Monday, February 13, 2006

For Valentines Day


1 Corinthians 13:1-13 (English-NIV)


1
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.
2
If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
3
If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
4
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
5
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
6
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
7
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8
Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.
9
For we know in part and we prophesy in part,
10
but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears.
11
When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.
12
Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
13
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.


~~~~~~~~~~~~

Keith and I chose this passage to be read at our wedding over 20 years ago. There are so many lessons within this scripture, that a pastor could easily make a whole sermon from each of the 13 verses.

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.

He’s never been much of a sweet talker, but I don’t doubt that he loves me. He doesn’t write poetry or effuse to the world that I am his soul mate and his one true love. I am the only one who needs to hear that. Some times in relationships, these words are shouted out to the world. “ I love her so! Look at how wonderful I must be because somebody loves me!” Love, doesn’t need advertising to be verified.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

To me, this says, that although I may do some wonderful things for my hubby, I don’t brag about it, I don’t tell all the world, “Look at me, I am a great wife because I did this that and the other”. The only one who needs to know, is the one I do that special thing for.

When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.

“ Its her fault, she started it! “She’s always picking on me.” Remember that line from your childhood? How many adults do we know who still use this line, though maybe not in these exact words? A loving, secure man/woman, is able to acknowledge when he/she screwed up. Each can also accept that her anger and frustration is warranted and allow their partner to vent frustration. He/she won’t call it verbal abuse in order to ease his/her own ruffled self-image. Which leads to….

Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

This passage says to me that God knows our hearts. He sees deeper than the image we present to all others. But with enough time, we can get to see a persons true colours. Just as when we get to heaven we will only then come to fully know God.

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

……and because of that love, whether in the romantic sense, the brotherly sense, or the familial sense……we can look past each other’s short comings, insecurities and false fronts. With love we are capable of understanding those traits in each other. Love is what allows us to forgive, and prevents us from becoming bitter. When faith and hope may wane, love is what keeps us going.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So my friends, I hope you all have love today. God’s love, and a love for each other. And lastly, love for those you feel may have wronged you. Because that’s where real love is tested. And that is where true peace of mind comes from.


HAPPY VALENTINES DAY

Dog Gone


He was one Cool Dawg.

Spring 1991 - Feb. 13 2006

Just a note to tell you that Coppers gone.

He was a good and faithful dog, a friend and a very real member of this family.
Last night and this morning, he was unable to walk and was refusing food and water. He just had got to that point where it wasn't worth going on any longer. So this morning we took him to the forest one last time. Carried him to the car and then carried him thru the trails. Andrew and I sat on the bench with our old boy laid across our laps. He looked around and spent his final hour in his favorite spot. Then we took him to the vets. He was given a little injection, then he peacefully fell to sleep as we stroked him. Andrew was there. He is taking it very well. These last few weeks helped us prepare, but it is still heartbreaking to watch my son saying good bye to his 'brother" I think I was crying as much for him as I was for the dog. Little Binzen greeted us at home with perky bounces and lots of wags. He doesn't have a clue what has happened. Maybe he will realize Copper is gone when he doesn't have that 2nd food dish to polish up tonight.

Love Susan

22 comments:

Walker said...

I am sorry to hear about your dog. I know what its like to loose a faithful friend. Sammy a Keeshound that was with me for near 20 years was a brother to me and when he went I was lost.
Pets I hate calling them that. Our friends share so much of our lives.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your beloved dog. I'm glad he got to spend time with you and Andrew in the woods. It's always so hard to lose a family pet. You and your family are in my thoughts.

Fred said...

So sorry. Our dog's name is Copper, too, and I know how difficult it is to lose a dog.

How nice you took him to his favorite spot.

Dick said...

I am sorry about the loss of your family friend. Friend is not quite right as they truly do become a part of our families. I am so glad that I have Huggy to spend her days with me. It sounds like you did the best possible with a tough situation.

Deanna said...

It's never easy, take time to find comfort in your memories.

ellen said...

I so empathize; after seven years I still cry over the loss of my beloved chow chow, Jinx. When you are a true pet lover, the kind of pet lover whose pets are an integral part of your family, you mourn their loss as much as you would a human family member. Some people don't understand or accept that, but I do.

My deepest sympathy.

August95 said...

Oh Susan, I am so sorry for the lost of your family member. He sure looks like a cool dude in that shot.

The love you showed him in his last days is overwhelmingly kind. I will say a prayer for Cooper tonight.

Hugs to you Susan.

David said...

I am so, so sorry for your loss and yes it is a loss. They are more than pets they are our friends and family members. May you both find peace in the coming days.

EMOB said...

Within You

If I be the first of us to die,
Let grief not blacken long your sky.
Be bold yet modest in your grieving.
There is a change but not a leaving.
For just as death is part of life,
The dead live on forever in the living.
And all the gathered riches of our journey,
The moments shared, the mysteries explored,
The steady layering of intimacy stored,
The things that made us laugh or weep or sing,
The joy of sunlit snow or first unfurling of the spring,
The wordless language of look and touch,
The knowing,
Each giving and each taking,
These are not flowers that fade,
Nor trees that fall and crumble,
Nor are they stone,
For even stone cannot the wind and rain withstand
And mighty mountain peaks in time reduce to sand.
What we were, we are.
What we had, we have.
A conjoined past imperishably present.
So when you walk the wood where once we walked together
And scan in vain the dappled bank beside you for my shadow,
Or pause where we always did upon the hill to gaze across the land,
And spotting something, reach by habit for my hand,
And finding none, feel sorrow start to steal upon you,
Be still.
Close your eyes.
Breathe.
Listen for my footfall in your heart.
I am not gone but merely walk within you.

S. Hancock

I'm sorry for your loss...will think of you when I hug my Roscoe tonight.

Karen said...

I'm sorry about Cooper, *BIG HUGS* May he rest in peace.

Happy anniversary to you and Keith, that was beautiful.

carol said...

I will miss my furry little nephew, I loved, and will not stop loving him.

carol said...

You post on love is written so accurately. It is worth reading a couple of times. I hope that some people who do not live this way, will start to, as it is the way it should be.Really great post Susan, ((love & hugs))

Jona said...

So sorry to read about Copper, so glad to read his lasts hours were special and that love abounds in your house.

Terry aka Funky said...

Happy Valentines Day Susan and keith

gal artist said...

The first part of your post was so beautiful it made me cry because it told so completely what love truly is.

The second part I cried even more at the loss of your special friend. I am so sorry he is gone, and I think, knowing Springers the way I do that those last moments in the woods were the best gift you could have given him. Copper is in your hearts forever, running through the woods in freedom.

*HUGS*

Sally said...

The first part of your post was so beautifully written, and the words touched me in my heart. Everyone should be able to read this masterpiece and learn more about life as it should be lived.

I'm very sorry about your beloved dog. Truly.

BarbaraMG said...

Sorry. Please go over to The Rainbow Bridge and leave his name. http://www.petloss.com/
(My cat's (Harriet) name is there. I still get choked up just hearing the song they play. It reminds me of my girl.) Maybe spend some time as a family remembering your faithful friend and family member.
(((hugs)))

poet said...

very sorry for your loss of Copper. as i read through the comments, (and was going to add, head over to rainbow bridge) my Suzy is there too. they are not pets, but family, and if you have no children (like me), they are the children. mourning our furry family members is equally as tragic as any other relative. be content in the knowledge that Copper is happy and healthy once more, and you will reunite one day

Monica said...

So sorry about your dog.

I love the 1 Corinthians post...there is a verse in it that spoke loudly to me today. Thank you.

Monica said...

So sorry about your dog.

I love the 1 Corinthians post...there is a verse in it that spoke loudly to me today. Thank you.

Page Turner said...

Dogs; faithful companions, always accepting, never judging...true friends. I have loved and lost a few dogs and now I'm having my closet relationship with one. To think of his passing makes me cry already, so I try not to think of it. I love Ira, my Boxer. He's the one I want to hang out with when I'm just tired of people.

Sorry for your loss. May Copper be eternally romping in green pastures.

Anonymous said...

A dog is much more than a pet. A dog is better than a Husband, Lover, Mother, or Friend.

In fact, if dogs could bring you a cup of tea, and run the hoover once in a while; I'm sure women all over the world would be married to their dog.

When you come in from a long hard day, your dog will get up from its cozy siesta infront the warm fire, to come and great you at the door (My husband doesnt even do that).

They come to the door (some in leaps and bounds, and some in a sensible slow amble) to greet you with a sniff & wag of tail (I like to think that little mouth is smiling "welcome home".

When your cold, they lie on your feet like foot-warmers.
When your sad, they put a warm, comforting paw on your knee, as if to say "I know, its ok".
When your lonley, they keep you company.

A dog is the best friend a girl, boy, man or woman could ever have.

I like to think that Copper will now be in Heaven, sharing his thoughts with Grandma & Grandad, Edward, and our Golden-Lab George.

Copper was one of the best dogs. He will be missed.