Authentic Compassion

Friday, June 15, 2007

Friday Miscellany

Blooms from both the Peace rose (mentioned in previous posts) and a rose called Joseph's Coat. The Joseph's Coat has tiny flowers beautifully colored - opening as a dark salmony pink with more colors are revealed as the flower completely opens. The name of this rose refers to the coat of many colors Jacob gave to his son Joseph (Genesis 37:3-5). In our garden- it is a beautiful flower with an interesting name.
Pictured in our breakfast nook window is our rat "terrorist"Conan the Destroyer. He joined the family in 2002 when we thought our other rat terrier, Corazon, wanted a canine pal. We searched for a nice little ratter to be her buddy. As it turns out - Conan is a needy little guy and although they play every day, Conan needs Corey much more than vice versa. When anything happens (a doorbell rings, someone talks too loudly)- he checks with Corey as if to say "what are we supposed to do?" We all have our shortcomings and he is a playful and feisty, loving little guy. Conan goes out to the pastures or pens with us to check the other animals (anyone else except Moe - for whatever animal reason - Moe and Conan have an uneasy truce). Coney likes to be involved during goat birthings - wanting to lick those babies right away,making sure they are OK. The does don't appreciate canine help - but newborn kids are happy for any licking or touching. Conan was checking on newborn Boudreaux last month -obviously exciting for Conan and mildly interesting for Boudreaux.
Earlier this spring Conan was "attending" the birth of Nubiana's twins - here he is whining about getting close enough to Ellie to give her a thorough lick check!
Bless you today - remember to be kind to one another. A neighbor of ours passed away this week - very unexpectedly/suddenly. It continues to be made clear that we are always to live each day- not living for tomorrow. Despite all our plans and intentions to mend fences, lick someone's face(ala Conan and Corey) or get right with the Lord tomorrow- most come to naught. We aren't promised tomorrow. John 9:4 (New Living Translation-Jesus speaking) "All of us must quickly carry out the tasks assigned to us by the one who sent me, because there is little time left before the night falls and all work comes to an end." The work we have to do is to love one another and forgive one another as we have been loved and forgiven by God. Night falling is death -before death we need to finish our work - learn to forgive freely, love deeply and expect joy . Rest in peace James Irvin Stewart - you were a good man and your warm smile will be missed.

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