My Dog is 16 Years Old Today

Good morning,

Today is my older dog, Jordan’s, 16th birthday!! I am so thankful for him! He has all kinds of lumps and bumps on his skin and artificial knees. He can’t hear a thing and is missing a few teeth. Jordan bites at anyone who tries to touch his face, especially the groomer. We have to carry him up the stairs and he takes a few circles before he sits down. His age is real but he still wants in on all the activities Rocky, our 8-year-old dog does. The thing is, Jordan is a part of our family and we love him! We don’t mind taking extra care with him, because we know why he is like he is. No matter how old sweet Jordan gets he still loves to see us when we come home and wants to be around us showing he cares. Pets watch us constantly, know all about us, never can talk to us with words, but we live together and have a relationship that is filled with communication and understanding. Sound familiar??

Dogs or pets of any kind are such an example of unconditional love. They love us always and unconditionally, even though they are not perfect! Think about that! They are not perfect but love us so well. God is perfect and loves us unconditionally!

We are blessed by God in so many, many ways it is hard to grab the concept sometimes. We can be crabby, ugly, mean, wonderful, loving, competitive, jealous, giving, kind, old, young, beautiful, sick, healthy, broke, defeated, successful, lonely, surrounded… Why does He put up with us??

I believe the answer is just like why we adore Jordan: He is ours. We are his.

The Bible has so many scriptures that tell us why God loves us so much, unconditionally!  I have a letter someone sent me years ago and it goes like this:

FATHER’S LOVE LETTER.

You may not know me, but I know everything about you. Psalm 139:1

I know when you sit down and when you rise up. Psalm 139:2

I am familiar with all your ways. Psalm 139:3

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered.  Matthew 10:29-31

For you were made in my image. Genesis 1:27

In me you live and move and have your being.  Acts 17:28

For you are my offspring. Acts 17:28

I knew you even before you were conceived. Jeremiah 1:4-5

I chose you when I planned creation. Ephesians 1:11-12

You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book. Psalm 139:15-16

I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live. Acts 17:26

You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14

I knit you together in your mother’s womb. Psalm 139:13

And brought you forth on the day you were born. Psalm 71:6

I have been misrepresented by those who don’t know me. John 8:41-44

I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love. 1 John 4:16

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you. 1 John 3:1

Simply because you are my child and I am your Father. 1 John 3:1

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could. Matthew 7:11,

For I am the perfect father. Matthew 5:48

Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand.  James 1:17

For I am your provider and meet all of your needs. Matthew 6:31-33

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope. Jeremiah 29:11

Because I love you with an everlasting love. Jeremiah 31:3

My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore. Psalm 139:17-18

And I rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17

I will never stop doing good to you. Jeremiah 32:40

For you are my treasured possession. Exodus 19:5

I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul. Jeremiah 32:41

And I want to show you great and marvelous things. Jeremiah 33:3

If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me. Deuteronomy 4:29

Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4

For it is I who gave you those desires. Philippians 2:13

I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine. Ephesians 3:20

For I am your greatest encourager. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

When you are broken-hearted, I am close to you. Psalm 34:18

As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart. Isaiah 40:11

One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes.  Revelation 21:3-4

And I will take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth. Revelation 21:3-4

I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus. John 17:23

For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed. John 17:26

He is the exact representation of my being. Hebrews 1:3

He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you. Romans 8:31

And to tell you that I am not counting your sins. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19

Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19

His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you. 1 John 4:10

I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love. Romans 8:31-32

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me. 1 John 2:23

And nothing will ever separate you from my love again. Romans 8:38-39

Come home and I’ll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen. Luke 15:7

I have always been Father, and will always be Father. Ephesians 3:14-15

My question is. Will you be my child? John 1:12-13

I am waiting for you. Luke 15:11-32

Love, Your Dad.

Fall into that and wrap yourself in that unconditional, BIG, wonderful love!

Love you, Teri