Summer: A Season of Prayer

On By Beth AlisanIn Lessons

Summer came and our family grew.  That would be both the season that comes with the longest day of the year and the arrival of a Labrador puppy.  Those who have explored my blog know that each of our animals come with a unique homecoming story.  This month’s lesson is Summer’s story.  As Summer is our thirteen-year-old daughter’s puppy, I will let her tell you the story and share the lesson the Lord taught her.

Summer’s Story by Arlie

“I am praying to You because I know You will answer, O God.  Bend down and listen as I pray.”  – Psalms 17:6, NLT

I’ve wanted a puppy for a couple years now.  I love Adi, but she’s Mom’s dog, and I wanted one of my own.  When I first asked my Dad he said, “No, we already have a dog.”  My Dad is not one who quickly changes his mind, so Mom told me to take it to the Lord in prayer.  If it was not God’s will then He would change the desire of my heart, but if it was His will the desire would remain and He would make what seemed impossible possible.  So, I prayed, thinking I was ready for all the responsibilities that came with a puppy. 

Every once in a while, I’d mention to Dad that I’d like a puppy.  He consistently said, “No.”  Over the last couple of months, he stopped saying “no” and began saying things like “I’ll get you a stuffed dog” or “ how about a picture of a dog.”  The night before I got Summer, I was really thinking about how much I wanted a puppy.  I took a long look at my messy room and wondered if I was really ready for everything a puppy brings.  I prayed and asked God to give me a puppy when I was ready.  As I fell asleep, I had a peace about it.

The next day my parents had a surprise for me.  Dad had actually been looking at puppies for me, and he had found a litter ready for homes.  It all happened so quickly.  The next thing I knew I was meeting three, blue-eyed, pink nosed female yellow Lab puppies and their friendly parents Lucky and Lily.  It wasn’t long before I made my choice and was back in the van riding home with a sleepy puppy in my arms.  I named my Lab Summer because her coat is the color of sunshine, and I got her on the first full day of summer.  Summer is also a happy season and my Lab a happy puppy.

Through Summer and the season of praying for her, the Lord has taught me to persevere in prayer.  He also showed me that He can and will change hearts to accomplish His will.

“I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours.” – Mark 11:24, NLT

“Nothing lies beyond the reach of prayer except those things outside the will of God.”

L.B. Cowman, Streams in the Desert*

A special thanks to Amber and Scott for all the love and care they gave Summer and her littermates during their first weeks of life.

Dear Reader, Thank you for reading my daughter’s first lesson from her Labrador. As a mother, I couldn’t be prouder of the responsibility, decision-making, and sacrifices Arlie has made in caring for Summer. I’ve included below the links to the homecoming stories of our black Labrador Adi and our tortoise shell kitty Reeses. Sincerely, Beth Alisan

To read Adi’s story click here

To read Reeses’ story click here

© 2019-2023, Lessons from a Lab, Beth Alisan.  All Rights Reserved.

*Cowman, L.B. Streams in the Desert. Zondervan, 1997. (1st published 1925)

28 thoughts on “Summer: A Season of Prayer”

    1. Thank you! Summer has been a wonderful addition to our home, and our daughter is doing a great job in raising her. I’m sure there will be more lessons from time spent with her in the months and years to come.

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Thank you for this well-written and beautiful love story! The puppy is adorable and it reminds me of when I was young and was able to keep a little puppy from our older dog’s litter. My husband and I have a thirteen year old Husky-Shepherd. I sometimes think about getting another dog. Your puppy is pure inspiration in that department. I have never owned a Lab, but this blog might convince me otherwise! I have had Collies, Cocker-spaniels, and mixed breeds with German Shepherds/Collies/ Huskies. I love all dogs, however. 🙂 Such a wonderful post on prayer and trusting God’s will for our lives. He always knows best. Every time!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you Linda! I’m so glad Summer’s story brought back fond memories of your own childhood puppy. Every breed has its own set of unique and wonderful qualities. I’ll be eager to see what breed of puppy finds you and will be very tickled if it turn out to be a Labrador.

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Beth what a beautiful post as usual, you never fail in bringing His wisdom to your readers.
    Arlie you are an awesome example to us old folks in your mature and faith driven prayers. Well written too my wee sister!
    Welcome to Summer, I am sure Adi will teach you the ropes.
    God bless you all richly as you follow His guidance each day.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you Alan for your kind words for both Arlie and me. Arlie enjoys writing so I’m hoping she’ll have some more lessons from Summer to share in the future. Adi has finally adjusted to being shadowed by a puppy. Summer is still able to trot under her belly which won’t last much longer. It’s been amazing to watch how much she patterns her behaviors after Adi. I’m very grateful for Adi’s good example.

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Pat B

    This is a great story, Arlie! It was very-well written and conveys the idea of perseverance in prayer and patience. It is a great example for all of us to follow, and what a great “lesson” in faith and prayer for you. Thank you!

    Good luck with Summer – I look forward to hearing more about her (and maybe even seeing her and Adi again!)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Miss Pat, Thank you for your kind words. I don’t think Summer is much bigger than Jazzy right now, but not for much longer. I look forward to introducing you. Sincerely, Arlie

      Like

    1. Mr. Gary, Having Summer has been fun but hard work. I’m looking forward to training her and to all the things we’ll do together. Mom says you got a puppy too some months ago. Do you have any words of advice? Sincerely, Arlie.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Arlie, Yes, We got a new puppy. little buddy thinks he is a sled dog when on a leash for a walk. We have had to help Buddy learn to walk with us and not pull us wherever he wants to go. we are in charge. We have also have had to teach Buddy about not jumping on us as well as visitors. Keeping all four paws on the floor or ground is hard for Buddy but he is learning. He gets treats for getting things right when we are training him. Each dog is so different but they do want to please you and respect you. just make sure you are in charge and not Summer. Above all be a fun person to be with and play with.as well.

        Liked by 1 person

    2. Amber Knight Killer-Bogle

      We are so happy she has gone to a wonderful home filled with wonderful loving people. Both Scott and I have decided to become breeders when we move to our next home. We want to breed loving dogs and make them affordable so others can be blessed too. We enjoyed meeting you guys it was a pleasure. We still have our cousins puppy they named him Meeko. It’s amazing to watch him play outside with mom and dad. Both Lucky and Lily have been training him and it’s something we’ve never seen before and amazing to watch. Summer was born a sweetheart and I have no doubt she will show you all the love she has. Just like her mom and dad who love the cuddles. Congrats on your new family member.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Amber, It’s so good hearing from you and to learn that you are able to enjoy Meeko for a little longer and watch Lucky and Lilly train him. I’m sure he’s like Summer and quick to learn new things. Summer is certainly a loving Lab, and we know she got that from her parents. Her eyes are slowly changing color. We are seeing more flecks of yellow making them almost teal in color right now. Her nose and paw pads have gotten slightly darker. We think she’s going to look a lot like Lily when she is full grown. Hope all is going well with the house. Give Lucky and Lily our love. Beth

        Like

  9. I read dozens of blog posts every week, and this is one of the best I’ve seen in awhile. Arlie, you certainly share in your mother’s writing ability!

    Congratulations on your new Summer! You were respectful to your parents and patient in prayer. Now God has honored both your character and faith.

    Thank you for the quote from “Streams in the Desert.” It’s one of my favorite devotional books!

    Please keep writing a guest post, now and then, on your mom’s blog. You are good at putting words together, Arlie!

    Blessings to the Alisan family.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Miss Sandra, I wish Summer’s eyes would stay blue forever. They are slowly changing color. Right now they are teal and will possibly be yellow or golden. Mom say’s you have two dogs. What do you enjoy most about them? Sincerely, Arlie

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Hello Arlie, I really enjoyed reading your story. Such a beautiful life experience in having faith in prayer and believing it with your heart. Yes, I have two dogs. The bigger dog is 7 years old and my small dog is 13 years old. They are a true blessing to me, I believe our pets are a gift from God, they teach us every day how to live in the moment. What I enjoy most is that they make me smile and laugh every day, with their kind eyes and playful attitude. They remind me to not get to busy with life, to never forget to play and enjoy a sunny day outside. My Chloee loves to play fetch and she reminds me when it is her time to play by grabbing a toy and bringing it to me. Your pup will grow into a beautiful loving friend for you as well. Summer is a perfect name for her. Have a wonderful day Arlie.

        Liked by 2 people

Comments are closed.