ADOPTING A DOG
As New Year’s Day approaches, staff at many dog shelters brace for a spike in animals being surrendered by their owners. “I don’t know if it’s because people have more family visiting or if it’s just the time of year,” says Animal Management Director Karen Burns of the Central Oregon Humane Society. “It’s kind of a sad concept, but we see a lot of intake requests” around Christmas and New Year’s. In some cases, this is due to the return of unwanted “surprise pet gifts” on Christmas Day. In other cases, houses suddenly filled with family can cause dogs to act out negatively, leading to the owners deciding to surrender them. Many dogs get startled by New Year’s fireworks and run away from home, ending up in shelters (those are returned to their homes if possible). If you are considering adopting a dog for the new year, you can probably count on the shelters being full in early January.

ADOPTED BY GOD
In Romans 8, Paul teaches that redeemed people are children of God, through an adoptive relationship. These children of God have joined the family, with all the rights and privileges included! But even as God’s adopted children, we still face weaknesses and suffering. One of those weaknesses is our lack of knowing how to pray, especially when we see unchecked evil in a disordered world. But the Spirit intercedes for us, joining in our prayers and making them meaningful before God.

Questions

• How does your family relate to animals during the holidays?
• In what ways have you experienced the Fatherhood of God?
• When have you been especially grateful that the Holy Spirit intercedes for your prayers?