Life

An Early Life Lession

I feel that each experience in our life from childhood brings a lesson, that once learned becomes a building block and preparation for the next. We are building a stairway to heaven, or at least we should be. There is a war going on and we as God's children are determining the out come of the battles with not only the choices we make, but the lessons we learn from them.

Early in my life when I was 16, I experienced what most probably was engineered by the advisary to weaken my testimony and scare me away from the truth. But in contrast, the Holy Spirit helped make it a learning experience and strengthening of my testimony ...

It was 1976 and I was in San Diego visiting some friends. They had arranged for me to visit with a Christian woman who had a message. It was kind of scary but so fascinating. This woman had rings in every finger, painted on eyebrows, and wore a, multi-color caftan that was popular in the 70’s. She was sweet and friendly and proceeded to tell me the story of a young man who had been raised in a Satanic Cult. He was raised to believe that it was the Christians who were the enemies, and that “Master Mahan” was the true leader of the Universe. She said that he learned truths through a Christian he had met that had helped him break out of the cult.  She played a cassette tape of this man telling his story at an evangelistic meeting.

Here is what he said:

He was from the Collins family in England. They were very high up in the Satanic Church.  And  they made a fortune from selling the rights to their family story embellished with fantasy of vampires and ghosts. This story was published as a soap opera called“Dark Shadows”.

 Well, that really got my interest because I had always been fascinated with that Soap. My mother didn’t want me watching it but any time I could sneak peek at it I would. My Grandmother watched it so I always could sneak it in when she came to visit.

He said that the family, in truth had music and record stores all over which they used to smuggle drugs and used certain rock bands to send secret messages on their records. Thus came the info about the evil messages in certain rock music. This boy was sent to the USA to work in the record store and was always warned not to get cozy with Christians because "they would rope you in with their lies and end up getting you killed”.  He met a Christian girl and against the elder’s wishes, started dating her. She ended up teaching him about Christ and the atonement. She gave him a Bible and she dared him to pray to God and ask him if what she was saying was true. He said how he struggled with his heart and all the opposite teachings he had been taught since birth. But finally be accepted Christ and was born again.  He tried to leave the family and they tried to kill him and tried to capture him and take him back to England.  The girl’s pastor helped smuggle him out, change his name and eventually start his own ministry.  

All this really had me interested in learning more.  When the tape was finished, the woman showed me different rock songs and pointed out the chants and secret messages from Satan. These were popular groups that had music I loved to sing and listen to. She told stories how the power of Satan was so strong and that it fooled people into believe the lies using drugs,  wi- gi boards, and séances, talking to the dead etc… then she claimed that along with all the people of the world that were using Satan’s powers to enslave people, she included the Mormon Missionaries with the laying on of hands. This is when I realized that something was really wrong with this whole scene and I needed to get out of there as fast as I could.  Now I’m sure she had good intentions and she felt herself to be a Good Christian. I smiled and gave her a big hug and thanked her, wished her well and quickly left. I could see that believing and fearing Satan like she did kept her from enjoying and feeling the love and healing powers from God’s Priesthood. I felt sorry for her. 

It all had me startled and a little scared. But I also knew that the power of the Priesthood was from Jesus Christ himself , I had been blessed and healed by this power through Missionaries with the laying on of hands. Even though there was probably much truth in the message she had to give me, unfortunately, when she said that Satan had all the power, I knew at once that it was that one big lie that made it all wrong; Satan’s powers may be very strong upon the earth and in the hearts of men, but only because we give Satan that power. We as children of God are born with the light of Christ in our souls. The Power of the Priesthood of Jesus Christ is much, much stronger. There really is nothing to be afraid of. Fear is what Satan and his disciples feed off of.

 I went home, thought about what I had learned, and prayed for guidance. Heavenly Father helped me put it all in perspective. Even though the show Dark Shadows still fascinates me and learning about its history is even more fascinating, The knowledge of the true Gospel of Jesus Christ and the peaceful feeling I have knowing that I have a personal relationship with my Savior keeps me safe and I have nothing to fear.  I am so thankful to my Parents for raising me in the true Gospel of Jesus Christ.  I’m in hopes that by sharing my story someone will get the desire to seek out the power of God and feel the love and safety our Savior will provide and never fear again.

~In The Name of Jesus Christ Amen

Emotional Support Dogs

"The one absolutely unselfish friend that a man can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him, the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous, is his dog."----Senator George Graham Vest

Dogs have been man’s best friend for over 13,000 years and possibly much longer. I believe that these angel spirits were with us before this life on earth and I am confidant that they will be with us in the after life to come. During this life on Earth, dogs have been man's helper, protector, and companion. According to the Humane Society of the United States, 39% of U.S. homes have one or more dogs and 34% have one or more cats.

An Emotional Support Animal(ESA), is a dog or other common domestic animal that provides therapeutic support to a disabled or elderly owner through companionship, non-judgmental positive regard, affection, and a focus in life. If a doctor determines that a patient with a disabling mental illness would benefit from the companionship of an emotional support animal, the doctor write letters supporting a request by the patient to keep the ESA in "no pets" housing or to travel with the ESA in the cabin of an aircraft.

ESAs are not task trained like service dogs are. In fact little training at all is required so long as the animal is reasonably well behaved by pet standards. This means the animal is fully toilet trained and has no bad habits that would disturb neighbors such is frequent or lengthy episodes of barking. The animal should not pose a danger to other tenants or to workmen. That being said, many people who need an ESA either don’t know it, and/or have no idea how to train them once they get them. This sad truth is the cause for many what could have been lasting and healing relationships to fail and the would be ESA ending up in the shelter, or worse dead from an accident that could have been prevented.

Society can be cruel, judgmental, and un-supportive of those with mental and physical illnesses. People don’t always show their pain in public. Long nights are spent crying and feeling totally unloved, miss-understood, alone, and hopeless. These people need un-conditional love to restore their faith and hope. Un-conditional love is not temporary, it doesn’t have strings attached, there is not time limit or frame, it is not sexual, nor does it have any words. In the Bible we learn that there is only one Human Being capable of un-conditional love all of the time, this is our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Although there may be some exceptions, there are very few, if any people who can express this kind of love 24hours per day. Everyone has their breaking points and failings. I have found that the best description of un-conditional love or pure love is found in I Corinthians 13:4-7 where the descriptive word is “Charity”: “Charity (Love) suffereth long, and is kind; charity(love) envieth not; charity(love) vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquety, but rejoiceth in the truth; beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Anyone who has formed a relationship with their pet can see all of these characteristics and more in the innocence of these little animals.

References:

For more information about the differences between emotional support animals and psychiatric service animals, read the related article at: http://www.servicedogcentral.org/content/node/76

It is important to note that having a diagnosis of a mental illness, by itself, is not sufficient to qualify a person for an ESA unless that illness is so severe it disables them. Only a judge can truly determine whether a person is legally disabled. However, a doctor can probably make a medical determination of a person's disability and on that basis prescribe an ESA. To qualify as disabled under federal disability rights laws, a person must experience substantial limitations on one or more major life activities because of their mental illness.

Studies have shown real health benefits for those living with pets, including: 
* lower cholesterol
* lower blood pressure
* lower triglyceride
* reduced stress levels
* reduced feelings of loneliness
* better mental health
* increased activity
* more opportunities for exercise
* more time spent outdoors (for dog owners especially)
* more opportunities for socialization

On July 23, 2010, Attorney General Eric Holder signed final regulations revising the Department’s ADA regulations, including a revised definition of “service animal.” This final rule was published in the Federal Register September 15, 2010, and the effective date is six months after that publication.

Key changes include the following:
1. Only dogs will be recognized as service animals.
2. Service animals are required to be leashed or harnessed except when performing work or tasks where such tethering would interfere with the dog's ability to perform.
3. Service animals are exempt from breed bans as well as size and weight limitations.
4. Though not considered service animals, businesses are generally required to accommodate the use of miniature horses under specific conditions.

Until the effective date, existing service animals of all species will continue to be covered under the ADA regulations.

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Existing policies that were clarified or formalized include the following:
1. Dogs whose sole function is “the provision of emotional support, well-being, comfort, or companionship” are not considered service dogs under the ADA.
2. The use of service dogs for psychiatric and neurological disabilities is explicitly protected under the ADA.
3. “The crime deterrent effects of an animal's presence” do not qualify that animal as a service animal and “an animal individually trained to provide aggressive protection, such as an attack dog, is not appropriately considered a service animal.”

These previously existing policies are already in effect.

The first and foremost item you need to have is a current (meaning no more than 12 months old), letter from a licensed doctor stating a subscription for and emotional support animal for therapy to be kept with you at all times for travel. This letter must be signed with the doctor's license number on it.

Other things to consider bringing which are not manditory, include a health certificate and vaccine records. It is also often recommended that your dog be well trained before flying. This will ensure that your dog is kept safe in the airport and that you are more likely to get on the plane with your dog.

When making a reservation to fly with an ESA, call 48 hours in advance to ensure that they know your dog is coming along. Bulk head seating is recommended to ensure that your dog has enough space. Also take into consideration that dogs are not allowed in exit rows.

In preparation for the flight, restrict meals and water. Cut off food and water for the most part four hours before the flight. Give your dog small amounts of water from time to time as needed though. Make a potty break right before entering the airport.

You also qualify for pre-boarding because you have your dog with you. Pre-boarding will allow your dog to get settled in ahead of time. Reach the gate ahead of time and talk to the gate agent. Tell them that you would like to pre-board.