The Many Faces of Charleigh-Girl

Do you pet owners feel like your dog has differing facial expressions?  I certainly feel like C-G does.  I see so much in the way her face looks.

For instance...

 

"Mimi, Can't you do something about this?  It's sooo 

embarrassing.

I don't care if Susannah did use her own money to buy this getup on the dollar aisle at Target!"

And then there's her all too familiar guilty face...

I don't know what got into me. I'm just going to act real cool."
Maybe she won't know I did this.
Oh, no!  She figured it out!" 

This is the latest face I've noticed.

It happens when I'm getting dressed and ready to leave.

"I'm so sad.

Looks like she's getting ready to leave me again.

What could be better than staying here and playing with me?" 

 

Now only you over-the-top, slightly goofy dog lovers like me believe that the expression on her little doggy face is really changing.
No...I'm projecting my feelings into her "expressions."
I'm assuming she feels like I would feel!
And, who really knows?  Maybe she does!

There is one time when her expression really changes.
That is when I come in after being gone a while and let her 
out of her "palace."
She smiles at me then.  Seriously.  I have witnesses.  She 
curls her lip and smiles at me every time!
It is difficult for me to get a picture of this.  I can't get down on her level quick enough to capture the grin.
I even bought something called a "MeCam" which videos and
can be pinned on my lapel.  
Of course, I may have to crawl into the room to get it, but at least she won't recognize the MeCam like she does that
bad old pink camera!
We'll see! 

You've really missed something if you've never experienced 
the unconditional love of a pet.
I certainly have with my Charleigh-Girl. 
   

 

I Am Not Second

Remember the "I Am Second" campaign?  Celebrities, sports figures, and other notables spoke out for the cause of Christ, stating that He was first in their lives, making them second.  There were many striking "I Am Second" billboards.  I admired the courage of those who were willing to put their beliefs out for everyone to see.  It was a very impressive effort which I am sure reaped great rewards.

Something has always bothered me about this, however.  Matthew 22:36-39 says, "'Teacher (Jesus), which is the great commandment in the law?'  And Jesus said to him, 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.  This is the great and first commandment.  And a second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'"

Placing God first is the essential, most important step in the right direction.  We then need to place the needs of others before our own needs and desires.  God first, others second, myself third.  Do you realize what a wonderful world it would be if everyone did these three things?  There would be no wars or arguments or cruelty.
  
Before we can love others as much as we love ourselves, however, we would have to be realistic about just how much we do think of ourselves!  We are truly looking out for #1 most of the time, and #1 is not Jesus! 

Even though I earnestly strive to live in this manner, I constantly fall way short of the mark.  What can we really expect from a world to which this would be a totally foreign and probably foolish notion?

The incredible thing about belonging to Christ is that, even when I do miss the mark, I am forgiven!  God loves me (and you!) as much as it is possible to love.  He grants His grace (undeserved favor) to His children in spite of our constant shortcomings.  Believing in and belonging to Jesus is the ultimate win-win situation.  He is our shepherd here on earth, and He holds our eternity in His nail scarred hands.

I am Linda Stovall, and

I am Third.

Is There No End To My Talents?

I wrote a song today while I was out shopping!  Wanta hear it?  Here goes:

Where, oh where has Will Power gone?

Oh where, oh where can he be?

I've not seen you now since so long, long ago,

And my house&waistline&exerciseprogram&doggy&Bible study&;etc.etc.etc.

need thee! 

Bring back, oh bring back, oh bring back old Willy to me..e..eee!
Bring back, oh bring back, oh bring back old Willy to me.  


What do ya think?  If I can get the right accompaniment I'll do an  iPod version.

Oh...I had been to University Park Village where there is a 
McKinley's
which just happens to be where one can get the world's best
 vanilla petit four
which just happens to be one of my favorite things
as you can see HERE.
You'll just have to look at that previous picture, cause this one is 
long gone. 
  
No Will Power in evidence at University Park Village.
I checked thoroughly.