Michael W. Smith

Michael's story is one of hope. Easter is a time of hope. Take time to hear Michael's story.







I've been blessed to go hear Michael W. Smith perform twice. Once outside in the snow at Ichthus in Wilmore, KY. The other time was in at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville. Both times I walked away closer to the Lord.

One young mother's love

I'm so excited to introduce you to my niece, Jessica Lutz. She's married to my nephew, Eric, and last July they became proud parents to Sadie.

Jessica took time off from her teaching career to stay home with Sadie. Jessica needed to quit breast-feeding Sadie in preparation for surgery, and she missed the sweet bond they shared. When the time came for Sadie to try baby food, Jessica couldn't help notice how expensive it was. Eric is a youth pastor, and they live on a strict budget. After adding up the cost of baby food, Jessica decided to make Sadie's food herself.

She took vegetables, cut them into cubes and boiled the cubes. Next she blended it, and then froze it in ice cube trays.

After they freeze, she puts them into freezer bags and dates them.

I asked Jessica why she went to all this trouble. She said first it was about saving money, but she loves doing this for Sadie. It's not hard and worth the effort. She feels closer to her daughter by providing nutritious meals. Sadie usually eats three fruits and three veggies per meal. Her favorite foods are sweet potatoes and green beans.



I'm super proud of Jessica for the love and care she lavishes on her family. There's no doubt by the look on Sadie's face that she enjoys eating what her mother prepares.

Dogs and acetaminophen

Have you noticed I seem to be stuck on a dog theme? I fill prescriptions for dogs at the pharmacy and recently it came to my attention that dogs should not take acetaminophen. This is the active ingredient in Tylenol.

I've had customers call me at the drug store and say their dog chewed on the prescription bottle and ate some of the medicine.

Here are some symptoms of an overdose of acetaminophen.



Trouble breathing.
Swollen face, neck or limbs.
Discolored gums --brown or gray
Hypothermia
Jaundice
Vomiting
Coma

If you suspect your dog has overdosed on acetaminophen, take him to the vet immediately.

Often we know to keep medicine out of the reach of children, but let's don't forget our pets.

Dogs

My dog, Heinz, was born in September 2008. He's a Westie and thinks he's a guard dog.

We took him to the groomer's this weekend. He hates it, so I try to trim him up on my own. After the long winter, he needed serious attention. He needed more help than I could give.

The first few times we took him to the groomer, he'd come home and go right to his kennel. Heinz would curl up into a little ball as if embarrassed. Poor thing.

This time when he got home, he wanted to go out on the back deck. He began barking. It seemed as if he told the neighbor dogs, "Look what they did to me. They cut all my hair off. The indignity of it is unbelievable. Somebody give me some sympathy."

We brought him inside and loved on him and gave him extra treats.

I know I've had bad haircuts before. Only once did I cry. So in a way, I feel his pain. Until his hair grows, I'll enjoy a neater house and give him some extra loving.

Doesn't he look handsome?

Son of God the movie

Our good friends took Tim and me to see Son of God the movie Friday night.

I thought it was an amazing movie, but I like any movie that brings me closer to God. While watching this, I was once again astounded at the great sacrifice Jesus made for me and for you.

I'll go through Lent this year feeling a little closer to God and more appreciative of his awesome love.

Here's the trailer, and if you have a chance please go see it.