[DollyCali]

FReeper FRiends..

cannot tell you what a spiritual experience this was..

Truly

I had no plans on leaving the area despite the cold, snow etc.

outside from 5 until 11:30.. it was a roller coaster of emotions. I spent prolly 5 of those hours in the woods. HEAVY, deep, rugged woods. Because of the heavy snow it was bright. once your eyes acclimate, it is almost like day. The last 2 hours I had Toby on Leash & he was tracking Oliver. We went up & down slippery/snow covered steep 200' slopes. I noted he was heading sourth towards Brandywine falls.. . took me about 45 min to return to car where patient friend was waiting. My back was aching & my groin injury although healing had mega stress.

But the last 3 hours I became immersed in glorious peace. I knew Oliver was OK.. not alive.. but OK.

Man, what power that is.

I got to the car & asked my friend to drive a few miles south into another section of the national park..He was very dubious. I got out & called at a bridge(over the river where I was just hiking further up stream).. got back into car & asked him to turn into another area & in a few minutes O was circling the car.

Does prayer work? Does linking with the divine work?

Home now.. (to cold house w/o working furnace, no sewer & half power in house out) but very happy. Oliver is limping strongly. Was hungry & thirsty

I know a lot of people say that shouldn't let him run like that.. he will stay safe. They also tell me I should not do excessive hiking, road biking for 75 mile or cross country ski for 15 miles.. I " might get hurt" and my feeling are that I would MUCH rather die doing an activity I love EARLY than have a major illness to wither away.

FRiends.. I cannot tell you how much I felt the power of prayer & peace.. Thank you. I had only Dutchess & Amy's phone number in my cell phone. didn't want to bother D on her b'day so did call Amy. thanks for relaying the message. I knew my Christian animal lovers would pray for my strength & O's journey. Oliver is very bonded to me & I knew that only death or severe injury would keep him from connecting w/me & vice versa.

I have one other piece of good ... NO GREAT news. My niece, FReeper Tweety in Ohio is married to a wonderful Jewish man. Tomorrow he will become a Christian & will be baptized.

Lots of PTL today. who needs plumbing, heat & power?

love dolly

[luvie]

Praise the Lord...for the return of Oliver and for this new Christian! I know you were just worried sick. I'm glad he was okay! (((hug)))

[snugs]

Thank God Dolly that Oliver is safe hope his limp improves overnight.

Also hope you are no worse for wear from being out in the snow and cold for 6 hours.

[snugs]

Great news about Tweety's husband God Bless them both

[The Mayor]

Great News Dolly! What an incredible ordeal..

November 27, 2005

Amazing Grace

Read:
Ephesians 2:1-10

Where sin abounded, grace abounded much more. —Romans 5:20

Bible In One Year: 2 Corinthians 4-6

In the 1700s, John Newton went to sea with his father on a merchant ship. Soon after his father retired, Newton was pressed into service on a warship. Facing intolerable conditions, he deserted and later requested a transfer to a slave ship that was soon to set sail for Africa.

Newton hardened himself to the trafficking of human beings, and eventually he became captain of his own slave ship. On May 10, 1748, however, his life was changed forever. His ship encountered a terrifying, violent storm. Just as it seemed that the vessel would sink, Newton cried aloud, "Lord, have mercy upon us!"

That night in his cabin, he began to reflect upon God's mercy. Through faith in Christ's sacrifice for him, John Newton experienced God's amazing grace in a personal way. In time, he left the slave trade and entered Christian ministry. Although he became a preacher of the gospel, he is most remembered for his much-loved hymn "Amazing Grace." It's an amazing testimony of his own experience.

God's Spirit convicts us of sin and gives us the power to forsake it. When we receive Christ as our Savior, He does for us what we are powerless to do in our own strength. That's amazing grace. —Dennis Fisher

Amazing grace—how sweet the sound—
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind but now I see. —Newton

God claims by grace those who have no claim to grace.

FOR FURTHER STUDY
Accepted By God

[apackof2]

Well I am outta the loop!

I didn't know "Oliver" was lost but I am glad he is found and what's with no "working furnace, no sewer & half power in house out" and why didn't your "friend" help you look?

[LadyX]

Ah, yes, Rus - Amazing Grace!!

Dolly, your ordeal with Oliver is a lovely illustration of God's beneficence!
You obviously reached that state where all your efforts had not been productive, and you utterly 'rested' in Him, willing to let go of *you* having to 'do it all' - and **yielding** to HIS will for the situation, even if it were the loss of your beloved pet.

Such momemnts of realization of His moving when we step aside and truly trust Him show how God can operate when we are in sync with Him, rather than self.

The more we operate with confidence in that, the more we learn of what is *essential* in this life..:))
God led Oliver to find you the first time - and Oliver will never be truly lost again...

[Gucho]

Oliver has been found and he seems none the worse for wear


Bump - Good news :)

[lonestar]

I sent word to Oliver that if he even had thoughts about coming to the Bridge as a result of being a runaway, he was going to be emptying the kitty litter boxes for a very long time!

That got his attention!

Glad to be of service.

Weinie

[STARWISE]

Praises that Oliver is home safe where he belongs ... I know the warmth of finding him makes the other discomfort so bearable. Thank God for answered prayers. Enjoy your cuddling today ;).

[Kitty Mittens]

Dolly, what Wonderful News! I'm Thanking our Lord for Oliver being Allright, and for the Work He is Doing in the Lives of Tweety's Husband, and Wheelbarrow! Praise You, our King, for Your Hand of Mercies and Blessing!