shark & puppy tales

Had a family date night last night... took the family to dinner at Damons and then to see Shark Tale. I'm convinced that life's greatest lessons come when we are around children, being like children, watching children's movies, etc. Shark Tale is simply about authenticity. Are we content with what God is creating in us or do we long to be someone else? To have someone else's gift or talent? Likewise, as parents are we content with who our children are becoming? I tend to struggle with this one at times. I love baseball so much, and I so badly want to see my son, Brock, play and succeed in baseball. Sometimes it goes so far to where I don't want him to become interested in other things (such as skateboarding) because I would rather he spend time developing baseball skills. But he really likes a lot of things, and he is really good at a lot of things. So I must constantly put aside my selfish desires and allow him to become his own person, trusting that God is molding Him and gifting him with things that will impact the Kingdom. That's what it is ultimately about.

We sent a letter to our landlord this week pleading with him to allow us to own a puppy in our home. We're praying he finds favor with us. It melts my heart to see Kaylee with puppies. She loves them so much. It's nothing for us to take 3 or 4 trips per week to Petland so she can play with the dogs. Every time we leave she says, "I hope our landlord lets us have a puppy someday." So... I did my best. I wrote the most heart-melting, gut-wrenching, convincing letter I could possibly muster. We'll see what happens.

Comments

[chris]

Well... just got a letter of response from the landlord. Quick, short, and to the point response. No dice on the puppy. "The lease states 'No pets' and this is a firm policy" he says.

Damn. We tried.

[Bryan]

That stinks! Heather's the same way about any and all kinds of animals....she's never seen one she didn't love.

[Jared]

Sounds like your landlord needs a swift kick in the pants LOL! Doesn't sound like a very nice or understandable person. Well Kaylee can come visit and puppy sit Cocoa anytime she wants to.

[chris]

To his defense, he's not a bad guy. I'm sure that even if he trusted us with a dog he probably just doesn't want to set a precedent.

[Des]

I feel for Kaylee. We have always had a dog. Yes they are a lot of work, and they do mess with your house, but they really enrich your life. The thing I like about dogs, is the fact that they are a good example of unconditional love. You can scold them, and two seconds later, they are in your lap wagging their tails. Also, when you get home, they are ALWAYS excited to see you, jumping and yapping and licking your face. (If only Joni was that excited to see me, ha ha. Except for the yapping part of course).

[Jared]

Des, your insight about having a dog and how they enrich our lives is right on. Stefani and I have been experiencing this for the last couple of months. You're right, they are a lot of work, but they are also so much fun and so lovable.
Personally I think Mammaw and Pappaw Stewart should get the puppy for Kaylee and keep it at their house LOL! What do you think folks?

[Sherrie]

Chris, I'm expecting a miracle for Kaylee and her puppy. I have two dogs and love them both. Like Des, they are there greet me and Bernard is there to greet me too holding one of the dogs. Bernard doesn't lick that much, but the kiss is MUCH appreciate! ha! :-) I will pray for that puppy to come your way.God Bless you Kaylee! Her love for her puppies is so pure like their love for her.
Sherrie