We Say Ouch For Jesus

By Belle Touchton – The Missionary Dog
Mommy – Cheryle M. Touchton


Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 1 Peter 4:12-14 NIV

Mommy and I spend a lot of time in our tiny camper, Halleluiah. Sometimes Daddy and Rascal the Cat travel with us. Our job is to travel America, telling people about Jesus. Outside of Halleluiah, the word I hear the most is “Jesus.” Inside, I hear “ouch.”

“Bob,” Mommy said. “My head always hurts right on top. It feels like a bruise.” Maybe Mommy doesn’t know how many times she says “ouch” when she steps into Halleluiah. By now she should know to duck her head.

“Ouch!” Daddy said. “You left the cabinet open again.” Daddy wasn’t talking to me.

“Bob,” Mommy said. “I’m so sorry. You’re bleeding again.” By now, Daddy should know that Mommy leaves cabinets open.

I yelled “ouch” later when she left that same cabinet open and everything came flying at me when Mommy turned a corner.

They keep Rascal the Cat’s food up on the counter because they know I like his food better than mine. If Rascal is eating and we stop quickly, Rascal yells “ouch” as he falls off the counter. Personally, I think they could solve that problem by letting me eat Rascal’s food.

The table has 4 corners that pop up to make it bigger. Mommy and Daddy both yell “ouch” about half the time they open a corner because it has a spring that pinches. If they worked less at that table, they’d get pinched less.

When Daddy joins us, he spends most of his time fixing things on Halleluiah. I hear “ouch” a lot when he is working in such tiny places. Those hammers and screwdrivers look like they hurt so I guess I can’t blame Halleluiah for fighting back.

If we’re parked on a hill and Mommy opens a cabinet, she yells “ouch” when cans fall on her. She could solve that problem by eating dry food like me.

Mommy yells “ouch” when she dumps Halleluiah, plugs Halleluiah in, hooks up the water, plugs in cable, climbs on the hood to wash the window, swats a bug, or sits up in bed and hits the light. She stays bruised, bitten, scratched, bleeding, and sore. I yell “ouch” when we stop quickly and I fall off the seat or Mommy trips over me because we try to stand the same place at the same time. Living in a tiny camper is painful. You may be wondering why we are willing to say “ouch” so often.

The answer to that is easy. We say “ouch” for Jesus. Saying “ouch” is the price tag for doing what God tells us to do. When someone says “yes” to Jesus, saying “ouch” for Jesus seems like a small price to pay.
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Cheryle M. Touchton is the Director of Pocket Full of Change Ministries. This ministry exists because people like you are called to help fund the work of the kingdom. To help keep the Pocket Full of Quarters Lady on the road leading people to Christ, you can donate at

Donate

They Were Both Right

By Belle Touchton – The Missionary Dog
Mommy – Cheryle M. Touchton

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Eph 4:2-3 NIV

Mommy and Daddy are funny when they camp. Mommy spends more time in the camper so she thinks she knows more about camping than Daddy. Daddy is used to knowing more about everything so he thinks he knows best. When they get to talking about how to do something on Halleluiah, they don’t listen to each other. Being a dog, I know there is more than one way to skin a cat. Most of the time, they are both right and either way would work just fine. I get bored waiting on them to pick a way.

That last time Daddy camped with us, we needed to dump Halleluiah’s holding tanks. Daddy was in our little car and Mommy was driving Halleluiah so Mommy followed Daddy to the dump station. Daddy pulled in first, got out of the car, and waved for Mommy to drive around the circle to the left.

When Mommy pulled to the right, Daddy jumped in front of her and used both pointer fingers to try to make her go left. Mommy didn’t want to run over Daddy and she didn’t want to go left so she stopped.

Daddy got that smile he gets when he explains something to two-year-old Abigaile and walked over to the window. “Honey, the hose is on the driver’s side. If you pull to the right, you’ll be on the wrong side.”

“Honey,” Mommy said. “I know what side the hose is on. I live in this camper five months a year. If I pull to the right, the hose will be next to the dump station.”

“Cheryle,” Daddy said, making a wide circle with his arms. “You have to go that way or you’ll be turned wrong.”

“Bob, what are you talking about? Look!” Mommy pointed to the dump station.

Daddy looked to where Mommy was pointing and said, “Oh. They have two. Look over there.” He pointed to the other side.

It was Mommy’s turn to say, “Oh.” They were looking at two different dump stations. They were both right. They went to laughing and Mommy decided to give in. She went left. Good thing no one was waiting in line behind us.

The Bible says we should be humble. I think part of being humble means you listen to the people around you. Would someone tell Mommy and Daddy that camping would be easier on all of us if they would just listen to each other? After all, they are both pretty smart.
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Cheryle M. Touchton is the Director of Pocket Full of Change Ministries. This ministry exists because people like you are called to help fund the work of the kingdom. To help keep the Pocket Full of Quarters Lady on the road leading people to Christ, you can donate at

Donate

Mommy Left Me and I Got Even

By Belle the Missionary Dog
Mommy – Cheryle M. Touchton


Therefore confess your sins to each other James 5:16 NIV

OK – I get it that Nancy is Mommy’s best friend. What I don’t get is why she left me to go off with Nancy. I was so excited. I love Nancy. I thought I was going to get to spend a week with her. Instead, Mommy took me to the Doggie Hotel and left me.

There I sat for 5 nights. Don’t get me wrong. They were nice to me. I got to play with other dogs and my room was OK. I’m cute so of course they gave me attention. After all, I am Belle, the Missionary Dog. I know how to work a crowd. It just seems like they could have used me at Mardi Gras.

Mommy says the Seminary they stayed in didn’t take dogs. What is that about? They teach people about God at this Seminary. Don’t they know that God made dogs? Don’t they know that I don’t make near as big a mess as the humans who stay there?

Finally, on Thursday night, Mommy came. I did something bad and I need to confess it. The Bible word for doing bad things is sin. The Bible says to confess your sins so I’m going to confess. I made a mess on Halleluiah’s floor. I even made the mess on the carpet – which was hard since there isn’t very much carpet in the camper. It was wrong and I’m sorry.

In my defense, I’d had a lot to deal with. I’d tried to be a good sport about being left behind. Sometimes my job is to wait on the Lord and Mommy. I’d waited patiently, without making any messes in the doggie hotel. Mommy finally came back. I said goodbye to my new friends and ran to Halleluiah. I jumped in, expecting praise and attention but Mommy and Nancy talked to each other and ignored me.

I tried to get in Nancy’s lap but she had on black pants and didn’t want my dog hair. Paleeeaaaase. White dog hair looks good on black pants. When we parked, Mommy and Nancy left me in Halleluiah to go eat. That was the last straw! They could have eaten before they got me and I got mad. After waiting patiently all week, the least they could have done was make me the center of attention. I am Belle, the Missionary Dog!

When they got back, my nasty surprise was waiting. They noticed the smell as soon as Mommy drove off. Nancy and Mommy held their noses all the way to Nancy's house. I also have to confess that it felt good to hear them complaining. When we got home, Nancy ran into her house and left Mommy to clean up the mess. For the record, I stayed with Mommy. That should have gotten me some points but Mommy was mad and she scolded me.

Ok – I knew it was wrong. I’m sorry. I’ll do better next time. I’ve spent the last 2 nights at Nancy’s house and I’ve been good. God, Mommy, and Nancy have forgiven me. I’m going to miss Nancy. I’m Belle, the Missionary Dog and I can do better than leave messes to get even with Mommy. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Stop and Smell the Bears

By Belle Touchton
The Missionary Dog

He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. Ps 23:2-3 NIV

Why is Mommy always in a rush? Doesn’t she understand that life was meant to be lived one sniff at a time? We live in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania is full of lovely smells. Squirrels, deer, raccoons, chipmunks, cats, dogs, and even a bear play in our yard. God would not have given me such glorious smells if He hadn’t wanted me to take the time to enjoy them. Would someone tell Mommy to stop rushing me?

“Belle!” Mommy demands. “Walk! Hurry up and walk!”

I keep sniffing. I know I’m supposed to mind Mommy but she doesn’t understand. If I hurry up and walk, she’ll make me come inside. I’ll never get to stop and smell the bears. Life is too short to miss the bears.

Mommy is not the only human who rushes. You know who you are! Mommy and I travel all over the country and I see you. When you walk, you usually stare straight ahead and rush. When you drive and have to stop for a red light, why do you stare at the light? You can’t make it change. Why not look around and enjoy the world?

I wish you could see what I see. Did you know that if you look into the eyes of a homeless person, you can tell they’re good at giving hugs? By the way – they smell good too. Sometimes I bark just to try to get you to look up. You couldn’t really want to miss the birds, squirrels, and butterflies. Did you know that tiny flowers peek their heads through cracks in the sidewalk? Sometimes a mouse is hiding behind a rock hoping that snake doesn’t see him. Spiders catch flies and children play hopscotch. God sends adventures everywhere and most people miss them.

God said to take the time to lie down in green pastures. I don’t just lie down in green pastures, I stretch out and roll over and over. Sometimes Mommy gets mad about that too but I listen to God. He knows what feels good. God promised to lead us to still waters and restore our souls. Bears go to those still waters to drink. Maybe God leads us to still waters so we can stop and smell the bears.
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Belle’s mommy is Cheryle M. Touchton. Cheryle is the Director of Pocket Full of Change Ministries and known as the Pocket Full of Quarters Lady. She and the Missionary Dog Belle travel the country as missionaries. For more information or to schedule a speaker for an event, go to www.pocketfullofchange.org.

This ministry exists because people like you are called to help fund the work of the kingdom. To help keep Belle the Missionary Dog and the Pocket Full of Quarters Lady on the road leading people to Christ, you can donate at Donate

Copyright: Pocket Full of Change Ministries

Dog People Need Dogs and People Dogs Need People

By Belle Touchton
The Missionary Dog

Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; Isa 43:1 NIV

Some people are dog people. They like and need us. You know who you are and so do I. Most people like me. I’m clean, smell good, and let’s face it, I’m cute. To a dog person, I’m completely irresistible.

I’m a people dog. I love attention. I want to sit in your lap. I love it when you hug me cheek to cheek. Barry Edwards is a dog person. I’m a people dog. You’d think that we’d get along great but every time I see him for the first time, I dart behind Mommy’s legs. Does anyone want to know why?

I have a problem. Maybe if I admit it, it will get better. I am afraid of things – silly things. Since I’m an adventurous traveler, a writer, and a TV star, I know this surprises you but it’s true. I don’t like umbrellas. Tall people scare me to death. I love children and most women but it takes a while to relax around men older than age 40. I love Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds but Chihuahuas scare me to death. I love homeless men and women but a tall man wearing a suit sends me scurrying behind Mommy’s legs. I told you it was silly.

Barry is married to my Mommy’s best friend, Nancy, so sometimes, we spend time together. I should love Barry but Barry is tall and always wears suits. Poor Barry. When he sees me, he begs me to get into his lap. He feeds me people treats, even though Mommy and Nancy scold him. It makes no sense. Nancy isn’t even a dog person and I love her.

On our last visit to Atlanta, I didn’t get over my Barry fear until I faced it. Mommy and Nancy left me at Nancy’s house alone all day. I was so lonely. When I heard someone in the garage, I started barking with joy. When Barry came through the door, my heart went to pounding and my barks changed.

“Hi Belle,” Barry said as he leaned over to pet me. I jumped back. He sat on the couch and called by name. “Belle, here Belle.” He patted the couch.

I didn’t to know what to do. I knew what he wanted. I’d been alone all day and needed a hug. Barry seemed nice and he wasn’t so tall when he sat down. Maybe it would be OK. Finally, I got up my nerve and jumped on the couch. It was wonderful. He put his arms around me and I turned over on my back so he could rub my tummy. Barry cuddles even better than Mommy. Why had I been afraid? What was wrong with me? I’ll tell you what – the devil uses fear to keep me from wonderful Barry hugs.

Mommy says fear is False Evidence Appearing Real. God says not to be afraid. God calls us by name just like Barry called me by name. I think fear causes me to miss the fun God has planned for me. Maybe if I trust God and Mommy more, I’d meet more dog people like Barry. Dog people need dogs and people dogs need people. None of us need fear.

I’ve decided to let go of fear. I’m trying really hard to trust God and Mommy. You may be wondering why do I do so well as a Missionary Dog with so many fears. That’s an easy question. I’m well trained and love treats. I obey Mommy and God so I do my job anyway. I just think I’d enjoy it a lot more if I let go of my silly fears. Would you pray for me?
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Belle’s mommy is Cheryle M. Touchton. Cheryle is the Director of Pocket Full of Change Ministries and known as the Pocket Full of Quarters Lady. She and the Missionary Dog Belle travel the country as missionaries. For more information or to schedule a speaker for an event, go to www.pocketfullofchange.org.

This ministry exists because people like you are called to help fund the work of the kingdom. To help keep Belle the Missionary Dog and the Pocket Full of Quarters Lady on the road leading people to Christ, you can donate at Donate

Copyright: Pocket Full of Change Ministries

I'm the Star

By Belle Touchton – The Missionary Dog
Mommy - Cheryle M. Touchton - The Pocket Full of Quarters Lady
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Eph 4:2 NIV

Finally, someone realized how important I was. We arrived at the television studio and my name was on the dressing room door. I was the star of the show.

“She’s so pretty,” the woman at the front desk cooed as I pranced in.

Of course I am, I thought. Do you know how many hours I spent at the groomers?

“Can I pet her?” a little boy asked. I sat down and allowed him the privilege of rubbing my adorable head.

Usually Mommy makes television shows alone and I have to wait in Halleluiah. I wondered when someone was going to recognize my star quality. I’d been preparing for this moment all of my life.

My name is Belle Touchton and I’m the Missionary Dog. I travel with my mommy telling people about Jesus. We live in our camper, Halleluiah several months a year. My job is to look cute, do my tricks, and let everyone know how happy you can be when you follow Jesus.

This was my first TV show but I’m not new to the stage. I help Mommy at Bible Schools and children’s camps and events. We sing songs and tell people about Jesus. When Mommy sings “My Best Friend is Jesus,” I bark every time she sings Jesus. We sing ,“If Belle loves Jesus she can sit (or speak or get my tail or whatever Mommy says)” to the tune of “If You’re Happy and You Know It.” Mommy tells boys and girls how to take Jesus’ hand and I offer my paw to Mommy to demonstrate. It’s pretty cool and I’m good at this, if I do say so myself.

The boys and girls loved me. The cameraman loved me. In fact, everyone loved me. We practiced ahead of time so the children would know when they could touch me and when to sing. Mommy didn’t want me distracted but she didn’t have to worry. I knew my job. The name of the show was Smile of a Child and I know how to make a child smile.

The set was cute. It had colored blocks all around the word Jesus. Mommy and I did our thing on a rug surrounded by children sitting on the blocks. It took all day but I didn’t mind because Mommy fed me treats. Mommy keeps treats in one pocket and quarters in the other. I don’t understand why the children liked her pocket full of quarters best. They wouldn’t even try my pocket full of treats.

I was good. No – I was fabulous. I barked, danced, twirled, sat, and lay all at exactly the right time. When we left, everyone knew who the real star was. I knew my life was about to change. No more waiting on Mommy. I’d be invited into churches, television stations, and even restaurants. After all, I was Belle, the star Missionary Dog.

We finished the show and drove to a campground in Pittsburg. Mommy was supposed to speak on Saturday morning. When we woke up, she got dressed and I waited for her to brush me. She never did. We drove to the Community Center and she parked Halleluiah. I stood by the door waiting for my leash. When Mommy turned on the air conditioner, I started barking. Had she forgotten I was the star? Then, she locked Hallelujah and left me. Nooooo, I howled as she left.

When she finished, we drove to our house. Our missionary journey was over. Rascal the Cat greeted me at the door, smug that he’d been with Daddy all summer. Mommy put my food on the floor next to his. On Sunday morning, she didn’t take me to church. No more TV shows. No restaurants. In fact, now that we’re home, Mommy doesn’t take me very many places at all. What happened?

Lying next to the back door, waiting for Mommy to get home, I finally figured it out. Everyone who loves Jesus is His star. Sometimes we get to go on stage. Sometimes we wait alone by ourselves. We can do everything Jesus asks because He makes us strong. If we do what Jesus tells us to do, we are His bright and shining star. I don’t like getting humble but God wants me humble. At the TV station, all I did was my job. Mommy prepared me by teaching me tricks. I was obedient to Mommy and God so the show was good. Maybe I’ll get another turn to make a TV show, but right now, my job is to stay home and keep Rascal out of trouble. Trust me – it’s easier to make a TV show.

Two In the Bush

By Belle Touchton – The Missionary Dog
Mommy - Cheryle M. Touchton - The Pocket Full of Quarters Lady

A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps. Prov 14:15 NIV


Mommy lost Tom Tom in the bushes. She tried to lose me in the same place. I think my Mommy needs to give more thought to her steps. It was all because of a hotel. Would someone please explain to me why Mommy sometimes stays in hotels when we have wonderful Halleluiah. We always have the most trouble at hotels.

It’s really Daddy’s fault. He had a conference in Jacksonville and his company paid for his hotel. Mommy and I decided to meet him there and do our missionary work while Daddy went to the conference. Mommy reminded Daddy that his company could also pay for a campground but Daddy said he didn’t want to put on a suit in a campground. Mommy does it so why can’t Daddy?

It was dark when we got to the hotel. Daddy wasn’t supposed to arrive for 2 more hours. Mommy started unloading. Since we don’t have room for suitcases, when we stay in hotels, we make a lot of trips in and out. When it’s dark, Mommy takes me with her back and forth.

Mommy parked at the edge of the parking lot right next to a tiny curb and lots and lots of bushes. When I jumped out, I landed in the bushes. Mommy carefully stepped onto the tiny curb and rescued me.

Mommy looked for a luggage cart but the hotel couldn’t find one. We started making trips. Mommy carefully balanced books, clothes, groceries, and other stuff as we gingerly stepped on and off the curb to walk behind Halleluiah to the parking lot. Ever since someone stole our GPS, Mommy carries Tom Tom inside at hotels. Mommy got Tom Tom, her novel, the last bag of groceries, her phone, bottle of water, and me. I got out first and stumbled again into the bushes. Mommy stumbled with me but caught herself just before she fell. She rescued me for the second time and we walked to the hotel.

Suddenly Mommy said, “Where is Tom Tom?”

I looked and sure enough, Tom Tom was gone. Mommy began retracing our steps. When we got back to Halleluiah, she looked in those dark bushes. No Tom Tom. She got the flashlight and just as she looked in the bushes again, the sprinkler turned on.

“Oh no,” she said. “Tom Tom’s going to be ruined.” She began frantically reaching inside the bushes with her hands. Doesn’t my mommy know Florida has spiders and that spiders love bushes?

After about 20 minutes of reaching and searching, a wet mommy pulled out a wet Tom Tom. She dried both of them off and thank goodness Tom Tom still worked.

Trusting God is good but I think Mommy needs a better process for going in and out of hotels. Better yet, maybe we could just stop going to hotels.