groom’s cake” whose design is more masculine.  However, other practices such as trashing the wedding…

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Do You Want a Puppy?

At one time or another I think that most of us have wanted a puppy.  When we were kids we may have seen one in a pet store window or some lost stray followed us home.  Our hearts were melted by those big brown eyes and that cute little face.  We asked (probably begged) our…

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Are You Lonely?

At one time or another, all of us have experienced feelings of loneliness.  While it may be temporary, for many it seems to be a chronic condition.  A story from a recent PastorServe leter caught my eye as it discussed the magnitude of the problem in England.  The letter states: The United Kingdom recently created…

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What Does Your Ring Say?

For most couples, the giving and receiving of an engagement ring is a memorable event.  This is usually followed by an exchange of wedding rings, which signifies the commitment that the individuals are making to each other.  But I wonder how people view their ring’s significance? There was a recent article asking people about their…

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Are You Hurting or Healing?

Now at first glance, you may think that the title is asking whether you are personally improving in your emotional life or whether you are continuing in some kind of pain?  And while that might be a valid question, this is asking something entirely different.  The question for you to consider today is more along…

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Forgiveness – It’s Not Easy

American poet Jimmy Santiago Baca once wrote, “Being human without forgiveness is like being a guitarist without fingers.”  Most of us think of forgiveness as optional – if I feel like it or if the other person has groveled enough to earn it.  But if Baca is correct, then forgiveness is anything but optional –…

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If He Loves Me . . .

When life gets challenging, we all need understanding and support – especially from our spouse.  While we all agree with that, or at least we think we do, I would ask, “What are we talking about?”  You see when someone says “support” it is easy to think we all mean the same thing but oftentimes…

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