Pet of the week, Annie

Last week,  I introduced you to my friend Sandi and her dog Tootsie.  This week, please meet Annie.  "Annie was a prison puppy.  Annie lived on the street until the economy went south. She was turned over to a shelter in the Las Vegas area. There she was adopted and returned, then readopted and returned to a shelter. Someone was looking for "problem" dogs to place in the women's prison for a work program.  Annie was one of those lucky dogs.  What she needed was manners.   After being trained, she was taken to dog fairs that Pet Smart would run in the Vegas area. She had been to dog fairs all over Vegas for weeks; no one wanted a dog with two strikes against her.  Doug and I were looking for a companion dog for Tootsie; I walked into the store and saw Annie sitting there in a kennel. When I was told her story that no one was interested, couldn't find the right home, etc.  We went home, picked up Toots to meet her and the rest is history.  She came home with us that afternoon.  Annie has never left Tootsie's side. The shelter called for weeks after making sure we planned on keeping her.  I told them that she had found her forever home and that she was fine. Since Tootsie became ill, lost her hearing and some of her sight Annie has taken over Tootsie's job and helps her, sleeps next to her and guides her.  On Annie's discharge papers from the prison it stated that she would make us laugh at least once a day and she does. She has been a joy and she still is not sure which member of the family she really belongs to, Doug, Marshall, or me, this is after approx. 4 years.  She is the happiest when she is with us all, and that she has her forever home."

Special thanks to Sandi for sharing the story of Annie. 

Bye Beach

Beach Pictures ... right or wrong...

We look serious not happy...
I say wrong... what do you say?

What do you think... right or wrong....

Sleepless in South Carolina

Tossing and turning, I had a difficult time falling asleep. After a day full of activity and walking on the beach, I thought I would easily surrender to sleep. Not so.  I was AWAKE ! So as not to disturb my hubby, I went to another bedroom in the condo.

Turning on the t.v. and the computer are not good sleep aids. 

Trying to go to sleep? How do you overcome insomnia? 

Courage

Life offers lessons in unexpected places. If we are looking. Conversations with strangers can create a springboard to new discoveries. Foundational to growth... application of lessons. Our friends may be the catalyst to help us overcome fear.

Today, I met some amazing women. These "Forever Friends" are a perfect example of helping each other. These Maryland ladies have been friends for over fifty years.   On Sunday, they signed up for the Zip Line adventures here at Hilton Head.  Millie has a fear of heights. (me too) She did not want to do the Zip Line adventure...How did she overcome her fear? Prayer... Linda, Nancy, and Emma prayed, God give Millie courage...

Life lessons are not just for one part of our lives.  Each of us are called to be brave and courageous in some areas of our lives. When we face a job loss, illness, or a broken relationship, we will face situations that God will enable us to face each difficulty with courage He gives us.  I pray that God will give you  friends and family who will  stand with you and pray when you need courage to face a challenge.

Yesterday Zip Line...
Today, something new....Nancy, Emma, Linda, and Mille
we are traveling to Daufuskie Island

Wow, I actually let someone take my picture!   :-)

God of every nation

"God of every nation, as we remember those that gave their life for our sake, let us be stirred to action in their memory. We confess that we have not done all that is possible to promote peace and justice in our world. We have not loved our neighbors, let alone our enemies. Forgive us for failing to live up to your commandments.  Empower us to work for your Kingdom in the world...."
A portion of prayer from Veterans Sunday...

St. Andrew By - The - Sea

To me, rituals in church are comforting.  Reciting the Apostles’ Creed is both reassuring and comforting.  I enjoy reciting words that affirm truths.  After the Apostles Creed, we sing, the Gloria Patri. Today I visited a United Methodist Church. Growing up as a Methodist, I am familiar with The Order of Worship. How is it possible to be in a stranger in a different city and church, yet feel at home? It is possible because of the truths that we embrace. 

Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth;

And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord;

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

born of the Virgin Mary,

suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, dead and buried;

the third day he rose from the dead;

he ascended into heaven,

and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty;

from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the holy catholic church,

the communion of saints

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body,

            and the life everlasting. Amen. 

Looking at the church bulletin, I look longing at their upcoming Advent Studies... preparing hearts for Christmas.  So glad I did not miss church services.  Away from home, I don't think it is an excuse to miss church.

Later in the day, we enjoyed a Lowcountry Tailgate