Hope Harbor

In a previous post I had stated that I would do a series of posts dealing with homonyms. Today as I thought about how I have taken a break from writing about those interesting words that have distinct meanings though they sound exactly the same, another set of homonyms came to mind - break and brake. I believe it is possible for our hearts to be broken and our dreams deterred if we allow doubt, fear or insecurity to cause us to put on the brake so to speak and stop pursuing the destiny God has planned for our lives. Since childhood I've enjoyed education. I was fond of many of my teachers. I even dreamed of becoming a teacher someday. I had high hopes of imparting knowledge and the love of learning to students in my very own classroom. However, I encountered detours on my journey toward this goal. Significant adults in my life had the opinion that I had an unrealistic career plan. The reason for the negative attitude was based primarily on my disability. Some, particu...

Access to the homes of friends and loved ones is often challenging.Stairs and narrow doorways often hinder psrticipation at family gatherings.Thankfully though most of the time strong helpers are willing and available to surmount those obstacles as long as I use my much lighter manual wheelchair. (My motorized wheelchair weighs in excess of 300 pounds without me in it! So it is virtually impossible to get it up steps.) One of my dear friends just made life much easier for me, and also for the backs of those strong guys who on so many occassions carried me up the steps so I could participate in holiday celebrations and other special events. She had a lift installed. This equipment will allow me to enter her home even if muscle bound fellows are not present. And I will be able to do so in the comfort of my power wheelchair. Soon after the lift was ready we were planning my test run  Another friend who is a neighbor and I were joking about what an "uplifting" experience it w...

Psalm 119:103 (King James Version) 103How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! When I eat something delicious I enjoy savoring the tasty flavor and hope that soon I can partake of that food again. In a book entitled No One Cares What You Had for Lunch - 100 Ideas for Your Blog . the author Margaret Mason seeks to motivate bloggers to post meaningful entries and not bore their readers with such mundane details as their midday menu. Please bear with me as I go against her sage advice and describe to you what I ate for lunch today. One of the many good things about the late spring and summer seasons is corn on the cob. I noticed from  advertisements that corn on the cob was featured as being on sale so I decided to put it on my grocery shopping list. When my assistant returned from the store, she informed me that samples of corn were being offered at the store and she had tasted it. She reported to me that it was excellent. Sinc...

In a previous post Heel and Be Healed I discussed a lesson Tanner taught me about the blessings and benefits of remaining near to our Lord. A dear friend who reads my blog left a simple but significant comment about that entry:"Sweet". That remark prompted me to think of the hymn "Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus". I found a lovely video of that song with beautiful photos primarily of fathers with little children. In these pictures the children are holding their daddy's hand trusting him to keep them safe. Because little ones believe that their father can protect them, they play without fear and enjoy togetherness with their strong companion. You can also see in some of the pictures that faith in a kind loving father brings rest and peace. Jesus valued the faith of small children and sets them before the leaders of the time (and us too) as an example of how to enter His Kingdom. Matthew 18:1-3 (New American Standard Bible) 1At that time the disciples came...

Proverbs 10:17 (New American Standard Bible) 17He is on the path of life who heeds instruction, But he who ignores reproof goes astray. As I mentioned in a previous post, I am intrigued by homonyms. The words "heel" and "heal" are interesting. Perhaps especially because I am a persen with a disability who has a service dog, I have had lots of experience with both of these terms. Recently I have found that heel is a commonly used word in my vocabulary. There are instances when I am in fact referring to the back portion of my foot, however, more often lately I am saying heel as a command to my service dog Tanner. As part of his training Tanner learned that heel means he is to come and stay close to me on my left side. When we are walking he is to remain on my left side near by wheelchair without straying or wandering. When Tanner is obedient and walks as he should, strolls with him are easy and pleasant. On the other hand, if Tanner tugs on his leash willfully ...

One day when it was raining rather heavily, I started thinking about how, though we may regret those dreary days because they can be unpleasant or inconvenient, rain is necessary for things to grow. In addition, rain showers may be useful in washing away pollution or other crud. Similarly, we may resisist or even resent the storms that come in life. However, if we remember that God cares for us and promises never to abandon us, we can actually say "Lord Bring the Rain" Here is a link to a beautiful song with this message: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m17af0XmPFo&feature=related When we trust that life's trials will ultimately be for our good and our growth., we can actually commit ourselves to our Lord and tell Him "I'll Praise You in the Storm" Here is another link to a lovely song with this message:   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUWbmtbzDno&NR=1   My attitude at times needs to be adjusted concerning the circumstances of life. God often...

James 1:19 (New American Standard Bible) 19This you know, my beloved brethren But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; Ephesians 4:25 (New American Standard Bible) 25Therefore, laying aside falsehood, SPEAK TRUTH EACH ONE of you WITH HIS NEIGHBOR, for we are members of one another. Language is interesting and can be fun. I find homonyms, those words that sound exactly the same though they are spelled differently and have distinct meanings, particularly intriguing. I will do a few posts prompted by pondering this phonetic phenomenon, Upcoming blog post titles will include: • Rain Rein Reign • Heel and Heal • Sow Sew So • Prey Pray As I think about how words can sound the same but have such different definitions, I am reminded how important it is to listen carefully and pay attention to the context in order to communicate clearly. We need to be certain about what we want to say and express it in a manner that is understandable to the listener....

Neglecting to maintain things in proper condition can cause things to become unmanageable. Routine maintenance is very important. I've been thinking about this cocept a great deal recently because of the horrible mess that was in my own back yard. Since I am not able to operate a lawn mower myself, it is necessary for me to rely on others to cut my grass. I have a very kind next door neighbor who regularly mows my front lawn when he is caring for his own. The back yard however is a completely different story. In previous years, a team of willing teenagers from my church would take turns cutting my lawn. This season I was aware that the availability of volunteers is significantly more limited. With the scarcity of manpower, as well as personal financial restrictions, I procrastinated in my attempts to find a solution for my unsightly grass growth. I didn't know what to do, so I did nothing - except fret over the horrible condition of my yard. It was so bad that soon it would ...

Insecurity can cause many problems. We can doubt that we are worthwhile or loveable. We can fear failure and deny our dreams and aspiration. We worry and feel weak. If we are unsure of our value and purpose we lose hope. If we don't truly know that we are deeply loved, we can even be irritable or behave badly. Perhaps this is a paltry example, but I was reminded how important it is to be confident and secure in the truth that we are loved in interactions with my cat Bridget. She is advancing in years now. I have had her since she was a kitten. My feline friend and I have been through alot together. She is quite affectionate and definitely does not fit the stereotype attributed to cats of being aloof. Over the years I have become very fond of Bridget. One of the concerns I had about being paired with a service dog, was that I might be required to relinquish my cat to accommodate the relationship with the new dog and his training. One day as I was fretting about this po...

The Lord delights in kind words. Proverbs 15:26 (TLB) Words can wound. If we speak harsly to someone, those unkind utterances could become imbedded in a hurting heart. Just as a splinter must be extracted from the skin so infection will not fester, cruel words must be expunged through forgiveness so as to not be bound by bitterness. Words can also be warm and welcoming. Wise words can also bring needed instruction. Words can cause pain or be as balm to a weary soul. I have heard it said that it is essential that we have "the right word at the right time with the right heart." What words of encouragement or exhortation have you received that have been significant in your life.? What words of comfort or correction can you offer? Proverbs 16:24 (New American Standard Bible) 24Pleasant words are a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

1 Corinthians 2:9 (New American Standard Bible) 9but just as it is written, "THINGS WHICH EYE HAS NOT SEEN AND EAR HAS NOT HEARD, AND which HAVE NOT ENTERED THE HEART OF MAN, ALL THAT GOD HAS PREPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM." God’s plans are so much bigger than what our limited minds can grasp. Oh we try to figure out how His grand purposes will come about, but we are usually wrong. Last night I watched an excellent movie entitled Gifted Hands. It tells the true story of the remarkable pediatric neurosurgeon Ben Carson. As a child, Ben’s perception of himself was that he was not very bright. Many others in his life had low expectations of him. His mother however had great faith that God had grand plans for his life. Ben Carson overcame enormous obstacles and studied medicine. He now performs life saving procedures on children at the renowned John’s Hopkins Hospital. Many years ago I had the privilege of meeting the mother of Joni Eareckson Tada at a major event whic...

Proverbs 7:14 (New American Standard Bible) "I was due to offer peace offerings; Today I have paid my vows. When we postpone doing what we should be doing, we can create difficulties for ourselves. Putting things off can indeed cause problems. If we do not pay bills on time usually additional fees are charged. When library books are overdue we must pay fines. Delay in maintaining equipment may result in breakdown and expensive repair costs. Neglecting to schedule that medical checkup might worsen health concerns. My present personal problem caused by procrastination is pounds. The tendency to repeatedly say that I will get back on a healthy eating program on Monday, or the beginning of the month, or after this holiday, or that special event has delayed my determination to eat properly, and prevented me from shedding excess weight. By not doing what I should now, I have made things more difficult and sadly may have even missed some opportunities. There are the mundane things ...

Isaiah 42:6 (New American Standard Bible) 6"I am the LORD, I have called You in righteousness, I will also hold You by the hand and watch over You, And I will appoint You as a covenant to the people, As a light to the nations, When we love someone, sometimes we just enjoy watching them. Our pleasure in gazing upon an endeared one is not necessarily because they are doing anything extraordinary or because they are stunningly attractive. We often watch simply because we love them. This morning I sat still for a while just looking at Tanner. He wasn’t doing any service dog work or any special trick. He was sleeping. While Tanner is indeed a very handsome canine, my joy in seeing him is because I am so grateful to have him as part of my life. As I watched Tanner snooze, an old hymn came to mind: His Eye is on the Sparrow … And I know He Watches Me. Here is a link to a video of this song by Selah http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOm2mMusqUw&feature=related We can find gr...

Are you sometimes afraid to allow yourself to dream about what might be possible in your life? I am. All to often I talk myself out of an idea even before I get started. I am not entirely sure what is at the root of my tendency not to move forward. Maybe it is self-doubt or the fear of failure. Perhaps it is the pride of wanting to be perfect. Recently, I have been considering compiling a collection of things I have written into a couple of devotional books, I have also had the idea to create a series of books for children: Meet Tanner . Stories about my service dog and me could be used to teach about disability as well as introduce phonics. Titles could include: T is for Tanner, Canine Companion, Best Buddies, Fetching, Sometimes Silly, Happy Helpful Hound ... and so on through the alphabet. I get excited about the prospect and then my enthusiasm quickly wanes with thoughts such as "I am probably being presumptuous to think someone would actually read what I've written...

Tanner loves to go for walks and he enjoys running. He still has a lot of puppy in him and abounds with energy. My fun-loving service dog needs exercise. Tanner is typically eager to go outside and I am frequently struck by how happy he seems as we go for a stroll together. Humans benefit from caring for our bodies and moving them when possible too. It is good for our health and well-being to exercise. Consistent movement can burn calories and help to fight fatigue. I have a cycle set on a table that I pedal with my arms as part of my fitness efforts. If I am diligent to work my muscles, I will become stronger. When I am lax and fail to exercise, I become weak and can even lose some functional ability. The scriptures acknowledge that bodily exercise is of some profit. There is also instruction that spiritual exercise is of even greater value. We are each given a gift which we are to be exercised in order to benefit others and bring glory to God. Just as ignoring physical exercise ...

Tanner typically enjoys going outside. He usually happily goes out the door and bounds into the yard.. Not so this morning. We had quite a bad storm with torrential rain. When I opened the door to let him go outside, he stared at the downpour, and then looked back at me as if to say: "Are you kidding me? I'm not going ouy in that weather!" As if to make his point, Tanner then proceeded to firmly close the door. I don't blame him. It is much nicer to stay in a safe, dry and comfortable place. Storms will come in life. God promises to protect us. We may face trouble and trial but we can trust our loving God. We may have problems but we can rest in God's unfailing love. Close the door on the storm and take shelter in God's goodness. Psalm 4:8 (New American Standard Bible) 8In peace I will both lie down and sleep, For You alone, O LORD, make me to dwell in safety.

1 Peter 2:1-3 (New American Standard Bible) 1Therefore, putting aside all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander, 2like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation, 3if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord. Milk has a great deal of nutritional value. It is good for bones and teeth and helps children to grow. In addition to its health benefits as its richness in calcium helps to protect against osteoporosis, I also appreciate milk as a good ingredient in many recipes. I also enjoy drinking it as a flavorful soothing beverage. I like milk. It is a regular item on my grocery shopping list. This week there was a misunderstanding by my assistant concerning the amount of milk I wanted to purchase. Consequently, I now have an abundant supply of this dairy product in my refrigerator. I dislike being wasteful, so I intend to drink large amounts of milk in the coming days. If I were to ignore those extra j...

The subject of this blog post is not Social Security income, Public Aid, rehabilitation services or any other community resources established to aid individuals with functional impairments. Nor is it my intent to address advocacy issues or the civil rights of people with disabilities. Social justice and the practical needs of those affected by disability are worthwhile topics, but my purpose here is to reflect upon what a blessing and benefit having a disability has been to me personally. I do not deny the very real challenges life in a wheelchair can at times pose. Nor do I present some Pollyanna like perspective which ignores the difficult barriers of inaccessible architecture or unwelcoming attitudes. While legislation and increased awareness have improved the quality of life for many people with disabilities, all too often frustration and discrimination may still be experienced. Even with the difficulty, I can honestly say that I have a very good life. Furthermore, I can state wi...

Often when my service dog Tanner assists me with a task I reward him with a treat. As he eagerly waits for me to get the Milk Bone or other delectable morsel ready for him, Tanner literally drools with anticipation. I must confess that at times I do wonder if Tanner performs his duties to please me or if he works because of the expectation of a reward. Perhaps both are true. An important issue upon which to reflect is our true motivation for service. Do we perform acts of kindness or engage in good works to gain wealth or recognition, or in attempt to earn acceptance from God or fellow humans? It pleases me when Tanner helps me to do activities of daily living, but I have grown to love him for who he is and not because he works. God certainly promises blessings and rewards better than we can imagine for those who love and honor Him. 1 Corinthians 2:9 (New American Standard Bible) 9but just as it is written, "THINGS WHICH EYE HAS NOT SEEN AND EAR HAS NOT HEARD, AN...

My service dog Tanner has many endearing qualities. One of the things I admire most about him is that he does not give up easily. I have observed as Tanner has persevered to accomplish a difficult task and shared in the joy of the success of his efforts. For example, turning on and off lights is one of his more challenging duties. Though it is hard for Tanner to flip the switch up or down, he does not quit until the deed is done. One of my favorite movies is Martian Child. In this film a message is conveyed about unconditional love. It also teaches the viewer about NEVER giving up. A widowed single father adopts a troubled little boy whose way of coping with the pain of being rejected by his birth parents is to believe he must have come from the planet Mars. A touching scene in the movie is when authorities are interviewing the boy to determine whether his needs are being met, and if his adoptive father is fit for the challenges. While facing that panel of so-called experts, that cha...

2 Corinthians 9:7 (New American Standard Bible) Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. Often, especially on dark early mornings when I’m required to meet Tanner’s need to go outside, I have considered that when we truly love someone we are regularly called upon to willingly lay aside our own comfort or convenience for their benefit. This morning before sunrise Tanner needed my attention. I’m not sure if he felt a greater urgency to empty his bladder or fill his stomach., Perhaps both of these basic needs caused him to awaken me by desperately nudging me with his nose and patting me with his paw. I wish I could tell you that my response was immediate and I cheerfully bounded out of bed to take care of Tanner. Regrettably, that was not my initial reaction. As Tanner persisted in his efforts to get me up, I groaned and told him that it was too early… as if he could ignore his discomfort based on the c...

In my admittedly biased opinion, my beloved Tanner is beautiful. He just may be the most handsome of all dogs. My special dog is indeed gorgeous, but his most attractive attribute is his affable attitude. He is one happy guy. When Tanner and I are out walking, he holds his head high and constantly wags his tail as if communicating his good nature and zest for life. He loves helping and seems happiest when he is doing that for which he has been trained. What a good example of finding joy in fulfilling one's destiny. Tanner's pleasant temperament is one of the things which draws people to him. I believe their is a lesson in his attractive attitude. Those who are cheerful are more likely to be blessed with the company of others. Joy is essential for our well-being. Ecclesiastes 3:22 (New American Standard Bible) 22I have seen that nothing is better than that man should be happy in his activities, for that is his lot For who will bring him to see what will occur after him? ...

Tanner my service dog assists me with many tasks. One of the thinks he does very well is close doors. As we leave the house Tanner fetches the rope dangling from the door knob, and holds it in his mouth as he pulls to close the door. When we come in, Tanner nudges the door with his nose and then jumps on his hind legs and pushes with his front paws until the door is "all the way" shut. He does that with great gusto and the rapid pace at which Tanner wags his tail, makes it obvious that he is quite pleased with himself for the accomplishnent. It is very helpful to me that as part of Tanner's job desceiption he closes doors. What is even more meaningful is the doors he has opened for me. Tanner has been a blessing in many ways. His presence in my life has opened doors of opportunity to speak to children and adults about the benefits of service dogs for people with disabilities. We have visited a public school and did a presentation to second graders (S...

Tanner is a very helpful dog. He does many things for me. He picks up everything I deop. closes doors, turns on and off lights and even takes off my socks. I appreciate all that Tanner does for me, but one of my favorite thing about having a service dog is that we are always together. My special canine is my constant companion. We go everywhere together. On the go - Riding the bus. Cowboy Tanner at a picnic. Tanner at Church. While it is certainly a blessing to have my buddy with me at all times, the best is the precious reality that God promises to always be with us: Matthew 28:20 (New American Standard Bible) 20teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Hebrews 13:5-6 (New American Standard Bible) 5Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, "I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU," 6so that we confid...

Another Truth Tanner Teaches is that it is a blessino to have a buddy. Tanner was provided to me by an organization called Dogs for Disabilities. http://www.dogsfordisabilities.com/ I am grateful that I connected with them at just the right time. I did not wait an extremely long period of time and I received just the right dog for me. (See my posting entitled Timing) Canine Companions for Independence is a well established agency that also provides service dogs to individuals with physical disabilities. I like their name. It seems to fit Tanner. Yes, Tanner’s presence helps me accomplish some daily tasks more easily and I am safer because he protects me and can get the telephone in the event of an emergency. One of my favorite things about the privilege of having this precious canine in my life is companionship. He possesses many of the attributes of a good friend. I appreciate his loyalty and enjoy his company. When I am slow in putting on Tanner’s collar, harness and cape (his...

This is an addition to the list of topics I had mentioned previously in the series I intend to write on Truths Tanner Teaches. Regrettably, consistency is not one of my strengths. Diligence in discipline is essential to maintain Tanner’s training and help him to perform his best and exhibit good service dog manners. There are times when I neglect to correct him when I should. Perhaps at times I am lax due to laziness. Another explanation could be that I find it hard to be firm with my adorable dog with his pleading eyes and winsome ways.  Despite Tanner’s darling face (Isn’t he SO cute?!) and charming mannerisms, I must insist on obedience and proper conduct. When I allow Tanner to get away with things he shouldn’t, it causes him to be confused and creates a challenge to control his impulses. This could prove particularly problematic in public situations. If I am careless and inconsistent in managing Tanner, it is unfair to him because it may make expectations unclear. Uncer...

Those of you who know me, and/or have read many of my blog entries, have likely ascertained that I have learned lots of life lessons from my beloved canine companion as well as my feline friends. In the past I have referred to these insights inspired by my adopted animals as pet parables. Lately I have been pondering the numerous truths taught to me by trustworthy Tanner my service dog. Perhaps it may be appropriate to state that these gems were whispered to my heart by the Holy Spirit of a loving God and that Tanner was the instrument of the Wonderful Counselor. I have decided to compose a series of blog entries entitled Truths Tanner Teaches . (Is it apparent that I appreciate alliteration?) Frequently, in my relationship with Tanner I am prompted to ponder issues of profound significance. I am grateful for my dog’s loyalty and constant companionship. From Tanner I see the joy of living life with gusto. He performs his duties with diligence and determination and he also plays...

As I had mentioned, Tanner and I had the privilege to talk to kids about service dogs. It was quite enjoyable. The children were an eager interested audience! I tried my best to explain what a benefit Tanner is to me. Tanner is indeed a special star demonstrating some of the things he does for me.  The teacher has a blog and posted an entry about the event. I'm sharing it with you in case you're interested: http://klette2.blogspot.com/2010/04/marybeth-and-tanner-come-to-visit.html Who could have thought that I would be blessed with such a beautiful service dog and together we would do something which I love ... interact with children.