Meet Porter

Porter tears the head off a rubber chicken

Porter is the latest addition to our family. He's an adopted mixed breed, very friendly and affectionate. He's also very quick, killer of baby bunnies :'( , chaser of birds, and destroyer of rubber chickens.

Betsy adopted him in April and quickly learned it wasn't good to try to keep a puppy in a condo in Philly. So they moved home to stay with us until he matures a little. Molly, naturally, is thrilled to have a pet to practice her veterinary skills on.

I'm sure you'll be hearing more about him as time goes on. And of course my Facebook friends have already seen many pics and will suffer through many more.

Now when that evil great blue heron comes to the pond, we've got a weapon! Go, Porter!

When Mother's Day Is Hard

I don't normally flaunt my Christian faith on this blog, but today I feel the nudge from God. Just a little warning for those of you that might not care to read something overtly Christian. Jesus talk below! 
:)

Mother's Day is coming up this Sunday. My family is looking forward to cooking me a nice dinner and honoring me in a special way.

In all the hoopla, honoring, gifts, flowers, family meals, etc., we sometimes forget that Mother's Day isn't joyful for everyone. Some women have prayed for children, and God's answer has been "no"... or "not yet." Some people have had mothers that abused them or abandoned them, mothers that gave them no love, no hope.

While surfing the Net today I came across the following letter to those who have a tough time on Mother's Day. I think it is worth repeating.

Dear Friend,

I am so sorry for your [situation]. It is hard. I'm not going to pretend it isn't. I'm not going to tell you that everything will be better if you take certain steps. The only thing I know for sure is that Christ loves you. He really does sympathize with you. You can read God's words to you in Hebrews: "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:15-16).

I know you've probably seen this verse many times, but I think God has a lot to say to you in these verses. He is reminding you that he isn't far off. He has entered into the ugly and hard places that you see your heart going as you struggle with worry or anxiety or fear or anger. He knows it. He knows your temptation. Jesus reminds you that he walked this earth perfectly for you. And in your weakness he invites you to draw near to him. He wants to comfort you and uphold you with his righteous right hand. Come to him, weary friend, and receive grace and peace and rest. This is your time of need. Mother's Day is your time of need, and he does not turn away from you during your time of need; he wants you to find grace to help.

Friend, I pray that you would receive his good grace today. As you look to Mother's Day know that he has you in mind and intercedes even now on your behalf.  "The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit" (Psalm 34:18).

~Trillia Newbell, on The Gospel Coalition

So whatever your situation this week, have a happy Mother's Day.