Our Dog Is Becoming A Cat!

Five cats and a dog are members of our family.  Each one of these animals possesses their own special personality and temperament.  It is hilarious watching how these cats and dog interact.  Often times and much to our dog’s dismay, our cats, are on the receiving end of most of the attention.

For instance, our cats and dog are all hungry at feeding time in the morning and evening; each want to be the first to be fed.  “Meow, meow, meow!” loudly cry the four black cats and tabby cat, as we step out the back door with a bag of cat food searching for a place to step on the porch and not on the cats standing in the way.  A cup of cat food is dropped in five different bowls: one bowl on the picnic table, two bowls on the barbeque, and two bowls on the end of the porch.  The mewing is replaced with chewing.

I look over my shoulder, as I step inside the house to see Nanook pacing back and forth.  His expression says, “What about me?  I am hungry, too!”  I say, “Oh poor Nanook!  I am getting your food now.”  I fill his bow.  Nanook grabs a couple of bites.  

Other times we sit around the picnic table talking and/or reading.  Captain will walk by and rub against our legs.  Another cat will jump in our laps wanting us to love on them.  We comply with their wishes.  Who can resist a soft furry kitty cat.  Eventually the cats will find a chair and sleep curled up in a ball.

Nanook is jealous of the attention we lavish on the cats.  He does demand his share.  The funny part is that he will rub against our legs as well.  “Nanook, what are you doing?  Sit down here!  Let me pat your head and rub your back”, we say.  With a smile he enjoys all the love.

Other days we step out the back door to notice the cats laying in a chair and our dog lying on the porch.  Without a thought we reach out to give each cat a stroke on their back while they are sleeping and we forget to pat our dog on the head until he comes to stand beside waiting for us to pat his head.

Early one morning I could not sleep.  I arose and walked by the back window to look out.  What did I see?  I saw three of our cats sleeping in the chairs.  Where was Nanook?  Nanook was curled up in a chair sleeping just like the cats.  I smiled.  I thought that it seems like Nanook is acting like a cat.  I chuckled.  His pacing was sort of like mewing (at least in his doggy way), his rubbing against our legs like the cats, and his sleeping curls up in a chair.  It seemed Nanook was becoming a cat.

Standing in the window I remembered something an important person in my life said to me.  “Choose your friends wisely for you become what they are.”  I thought of the different friendships I had in my life.  I thought about how I did pick up some habits. There are limiting habits such as gripping and complaining.  Or there are empowering habits such as watching an uplifting movie or reading a book.  It is important to spend time with people, who have Godly character.

I laughed.  It is the same for animals.  Our dog was becoming a cat.  Probably it is not a bad habit to develop after all. 

“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23.      

     

      

"The New Baby" by Stephanie Stewart

As I stepped into Hannah’s room this morning on her eighteenth birthday, I saw her pushing the end call button on her droid razor cell phone.  “Who was that?” I asked cheerfully.  “Stephanie; she called to wish me a happy birthday!” replied Hannah.  I replied, “That was nice of her to remember.  You have a great sister!”  Hannah shook her head up and down saying, “yes”.  I wished her a happy birthday and gave her a hug and kiss on the head.

I went about my business for the day.  During this time I recalled a story, complete with illustrations, which Stephanie wrote when she was six years old.  It was about her new little sister.  She entered her story into the Reading Rainbow Young Writers and Illustrators Contest.  It won no award, but as far as I am concerned it deserved a big blue ribbon.

 
                                                                   

                                                                  

Once, my little brother and I stayed with my Papa and Meme, because Mama was having a baby.  My Daddy and Mama went to the hospital for the baby to be born.

                                                                         

                                                                         

                                                                         

I made a heart for my Mama.  I glued pretty buttons on it.

                                                                         

The next day we went to the hospital to see the new baby, named, Hannah.  When we got to my Mama’s room I gave her my heart with the pretty buttons.

                                                                            

The nurse carried Hannah in and gave her to Mama.  Mama let Daddy hold her.  Then Meme held Hannah.  Finally, I got to hold Hannah.  And little brother, Christopher, even held Hannah.

                                                                         

Hannah was pretty and so little.  I felt good and happy inside.

                                                                             

Psalms 118:24 “This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”

Hannah Is Here!

One of my favorite scriptures is found in James 1:17.  It reads, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”  God has blessed my husband and me over and over again with many perfect gifts for the past 31 years.  One of these gifts is the births of our three children.

Today our youngest daughter, Hannah, turns eighteen.  Wow!  Eighteen years!  Where has all the time gone?  The events of her life are like a blur on a fast moving rolling coaster.  Treasured memories of her first steps, her first hit in T ball, her first cartwheel and back walk over in gymnastics, first time to ride a bike without help, reading words, laughing, her first kitten, first date, driving a car, leading 4-H campers, graduation, and much more. 

On the afternoon of July 27^th my husband and I walked into Cox South Labor and Delivery per orders from Dr. McCorcle.  Hannah, soon to be born, was nearly two weeks past the expected delivery date.  Like her older brother and sister, she just did not want to come out.  Regardless, the condition of the pregnancy had progressed to the point that Hannah had to join us.  The doctor decided it was time to induce labor.

We were taken to a room.  The nurses set up intravenous tubes, monitors, and such.  While waiting for the doctor, Steve was a bit stressed.  He made a few phone calls.  He paced the floor.  When the nurses came into the room, he teased them unmercifully.  He laughed and talked.  He was so funny!  He was nearly a basket case!

                                                                

When Steve was quiet, we could hear our baby’s calm steady rhythm of her heart beat.  It was amazing and a miracle.  When the amniotic fluid (water) was broken, Hannah’s heart beat raced.  “Listen to the increase in heart rate!  She knows something happened!”  Steve said to Dr. McCorcle.  He replied, “Yes the babies do know.  We will have to wait awhile, but it should not be long now.” 

At 11:37 pm Hannah arrived.  The nurse brought Hannah to me and put her in my arms.  As I observed the contours of her beautiful face, I realized, again, God had entrusted us with another beautiful gift of a child to nurture.  At this time, Hannah was placed in Steve’s arms and Dr. McCorcle stood beside Steve and me.  As Dr. McCorcle took my hand he said, “You have a beautiful daughter and two other children.  You are blessed with a beautiful family.  Take good care of them and yourselves.”  We were so grateful to him:  He had taken good care of us through three pregnancies.  

During the short hospital stay several people came to see the new arrival.  Big brother, Chris, and big sister, Stephanie showed up wearing huge smiles.  They had waited along time for the arrival of their little sister. 

                                                                           

                                                                     

Papa and Meme (my parents) as well as Papa and Grams (Steve’s parents) showered the baby with hugs and kisses.

                                                                        

                                                                           

It says in Psalms 139:14 “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” It was a great time of rejoicing.

     

    

A Fireworks Surprise!

On the 4^th of July for over 30 years my husband and I visited with our families in the afternoons and evenings for barbeque and homemade ice cream.  Fireworks were always a part of the event whether it is daytime or night time.  This year, 2012, was different with our three adult children working and/or traveling.  Steve and I spent a fun evening reminiscing with my parents about past family events.

One Independence Day after shooting off fireworks, I was gathering our young children’s belongings.  It was late and everyone was in a hurry to go home.  The situation became chaotic.  While I hurriedly stuffed our children’s clothes in the diaper bag, my mother gathered a bag of garage sale items for me to take home.  “Oh, yes, take these fireworks with you, too.  The kids will have fun with them later,” my Mom told me.  “Here is a bag of trash.  What do you wish me to do with this?” asked Steve.  “Here, I will take care of it. Thanks, Steve” said my mother.  “Where do I put these left over hamburgers and hotdogs?” my dad asked.  The remainder of the evening continued with our children running here and there gathering toys and clothes.    

The next day I unpacked the bags.  I searched for the fireworks and could not find them.  “Oh well, I guess Mom forgot.”  In the meantime back in Polk County my Dad and my brother, Buddy were burning trash for my Mother next to the pasture filled with cows.  The farm pick up truck was parked about 20 feet away from where they were about to start the fire.  Standing around calmly talking about their day, my Dad and brother began to relax and unwind from the days activities.  They were watching their herd of cows grazing dry grass and watching a beautiful sunset.  The country is just peaceful and quiet with the frogs croaking and bugs buzzing at that time of the evening.

Or so it seemed, until a couple of firecrackers interrupted the stillness.  Crack, bang, and boom exploded a Roman candle which flew over Dad and Buddy’s heads.  An exploding fireball crashed onto the diesel tank on the back of the pick up truck.  Dad and Buddy jumped and looked at each other in surprise.  “What is going on?” asked Buddy.  Just then he saw a bottle rocket flying right at his head.  He ducked just in time or the bottle rocket probably would have parted his hair.  “Let’s head to the truck!  Let’s get out of here!  This is dangerous” exclaimed my Dad.

They sprinted to the truck, jumped in, started the truck, and backed up a long distance away in the nick of time.  The rest of the trash exploded into a firey mass.  It was like a tiny tiny atomic bomb.  “How in the hell did those fireworks get in the trash?” asked my Dad.  “I don’t know, but I am certainly thankful to be away from all that!” added Buddy.  As the two sat in the truck watching the explosions and fire burn down, they saw the cows were far away down the pasture.  “Well, it looks like the cows got a little thrill, too!”      

When the trash had burned itself out and all was calm again, Dad and Buddy traveled home.  “Are you trying to kill us?” asked my Dad as he stumbled into the back door.  “No, what are you talking about?” asked my Mom.  My brother and Dad shared their explosive experience with my Mom.  Laughing so hard my Mother fell back into the chair at the kitchen table.  

In all the chaos of us leaving and interrupting her train of thought with the buzz of activity, my mother absent mindedly put the fireworks in the trash bag rather than the garage sale bag!  We all enjoyed the fireworks!

Passing By

I am happy to share that I am turning 55 on July 4^th.  My life is blessed.  At this time in my life I reflect on decisions I have made over the years.  Did I do all God had for me to do?  Did I fail God?  What does God have left for me to do?

Recently I was browsing in a Downtown Branson Flee Market.  I spied a piece of paper stuffed on a pocket shelf with words written on the front that read, “Since Jesus Passed By.”  It was a song written by William Gaither.  Curiously, I picked up the music and I read the two verses and chorus of the song; I was touched.  I purchased the music and took it home to sing and play on the piano.

Here is how the words to the song read:

“Like the blind man I wandered, so lost and undone,

A beggar so helpless, without God or His son;

Then my Savior in mercy, heard and answered my cry

And Oh, what a difference SINCE JESUS PASSED BY.

All my yesterdays are buried in the deepest of the sea;

That old load of guilt I carried is all gone, Praise God, I’m free!

Looking for that bright tomorrow, where no tears will dim the eye

Well, Oh, what a difference SINCE JESUS PASSED BY.

Chorus

Since Jesus passed by, since Jesus passed by

Oh, what a difference since Jesus passed by

Well, I can’t explain it, and I cannot tell you why,

But Oh, what a difference since Jesus passed by.”

The first verse of this song talks about a helpless blind man whom God had mercy on.  Even though Jesus saved my soul and I went on to allow God to help me make many wise decisions, I was like the blind man.  Like everyone, I experienced challenging and struggling teenage years and adulthood years.  I was blessed to learn much from the pastor of Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, Brother Keith Freeze.  Of all that I learned this one profound statement lodged in my heart.  Brother Keith said, “Anything contrary to the will of God is sin.”  This is an all inclusive definition of sin.  This thought has come to me many times in my life like a small voice speaking within my heart. 

At the time I never thought that the sins could also be self-doubt, false guilt, people pleasing, being fearful, lack of confidence, speaking unkind words to myself, allowing others to speak unkind to me, and more. 

I have pondered more huge questions.  If I settle to be less than what God has planned for me to become, is it sin?  I know God has planted a dream inside of my heart.  He has made me with special traits that are unique to me.  God has set for me a journey to take.  No one else can take that journey except me.  I have much to learn on this journey that strengthens me provided I am willing to grow.  If I don’t take this journey and if I decide to take the easy way, is it sin in God’s eyes?  However, I know I serve a God of hope and a God of forgiveness and mercy.

The second verse of the song talks about my yesterdays being buried in the sea.  All of my failures of yesterday are buried in the sea and now I am free.  At times I have not been living the dream God has put inside of my heart; not believing in myself and not trusting God, not stepping up to the challenge to walk each step of the journey and grow, and not remembering God is with me all the way.  Allowing obstacles such as these is sin in God’s eyes, but this is the sins of the old me.  These yesterdays are buried in the sea and now I am free to move forward with God’s plan for my life.

Jesus has passed by my life again.  It is time to finally become all of what God intended for be to be.

What A Happy Day!

What is a Happy Birthday?  For me a Happy Birthday has never been about receiving material items, although those are fun.  It is mostly about the relationships in my life; it is about just knowing people care and it is about people knowing that I care about them.

My day has been wonderful.  It began with numerous happy birthday wishes posted on my Facebook wall from friends and relatives.  Special letters were sent from friends on Facebook and special card designed for me on Facebook.  E-cards were sent via email and birthday cards in the pony express mail.  I received special text messages from friends, unexpected gifts, and spent time with family.

I just have to share some very special messages that touched my heart.  Becky said, “Hugs to my wonderful friend!  You really are Teresa and I sure hope you are having a great 4^th and birthday!!”  The Albert’s said, “Happy Birthday Teresa!  Hope you have a great birthday!  We love you and feel very blessed to have you in our lives.”  Lenita says, “Happy Birthday Teresa.  I’m thankful for you and for our friendship of many years, which is precious through all time, now and eternally.”  Bill says, “Happy Birthday Special Lady!  Enjoy your Day!” Julie says, “Happy Birthday to the best Chemistry teacher!  I hope you have a great day!  God Bless you!” 

The Happy Birthday wishes continued with wishes from my wonderful family God has given me.  Yesterday, I received a gift from my eldest daughter who knew I would just love what she found for me. She said these special words, “I had a great time with you yesterday.  Thanks for helping me with my wedding!”  This morning I had an awesome conversation and a hug from my son who knew I would love it.  Later this morning I received a special birthday message posted on my Facebook wall from my youngest daughter that reads, “Happy Birthday to the greatest, most awesome Momma in the whole universe!!!  I love you Momma!”  A few hours later this daughter sings happy birthday to me on my cell phone voice mail.

Last, but by no means least I am greeted at the front door of our home last night after a day of building our business by my wonderful husband.  He was waiting to say, “Happy Birthday!  I love you!”  Today he posts on my Facebook wall, “My husband says, “Happy Birthday to the Love of My Life, and My Best Friend!”  I am so blessed!!

 

I am saying each of you is loved and has a special place in my heart.  Thank you for all the special Happy Birthday Wishes.  I pray God’s Blessings on you.

What Would You Pray For?

What I have learned today?  Have I read something in the Bible or otherwise and applied this knowledge to my life?  What have I done to help someone?  These are questions I ask myself at the end of the day.  Constantly learning from my experiences and helping people bring joy and happiness in my life.

In Bethel Missionary Baptist’s Church’s Primary Sunday School Class this morning a 7 year old boy, Reed, and I were studying about King Solomon.  While Reed colored a picture of King Solomon, I read,

     “In time, David’s son Solomon became king.  God was pleased that Solomon did not

     pray for riches, but for an understanding heart.  God made King Solomon the wisest

     man who ever lived, and people came from all over the world to listen to his words.”

We talked about the difference between knowledge and wisdom.  We talked about how important it is to apply what we learn to personal experiences.  Reed was listening intently.  I smiled and looked into his beautiful blue eyes and asked, “Reed, if you were King Solomon what would you pray for?”  There was a moment of silence as Reed contemplated the question.  He spread his arms apart with his palms facing upward, confidently answered, “Peace!  Yes, I would pray for peace!”  We smiled at each other as we looked into each others eyes.  I affirmed, “Great answer!”

Hours later I was thinking about how as teachers we expect to impart knowledge to our students.  The amazing part of being a teacher is that if our hearts are open, we are the ones who end up learning from our students.  Reed is so right.  Peace is wonderful and all of us should pray for peace in our lives.

I am thankful to share that my first experience with perfect peace occurred 43 years ago when the Lord saved my soul.  A heavy troubling burden rolled away and the peace that passes all understanding entered my heart.  Since then in my Christian journey I have faced troubling and confusing situations.  I remember praying to God to be able to just come to peace with certain experiences.  It was my desire to just lay it down and put it to rest.  With God’s help I have been able to do just that.  The calmness and peacefulness is powerful as it has flooded my soul many times.

I rest in Jesus; He is in control of my life.  Jesus is with me every day and is molding me into all that He wants me to become.  He uses my experiences in the molding process.  It is my desire for God to use my experiences to help others along the way in life's journey.