Letting Life’s Distractions Lead You Astray
Last week, I introduced you to my constant companion, Lucy Lu. If you didn’t read that post, read it first (HERE) since this is part 2 of her story. Lucy, aka LuLu, Lula Girl, and Good Girl, is a tiny ball of fur that thinks I hung the moon. She is usually only a few feet away from me unless she gets distracted, and then she can go astray.
When I found Lucy walking down the railroad track, I took her to the vet for an exam. He pronounced her around 2-3 years old, of good health, and a Yorkie or Terrier mix. Since we don’t know her heritage, I’ve decided she is part squirrel dog.
If you’ve ever owned a small dog, you know they can have a sharp bark and an attitude that makes them think they can take on the biggest foes. Size means nothing to them, and they are always ready to protect the ones they love. For Lucy, that means anyone who comes within eyesight of me is subject to a barrage of barking.
Lucy is my protector. She is willing to go to battle for me at any given time unless you step toward her, and then she runs behind me so that I can protect her.
You would think that Lucy would listen to my every word and come to me whenever I call for her. But that is not the case since she can be easily distracted.
I take Lucy outside several times a day to go potty. I’ve found that she will stay closer to the house when I stay on the screened-in porch. Some mornings, people in the neighborhood walk, ride bicycles, and take their dogs for a potty break. If Lucy spots someone, she takes off after them, barking her little head off.
Lucy weighs about 6-7 pounds soaking wet, so she isn’t a significant threat to anyone, but no one enjoys being barked at. I will come flying off the porch, yelling at her to return, but she pays me no attention. More often than not, I’m forced to walk down the road in my PJs and robe to force her back to the house.
If she isn’t terrorizing unsuspecting walkers, she has her nose to the ground following the scent of a squirrel or chipmunk that has dared to come on our property. She has a one-track mind, and once she is on the hunt, no amount of calling for her will deter her from her pursuit. If, by chance, she finds a rabbit or squirrel, and they take off running, she is gone.
I’m sure everyone in the neighborhood knows Lucy’s name since they always hear me yelling at her. What I don’t understand is why doesn’t she respond to my call. She loves me more than life, so why would she let life’s minor distractions lead her away from me where danger lurks?
John 10:2-4
2 The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.
The Bible talks a lot about farmers, fishermen, and shepherds since those were most people’s professions. They could better relate to the stories and how they could apply to their lives. Lucy Lu is my sheep. She follows me “most” of the time, but it is those times when she doesn’t that can lead to problems.
1 Corinthians 10:13
13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
Lucy is no different than you and I, except her temptations might differ. She is tempted to chase things that can lead her astray, and I am guilty of that, too. She can have the squirrels, but I’m tempted by approval, control, money, pride, etc.
James 1:13-15
13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
We all have temptations that will lead us astray. The devil is counting on that and uses our desires against us. Isn’t it funny that the devil uses our desires for evil while the Lord wants to help us achieve our desires?
Take a few moments to take inventory of the temptations that could lead you astray. Be mindful of how the devil might use those against you, and be vigilant and watchful. And pray as the Lord teaches us.
Matthew 6:13
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
To GOD Goes The Glory!
Have A Blessed Day!
Your little dog is adorable, and your analogies make so much sense! Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I love little dogs like Lucy Lu! Thank you for the devotion.
Lucy Lu is adorable!
Thank you for that reminder of falling astray from God. There are so many distractions in this world to pull our focus away from Him and the devil is ready to attack in our weakness.
Have a wonderful day!
Love this!! We have a dear fur baby who rarely comes when called. I like to think she rescued me. ❤️
Joe says she isn’t our service dog, we are HER service people.
Thank You! Very thought provoking. God is stronger than Satan.
Thank you for another thoughtful post.
Tania, Thank you so much! 💗
Tania, your post today was lovely. What a great reminder to be mindful of distractions that may lead us down roads we shouldn’t travel. I also have two small, fearless dogs (Jack Russell Terriors) Cooper, our 7 year old (aka Coop Coop, Copy, Super Coop, Scoopy Scoop) and Dunkin (aka Sweet Boy, Dunkers, Dunky Dunk, Baby Boy) he’s 17 and apparently age is of no concern to him. Zero self awareness of his limitations due to his age! I had a full-on belly laugh when you mentioned your neighbors and your PJs… My dogs never come when called when they see neighbors, other dogs, or squirrels. By now, my neighbors have seen my entire sleep wardrobe, some ensembles less attractive than others, and know my dogs names! I am sure they think I’m crazy, but in a good way. Thanks for your fashion advice/tips and taking the time to share with us! So glad I subscribed! God Bless you and your family. Grateful the Lord looks after us all.
Thanks, Gina! I’m glad you can relate, lol. God bless you!
What a great devotion!
Great words today. And boy is it easy to get lead astray these days. The older I get the worse it seems in things to keep my mind occupied & my life at peace!! God help us to not chase things that lead us away from God. I want to chase after Him with all my heart!!
Same! Thanks for reading and commenting. God bless!
Good message about temptations. I’ve always been more scared of little dogs than big ones. You’re right about their barking especially the females. The only dogs that barks at me at my kid’s houses are the little females. The big dogs whether male or female don’t bother.
You have the best analogies. You make the Bible references so relatable. I wish you were in my prayer study group. I could listen and learn from your stories all day. Thanks for your inspiring blog. For the family stories, LucyLu stories, fashion and shopping stories, and your special Sunday messages. You are a blessing to me in so many ways.
Thanks, Deanna! I’m so glad that you’re enjoying the posts!
Thank you for today’s message. 🩷🩷
Thank you for presenting the Gospel.
Thank you for sharing these thoughts! Blessings❤️
Lucy is doing what totally comes natural to her. When you “yell” at her she thinks you are barking right along with her. To get her to come when called she needs to be trained. Coming when called does not come natural to a dog. They should not be in trouble for something that their loving owners haven’t taught them yet. (A good positive reinforcement dog training class will help with that). Dogs only have the people in their lives to teach them to not go astray. I hope you have many years of love and cuddles from Lucy. Dogs are so precious. 💗
Wow! What a great analogy. I think I’ll use this for my Bible study group.
Dear Tania, I too have a guard dog, he is a St. Bernard named General. He thinks he is a lap dog. Lucylu size. Little dogs challenge him all the the time. He is very gentle with them however. He leans down and looks at them like he’s saying What are you?!. But, never is mean to them.
He sounds like a great “lap” dog, lol. Thanks for commenting!
Tania, thank you for this beautiful story and great reminder of how easy it is for us to be led astray. Have a blessed day!
Great post.
Dogs have been with us and mankind’s helper and companion for a long time. I am surprised there isn’t more reference to them in the bible. Dogs are the best.
They really are! Thanks for taking the time to comment, Susan. 🙂
Thank you for these words, I so enjoy your devotionals it puts everything into perspective❤️❤️❤️
Thank you so much, for your Sunday reflections!
Excellent lesson! Love that you connected your darling Lucy Lu to the passages. Have a beautiful Sunday!
I always enjoy what you share with us. Thank you
Thank you, Tanya, for this beautiful story about Lucy! What a fantastic parallel to us as Christ’s followers. Your articles about her were a blessing!
Thanks, Julie. Have a blessed week!
Hi Tania!
Thank you for another great story. I really appreciate them. I love the analogy of little Lucy going astray.
And I also like the verses that you put at the bottom that backs it up. Thank you so much…
Thanks, Ina! 🙂
I enjoyed that post. Thank you! I also have a “Lucy”. His name is Oscar and he is also a small but mighty protector.😊
Love your Sunday posts and the way you show how God & Bible verses fit into everyday life. You always leave me thinking and in awe of your insightfulness. God Bless!
Thanks, Cathy! God bless you and yours!
Great word of encouragement, Tania! I love your Sunday devotional thoughts and scriptures. God bless you!
Thank you for this,Tania♥️
Thank you for this beautifully written post. It’s certainly a reminder of how I can go astray. My intention to follow Jesus is strong and them I’m distracted. I’m human and I’m weak. Praise God for His mercy.
Michele, this is what happens to most of us. We have good intentions, but are weak.
Turn to God in all times, especially related to temptations. He will guide us on the better path. Wonderful reminder Tania, thank you.
We all fail to listen too often! May God lead me inside of me trying to take control!
Have a wonderful day and thank you for this message❤️
A good post today
Lucy is a lucky dog for sure. I also have had dogs who would not come when called. Frustrating to me since I am trying to keep her safe! A good analogy to our Lord calling us and us not heeding the call.
There’s so much to see and smell when you’re a dog! I hope you have a great week. 🙂
Love this lesson!
Enjoy hearing about Lucy Lu and I love this analogy!
Wonderful posts! It’s amazing the things God can use to teach us lessons as we go along our journey.
Thank you!
Great message! Love Sunday posts.
Thank you for the Sunday blog. It is always timely and meaningful.
Have a blessed day, Tania. This is a story that will stay with me, because although I don’t have a small dog, neighbors and friends have. I’ll be reminded of Lucy Lu and of the Lord.
Thanks, Diane! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Well said thx have a good Sunday
Thank you
Lucy is living her best life!! Thank you for loving her!
Enjoyed your story of Lucy Lu! She’s truly blessed that you found her and took her in. She’s very cute, have seen lots of pictures that you post when she’s in them. They are like a family member, I wish they could talk! Have a Blessed Day.
I’ve wished so often that she could talk. She really is like a member of the family!
Love this post!
I needed to be reminded that the enemy wants to twist our desires for good things into distractions that lead us farther away from God’s best – His love, safety, and peace. Thank you (and Lucy Lu) for this reminder. You’re a blessing!
Thanks so much, Jan. Have a blessed week!
I love reading your blog. I love the way you weave life’s everyday trials and tribulations into the bible verse meaning. You are brave for doing that as some might be turned off by the bible verse message. I also love the way you write. It is very natural and matter of fact.
Thanks, Linda. I get a message every now and then from people that don’t like it, but the majority are very supportive. I appreciate the encouragement!
Good word !