Guide Dog Tales Vol. 10

GUIDE DOG TALES VOL. 10

By Carolyn Dale Newell

 

Have you attended a dog birthday party? It was a first for all of us, but this celebration was the best event I have ever hosted. Iva is not your ordinary dog. She is a guide dog loved by all.

The attendees included my pastor, mother-in-law, and loved ones from church. Since Timmy works with LED lights, he made Iva a birthday hat that lights up, plus she had her own Tierra, too. The funny thing was the way she walked around showing each person her beautiful head coverings. We had a human cake beautifully decorated for the occasion. Iva had a doggy cake made of natural healthy peanut butter and apples. Everyone enjoyed Iva opening her gifts.

It was a night of fun and fellowship, but it was also a night of faith. We recognized that two years ago, a puppy was born, and God had a purpose for this black pup. Only God knew His plans. We were completely unaware.

During Iva’s first year, I prayed for healing, as her puppy raiser began the training process. I knew God was going to bless me with better vision through cataract surgery. Despite the discouragement of many, I believed.

For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Mark 11:23 NKJV

Seeing new things thrilled me, but a problem arose. The implants are for distance vision, not close vision. Mobility was suddenly difficult, and one day, I found myself in the middle of the street unsure of my exact location. Thanking God for that frightening day seemed impossible. At the time, I could not understand why He allowed it to happen. Trying to help me find a solution, my friend, Gail, suggested a guide dog. I gave her the list of myths that I thought were true. You have to train with the dog for six months. No, just three weeks. They will take the dog any time. I don’t work outside the house. Again, no and no.

Maybe it was something Gail said, or a prompting from God, but I called the only person I knew who once had a guide dog. She encouraged me to do it, and she gave a wonderful recommendation for Guiding Eyes for the Blind. Great school!

Last week, as Gail colored my hair, we reminisced about that life-changing day. We stand amazed at God’s handiwork. It destroyed my self-confidence, and I could have locked myself safely in my house afraid to venture out, but God had a plan.

Maybe you are facing the worst day in your life today. We lack access to God’s blueprints for our lives. Designs to make our lives abundant and full.

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jer. 29:11 NKJV

God was preparing my beautiful Iva before I knew I needed her. I found I needed her more than I ever thought possible. Hang on, friend, because God is working on something for you. This is not original. It’s a Jason Crabb song, but it is fitting now. When you’re down to nothing, God is up to something. Yes, He truly is!

 

Copyright 2017 Carolyn Dale Newell.

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