Shelley – Page 8 – The Shepherd's Daughter

Author: Shelley

Tail of Two Pups

Posted on February 19, 2014March 29, 2014 by Shelley

Our puppy, Beau, is almost six months old. That’s him, right there.

The Good News? He’s “pad trained.”

The Bad News? We never meant to “pad train” him.

My friend Kim and her family adopted their new Cockapoo puppy, Maggie, the very same week we adopted Beau. (It’s important to note that we both did this despite the fact that neither one of us has a fenced yard.)

Here’s Maggie:

Kim and her hubby made the necessary sacrifices (even setting their alarms at two-hour intervals during the night!) to take Maggie out in the frigid MN temperatures to do what Cockapoos do.

I admired their dedication.

But I cowered at the thought of enduring sleep deprivation while battling the WY winter wind. I honestly had no intention of freezing my tail off (no pun intended) in the middle of the night, waiting for Shih Tzus to do what Shih Tzus do.

The result? Their pup is potty trained. Ours is, well, not.

They had a plan. We did not. So we got something we hadn’t quite planned for.

There are worse things, I suppose. I mean, at least he goes on the pads, right? But at $23 a pop, puppy pads are a significant, unanticipated monthly expense.

And did I mention the feeling of panic that comes over us when the snow outside is mounting and the pad count inside is dwindling?

Or the fact that numerous puppy pads arranged strategically around the house aren’t exactly the kind of dramatic decorating statement I was looking to make? (Welcome to our home. Watch your step.)

He who fails to plan is planning to fail. (Winston Churchill)

I am not by nature a planner. But I am learning that a failure to plan means I will most likely succeed…at something else.

Careful planning puts you ahead in the long run…
(Proverbs 21:5a, The Message)

Wise words from King Solomon, illustrated by my wise fellow-puppy-parent friends. While we pick up soiled pads, they enjoy a clean house and a potty trained pup. Planning, you see, has its perks.

I may not be a planner. And I may be a slow learner. But who says you can’t teach an “old dog” (that would be me) new tricks? It’s never too late to begin again.

It might just be time to make A PLAN.

Potty Training? Take Two.

God, Thou Art Love

Posted on February 12, 2014February 17, 2014 by Shelley

Can I share one of my favorites with you? It’s a poem by Robert Browning. I return to it often, because I think it is profound and timeless.

Read it slowly, prayerfully. Let your soul bask in God’s strong love and rest in His sovereign care.

He’s got you, friend.

God, Thou Art Love

If I forget,
Yet God remembers!
If these hands of mine
Cease from their clinging, yet the hands divine
Hold me so firmly that I cannot fall;
And if sometimes I am too tired to call
For Him to help me, then He reads the prayer
Unspoken in my heart, and lifts my care.

I dare not fear, since certainly I know
That I am in God’s keeping, shielded so
From all that else would harm, and in the hour
Of stern temptation strengthened by His power;
I tread no path in life to Him unknown;
I lift no burden, bear no pain, alone:
My soul a calm, sure hiding-place has found:
The everlasting arms my life surround.

God, Thou art love!
I build my faith on that.
I know Thee who has kept my path, and made
Light for me in the darkness, tempering sorrow
So that it reached me like a solemn joy;
It were too strange that I should doubt Thy love.

—Robert Browning

Hope Deferred

Posted on February 3, 2014June 21, 2015 by Shelley

Yesterday should have been a banner day. A promotion ceremony was scheduled for my husband at 2pm. We hoped to follow that up with an exciting Broncos Super Bowl victory.

We got neither. The ceremony was delayed due to a paperwork glitch. And, well, you know what happened to the Broncos.

Our banner day became a bummer day.

Hope deferred makes the heart sick… (Proverbs 13:12a, NLT)

True, that.

It’s been 15 years since the Broncos’ last trip to the Super Bowl. Chris has been working towards this promotion for the better part of two years. The stars had finally aligned. We were thrilled. It was “our” turn.

Whoosh. (That was the sound of the rug being pulled out from under foot.)

…but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life. (Proverbs 13:12b, NLT)

Sure, a Super Bowl win would have been nice. (There’s always next year, right? Hope springs eternal.) The promotion will still happen, Lord willing. And we’ll celebrate.

But I’m realizing that even when dreams do come true and we’re off to Disneyworld, as exciting as that may be, the happiness will eventually fade. Before we know it, another season will begin, with new challenges, obstacles and unfulfilled longings. The cycle repeats.

To have true and lasting joy in life, my hope must be tied to something sturdier than just securing a desired victory or receiving a long-awaited answer to prayer. God has graciously given us wonderful promises to hold onto in His Word. But our ultimate hope comes not from clinging to a prayer, or even to a promise, but to a person. HIM!

And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. (Romans 5:5, NLT)

At the end of the day, regardless of what has or has not happened, I can be confident that He still loves me. Putting my hope and trust in His unfailing love will not leave me disappointed. He is solid. I am secure.

I love the Broncos and will remain a loyal fan. And of course I love my husband and am proud of him, regardless of his title or salary. But I also love the Lord and will choose to place my HOPE in HIM. HE is the real Champion, the One who always loves and never disappoints.

Decisions, Decisions!

Posted on January 28, 2014March 29, 2014 by Shelley

“Should I make my lunch tonight or in the morning?”

“Which shoes should I wear with this outfit?”

“I’m hungry, but I can’t decide what to eat!”

These are just a few recent examples of the kinds of important decisions (certain unnamed) 13-year-olds face. Sometimes, especially when s/he’s tired, s/he’ll waffle back and forth between his/her options. This will continue until one or both of his/her exasperated parents cries, “Just make a decision already!”

And while my junior high days are long past (thank you Jesus), I must admit I still have my own issues when it comes to decision making. In addition to the daily trivial matters, decisions now come in Adult sizes. Things like Careers and Kids and Major Purchases. NBD.

So I’ve compiled a list of five questions to ask when facing a significant decision. Perhaps they’ll be helpful to you too. They’re a kind of “checks and balances,” if you will, to keep you from making an unbalanced decision. (You can think of them as fingers on a hand. Or points on a star. Or whatever helps you remember them.)

1—What does GOD’S WORD have to say about it?

Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. (Psalm 119:105, NLT)

It helps to know God’s Word. Is this decision specifically addressed in Scripture? If not, are there some general principles that might apply to it?

2—What impressions am I sensing in PRAYER?

If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. (James 1:5a, NLT)

Have you prayed about it? Are you sensing any promptings from the Holy Spirit? As sheep spend time with the Shepherd they come to know Him and recognize His voice (John 10:3-4). Keep in mind that God will never contradict what He has already revealed in His Word.

3—What are the DESIRES of my heart?

Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires. (Psalm 37:4, NLT)

The world says, “Follow your heart.” God says, “Follow Me and let ME give you the desires of your heart.” When your heart is fully surrendered to Him, He will mold it to reflect His heart. I like the way 1 Peter 4:2 (NLT) puts it: “You won’t spend the rest of your lives chasing your own desires, but you will be anxious to do the will of God.”

4—What WISE COUNSEL have I received?

So don’t go to war without wise guidance; victory depends on having many advisers. (Proverbs 24:6, NLT)

The key word here is “wise!” Look for someone who has walked with God and has a track record with Him. A person who has gone through a similar situation successfully or has learned from their mistakes can also give wise counsel. Other good choices are spiritual leaders, people who know us well, and professional counselors.

5—What are the CIRCUMSTANCES (Open and Closed Doors)?

When I came to the city of Troas to preach the Good News of Christ, the Lord opened a door of opportunity for me. (2 Corinthians 2:12, NLT)

I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, that I planned many times to visit you, but I was prevented until now. (Romans 1:13, NLT)

In 2 Corinthians 2 we see an example of an open door, and in Romans 1, a closed door. While we don’t base our decisions solely on circumstances, God will use them to guide us and/or redirect us.

Let’s face it, whether you’re 13 or 30 (or a certain unnamed age like myself), decision making can be difficult. The good news is that our God walks with us through all of life’s crossroads. He can be fully trusted to direct our hearts, answer our prayers, and open and shut the right doors to lead us safely to His will.

Glimpses of Glory

Posted on January 24, 2014January 26, 2014 by Shelley

A fresh blanket of pristine snow greeted me yesterday morning as I raised my bedroom blinds. It’s not that unusual, considering it’s January, in Wyoming. What was different about this particular snow, however, was that it was glistening. Like so many diamonds, dancing. It was as if someone had taken a giant bottle of iridescent glitter and sprinkled it everywhere.

I happen to know who that Someone might be.

Some people gaze upon a shimmering landscape and merely see Nature. Science. Frozen water molecules. Ice crystals refracting light.

Others see a reflection of GOD.

I’ve come to call these experiences: “Glimpses of Glory.” They are those times when the curtain between heaven and earth seems to part, just for a bit. Perhaps God’s glory is so overpowering that heaven’s borders just can’t quite contain it. Or maybe God is simply enjoying an opportunity to show off, dazzling and delighting us with His breathtaking beauty.

We mortals can only absorb it in the minutest doses. Like Moses when he prayed, “Show me Your glory,” God covers us with His hand as He passes by. We would fall on our faces like Isaiah, upon receiving a vision of the Almighty on His throne. No man can look directly upon His blinding radiance and live.*

Jesus came to reveal God’s glory, cloaked though it was in human flesh. For a time, heaven and earth intersected in this One Perfect Life. To see Jesus was to see the face of God.** To know Him is to receive a promise of glory, like a bride-to-be wears a brilliant diamond engagement ring.

His glory can still be seen today. It beams from a child’s glowing face. It resonates down a rushing mountain stream. It sparkles on specks of sunlit snow. It shines through us when we mirror His heart.

And, for a brief moment, the veil is lifted.

One day we will see Him, face to face, in all of His glory.

But for now we can watch for and enjoy these glimpses, these glimmers of God.

*Exodus 33:18-23; Isaiah 6:1-8. **John 1:14-18.

The Very First Verse

Posted on January 15, 2014March 29, 2014 by Shelley

I was a sophomore in college. Without a major. Lacking direction.

Desperate for guidance, I opened my Bible and stumbled upon Proverbs 3:5-6. As a relatively new believer, this was the first verse I ever really believed and took to heart. I even put it to music on my guitar. Although the tune and chords have faded from my memory, His words remain:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight.*

In times of uncertainty we seek comfort in the familiar. So today I returned to Proverbs 3 to enjoy the company of this old friend. Bible commentators guided me, verse by verse, as I meditated upon its meaning. I’ll let their words–and His words–speak for themselves.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart…

The Hebrew word for “trust,” batakh, means “to cling to…to confide in, to set one’s hope and confidence upon.” (Pulpit Commentary)

“We must trust in the Lord with all our hearts, believing he is able and wise to do what is best.” (Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary)

And do not lean on your own understanding…

“Those who know themselves, find their own understandings a broken reed, which, if they lean upon, will fail.” (Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary)

“The admonition does not mean that we are not to use our own understanding…i.e. form plans with discretion, and employ legitimate means in the pursuit of our ends; but that, when we use it, we are to depend upon God and his directing and overruling providence.” (Pulpit Commentary)

In all your ways acknowledge Him…

“The Hebrew verb yada signifies “to know, recognize.” To acknowledge God is, therefore, to recognize, in all our dealings and undertakings, God’s overruling providence…” (Pulpit Commentary)

“Begin, continue, and end every work, purpose, and device, with God. Earnestly pray for his direction at the commencement; look for his continual support in the progress; and so begin and continue that all may terminate in his glory…” (Clarke’s Commentary on the Bible)

And He will make your paths straight…

“The pronoun v’hu is emphatic, “he himself” God here binds himself by a covenant.” (Pulpit Commentary) (Wow.)

The New King James Version puts it like this: “And He shall direct your paths.” The word “direct” literally means to “make plain.” (Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary)

I love the simplicity of the New Living Translation: “Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”

Such rich insights! Like time spent with a treasured friend, I left my study of Proverbs 3:5-6 feeling refreshed, encouraged, and inspired.

I can still picture that young college girl, guitar in hand, as she clung to this promise, and to the Lord, for the very first time. He was faithful to guide her then. He can be trusted to guide us now.

Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6, The Amplified Version)

*The New American Standard Version

What’s Next?

Posted on January 8, 2014September 12, 2015 by Shelley

I like to talk to God out loud when I’m alone in the car. I’m sure it looks strange. I try not to care what the other drivers around me think.

Last Friday I had a lunch date in Colorado with a good friend. I always look forward to our annual “Christmas Catch-up.” I also looked forward to my “date” with the Lord on the way there and back. As I merged onto the southbound lane of I-25, I began sharing my heart with Him in prayer.

I was feeling burdened by an important decision affecting our family, wondering what was next. I asked God to guide us and show us His will. As I prayed, the Holy Spirit brought to mind several truths. While I still don’t know the outcome of this particular situation, here is what I DO know…

1) HE knows.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11, NLT)

We may not know the future, but we know the One who does. Even though the path before us is unclear, He knows exactly what waits around the bend. This brings welcome peace in the midst of uncertainty.

2) I can “Do the next thing.”

Years ago I was privileged to attend a conference where author and former missionary Elisabeth Elliot spoke. She shared how overwhelmed she felt upon returning to the mission field following her husband’s death. This phrase helped guide her:

When you don’t know what to do next, simply do the next thing.”

Continuing down the highway, I recalled her words. I could see my “next thing” clearly, a conversation that needed to take place. I would try and make that happen.

Then the Lord reminded me of this verse:

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10, NAS)

I’ve always pictured Ephesians 2:10 something like this:

God has gone before us. The good works He has lovingly prepared and uniquely equipped each of us to do stretch out before us, like footprints in the snow. Our job is simply to place our foot in the imprint of His, one step at a time. Sometimes blowing snow obscures the trail. But if we sit tight our view will eventually clear.

Are you faced with a difficult decision or a challenging situation? Rest in the fact that God has prepared the way and knows the outcome. Can you see your next step? Then take it. Just do the next thing. Step by step, you’ll get to where you need to be.

It’s a new year, full of possibilities and unknowns. Our future is known and planned by our heavenly Father. He will faithfully guide us, each step of the way.

(For an in-depth study of Jeremiah 29:11, check this out: https://shelleylloydsmith.com/?p=1209 )

A Mary Christmas

Posted on December 22, 2013December 19, 2014 by Shelley

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things,but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:38-42, NIV)

Just call me “Martha.”

I want to be “Mary.” Really, I do.

But despite my best intentions, each Christmas season inevitably finds me distracted with all my preparations, spending less and less time with Jesus. This year has been no different.

A late Thanksgiving and an extra full social calendar this past month only made matters worse. I’d snatch a few moments of prayer in the car as I drove from one activity to the other. I’d quickly skim my devotional book before turning out the light at night. But I had yet to slow down long enough to really worship the One whose name this season bears.

Until today.

I had planned to skip church. The Broncos were playing early. The service would be identical on Christmas Eve, so I wouldn’t really “miss” anything, I reasoned. But as I scrolled down my Facebook newsfeed around 10:15 this morning, still in my pajamas, I came across this post:

“The first day of winter – a good day to worship the Most High God!”

And then a few posts later, this:

Suddenly I felt drawn, compelled to drop everything and go worship. I hurriedly dressed for the 11am service and headed out the door alone. I didn’t care what the rest of the family, or the rest of the world, for that matter, was doing.

I would worship Him.

And I did. Hand raised. Eyes closed. Unaware of those around me.

I sat at the feet of Jesus. My ears listening to His words. My heart connecting with His.

It was a good – no, the best – place to be. It didn’t have to be in church. Worship can happen anywhere, whenever our hearts are centered on Him. Even in the midst of all of our preparations.

So. This is for all the “Marthas.”

Remember…

It’s never too late to have a “Mary” Christmas!

A few notes:

I first heard Bob Horner share the phrase “Mary Christmas” when he taught on this passage at a Crusade staff meeting years ago. I’ve never forgotten it. I just forget to practice it!
Thank you to my Facebook friends Anastasia and Kevin/Darcy for your timely posts!
The above painting is called “Christ in the House of Martha and Mary” by Henryk Siemiradzki.

The Gospel According to Beau

Posted on December 9, 2013January 17, 2014 by Shelley

We kept hoping he’d figure it out. Sleep on this side of the Pack ‘n Play. Poop on the other side. It was so simple even a puppy could understand it. But after seven long weeks of hoping (along with almost daily baths!) we finally had to admit that it just wasn’t working. It was time to try something new.

So we put away the Pack ‘n Play and invited this untrained puppy into…our bedroom.

It felt foolish. Risky. Counterintuitive. He certainly hadn’t earned the privilege or proven himself trustworthy. But desperate times call for desperate measures. So we did it anyway.

We scattered a few puppy pads around the room, praying that he would choose them over the carpet. We made him a little bed next to ours and held our breath as he curled up, without whining, in a contented ball. He slept peacefully, happy just to be near us.

I slept, fitfully, fearfully. The next morning I cautiously peered over the side of the bed, dreading what I might find. But lo and behold, he was clean and dry! And so was the carpet! We jokingly called it our Christmas Miracle. In fact, he’s now gone an entire week with nary an accident or a bath!

It’s AMAZING.

Yet isn’t this how Grace works?

We, too, couldn’t help ourselves. Try as we might we just couldn’t stay clean. Then, one day, the Father lifted us out of the confines of the Law, which we had been unable to keep, and set it aside. It was time for something new. Jesus came, took our filth in exchange for His righteousness, and escorted us right into the very throne room of God.

We did not deserve such kindness. We had not earned this trust. Yet it was given to us anyway.

Grace. AMAZING.

“Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.”(Romans 6:14, NLT)

When we gave Beau the run of our room, we weren’t sure how he would handle his newfound freedom. We knew he could abuse it. That’s the risk grace takes. But being in our presence calmed and settled him. It changed him.

“Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace?Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it?” (Romans 6:1-2, NLT)

Grace changes us, too. When we experience the thrill of being in God’s gracious, holy presence, sin loses its pull. His law is now written on our hearts. (See Hebrews 8:10.) We want to please Him.

We don’t do it perfectly. Accidents still happen. But our hearts are inclined in a new direction: to stay near this One who has showered us with such extravagant grace.

As I lifted Beau onto my pillow for a snuggle the morning of The Miracle, a tear slipped down my cheek. If I could love a helpless, ignorant puppy through this messy process, how much more must God love me? If being brought near to us could change him, how might nestling even closer to God’s heart change me?

“So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” (Hebrews 4:16, NLT)

Chris' pillow--his favorite spot! — Chris’ pillow–his favorite spot!

Reality Check

Posted on November 14, 2013January 5, 2015 by Shelley

“Just pull down his lower eyelid and squeeze a strip of the antibiotic cream onto it, three times a day,” the vet explained.

Riiiight.

She made it sound so easy. Don’t be fooled. Innocent looking, 3.2 lb puppies are deceptively strong. And if applying eye cream three times a day wasn’t overwhelming enough, we had the added challenge of squirting ear drops twice a day to treat an ear infection. Uh huh.

Just livin’ the doggie dream.

Having a puppy is so much more demanding than we anticipated. I had pictured all cuteness and cuddles. And while there is certainly that, a puppy also comes with inconvenience and puddles. And vet bills. And other stuff I’d rather not discuss. (Refer to my previous post.)

I guess I hadn’t fully counted the cost.

It’s easy to glamorize something we desire without adequately preparing for its difficulties. For example, we focus on planning an elegant wedding instead of establishing an enduring marriage. We dream of an adorable baby, when what we’re really getting is a child, along with a two-decade long assignment to shape them into a responsible adult. We tend to be short-sighted, surprised when things turn out to be more than we signed up for.

So what do we do when reality disrupts the dream? The way I see it, we have two options:

1–Hang onto the dream and develop resentment.
2–Let go of the dream and develop contentment.

I went into marriage expecting something along the lines of Disneyland. When my reality didn’t match up with my fantasy, I had a choice to make. I could continue to chase the dream, or accept and love the man God gave me. (Most of the time I’ve chosen the latter. Except on Valentine’s Day.)

Parenting has proven to be one of the hardest (and most rewarding) things I’ve ever done. I love my daughters. They truly are the delight of my life. But (surprise!) they don’t always measure up to the ideals I have for them. Can I let go of control and allow them to grow into the people GOD envisioned, loving them unconditionally along the way? I’m learning.

Puppies ARE cute. AND expensive. AND high maintenance. It’s like having a baby in the house. Wrapped in a toddler. I’m adjusting my expectations accordingly.

And just about the time I’m exhausted and think I’ve had enough, he’ll lick my chin affectionately and plop his fluffy little head down on my shoulder with a contented sigh.

A reminder that I, too, can be content.

Cuddles, puddles and all.