Queen Olivia
We have been blessed for the last couple of summers to have each of our two daughters’ dogs spend a week or so with us, while they vacation. It makes their time away a little easier and more relaxed and is a treat for us and our pup, Olivia, to have these “grandpuppies” with us for a bit.
Our Olivia is a senior gal and spends much of her day “resting her eyes” with her small, but fluffy white body stretched out in the quietest, most undisturbed and secluded spots that she can maneuver herself into. One of her favorites is in a far corner of the living room, deeply hidden under a coffee table, where no man can go. One day she was found sound asleep curled up in John’s opened computer case. She’s thirteen now. They say that would be about ninety in dog years.
The first one to come for her puppycation with Grammy and Grampa is Heather’s “Shrimpy.” She’s a sweet elder pup too, though being a chihuahua/terrier mix, she’s pretty spry for her years. These two genteel ladies get along quite well together. I liken it to having two more “grammy types” in the house, along with myself. They just kind of comfortably hang out with each other, watching the neighborhood go by from the living room window, letting us know if anything noteworthy happens. They seem to fall into a routine. I think, if dogs were able, these two would be found in their rocking chairs, sipping tea, knitting, and “shooting the breeze.” I know what you’re thinking, but I mean that last phrase in the best scents possible. Really! They have a “my crate is your crate” philosophy, enjoy each others company, and the atmosphere is quiet and peaceful, much like a pleasant retirement home, I guess.
Sandy
A few days after Shrimpy returns home, it’s time for puppycation #2. On Thursday, John met our daughter Glenna in Hampton, to pick up Sandy and bring her the rest of the way home. She is a 2 year old energetic Havenese baby and rode nicely in the seat next to him for the whole trip. I mentioned to Olivia that she was in for a surprise when Daddy came home. She was napping on the couch when they arrived. I heard them coming up the ramp, and so did she. Her head shot up, wide eyes planted on the door. The door swung open and Sandy spotted her. There was one single bounce where her feet actually may have hit the floor between the door and couch. They kissed! They high-fived! (Really.) They were happy, happy, happy! Then they pounced around on the floor, wrestling, yapping, and having standoffs, eyes glued on each other, each waiting for the other to make the next move. It was hilarious! For a time, Olivia seemed to take on the youthful personality of Sandy, somehow finding this bounding energy deep inside of her aging body, to play as one many years younger than her thirteen. About twenty minutes later, she settled down for a long evening’s nap. Sandy was okay with that. There they lay, on opposite ends of the couch, exhausted, but delightfully happy!
Oh, how the generations need each other! And we have so much to offer each other! “One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.” (Psalm 145:40) Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 19:14)
We are currently involved in a home church with a few families who choose to meet together each Sunday for Worship and hearing from God’s Word. We have come to fondly refer to it a “Simple Church.” What a blessing it is to meet together with children, their parents, and grandparents and with friends of all generations. As we study and learn together, the children see how important the Word of God is to their parents. They are free to ask questions and offer their own thoughts. They bring life and energy and hope into the worship community, while the adults and older ones bring stability 
and wisdom, all through the same Holy Spirit at work in each of us. It’s healthy! I think God intended it to be this way. What a joy as we all learn together, worship our Lord together, and and bring out the best in each other . . . not unlike our intergenerational grandpuppies!
That’s the view from here . . .
The View from Here 
These puppies are adorable! Your home church sounds heavenly! With all that is going on with mine, I crave what you describe. If I every get to visit you, I would love to visit your “Simple Church”.
Good morning Skye . . . And I would love to have you! Have a blessed Lord’s Day, today!
Love the puppycation term!
I agree with you on Him intendign it to be that way. A friend in church had just moved to my country, never had any friends and she could not feel God’s presence anymore. So one day while hanging laundry she kinda demanded to know when this would end and He said to her, “It will be found in community!”
Amen to that! The early church “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” (Acts 2:42) They “did life” together. It’s encouraging to hear how God is blessing each of us when we share testimonies of what He’s done. If God inhabits the praise of His people, being with His people is a good place to “reconnect” with Him, and feel His sweet presence. I am praying for your friend to feel His unmistakeable presence once again, if she has not already. Have a great day!
I enjoyed your post Peg. We also have a home church in our house. We have lunch together and break bread together, read the Word and have the kids in with us most of the time. It’s a bit noisy and crazy sometimes but I feel that that is how it’s meant to be. I believe that before the Lord’s return church will go back to how it used to be in the early church. Even though we are thousands of miles away from each other it’s so good to know that Christ’s Body is one. God bless you.
Belinda, I’m so glad to hear about your home church. I believe we are going to see many more, as you said, as the time draws closer to His return. I pray we do. I didn’t always feel this way. We were in pastoral ministry for 21 years in a traditional church setting. After we “retired” so to speak, I became involved in the Voice of the Martyrs as an Area Representative. Seeing all that our persecuted brothers go through in standing for Christ in restricted nations – the level of their commitment – changed me forever. The sacrifices they make to gather together to worship and share their faith amaze me. The persecuted church is growing without all the whistles, bells and buildings we seem to need in the west. It’s a healthier church because of it! I feel that we here in the west have not been tested enough to be healthy. But I truly believe that’s going to happen. May God help us to get it right before it’s too late. Thanks so much for your comments. God bless your fellowship! Wish we could sit down, have a cup of coffee, and chat! 🙂 Maybe one day. We are one, anyway!
We have a home group that meets at our place on Monday nights. I love the intimacy of this small group – the growth and support that happens there. 🙂
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The smaller groups certainly foster edification, don’t they? I think people tend to participate more, and like you said, Tami, the groups are much more intimate and supportive. Thanks for commenting.