Cats: Love 'em or hate 'em?

Whiskery Wisdom

Cats: most people either hate or love them. The haters contend that felines ruin furniture, kill song birds, and consider people their slaves. The lovers argue that cats control rodents, relieve stress, and cover up their poops.

I find my “spoiled brats in fur suits” brimming with wisdom. Here are some insights I’ve learned from the devilish angels:

• If you fight with the family cats, you won’t have energy left to ward off enemy cats.
• It’s okay to have whiskers and pointy ears.
• Look for a patch of sunshine and stay there.
• Naps are cool.
• Don’t fuss about your food, or the one who feeds you may start buying a cheaper brand.
• Purring will get you everywhere.
• Master the “Shocked and Innocent Look” if someone laughs at you. Better yet, stick your nose in the air and saunter away, pretending you don’t care.
• Naps are fun.
• Act as if you know what you’re doing even if you don’t have a clue.
• Convince those around you how blessed they are to live in the same universe with you.
• Refuse to give up. If one bird escapes, climb another tree.
• Naps are refreshing.

Similar to cats, people are a mix of aggravating and endearing qualities. When I’m tempted to dismiss a brother or sister as too ornery to tolerate, I remember how God bears with my faults and stupid mistakes. Receiving His unconditional love frees me to love myself and others, focusing on positive qualities.  

Now if I could convince my husband to see the good in our kitties…

 The above is an excerpt from my book The Heart of Humor: Sixty Helpings of Hilarity to Nourish Your Soul. 

How do you feel about cats? 

A Strange Phenomenon of Love

When our 14-year-old cat, Happy, got sick recently, I noticed a strange phenomenon.  I've begun talking to her more, cuddling her more, and my soul has brimmed with more love for her than when she was healthy. I wondered why my heart had grown two sizes for this sick little girl. 

Then it hit me . . . 

In the last year I've spent more time researching what was wrong with Happy and taking her to the vet than I did during the previous 13 years of her life. And since none of my other cats have ever been this ill, I've spent more money on Happy than any of them. 

Because Happy needs me to a greater degree than my healthy kitties, I've invested more in her than in the others. So, I love her more. 

Of course we know that God doesn't love one of his kids more than the others. He doesn't play favorites. But I wonder if he draws closer to us, investing more attention on us when we are hurting. 

I'd like to think so...

If you're hurting or sick today, take comfort in the fact that Jesus is near you and with you. He has invested his very life and blood to make you his own, and he dearly loves you. 

Write Your Own Prayer

I’ve never heard the audible voice of God. But as I meditated on the bold, miracle-embracing prayer of Jabez in I Chronicles 4:9-10, the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart: 
“Write your own prayer.”

The result was my Prayer of Jeanette:

1. Change me to think and behave, but especially to love, like You;

2. Use me to create that which glorifies You and enlarges others’ hearts;

3. Love me in ways only You can love, so I know it’s You;

4. Protect me from darkness of thought and word;

5. Empower me to achieve far more than I alone am capable of, so others will acknowledge You and love you;

6. Make me fruitful—full of fruit—colorful, sweet and nourishing;

7. Prosper me—cause me to go forward, increase me—so that I may impart more than I take. In Jesus’ Name, so be it.

Have you considered writing “The Prayer of (your name)”? Just as writing our goals helps us achieve them, writing a life prayer may enable us to see how our loving Father works in our behalf year by year.

What item will merit the #1 spot in your life prayer?

Is it okay to ask God "Why?"

Is it okay to ask God "Why?"

Sometimes our prayers don't get answered the way we want. It's okay to ask God "Why?"

And it's also okay to cry. 

But know that often, God has a huge "YES" hiding behind a little "no."

So don't give up yet, because "hope that is seen is not hope (Romans 8)", and . . .

God is a Master at Plans B through Z. 

Have you had some answers to prayers that were not what you wanted?  

How did God work it out for your good? 

Jesus and Pet Peeves

Did Jesus have pet peeves? 

What about: 

• The religious leaders' hypocrisy;
• The disciples' lack of faith;
• The priests' abuse of the temple

Scripture teaches that complaining is sin.  But based on Jesus' life, there are times when it's appropriate to say:

• "This is wrong" 
• "You need to stop" or 
• "How long must I put up with this?"

I have my share of pet peeves. More than Jesus. Arrogant types, lazy people and liars leave me grinding my teeth. Poor manners, noise masquerading as music and filthy language tempt me to shake people, or at least put them in time out for a year or two.

It comforts me to know that Jesus understands. He has answers for all my pet peeves. He may tell me to confront someone, pray for them, or simply forget it, if it's not worth my time and emotions. He is wiser than I am, so I try to listen to him. When I do, my pet peeves are not nearly so peevish. 

Do you have any Jesus-type pet peeves? How do you manage them?