About a week ago, our dog came down with an ear infection (I promise to make this a spiritually relevant story, so stick with me). We’ve had this pup for almost a year, but this was a new experience for us as “parents.” Thanks to several wrestling matches with a 45-pound dog who does not like to have drops put in his ear, I can report he is now healthy. But my friend asked yesterday how you know a dog has an ear infection. I explained that I noticed something was wrong because I could tell he just wasn’t himself.

Later last night, I was thinking about her question and realized that the bottomline answer is really pretty simple: We paid attention. We knew simply by observing him that something wasn’t right, and closer inspection revealed the problem. Here comes the spiritual part: People don’t always just say what areas of their lives could use a little tender, loving care. Sometimes you have to pay attention and take note of moments when they don’t seem quite like themselves. You don’t then have to pry into their private matters, but a gentle prayer or unexpected word of encouragement might be just what they need. Before you can offer that, however, you have to be paying enough attention to realize something is wrong. I encourage you this week to take a careful look at the people around you, whether strangers, friends or family members. Their pain may not be spoken, but that doesn’t mean you can’t notice and care.

Blessings,

Brooklyn Lowery

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Though she now lives in nearby Crieve Hall, Brooklyn grew up in Franklin and graduated from Centennial High School. As for Jersey, her handsome dog that’s pictured above…..well, he was fortunate enough to be chosen by Brooklyn at a puppy adoption day at Happy Tales Humane.

Brooklyn is an editor with LifeWay Christian Resources.

1. Go to any of the “Pages” listed on the left hand column of this webiste.

2. Once you’ve reached a “Page” look at down the left hand column, and under “Blogroll,” click on “Create a Profile for You and Your Franklin Dog.” This will take you to a page headed “Franklin Dog: Create Your Own Profile.”

3. On the right of the page, you’ll see a block that says, “Welcome to

Franklin Dog: Create Your Own Profile.” Click on “Sign Up.”

4. Fill in the requested information. Write down your password for future reference. On this “Create Your Profile”page, entered your Full Name and, if you have a picture of you, your dog, or you AND your dog, upload it.

Fill in the last two questions and click “Join.”

Voila! You’ll see a page with a message that says “Welcome to Franklin

Dog: Create you Own Profile, (Your Name)!”

5. Now, why don’t you go to the left of the page.

*Click on the individual pictures of Members to see other people who have joined.

*Or add some photos!

*Or go to the middle column under “Latest Activity” and see information

that other members have recently posted.

*Or go to the brown banner at the top of the page, click on “Add content,” and post some information about you and your Franklin Dog.

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