Tuesday, April 21, 2009

I'm So Grateful!

I know it's not Thanksgiving but I can't help it. Today, I need to share with you about a few of the things for which I'm grateful.


Here are three of them and, yes, they are related:


So, just what exactly do these images have in common? Please bear with me.

The first picture is the official image of The Divine Mercy. (Click on the image if you want to learn more about it.) This past Sunday was Divine Mercy Sunday, where we celebrate God's mercy for us. In the homily this past Sunday, my pastor made a point of mentioning that God's mercy for us is shown in many ways including the bad things He prevents from happening to us.

Now, the second image is of Victoria Stillwell and her show, It's Me or the Dog. Have you ever watched that show? It's fun to watch. I also think it is amazing how quickly Victoria Stillwell can get strangers' dogs under control. I've picked up some cool dog-training tips from her. (Again, click on the image if you want to learn more about her or her show.)

The third image is of my purse. It used to be such a nice purse. It held all the stuff I needed to take with me and it kept it all organized. I still have to love it, though. Yep, my purse, along with some quick thinking and the two other images here, saved me today.

You see, I was walking into Walmart when two pit bulls jumped out of their car to run up to and try to get a little dog that was in another car. When they noticed me, they came after me instead.

Normally, I carry my purse on my left shoulder but today, for some reason, I had my purse in my strongest hand, my right one. When those dogs came at me, I moved my purse in front of me. I figured it might distract or block it and, if worse came to worse, I would use it as a club.

It was a good thing I did that because the dog bit it! That’s how the hole got there. Then, Victoria Stillwell popped into my head and I put on her assertive stance and started yelling, “No! Bad dog!” Yeah, I know she doesn’t say “Bad dog!” but I was in a pinch! Anyway, fortunately the dog listened and he and his buddy ran back to their car.

Phew!

And so, I am so very grateful for God’s mercy, It’s Me or the Dog, and my purse. I am also so very grateful I had just dropped my children off at school. All three of us love dogs but they have never even seen a mean dog let alone dealt with the sharp end of one. I don’t want to even think about what might have happened had they been there.

4 comments:

Renae said...

Ileana,
You were for sure under God's divine mercy and I am so glad! At my church we also celebrated Divine Mercy Sunday, so I know exactly what you mean. Glad you were not harmed in any way!

Renae

Anonymous said...

Ileana I am so glad you are ok. I love the three pictures you used to tell us your story. God's blessing with you always Suzanne

Eddita said...

Oh my goodness! I thought the story was going to different...that you were going to share a story about your dog...not strangers...you are very blessed! I hope someone was able to round up the dogs...too scary!

Hugs,
Eddita

Elizabeth said...

WOW Ileana, I am glad you are ok and I do love the way you told the story.