Intentional Encouragement

     Have you felt at times like you had no idea where you were going?  Obviously, as a guy, I never admit that I don't know where I am going.  Even if I might be going the wrong direction, I hesitate to stop and ask when I am making such good time!  But of course, what I want to talk about today is not driving directions, but those times when life puts you in a spot that you don't know where you are going.      I have a couple of thoughts to share with you from Hebrews 11.  You may recognize that chapter as the "Hall of Faith" in the Bible.  Don't get scared off by that.  It mentions a lot of people who saw amazing victories because they were willing to walk by faith: people who "conquered kingdoms, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, received back their dead by resurrection."   Are some of those stories you learned in Sunday school coming back to mind?  But it also mentions others, wh...

     That's how Charles Schultz described happiness; a warm puppy.  Well; I can relate.  We had at least one dog through more than half of our marriage.  In the last dozen years or so, life happened; including a son who developed allergies to pet dander.  We gave it a go about 7 years back, but his system couldn't take it.      That all changed about 2 weeks ago.  A cute little stray ended up in our home for a few hours.  Mitch didn't react.  The pooch was delightful.  The owner posted signs and we obviously had to give the dog back.  But we had the bug.  We've been checking around for a couple of weeks and visiting shelters looking for a dog to rescue.  We brought one home yesterday.  Who could resist that little face?      I was reminded this morning of a few lessons to be learned from "man's best friend" and their connection to my relationship to my master, Jesus.  I ...