Inky My cat missing a Tail (repost)

Missing a Tail
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“Mama come quick! The mother cat has moved all the babies except one!” was the alarmed cry from one of my children.

We were on a weekend vacation up in the mountains. Excited to explore, my children had discovered a deep hole where a wild mother cat had hidden her kittens. She must have sensed their discovery, so she had moved them to protect her litter from my sweet, curious kids.

But wait! Not all were missing.  Back in the bottom of the hole there she was almost hidden..

There she was so tiny and so black, this little one that was left behind. Her eyes still closed, she was so small, so weak and helpless.

Apparently the mother cat tired after moving so many kittens, or for some reason of her own she did not take this last baby with her. Perhaps it was that the mother cat perceived something wrong with this baby.  

Was something missing?  -  Yes, this kitten was missing her tail.

We took this new kitten home with us and began to feed her with a small doll bottle. As she grew, her eyes finally opened. She couldn’t have been more than two weeks old by then.

She was missing a mother, but I became her ‘Mama’.

In the mornings, she would sit on my fuzzy bedroom slipper as I fixed breakfast for the children. She was black as ink, so we named her ‘Inky.’

In every way but one, Inky was a normal cat. There was one conspicuous difference; she was missing a tail!

The Manx breed of cat is tailless. They are excellent hunters, which we soon discovered. There was nothing weak about this cat!

One of my daughters loved to hold Inky and sing to her, and little Inky would purr back her own song.

In Zephaniah 3:17 (New King James Version) it is written,

“The LORD your God in your midst,

The Mighty One, will save;

He will rejoice over you with gladness,

He will quiet you with His love,

He will rejoice over you with singing.”

What a thought! In our weakened state, God loves us and rejoices over us! As I think about it, I am reminded of what Jesus did for us by taking our weakness and causing us to become something lovely and strong. Jesus did not see in us any imperfections that we think we have. He loves us just as we are.

Inky was loved!

My husband made a wooden travel case for her, and she willing used it for her bed. It was her sanctuary.

For nineteen years, Inky lived and traveled with us. From house to house she went as we moved to Oklahoma, and then returned to California.

One sad day, her soft meow let us know that something was wrong. Her eyes spoke to us that she was in pain. A trip to the Veterinarian enlightened us to the fact that her kidneys were failing, and that it was time to let her go. The tears welled up!

It is heartbreaking to lose a pet that has been such a part of the family. Over the years, we have lost many pets and sometimes we say, “Never again.” Then, after time has passed, our hearts begin to soften and are opened once again to welcome a new family member.

As a side note, have you ever wondered if animals will be in Heaven? My sister-in-law always says, “This was a good Christian Cat, so why not?”

The scripture tells us that the Lion will lay down with the Lamb, and to me this is a very good indication that animals will be in heaven. I believe they will be there - - all the pets you and I have loved and lost. Yes, we will see our pets again. I believe that my little Inky will be there in heaven, waiting for me.

This post is linked to Peter Pollocks One Word Carnival

A Personal Pentecost can be Yours!

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Usually at least once a month my formal United Church of Christ allows me to share one of my stories.

Sunday was Pentecost Sunday and I told the story about the staff member at my mother’s care home asking me if my mother spoke Spanish? She continued to explain that each time Sister Bermudez comes to visit, they both pray and it sounds like Spanish.

I told her, Oh, I understand, NO it was not Spanish. That is my mother’s prayer language, because my mother has experienced her own Personal Pentecost.

In the 1960’s there was an additional outpouring of the Holy Spirit among the Episcopal, Presbyterian and Catholics as well as other denominations. Father Dennis Bennett and others were prominent in those days.

During that time, David du Plessis was a guest at our church. He told us that God has NO grandchildren and that each person must have a personal encounter with Jesus to be born again. We cannot inherit salvation from our parents or anyone else. We must have a personal salvation experience.

He went on to explain that even as we are “Saved,” we do receive the Holy Spirit into our heart and he becomes our guide and helper, but there is MORE and it is a Baptism of Fire that endues us with power to fulfill other than the mundane everyday witnessing. We must each one experience A Personal Pentecost which is in additional to receiving Jesus.

Those who experienced the Holy Spirit in the 60’s did not want to be called Pentecostal, because somehow they felt the Pentecostals were too strict, and maybe a little “country,” so they called the new movement “Charismatic.”

Even today you may ask for your Personal Pentecost and you shall receive.

Today being Pentecost Sunday, my story was appropriate for this occasion. I did get several blank looks, but others seemed to understand.

After the service one lady asked me if my mother spoke in tongues, and I replied yes, and I too received my Personal Pentecost when I was twelve years old.

Another lady came to me and told me that she had received her Baptism long ago and now she regularly sings in the Spirit in other tongues in her private prayer time.

The Music director had selected some amazing old hymns for today that were filled with the message of receiving the Holy Spirit, I told him I appreciated his selection of music today, and he encouraged me to keep sharing my stories.

Yes the Holy Spirit is still being outpoured, and for your own Personal Pentecost, you may seek and ask for Jesus to Baptize you with His Holy Spirit, - - and you shall receive.

Linked up today with Michelle’s Hear it on Sunday

Life Changes

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Psalms 104:30 You send forth Your Spirit, they are created; And You renew the face of the earth.

Pastor Jerry was ministering on this Pentecost Sunday. I share with you gleanings from his message, “Life Changes, Changes in the Church.”

As an illustration, he held up some pretty wind chimes. Although they were lovely, they were of no use until he turned on a small fan that caused them to make a musical sound.

The Wind of the Holy Spirit testifies of Jesus and His salvation from sin. The gentle breeze of the Holy Spirit brings hope and intercession for us.

Where we are dry and barren, The Holy Spirit sends rain and brings refreshment to our soul.

After the resurrection of Jesus, there was a period of 50 days before the Hebrew celebration of the Harvest. This festival was observed by many nations and they would meet in Jerusalem for the gala event.

On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was outpoured and tongues of fire set on all those who were in the house seeking God.

Some left the upper room and went out into the streets telling of Jesus resurrection.

The crowds spoke out questioning, “What is this that we see and hear that these unlearned men are speaking in our own languages the wonderful works of God?”

Peter began to explain and as the people heard and believed they also were filled with the Holy Spirit. That day there were 3000 souls born into the Kingdom.

Our universe is so large, and with our microscopes and telescopes we are discovering only a partial view of this world. There is a minute invisible world that we cannot see with our naked eye.

We can barely understand all that God has done for us and is still doing in His Church.

The Holy Spirit is the driving force for good, even in the fellowship time and in the crafts that the ladies make, because there is a purpose even in these events.

Pastor mentioned he and his wife attended our local fair, and the rides went up and down, or around and around but actually got no where. He suggested that we do not want to get in a rut always doing something the same way and getting no-where, but we need to be able to move when God opens new doors.

It is time to meditate, and to listen with a renewed vision to an action with power of the Holy Spirit.

Today we are in need of the Spiritual Gifts that are included with the Holy Spirit Baptism of power.

Let us ask and be willing to receive.

This post has been linked with Michelle;s Hear it on Sunday Use it on Monday.
 

The Lords Goodness

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Guest post from Day Spring Greetings



The Lord's Goodness Through You

The more tightly we are attached to Jesus,

the more purely His love can pass through us.

And oh, what a love it is!

- Max Lucado

Thanks for letting the Lord's goodness flow through you!

I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit. John 15:5

Rag Curls in the First Grade

Hazel's First Grade Photo

My Aunt Carrie had demonstrated to my mother how to use plain old rags to roll my hair at night so that by the next morning I would have gorgeous curls.

Aunt Carrie encouraged Mom to try her new beauty technique on me. Sure enough the next morning there were curls, but fuzzy was more like it.

Perhaps my mother did not know the proper cosmetology brushing techniques, so frizzy it was.

Off I went to school happy with my new hair do, and when the teacher announced that we were going to have our pictures taken - - that was exciting news.

“Line up and we will go one at a time to have our photos taken” were our instructions.

The photographer asked us to stand with our toes at a chalk mark on the floor, and his words were, “Now give us a nice smile.”

Recently I had lost my two front teeth, but I gave him the loveliest grin that I could.

That day as I went home for my lunch I told my mother that we had our pictures taken for our First grade class that morning.

Mom was horrified, and exclaimed, that she wished they would have let her know in advance, and she would not have frizzed my hair.

Because at that age, I was happy go lucky so all the fuss about looks did not bother me in the least.

When the pictures were ready we purchased one that showed my entire class in small squares on an 8 ½ x 11 page. In later years as I viewed them, I had to chuckle a bit.

No doubt my folks were offered a selection of photos with just me, but they declined.

That was the last time my mother beautified me with rag curls.

Her next endeavor was to give me a Toni Home Permanent, but with my fine hair, the frizzy results were the same.

I am reminded that God counts the very hairs on our head. He doesn’t seem to care if our hair is straight, curly or frizzy. He loves us regardless of our outward appearance.

Perhaps that is because He is looking at our heart, and not at our hair.

If you are interested in trying rag curls for a softer look you might enjoy viewing Carli’s blog at: http://www.simplynotable.com/2012/vintage-rag-curls-updated/
Carli’s pattern for rag curls you will discover HERE

This post has been linked with these lovely sites
Joan Davis  Sharing His Beauty
With Laura’s Beholding His Beauty
And with Tell me a True Story.    Do share your true stories there.

We Are in This For Good!

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Our Guest Pastor Jerry was reading from the Message Bible, the book of Acts 1: 9-17; 21-26.  I share some of the gleanings from his message as I took notes.

Acts 1:14 They agreed they were in this for good, completely together in prayer, the women included. Also present was Jesus' mother, Mary, and his brothers. (Message Bible)


A large group of believers had just witnessed the final instructions of Jesus and had seen him ascend into heaven. An angel had comforted their fears, and told them to go to Jerusalem and wait for the promise as he had requested of them.

As they congregated in the upper room where they usually met for prayer, a decision was made that they were not returning to fishing, or their previous occupations.

Instead they were going to carry this new message that Jesus is alive, to the world - - for the long haul. There was no turning back.

We are in this for GOOD they all agreed!!

The assembly included many women in the group of about 120 who met in this upper room. 

A resolution was made to select one of their brethren to take the place of Judas. Peter declared, “It must be one who had been a witness of the ministry of Jesus, of the empty tomb and of the ascension into heaven by our Lord.”

The selection was made by drawing lots and Mathias was chosen.  Actually nothing is heard of him again in the Scriptures. They were firm in their decision to go forward, and were in this for good.

The Pilgrims came to America for the greater good. 

The body of Christ with the many denominations, divisions and camps are telling the old Gospel story and God isn’t finished with his church yet.

There is always a new beginning, and our choices reflect that we are committed as we say in the marriage vows declare - - till death do us part.  We are Not turning back - -  We will never give up !!

May You are I declare with them that we are in this for Good.

This post has been Linked up today with Michelle’s
Hear it on Sunday Use it on Monday
And with Wendy at: Scripture Sunday

Granola Home Made (Ruth Stanton)

 

image courtesy google search

Usually my mother enjoyed plain quick cooked oats for her breakfast, but there were times she wanted to dress up her oats a bit.

She liked making her own home made granola, and on some occasions she would spoon this granola on her bowl of oats as a topping. In the summer she would enjoy her granola with milk as a cold cereal.

When Mom needed a "pick me up," she would reach for the container in the refrigerator and enjoy a snack. It was healthy and satisfied her hunger pangs. She also found it excellent sprinkled on yogurt any time of day.

GRANOLA



image courtesy google search

 
Mix Together
3 cups quick oats
1/2 cup coconut chopped
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or sliced almonds
1/2 cup wheat germ
1/2 cup sesame seeds
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins

Mix together
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup olive oil

Add to first mixture and stir well spreading on a greased cookie sheet.
Bake 15 minutes at 325 degrees. Cool and store in a covered container in the refrigerator.

This post is shared at Ann Kroeker’s Food on Fridays