These are Our Dog-Days of Summer...

So far summer has creeped by slowly, and we've celebrated the multiple family birthdays that come with the first two weeks of June. Jesse claims he is now "middle-aged" and my mom is now a half-century old!!

We have been dog-sitting for a young playful sheltie and will probably have him for at least a couple more weeks. It has been interesting to see our dogs interact with him, as they are very laid back most of the time, and he just wants to play play play, and bark!

So that was a slight adjustment to 'going outside' time and 'feeding' time, and of course throwing off my routine a bit. But now I think we've finally got it down, and Buddy (the sheltie's name) goes willingly to 'bed' (aka: his cage) at night, without me having to wrestle him down or chase him around the house. yes, that was fun...

He hasn't been upstairs but one time, and that's all it took. I don't think he had ever experienced stairs that high? not sure. But when it came time for him to climb DOWN, he was reluctant, but then, like superman stretching out his arms to fly, he stuck out his front legs and leaped down about 5 steps like he was trying to jump to me at the bottom of the stairs! oh. my.

He is a cutie though, lots of personality!

This is Buddy:

So, that is about it for the moment.

Lots of things churning in my head tonight, so we'll see what cultivates, and I'll post again soon!

~Shannon

Adoption Blessing for a Friend!

Friends of ours got some much awaited, wonderful news!

They JUST got a call this week to adopt a baby girl ~ due in TWO WEEKS!!

It is such a blessing, but also quite a challenge to prepare so quickly.

I am trying to help them get the word out, as they need some help (and prayers too!) in order to pull everything together.

Check out their story, and if you feel led to do so, maybe you can help them out!

http://brownfamilyadoption.chipin.com

And a Happy Mother's Day shout out to all ya'll Mothers! :) You are such special people!!!!
Jesse and I had a great day sharing it with our moms, and grandma's!
~Blessings~

Losing Baggage

Just a short post today, I have something pressing on my heart that I need to let loose!

I'm Hoping to LOSE some Baggage! Yes, that's right, lose it!

Not going on vacation, although I wish!!

I'm talking about baggage we accumulate..

We had a great sermon today about the baggage that we carry around in life.
(guilt, unforgiveness, unfulfilled expectations-like "unanswered prayers," bitterness, etc.)

It was really eye opening to me at the things that can be baggage and we may not even realize it.

I really want to take this to heart and work on "cleaning house" and get rid of some of my own baggage!

I know God has forgiven me, and set me free, but am I really taking advantage of that? Why then, do I still hold on to all this stuff that ties me down??

I want to live at my fullest potential, FOR REAL!!!!! ;)

I don't know that I have a lot of large pieces... a lot of little handbags, some backpacks...and maybe a couple full sized suitcases... maybe a trunk or two?!

Nothing like a little spring cleaning to cleanse the soul!!


( if you would like more info on the sermon, you can visit the City Community Church website: citycommunitychurch.com there is usually a podcast or something, there is even a you tube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/citycommunitychurch )