Romans 8:28 - 29
The scriptures are pretty clear: The Christian life is a time of God the Father conforming the Christian to the image of His Son. The things that come the Christian's way are from the Father's hands, and He uses those things as a means to an end - conformity to Christ.
Well, it's been a dark week. Last Tuesday we had to put our dog, Shaker, down. We loved him so very much. What a hole is left in our daily lives. I thank the Lord for bringing him into our lives in the first place. He was a stray. We reported him to an animal rescue organization. We told them that if nobody claimed him that we would be interested in adopting him. As it turns out nobody claimed him. We paid for his shots and he became ours. He was loved, and shown so daily. We miss him, dearly.
The inevitable has now happened where my wife and I work - layoffs and furlough weeks. If one survives the layoffs then that one must take a week in July without pay. This will get interesting. Our eyes are on You, Oh Lord. Where else can we go? You have the words of eternal life. Also we have come to believe and know that you are the Christ, the Son of the living God.
Well, it's been a dark week. Last Tuesday we had to put our dog, Shaker, down. We loved him so very much. What a hole is left in our daily lives. I thank the Lord for bringing him into our lives in the first place. He was a stray. We reported him to an animal rescue organization. We told them that if nobody claimed him that we would be interested in adopting him. As it turns out nobody claimed him. We paid for his shots and he became ours. He was loved, and shown so daily. We miss him, dearly.
The inevitable has now happened where my wife and I work - layoffs and furlough weeks. If one survives the layoffs then that one must take a week in July without pay. This will get interesting. Our eyes are on You, Oh Lord. Where else can we go? You have the words of eternal life. Also we have come to believe and know that you are the Christ, the Son of the living God.
Labels: Conformity to Christ
posted by mark pierson at 9:21 AM
16 Comments:
I weep with you, brother, for the loss of your dear companion Shaker. Oh, how I know that pain.
I take comfort in that area from this verse:
"Who knows whether the spirit of man goes upward and the spirit of the beast goes down into the earth?" - Ecclesiastes 3:21
In this I read that it's possible that the "spirit of the beast" likewise may end up with us eventually. I mean, it may well be that God recreates animals in the new heaven and new earth (as it was in the Garden of Eden) - and if so, then why not our own pets? With God, all things are possible. And in this, I do have hope to see our beloved pets some day.
Praying for you in the job situation too. God has never left His throne. He knew what will happen to you and yours. It's only a surprise to us down here. And He does take care of His children, come what may.
Praying for peace for you and yours.
March 31, 2009 11:09 AM
Mark, I'm glad you're back but I am so, so sorry to hear about Shaker. That is a hard thing to do.
We also got Ranger from the pound. Right place at the right time to claim such a wonderful family member, as y'all did too. :)
Of course you know that I know all too well about the whole job circumstance. Keeping you and the family in my thoughts and prayers.
Love ya, brother!
March 31, 2009 11:14 AM
Susan, I too hope that it is so that we see our beloved pets again. Thanks for the visit, dear sister!
March 31, 2009 11:24 AM
Gayla, thanks for your kind visit as well.
Both you and Susan are a comfort during these sad times. Thanks for encouraging me to keep my eyes fixed on Christ.
March 31, 2009 11:27 AM
Hey Mark, long time no see! Sorry to hear about Shaker and your other problems. I understand and share your pain because I, too, had to have my dog Sandi put to sleep not very long ago. She was my best friend for 12 yrs. and I'm still not over it. I hope Susan is right about seeing our pets again--I've wondered about that possibility often. Even worse, my mom died this past May and there is nothing harder than losing a mother, no matter how old you are. I also got laid off my job around Thanksgiving so I know about that too. Sounds like you and I have been on the same track lately brother! It's been a "dark" time for us both! But we know the Lord will take care of us, and even draw us closer to Himself through it all!! These things are teaching me much about His love and grace! I know He will do the same for you.
Susan,
How about this: "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, the things which God has prepared for them that love Him." I know I'll see my mom again--and maybe Sandi too!! God bless!
March 31, 2009 4:58 PM
Very sorry to hear of the loss of your dog Mark.
April 01, 2009 5:30 AM
Glad to see you back Mark. Hope all goes well with you.
Sorry about the death of your dog. Each time a cat or dog of mine dies I say I can't have another one because of the distress their deaths cause, but I always do.
Hope you find a new dog soon.
Love Lorenzo.
April 01, 2009 5:59 AM
Gary,
Strangly I just crossed over the fourth anniversary of my mom's death - March 13, 2005; and I'm coming up on the tenth anniversary of my one sibbling's death - May 11, 1999. Also, later this year, is the tenth anniversary of my job of twenty-two years going over to Italy. Kind of reminds us that this world is not our final home, doesn't it? You are in my prayers, sir.
Mark
April 01, 2009 7:41 AM
Jim, I like your new avatar! Thanks for the gracious visit.
April 01, 2009 7:42 AM
Jill, glad to see you back! Perhaps you can follow your brother's lead and start using your picture in your avatar. I've seen your picture before. You have a nice smile, so show it!
April 01, 2009 7:45 AM
Thanks for the kind comment Mark. Lorenzo the Llama is a family jokey thing, to do with the children when they were small. That's why I have the llama as my avatar, and not for any anonomous reasons.
April 01, 2009 8:11 AM
Mark,
Romans 8:28-29 is indeed a good passage to bring comfort. You and your family are in my prayers. I know how it must be with Shaker. Until Jazzy came along 11 years ago, I had no idea how people felt about their pets. Now that I do, I can sympathize with the people that love animals and the animals themselves.
Let us pray that our government would start doing things that will help us come out of this recession rather than continuing to make things worse.
Wayne
April 01, 2009 8:43 AM
>Let us pray that our government would start doing things that will help us come out of this recession
Well, your splendid new President is right over here at the moment so I hope that something good will come out of the G20 summit. I think the suggestion of a single world-wide currency sounds a good idea.
Mark, thank you.
April 01, 2009 1:30 PM
my prayers are with you dear brother. I am so sorry for your loss.
Cristina
April 01, 2009 10:57 PM
Wayne,
Thanks for stopping by. I've enjoyed our chats on the phone. Here's to many more.
Mark
April 02, 2009 10:25 AM
Cristina!!!
It is always great to see you stop by!
April 02, 2009 10:26 AM
Post a Comment
<< Home