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Two weeks ago, I never dreamed I'd soon welcome another "furry child" into my home--at least not anytime in the near future.
But when a dear friend contacted me to ask if I knew of a good home for a tiny kitten she'd rescued, I took one look at the photo my friend sent me and....that was it. I wanted this kitten myself.
Being an avid cat-lover, of course I think ALL kittens are adorable. But since I lost my beloved Tubby last summer, seeing a picture of this kitten reminded me sooo much of Tubby as a baby. So I prayed about it and told my friend I would try to give the kitten a home myself.
It hasn't even been a week yet, but I must say this precious bundle of energy wrapped in gray fur seems right at home in my house! Even with *large* cats around her---eyeing her curiously--the kitten appears to be happy and ready to play.
Choosing a name for a pet has always been important to me, so I began considering names
for the kitten. My oldest daughter had a suggestion, and I really liked her suggestion. But I still wasn't completely sure, so I sat in a kitchen chair, snuggling the kitten like a baby, and began to sing. Without giving it any thought, the words to "Oh Susanna" came out of my mouth (thankfully no other humans were home at the time, LOL, because they might not "enjoy" my music as much as the kitties do). As I softly sang, the kitten's eyes opened wider and she looked up at me as if to say, "I like that song" and I knew right then her name should be Susanna. In addition to that little incident, the name Susanna is also a Biblical name (most of my other kitties have Biblical names too).
In less than a week, Susanna has already brought so much laughter to our home--her antics are hilarious! (I'd forgotten how active and playful a kitten can be). I'm so thankful that God created precious animals for us to enjoy!
And God saw every thing that He had made, and, behold, it was very good. Genesis 1:31
We've all heard the familiar phrase "time flies" and most of us have said that phrase quite a bit. With today being the first day of June, this phrase that I used to say jokingly now becomes very real, as I ask myself how this year can be zipping by so quickly! It seems that not long ago we were celebrating Christmas, and now summer is upon us. When I really stop and think about it, the passage of time is something to be taken seriously. Am I making the best use of my time? Am I doing what the Lord wants me to do? Of course, I'd love to answer "Yes" to these questions, and some days I really do feel that I'm using my time wisely and doing what the Lord wants me to do. Then there are other days....I realize that even though I got some productive things accomplished, I could've done better.
Recently my oldest daughter and I were reminiscing about the fun times when she was very young--activities we did together and special toys she had. Now she is grown, and it's hard to believe so many years have gone by since she was a pre-schooler. I wouldn't trade those days for anything, and I'm so thankful I was able to be at home with her (and my other children). But now that I realize how quickly the years pass, I often tell mothers of young children to treasure each and every day. Because as I've found out--children grow so quickly and time really does fly.
So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Psalm 90:12
I do try to keep up with major events happening in the world around me, but at times watching the television news reports can be overwhelming, to say the least. Horrible suffering in war-torn countries, crime occurring in many areas, and natural disasters are only a partial list of devastating reports that news announcers tell us about. If we allow these reports to take over our thoughts, it can make for some really gloomy moods.
But as Christians, we cannot pretend there's no evil or suffering in the world, and ignore all the bad things as we go about our lives. Nor should we go to the other extreme and focus on the negative events completely, allowing ourselves to be filled with stress.
So is it possible to feel happy and blessed in a world filled with negative news all around us (which can easily result in our feelings of stress)? I think the answer is YES!
As a Christian, I know my Bible is my guidebook for life--in all areas. All I have to do is search Scriptures and I can find answers, comfort, and hope. In the book of John, Jesus tells His disciples that in the world they will have tribulation, then He adds but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. ~ WOW!! Those words spoken so many years ago are still true for us TODAY, because the Lord is still IN CONTROL. Even though daily news reports remind us of the strife, evil, and disasters happening around us, we can be blessed by knowing the Lord loves us and is watching over us.
I try to remember that when a particular news report leaves me feeling stressed, I need to pray about the situation and the people affected, then remember how blessed I am because I belong to a loving God, and He will never leave me.
How can it be May already? This year is zipping by too quickly, and I've heard many other people making that same comment. ~ As I look at my calendar now turned to the month of May, I am reminded that at the start of 2013 I chose a new "Word for the Year" which I want to make sure I remember
. This year my word is SERVICE. I decided (at the end of this past December) that throughout 2013 I really wanted to focus on serving God. And the way to serve God is by serving others. So I look for ways (yes, they're usually little ways) to do things for others. Sending cards and gifts for no special occasion is one of my favorite ways to help--and bless--others. I know how much a "thinking of you" card has meant to me in the past, so I always pray when I send a card (or gift) that the person receiving it will be blessed. Maybe if that person has had a rough day or week, my card will arrive at exactly the right time to lift their spirits. Even small acts such as assisting an elderly person with a shopping cart at the store, or picking up a toy that a small child has dropped can be a way of serving others. Of course taking a meal to a family in need is a way of serving others--the list could go on and on. But I'm also reminded that as I look for ways to serve, I need to have a servant's heart. Rather than wanting to do things for myself, I need to be joyful as I do things for others, because by serving others I am serving the Lord. So may I always serve others with a smile--not complaining or grumbling--but being truly joyful that I'm pleasing God by serving others. ~ ~
Serve the Lord with gladness. Psalm 100:2
Just for fun, I've compiled another list of trivia--from various categories. If you enjoy trivia (no matter how useless!) I hope you'll enjoy these facts.
FUNNY TOWN NAMES: Buttermilk, Kansas
Good Intent, New Jersey
Moon, Pennsylvania (which interestingly, has an airport located nearby)
A GROUP of: Gorillas is a band
Elk is a gang
Monkeys is a troop
Engineers needed 22 years to design the zipper.
Albert T. Marshall patented a household refrigerator in 1899.
Despite its great strength, the octopus tires easily.
Even though it has a hump, the camel has a straight spine.
It is estimated that manatees live a maximum of 50-60 years.
In Berkeley, California there is an organization whose members gather monthly to discuss and honor the garlic plant.
Ancient Greeks believed ivy to be the sign of everlasting love.
To grow properly, orchids require moving air (they seem to do better if there is a constant breeze).
Only 8% of the potatoes grown in the US are used to make potato chips.
When I log on to my computer home page, I always see the weather forecast, various news stories, and a feature that I don't normally view, called "Star Sightings." It features Hollywood celebrities in various locations, and readers can view more photos, if desired.
Not long ago as I logged online and once again saw the Star Sightings section, I was struck with a thought of how that phrase can be interpreted. I'm certain people who enjoy viewing the "star sightings" are interested to read updates about the celebrities. But for me personally, the stars I would rather view are the ones in the sky at night, because these are a reminder of God's amazing creation. My Bible tells me that God created the heaven and the earth--so I know that includes the sun, moon, stars, and all the planets in the universe. In other words, He created it ALL! And personally, I am more in awe viewing the night sky than viewing photos of "famous" people. Now every time I see the section titled "Star Sightings," I have to smile, because the star sightings I enjoy are the ones created by my Heavenly Father.
The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth His handiwork. Psalm 19:1
April is here--which is one of my two favorite months of the year. This month also brings with it sweet memories of my precious Mother, who loved the month of April. So when Mama went to Heaven, it seemed fitting that she went on April 21. As terribly sad as that time was for my family and me, we knew we'd see Mama again one day in Heaven. So as I looked at the lovely pink azalea bush in full bloom outside her window the day Mama left us, it was a sweet reminder that we will all "bloom" again in Heaven one day.
What an AMAZING---yet VERY REAL, truth for Christian believers!
Since yesterday was Easter Sunday, we celebrated Jesus' triumph over the grave, and know He lives! So for Christians we have the reassurance and joy in knowing that we will also live forever with Jesus--and our loved ones--in Heaven one day.
What a glorious and AMAZING truth!! He is RISEN!!!
He is not here: for He is risen. Matthew 28:6
