SHORT STORIES by Beth Michael

GOOD DOG STORY



In this illustration showing life from a different view point, I use "dogs" because I believe good dogs are the best of critters, as referred to as "man's best friend", dogs are special. Please read thoughtfully:

There was a young man named Joe who was kind hearted and loving. He especially loved dogs. He was a loner so he had a big ranch with lots of room and a fence around his property, mostly to protect his dogs, ones he had raised. There was just one gate of access to his property. Joe had many dogs, all healthy and well cared for, good dogs he had trained and house broken to live along side him both indoors or out. All was peaceful.

But then some folks on the outside, lead by Hag, decided they didn't like Joe and his dogs. His dogs were prettier and healthier than theirs, and too well-behaved. Jealousy got the best of Hag, so he and his cohorts dug holes under the fence and offered tempting chicken (Wendy's spicy chicken sandwiches).The naive dogs raced to get a bite of this wonderful smelling food. All but one. Kip refused to join them, he loved his master and also recalled a time when his master had saved his life. (Another story)

The dogs looked around and saw they were "free" now. How exciting to be out in the big world and do whatever they desired to do: no fence, no master, no rules! They got into fights with other dogs who teased them, they barked right along with the other dogs. They got with other dogs who were different and pups came along. They mingled right in. Joe tried to call them back but they wouldn't hear him, there was too much to do. Too much to see. Joe did all he could do to get them to hear him.

He was very hurt and saddened to have lost his good dogs. Still, he had his one dog and they were very close. His dog Kip understood his master and knew his heart was broken. Kip could hear stories of the other dogs out there, how they were living. As years past, it got worse and worse. The dogs were getting sick, many had worms, mange, and distemper they had caught from the other dogs. All were no longer good or healthy dogs. They were suffering and Kip and Joe were burdened for them. Joe decided to make a remedy in case one would want to come back to him. He worked and worked for years and developed A cure for all disease/illness a dog can have. It would only require one dose and the dog would be healthy and no longer contagious to other dogs or people. How would the dogs know of it though. Kip was hearing that many now were wanting a good home, a master, knowing their lives were hard and miserable. But they didn't know they had a master who was waiting for them. One morning kip said to Joe, "I will go." Kip drank the dose of medicine so he was not in danger of getting their sicknesses. But he was still in danger of getting hurt or killed because they hated a good dog.

Some listened to Kip, some bit him and he went on telling them. As he told them the good news about having a master, some were grateful and ran quickly to get in the gate. They gladly took the dose and let the master bathe them and let them into his acreage. Others were skeptical and needed proof. Kip gave them proof and they came reluctantly, looking things over to be sure they could trust Joe and his offer. And they too took the cure and were bathed and glad. But some didn't want any master telling them what they can do or where they can go. They weren't sick, a little mange, a flea or two, doesn't hurt anyone; they felt pretty good about themselves. After all, they were not sick like those other dogs.

So they rejected Joe and Kip's message. Some were even fools enough to listen to Hag Who was telling them the medicine tasted awful and that Joe was a mean man. Kip was saddened and asked Joe; can't we let them in anyway? They don't look bad, just a little mange and with all the good healthy dogs, they might become healthy too. But as much as Joe wanted to save them, he said "no". He explained, "If we let them in as they are, they will infect all the others. and in time the whole ranch with have dogs with, mange, worms, distemper, and pesky fleas." Kip understood and knew in his heart Joe was right.

He could picture a dog coming in, one with worms and having puppies born with worms and...(Well, I have seen the pups with the worms, hope you have). Couldn't have that crapping all over Joe's floors or infecting the rest of us. So the strayed dogs stayed on the outside in their pride and "freedom" - hungry, thirsty, bitter, and died alone. Those on the inside were happy to have someone to care for them, they saw Joe was kind and loved them and they were willing to follow his rules: baths, no fighting, come when called, stay off the table, etc. And they lived happily ever after.

Written by Beth Michael

This is the story of how Joe delivered Kip from death:

Good Dog Story, Part II
This is the follow-up to "Good Dog Story". All the dogs, young and old were tempted away from home and Joe by the Wendy's spicy chicken sandwich Hag was offering them after he dug holes under the fence around Joe's ranch. Why did Kip stay with Joe when his friends and family left to see the town and all it offered? This is why Kip stayed with Joe: It was a Sunday afternoon, Joe, his dad, and dad's friend had just gotten home from church. They were talking out in the front lawn when Joe remembered he had left Kip inside the home. He went in to open the door and let Kip out to play. Kip was a young dog, a hound dog Joe had raised to be the best hound dog in the state. Joe loved Kip. He loved all the dogs in their own special way.

Anyway, when Kip got out, he ran and ran around the yard. Then he started running out in the field and Joe called him but he wouldn't listen or stop. He knew where he wanted to go and then he would return when he was ready. Joe chased after Kip calling for him, and fear was in his voice. But Kip didn’t sense it. Then, a big k-splash, and yipping turned to howling. Joe knew Kip had fallen into the open pit sewer his dad was working on. Joe and the dad and friend rushed to the edge and looked down into the pit.

The men were sorrowful to see the sight below of Kip struggling in the mire and sludge. Both men shook their heads, "bye bye doggie" the friend said. Dad told Joe that there was no way Kip can get out of there. Kip kept struggling. Full of compassion, Joe decided to go down and save Kip from this horrible fate. He went and got a straight ladder, lowered it down the side, and taking off his Sunday jacket, he went down to get Kip. Kip was struggling, kicking, smelling of sewage, and with his eyes filled with dirty water, didn't know Joe. When Joe reached for him, he jerked away to the other side and struggled more and more. Joe waited and waited. Finally Kip tired. Joe reached out and grabbed Kip in a grip under one arm. Kip kicked and Joe held.

Then again Kip tired and rested. Joe carried him up the ladder and sat him on the ground. He was so sick from the smell, he couldn't do more. But his dad got Kip and washed him clean. It soon came to Kip what had happened, he came to understand the sacrifice of love shown to him by his master. Kip would never forget that day. How could he run away, or walk away, or turn his back on Joe who truly loves him?
Jesus is the One who loves us, He is the One who gave His life for us, and how can we turn from Him? What is so valuable to us that we would choose over Jesus, God’s Beloved Son?

Author: Unknown - Retold from Memory by Beth Michael
Copyright 2004

To Play Our Part

Shakespeare once said, "All the World is a Stage"; I believe he was right. I can see the world as a vast stage where life is being played out in which every person born into it has a part. I still don't know how all things work together, but there is a Play Writer and he has given the Script to us so that we might perform our part rightly for a perfect, final Production.

Each person is given a part; some small, easy, others extremely difficult. But that's not important because the Play Writer is all knowing and gives out parts as he knows best, maybe based on our abilities, ambition, strengths, weakness, our dedication, willingness, and grace He will make available, etc. People are always comparing roles and parts, some people fuss and complain about their part; sadly, many even rebel and leave, determined to find their own play - write their own script.

The Play Writer, being very patient and kindhearted, allows people to go off to the sidelines: but still, they are on his stage; for the entire world is his stage and under his control, ultimately. Most of us have some trouble with our parts; dissatisfaction, questions, things we don't understand. But after a performer meets and talks with the Director personally, and comes to see the vision for the same spectacular ending, we quite naturally enter into a like-minded agreement and peace.

The Play Writer is God, the Script is the Word of God:the Bible, and the Director is the Lord Jesus. Perhaps the producer is the Holy Spirit? As in any play, there is a villain and that holds true in the play of Life. Satan, a skilled play writer himself, and his cohorts, called demons, are working hard to stop each person from following the Script so as to prevent the divine end from being accomplished. His heart is evil, dark, and full of hate for everyone is this performance, especially the Play Writer and his Director.

It was because of his envy that the villain took all those performers out in the sidelines and gave them parts according to his wicked agenda with his desire for a corrupt ending to the story. He entices the performers into his roles for them - roles that appear attractive and fun to play, telling them lies of a happy result. As Life unfolds upon the stage, the Play Writer still longs for each and every performer to come back, always willing to receive them; The Director is ready to restore them to the original Script and give them a new part, up until the last breath of the performer. That's truly amazing - what's called "Amazing Grace"!

I'd like to tell you about my personal experience, when I first realized I had a part on Life's Stage. Since childhood I had been trying to follow the Script, watch the Director, and do good. But my part was small and easy. So my eyes and thoughts wandered. But then, about ten years ago, it was like a dream, the Director spoke to me, asking me if I would like to have a part to play that would draw me into a deeper spiritual growth, become closer to Him. Without hesitation, I answered, "Yes". My life has not been the same since!

My part is no longer easy as it was before, but along with the difficulties and many trials, I feel so privileged to be considered for and granted this part. It has brought me close in my relationship with my Director, as well as, giving me great unwavering confidence in the Play Writer and his Script. It's very exciting! I have learned so much. I have learned that we each have a part by divine plan, and that each is needful and important. What seems insignificant to the populous is not to the Director, who has a definite purpose for each performer.

Which makes sense when you think about it, since He made each performer Himself. These lessons that I have learned, have helped me daily to persevere in life's challenges. What really matters is that we each perform our part by the Script and guidance of the Director. You and I will be evaluated only on the basis of how well we do our part. When others around us mess up, and make things more difficult, there’s no need to worry or become angry. We only need to look to the Director for cues, stay with the Script, and continue playing our part well. We need not fear the villain's attack because we know he cannot frustrate the Play Writer's plan for us. Sometimes others in the play fail, they need encouragement, guidance, and a helping hand. Next week, it may be one of us that may be needing the support. So it's good to offer our help willingly and joyfully, because we want the magnificent ending and we want the Play Writer and Director to receive all the praise for what They created and for allowing us to play a part in it sharing in the glory.

It keeps getting better! The audience is a heavenly host of angels who look in awe as the Script unfolds. Some of them get to participate in the play, at times, come on stage as messengers. We learn that after our performance is finished we get to live in the Big House with the Director, and that the banquet of all banquets is held where we receive awards and crowns. We also know that all our deeds, good and bad, are recorded in books. How about this? There will be a video of it shown for eternity in the Big House, where the Play Writer lives. Not the entire play, just special selected scenes.

The scenes that make Him proud, where He is especially blessed by our performances; such as the difficult and unfair events that came our way in which we were able to walk right in step with the Script, not even flinching. Our Father's precious memories!!!! I don't know if that's true. It’s not told in the Scriptures; one day we will understand how it all works. But for now, I pray, My Father ("Play Writer") will help me to be the best I can be in playing my part. That is my greatest joy in living, until that day I hear my Savior ("Director") say "Well done!".

By Beth Michael copyright 2004