Summary: Rick and Brittany were relieved when Mom and Dad said they could keep the puppy they had found. Rick even thought Ragamuffin was a good name, but Brittany refused to call him that. "Let's name him Muffin," she suggested. "Muffins are good!" With a shrug, Rick agreed. The kids enjoyed playing with Muffin. They taught him tricks, and took him on walks. "Good dog!" exclaimed Brittany when Muffin fetched a stick she threw. "Now if only you'd learn not to track mud into the house or knock things over and break them!" "Yeah . . . and not to chew slippers and hide shoes," added Rick. "Are we always going to have to scold and punish you for doing that stuff?" Brittany sighed. "I'm afraid he'll stop liking us if we scold him so much." Rick nodded. "Me, too," he agreed, "but we have to get him trained." Their fears were groundless--Muffin was always loyal. He ran to meet them, wagging his tail and jumping up and down with excitement. He followed them around and constantly wanted to be with them. "Muffin makes us feel as if he likes us even though we scold him sometimes," observed Rick after firmly sending the dog away from the table as they ate dinner one day. "Well, I'm sure he knows you love him," Mom said. "You rescued him, and you take good care of him. Muffin knows that, and he loves you in return." "I think we could take a lesson from him," observed Dad. "Our heavenly Father loves us. He saved us, and He provides for us. Do we often praise Him and show Him that we're grateful--even if He has to discipline us when we sin? Do we accept that as we should? Do the things we do and say show that we love Him in return for all He's done for us?" "I'm afraid not," said Mom, "at least not often enough." "How would we show Him?" wondered Brittany. "Well, Ragamuffin likes to spend time with us, and . . ." began Rick. "His name is Muffin!" Brittany interrupted her brother. Rick grinned. "He's learning to obey us, too," he added. "Like Muffin, we should learn to serve and obey the one who loves and cares for us." How About You? Do you show God that you love Him in return for all He's done for you? Do you praise Him with your lips and your life, even when things don't go your way? Accept and learn from the discipline as well as from all the blessings He sends your way. Show Him how important He is to you by giving Him your time, your love and service, and your obedience. Today's Key Verse: We love Him because He first loved us. (1 John 4:19) Today's Key Thought: Show your love for God
