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Their Mysterious Ways--A Book Review

© Renie Burghardt

"Their Mysterious Ways," Amazing Stories About God's Animals And Us, Compiled and Edited by Phyllis Hobe, and published by Guideposts Books, Fall 2002, is another very special book about animals. There are 62 true stories in the book. Stories about animals who help us confront our adversities and rebuild our lives. Animals who help us carry a burden, or help us to make a decision about the direction of our lives. Animals who come to our rescue and save us from harm; animals that bring us reassurance in our times of need, and much more. The book's premise is that animals are the angels God sends us, and their unconditional love tells us that He is always near, and that He cares about us every day, and in every way!

Among the many outstanding stories in this book, are the stories written by several of our Contributing Editors at Suite 101. Let me tell you about some of them.

In "The Power of Love", by Mary Alward, former Editor of Canadian Tourism, Travel, and Culture, we read about a half-starved pup brought home by Lisa, on a rainy autumn day. The pup's condition was so bad that no one in the family held out much hope for its survival. Except Aunt Millie, that is, who was determined to save the pup's life. Since the pup couldn't eat on its own, she fed it with an eyedropper, and sat up with it all night in her rocker, holding the dog in her arms. Within a month, the pup looked like any other Red Setter, and the name Kelly fit her well.

As Kelly grew, the bond between her and Aunt Millie grew strong. Through Mary's skillful story telling, we get teary eyed, and we rejoice, as Kelly overcomes some pretty big obstacles that life brings her way. And it's evident throughout the story that the power of love is amazing, especially in the touching ending. But you'll have to read it for yourself, to find out more!

In "The Aquarium in Our Living Room", Ruby Bayan, former Editor of Inspiration/Motivation, tells us about a five-gallon aquarium that had always been part of her childhood home. She remembers that as a child, when she was too small to reach the top of the tank, she would climb up the arm of the couch so she could help feed their colorful pets. She watched her mother clean out the tank, and meticulously re-landscape and re-decorate the habitat, and when the tank needed re-stocking, she watched her mother bring in the most colorful of the tropical fishes that swam around in their backyard pond. And as the story continues, Ruby eventually finds out that the colorful fishes in an aquarium have their own mysterious ways of soothing their human caretaker. A wonderful story, but then, Ruby is a talented writer!