Me: How are y’all doing?

Prodigal: We are enjoying the minute.

I remember going home from the Navy for the first time during World War II. Home was so far out in the country that when we went hunting we had to go toward town. We had moved there for my father’s health when I was just 13. We raised cattle and horses.

I started a little flock of Shropshire sheep, the kind that are completely covered by wool except for a black nose and the tips of black legs. My father helped them have their twins at lambing time, and I could tell each one of the flock apart at a distance with no trouble. I had a beautiful ram. Next door was a poor man who had a beautiful dog and a small flock of sheep he wanted to improve with my ram. He asked me if he could borrow the ram; in return he would let me have the choice of the litter from his prize dog.

That is how I got Teddy, a big, black Scottish shepherd. Teddy was my dog, and he would do anything for me. He waited for me to come home from school. He slept beside me, and when I whistled he ran to me even if he were eating. At night no one could get within a half mile without Teddy’s permission. During those long summers in the fields I would only see the family at night, but Teddy was with me all the time. And so when I went away to war, I didn’t know how to leave him. How do you explain to someone who loves you that you are leaving him and will not be chasing woodchucks with him tomorrow like always?

So, coming home that first time from the Navy was something I can scarcely describe. The last bus stop was fourteen miles from the farm. I got off there that night at about eleven o’clock and walked the rest of the way home. It was two or three in the morning before I was within a half mile of the house. It was pitch dark, but I knew every step of the way. Suddenly Teddy heard me and began his warning bark. Then I whistled only once. The barking stopped. There was a yelp of recognition, and I knew that big black form was hurling toward me in the darkness. Almost immediately he was there in my arms. To this day that is the best way I can explain what I mean by coming home.

What comes home to me now is the eloquence with which that unforgettable memory speaks to me of my God. If my dog, without any explanation, would love me and take me back after all that time, wouldn’t my God?

by David Redding

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

Revelation 21:4

Jennifer Van Allen

Me: Well, that is mighty nice that He gave you a hug.

Prodigal: I think we are going to get along just fine.

This is Treasured Friends by Ann Hibbard

A true friend is someone we look to for support. She is always on our team, cheering us on to victory. When we have a problem, she does not try to solve it for us. Instead, she listens and expresses her solidarity. When our perspective has become distorted by self-pity, she encourages us, not with pat answers but by gently pointing us toward the truth.

There is never a hint of criticism from a true friend. That doesn’t mean she doesn’t sometimes say hard things. She is the one who asks the tough questions. But we know that her intentions for us are only good. Anyone can say what we want to hear. A true friend tells us what we need to hear. Yet, every word is prompted by love.

Friends are so valuable. Where would we be without them. Remember your friends today and make them feel appreciated.

Psalms 103:2-5

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

Jennifer Van Allen

www.theprodialpig.com

www.faithincounseling.org

Prodigal: I reckon that I will Start where I am, use what I have, and do what I can.

Me: Yes, with the Lord guiding you.

This is a short video devotion on Proverbs.

click here to watch the video

Proverbs 8:11

For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it. (KJV)

Jennifer Van Allen

www.theprodigalpig.com

www.faithincounseling.org

Prodigal: I am taking a breather.

Me: I can see that. Here is something for you to remember.

Life is mostly froth and bubble.

Two things stand in stone.

Kindness in another’s trouble.

Courage in your own.

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

ROMANS 10 : 13

Jennifer Van Allen

Me: Sometimes we need to look at what is truth instead of how we feel.

Prodigal: Even though that can be difficult.

This is from the book The Quest for Character by Charles R. Swindoll

Rare indeed are those folk who give of themselves with little regard for recognition, personal benefit, or monetary returns.

I find more encouragement from God’s Word than any other source of information when it comes to the importance of personal dedication. The Lord assures me that His glory is my goal ( 1 Corinthians 10:31), not man’s approval. Furthermore, when He tells me to love, He tells me to do it fervently ( 1 Peter 4:8). When maintaining a friendship, it is to be devotedly (Romans 12:10). When steering clear of evil, I am told to stay away from even the appearance of it ( 1 Thessalonians 5:22). When seeing a brother or sister in need, we are to bear his or her burden sacrificially (Galatians 6:1-2), not stay at a safe distance. When it comes to work, we are to be disciplined (2 Thessalonians 3:7-8) and diligent (1 Thessalonians 2:9). The Scriptures are replete with exhortations to go above and beyond the required call of duty–to a dedication of life that thrives on the challenge of doing a quality piece of work.

We were raised to think of ourselves and put us first. God is calling us to something else. We want to fight it, but the time is about obedience. Take a step toward obedience. Take a step toward walking with the Lord.

Hebrews 12:1-2

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Jennifer Van Allen

www.theprodigalpig.com

www.faithincounseling.org