Lesson 13: Be Yourself and Be Proud

Toby came from some pretty good lineage I'd say.  He had a beautiful stance and he walked very proudly.  Though he was a purebred he had his quirks.  He wasn't the smartest tool in the shed despite his crafty ability to get out of sticky situations or get sticky treats out of hard-to-reach locations.   And above that,  his bladder got a bit too excited to see people like he himself did.

Despite these qualities he always stood tall and didn't let these things bother him.  He always acted like he respected himself and was proud of who he was.   By nature,  this is difficult to do for many of us.  We tend to be humble and may have low self-esteem.

Like who you are...no LOVE who you are.    God made you this way.  You are a gift and your uniqueness is what makes you special.   Some say that I'm a bit odd; that my ideas are strange.   Well, I'm secure enough to say "Yes!  I am kinda strange but I know that God loves me anyway."  My ideas may not take the road most travelled,  but they have purpose and may be really good if someone gives me a chance

If you don't live who you are, make a list of 10 good qualities about yourself.  Don't stop until you have the list of 10 complete.   Read the Bible or ask someone to help you find verses that encourage your self esteem.  Surround yourself with positive people.  You are who you hangout with most.

Get a Toby in your life. Dogs do wonders for one's attitude.  Know that you are blessed.  You are special.

Ephesians 2:10 ESV

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Lesson 9: Forgive

Toby lived forgiveness.   All the mistakes I made as a dog owner were no match for the heart of that dog.   I'm amazed at the unwavering loyalty and love dogs show to their owners. 

This is where I truly think dogs are angels.  If the stories of Jesus don't break through our thick skulls, dogs are round two!

We, once again, can really learn from Toby's life.  No matter how long we stayed away without letting him out or giving him attention,  at the end of the day he still welcomed us with the wag of his tail or the wide-open arms to tackle us with love

We are like prodigal children,  constantly receiving the gift of second chances.  Open arms of forgiveness are so awesome to experience on the receiving end,  but also the giving end.  There is a healing process that occurs for both parties.   Forgiveness is healthy.  

Do you have an experience of forgiveness to share?   Post it here or on my pages if you want. 

I'll leave you with a link to my worship album with my old band.  The album and title track is Arms Wide Open.  Very fitting for today.   Enjoy listening and I appreciate your support if you choose to download it.  

Luke 15:20

But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

Lesson 8: Love

This was the post one of our daughters wrote on Facebook the day Toby died.

"Toby,  you had more love than you really knew what to do with.  And because of it,  you showed it to everyone you were around and left us with the best memories.   We could all use a little Toby in us.   We'll always love you."

This pretty much sums it up.   Toby had plenty of love for everyone.   He always wanted to be around people.   Those big brown eyes were filled with love and concern for all of us.  

It was truly amazing how he always demonstrated concern and compassion for others.   If we were sad or having a bad day,  it seemed as though Toby really understood and tried to console us.   He would come close,  look at us caringly and give us an occasional lick to say that all will be ok.

Even during his last days, as we would cry because we knew our time with Toby was limited,  he would look at us and try to get close to comfort us.

To have that kind of love,  selfless love,  is a gift from God and of God.  It is such a gift to love and to be loved. I think Toby was better at loving unconditionally than we were.  We know that Toby,  along with all dogs,  are a gift from God because if their unconditional love and loyalty.

1 John 4:8 ESV

Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.

Toby knew love because he was created in love.   

Toby with  one of our daughters.