The White Bulldog

We went on a long bike ride in the morning, with several layers to combat the NY chill. The southern states may think they know what real cold is, but they have NO CLUE. this was considered a WARM autumn morning in upstate NY. I had 5 layers on, gloves, scarf, and hat. Southern winters are fake to anyone from the north.

On our ride, we passed a store with bulldogs as watchdogs. There were several in the store gazing out the window. It took us a while to realize the white one on the right is fake, a statue. The one on the left is a real dog.

We rode for a delightful two hours, and then stopped for lunch at our favorite place. One of the traditions whenever we go to my folks' town is to visit Lupo's, where the most delicious spiedies on earth are made. If you don't know what a spiedie is, you have not lived. And any spiedies other than Lupo's are like that white bulldog statue. They are not the real thing, though a casual diner might be fooled.

Afterwards, we hung out with the parents on my brother's porch on this beautiful day. Dad and brother John always have a traditional cigar. We ladies always plant ourselves upwind. I wish my whole family lived in the same town. We are scattered all over the continent. Whoever thought the easy mobility of the car was a blessing created a double edged sword, in my opinion. It is always wrenching for me to leave the family I grew up with, but I have to, in order to return to the family I acquired.

Life is filled with contrasts. There are so many choices each day. Many will lead us to fake or unsatisfying experiences. Others will lead us to places of love, joy, and contentment. Sometimes the bad choices are disguised as good, some so temptingly real that we are as deceived by them as by the white bulldog.

Satan would like nothing more than to draw us off course, fool us with "broken cisterns that will never hold water" or "purses with holes" that will never contain our wealth. God, on the other hand always gives the only thing of true, real, and lasting value. Himself.

And sometimes zany sisters pretending to be a dalmation....
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2 Corinthians 11:13-15 

For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.

1 John 2:9 

Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness.

1 Peter 2:1 

So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander.

1 Corinthians 6:19 

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own,

James 3:17 

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.