Magic tricks are something that have always fascinated me. No matter how often I say I will not be tricked today, I still am. No matter how many times I say I will pay attention and not allow myself to be distracted, I still am. I am easy to fool that’s for sure. I can never figure out how the magician did the trick. I saw David Copperfield make a tiger appear. Great trick. But the truth is, that they are not real, they are truly tricks.

As fun as magic can be, I once heard someone say that the devil’s greatest trick was making people think he doesn’t exist. Interesting. We seem to live in a world that wants to embrace concepts such as this and suggest there is nothing ‘bad’ or nothing that we should refrain from. There is no ‘evil’ force. The world today wants to embrace that nothing is wrongful and if someone suggests something is wrong, then they are stoned for not having ‘tolerance.’ However, it seems most of our movies show the universal struggle between ‘Good’ and ‘evil.’ Star Wars – for instance – has Darth Vader and the ‘dark’ side. I see the good v. evil in most children’s movies and stories as well as adult themes and ‘Good’ wins.

I think the devil not only made many believe he doesn’t exist, another deception that he makes them believe there are no consequences to choices made today. Undoubtedly, he is a liar, a thief, an accuser, and his ways lead to certain death. He deceives by making things that are ultimately destructive to us look like ‘pleasure’ and that all is okay. The devil also subscribes to the thought process that obeying God is not necessary and is what losers do. We need only look at evil men – ISIS, Hitler, and many others to see the work of evil. Sometimes it is a little more subtle in our own lives. Choices that are not what God would want us make lead to the break up of homes, addictions, abuse, treating women in disgraceful ways, and many other life sabotaging actions.

Jesus, however, is Life. In fact, He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. (John 14.6) The exact opposite of the devil. Our Healer, Savior, Greater than any opposition. He set His rules – commandments – to protect us. I used to think the ‘rules’ were burdensome, but our Loving Father gave them to us because they are the ways that lead to life and prosperity and happiness. They are protective because God made us, He knows how to protect us and what ultimately hurts us. Holy isn’t a word we throw around much these days, but it is a word God uses to encourage us to life. Jesus knows all the tricks of the devil and has given us every reason to follow His teaching to have real life and happiness.

I choose to not be tricked by the devil, but believe God is my God, my Helper, my Deliverer, my Guide, my Source, my Friend, my Everything. God says to us He has put before us death and life – He encourages us to choose life. (Deut. 30.19) In everything we say and do, choose life and God’s way. It is the way to happiness, health, good things.

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I love the French language because it sounds so soft and romantic. For instance, the word ‘merci’ is sweet to me. When the Olympics were in France, I heard everyone on television saying, ‘merci.’ I wished I was there.

Merci – thank you. What a lovely translation. The word ‘merci’ also reminds me of the word ‘mercy’ – one of my other favorite words in English for an incredible gift God gives to me and everyone.

I think the word mercy is overused at times and poorly understood. I already said it is an incredible gift, but it seems I am stunned when I think about mercy, so I say it again. I want to really absorb the rich meaning and impact mercy has on my life and the life of the ones I love. In Webster’s, we find the meaning of the word ‘mercy’ to include ‘the discretionary power of a Judge to pardon someone  – compassion shown to an offender.’ This is ok, but not the deep and special meaning of the word to me. The faith filled meaning of the word is that God show us mercy – He pardons us and loves us even when we are not lovable.

I once heard the story of a woman whose son was sentenced to death for crimes he had committed. His mother pled for his life. She cried out, “Have mercy on my son.” The leader declared, “Your son does not deserve mercy!” She replied, “If he deserved it, it would not be mercy.” The leader was so touched by the woman’s words that he released the man.

Even though I am not a criminal sentenced to death in this life, I am a sinful woman who lives in a sinful world and at one time I was sentenced to eternal death. I did not and do not ‘deserve’ mercy. It is because of the mercy of God that I am alive today because I was in danger of ending my life over 30 years ago. Because of the mercy and grace of the Living God, I am physically alive as well as spiritually alive. I am ‘thankful.’ Thankful for mercy. I guess one could say merci for mercy. My heart is deeply touched by the mercy of God, so it allows me to see His mercy for the ones around me.

Each day I try to live the life I want God to be proud of, but I make many mistakes. Sometimes those around me are flawed and do things that are hurtful to themselves and others and me. God’s mercy is for all the things we cannot seem to do right every moment of every day. It is an awesome gift that is beyond my comprehension at times. No matter how many times we fail each day, He picks us up, dusts us off, and continues down the road with us.

Lamentations 3.22-23 tells us, “the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end, they are new every morning, great is His faithfulness.” Praise Him for all His wonderful gifts.

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Don’t we all love those days when everything goes right. Work is good, family is happy, lines at the store are short, you hit all the lights green, no flat tire today, you won a scratch off! Wow, life doesn’t get better. It is easy at these times – when things seem to go smoothly and our performance seems adequate – to think we are on God’s A-list and must be loved and valued.

Then there are those not-so-great days. Bad news at work, family struggling, bills mounting, taxes due,- and on and on the list may go.  It is these days – when we feel discouraged, we may tend to think we are not on God’s “A-list.” The truth is we are on God’s A -list each and every day. No matter how many mistakes we make or bad days we have, God is always our Father.

The ‘amazing’ thing is that our lives have always been and always will be about grace. Amazing Grace. The Bible tells us “It is by grace (God’s undeserved favor) that we are saved from any punishment or judgment and made partakers of Christ’s salvation….it is a gift from God.” We start in grace, we walk every day in grace, and we end our lives on this side of heaven because of grace. (Ephesians 2.7-10)

Another special part of the Bible encourages me more of how amazing grace is –  2 Corinthians 7-11 confirms that Moses’ face shown so much with the Glory of God when he came from Sinai with the law they had to put a veil over his face. They could not look at the brilliance. Now the law is passed – God’s Word continues to ask us ‘How much more glory is there in grace- that will never pass away?’  These Words touched my heart in such a real and personal way when I needed to realize the magnificence of His grace to me and everyone.

Sometimes I judge others harshly. I see them as unable to be more like God, happier, more positive, less ‘human’ to be honest. Frail. Failing to be perfect. Easy to point fingers at others when I should be pointing them at myself for the many mistakes I make each day. Then, I see God again as the Giver of Amazing Grace to me and the ones I judge incorrectly. God does not see them the tainted way I do.

No matter how many difficult days we have, God is in each and every moment. God is Love and Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love NEVER fails. (1 Corinthians 13) And we have Jesus – our High Priest – who is touched with the feeling of our infirmity – any inability to cope, any weakness, and inherent flaws – anything we struggle with. (Hebrews 4.15) Isn’t it wonderful that we have a Savior Who knows everything about us – the good, the bad, and the ugly- , loves us with an everlasting love beyond our comprehension, does not hold our shortcomings against us, and wants to have us as His children. It truly is Amazing Grace.

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Being born a long time ago makes me feel pretty old – especially when I meet someone born in 2002. Can you imagine not knowing who Fonzi is? Or not having seen the Monkies live on Ed Sullivan? Who’s Ed Sullivan some ask? Yes, I get it. I used to wonder what it was like in the 1920’s. There are those who remember.

That brings me to my current blog. I recently learned of the 1973 film Sleeper. I have never seen the film, but understand that in the movie, Woody Allen plays a character who wakes up 200 years after being frozen in a scientific experiment. He is given a stack of photographs from our century to identify. This prompts a series of hilarious one-liners. I’ll bet everyone who has ever looked at old photos can relate. In Sleeper, one of the photos was of the late Billy Graham. Woody Allen pauses, then says, “Billy Graham…claimed to have a personal relationship with God.” The audience, of course, cracks up. That is how absurd the idea sounds to many people. Especially in this ‘new’ age.

I think it’s pretty sad to think a relationship with God is absurd. I had a co-worker who wrote an email to my boss stating I was mentally ill for claiming to have a relationship with the Living God. The Bible outlines how Jesus came to us, was born a Baby, lived, did many miracles and taught people just like us, died, and rose from the grave so we could have a personal relationship with Him. The dictionary defines personal as ‘individual, private, as one’s own, intended for use by one person.’

There are many questions facing us today. Do we walk this walk alone? Is there an unseen Providence? Are our steps really ordered by the Lord? (Proverbs 20.24) Should we pray about things or just trust medication or the ‘new way’ of making ourselves feel valuable and with purpose? Michael W. Smith sings a song about Providence. Some of the words are, “The Hand of Providence, Oh, it’s evident, we could never make it on our own.” I see God in everything.

I know it is God’s intent that everyone know Him in a special and personal way – not in imagination about what He is like and Who He is, but in a real and personal way. In a way that pictures of us will prompt the on-looker to say, ‘They claimed to have a personal relationship with God.’ What a nice thing to say about someone.

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It’s not just because I am a veterinarian that I think pets are the most wonderful things we can have in our lives. My entire family moved 800 miles away and left me and my dog, Rudy, to take care of everything. What an unexpected turn of events. To be honest, at first, I was afraid to be alone where I had never lived alone. Rudy has surprised me and has been my faithful companion through it all. He has been quiet, but when needed, shows me he will not let anything or anyone hurt me – at least not without a fight from him. Feeling more safe is just one lovely thing a pet can bring us.

Studies have confirmed the benefits of pets. But all pet owners have always known this. Pets are more than just ‘dogs’ and ‘cats’ and whatever else is called ‘pet’ in your home. I have friends who lost spouses and their pets are their company, their happiness, their depression cure, and more. They talk to their pets, share meals (and don’t tell their veterinarians), watch TV with them, sleep with them, play with them, and many other activities.

Studies show that pets lower blood pressure, pet owners live longer, are happier, experience less depression, and heal faster when ill. To love a pet is not only to be healthier and happier, it is to have a pet that loves us too. Cat owners have 30% reduction in heart attacks. Pets normalize brain chemistry. This is why they are used for those struggling with post traumatic stress, autism, courtroom activities, and drug addiction. Having a pet to take care of helps with depression and a loss of meaning in life. It gives us something to look forward to. Interacting with a pet helps the brain and emotions better and faster than any medication. Anxiety and depression and stress are less – even in those that still choose unhealthy habits such as smoking or high fat diets.

Now, I take Rudy to work with me every day. When off a few days ago, I left him at home while I attended a camera class. When I arrived back home, one would have thought I was gone for 6 years instead of 6 hours. He jumped and played and was so happy to see me. The next morning, while getting ready for work, Rudy sat by the door near his harness – making certain he was not left at home. He never did this before.

Pets are living beings to have contact and interaction with that want to and have time for us. We truly rescue each other. So, we give thanks to the pets that bless our lives with happiness, love, and companionship.

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Many years ago I attended a Christmas concert my step daughter sang in. Before she came to the stage, the younger children sang their songs. One sweet little song was, “Must Be Santa.” The first graders were darling as they sang, “Cap on head…” and put their little hands on their heads.  Then they patted their chests as they sang, ‘suit of red.’ The little ones continued, “Special night, beard that’s white,” and, of course, rubbed their chins. Then they sang, “Must be Santa.”

For years I remembered that little song and wanted the music. I contacted  the school, but was unable to obtain any music. I searched the internet and many stores. One Saturday, while working in Sandusky, Ohio, I shopped at a small flea market. I was amazed! On one of the tables was a children’s Christmas song book with “Must Be Santa” as one of the songs. I purchased it for the high price of 25 cents! I still have it. Some may say this was a coincidence, however, I believe nothing is a coincidence and it was God’s way of showing me He not only knows everything about the universe and the world. He knows every detail about us. He knew I was looking for this book. Proverbs 16.33 says, [even the events that seem accidental are really ordered by Him].

Not convinced? Well, I have read the Amplified version of the Bible for many years. My original Bible is so worn, it is in 17 sections. I thought it time to purchase a new one. I looked for a very long time – in Christian bookstores, on Amazon, anywhere I thought I could buy one. No luck. Then, one day, I was shopping at a thrift store about 15 minutes from my Ohio home and what did I see? An Amplified Bible in perfect condition. The thrift store had a policy to give the Bibles in the store for free. I was amazed by the God I love finding something as simple as a Bible for me.

Still not convinced? Well, I love yellow flowers. It came to my attention that there are yellow lilacs. I only knew of white and lavender – which I already have both of. Money was a little tight one year and I was unable to order any flowers or shrubs. I had previously ordered roses from a company that sent me a box I was not expecting. Inside were lovely yellow lilacs. I called the company and they said to keep the box when I offered to send it back. Coincidence? Not in my book.

If you still are not convinced – one night I was on-call for horses. I had just lost a job and wanted pizza for dinner, but did not have the extra money to spend. I was called to a farm where a young horse was having stomach pain. I treated the horse, but the owners asked me to stay the night because the weather was snowy and they did not think I would be able to make it back if the foal needed me. I stayed, they treated me to dinner. When he brought in the pizza, he said, ‘I was going to get chicken, but I decided to get this. I hope this is ok.’ I said, ‘Yes, very ok.’ He had no idea, but I did. I whispered a thanks to the God I love.

I have at least 100 stories just like these. Vehicles I bought over the years, clothing I desired and needed, and many other ‘things’ God provided from His rich and unending supply.

The Bible tells us the very hairs on our head are numbered. (Matthew 10.30) God is in the details for sure.  The Bible also tells us nothing is trivial to God. (Job 36.5) That means He knows everything about you and me, the secret things we have in our hearts are not only known to Him, but very important to Him too. I am convinced of this. This is another way He wants to show us how much He loves us.

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Summer – a new season is here! Sunshine! Warmth! Time for so many fun things. My summers are filled with swimming, fishing, kayaking, and ocean fun. I love it- it’s time to do all of these things all over again. Summer is also a time for cook outs – lots of hamburgers, dogs, steaks and sausages on the grill, macaroni salad, picnics and outings with family and friends. It feels like vacation every day. We also enjoy walks in the wooded areas and on the beach, bike rides and movies. We spend time planting flowers as well as watering and weeding them.

Summer is also a time for relaxation. Like the lizard I love in this photo, I want to sit back and take it easy, strum my guitars and enjoy. When I play my guitar, violin, or piano, I am reminded that I am not that great. Even with practice, practice, and practice, I still can’t play for anyone to hear. But I still enjoy making music. I am almost a musician.

I also dabble in artwork. There is nothing I like better in life that sitting and creating a beautiful picture. I work furiously with my art teacher to do this. She and I realize my limitations, but she still works with me. We laugh and joke and work on a given project for the day. We are friends. I don’t let my mediocrity stop me. She likes that. I am almost an artist.

I also enjoy writing. Beatrix Potter said there is nothing more delightful than sitting to create a new story – or something like that. I agree. I have so many ideas floating around in my head at one time I have to jot notes to remember all of them. I am currently working on a little story about some search and rescue dogs searching for Christmas. Many adventures await them in my story. I am almost a writer.

Time for dinner and it’s my turn to cook. So, what do I do? Well, I visit our local grocery store – Publix – where they claim it is a pleasure to shop. It is. Everything is fresh and delicious and there are many items to choose from. I rush in and out with my fried chicken and potato salad and home to have dinner with Dad. I am almost a cook.

Well, summer is beginning. We are off to a great start. Many things to do. Hope all is well in your neck of the woods and you are ready for adventure. Happy Summer 2018 to all! And enjoy everything – whether you are almost perfect of not.

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I understand today is the ‘real’ Memorial Day. We celebrated two days ago, but today I want to send a heart felt deep appreciation to all those who made it possible for me and everyone I love to live in our great Country.

I have had the privilege of being a free citizen and able to pursue my happiness for over 50 years because brave men and women gave everything for me to have everything. I hold the flag high as a symbol of all I have been allowed to enjoy.

My family contributed to the freedom we enjoy and the life I am blessed to live. I want to thank all my FB friends who share posts with me and serve our country proudly. I want to thank those whose families have also served to allow us to live under the blanket of protection we enjoy each and every day.

In these uncertain times, I continue to pray for my great Nation to prosper and continue the belief that we have all been endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable rights- and among those, the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We are in times that trouble can strike any moment, however, our Creator is Bigger and Stronger than any adversity we may encounter. We are told in the Bible of all the things that are yet to come and not be afraid. We are told to keep our eyes on Jerusalem and continue to pray for peace in Jerusalem. As we continue to help other nations, may God continue to bless us and ours.

May we never forget that each and every day is Memorial Day. Days to continually remember the sacrifice of the ones who made our dreams and safety possible. Thank you.

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