Tongue Out Tuesday from Nova

Happy Tongue Out Tuesday from Nova to those who celebrate!

👅😋🐕🐶🐾😛

Meet Nova

Nova, our new puppy dog.

Meet Nova, our McNab Rat Terrier mix puppy dog 🐕. Her name, Nova, means star 🌟. She has a gorgeous tricolor (brown, black, & white) and merle (blue) coat and super cute cocked ears. Her ears are so expressive. We adopted her from the Lassen Humane Society in Susanville, California and she was being trained by Pups on Parole there. After a long car ride 🚘 all the way from California (about 10 hours there to get her and 10 hours back) to Oregon she is finally home for Christmas 🎄. 

Nova at the shelter.

Within minutes of arriving last night we found out she likes to bolt out doors and chase cars 😟. We had a harrowing night trying to find her in the dark 🌉 and cold 🌬️, but everything turned out 🙏 and our neighbor, Chuck, found her this morning on his front porch and brought her back home to us. My family is ecstatic that she is back safe and sound. Now she is content; getting lots of attention, warmed back up, and some much needed rest. Thank you to everyone that was looking for her! Y'all are all amazing! 

Nova with my daughters and on her new bed.

She also received a comfy dog bed from our other neighbor, Jessica, for Christmas. She is settling in nicely and loves her new digs. We love her 😍! She is such a sweetheart and loves giving wet kisses 👅 to show her affection 💕.

You can see her adoption photos here... https://photos.app.goo.gl/hkWHzVYZJnayhEpc7

Saturday August 17th, 2019...Morning Thoughts

My goofy fur baby Prince.

Things I’m thinking this morning in no special order....

I love going to the Farmers Markets. They are so much fun and I love seeing all the local farmers, gardeners, beekeepers, and artists there selling their wonderful plants, art, and homemade items. We have gone to the Clatskanie Farmers Market this year a lot. They have the "Power of Produce" program which provides kids 4-12 free $2 tokens for edible plants or food that has been grown. We bring our daughters, who are 11 and 8, so they can get something while they are there. The one across the river from where I live has their market on Tuesday as well and I need to remember that.

Longview Washington Squirrel Fest is today! I plan on making a point to getting over there to look at the fun vendors. Even though I love the festival, I don't really like the squirrels here...at least the ones we have at the farm. They are ground squirrels and like to dig in my gardens, under my trees, and under my home. They cause all sorts of damage and are very destructive even though they are very cute. We have an over abundance of them as well because we have a lot of old growth walnut trees on our property.

I have a ginger root that has sprouted. I need to break off that part and place it in a pot of dirt. Hopefully it thrives.

I love indoor houseplants and would love more to add to my growing collection. If anyone would like to send me cuttings I would be very appreciative. 🌱

I am glad I took the Master Gardener course a while back. That was sure a wealth of information and I learned a great deal. I am also so glad that my husband was able to take the class with me. He is always so very busy, it is hard to find time to do things together anymore.

I need to start exercising regularly. I have a hard time being motivated enough on my own to do so though. I wish I had a friend that I could start exercising with. 💪

I wonder if it will rain at all this week. The sky looks a little angry over by the bridge, but that might clear up. Hopefully it does before we go to the market.

I love my dog, Prince. He can be a big goof sometimes, but he is the best dog ever and I am glad he is ours. We rescued him from a shelter about 10 years ago. He is a great companion. He is part standard poodle/part coonhound. He has soft floppy ears and a long tail that always is wagging. My kids adore him too. He is laying right next to my chair right now all curled up in a large fuzzy ball. He flipped over this morning so I could rub his belly and when I did it was all wags. 🐾

Happy Saturday beautiful humans. I hope your day is filled with things that bring you joy & a happy heart. 🤗

MAX 2: White House Hero Blu-ray Combo Pack Giveaway & Run Game App

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment provided me with a free copy of the Blu-ray I posted about in this Blog Post. The opinions I share are my own.

MAX 2: White House Hero is out on Blu-ray from Warner Bros Home Entertainment on DVD, Blu-ray™ Combo Pack On May 23, 2017 & Digital HD

About Max 2

Man's Best Friend Is The Country's Biggest Hero
MAX 2: White House Hero

The All-New Original Movie Is Available on DVD, Blu-ray™ Combo Pack On May 23, 2017 & Digital HD Now. Duty calls again, and our hero dog Max returns to action in "Max 2: White House Hero." His new assignment brings him to Washington, D.C. to serve on the U.S. president's Secret Service detail. When a foreign leader arrives with his precocious daughter Alex (Francesca Capaldi), tensions arise between both countries. First Son TJ (Zane Austin), along with Max and Alex, uncover a dangerous plot that puts both kids and both nations in jeopardy. A highly-sensitive mission will push Max’s specialized skills, intelligence and loyalty to the test.

Visit the Max 2: White House Hero Website: http://max-themovie.com/
Follow Max on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaxMovie

My Thoughts:
This looks like a great family friendly film. I personally love dogs and have one named Prince. He is an extra special member of our very large farm family. I watched the trailer to this movie and think it to be a cute plot line. I am excited to be able to watch Max 2 with my 9 and 6 year old daughters when I get it in the mail. The game below is fun as well.

Blog App

Max 2: White House Hero RUN GAME Blog App:

• Help Max save TJ and Alex! Click anywhere on the game screen to jump over obstacles and make your best time. 
• Watch the trailer and buy Max 2: White House Hero on DVD & Blu-ray May 23. 
• Play the Max 2: White House Hero RUN GAME and share your best time on Facebook for a chance to win. 
• Tag me @finamoon on Twitter and tag me on FB for another chance to win.

WIN IT
Prize: MAX 2: White House Hero Blu-ray Combo Pack

This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only! Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

Please click on this post link if you do not see the script for Rafflecopter below. Also, if there is anything that is wrong with it let me know by emailing me: finamoon AT gmail DOT com I will try my best at fixing it. Thanks for being awesome readers!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Because I am posting about the MAX 2: White House Hero Run Game Blog App I am getting an MAX 2: White House Hero Blu-ray Combo Pack free for my readers as a giveaway and one free for myself. Thanks to PartnersHub/Tether Group and Warner Bros. for providing me this promotion information and free product. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for posting this blog app and giveaway.

Kong Wobbler Toy for Dogs Chewy.com Review

We received a large Kong Wobbler from Chewy.com free to facilitate this review.

The Kong Wobbler Toy for dogs is a great way for your furry friend to play. This treat dispenser has a small opening that when pushed, rocked, wobbled, or rolled can release a reward for your dog. The Kong Wobbler will keep your puppy dog occupied for hours. It is a wonderful toy for playtime providing both mental challenge and physical activity for your dog. Not only is it an engaging activity for your dog it is also entertaining for the whole family to watch the Wobbler in action.

Kong Wobbler Features:

• Easy to fill and clean; twist open dispenser; top unscrews from base
• Dispenses food and treats for hours of fun; prevents rapid eating
• Use as a mealtime feeder for dogs that eat too quickly and scarf food
• Entertaining wobble action
• Give IQ-building fun time to your doggy genius
• Made of FDA food-approved high strength plastic polymer
• Recommended by vets worldwide
• Dishwasher safe; top shelf
• Comes in two sizes: Small (fits ½ cup of food) and Large (fits 1 cup of food)
• Large measures 7 x 6 x 10.5-inches; suitable for dogs weighing 25-pounds or more
• Small measures 6-inches tall by 4-inches wide; suitable for dogs up to 25 pounds
• Made in the USA
  

How to Use:

1. Twist off top to open.
2. Fill Wobbler dish with dry dog food, small Kong snacks or your dogs favorite small treats making sure your dog notices you doing so. Make sure the snacks or food is small enough to fit through the opening easily.
• For treat dispensing fun, add a handful.
• For mealtime feeding, feed normal amount, up to 1 cup per filling.
3. Twist top on tightly.
4. Encourage dog to rock Wobbler to dispense reward. Let them sniff the opening. Demonstrate to them how to push it until it dispenses some treats. Make it fun and exciting for your dog. They will quickly learn to use their nose and paws to move the Wobbler around. When they get the toy to dispense treats, praise them. Repeat as many times as needed. (for better motivation use toy when dog is hungry)
5. Discourage chewing.

Chewy.com is a great place to find items for your dog or cat. They have a great selection of food and treats, bowls and feeders, health and wellness products, flea & tick products, toys, cleaning and potty training products, grooming products, leashes and collars; beds, crates and gear, litter, etc. They conveniently ship 200+ brands of pet food and other stuff direct to your doorstep, anytime of the day. They have competitive prices and offer free 1-2 day shipping on any order of $49 or more. They have 24/7 customer service, just call and ask your question(s). Chewy.com is also dedicated to supporting non-profit organizations that help animals in need.A portion of sales are donated to these great causes.

Prince playing with the Kong Wobbler.

Our Thoughts:

We received the large sized Kong Wobbler for our dog. We used this treat dispensing toy with our large dog, Prince. We followed the directions and waited when he was hungry to try the Kong Wobbler out. He was fairly interested in the whole process and what we were doing. We tried some small treats at first that we had around the house that would easily fit through the opening. The toy was simple to fill.

We then showed Prince the Wobbler in action and how it worked. He got pretty excited when it released the treats onto the floor. Then he decided it was his turn to try and nudged it with his nose. It wobbled back and forth and he jumped back in enthusiasm. It was highly enjoyable for the whole family to watch! My daughters were giggling uncontrollably at the sight.

The Kong Wobbler is a great toy for dogs! It helps your pup get both physical and mental exercise. We recommend the Kong Wobbler to anyone with dogs. Chewy.com is a great place to find the Kong Wobbler and other great items for dogs and cats!

BE SOCIAL
Website: https://www.chewy.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/chewy
Twitter: http://twitter.com/chewy @chewy
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpWl2nwLDQQI4TTa1kJgxrg
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/chewy
Instagram: http://instagram.com/chewy


BUY IT
Get the Kong Wobbler at Chewy.com. The large is $15.91 and the small is $13.49. (prices are accurate as of the date of this post)

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I received product for free to facilitate my review. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review.

Bacon: Man's Best Friend's Best Friend #woofyeah Review

Prince and Pup-Peroni's new Filet Mignon & Bacon flavored treats.

Do you love bacon? I know I do! My dog Prince loves it to...who's dog doesn't??!! Pup-peroni has our pup saying 'woof yeah' this International Bacon Day!  His tail wags nonstop when he gets a taste of his favorite treats and just watching him so happy, makes me happy too. I love sharing moments of pure happiness with my pooch. There is no better feeling!

When I heard that International Bacon Day was in September I couldn't help myself. I had to celebrate this special day all month with my four-legged friend. Pup-Peroni's new treats are Filet Mignon & Bacon flavored and made of real Angus steak with a bold bacon-y flavor!! My pooch loves eating them as much as I love giving them to him. Prince enjoys Filet Mignon & Bacon flavor so much. These meat sticks have a soft-chewy texture that makes that tail wag so fast.

Prince loves Pup-Peroni's new Filet Mignon & Bacon flavor! Woof Yeah!

No matter how you celebrated 'International Bacon Day', your pooch will be saying "woof yeah" to the tasty flavor of Pup-Peroni Filet Mignon & Bacon treats!

You can learn more about Pup-Peroni Filet Mignon & Bacon flavored dog snacks through the link below:

>> http://bit.ly/Pup-PeroniBacon-EccentricEclecticWoman

Please feel free to share your personal 'woof yeah' moment with your dog in the comments below...

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I received these products for free to facilitate this post. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review. Affiliate links may be in this posting. Thanks for supporting my blog.

Dyson V6 Animal Cordless Stick Vacuum Review #CleanEverywhere

We received the Dyson V6 Animal Cordless Stick Vacuum free to facilitate this review.

The Dyson V6 Animal is a lightweight cordless vacuum that is easy to assemble and use. It is balanced with the center of gravity towards the grip for floor to ceiling cleaning. This particular Dyson vacuum is perfect for sucking up pet fur, hair, ground-in dirt, and fine dust. The wand quickly detaches and tools can be directly attached to the cyclone pack for a handheld vacuum conversion that cleans corners, crevices, edges, upholstery, stairs, car interiors, etc. easily and reliably. It comes with a 2 year limited warranty, operations manual, 5 attachments, and a docking station. This particular limited edition model comes in a slate-gray color that is only available to purchase from Target.

Specifications and Features:

• Lightweight: only 5 pounds
• Dimensions: 9.8 x 47.5 x 8.2 inches
• Digital Motor V6: digitally controlled, the motor spins at up to 110,000 rpm
• Max Power Mode: 2 speeds, push MAX button to select this mode which provides 6 minutes of 100AW (Airwatts) higher suction power for more difficult tasks
• Cleaning Path Width: 9.8"
• Canister Volume: holds .11 Gallon with one handed quick release button for easy, hygienic dirt removal
• Run Time: 6-20 minutes, trigger releases instantly to not use up battery power when not cleaning
• Charge Time: 3.5 hours with convenient docking station to hold vacuum and additional attachments while recharging (rechargeable battery and charger included)
• Washable Lifetime Filter
• 2 Tier Radial Cyclones: 15 cyclones, arranged across two tiers, work in parallel to increase airflow and capture more fine dust
• 5 On-Board Attachments Included:
• Direct Drive Cleaner Head: 75% more brush bar power than the Dyson V6 vacuum and drives stiff nylon bristles deeper into the carpet to remove stubborn ground-in dirt and carbon fiber filaments remove fine dust from hard floors for more efficient cleaning
• Mini Motorized Tool: perfect for upholstery, furniture, car seats, and tight spaces
• Soft Dusting Brush: great for gently dusting flat surfaces and furniture with its soft bristles
• Combination Tool: two tools in one, with the push of a button you can slide the brush back to use the crevice function and forward to use the brush function
• Crevice tool: gets into edges, cracks, crevices, and corners well
• 2 Year Limited Warranty: covers parts and labor

I was very excited to try the Dyson V6 Animal out because the only vacuum I had previously was a large, heavy upright Kirby. I have had my eye on a Dyson Animal Upright Vacuum (most recently the Dyson Cinetic Big Ball Animal Plus Allergy) because of the people with asthma in our home and so that I may replace my ancient Kirby vacuum, but since most come with a hefty price tag I just placed it on my wishlist and never purchased one myself. My bulky Kirby is hard to get up and down the stairs in our house and misses dirt in hard to get places. I found the Dyson V6 Animal Cordless Stick Vacuum was perfect to have in addition to my upright. I have listed the reasons below...

Look how well the Dyson V6 Animal picked up Prince's dog fur and dirt!

  
Pros:
The Dyson V6 Animal Cordless Stick Vacuum is incredibly versatile, lightweight, convenient, and powerful. It goes up and down stairs like a breeze, unlike my clunky Kirby. It also cleans all the areas that my Kirby missed. It gets into the tight spots better and with the long wand cleans spiderwebs and dusts areas that are hard to reach. I love how simply it converts from a stick vacuum to a handheld and how the attachments effortlessly clip to the wand or vacuum for moving from one task to another quickly. I love to also use this for vacuuming the vehicle and under furniture that my Kirby cannot get to. My large dog, Prince, does shed quite a bit and this vacuum is perfect for sucking up his fur from off of surfaces and the carpet. My kids can use this vacuum with ease as well. I love how handy and multipurpose it is! Also, since this vacuum is cord free I am not tethered to a spot in my home to clean and do not have a trip hazard in the middle of my floor. It is so portable without the hassle of a cord. There is a blue light indicating that it is charged and when it is close to losing power the light blinks. I also love how this vacuum is bagless and the dirt cup is easy to dump out and clean. It also gets put away easily with the wall mounted docking station helping the vacuum stay off the floor and out of the way.

Dyson V6 Animal Canister Overfilled...oops.

Cons:
Even though I love the Dyson V6 Animal Cordless Stick Vacuum for: my stairs, dusting, getting rid of cobwebs, pet hair, spot cleaning, and getting into tight spots, this vacuum really is not that well suited for cleaning large homes with lots of floor area because of the short run time on the battery. Dyson was trying to spare this by making you have to hold down the trigger to keep it on, but some think this is a nuisance. Like most that have this vacuum, I wish the charge just lasted longer. This will not replace your upright. This stick vacuum does not stand on its own. It is noisy, but relatively quiet next to my Kirby. It does have a distinctively drill-like sound when turned on. You also have to empty out the canister frequently and because the door flap drops down quickly to release the dirt you might get a dust cloud, so be sure you contain it within the trash bag while emptying. I learned the hard way that if you fill the canister/dust cup above the max line the dirt won't come out as readily, especially if there is a lot of hair and fur in with the dirt (see above picture). The docking station also doesn't hold all the attachments that go with the vacuum, just some. This vacuum has a hefty price tag of $499.99, but there really isn't anything comparable for less.

Dyson V6 Animal all parts out of the box.

The Dyson V6 Animal vacuum is so practical to have in addition to any upright. It is perfect for anyone with a smaller home, someone who needs a vacuum that is lightweight and versatile, or someone needing a vacuum that gets the dirt, dust, hair, and fur that their other vacuum missed.

BUY IT
You can purchase the limited edition Dyson V6 Animal Cordless Stick Vacuum in Slate Gray Color exclusively at Target for $499.99.

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I received this product for free to facilitate this review. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review.

Bil-Jac Dessert Jacs Caramel Apple Pie Flavored Dog Treats Review

My dog, Prince, posing with the Bil-Jac Dessert Jacs Caramel Apple Pie Dog Treats.

I received 2 pouches of treats free to facilitate this review.

Treat your dog to something super special this holiday season. Bil-Jac Dessert Jacs Dog Treats have now arrived for a limited time in Caramel Apple Pie flavor! Your dog will crave these nutritious treats because they will love the taste. The best part about these treats is that they are healthy and nutritious. The #1 ingredient is Real Chicken and they contain no gluten meals, soy, or added rendered fat. These treats are small bite-size triangular pie shapes that are soft, moist, and easy to chew. They are also great for dogs of all sizes and all life stages. They come in a 10 oz resealable double zipper pouch that will keep them fresh.

My dog, Prince, loves these so very much! When I get them out he wags his tale ferociously in happiness and noses the package trying to get them out himself. I love to reward him when he is a good dog. He can't resist the flavor and these treats actually smell pretty good too.

These are wonderful treats to reward your best furry dog friend with love and affection for their good behavior. Get the Special Edition Bil-Jac Dessert Jacs Caramel Apple Pie Flavored Dog Treats for your dog or your granddog for a festive Holiday, Thanksgiving, and/or Christmas treat. Your dog will thank you!

BUY IT
You can find Bil-Jac Dessert Jacs Dog Treats in both Caramel Apple Pie Flavor and Pumpkin Pie Flavor for a limited time at PetSmart locations! Use the store locator at www.bil-jac.com to find the PetSmart nearest you! You can also find them online too. Purchase other Bil-Jac products as well.

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I received product for free to facilitate this review. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review.

Chewy.com True Chews Premium Jerky Cuts Chicken Tenders Dog Treats and Beef Bully Stick Dog Chew Review

We received a 4-oz bag of the True Chews Premium Jerky Cuts Chicken Dog Treats and a 6 in. True Chews Beef Bully Stick Dog Chew from Chewy.com free to facilitate this review.

Chewy.com is a great place to find items for your dog or cat. They have a great selection of food and treats, bowls and feeders, health and wellness products, flea & tick products, toys, cleaning and potty training products, grooming products, leashes and collars; beds, crates and gear, litter, etc. They conveniently ship 200+ brands of pet food and other stuff direct to your doorstep, anytime of the day. They have competitive prices and offer free shipping on any order of $49 or more. They have 24/7 customer service, just call and ask your question(s). Through their referral program, customers receive a discount on their next order and Chewy.com donates $10 to Best Friends Animal Society.

True Chews are 100% natural dog chews and treats. They contain no fillers and are rawhide-free. All are made in the USA in Independence, Iowa.

The True Chews Premium Jerky Cuts Dog Treats are made with real chicken and contain no artificial flavors in addition to the above items. These are a great source of protein. Prince really loved the tender, chewy smoked jerky flavor. They have a yummy aroma that dogs love. They are a good size jerky treat and the bag has recommended daily treat chart for different sized dogs. They are easy to tear for treating convenience and come in a convenient re-sealable bag for locking freshness in. For Prince, since he is a large dog and is over 50 lbs, they recommended 4 treats daily. I only gave him 1 per day when he was behaving because I wanted them to last longer and he really loved them.

The True Chews Beef Bully Stick Dog Chews are slow-roasted to lock in natural smoke flavor and chewiness. If your pooch has problems with rawhide these are great alternative chews for your dog. These are also great for dental care because chewing will help scrape the tarter and plaque off the teeth and helps toughen gums so your dog will have a prettier, whiter smile too. Prince loved this chew stick and it kept him occupied and happy for hours.

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I received product for free to facilitate my review. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review.

Chewy.com Orijen Regional Red Freeze-Dried Dog Treats Review

We received a 2-oz bag (60 treats) of the Orijen Regional Red Freeze-Dried Dog Treats from Chewy.com free to facilitate this review.

Chewy.com is a great place to find items for your dog or cat. They have a great selection of food and treats, bowls and feeders, health and wellness products, flea & tick products, toys, cleaning and potty training products, grooming products, leashes and collars; beds, crates and gear, litter, etc. They conveniently ship 200+ brands of pet food and other stuff direct to your doorstep, anytime of the day. They have competitive prices and offer free shipping on any order of $49 or more. They have 24/7 customer service, just call and ask your question(s). Through their referral program, customers receive a discount on their next order and Chewy.com donates $10 to Best Friends Animal Society.

Orijen dog treats are less than 6 calories per treat and are loaded with muscle-building protein. These are made with 100% natural meats, and nothing else. No preservatives, no additives, and no artificial flavors or colors. These are also grain free and are perfect for dogs that have allergies. The special flash-freezing techniques are used to fully retain and preserve the nutrients, flavors and fresh ingredients you would loose if it was cooked. These treats take advantage of your dogs carnivorous needs. These are whole prey treats made from 100% meat, poultry or fish and delivered fresh or RAW as nature intended to nourish your dog.

We received a 2-oz bag (60 treats) of the Orijen Regional Red Freeze-Dried Dog Treats. These are made with ranch-raised wild boar, Black Angus Beef and free range lamb. These red meats are raised on ranches in Alberta, Canada. I gave this special treat to my dog for reinforcement of good behavior and he absolutely loves them. They are soft round treats that he can chew easily. He loves the flavor and when I get the bag down from our snack cabinet he wags his tail happily and comes up to the bag sniffing it begging for more. We highly recommend these treats and are hoping to try some more of the Orijen line of products.

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I received product for free to facilitate my review. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review.

Nordic Naturals What's Essential Rescue Pet Photo Contest

Tatiana playing ball with Prince.

This is a sponsored post and I will be getting free product for posting. This post is in partnership with Nordic Naturals. All information about the contest was provided by Nordic Naturals. All other thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this post.

I believe pets are important part of human happiness. Their integrated existence with us on this planet has its major benefits. Pets have helped mankind for centuries. There is documentation where having a pet around people, especially the: elderly, special needs, disabled or handicapped has lowered stress and increased happiness.

Before she passed away, we were planning on getting a mini pony or hypoallergenic breed of dog for my daughter, Tatiana, who was blind and had cerebral palsy to aid her in her various needs. We did get Prince, a rescued shelter dog, slightly before she passed away and they absolutely adored each other. Prince would be so excited when Tati would come home from school on the bus. He would wait by the door when it was time and when I wheeled her into the house in her wheelchair he would come up to her and put his head in her lap and lick her hand with his doggie kisses. Prince wasn't really trained as a service dog, but he was still very affectionate and loving with her.

Nordic Naturals is putting together a great Photo Contest that supports and gives back to Paws for Veterans and Animal Shelter Dogs. This is a great cause! This helps dogs receive good loving homes and injured military veterans get the care they need.

About Paws for Veterans
Paws for Veterans, Inc. is a community-based organization that provides service dogs, training, supplies, and therapeutic group sessions to Veteran and Active Duty men and women struggling with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Physical Disabilities. As a 501 C 3 non profit, this organization rescues, rehabilitates, trains, and re-homes dogs as service dogs for injured Veterans.

About Nordic Naturals
Based in Watsonville, CA, Nordic Naturals is committed to delivering the world’s safest, most effective omega oils to help provide the essentials of an extraordinary life. Distributing to more than 35 countries, Nordic Naturals offers more than 150 products in a variety of flavors and formulations, all in line with leading standards for safety, efficacy and sustainability. By providing omega oil supplements for adults, kids, athletes and pets, Nordic Naturals helps everyone do more of what they love. Further information is available at www.nordicnaturals.com. Nordic Naturals is on Facebook at www.facebook.com/nordicnaturals and people can follow the company on Twitter at @NordicNaturals.

The Contest
Nordic Naturals® wants to see adorable photos of rescued shelter pets on their Facebook page and support a good cause in the process! Pet owners can enter Nordic Naturals What’s Essential Rescue Pet Photo Contest by uploading their special photo on the company’s Facebook page between June 28 and July 18. www.facebook.com/nordicnaturals Two grand prize winners will be chosen on August 1st and will receive a prize pack that includes:

• A 3-month supply of Nordic Naturals Omega-3 pet products and human products – you choose from a list of qualifying Nordic Naturals’ products
• Dog and cat goodies including collapsible water bowl, chew toy, doggie bags and a plush fish toy
• The Dog Bible: Everything Your Dog Wants You to Know and The Cat Bible: Everything Your Cat Expects You to Know books by Tracie Hotchner
• A custom canvas painting of your pet by beccavision.com
• Mr. or Ms. Omega-3 Pet Award Certificate
• Profile featured on the Facebook app 

BUT, that’s not all!! The contest supports the non profit Paws for Veterans, Inc. and voting for your favorite pet photo on Facebook earns dollars for this important organization. This is a win-win for everybody -- rescue dogs are given a purpose in a loving, forever home, service members experience the healing power of their new canine partners, and Facebook Fans enjoy the satisfaction of knowing their vote in the contest sends $1 to Paws for Veterans (up to $5000).

To enter on Facebook:

• Go to the Nordic Naturals Facebook fan page between 6/28 and 7/18
• Upload your pet’s photo
• Vote for one of the finalists from 7/19 to 7/31 then see the winners on 8/1

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: This is a sponsored post. This post is in partnership with Nordic Naturals. I will be receiving products for free for posting this post. All information about the contest was provided by Nordic Naturals. All other thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this post.

Frugal Dog/Pet Tips (Sponsored Post)

Our dog, Prince, with his rubber chicken.

This is a sponsored post and I will be getting product for posting. This post is in partnership with the dog bark collar store.

Owning a pet is a lot like having a child. It isn't cheap. People sometimes splurge on their pets out of love on luxuries that they really can't afford. After all, your pet is just as much part of the family as your kids or spouse. There is nothing wrong with spoiling your pooch or pet with frivolous things if you have the money. When it comes down to it though, all your pet really needs is regular interaction with you, exercise, a nutritious diet, and preventive care. Here are some frugal dog/pet tips to save some cash and still keep your pet healthy and happy.

• Rescue a pet. Finding the perfect pet is a daunting task sometimes. Ask a lot of questions and do your research. Look to rescuing a pet from a shelter or pound instead of buying a pet from a breeder. Usually doing so will save you money and give a pet in need a good home. Other places you could look are Craigslist and Freecycle. We found our dog using Petfinder and got our dog, Prince, at a shelter. We were looking for a dog that was great with kids and was part poodle because they are usually hypoallergenic. Prince is a large standard poodle/coon hound mix. We had a long drive to get him because the shelter that had him wasn't as local, but he was worth it.
• Spend time with your pet. Give your pet the much needed attention it deserves. Scratch it behind the ears or stroke its fur. Take your dog to the park, dog park, on a walk around the block, or play fetch. Interaction and exercise is a wonderful part of the equation to keeping your pet healthy and happy. This is cheaper than buying your pet lots of toys or taking it to the pet spa.
• Use alternatives to expensive treats. If you use praise or positive reinforcement verbally or with positive contact (or both) you might be able to cut down on the number of treats you give your pet. Alternatively there are fruits and veggies you can safely feed your pet for treats. You can also make your own pet treats as there are a number of recipes online using ingredients that you probably already have around the house.
• Give your pet a nutritious diet. Pick a pet food that your pet likes. If your pet doesn't like it, they won't eat it. Don't skimp on quality and get one without the fillers and extra ingredients you can't pronounce. Fillers usually cause gastric and bowel problems. Buy in bulk, it is usually cheaper in the long run. Use coupons or gift cards! Don't overfeed your pet. Overfeeding can lead to obesity and other health problems for your pet. There are also people foods that should be avoided for pets at all costs.
• Use preventative care. Know how to care for your pet and give your pet what they really need. Keep your pet's vaccines, medication, and veterinary checkups current and up to date. Keep their heartworm, flea and tick medication up to date. Practice good hygiene and exercise with your pet. You can bathe, brush teeth, groom and clip your pet's nails, etc. all yourself at home instead of taking them to an pricey groomer, spa, salon or boutique. With a pet clipper and practice you will become a pro. Also, spay or neuter your pet, as this also reduces potential medical expenses.
• Keep a pet savings account or buy insurance. It is cheaper than pet insurance. However; if you can afford insurance it would be wise to keep it for your pet just in case an emergency arises. Then you won't have to pay all that money for vet bills out of pocket all of a sudden. If you do get insurance know what you are paying for, read the fine print before signing up and shop around to find the best deal for the most benefits. Also make sure your current vet accepts the insurance you pick. Pet insurance is sometimes the more economical way to go.
• Reduce, reuse, recycle, repurpose. The best pet product doesn't have to be the most expensive one. Old holey socks tied in a knot or a good stick are great tug of war/fetch implements. Other things can be used or reused for a pet purpose instead of what they are currently being used or not being used for. Look around and think outside the box. Thrift store finds are great!
• Find a pet sitter. When you have to leave your pet at home for an extended amount of time finding a reliable, caring and affordable pet sitter close to you is key. Doggie Daycare might not be as cost-effective. If you have a friend or relative that can watch you pet for little to nothing and does a good job that is the best situation. If you don't have those options you can try DogVacay or a similar service. Also you could try finding one through the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters or Pet Sitters International. They might have affordable pet sitters that you can try in your area.
• Go on a pet included vacation. If your having trouble finding a good pet sitter maybe you could take your pet with you. Just make sure the places you book are pet friendly. There are a lot of pet friendly hotels: motels, rentals, attractions, restaurants, etc. out there that offer options. If you don't know, ask ahead! We went on a long road trip across the USA with our dog, Prince. It was a lot of fun and he enjoyed all the time he spent with us along the way. You can also purchase a Traveling with Your Pet guide by AAA to help you on your travels.

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: This is a sponsored post. This post is in partnership with the dog bark collar store. I will be receiving a special engraved dog bowl that teaches my dog to eat slow and a $25 gift card to a store of my choice for free for posting these tips. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this post.

Dog and Little Table Wins, Oven 0!

I have blogged about my very large dog that has neurotic behavior before. He loves to chase lights and shadows and it drives me and himself completely bonkers. He barks, whines and tries to scratch the floor or nip at the light. I have tried to stop him from doing this, but my husband and kids think it is funny and try to get him to engage in the behavior. He also does this with camera flashes, camera lights, flashlights, rainbow/sun catchers, sunbeams, laser pens, mirror balls, etc. I have yet to figure out a way to rid him of this habit.

Anyway, Sunday he was being his usual neurotic self and was scooting around a little table back and forth that we have set up in the kitchen for the girls to eat at. He was doing so to chase a light beam coming from my skylight in my kitchen. He can do this for hours on end and yes it does get annoying!

I didn't think anything of it because he's done this before and I was just trying to ignore him...wishing someone, ANYONE, would stop him. However; my kids were outside playing, the youngest napping and my husband at work. Where was I? I was sick from an awful head cold and lying down in my bedroom with a bunch of blankets over top of me in the dark trying to get some shut-eye. Even though I had taken pain medication and a whole slew of other things my sinuses still hurt, my body was still aching and I really didn't feel like moving. In the end I had to anyway.

All of a sudden I heard a crash. It sounded like an entire bag of rice was just emptied onto my kitchen linoleum floor. I flung off the covers to go see what had happened and to my astonishment the whole glass front of my oven door was in little pieces all over the floor. I saw the corner of little table close by and my dog, Prince, cowering on the opposite side. I blinked and put two and two together. My dog with the help of the little table he was scooting across the floor had broken my oven!!

I was shocked and even though I felt like I was on my death bed I immediately got to work. My poor dog...It probably scared the life out of him and then I scolded him and sent him outside. I did have to clean up all the mess though without him getting in the kitchen. 5-6 dust pans full later the mess was cleared. Glass was all over...you really don't see half of it from the angles I took in the pictures. The oven was toast.

On the bright side my good friends did remind me that grilling/barbequing season is right around the corner and I still have the use of my cook top on the stove and slow cooker/crock pot. My mom is also going to bring me a roaster to use in the meantime that apparently is large enough to hold a chicken too. So, we'll see how my cooking and baking gets interesting as I get accustomed to cooking and baking without an oven since we definitely can't afford a replacement right now.

So, what do I ask of my readers? I need recipes that do not take the oven. Yes I have a crock pot, but I need more recipes to use with it, so, give me ideas! Links or pins to recipes would be great! I am thinking that baking is going to become tricky. If y'all have any baking recipes that don't call for an oven I would be very appreciative! I will have to become super creative with that. Also, if any of you know of giveaways happening now for new ovens I would love to know about them! Thanks!

Bailey Christmas Hero DVD Review and Giveaway

In Adventures of Bailey Christmas Hero the beloved Bailey is up to his antics and mischief once again as the Baker Household gets ready for Christmas. Bailey, the cute pooch, is worried that he won't get any presents from Santa because he has been a bad dog. He is told of a mysterious Indian chief that will answer his questions and make his wishes come true. With visions of tennis balls, dog bones and squeaky toys dancing in his head, he sets off with his brother Duke on an adventure to find this Indian chief. However, his pursuits get in the way of the Baker Family plans. Will this doggy ever learn the true meaning of Christmas?

This family friendly live action film is sure to help you get into the spirit of Christmas. We loved the cute "tail" and the message that it had. I am glad to be able to add it to my collection of Christmas movies. I have to admit I am a sucker for cute animal movies. I am also very fond of dogs myself and my kids enjoyed the movie very much. If you love dogs and would love to get into the true spirit of Christmas with your family, this movie might be right up your alley.

Watch the trailer:

"Adventures of Bailey - Christmas Hero" trailer from Liz Franke on Vimeo.

BUY IT
You can purchase Adventures of Bailey Christmas Hero on Amazon for $12.99.

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Prize: Win a copy of Adventures of Bailey Christmas Hero DVD. (3 Winners!)

I am trying out Rafflecopter on my blog. Please click on this post link if you do not see the script for it below. Also, if there is anything that is wrong with it let me know by emailing me: finamoon AT gmail DOT com I will try my best at fixing it. Thanks for being awesome readers!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Thanks to Entertainment One for sending me product for free to review and letting me giveaway one for free also. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review.

Beautiful Beasties - Pet Photography Book Review and Giveaway

Beautiful Beasties by Jamie Pflughoeft of Cowbelly pet photography is a fantastic book all about pet photography. It is a how to guide that goes over everything from equipment to use, photography basics, lighting, exposure, composition, challenges, developing, processing, editing, marketing and building a business, etc. This book mostly touches on photographing cats and dogs with a small blip about other pets.

My dog, Prince, is hard to capture on film or digital. I have found his neurotic behavior troublesome. Every time I get out my camera he knows that the red light or flash will illuminate stuff and create shadows. He loves to chase the light and shadows and it drives me and himself completely bonkers. He barks, whines and tries to scratch the floor or nip at the light. I have tried to stop him from doing this, but my husband and kids think it is funny and try to get him to engage in the behavior. My camera isn't the only thing he gets this way with. He also does this with flashlights, rainbow/sun catchers, sunbeams, laser pens, mirror balls, etc. I have yet to figure out a way to rid him of this habit.

I was excited to get this book to see if it had any specific tips for me and photographing him. In the chapter on behavior challenges it goes into neurotic behaviors very briefly. I was hoping for more in depth, but what this book did tell me was still helpful in my situation. It told me to get his energy out before the photo shoot so that maybe he would be more calm and relaxed. It also said to try to let the pet be themselves how ever silly, energetic, or neurotic they may be. If I let him be himself I could capture more of his personality.

I also re-learned a whole lot about photography that I had forgotten from my photography class I took in college and some stuff I hadn't learned about digital cameras and more on editing in Photoshop. I edit my photos in either Gimp or Picasa so I am not as familiar in Photoshop as I'd like to be, but everything seemed very straight forward.

So, here are some of my results...

This picture was washed out because of the lighting and time of day that I was shooting. In Picasa I hit the "I'm Feeling Lucky" button, then brought up the highlights a little and brought the color temperature all the way up.

This photo was Prince at play and one of my favorites I shot. He just pounced toward his rubber chicken toy and I caught him in the action just as he had landed and cocked his head toward the camera. If you look you can see his long floppy ears are still up a little as the wind caught them and as he tossed his head about :)

Here is my mini pony Gizmo. This book also has a short entry about photographing and working with other animals like: horses, small furry rodents, birds, and reptiles/amphibians.

This book taught me a lot and proved to be a very useful guide to photographing animals in a creative way. I am glad I got this book for free to review. It was fun to photograph and experiment with different settings and things. I still have a lot to learn, but this book was definitely a great starting point for beginning pet and animal photography.

BUY IT
You can purchase this book from different retail places for around $17. If you are going to try to photograph your pooch, feline, or other pet friend this holiday season consider this book.

WIN IT
Prize: Win a copy of Beautiful Beasties by Jamie Pflughoeft.

I am trying out Rafflecopter on my blog. Please click on this post link if you do not see the script for it below. Also, if there is anything that is wrong with it let me know by emailing me: finamoon AT gmail DOT com I will try my best at fixing it. Thanks for being awesome readers!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Thanks to Global Influence for sending me product for free to review and letting me giveaway one. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review.

Vampire Dog DVD Review

Vampire Dog is a family friendly film about a twelve year old boy and his new dog named Fang that he has been bequeathed to care for. As you can probably guess from the title the dog turns out to be no ordinary dog and has some very peculiar powers, habits and phobias because of the oddities of being a 600-year-old canine from Transylvania.

I don't want to ruin the whole story for you so I am going to be a bit vague at the plot. I did notice some inconsistencies in the script and film, but still I thought that the movie was cute and great for younger kids especially. My kids seemed to enjoy how the story unfolded and turned out. This is live action with CG animation. This wholesome "tail" about friendship, teamwork and courage is just in time for Halloween.

BUY IT
Vampire Dog DVD SRP $14.99.
Purchase Vampire Dog on Amazon.com for $12.99.
Print a coupon & Get $2.00 off Vampire Dog DVD

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Thanks to Entertainment One for sending me product for free to review. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review.

DogVacay - Pick the Perfect Petsitter for your Pooch

August 26th is National Dog Day http://www.nationaldogday.com/ and to celebrate the occasion I wanted to let you, my readers know of an awesome online community of dog lovers called DogVacay where you can really Pick the Perfect Petsitter for your Pooch (try saying that 3 times fast). It was founded by a husband and wife team and their two puppies who wanted to create a safe happy place for your dog to stay while you're away.

Becoming a member is free and right now if you join you could possibly win a week of free dog boarding and a $250 Petco gift card!

DogVacay is a convenient, affordable, safe way to choose a quality trustworthy home away from home for your dog while you are away. DogVacay hand approves all pet-sitters, provides comprehensive protection, veterinary support, and a 100% guarantee. Choose from thousands of experienced and qualified hosts like: professional pet-sitters, retired veterinarians and experienced dog lovers.

Small downside: If you live in a small city like I do there might not be any community members in DogVacay close by you. I looked for dog-sitters close to Rainier, Oregon...where I live and the closest is about an hours drive from me to have anyone watch my dog, longer if I wanted someone in Portland. That is a lot of gas money for me and my van unless I am already there for an event. However; my readers in Portland, Oregon and many other larger cities have a nice selection of choices to pick from. It is worth the look to see if there are any sitters near you and if you are the only one...well you would probably be making a good amount of money on the dog-sitting side of things being a host for other families.

Dog Vacay even has a concierge to help you find the perfect host for your dog. Some hosts offer more than just dog boarding: dog sitting, daycare, dog walking, training, grooming, etc.

You can also sign up to be a host and make money hanging out with man's best friend. Create a free profile, set your own rates, and accept reservations today. You can also get reviews, add credentials, and add pictures as your business grows.

BUY IT
Prices start at $15 per night. Get $10 off now with code: SUMMERVACAY (Expires Sept. 5th). Also like them on Facebook because every now and then they have offers to save on there as well.

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Because I am posting about DogVacay I am getting a discount for my first boarding. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for posting this information.

Great Dog Stories: Inspiration and Humor from Our Canine Companions FWCT Book Review

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!

Today's Wild Card authors are:

M.R. Wells, Kris Young, Connie Fleishauer

and the book:

Great Dog Stories: Inspiration and Humor from Our Canine Companions

Harvest House Publishers (February 1, 2012)

***Special thanks to Susan Otis, Creative Resources for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

M. R. Wells is the co-author of Four Paws from Heaven, Purr-ables from Heaven, and Paws for Reflection. She has written extensively for children’s animated television and video programs, including several Disney shows, Adventures from the Book of Virtues and Bibleman. She shares her Southern California home with her cats and dogs Muffin, Bo, Munchie, Becca and Marley.

Connie Fleishauer is a retired teacher and writer, and is the co-author of Four Paws from Heaven, Purr-ables from Heaven, and Paws for Reflection. The wife of a Bakersfield, California farmer, she is a mother of three and grandmother of one. While many cats have warmed her home, currently, she has two dogs.

Kris Young has worked as a screenwriter for more than 20 years and currently teaches screenwriting at the L.A. Film Studies Center and UCLA. He lives in Southern California with his wife, Celine, and son, Skye. He is currently “between dogs” but is hoping to welcome a new one sometime soon.



Visit the authors' website.

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

From the authors of Four Paws from Heaven (over 100,000 copies sold) comes a new collection of devotional tales. In these heartwarming stories, the authors share wisdom gleaned from years of training, guiding, and loving the canines in their lives. Readers will discover powerful spiritual insights, including:


 the blessing of true companionship
 the gift of unconditional love
 the joy of adoption
 the power of obedience
 the comfort of resting in the Master’s arms

Everyone who has loved a dog will find encouragement and hope in these touching stories—reminders that these faithful, devoted companions are part of God’s great plan for their lives.

Product Details:
List Price: $12.99

Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers (February 1, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0736928820
ISBN-13: 978-0736928823

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

The Dog Who Wouldn’t Fight

Choose Love

Choices are the hinges of destiny.

Pythagoras

When my friend Sue came home from work one summer eve- ning in 2002, the last thing she dreamed of finding on her door- step was a puppy. She loved dogs and had two of her own, but she was cautious. She could tell this pup was a pit bull, and the dog was emaciated. But as she carefully drew nearer, the four-footed stranger smiled and wagged its tail. When Sue sat beside the pup, it climbed on her lap, smothered her with kisses, and wrapped its paws lovingly around her neck.
Since Sue could not remember seeing this pup in the neighbor- hood, she decided to keep it overnight and check for lost dog fly- ers in the morning. She felt it prudent not to put the newcomer in the house with her own dogs. After feeding and watering the hun- gry foundling, Sue made a bed of blankets on her garage floor. The pup immediately curled up and went to sleep. Later that evening a teenage boy knocked on Sue’s door. He was looking for a missing pooch. Since his description fit the puppy perfectly, Sue returned the dog and thought that would be the end of the story.
It was just the beginning! Next evening, the female pit bull puppy was back. The poor thing looked literally “hang-dog,” as if she’d done something wrong and expected to be beaten. Once again, the young pit bull showered Sue with kisses. Sensing the dog was in trouble, Sue called local animal control for advice. After con- firming Sue’s address, they told her there had been reports of people in a nearby house raising pit bulls to fight. The next day arrests were made in the case, and Sue was allowed to keep the loving puppy she named Champagne. “Champ” made instant friends with Sue’s other dogs and has grown into a gentle giant who cuddles under the covers at night and is one of the sweetest canines Sue has ever met.
How Champ knew to flee that fighting environment is a mys- tery. Why she sought refuge on Sue’s porch is as well. But one thing is clear: this pit bull puppy chose love—just as Sue did by taking her in. Those choices blessed them with each other and changed both their lives forever.
My friends Ruett and Rhonda also chose love. They did so in the face of wrenching tragedy. One night when their sons were small, Rhonda and the boys were at a local park where seven-year- old Evan played in sports leagues. Rhonda was about to drive off with Evan and ten-month-old Alec when gunfire erupted around their car. They were caught in the middle of gang violence. Both boys were hit. Alec suffered loss of vision from metal fragments that penetrated his eye. Evan was fatally shot. Rhonda got in the back with Evan until the paramedics beckoned her to come with them. There are no words I could ever write that would adequately describe the excruciating pain Evan’s parents suffered…and still suffer. It is searing to lose a child under any circumstances. This was a sudden, traumatic, utterly senseless loss. Nevertheless, in the midst of their pain Rhonda and Ruett made an amazing choice.

Tales to Tug Your Heart

They knew Jesus as their personal Savior and Lord. They knew that unthinkable as it might be in their human strength, God was call- ing them to forgiveness and reconciliation. They chose love over hate, forgave those involved in their son’s death, and formed the nonprofit Evan Leigh Foster Foundation. Its mission is to reach out to gang members with the message of God’s love and redemption. They have shared that message personally, one on one. They hope and pray that by bringing gang members to faith in the God who can heal and transform them, gang violence will lessen and other children’s lives will be spared. Their choice to love has changed their own and others’ lives eternally and made them a living illustration of Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
A first-century martyr named Stephen would have understood their choice. He also chose to love those who caused him pain. He was seized and accused of blasphemy because he proclaimed that Jesus was the Messiah and the Son of God. Stephen chose to affirm his faith and defend it biblically. His accusers responded by ston- ing him. As he was on the brink of death, he prayed for his execu- tioners. Acts 7:60 tells us that he “fell on his knees and cried out, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ When he had said this, he fell asleep.”
Champ the dog chose to flee fight training and live out her life loving both dogs and people. Rhonda and Ruett chose to reach out in love and forgive. Stephen chose to pray for those who were martyring him, even as their stones were crushing him to death. Though they all suffered, they did not let pain twist and embit- ter them. They chose love, and became a blessing to others. Their choices mattered, and so do ours. If we love and obey the Lord and let His love and forgiveness flow through us, even in our toughest times, who knows what difference we might make?
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).

Consider This:

Have you ever chosen to love in difficult circumstances? How did it affect you and others? Are you struggling with such a choice right now? If so, is there someone you might ask to support you in prayer?