February 25, 2015
Lessons Learned from a Cat
“God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good…” (Gen. 1:25)
My brother and his wife have a soft spot for animals. They are not just cat people or dog people, but they love all animals, and their house is full of adopted cats and dogs of all sizes. I, on the other hand, am a dog person, as anyone who reads my blog and knows me personally can attest. I tolerate cats, but most of my affection is reserved for my Yorkie, Lilly. Several months ago, when a friend came to me to ask if I could help find a home for his mom’s cats (she was moving out of state), I was willing to help, but I didn’t go so far as to take one in. However, when he found homes for all but one very sweet, laid-back, coal-black cat, he asked if my family would take care of him. My parents agreed since they live in a neighborhood with many cats running free who come by just to get food and water. This cat joined the herd, finding a good cat friend in one of the more reticent black-and-white cats that never allowed us to get close to him. Eventually, this black cat helped his good friend out of his shell, and the black-and-white cat now allows us to get close enough to pet him – sometimes. Read the rest of this entry »
February 17, 2015
Season of Lent
“At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness, and he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him…” (Mark 1:12-13)
Even though I grew up in church, we didn’t celebrate Ash Wednesday or Lent. Easter was always a big deal, though, especially the new clothes. In fact, in spite of having Catholic and Methodist family members, all of whom celebrate Lent, I don’t remember hearing much about Ash Wednesday or Lent until I was in my 20s. In my defense, these family members live several hundred miles away. Then, when I was in my 20s, one of my mom’s friends, who is Lutheran, introduced us to the custom of Lent. Read the rest of this entry »
February 10, 2015
Love in Action
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love…” (Eph. 4:2)
Each year as Valentine’s Day approaches, thoughts turn to expressions of love. For those who are single, Valentine’s Day is a holiday they would rather forget about completely – they know there will be no roses or candy or stuffed animals delivered to the office. The same can often be said for those who have been married for a long time. And forget about romantic getaways for couples with small children. Those are but a distant memory. In spite of the commercialism this holiday brings, the core value – love – is one that we as Christians can all get behind. Read the rest of this entry »
Echoes of Joy 