The Journey we call Faith











{September 15, 2008}   “What is God doing in your life?”


The vicious pit bull and her kiddos

The vicious pit bull and her kiddos

I was having my daily debrief with my best friend and we were discussing my blog. I shared a recent comment that a fellow ex-Mormon left for me about loosing sight of why I left the LDS church in the first place. She shared with me that my blog used to be about what God was doing in my life, how He was shaping and changing me, and now it was more about the things going on in my life.

She might very well understand why I have been more and more hesitant to blog about religion lately (unless pissed off as of recent), what God is specifically doing, what I feel moved in, etc etc – but others might not because they are not my daily confidants like she is. So I thought, without going to an uncomfortable place – I would share what God has been doing in my life as of late.

God has been providing for us. I was totally fed up with being overweight and unhealthy – and then we went and Steve picked out a dog (yes Steve) that was high energy that needed to be run, not walked twice a day. Guess who got stuck with that responsibility? Me. That was such a blessing. It gave me time with God every morning and evening. Three months later – I am 30 lbs less. I am healthier (even though I’m sick right now). And I’ve been able to work through a fear of large breed dogs that I’ve carried around for years. God provided.

I was ready to go back to work, but with one car and the economy what it is – it looked like I’d be stuck working one day a week at my parents’ store forever. Then, we were given a minivan (wow) totally and completly free the weekend before I started working full time – 40 hours – at their store. I get to work early enough that I come home early afternoons and have the entire afternoon and evenings with the kids. It’s awesome. God provided.

I am entering a period in my life when I am fed up with all talk and study of religion (a rare for me considering how much I LOVE it). But just honestly want and need to distance myself and focus less on doctrine and more on just one on one time with God. I frankly and honestly do not give a rat’s behind on if the Godhead or Trinity are correct. I do not give a rat’s behind if it’s right to be monotheistic or polytheistic. Want to know where I am with God? I’m not into semantics which is where I think so many religions are. If Jesus lead by spirit and heart of the Law and not by letter of the Law, what the heck are we doing? If the spirit behind His teachings are to follow Him and not be wishy washy or to deny Him in front of others – then I think we are taking the letter of the Law and not the Spirit of the teaching when we condemn others for not reading into the Bible what we are reading into the Bible. I am reaching a place of longing for unity and peace within the Christian body – meaning all Christians – all who profess Christ as their Lord and Savior. Does that mean He will look the same to all Christians? No. And that’s okay by me because I am not their Lord and Savior. And I am okay with this.

I am conservative in my own understanding of the scriptures but liberal in my application because in the end, I am no one’s White Throne Judge. My friend reminds me that the Catholic church may say who is in heaven – but they never say who is in hell. Many Protestants could take a lesson in this wisdom.

What is God doing in my life? He is leading me to an intense desire for unity and not dissention which is why my dealbreakers are what they are. He is leading me to a place of longing for peace – peace that I felt in the extreme as a Latter Day Saint and He is leading me to a place of not wanting labels (polytheism, monotheism, Godhead, Trinity, etc etc) but just initimacy with Him and His presence. All else falls away and nothing else matters. He provides because His grace is endless and I am forever grateful.

Much like Maya learns the command, “leave it” – I too must learn humilty and to simply leave those things that are not unifying.

Leave it.

"Leave it."

maggielselah @ 7:38 pm [filed under Religion, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, pit bull tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 1 Comment »


{July 20, 2008}   Taking it back

At some point during blogging, I stopped blogging for me and I started blogging for other people. “I can’t write that because someone might read it and hurt their feelings…” and on and on it goes. I do believe that when I blog, there is a certain level of both personal responsibility as well as overall responsibility – but at the end of the day, it is still a personal blog of thoughts, experiences, and of course – opinions.

For the last few months I have played back and forth with the idea of returning to work full time. I’ve applied at various places of employment but even though I serve complete idiots sometimes at the gas station, have decided that it’s the absolute best place for me. I got the feeling fairly recently from a friend of mine, that’s it’s a pretty “low” job – and some customers certainly reinforce that impression – acting as if because I am behind the register of a gas station I’m the stupid one (when most of them cannot even figure out how to pump their own gas, how much their car takes, or even what kind of gas to use…) but you know what? Who cares. I don’t need anyone – friend or not, to validate my job or what I do. When I was a top sales rep or successful manager at T-Mobile, I was beyond stressed out and I didn’t have any power to help customers walk away happy. Sure, there are still unhappy customers. But how many other businesses can say they are so strongly contributing to the community and even cares about the customers who come out to support them?

On a related note – some customer/people etiquette tips. Sometimes, the person behind the counter does know what they are talking about. The gas at Huey’s Mart is going to be just as good as Shell, Chevron, Exxon, or any of those other places charging .20-.40 cents a gallon more. But I guess I can be grateful that people hold this opinion and I don’t then have to deal with (as many) gas snobs on top of gas idiots. :)

The 13th was my birthday – it went by pretty quietly – I spent it with my family and my close friend Barbie called me and chatted me for a LOOONNNNGGGG time even though she went through her own hell of a day (you can read a portion – just a PORTION of it here). I thank God for such an amazing friend. Her husband is currently on his second interview for a job here in Vegas – PLEASE pray that they get it. It would be such an amazing blessing to have my best friend in the same city as me.

(May 2007 – Ahhh too long ago!)

Speaking of Barbie — the kids LOVE her, but Anya especially. She calls her, “Dr. Barbie” and calls her on the phone. A customer at the store had a Barbie Jeep so I snapped a picture. Look who came to visit Mommy’s store? It’s Dr. Barbie! Even doctors need gas for their cars! ;)

Maya is coming along pretty well. We’ve set an appointment for a highly recommended dog school which I’m really excited about. Steve and I will going to observe and see how their methods work on Maya. If it goes well, we’ll begin planning to send her there. It’s a chunk of money (ouch) but it’s lifetime training. Owning a dog isn’t an easy thing, or an accessory, it’s a responsibility – like being a parent. A responsibility to society to teach one’s dog how to behave in public so that other people or their or public property isn’t destroyed or harmed. A personal responsibility so that our families, friends, and selves are not harmed or our things are not destroyed. And of course – a dog is a living, breathing animal and deserves to be taught what is expected of them so they can be happy, balanced, and accepted in their home. We’ve been doing the best we can with Maya – regularly exercising her, discipling her, challenging her, and of course loading her up with hugs and kisses afterwards – but she still lacks some working knowledge and basic obediance that we feel is important. People balk at spending so much money on a dog, on an animal, but for us it comes down to being responsible to ourselves and those around us and caring for God’s creations as He has charged us (“take care of it” – Gen 2:15).

When Steve and I met, we were both pretty passionate about what we believed in and held opinions about, and at the time were doers – not just talkers. Last night, we met our first possible foster dog – Juno. Sadly, Juno was just going to be way too much for us to handle – even though he was such a doll and so pretty. Juno’s story is really heartbreaking. He was rescued about a month ago (so hot hot outside). His owner tied him up outside his door all day and then beat him up (a little baby puppy less than three months old!) with his fists. Thankfully, there are rescue groups out there that are going out and taking these dogs out of these environments and keeping them safe. The coordinator already has two other dogs lined up to see how they do at our house with Maya. I’m hoping it works out and that we can make an impact at least one dog at a time. I’m really grateful to our friends who have been so supportive of us while we’ve been wrestling with this next step on whether or not to bring in a foster. It’s really important to us to back up our words and passions with actions and to serve something outside ourselves.

Maya, she’s becoming more and more bonded with the kids. Which of course is something I love seeing. We’re working on the chewing – she’s a little mouthy which is completely normal as she won’t reach adulthood for another year or so. Maya always sits by the bathroom and watches the kids get their baths. But the other day, she decided that she was just done with watching and was getting in on the action.

Went to Lowes last night and priced our Spring Pole for Maya. Almost all set to build! Cannot wait to get started. When the coordinator was here to view our home (may I add that our house was completly wrecked since we miscommunicated on when we would meet up for this) her husband and her just oohed and ahhed over how healthy Maya looked and sweet and gentle she was. Big, proud grinning Mommy moment for me.

I think that’s my drain for now. Have a great weekend everyone! :)

maggielselah @ 4:05 pm [filed under Uncategorized tagged , , , , , , , , , Leave a Comment »


{July 9, 2008}   All Things Maya

Got a crazy busy week this week, plus my birthday is only I believe 8 days away, and our anniversary and I work cover another vacation this month SO I’m very busy from this point out. Whew! However, I do certainly want to dedicate some blogs to Breed Prejudice, including both stats of pit bulls (which isn’t a breed for those of you who don’t know) as well as other breeds and of course how I personally feel this isn’t any different than say racial profiling. That said, I am very sad to learn that some insurance companies will not insure families if they have any pit bulls in their homes. While talking to someone about this today, they made the comment, “Because pit bulls are such vicious animals,”

Ahhh… the Pit Bull Rescue Center (also an educational resource) has their work greatly cut out for them. That said, I am certainly glad I do not have this issue and am very glad that we have such great insurance. We’ve gotten very lucky in quite a few areas lately.

That said, enough with the negativity and on with the pictures of my Maya girl!

This has got to be one of my favorites. I don’t know why – but for me it really captures Maya’s really gentle nature. She may be able to run 2-3 miles with me this morning, walk another one to practice leadership, do 45 minutes on the treadmill and STILL not act tired – but she’s such a gentle girl.

http://media5.dropshots.com/photos/102473/20080708/165626.jpg

I really like this one too. These are the rare moments of really chilled out that I see.

Here she is snuggling on the couch.

And who can resist this one?

Finally, I read the following – short – blog by a Protestant Pastor that I really liked. Good to know that there are Christian leaders adopting Pit Bulls and likening it to their Christian walk.

maggielselah @ 10:03 pm [filed under The Dog Whisperer tagged , , , 1 Comment »


{July 1, 2008}   People Training with Maya

I had forgotten how much I really love being a dog owner – dogs in general. I’m now behaving like my toddlers to my husband, “Can we adopt another pittie, please oh please oh please oh please…” I am in love with Pitt Bulls now. Totally and completely. There are times when I wish we had at least a second smaller dog, perhaps a lap dog, but I love Maya so much, that I just want another Pittie for her to play with and for us to love on.

Admittedly, Cesar’s techniques are not for the un-committed and they are VERY hard work, but so amazingly fulfilling. I cannot tell you how much I just want to break down and cry (out of happiness) when I see how fulfilled Maya is (and submissive) after we follow through with a Cesar technique. It’s amazing! We recently started her on this treadmill we picked up from Craigslist. I admit, I secretly was skeptical that we would be able to get her on this treadmill and was regretting the purchase from almost the time we picked it up. BUT I pushed those thoughts aside, and just as I’ve been diligently walking her every day and night, I began training her on the treadmill. Below are her second and third sessions on the treadmill. The third session (second video) is totally without a leash!

Photo Sharing – Video Sharing – Photo Printing – Photo Books

Photo Sharing – Video Sharing – Photo Printing – Photo Books

I am so proud of my girl. We are now walking three miles a night (yeppie!) or jogging three blocks and spending 2 hours at the dog park with a jog afterwards. On a personal note, I finally have found a way to ordered my much needed Topamax and hopefully combined with my now very active lifestyle, I will achieve pre-Paul pregnancy weight. Here’s a hoping. :)

During our three mile walks, we have had some really great training opportunities. For starters, there are a lot of breaks in the sidewalks for roads into communities, washes, and parking lots. Even though there are a TON I’ve been able to take this chance to train Maya to sit at each of these breaks. More and more she is sitting before I even ask her. She is becoming very submissive to me now – today I was able to stand outside with the door all the way open without her running out but rather sitting calmly at the door inside waiting to be invited out.

At the dog park, I am learning that Maya is in reality a very SMALL dog. Whew! There are two Great Danes there (I had NO idea they were THAT big), a Great Dane/Mastiff mix, some HUGE German Shepherds, and even Siberian Huskies (which have always been a book favorite of mine BUT not a real life favorite as I am terrified of them). There are a few American Pitt Bulls (and mixes) as well as Boxers and I just love them all. Maya gets a chance to run run run – which she loves and to mingle with other dogs.

I do feel a little bad for my husband though – while I’ve focused in so intensely on Maya’s training during this highly important time (ie her first months with us), he’s handled the kids while I bike, run, jog, and swim with Maya. Maya seems to have boundless energy – however as we’ve been consistent with her exercise, we’ve been seeing her (finally) show that we are tiring her. I think it was all the pent up energy from the various shelters (absolutely not their fault – thank God these shelters even exist) but that we are finally breaking through it all.

As I’ve scanned through Craigslist to find a suitable pittie companion for Maya, I’ve been reading heartbreaking stories of abuse, neglect, or families being moved or relocated and not being able to bring their pets. It’s so sad. I wish I could adopt them all. Poor things.

I finished Cesar’s Way which I think is just the best book ever (along with Be the Pack Leader). The downside is that I am trying really hard to 1) not give people un-wanted advice about dogs now and 2) not be judgmental when people make statements like, “My dog doesn’t need exercise,” or “We just let him in the backyard and he’s fine.” I literally cringe when I hear statements like these now. I recently watched a dog training DVD (not be Cesar Millan) that was based on reward only incentives. I gagged. Really? Not to humanize my dog, but balancing a dog is very similar to discipling children. I’m not opposed to positive reinforcement (I believe it’s very powerful) but I am entirely opposed to ONLY positive reinforcement. Make sense? So this DVD was very hard to watch. For example, it talked about dog proofing the house – which to an extent I agree with. Just as I would cover or protect the electric outlets from Paul and Anya, I would also teach them to NOT touch those outlets. I also believe in house proofing one’s own children as well as child proofing to keep them safe. Balance.

On the a short religious note, I am enjoying the break from thinking about all these things and just enjoying Grace Point. Even if I don’t always theologically agree with Protestant stance on things, I really do enjoy it there. Of course, right now I don’t always theologically agree with the LDS church on things either – perhaps I’d be better as an agnostic. Not a bad idea. ;) All joking aside, Steve and I have been considering attending two LDS services a month and then two GP services a month. What an amazing husband I have – who certainly does not want to attend LDS services whatsoever, but is willing to do so to worship side by side with me. How amazing.

I’ve just requested Bart Ehrman’s books on historical Christianity. Quite the interesting fellow – admittedly one of the best New Testament scholars out there, but now an agnostic. I actually have three of his books in print – Misquoting Jesus: The Story Behind Who Changed the Bible and Why, Lost Christianities: The Battle for Scripture and Faiths we never knew, and Lost Scriptures: Books that did not make it into the New Testament. But I’d also love to read some balanced reading on dog behavior and physiology and people training. ;) I’m also open for e-books on biking, skating, or running. So please leave your suggestions in the comments! Finally, I was recommended the book, “Eternal God: A Study of God without Time” by Paul Helm, anyone know if this comes on e-book? I just am not sitting down enough to read but am certainly on the move enough to listen to whole books.

Thanks everyone! :)

maggielselah @ 3:12 pm [filed under The Dog Whisperer tagged , , , , , , , , Leave a Comment »


{June 24, 2008}   The Brain Drain

Our family has become water babies lately. We’ve been in the pool for four days straight! We went in on Friday afternoon, not really expecting Maya to join us but hoping she would learn to love the water. Now four days later, she is rarely getting out of the water and jumping in to go grab her toys. She’s become a swimming fanatic! Which is great because she burns so much energy that way. Then we meet her friends at the park and then jog home and she’s POOPED! Which is great. I’ve finished Be the Pack Leader and am now listening to Cesar’s Way – he exercises his pack for about 5-6 hours a day! Whew! So I’ve been on Craigslist looking for a treadmill and bike – I don’t dare try roller blades! I found a Raleigh Mountain Bike that is reasonably priced and on my way to work. Hopefully I’ll be picking it up this week. One person we go to church with bikes 30 miles a day! Whew! I’d love to work up to just 5-10 miles a day. I’m completely bike ignorant so it looks like a great bike. So long as it works I am very happy. :)

With all the exercise Maya has been very trainable as well as very energetic at the same time. I don’t know what it is about water but it always brings out this super hyper side of Maya and always did the same for our last dogs – Scout and Conker. What gives?

Maya has been coming along so well lately that I have been able to let her off leash outside of her doggie play groups. Meaning, yesterday when the kids and I walked to the park, I was able to just let her go and when we went for our nightly jog last night I was able to let her go off leash as well. It’s awesome.

The kids were eating lunch yesterday with some meat and cheese and after “claiming my space” as pack leader, amazingly she just laid down.

I was so proud of her! Last night, we even were able to let her sleep with her kennel open. Yay! :) She’s coming along so nicely.

The Illusion collar/leash came yesterday so I was excited to try that bad boy out. It works so well (although is a bit frustrating to put on – but I’m sure I’ll get used to it). We ran across a cat last night and I did some challenge training with her. She sat while I called the cat to me, and petted it. At one point I did have to lay her down, but overall she did very well for her first time.

All this dog training is taking away time and focus from knitting (*cries*) and this whole religion headache. Steve’ oldest brother, Rob, always asks, “Why?” And right now I feel like I am doing the same thing.

During worship on Sunday they sang, “Fields of Grace” by Big Daddy Weave. When we first left the LDS church, this song became a quick favorite because the lyrics really connected with what I was feeling and going through.

There’s a place where religion finally dies

There’s a place where I loose my selfish pride

This two week series is something I’m looking forward to because it really gets into the theology of the Gospel – sin, justification, grace, works. It promises to be very thought provoking. I’m meeting with the missionaries again tomorrow night – so I best be writing up my question list – I’d forgotten a lot of my old questions from before. I sheepishly admit that I am REALLY stuck on this Godhead doctrine. When I spoke to my parents about it my Mamau was like, “I think you tend to get stuck on unimportant things.”

:(

I reminded her that Joseph Smith taught that it was the FIRST principal of the Gospel to understand the nature of God. Which is what I’m trying to do. Which then leads to more questions – what is “worship” inside the LDS church? Referring back to the Fall – why is Eve declared to have “transgressed” but her transgression is looked upon favorably? In the Hebrew it appears that a transgression is much worse than a sin (to err, or miss the mark). I am going to tackle some of the Book of Abraham today, more specifically to read about Abraham and God and of course the issues regarding this particular book. I’ve pulled out some reading from my LDS box and will also be pulling out a Protestant book on theology as well.

I have also decided to ask my Pastor questions as well. He raises good points and issues, but I find myself echoing Steve’s brother – why?

I feel like such a pest.

Thankfully, Steve is looking into renting a cabin in August in Cedar City for a long weekend. I cannot wait. My birthday and our anniversary is just around the corner – yeppie! That’s it for now. Gotta go tackle the pile of laundry that’s been building up.

maggielselah @ 12:30 pm [filed under Religion, The Dog Whisperer tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a Comment »


{June 15, 2008}   Wrap Up

This is a very accurate visual of how I feel. Exhausted. This post is a very general wrap up of the past week.

1. Maya is a fantastic dog – but man she has boundless energy and is exhausting.

2. Cesar Millan makes everything look so easy. Wish I was that athletic.

3. I’m becoming overall addicted to walking, jogging, and running. It hurts but it’s a good hurt. I’m still sleepy when I get up at 4:30 am to do it, but that’s okay – it gets my day off right and I can spend time with the Lord during these runs.

4. As I become more addicted to running and jogging – I am becoming more curious and eager to try something else very physical that I can do with Maya. She’s shown shyness and perhaps even fear of the water when we took her swimming, but she’s an excellent swimmer. I’m hoping to get her in the pool more often to overcome her fear so that we can swim laps together soon. I want to try roller blading and biking now. The heat of course, is overall discouraging. Perhaps in the fall or winter.

5. Stetching and yoga CAN make a difference. :)

6. The missionaries dropped off a DVD for me to watch – it’s a special wittness one of Jesus I believe (or perhaps the Restoration). I’m pretty excited to watch it.

7. I finished Alias season five a couple of nights ago, I am beyond depressed about this. Bonus features? Anything? How will I ever live?

8. A poster on Rav mentioned that she doesn’t have TV – I imagine a lot of freedom in not owning a TV even with DVR.

9. I have had some pretty amazing personal revelations (not claiming God given) this past week on my history as a Mormon. For example, during my ex-Mormon transition I realized that I was always annoyed with the MC (Mainstream Christian) Jesus. After a lot of discussion and thought, I realize that my personal feelings or experiences with Mainstream Christians individually were bleeding over into the theology. The Jesus of the MCs no longer represented an atoning sacrifice, but rather a rude, hurtful, aggressive Bible thumping street preacher. I failed, at the time, to see how wrong this generalization was because I was too emotionally involved at the time.

10. During a run this week, I had a quite discomforting time while meditating on the LDS church. I hope that it’s a fleshly thing and not a spiritual thing.

11. Who knew there were right and wrong socks to wear while running?! Thank you to Brother Matthews for giving the much needed information.

12. Over on Ravelry,  actually have a Mormonism 101 thread that I’ve been enjoying being a part of. It really makes me stop and wonder though, of those who are critical of the LDS church and if they are able to turn their critical microscope over onto their own beliefs with the same intensity and scrutiny that they apply to the LDS church. When LDS posters do this in say apologetics, then suddenly LDS are attacking the Bible, Christianity, etc. It strikes me as both disturbing and humorous how uncomfortable people get when one applies that same line of thinking to MCs, history, etc. While I’m not saying that I disbelieve the Trinity or the Godhead (but rather prefer to sit on a neutral fence right now and investigate this more fully), the Trinity certainly has enough (and always really has) holes in it for me to lean away from it.

13. Essential beliefs – are these more assumptions of the Bible or actual Biblical teachings? If they are Biblically sound – that there ARE essential beliefs, then what essentials are there that are spelled out in the Bible?

14. I find myself distancing from Protestantism and drawing closer again to Mormonism. Of course, most of this is out of comfort, but also with the disillusionment I feel within Mainstream Christianity. There is an overall pride to be found in quite a few circles – pride in being RIGHT. In having THE Truth, the ONLY Truth, etc etc. And it’s not something I found myself really appreciating. I’m not saying this is a GP thing but rather just observing and seeing in various Christians of various backgrounds, etc. A lot of the people at GP are the kindest, more humble Christians. Alongside with my small group family (not a GP small group), these people have totally turned my viewpoint around on what a Christian within the Protestant umbrella can actually look like – Christ.

15. My friend Barbie, has been going through what a lot of LDS converts go through – rejection. From her former Protestant friends who cannot support her while she is in the “darkness” for example. People who wouldn’t even go to her wedding or reception because it was in celebration of her Catholic wedding. She’s currently reading the book, “Why would anyone want to be a Mormon?” which she is totally loving (no worries folks, the day she’s LDS – huh I guess that would be the end of time as we know it ;) ). I love having these discussions with her, because I feel like she finally has a connection with me and understanding now, of some things I experienced as a Mormon. Rejection from people based solely on the fact that I was LDS. What Barbie and I are both finding peace in is the humility and desire to serve others that is found when we take out the rejection and the pride and seek to REALLY love others as Jesus did.

16. Worked today at the store. Craziness craziness. People are selfish. They are rude. They are inconsiderate. Today one woman refused to move her car from a pump because she didn’t like how one man waited in line. Are you SERIOUS? We had to call a towing company and she cussed me out. We – employees – know for a FACT that there are customers out there with guns. And yet, people STILL have road rage out in a parking lot. I mean c’mon people – if you go to the cheapest gas station in the entire valley by almost .20/gallon, then expect a wait. Come early so you don’t run late to an appointment or something, bring your knitting or a good book or a crossword puzzle. Bring a snack to munch on while you wait, but for goodness sakes, just have patience. Laying on your horns, screaming at people, and so on is not productive.

17. If you can count your money, you can tell me how much you have. Don’t throw it down on the counter, “Whatever this is on the pump behind number three.”

18. Please answer yes or no questions – we don’t ask because we’re stupid, we ask because we know that it’s required information for YOUR safety on our part. “Are you at the pump?” Because if you’re not, you’re gas WILL be stolen.

19. The pumps are clearly labeled (except the first one) with numbers not once but twice that are as big as your head – please read them. It’s really not that hard.

20. No you cannot pay on the pump when you are five cars behind. If you’re not at the pump, you cannot put money on it.

21. Exhaustion is not the end of being tired.

22. At the end of the day – there is religion which is really no one’s fault except their own, and relationship. Relationship is not defined in the building we attend or the clothes we were or even the specifics of theology that we claim, but our hearts for God. I think religion holds us down and keeps us from really having the ability to really love people because we have this invisible electric fence so to speak. But relationship moves us to be Jesus in our daily lives – to serve in the Church and in our communities, to pray sincerely, to repent and forgive, and to remember the atonement. THAT’s what I am seeking and I am confident that my Heavenly Father will answer.

maggielselah @ 2:57 am [filed under Grace Point, Ravelry, Religion, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, The Dog Whisperer tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a Comment »


{June 8, 2008}   On Fire!

Cesar Millan says there are three essentials for dogs:

  • Exercise
  • Discipline
  • Praise, Love, Affection, etc

I’m sure he uses different words than I am right now. :) So, with Maya we have been trying to do these things. Ironically, Steve who really wants to step up as Alpha male in our family, is being dominated by Maya. I think it’s rather funny actually. And she’s (so far) leaning towards me. However, I think this greatly has do with, I am very physical with her.

Over the last three weeks or so, without even knowing it, I’ve become much more physical and active. So, I’ve been taking Maya for walks. Remembering the when a dog isn’t challenged physically or at the very least exercised properly they can become trouble (as our toy dogs did), I’ve gone from walking to speed walking and by 5-10 minutes into our walks, jogging. I’ve gotta say – that hurts. Everything in my body burns, my lungs, my legs, and my arms (from controlling Maya during the walks). I come home and I’m so sweaty and yucky. But I feel great. I feel ready to start my day, and the time I have to both spend with Maya and God has been really relaxing for me. I love it, even if right now I cannot walk properly because I’m so sore.

Overall, I’m loving taking her on her walks but am becoming aware for the need of daily yoga now to calm and stretch those tense and sore muscles. And water. And common sense on my part. When I got home from work yesterday, I took her for a jog at 3 pm! Three pm is the HOTTEST time of the day here in Vegas. How stupid was I?

I feel more tone after these couple of weeks of walking, swimming, and now jogging. Although my appetites has greatly increased and so my knitting is also increasing to fight off the urge to eat more or snack more. Is this normal? Maybe Mr. Wayne will leave me a comment. :) Okay, off to get ready for church. Enough sitting.

maggielselah @ 11:01 am [filed under Uncategorized tagged , , , , , Leave a Comment »


et cetera