HALT.

This past week has been a bit sad for me. My buddy Ralf (my dog) has been on the decline. Several months ago the vet told us his kidneys were shutting down and he had less than a month to live. Obviously the vets timing was a bit off because that was back in February. Yet lately Ralf hasn't eaten much and has lost a ton of weight. Needless to say I've been bummed.

Concurently the old junk in my life has been calling me back. Escapism, isolation, sloth, even the old addiction to porn has been screaming to come back. It has been work to avoid any relapse. I've wondered, "what in the world is going on here?!" And then I remembered something I read a while ago. HALT.

HALT. When we are Hurt, Angry, Lonely, and/orTired we are most prone to stumble and fall. As I've been hurt at Ralf's health and angry at the breeder for breeding crappy kidneys I've been ripe for the pickin. It's at these times that it is most crucial to climb in the lap of the Father and let him minister. "Come to me all of you who are heavy burdened and I will give you rest." In my yucky moments the flesh screams to run to other things, but my soul longs for and needs the rest that only Christ can give.

Fortunately with the help of some good friends and some good time with God, I've avoided any of the old junk. And thanks to many prayers Ralf has bounced back and is doing better than he's done in a long time.

Peace adn Joy
Rob