Faith to Faith Newsletter from Women of Faith

We're deep into the dog days of summer―officially defined as the hot, sultry period between early July and early September, when Sirius (the so-called Dog Star), rises and sets with the sun.

We prefer to think of it as time to celebrate the dogs, cats, guinea pigs, and other critters who share our lives. We can learn a lot from our pets.

For example:

	If you love somebody, show them. Greet them at the door, snuggle up next to them on the couch, sleep on their head. (Actually, you should probably skip that last one.)
	Enjoy simple things: a scratch behind the ears, riding in the car with the windows down, a new toy, a bowl of food.
	Be loyal. When your people are threatened, come to their defense.
	Give the occasional random gift. It shows you care. (Remember that when your cat drops a half-dead mouse at your feet.)
	Play hard.
	Nap often.
	Live in the moment.

Enjoy your animal friends—and if you don't have any, make some! They're wiser than we are sometimes . . . remember Balaam's donkey? (Numbers 22)

When our son, Christian, was seven years old, he announced to his dad and me that he needed a dog. I was impressed with his choice of verb. As a child I told my mom that I wanted a dog and never got one. I now realize that it might have been as simple as my misuse of the English language! When I asked Christian why he needed a dog, his explanation made total sense to me. "Mom, I am an only child. I need someone to talk to.” I reminded him that he had his dad and me to talk to, but Christian wisely replied, "No, I need someone to talk to about you.” Read more here.

We're going to 29 cities next year with a message of hope and encouragement. We'll be revisiting some old friends (Shreveport and Billings, we're coming your way!) and enjoying return trips to many cities across the U.S. Find out when we'll be in your area – click here

Why is it when you're a child and hate to take naps they make you―but when you're an adult longing for a nap they won't let you? Science has proven what your mom always knew: napping is good for you. According to the National Sleep Foundation, a short nap of 20-30 minutes can help to improve mood, alertness and performance. Stress expert Elizabeth Scott agrees. "Mid-day sleep, or a ‘power nap', means more patience, less stress, better reaction time, increased learning, more efficiency and better health.” Who doesn't want that? Click here for nap tips and more.

If all that talk of napping is making you sleepy, we can help! At least, we can help you find a place to sleep when you're in town for an Infinite Grace conference. Our hotel team has negotiated special rates for Women of Faith attendees at select hotels in each conference city. To find what's available in your city, click here

Since we normally include a recipe in Faith to Faith it didn't seem fair to put out a pet issue without a snack for our furry friends. Then again, it didn't seem particularly fair to leave out people, either . . . so we have both: Pet Treats (for animals) and Puppy Chow (for people). Recipes here.

Many major-league baseball teams have ‘Dog Day at the Park' so you and your canine companion can enjoy a game together. Most teams require prior registration and proof vaccination. Dog Day at the Park dates vary; check with your local stadium for details.

The virtual version of our 2008 Holiday Catalog will be launched next month, but we know some of you prefer the old-fashioned paper kind. If that's you, sign up for our catalog mailing list. It may not have the perfect gift for your pet (though you never know) but our new collection of books and gifts is bound to have something for everyone else on your list. Sign up for a hard copy here.

Association Members: we've upgraded your section of womenoffaith.com! Log in with your email address and you can read the latest weekly letter, change your address, RSVP for a reception, and find the current discount code. We'll be adding more features in the future, but we think it's a great start. What do you think? Click here.

We asked our speakers to submit photos of their animal friends. Can you match the Porch Pal to the pet? Some are obvious, some not so much. Answers below.

Answers:
Top row left to right: Jan Silvious with Pearl and granddogs Maggie and Luci, Nicole Johnson's dog Chloe (and son Elliot), Belle and Tink Walsh (Sheila's dogs), Lana Bateman's cat Yofi
Bottom row left to right: Mary Graham and Bailey, Anita Renfroe with Maggie, Luci Swindoll with unnamed dachshund and lion cub (at the Berlin Zoo), and Marilyn Meberg's granddog Stella

Would other members of your pack, flock, or gaggle enjoy Faith to Faith? Forward this issue to them. It's free and easy! Click here.