Blogs of The Fast and the Furriest Dachshund Molly

Forgetting Those Old Bones

7/30/2018

We pups are famous for wanting to dig up old bones. Sadly there's a lot of hoomans with the same problem. With us pups it's simply a normal response to an accepted drive. We never really suffer any serious repercussions from this instinct.

It's a different story with our people. When they bury something it's typically best it stays buried. LOL let me clarify this a bit.

After God gets our hoomans through a difficult situation they can have a desire to go back and replay or resurrect those old and painful memories. This doesn't do anyone any good.

If God brings you to the other side of a tough place in your life you're never going to properly heal if you keep going back to relive the past. We all want to understand what happened and where things went wrong, but at times we'll never know why we've experienced certain things. Job never gets an answer from God as to why he suffered as he did.

Job 38:1-18

There are mysteries beyond human comprehension, such as, how to make a world or how to explain suffering. Job is advised to recognize human limits and trust that God will take care of what Job and others cannot know or do. (1)

Corrie Ten Boom (2)

Tells a story of a little girl who breaks one of her mother's favorite demitasse cups. The child comes to her mother sobbing because she's broken the cup. "Mother I'm sorry I broke your beautiful cup." The mother replies, "I know you're sorry and I forgive you. Now don't cry anymore". The mother sweeps up the pieces and throws them away.

The little girl couldn't get over her feelings of guilt, goes to the trash picking out the pieces of the broken cup, again goes to her mother crying. "Mother, I'm soo sorry I broke your pretty cup.

This time her mother speaks firmly to her, "Put those pieces to the trash and don't be silly enough to take them out again. I told you I forgive you so don't cry anymore."

Don't keep holding on to your pain, or guilt or whatever your old bones may be. When God brings you through something, He's brought you through it. He doesn't want you going back picking through the trash to relive the pain of the past.

Isaiah 43:18-19

18 “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.
19 See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

Mom and I have never been a real country music fan, but we have both always loved Randy Travis and his music. LOL Strange huh? There aren't many country singers that are as country as him.

Mom's favorite Randy Travis song is "Digging Up Bones". This is a perfect example of the pain we can inflict on ourselves if we don't leave the past where it belongs, in the past, with the door shut. God brings us through difficult places so we can see the new things He's doing in our lives.

Let's leave those Old Bones buried dear furiends and not cause ourselves any undue pain and heartache. Let's keep our eyes to the future and remember

2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

Love and Peace,

Molly and my Mom

Quotes

(1) Job 38:1-18

(2) Corrie Ten Boom Quote from

Hope for Each Day (Words of Wisdom and Faith) Billy Graham Page 144 May 5th

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I Have a Dead Body to Bury

7/26/2018

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The other day I found myself telling a good buddy something my Mom had told me many years before when I had been hurt by someone I'd considered a friend. I told them, "A friend is someone who is always there, regardless to how much time may go by, regardless to whether one or the other's feelings may have been hurt. You don't have to chase after a friend, or beg them for their friendship. It's always there".

There's a cute quote that I simply love as it truly sums things up. "Best friends are those who, when you show up at their door w/a dead body, at 2:00 am say nothing, grab a shovel & follow you".

Now don't misunderstand, we aren't speaking of literal dead bodies here, LOL no, we're speaking of the metaphorical type. The kind we all have, and the older we become the more we develop.

Now that I've grown older friendships have come and gone, and I realize the truth in my Mothers words. The bible even mentions this in,

Proverbs 18:24

24 Friends come and friends go, but a true friend sticks by you like family.

True furiends and friends are someone who's always there, regardless to how much time has gone by, or what events may have taken place in each other's lives. We don't have to chase them, we don't have to beg them for their time. They're simply there when you need them. They seem to know instinctively when you need a kind word or simply a hug. They desire the best for you and want to be in your lives. You are a priority to them.

We all have that one friend who is always there wanting to help us with our dead bodies, and all the problems that go with that. All we have to do is simply call on His name and Jesus will be there in a heartbeat. Sure at times we all try to bury our dead bodies ourselves. I know Mom and I have. We get caught up in thinking these are our problems and by George we can fix them. Jesus says,

Matthew 18:2

2 He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. 3 And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

There's isn't a one of us who didn't depend on our parents to help us with all of our problems when we were small. When we get older we think we have to take care of our troubles ourselves. With Jesus in our lives that isn't the case anymore. We need to stop and remind ourselves of this. Jesus says,

Matthew 11:28

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Jesus also says in ,

Proverbs 18:24

A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

There is a beautiful example of the friendship we all long for and desire (which can't truly be found in the earthly realm) in Ruth.

Ruth 1:16-17

But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the Lord do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you

I remember hearing Mom and a friend of hers saying, "God never once promises us life will be easy. What He does say is He will be with us through the hard times and He will help us get through them.

This has proven to be true in our lives here. God answered my folks prayers and some of my vision was restored. Mom and Dad prayed that Mom would feel better and get some of her life back after she developed Diabetes. He answered that prayer too.

It hasn't been an easy road. There have certainly been a few pot holes, and some detours along the way. We can say when we've showed up on Jesus's door step with our dead bodies He's grabbed a shovel and helped us with the work. No questions asked.

Love and Peace,

Molly and my Mom

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One for the Peeps

7/20/2018

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Every now and then I write a blog for our hoomans. Let's face it, if not for them where would we be? I know my life would be considerably different had I not gotten the folks I did. My prime go to example is when I developed SARDS at the young age of just 5 years old. My folks noticed I wasn't seeing my ball as well as I'd used to. This got their curiosity up and promptly took me to my dogtor. She diagnosed me with SARDS, which is a very time sensitive progressive visual disease.

(Sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome SARDS) is a disease in dogs causing sudden blindness. It can occur in any breed, but female dogs may be predisposed. Approximately 4000 cases are seen in the United States annually.)

I was rushed to an animal specialty emergency clinic where they did an experimental treatment on me and thanks to God answering prayers, dogtors with incredible talent, and my very attentive caring pawrents some of my vision has been restored. (I have to tell you I'm a bit of a celebrity there. They told me most dogs don't get their sight back.)

That being said, our pawrents take wonderful care of us, so I wanted to give a little back to our peeps in sharing a bit about my Mom's experiences with diabetes. I want to share Mom's story so they can see that with time, dedication, exercise, and diet they can regain control of their life and health.

My grandmother, (my Mom's Mom) was a very serious, diabetic. Sadly diabetes can be hereditary and sure enough Mom became diabetic.

What only a few of our furiends know is Mom was house-bound for several years due to her diabetes. She had been told by her doctors that all she had to do was watch her diet and take her medication. This didn't prove to be the case. Mom kept getting sicker and feeling worse. This progressed to her being housebound and barely able to take me on my one mile walk down our driveway and to the pond. If she and Dad went to do any shopping Mom would give Dad a list and stay in the car while he took care of the shopping.

The folks were very confused and didn't understand what was going on with Mom's health. After all she was only fifty. They both wondered if it was typical for people to be so sick at just 50 years old.

Not wanting to go on even more medication for her diabetes Mom started spending hours online reading information about controlling your blood sugar as well as diets for diabetics. She even made a phone call to their insurance company one day. Something the lady told her stuck, and that was the beginning of Mom getting her life back. They were talking about getting older and the changes that occur with our bodies as we age, when the lady said,

"You know we were never meant to sit all day, and as we age that becomes even more of a challenge for our bodies that have developed diabetes. Walking lowers your blood sugar so possibly walking after you eat a meal may be part of a solution".

That was the beginning of Mom's goal of walking 5 miles a day. (Now we understand everyone might not want to walk 5 miles a day). That's completely fine. Just get up, walk and move.

Walking lowers your blood sugar considerably. Mom breaks up her walking to 3 or 4 times a day depending on how her blood sugar is running. (Most days now it's either normal or slightly higher than normal anywhere from 86-103). She'll walk after every meal, and before bed.

The next big change was her diet. Mom had to adopt a zero carbohydrate diet. This translates to No, bread, pasta, rice, potatoes. Yups zero. She also eats no grains, or sugar (all recipes calling for sugar or honey etc she substitutes Splenda Blend) at all.

The doctors had told her she could eat whole wheat bread, and limited carbohydrates but this simply didn't work for her. Mom got sick, felt horrible and stayed that way for several years following their advice.

Until she started reading and applying the info she found on controlling your diabetes, and getting rid of the carbohydrates. You're right if you thought this translates to eating a LOT of salads. LOL It did indeed for a few years.

Mom gradually began to feel better. This resulted in her A1C numbers getting lower, not to mention all the weight she'd lost. Life was getting better and I was getting my Mom back.

Eating salads for 4-5 years does begin to get old, even though you experience all the health benefits that go with eating a more plant based diet.

Now Mom was on a different mission, finding recipes that were healthier versions of the foods she loved and had to give up. She did indeed find substitute recipes for everything she'd loved in the past.

She found a pizza crust made from zucchini squash that even Dad will eat and not complain about. (recipe link)

Mom also has found bread recipes that have anywhere from 0-2 net carbs per slice or Hamburger Bun.

Soul Bread Hamburger Buns

Soul Bread

Almond Flour Brownies

Thin Mints

We're not going to tell you these recipes are going to taste exactly like the foods you loved before you developed diabetes. What we will tell you is these are acceptable substitutes that will make your challenging life journey with diabetes a bit more tolerable, and your diet more enjoyable.

Most of the recipes Mom uses are either Keto Based or Paleo Based recipes. You can Google low carb, Keto or Paleo recipes and find something that will make your taste buds tingle.

This hasn't been an easy journey for my Mom. At times it's been difficult to watch her struggle as she's conquered this latest challenge in her life; and if we're completely honest you truly never conquer diabetes you simply manage it on a day to day basis. We wanted to share this with you all to let you know getting your blood glucose levels back into the normal range is doable. If my Mom can do it anyone can. (Of course I think my Mom is exceptional), but as far as hoomans go, there's no difference between my Mom and your pawrents.

If your hooman is following their doctors advice for diabetes control and not getting better, tell them to get a second opinion, or research online as my Mom did and find another alternative. (One that seems medically sound we don't want you doing something that may jeopardize your health even more)

Walking five miles a day everyday can get tough...sometimes prayer is what got her through that last quarter mile. Eating salads everyday for a couple of years gets equally hard.... LOL Prayer got Mom through that too, and then miraculously she finds recipes for low carb breads, cookies and even cakes. It took Mom several years to get where she is today. The thing is she simply never gave up. Life gets better furiends and with God all things are possible.

We hope our sharing this helps those of you having difficulty managing your blood sugar. Trust us we understand how discouraging this can be. Please know you have our thoughts and prayers as you go through this challenge in your life.

I told Mom to share a few of her most used staples with her low carb cooking. One thing she and Dad eat a lot of now is Shirataki Pasta with Mexican dishes and stir fries (click the high lighted text to learn more about Shirataki Noodles). You can find them at most health food markets, and even some Walmarts. Please read all info you can find about how to prepare them as some people don't particularly care for the smell when you first open the bag. We're not bothered by the odor (which isn't noticeable at all after rinsing and cooking them as directed).

Shirataki Noodles

Hoosier Hill Farm Whey Protein Powder

Bobs Red Mill Super fine Almond Flour

Xanthan Gum

Muffin Top Pan (to make Hamburger Buns)

We feel the need to place a disclaimer in this blog post.

Neither Mom nor myself are dieticians, or medical professionals. Mom is simply someone who has had a rather challenging experience in controlling her blood sugar due to Diabetes.

Please do Not make any changes to your diet without first consulting your medical doctor. This blog is simply information for you to consider. Though this route has proven successful for Mom this doesn't make it medically sound for others.

Love and Peace,

Molly and my Mom

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Learning as we Grow

7/11/2018

2 Comments

Being proper southern ladies Mom and I both keep our hair trimmed and ourselves looking as best we can. You reach a certain age in life and, as a very dear old friend of my Mom's told her in no uncertain terms, "While that look (jeans and tee shirt hair in pony tail) may have worked for you from your teenage years until possibly your 30'es it's not doing you any favors now that you're 60".

BOL Yeps Mom's friend actually told her this. Thankfully this was a word from a dear old friend and not a stranger on the street. We have never forgotten this, and so do indeed, try, to put our best foot forward when we leave the house.

The folks dropped me off for my hair appointment and low and behold there was another precious furiend waiting to get their hair done as well. We began chatting about one thing and another and they asked how I was enjoying the new chapel in the woods.
I personally find it very difficult to be "politically correct" or" tactful", so I simply told the truth. I hadn't been to church in a while due to becoming dreadfully emotional while sharing in my Sunday School class. I was a bit apprehensive over how my class might react to my returning. Regretfully I myself, as well as my Mom suffer from a bit of social anxiety, and can in our own minds blow something rather trivial into the most tremendous mountain.

Now over the course of time dear furiends had sent cards and had even made phone calls requesting that I return to my class and church. I had tentatively considered the idea, but my fears typically got the best of me.

Something Mom and I have been talking about lately is perception and truth..We as individuals will say the truth is how we perceive it to be, when someone else looking at the same situation will see a different truth.

Imagine an art teacher walking through her students who are drawing a still life in the center of the room. As she looks over one shoulder then another, all have indeed drawn a still life, but none of them are exactly alike. Each student has drawn what they perceive to be the visual truth with their own eyes, and have replicated it to the best of their artistic abilities.

Sharing my story with my friend, she pointed out that we each need to let our lights shine; and though we may find it difficult at times, we always need to press through our fears. She kindly suggested I return to my Sunday School class and church before I simply didn't. Now this was indeed a word in due season. With social anxiety it is truly easier to stay at home and not subject yourself to people, crowds, trying to be polite and engaging.

I thought about it a while and decided she was probably right as I would be much happier not having to go back to class and explain my reasons for my absence and have to speak in front of a group of pups. Though I have chosen the path of least resistance in the past, this wasn't going to be one of those times.

Life and the challenges it brings us won't hurt us, unless we let it consume our lives with fear and inhibitions, or harden our hearts, making us sour, bitter and hesitate to trust that God has it all under control.

1 Peter:7-9

Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. 8Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9Resist him, standing firm in your faith and in the knowledge that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering.

I'm sorry to say, "For several months I was right where the devil wanted me. (As another sweet furiend gently reminded me). Home, and not with my church family". Sometimes it's easier to trust the images the devil would show us, rather than taking a breath, and telling our Heavenly Father our fears and handing them to Him. My new prayer is that He will help me to see His truth, and to not let me trust my own perception of things, as my perception is clouded by social anxiety already.

If we look at our troubles and fears as an opportunity to learn more of our Fathers love, and His ability to help us in our times of need then we can see Gods miracles in action. We need to learn to trust God with a childlike dependence on Him. When we do that, no trouble can devastate us or destroy us. Our Father reminds of us this in

Matthew 18:1-14

At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

St. Threses of Lisieux mentions this in

"Her Last Conversations "The Yellow NoteBook" Page 139

(1)She always strove to stay a little child. It means to recognize our nothingness, to expect everything from God as a little child expects everything from its father; it is to be disquieted and concerned about nothing. To be little is not attributing to oneself the virtues one practices, believing oneself capable of anything. but to recognize that God places these treasures in the hands of His children.; to be used when necessary; but they are always Gods treasures. Finally it is not to be overcome or discouraged by our faults, for children often fall, but they rarely do themselves much harm.

We can ask our Father to remove our trials and there's nothing wrong with this, but for the most part our problems don't go away, as my dear furiend said, we simply need to press on until we get to the other side. We should ask our Father what He would have us learn from this situation and let our problems draw us closer to Him. Just as a child learns valuable lessons sitting at his Father's feet so can we, if we draw close to Him during our times of trouble.

My lesson was to simply not be overcome by my fears of showing my weakness before others, to not trust my perceptions, which are clouded by my social anxiety. I'd have you know after I shared my reason for not coming to Bible Class my sweet sisters told me they didn't even remember my getting emotional, and the ones that did were so very understanding; and told me I simply hadn't been there long enough to see them become emotional. As children we all fall down, and our Father is always there to pick us up, if we simply come to Him and ask.

We all experience our own trials, and we all go through our own personal fires on this earth. Handel's Hallelujah Chorus was written when he was poverty stricken and suffering from a paralyzed right side and arm. Affliction no matter how small or large can make us stronger in our faith and develop our confidence as we witness God watching over us and leading us through our storms.

Billy Graham mentions "Whatever the reason, if God sends affliction our way, we should take it in faith as a blessing and not a curse". I can tell you I'm not there yet. I as a small child still stumble and fall. I'm getting back on my feet dear furiends, and I'm learning when I am weak, He is strong.

Love, and Peace,

Molly and my Mom

Quotes

(1) St. Threses of Lisieux "Her Last Conversations "

Billy Graham Hope for each Day Words of Wisdom and Faith

Here's Handel's Hallelujah Chorus

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Forgetting Those Old Bones

I Have a Dead Body to Bury

One for the Peeps

Learning as we Grow

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