Bella’s Story

The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry. (NIV)

Psalm 34:7

A white blessing greets me each time I come into my garden home.  Bella is an answer to prayer. Here is her story.

My husband died after we had been married for sixty three years. As Jerry’s health declined he prayed that God would give me a peace after he was gone. Thank you, Lord for answering those prayers. I felt God’s love as I began my life of widowhood. 

My little seven pound Yorkie helped me as I adjusted to the greatest loss I had ever known. Last August Rowdy became very ill. I had to let him go. Now I was greeted with silence when I came home.

I immediately applied to three dog shelters.  At the same time I prayed a specific prayer. “Lord, please find me a small dog who doesn’t shed and is at least six years old.” 

Three weeks after Rowdy was gone my neighbor, David Steele died. His Maltypoo, Bella, sat in his lap as he hosted his Sidewalk Chats. Neighbors in our retirement village would gather in David’s driveway, pull up a folding chair and chat. 

Two days after he died I saw David’s children out in his yard. I stopped and offered my condolences. As an afterthought I asked, “What are you going to do with Bella?”

“We don’t know, they answered. She doesn’t get along with our dogs.”

“I’ll take her,” I blurted out. So Bella came to live with me. 

Bella met all the requirements I had prayed for. It was obvious to me that God provided exactly what I had asked for. Bella weighs fourteen pounds, doesn’t shed, and is eight years old. She is a joy!

You may think it is trite to ask God for a dog. My Abba Father listens to our prayers no matter how small. God wants us to pray in all situations. 

Father, thank you for answered prayer. How comforting to know that You listen to each prayer. 

Janice Yandell