Steve Alessi: Author of Alessi’s Angle, Pastor of Metro Life Church in Miami, Husband of World Renown Worship Leader Mary Alessi and Father of Four.
Before long she found herself surrounded by seven rambunctious German Shepherd puppies, and when those little mostly black puppies weren't so small anymore, they loved playing with and chasing the little white, four-legged chew toy all around the patio and into the house. Jill's only relief was jumping on the couch or into our arms. Sometimes, that little face of hers had the most puzzled look. If she could have spoken she probably would have just asked, "Why? Why have you done this to me?"
Then, we hit her with a move and she just didn't know what to do with the house filled with boxes and the garage packed with furniture. When we would let her out in the mornings you could just tell she was having a tough time with all this, as her whole doggy world had been turned upside down. At this point we thought it best to give Jill to a nice family that would be able to care for her in a better environment. Since we're moving to a new home anyway, maybe it would be best for her to also have her own new beginning in a more settled, less hectic home. The objector was my 21-year-old son Christopher. With all the transitions taking place this past year, he had moved Jill from the garage at night to sleep in his room and they now share a new bond.
That didn't, however, keep us from at least trying to give Jill a new beginning. While we were out of town for the Thanksgiving holiday, a wonderful dear family offered to "try out" Jill at their place. They already have a couple of very cute dogs and we thought this just might be the doggy heaven we were praying for, especially when we saw the pictures texted to us with Jill all dressed up in holiday garb. The only problem was, as little and cute as Jill can look, she's also a beast and can make life hell for you. Let's just say when my daughters were younger and wanted to know what the word B I _ C H meant, all I did was point to Jill and they fully understood that it’s not a nice word. So, home she came with all her cute little holiday clothes, and into the new house with us.
It didn't take long for her to settle into her old yapping, barking, whining self as she tried to make sense of the new scents, and she did it so loud and frequent that it actually made her hoarse. Now, a full week and a half into the new house, she's finally free from the hacking, and I just saw her jump up on the top of the back of the couch to her old comfortable place, stretch herself out, look at me, and with one big exhale close her eyes to take a nap. I guess she's letting me know she'll be just fine now ... thanks to the Beggin’ Strips (with real bacon) that help her cope with all the change.
As we're coming to the close of another year, let me encourage you to use this day of 12/12/12 to shift your focus towards the fun and excitement of the holidays. This is, as you know, a unique day with the calendar lining up the way it is, so take advantage of it and use it purposely. If it's been a tough year, it's time to exhale by emotionally and spiritually settling in for the fun of Hanukah, Christmas and New Years. We can always go back to the grind when January comes around.
Now for all those living in South Florida and looking for some fun ways to enjoy the holiday season, let me encourage you to come join us at Metro Life Church (www.metrolifechurch.com) and see how we're going to have A Rockin’ Christmas. It's starting tonight with a special 12/12/12 Service and then we kick off our "12 Days of Rockin Christmas" fun this Friday, Dec. 14, for Midnight Breakfast at several restaurants in Kendall, Doral and Hollywood/Pembroke Pines. We're the #FunChurch so come join us as we make Christmas Rock.
As you mentally set your sights on finishing 2012 strong with those you love, what fun things will you be doing this holiday season to make it memorable?
Awwww...LOL!
Fun things? 12 days of Rockin' Christmas claro!! Merry Christmas, Pastors Steve & Mary!
Congratulations Chris you get to keep your dog lol...
Ok, that sound you hear is my mind gears shifting into CHRISTMAS!
What's awesome is that those words: "A SHIFT" were exactly what was in my spirit this morning as God woke me up at 5am (He doesn't do that often).
There really is no time for Grinchin'... this hilarious story is a great reminder that it can all shake and rattle and roll; but through it all we can still get up in our comfortable place and CHILL... (after some yappin' of course)
This Christmas will start with 12 Days of crazy Rockin'Christmas with MLC and end with a family camping trip...
YEAH BABY !!!