Jesus is the True LIGHT

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me. And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

(John 1:1-17, KJV)

As wrapping paper and gift tissue flies as we tear into the presents others have

thoughtfully given, I pray that we will remember the greatest gift of all: Jesus

Christ, God's Son who became flesh for us and took on the sins of humanity

in His death on the cross. No longer veiled in flesh as a human baby, now He

is the resurrected Lord. 

Have you received the gift of salvation, which while Jesus paid dearly for it,

He offers it freely to you? All your troubles won't dissolve, but you can have

confidence that your sins are forgiven and you have hope for a new, eternal life

in Christ! Ask for his forgiveness and give your life to Him!

Lilybits and I wish you and your families a Merry Christmas!

L -- 12/24

Kitty in the Kitchen - Fun with this week's A to Z Meme!

The kitchen is full of intriguing smells. When Mom roasts chicken, covered with spices and olive oil, the most scrumptious scents emanate from the oven. I pace on my toes while the bird cooks and I am always ready for any tiny scraps they might want to give me. Sometimes I dream of having a whole chicken to myself, but alas, I am relegated to the state of begging.

My other favorite kitchen smell is my wet food. When Mom opens that can, I am ready for that stinky pate, which makes my taste buds and tummy oh so happy! I don’t understand why she doesn’t feed me on demand like a nursing baby. I only get fed twice a day, but I would prefer at least four!

These are just some of the reasons the kitchen is my favorite room in the house, other than the sunshine spot in the bedroom where I like to nap during the summer. The kitchen is where I do most of my stalking. I stalk Mom when it’s suppertime or perch on my stool and yell at her.  Well, she calls it yelling. I have perfected a combination whine and meow that is most annoying, so that I’m apt to get my way sooner than if I just sit there and look cute.

I also stalk squirrels, chipmunks and birds in the kitchen . . . through the door to the patio, that is. If they get close enough, especially onto the step by that door, they’re in trouble. I move into attack stance, sitting back on my haunches and preparing my front paws for the ultimate pounce. If Mom would just open that sliding door and let me at them!

Sometimes I am content to just rest on my princess pillow, on Dad’s chair at the kitchen table, which may include watching the birds at the bird feeder. I love curling up lazily in the morning at that spot. So many things to sniff, do and eat in the kitchen. No wonder it’s my favorite place!

This Kitty in the Kitchen post is brought to you by the letter H, which Mom missed writing a post for a couple of weeks ago. H is for happy and happy is what I am in the kitchen!

What’s your favorite room in the house? Or your pet’s favorite room?

We a-purr-ciate your comments!

K -- 12/17

Monday Motivation - Shaken?

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;

Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.

(Psalms 46:1-3, KJV)

 These verses struck me as I read them this morning. Most of the people I know have never experienced a major earthquake or tidal wave, but there are still things in life which can rock us to the core.  One day our loved ones are healthy and the next day they’re in the hospital. Accidents, illness, surgery and death can seem to shake our foundations.

When those we love pull away and stop communicating, sometimes for no apparent reason, we feel bereft. Family members say hurtful things which you never expected. These things fuel emotions such as anger and hurt. I struggle with not letting these things turn to bitterness . . . or dealing with them after the bitterness has crept in. Betrayals, unkind words, these are the things which pierce our hearts.

Sometimes we ask, “why?” We wonder when we feel we’ve tried our best to live the right way that these things happen to us, whether physical or emotional. I do know this one thing: Through the storms and earthquakes of life, Jesus is there for His own. He will be our refuge and our strength when we turn to Him!

Jilt and Jump -- Two of my Favorite Things

As a cat, I have to keep up a certain reputation. Cool felines must not appear needy, so we must perfect the art of jilting. I was so busy being affectionate to Mom when she first brought me home that she thought I needed her. Imagine that! All right, so without opposable thumbs I cannot open a can of wet food. However, if I wasn’t constantly trapped inside, because I’m Mom’s “baby”, I could find my own food and an occasional sand box if need be. I suppose allowing her to care for me is a small price to pay for living in such a nice prison. Anyway, as I was saying, I like to make sure Mom knows her place, so I jilt her occasionally, and sometimes even dad. They’re such pushovers! All I have to do is ignore Mom when she’s getting ready to go somewhere and the guilt piles on! I’m quite good at it, which usually buys me an extra treat somewhere down the line.

Another favorite way I show my feline prowess is by jumping. I love to attain lofty heights, especially when it bugs Mom. When I feel neglected, I threaten to jump from the second story railing into the family room. All Mom has to do is have a good friend visit, or one of those pesky guys she also calls her kids, and I am ready to meow dramatically as I pace the railing until she notices and I lean forward as though ready to jump until she comes up the stairs to chase me. I also like to run and jump around each piece of furniture in the family room, though the kitchen table is definitely forbidden territory. That’s why I scoot across the edge just to show who is boss!

Jilting and jumping are two favorite cat abilities. What are yours? Watch Simon’s Cat, below, in “Crazy Time” and you’ll see what I mean about cats and jumping.

Indefatigable or Ignoble?

Lilybits, not large, but in charge!

Indefatigable. Isn’t this a great word? Let’s sound it out. In-de-fat-i-gab-le. Very good!  All right, I guess I should apologize. Mom says I will annoy you, my adoring audience, if I act too patronizing. I just wasn’t sure how many people have a better vocabulary than most cats. Yes, I realize you hear a lot of silly sounds from us, such as meow and purr, but in our minds cats have a very full vocabulary and it’s best you don’t hear all of it.

I do need to make sure that you know what it means, though. According to Dictionary.com, indefatigable means tireless, inexhaustible, persevering, cannot be wearied. Now, if we’re interested in our food, your food, chasing that red light thing that glides across the floor, knocking your cup of water or pencil off the table to get your attention, we at the very least insistent, if not that other big word you’re having trouble pronouncing. (Come on, you can be honest.)

And the word, ignoble? Don’t even think about using this to describe a cat. One definition means not noble; of humble descent or rank. That’s the opposite of the distinguished, highborn feline family! Despite the number of feral and alley cats who smear mud on our elevated reputation, every cat has a spark of nobility within. After all, how do you think cats conned the ancient Egyptians into treating them as gods? Snicker.

I let my people know when I want the control!

The way they waited on us! That may be where our extensive napping habits began, however. The sleep (with one eye open, of course) is totally important to make sure we stay beautiful and healthy, along with grooming our coats incessantly. Being an indefatigable feline is a full time job!

Would you like to see an insistent cat, trying to awaken his lazy human? Waking Mom or Dad up at 3:30 a.m. for a good ear scratching is one of my favorite tasks and Mom would tell you that I am quite indefatigable as she can sometimes be a sound sleeper! I suppose serving me much of the day can tire a weak, ignoble human.

Here’s a funny YouTube video for your enjoyment, "Cat-Man-Do" from Simon's Cat:




Is your pet indefatigable or ignoble? Lilybits wants to know!
We a-purr-ciate your comments!