So, I got to thinking yesterday of some more lessons my cats teach me about our relationship with God. Can't guarantee this will be a long entry, but it might do.
My littlest cat, Iyanka, is a strange one. I love her to pieces and she is a lover, but she's strange.
When she and her brothers were barely six weeks old, I removed them from an abusive and neglectful home. Momma Cat was so dehydrated that she couldn't produce enough milk to feed all her kittens and of the 8 kitties in her litter, only 3 survived and I have those 3. The runt was among them.
So, Iyanka suckles. I found this out a few years ago when I heard this strange noise on my ear. She apparently had found my earlobe and thought it was going to give her milk, so away she went, waking me up.
I quickly laughed and headed her in the direction of my fleece blankets. She suckles on those now. It's disgusting, if I'm honest, when I pull one up and I feel the wet where Iyanka had suckled.
Every now and again, she'll paw at me while I'm in bed, indicating she wants her "suckie bankie", and so, I turn down the comforter and away she goes.
But, every once in a while, she doesn't want her "suckie bankie". She just wants to be snuggled close to me.
As she pawed to be let under the covers last night, I thought of how much we can be like this with God.
We let Him know what we want and sometimes, He gives in. It may not always be to our benefit, unlike Iyanka's "suckie bankie". Other times, we "paw" at Him because we want to be close to Him. And, like Iyanka, sometimes we stay content at His Side and other times we snuggle for an extremely short period of time before we run away.
The Bible says if we ask the animals, they'll teach us about God. (I'm paraphrasing, I know.) But, they can also teach us a lot about ourselves if we're willing to ask them and to see what we're really like.
14 December 2010
13 December 2010
Everything I Learned About God, I Learned From My Cats
My cats are amazing creatures. If you doubt, ask them yourself. They'll tell you how utterly amzaing they are. I read a saying once that a few thousand years ago, cats were were worshipped as gods and they've never forgotten. I think my cats still think they're gods.
But, they are teachers to me. They are my children of a different species. Sometimes I think having cats as kids is superior than having actual kids. My "kids" don't throw tantrums in the store. They're not even allowed in stores. They never say that they hate me or disown me. When I'm in a bad mood, they snuggle close to make me feel better.
Just recently, I ran out of money and couldn't afford to get them the dry food they are so used to. I only had enough to buy them canned food. It's good for them and I know they love it, but they were frustrated with having to eat just twice a day when they were used to eating whenever they wanted.
I tried to explain to them that I know they don't understand, but I know what's going on and it'll all be okay. They meowed as though they could really understand and then they proceded to let me know just how hungry they were by snacking on the garbage sack.
Last night, as I snuggled with my littlest girl, I was praying. As she scrambled away from the warmth and safety of my arms, I was struck with something.
I am the cat and God is my owner.
Often times, I complain to Him that I'm "hungry". After all, I've gotten used to "eating" whenever I wanted and suddenly that's gone. I complain and complain and He's so loving and gentle. He tells me that He knows I don't understand like He wishes I could but that He knows what's going on and to trust Him since everything will be okay.
There are so many lessons from God given to me via my cats. Maybe one day, I'll blog about each one for they are indeed lessons on the relationship that God and I share.
But, they are teachers to me. They are my children of a different species. Sometimes I think having cats as kids is superior than having actual kids. My "kids" don't throw tantrums in the store. They're not even allowed in stores. They never say that they hate me or disown me. When I'm in a bad mood, they snuggle close to make me feel better.
Just recently, I ran out of money and couldn't afford to get them the dry food they are so used to. I only had enough to buy them canned food. It's good for them and I know they love it, but they were frustrated with having to eat just twice a day when they were used to eating whenever they wanted.
I tried to explain to them that I know they don't understand, but I know what's going on and it'll all be okay. They meowed as though they could really understand and then they proceded to let me know just how hungry they were by snacking on the garbage sack.
Last night, as I snuggled with my littlest girl, I was praying. As she scrambled away from the warmth and safety of my arms, I was struck with something.
I am the cat and God is my owner.
Often times, I complain to Him that I'm "hungry". After all, I've gotten used to "eating" whenever I wanted and suddenly that's gone. I complain and complain and He's so loving and gentle. He tells me that He knows I don't understand like He wishes I could but that He knows what's going on and to trust Him since everything will be okay.
There are so many lessons from God given to me via my cats. Maybe one day, I'll blog about each one for they are indeed lessons on the relationship that God and I share.
06 December 2010
Forgiveness
One of the hardest things that we as humans can do is to forgive. Forgive others. Forgive ourselves. It's so much easier sometimes to forgive those that have wronged us than it is for us to forgive ourselves.
I struggle with this. I can very easily forgive someone else, but me? Are you kidding? It'd be easier for me to get the Leaning Tower of Pisa straight.
But, we are not called to just forgive others. In order for us to forgive them, we must forgive ourselves.
And, in order for us to forgive ourselves, we must have God forgive us.
That's the easy part.
We can be assured that God forgives our sins when we ask in honesty. Otherwise, what's the point? If I ask God to forgive me for my *insert any sin you want here* and continue to do so, relying on the Mercy of God, what forgiveness have I really recieved?
But, when we truly and honestly ask for forgiveness and do our best to not do it again, God does so. God expects that we will fall. I know that I have had to ask for forgiveness in an area that I still maintain a struggle with and continually ask for His Help in me overcoming it. He is gracious and, though I fall, forgives me and helps me as needed.
So, am I forgiven? Without a doubt as far as God's concerned. He does what most of us can not. Not only does He forgive, but He FORGETS! Sure, we will have to be accountable for our trangressions when we are standing in front of Him at the Bema Seat, but all Christ needs to do (or so I believe) is remind us that it was covered by His Blood when He died for us.
So, what does all this mean?
Forgiveness is a tool sometimes used by Satan to trap us. "God didn't really forgive you. Come on. For that sin? That's one huge sin and there is no way you'll ever be truly forgiven. God's just being nice. He didn't really really forgive you."
We ALL fall prey to that one. I know I do. Maybe it's why we have such a hard time forgiving ourselves. Forgiveness - TRUE FORGIVENESS - is hard for humans. We can not concieve what absolute forgiveness is.
Psalms 103:12 tells us this: "For He has removed our sins as far from us as the East is from the West."
Come again? For as FAR as the East is from the West. Think about that. That is an infinate line.
So we can't even begin to fathom that.
Yet, it seems as though our sins, and forgiveness from, are on some sort of bungee cord that Satan pulls back.
He is a tricky one. He knows where to get us. With a lot of us, it's with true forgiveness. It is that with me.
But, here's the thing: As I work with God on learning how to forgive myself, I remind Satan that I have already been forgiven for it and if he wants to question my forgiveness, he can take it up the the Forgiver Himself.
And, I'm sure God will say something like "Lucifer, I have not a clue as to what sin you speak of. She is covered by the Blood of My Son and I have forgiven her."
At least I hope that's what He'd say.
Now...all I need to do is continue to seek Him and His Help on actually forgiving myself of my own failures.
author's note: Psalms 103 is a great chapter to read. There are some verses that can be used to counterbalance Satan's attacks. Verses 8 - 11 say this:
8 The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love 9 He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. 10 He does not punish us for all our sins; He does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. 11 for His Unfailing Love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth."
I struggle with this. I can very easily forgive someone else, but me? Are you kidding? It'd be easier for me to get the Leaning Tower of Pisa straight.
But, we are not called to just forgive others. In order for us to forgive them, we must forgive ourselves.
And, in order for us to forgive ourselves, we must have God forgive us.
That's the easy part.
We can be assured that God forgives our sins when we ask in honesty. Otherwise, what's the point? If I ask God to forgive me for my *insert any sin you want here* and continue to do so, relying on the Mercy of God, what forgiveness have I really recieved?
But, when we truly and honestly ask for forgiveness and do our best to not do it again, God does so. God expects that we will fall. I know that I have had to ask for forgiveness in an area that I still maintain a struggle with and continually ask for His Help in me overcoming it. He is gracious and, though I fall, forgives me and helps me as needed.
So, am I forgiven? Without a doubt as far as God's concerned. He does what most of us can not. Not only does He forgive, but He FORGETS! Sure, we will have to be accountable for our trangressions when we are standing in front of Him at the Bema Seat, but all Christ needs to do (or so I believe) is remind us that it was covered by His Blood when He died for us.
So, what does all this mean?
Forgiveness is a tool sometimes used by Satan to trap us. "God didn't really forgive you. Come on. For that sin? That's one huge sin and there is no way you'll ever be truly forgiven. God's just being nice. He didn't really really forgive you."
We ALL fall prey to that one. I know I do. Maybe it's why we have such a hard time forgiving ourselves. Forgiveness - TRUE FORGIVENESS - is hard for humans. We can not concieve what absolute forgiveness is.
Psalms 103:12 tells us this: "For He has removed our sins as far from us as the East is from the West."
Come again? For as FAR as the East is from the West. Think about that. That is an infinate line.
So we can't even begin to fathom that.
Yet, it seems as though our sins, and forgiveness from, are on some sort of bungee cord that Satan pulls back.
He is a tricky one. He knows where to get us. With a lot of us, it's with true forgiveness. It is that with me.
But, here's the thing: As I work with God on learning how to forgive myself, I remind Satan that I have already been forgiven for it and if he wants to question my forgiveness, he can take it up the the Forgiver Himself.
And, I'm sure God will say something like "Lucifer, I have not a clue as to what sin you speak of. She is covered by the Blood of My Son and I have forgiven her."
At least I hope that's what He'd say.
Now...all I need to do is continue to seek Him and His Help on actually forgiving myself of my own failures.
author's note: Psalms 103 is a great chapter to read. There are some verses that can be used to counterbalance Satan's attacks. Verses 8 - 11 say this:
8 The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love 9 He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. 10 He does not punish us for all our sins; He does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. 11 for His Unfailing Love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth."
03 December 2010
Get Real
There are times that we put up that facade that we're okay. I know I've done it. We all have. That being said, what happens when we let that facade down and get real?
Pain. Shame. Guilt. Inability to forgive.
But, is that what it really is? Maybe to a point, but the point of getting real is to let ourselves see who we really are.
And, if we're lucky, we'll have friends and family that will let us get real with them. And they'll be real with us.
Not everyone has that support system. If you don't, try and find people you trust. I know that takes time and effort, but if you can find people that you can be open and honest and real with, then you will find people not only worth knowing, but people who will love you regardless.
I know that some people won't love others if they show themselves honestly and realistically. But there are those that will and the ones that will are the ones we need in our lives.
So, find someone you love and trust and whose judgment you don't fear (for if they truly love you they won't judge, but they will be open and honest with you as well) and open up. Be honest. Be real.
It is only in reality that we find ourselves.
So...GET REAL!
Pain. Shame. Guilt. Inability to forgive.
But, is that what it really is? Maybe to a point, but the point of getting real is to let ourselves see who we really are.
And, if we're lucky, we'll have friends and family that will let us get real with them. And they'll be real with us.
Not everyone has that support system. If you don't, try and find people you trust. I know that takes time and effort, but if you can find people that you can be open and honest and real with, then you will find people not only worth knowing, but people who will love you regardless.
I know that some people won't love others if they show themselves honestly and realistically. But there are those that will and the ones that will are the ones we need in our lives.
So, find someone you love and trust and whose judgment you don't fear (for if they truly love you they won't judge, but they will be open and honest with you as well) and open up. Be honest. Be real.
It is only in reality that we find ourselves.
So...GET REAL!
16 September 2010
An Update
I have left this journal, this blog, untouched for some time and I will take some time to hopefully explain why I have.
As I have stated, this journal was established as a place for me to post how God is moving in my life and the lessons I have learned from Him.
One thing that is a misconception of Christians is that we never suffer from questioning or trials. This is far from the truth. If anything, we are bombarded. The difference is that we have Christ to help us.
There have been times these past couple of months that my faith has suffered. Being unemployed and trying to figure out where the money to pay the bills is going to come from, plus moving, plus trying to repay an overpayment, I have questioned.
What type of God are You to do this to me and why do I serve You?
It is then answered to me when I read Jeremiah 29: 11 (NIV), which states, very simply this:
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.
How comforting! I know that, while He hasn't planned where I'm at in my life, He is going to take this lump of coal and make a diamond. Yes, it will take time and struggle. I will have more times where I may ask God why. And He will answer me the way He did when Job struggled and questioned, according to Job 38:2 - 4 (NIV):
2 Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge? 3 Brace yourself like a man; I will question you and you shall answer me. 4 Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation? Tell me if you understand.
I don't understand and I wasn't there. God expects us to question. The real question is are we ready for the answer?
As I have stated, this journal was established as a place for me to post how God is moving in my life and the lessons I have learned from Him.
One thing that is a misconception of Christians is that we never suffer from questioning or trials. This is far from the truth. If anything, we are bombarded. The difference is that we have Christ to help us.
There have been times these past couple of months that my faith has suffered. Being unemployed and trying to figure out where the money to pay the bills is going to come from, plus moving, plus trying to repay an overpayment, I have questioned.
What type of God are You to do this to me and why do I serve You?
It is then answered to me when I read Jeremiah 29: 11 (NIV), which states, very simply this:
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.
How comforting! I know that, while He hasn't planned where I'm at in my life, He is going to take this lump of coal and make a diamond. Yes, it will take time and struggle. I will have more times where I may ask God why. And He will answer me the way He did when Job struggled and questioned, according to Job 38:2 - 4 (NIV):
2 Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge? 3 Brace yourself like a man; I will question you and you shall answer me. 4 Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation? Tell me if you understand.
I don't understand and I wasn't there. God expects us to question. The real question is are we ready for the answer?
20 June 2010
A Different Entry
So, I have neglected this journal for a couple or so weeks. Not much really to write about.
This journal started off as a way to talk about the way that God is moving in my life. He continues to move in my life. He is never as far away as we sometimes thinks He is.
Today was a tough day. Eleven years ago, I lost my daddy to colon cancer. I wasn't going to go to church, but decided it would be the best way to honour him. I cried a few times. One time was rather embarrassing. I had to actually get up and leave. The lady who came out and helped? I forgot her name. How embarrassing is that!
It has been a difficult day, but I've managed thru it.
This is short, but I had to write it.
This journal started off as a way to talk about the way that God is moving in my life. He continues to move in my life. He is never as far away as we sometimes thinks He is.
Today was a tough day. Eleven years ago, I lost my daddy to colon cancer. I wasn't going to go to church, but decided it would be the best way to honour him. I cried a few times. One time was rather embarrassing. I had to actually get up and leave. The lady who came out and helped? I forgot her name. How embarrassing is that!
It has been a difficult day, but I've managed thru it.
This is short, but I had to write it.
01 June 2010
An Exciting Life
So, I was leaving church on Sunday and sometimes I tend to think on my drive home. It's not a long drive, but it's long enough for me to think and to talk to God about what is going on in my life (or what isn't).
So, on Sunday, the sermon was about leadership skills that would be needed in the leadership role we are trying to fill at our church.
I'm not sure how my mind works at time, but what was said in the sermon got me thinking about my life.
I don't lead the most exciting life. At least as some people see it. I don't go out and party every night or week end. I don't use drugs. I don't have sex. I don't drink. I don't do the things that some people think make for an exciting life.
Nope. I'm a dull person, really.
I prefer staying home or doing some clean fun, like watching a movie or television. I enjoy spending time on my computer. I enjoy spending time with my cats and my best friend. A good time to me consists of my best friend coming over and watching CRIMINAL MINDS with me.
But, my life is exciting!
Every morning, I wake up excited about what blessings God is going to bestow upon me for that day!
It's exciting to think that what I'm going thru is going to bless someone else!
I may not have the so called excitement of others, but I have an exciting life nonetheless!
So, on Sunday, the sermon was about leadership skills that would be needed in the leadership role we are trying to fill at our church.
I'm not sure how my mind works at time, but what was said in the sermon got me thinking about my life.
I don't lead the most exciting life. At least as some people see it. I don't go out and party every night or week end. I don't use drugs. I don't have sex. I don't drink. I don't do the things that some people think make for an exciting life.
Nope. I'm a dull person, really.
I prefer staying home or doing some clean fun, like watching a movie or television. I enjoy spending time on my computer. I enjoy spending time with my cats and my best friend. A good time to me consists of my best friend coming over and watching CRIMINAL MINDS with me.
But, my life is exciting!
Every morning, I wake up excited about what blessings God is going to bestow upon me for that day!
It's exciting to think that what I'm going thru is going to bless someone else!
I may not have the so called excitement of others, but I have an exciting life nonetheless!
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