Life with a Heathen Cat

Echo came into my life in May of this year; he was only supposed to be here a little while. It looks like he will be staying longer than I had in mind. From outward appearances he seems to look like a nice looking tom cat but has a nasty attitude. I refer to him as heathen cat because the devil had to have gotten a hold of him, you see in my option he has to be possessed by something awful. He is a little guy about ten pounds of black and white fur. That tells me he had to have had the light of Jesus in him at one time but somehow he got mixed up with the darkness of the fallen angel Lucifer. His given name is Echo; I know why his parents choose that name. It seems he likes to hear the sound of his own voice. For about four or five days a month he screams incessantly. I mean for hours and hours at a time. The only time he hushes is when he is asleep and even then he is meowing. He walks around with his belly rubbing the floor and his hinny high in the air. His favorite thing in the whole world to do is work my last nerve. My cabinets are appealing to him and he can not pass up an opportunity to jump on them. I have had many talks with him about this problem but he turns a deaf ear to me. I call it selective hearing you know when your own children hear only what they want to hear; yes he has cat selective hearing. Nothing seems to phase this cat, I have tried hollering but my screams only give me a headache. I have swatted his backside with a newspaper hoping the noise would scare him and it does long enough for me to get back to my recliner and get my feet up. Last week we tried a Nerf gun that shoots those soft bullets but he eats them. I must admit it does scare the dogs, when they hear that thing cock the shoot out the room. Just this week I put some holy water in a spray bottle and it stopped him right in his tracks. I think he was letting God’s spirit minister to him for a few seconds then he hide only to come back when I was nice and comfortable. He has fooled me into thinking he has moved on to a nice condo in Timbuktu but that dream was short lived. He was found safe and sound after a few hours of being locked in the bathroom closet. His cries could have woke the dead. I would be glad to pay his rent but for some reason he refuses to leave. I may need the services of the Justice of Peace soon, too serve the eviction notice. I have had the pleasure of getting sweet revenge on his poor little lost soul. A few days ago I took a long soak in the tub. It was great you should try it sometimes. Fill the tub with hot water, grab a good book and soak until the water is frigid. It was at that point when I started to turn blue that I got my revenge. You see I had endured one hour of him stalking me in the tub, knocking the soap in the water, dumping my drink and pushing my towel in. Not to mention him giving me the evil eye the whole time. It was when I got out and was drying off that a bolt of lighting came out of nowhere and knocked him right off his four furry feet and into that fidget water. It did not take him long to make a mad dash to the side of the tub. I bet he felt like he was climbing Mt Rushmore trying to free himself. When he finally made it to freedom he did a little jig around the room. Shacking one paw off then another. I do not know why he would think he would need another bath after that but that’s just what he did. He sat for the longest time bathing himself and planning his next attack on me. What he does not know is that I have my eyes on him and I am watching him too. And I can not forget to mention that I have God on my side. I am fervently praying that he would find salvation and become a change cat with a new heart.

This is Echo the heathen cat trying to soak in God's love and mercy by sleeping on my Bible study bag.



Sin

We are all human, and will sin. Christ tells us it is serious business when we do. When we sin we alone are responsible for our actions and our words. It is not the fault of the guy who pulled in front of me that I cursed. Nor is it hubby’s fault we stayed out to late and could not wake up for church. It is my fault, mine alone. The word of God tells us that it would be better to die than lead someone else into sin. We are told to be very careful and to watch ourselves. If our brother, sister or neighbor sins we are too gently and lovingly correct him and forgive him. Forgive others as often as needed, seventy times seventy or more. Just as we should be held accountable for our actions and to each other we are called to forgive each other.

I challenge you today to look around and pray for someone. Pray for the driver that cut you off. The customer in line in front or behind you.

Prayer: Father in heaven I ask you to forgive me my sins. Help me to think about my actions and how they affect others. I want to be held accountable for the wrongs I commit, allow me to be gently corrected. I love you Father and thank you for forgiving me.

UNFORESEEABLE: BOOK THREE IN THE ROAD TO KINGDOM SERIES,

by Nancy Mehl 

Callie Hoffman knows she has a good life in Kingdom, Kansas. She's thrilled to be engaged to Levi Housler, the new pastor of Kingdom Mennonite Church, and she spends her days working with her friend and soon-to-be sister-in-law, Lizzie Housler, at Cora's Cafe.


However, Callie's idyllic life is interrupted when a body is discovered on the road outside Kingdom and the deceased turns out to be a victim of a serial killer. As Washington County's new sheriff begins questioning Kingdom residents, Callie and the rest of the town are appalled at the prospect of a killer among them. The very reason Kingdom exists is to protect the people from the temptations and dangers of the outside world, but all the town founders' attempts to plan ahead couldn't prevent a threat like this.
Unsettled at this unforeseen danger, Callie is concerned when it appears Levi knows more than he's telling. Desperate to find answers for herself, Callie never expected that she'd have to face some of her own past's skeletons.

As Callie and the residents of Kingdom fear this danger for which they never planned, they must learn anew that only God knows the future and their trust must always lie in Him.
My review of Unforseeable: Unforeseeable, Road to Kingdom Series by Nancy Mehl
Callie Hoffman has loved Levi Housler since grade school but thought he had never noticed her. She is now newly engaged to him. Levi is the newly appointed Mennonite pastor, some parishioners think he is to young to be pastor. It seems a serial killer has targeted their secluded community. "Murder and meatloaf just don't go together," Lizzie grumbled in the restaurant Callie was employed at. Can the newly appointed Sherriff protect the people of Kingdom? It seems not when the killer gets too close. Now they are pointing fingers at Levi. Callie has noticed some changes in Levi and she is questioning his love. Will they survive this test? The author Nancy Mehl has done a magnificent job keeping me guessing as to who has done it. She has interweaved faith among the action and suspense of this Christian Romantic Suspense Fiction. This is the third book in her Road to Kingdom series, I know if you pick it up you will enjoy it as much as I have.  


Nancy Mehl has been a writer for over twenty years. The author of fourteen books, with two scheduled to be released in 2013. She was first published in 2001. You will find a little something extra special in Nancy’s books, she shares a little of her faith. Her and hubby Norman call Wichita, Kansas home but hope to join their son and his family in Missouri soon. Every good author needs a muse to inspire and help with all their writing and work that goes on behind the scenes. Nancy is no different her muse just happens to have four legs and a tail, her puggle Watson. I had to know more about her furry friend,Watson, so I asked if she could share a little about him. Her reply was, "Watson, Oh, my. He's a special little boy. There are things he absolutely hates: Plastic bags, tin foil and flies. I don't understand the first two, but I'm with him on the last one. He doesn't like anyone to touch ANYTHING that belongs to him. His toys, his crate or his leash. He LOVES going for walks, doggie treats and his people. That's what we are, you know. The truth is, we don't own him. He owns us."

Nancy Mehl is a fairly new author to me. I stumbled upon one of her books about a year or so ago. Although I have not had the pleasure of reading all her books, the ones I have read gave me courage to grow, inspired greater faith and gave the feeling of walking with the characters. I have really enjoyed getting to read her books and getting to know her. I am lucky to call Nancy a friend and sister in Christ.

 I was able to ask Nancy what her favorite scripture was and she said "I love all scripture, but one of my favorites is Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." I love this because so many people don't realize that they are special to God. God has a plan for all of us as individuals, and NO ONE can fill our role the way we can. I use my writing to encourage people to seek God's will for their lives. His plans are always exciting and fulfilling!" When asked how God has worked in her life lately, she said, "God works in my life every day. He's amazing! One example: Even though I wanted our house to sell earlier this year, he made us wait. Although it was frustrating, now I see why He did that. The timing is perfect in so many ways. He is so good!"

God uses each of us everyday in some way or somehow, but I was cuourious as to how he uses her as a writer and author. She told me, "I think God uses me to encourage people - to let them know they're not wandering generalities. They are unique, special, and loved."

If you have not had the oppertunity to read one of Nancy Mehl's books you are really missing out. You need to check out the first two in The Road to Kingdom series, Inescapable and Unbreakable.  She also has some other great books available.

Nancy's BlogNancy-Mehl-Fan-Page on Facebook
DeeperShopping
Christianbooks.com
suspensesisters.blogspot

 

Raw Edges by Sandra D. Bricker Link Along: Post #5

Welcome to blog post # 5 in the Link Along Party. I hope and pray you have discovered some great information about Raw Edges by Sandra D. Bricker, that you fall in love with these fantastic characters and go on to enter to win a signed copy of the book. Take to heart the information you are receiving about ovarian cancer so you know what signs to watch for. Annabelle Curtis is portrayed as a woman of courage. Not only did she beat cancer but she fought some tough battles and can out a stronger, better person. Read a little about Annabelle here and in RAW EDGES, I know you will admire her courage as much as I did.

Annabelle Curtis

 Raw Edges Quilts of Love Series

Sandra D. Bricker

Annabelle Curtis loves her beloved Florida Aquarium where she is employed. She is a member of the Ovacome support group. Ovacome is much more than just a support group. They are crucial in helping raise public awareness of ovarian cancer. Through awareness, education and support, Ovacome gives hope to the thousands of women affected and advocates for better testing and treatment. Annabelle became a member of the group in her Dark Days—a term she used to describe the five months and six days between the initial diagnosis at the young age of thirty-four and the day that her oncologist broke out the long-awaited “cancer-free” stamp of approval. A complete hysterectomy may have ended her chances of becoming pregnant but not her dream of being a mom. She met Gray and his daughter Sadie at a special meeting for the memory quilt project at Ovacome. Right from the beginning sparks were flying. Gray noticed her blonde curls and green eyes. She made note of his salt-and-pepper hair and his striking blue eyes. As progress was made on the quilt their feeling for one another grew. Annabelle had a special place in her heart for both Gray and Sadie.

Man's Best Friend as a Healer

According to an article on The Mayo Clinic website man’s best friend can be a healer. Scientific research shows that pets can also make us healthy, or healthier. Animal-assisted therapy is a growing field that uses dogs or other animals to help people recover from or better cope with health problems, such as heart disease, cancer and mental health disorders. I am a firm believer that having a pet makes me a happier person. I feel every person going through a life changing illness should have a furry friend to help them through the rough spots. Because I adore animals and know the comfort and enjoyment I find as pet owner I asked Sandra D. Bricker if she could share a few things about Sophie, her beloved dog. She said this, “Sophie is a strawberry blond collie mix who started out pretty tragically in life. I had just lost my 16-year-old sheepdog (Caleb) to bone cancer, and I was in no way ready to give my heart to another dog. But Sophie needed a home, and I guess God knew I needed a roommate. It took us a little while to warm up to our situation, but you sure wouldn't know it now. She's my best bud, and I don't like to even imagine my life without her in it.”

Expected Release Date: September 17, 2013

Pre-Order Your Copy:
Amazon,
Barnes & Noble, 
CBD,
 Deepershopping
To find out more information on Sandra D. Bricker and her book, check out the following web sites.
www.sandradbricker.com
www.abingdonpress.com
www.quiltsoflovebooks.com
www.ovacome.org



7 Months are too short

I have struggled with whether to share this or not and finally decided to share in hopes something I say may help someone else. In my option God shows us His mercy and love in many ways. Many times we question Him, why did this happen or why me. We may never know the answer to that question this side of heaven. I can not imagine what life would be like if not for God’s love and mercy. Today I want to share with you one of the greatest days of my life and the hardest trial I have ever endured. On October 21, 2008, my 2^nd grandchild was born. Resse David Morgan was perfect; his smile could light up the room. 7 short months later God called him home. Reese David Morgan died in a tragic accident. He died as a result of a defect in the drop down-side rail on his crib. A space was created between the rail and the mattress, causing him to become stuck and he suffocated. Before the government would put a stop to the madness, 9 babies would die from similar accidents, Liam Johns from California, Emrys Taylor, from, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Courtney Sue Barr, from, NY, Carter Michael Pack, from, Summersville, West Virginia, Edward Millwood, from, Woodstock, Georgia, Serenity Bergey, from, West Palm Beach, Florida, Royale Arceneaux, from, Houston, Texas, and Ariele Allison, from Princeton, Kentucky. 110 would have accidents because the drop-side detached, 15 infants were entrapped and 20 other children were reported injured when they fell from the cribs.

In God's word Roman's 8:28 it say’s “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” I had many questions for our Heavenly Father. I wanted to know why and how he was going to use this good. The death of a child or anyone can not be good. But you see God had bigger plans. His word told me in Jeremiah 29:11 that, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” God would have to show me how He could use this for His good. In order for me to move forward He would have to help me to understand. for cribs. Drop down side cribs can no longer be manufactured. They can't be sold new, resold at consignment stores or yard sales or even donated. This brought a greater awareness to the safety of baby products sold. Jesus is with us every step of the way just like Issaiah 42:2 said, “When you pass through deep waters, I will be with you; your troubles will not overwhelm you. When you pass through fire, you will not be burned; the hard trials that come will not hurt you.” I don’t think there is a bigger or harder trial I can go through. In the 3 ½ years since Reese went home I have learned many things with Christ’s help. I have learned to trust God, not what I have here or what I see. Life is a treasure that is only temporary. My security is found in heaven, not here on earth, I have learned to accept what happens and not be resentful of pain, hurts, loss and persecution because God is with me. It’s not always easy but because I trust God and know that my treasure is found in heaven I can deal with anything that comes my way. You see I have a choice I can choose to be angry with God, the manufacture of the crib or I can choose to accept what happen, learn from it and move on. If I choose to be angry I live in misery, unhappy with myself and everyone else. If I choose to trust that God had a purpose and used it for his good then I am free to be happy, I have joy and hope. By no means am I saying I am happy Reese died. I have grieved, hurt and cried. What I am saying is my time here on Earth is short, I plan to spend eternity with Christ. The way I react to problem and pain here affects my quality of life here and it could affect others. I try to live my life in a way that honors God that shows love, kindness, and joy to others. A way that might encourage someone else to turn to Christ. A way that gives hope to a hurting soul. I am no where near to being perfect, I am a sinner and make tons of mistakes. I hope I have said something here to give you hope, peace and help you trust our Father in heaven.