Lovable Levi

Anyone who knows me knows that I love ALL of my cats! They each have a unique personality and are special in their own way (like people!). But of my six cats, without a doubt the most "laid back" kitty is Levi, my gorgeous fluffy white cat. I have never seen a cat quite so easy-going as Levi. Most of the time, my kitties all get along.....however, now and then one of the older female cats decides to "show who's boss" and will strike out at another cat. When this happens to Levi, he never strikes back, but just turns his head away and tries to avoid being pawed (or clawed) again. ~ In addition to his relaxed demeanor, Levi also has a tendency to sometimes go where he shouldn't be. I'm certain he's not trying to misbehave---he's just a curious cat! He's strictly an "indoor kitty" but sometimes if someone goes in/out our front door, Levi slips out in a flash. We always groan, because he often gets under our front porch and then has difficulty squeezing back out through the lattice-work. He also likes to investigate the contents of my cabinets, and the other day he even hopped on top of our refrigerator! When he does these activities, I playfully scold him and call him a "stinker" - - but love him anyway. ~ I was thinking the other day about how much God loves me - - even when I'm a "stinker" and don't do exactly as I should. And as much as I dearly love Levi and my other kitties, I know without a doubt God loves me MUCH MUCH MORE!!! So as I try to train Levi to stay out of cabinets, I'm also working on making sure I do what's pleasing to the Lord.

Winter Wonderland

Here in my part of Georgia, we don't get very much snow, and when we receive any at all it's a "pretty big deal"! Recently my area received about six inches, and it was BEAUTIFUL!!! I do not ever remember seeing that much snow in my life, and I felt like a little kid again. Being extremely careful not to slip and fall (and injure my already ailing back), I walked around outside, scooping up handfuls of the fluffy stuff. It was pristine white and powdery, and gorgeous. The few times I was outside, it happened that no one else in my neighborhood was out at the same time. So everything was peaceful and white---a true Winter Wonderland! I was reminded that the very same God who creates the lovely autumn leaves and colorful blooms in spring and summer also creates winter beauty, and He did a magnificent job! Even my cats were amazed at the transformation of our front and back yards into a winter wonderland!

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth His handiwork.

Psalm 19:1

Bridal Veil, Oregon

Being a fan of Christian historical romance, I love reading a book that helps me to easily visualize in my mind a certain area during an earlier time. Christian author Miralee Ferrell has done an excellent job with her book Love Finds You in Bridal Veil, Oregon! The story is a sweet romance filled with believable characters from the past, and plenty of action (and a little mystery!) so the reading is never dull. The faith message is woven throughout the story in such a meaningful way---yet never "preachy". ~ When I visit Oregon one day (it's on my "Wish List") I would love to actually see Bridal Veil Falls for myself---even though I've already visited "in my mind"---thanks to this wonderful book!

Happy Birthday Kim Vogel Sawyer!!!

Today is the birthday of my favorite Christian fiction author, Kim Vogel Sawyer!! I have had the pleasure and honor of meeting Kim at a writers' conference, and she is not only a fabulous author, but a very kind lady too (AND...she LOVES CATS!! What more could you want?!!). ~ Seriously, Kim is a sweet, gracious lady and she uses her God-given talent to write some wonderful, touching books. "Gentle stories of hope" is the phrase she uses to describe her stories, and that is so appropriate. Her stories are not only entertaining, but show the HOPE we can have when we know the Lord and allow Him to work in our lives. ~ The most recent Kim Vogel Sawyer book I read was Fields of Grace. I absolutely loved this historical story, and highly recommend it. Of course, I highly recommend ANY book written by Kim - - once I begin reading, I get "swept up" in the lives of her characters. ~ ~ So, HAPPY BIRTHDAY dear Kim!! May the Lord continue to pour out His blessings on you, sweet friend!

Don't Be Afraid

Anyone who knows me (or sees me walk) realizes I have major back problems. I've actually been diagnosed with six conditions in my back, including scoliosis, spinal stenosis, and severe arthritis, among other conditions. As painful as my back problems are, I count my blessings daily and am thankful I can still "get around" and drive. ~ Recently my doctor sent me to a spinal specialist, who described in detail the spinal surgery I need to have done. The surgery would take twelve hours, I'd be in Intensive Care, need rehab, and complete recovery could take up to twelve months. Needless to say, I left that appointment feeling disheartened, discouraged, and terrified. Now, I'm no stranger to surgeries. I've been through more than a few, and "survived" just fine. But this particular spinal surgery would undoubtedly be the most major of any surgery I've had. However, according to the doctors, if I don't have it, my spine will eventually press against a lung, causing difficulty breathing. So I feel it's something that I must do. ~ The more I thought about the doctor's words, the more I realized I must leave this in the Lord's hands. He will be with me through the surgery and recovery process, I am certain. ~ The next day I was flipping through my Bible to resume my daily reading, and a verse in Mark caught my eye: Be not afraid, only believe. YES!! So simple, but that's exactly what I need to do! I must believe the Lord will see me through whatever the future holds, so there's no need to fear. What a wonderful, comforting thought. Thank You, Lord!!!

A New Year = New Ways to Serve!

Happy New Year! Like many other folks, I am amazed at how quickly this past year flew by. Now we are starting a fresh, new year: 2010 ! This year, instead of writing down my "usual" list of New Year's Resolutions as I've done the past 20 years (gasp!), I felt led to focus instead on New Ways to Serve. What are some new ways I can serve the Lord? Rather than ME deciding on the answer, I am praying for the Lord to show me exactly what He wants me to do. I will certainly continue being a prayer warrior, and will strive to pray more for those around me. I'll also continue doing the "little things" I feel called to do (sending cards to brighten someone's day, taking breakfast to my Pastor and staff, etc.). But I will be open to the Lord's leading of other ways I can serve Him by serving others, whatever those activities may be.
Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.
Proverbs 16:3

Preparing for Christmas

December is here, and the days fly quickly by. The Christmas season always seems to be a very hectic time for most of us, and we see/hear the word "stress" quite a bit (sadly). Earlier today as I was bringing decorations up from my basement, I thought about many things I still need to do for Christmas (including more shopping and sending Christmas cards!). But a thought occurred to me as I was looking through boxes of ornaments and wrapping paper: The most important preparation I can do for Christmas is to prepare my heart. The oft-heard statement "Jesus is the Reason for the Season" is much more than a phrase for people to wear on pins. This statement is an all-important reminder of WHY we have this wondrous holiday each year on December 25. We are celebrating our Savior's birth!!! What a joyous thought! So no matter what activities we feel we must accomplish these next few weeks, we need to prepare our hearts to welcome the precious Baby who was born in a lowly manger. And remember the REASON He was born: To save us!!! So instead of being so overwhelmed with the world's ideas of what we should be doing, I want to make certain my heart is prepared to rejoice over my Savior's birth!! ~ ~ I am attaching a picture of my cat Moses as he "helped" me unpack a tub of Christmas items!