pining.

Yesterday, this is how we spent our afternoon:

Piper ran from front window to back door, whining at the boy dogs that live across the street. They were free, she was not. So she pouted.

She was pitiful. And precious. And I fell in love with that puppy all over again. She let me pet her and love on her and she gave me so many besas. Today, of course, is a slightly different story. The little Houdini escaped from the house this morning and scared me half to death. I had to chase her down and get a boy to help me catch her. It shook me up pretty badly, but she is okay. She's also on lock-down, but sometimes puppies need that to learn lessons.

peace.

I wanted to squeeze in a quick post before I leave for class today.

Thankfully, I'm feeling peaceful today. The earlier parts of this week have been filled with new strength in many of my friendships, but it has also been tarnished with those moments that make me lose faith in humanity. I was so discouraged Tuesday because of people I thought were my friends. Malicious comments and "sarcasm" (which really is just mean. We are all guilty of it. But good grief it wears a person down after a while!) pierced my heart, and I lost it. Yesterday I chose to ignore it and delve into my classes, volleyball, and the people that make me laugh but those feelings came back at me with a vengeance...because of someone I thought was a close friend. What are we doing to each other? What is the point? So that people think you are funny? We are willing to hurt the people closest to us just so everyone on Facebook will think we are funny. Good plan. I can't imagine that's what God's plan for His people is.

I've been praying a lot in the past few days and running until I literally cannot feel my legs. Today I'm okay. Today I'm distancing myself and focusing on other people. Today I'm thinking about this:

Psalm 34:15, 17-18
"The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous and His ears are open to their cry."
"The righteous cry and the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."

Lord, I am crying out to You, praying that You keep me pure and righteous today when I am so frustrated with people. Help me to remember I am Yours and that I show others Your love.