Our daughter’s dog, Piper, is amazing. Not only did she survive a rough start (she was a rescue), but she loves her new owner with gusto!

I asked Carly how she did it. How did she rehabilitate a fearful dog? Carly said that she was so enamored with having her own dog that she just stared into her eyes for hours when they first met. Also, since she worked from home during the pandemic, they spent all their time together.

On the other hand, I was so nervous of little dog teeth biting my ankles that I purchased “gators” and put them on my legs whenever she came over.

Well, it also worked. I was not nervous walking around in my own home. Piper eventually lost the desire to attack my ankles and would sniff in curiosity at the gators! Eventually, her desire for “treats” was greater than her need to establish a territory.

This passage reminds us that turning to our own devices or being complacent (not trying to move past old hurts), will eventually lead to destructive habits. #fearful

Choosing to fear (have reverence) for God’s word, however, makes us dwell secure. We can be at ease, free of the dread that comes from disaster.

We watched “Society of the Snow” last night, based on the 2023 book (also notably retold in the 1974 book “Alive). These survivors had tremendous hope as they called out to God. Some of this was established during their early years of training in their faith heritage. But most of it was in the support they provided each other with their courage and self-sacrifice. The crux of this hope was revealed in a note written by their rugby mate saying, “greater love has no man than to lay down his life for a friend.”

Turning toward wisdom, we can be at ease, (rehabilitated so to speak). It may take time spent in God’s word and with wise teaching/counsel. Most of all, it is established through relationships that reflect God’s heart of wisdom.- Teresa #love❤️

Proverbs 1:29-33English Standard Version*

²⁹ Because they hated knowledge
and did not choose the fear of the Lord,
³⁰ would have none of my counsel
and despised all my reproof,
³¹ therefore they shall eat the fruit of their way,
and have their fill of their own devices.
³² For the simple are killed by their turning away,
and the complacency of fools destroys them;
³³ but whoever listens to me will dwell secure
and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.”

*OnryearBibleonline http://oneyearbibleonline.com/daily-oyb/?version=47&startmmdd=0101