Allie's Adventures (Again)

So we have had quite a week. It has been a very busy month so far. And this week was by far the busiest. I worked late every night and my poor Allie was a bit neglected. And it finally caught up to us on Thursday when I had work and then Bible Study and she was locked up all day and most of night. She decided she didn't need to sleep at all that night... seriously she did not lay down until 5:30 Friday morning.... but I couldn't really blame her...

So Friday when I got home from work it was a beautiful afternoon so I decided we definitely needed to get out to the park for a nice long walk! I always feel much better after walking and she does too!! So we walked 5 miles yesterday (some people think that's too much for the little pug face... I promise it's not. In fact the following story should show that...)

So we walked around the park and then at the end of our walk we go into one of the neighborhoods. And as we were 2 houses from the main road heading back to our car (so after about 4.75 miles of walking) Allie somehow pulled her leader off and was a free dog. Now most dogs? No big deal. Allie however does not come... ever. We've worked on it and worked on it and worked on it, and for the most part she does well... she'll even come when she's across the backyard. But on the rare occasions that she gets out in the open (which I coincidentally had just been thinking yesterday morning that it had been almost a year since she had run away last) there is no hope of her coming.

So after we had walked for almost 5 miles, Allie proceeded to sprint around a couple of yards for almost 20 minutes (I know I have absolutely no control over my dog... it's pathetic). Did I mention we were 2 houses down from a 4 lane road? Yeah...we were and she kept running toward it and freaking me out. So how did I finally get her back? Well a nice old man was walking by with his dog and he tried to help me chase her and as soon as he went toward her, Allie ran into my arms...

...Guess I just always need to make sure there are strangers around on our walks...

Oh Allie... luckily the adventure wore her out and she has been sleeping pretty much since we got home last night.

Oh the life of a puppy

Another Year

Remember that you must not see as the world sees. I hold the year in My Hands- in trust for you. But I shall guide you one day at at time. Leave the rest with Me. You must not anticipate the gift by fears or thoughts of the days ahead. And for each day I shall supply the wisdom and the strength. - Two Listeners

One of my old Sunday School teachers posted this quote today and it felt like a good start for this year. I love the start of a new year and all of the excitement it brings. I am still hashing out exactly what my Resolutions are for this year and what goals I am setting. But I thought this was a good reminder for me especially.

I spend so much time trying to figure out what the next step is and what tomorrow will hold and all my thinking (ahem worrying) gets me nowhere. I have slowly been learning to lay it all at the feet of my Father and He has been teaching me how to rest in His promises. This year has been a long lesson in living in today. I spent the last 4 months pursuing a change and getting excited for the future only to be here at the beginning of a new year with all the doors closed and still in the same place. But despite the ups and downs I am perfectly peaceful to be right where I am. And more than peaceful, I am excited to be right where I am and learning so much about chasing after God regardless of my circumstances.

And more than anything that's what I want for this year. To draw closer to Him and live a life surrendered to His plan and His will, even if I can't see exactly what that looks like. And to chase harder after Him in every moment.

Here's to a great year!