And The Puppy Grows Older 3/15/2017

Good Morning,

I hope your day is a great one. Mine started with a cup of Door County Dublin's Delight Coffee and prayer.

Last night I finished smoking some Salmon and it will be made into fish tacos tonight for dinner. Started the day great and I hope to end it in a great way. Next week our little English Springer Spaniel Gibbs will turn five years old. it's funny how fast time flies by. It seems like just yesterday that he was peeing on the floor and chewing everything in sight.

Time has been kind to Gibbs and he has turned into a great companion and an excellent hunter. He holds his own with pheasants and some very big Canada Geese. He has a lot of heart and doesn't know the word "quit". I have seen him struggle with a large goose, but he sticks to it, gets a better grip and retrieves some of the biggest birds around. As he completed his first goose retrieves and grew up, he became more confident. When retrieving a bird he always knows that I am close by and that he is returning to a dry boat or a comfortable blind. I will take the load from him and put it away.

Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you. Deut. 31:6

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Eph. 6:10

So today I want us to ask ourselves this question. Are we quitters? When the going gets tough do we quit? When one more mile will do it, do we quit? Do we leave things undone? Do we see things through to the finish line? Do we forget that God is there to strengthen us?

When you feel like giving up, you are missing out on what God has to offer. There are so many things that demand our attention and while it may be good to leave behind unhealthy relationships, jobs, and habits, it's also important to keep fighting for what is good and right. Fight for marriage, fight for your kids, fight for your health - don't give up! Know that you are not alone, and know that we are in the hands of God- He will provide us with strength when we need it. As we place our faith in Him we become more confident in Him.

Go ahead and try it. Don't quit again!

Marty