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Posted on 01/02/2023 6:16:23 PM PST by JustAmy
Edited on 01/02/2023 7:28:26 PM PST by Jim Robinson. [history]
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Bless your heart for feeding them, Sis!
It’s a tough life out there for homeless kitties.
Sometimes punks get a hold of them too and inflict
a lot of pain on them!
Years ago, when I got to know you, I never would
have guessed you’re a cat woman!
Thanks again for helping them, Sis!
If I were closer, I’d take Pirate home!
Love ya!
*HUG*
Happy Warm Fuzzy Wednesday!
Sunny today, nice enough for a long walk with Moose.
No snow on the ground.
Looks good to me!
š
I’ve always loved cats, but we had dogs for a long time as well as one or two cats. I NEVER expected to own more than two. LOL!
But Li’l Bit was introduced by our first stray, Ghost. Welllll, then she had kittens and brought them to us, so what could I do? I had them all neutered and their ear clipped to show that they belonged to someone, and they’ve been here ever since. Then the occasional temporary cat shows up hungry. Pirate is the latest of these. I kind of hope he stays. If you lived closer, I’d love for you to have him. I know how you love kitties!
Bible in a Year :
I have calmed and quieted myself, . . . I am content.
In his book The Shallows, Nicholas Carr describes how the internet has shaped our relationship with stillness: āWhat the Net seems to be doing is chipping away my capacity for concentration and contemplation. Whether Iām online or not, my mind now expects to take in information the way the Net distributes it: in a swiftly moving stream of particles. Once I was a scuba diver in the sea of words. Now I zip along the surface like a guy on a Jet Ski.ā
Living life on a mental jet ski doesnāt sound healthy. But how do we begin to slow down, to dive deeply into still spiritual waters? Ā
In Psalm 131, David writes, āI have calmed and quieted myselfā (v. 2). Davidās words remind me that I have responsibility. Changing habits starts with my choice to be stillāeven if I must make that choice over and over again. Slowly, though, we experience Godās satisfying goodness. Like a little child, we rest in contentment, remembering that He alone offers hope (v. 3)āsoul-satisfaction that no smartphone app can touch and no social media site can deliver. Ā Ā Ā .
Reflect & Pray
How does technology influence your ability to rest quietly before God? Does your phone contribute to your contentment? Why or why not?
Father, the world is awash in distraction that doesnāt satisfy my soul. Please help me trust You to fill me with genuine contentment.
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Bible in a Year :
Rich and poor have this in common: The LordĀ is the Maker of them all.
But thereās more. Being equal before God also means that no matter our economic, social, or ethnic situation, weāre all born with a sin condition: āall have sinned and fall short of the glory of Godā (Romans 3:23). Weāre all disobedient and equally guilty before Him, and we need Jesus.
We often divide people into groups for a variety of reasons. But, in reality, weāre all part of the human race. And though weāre all in the same situationāsinners in need of a Saviorāwe can be ājustified freelyā (made right with God) by His grace (v. 24). .
Reflect & Pray
How does it help you to love others better by recognizing weāre all equal before God? How has Jesus met your deepest need?
Dear God, thank You for sending Jesus to earth to live a perfect life and to willingly give His life as a sacrifice for my sins.
Bible in a Year :
They devoted themselves . . . to fellowship.
In the southern Bahamas lies a small piece of land called Ragged Island. In the nineteenth century, it had an active salt industry, but because of a decline in that industry, many people emigrated to nearby islands. In 2016, when fewer than eighty people lived there, the island featured three religious denominations, yet the people all gathered together in one place for worship and fellowship each week. With so few residents, a sense of community was especially vital for them.
The people of the early church felt a crucial need and desire for community as well. They were excited about their newfound faith that was made possible by Jesusā death and resurrection. But they also knew He was no longer physically with them, so they knew they needed each other. They devoted themselves to the apostlesā teachings, to fellowship, and to sharing Communion together (Acts 2:42). They gathered in homes for worship and meals and cared for othersā needs.Ā The church is described in this way: āAll the believers were one in heart and mindā (4:32). Filled with the Holy Spirit, they praised God continually and brought the churchās needs to Him in prayer.
Community is essential for our growth and support. Donāt try to go it alone. God will develop that sense of community as you share your struggles and joys with others and draw near to Him together. .
Reflect & Pray
How might you commit to spending time with fellow believers? Where and when will you do this?
I need You and Your people, God, to help me live the fullest life for You.
Thank you.
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Happy Caturday!
Hope you had a great day!
I drove to see my friend near Milwaukee. This means a 2 hour drive-each way- but NOT uphill both ways. Ha Ha!
We did power shopping for 3 hours, then I had to be on my way at 2:45 to get home before total darkness arrives at 5. š
We had fun. Hours go by fast with your best friend.š
We are just a few days from the longest night of the year, Then, the days start getting longer again. I hate when it gets dark at 4:00PM.
It was rainy here today. Driving home at 3:30, the clouds were thicker and it was getting dark at 3:30. š³ Way worse than the usual dark at 4:45. š
Bible in a Year :
For theĀ Lord detests the perverse but takes the upright into his confidence.
David and Angie had felt called to move overseas, and the fruitful ministry that followed seemed to confirm it. But there was one downside to their move. Davidās elderly parents would now spend Christmases alone.
David and Angie tried to mitigate his parentsā Christmas Day loneliness by posting gifts early and calling on Christmas morning. But what his parents really wanted was them. With Davidās income only permitting an occasional trip home, what else could they do? David needed wisdom.
Proverbs 3 is a crash course in wisdom-seeking, showing us how to receive it by taking our situations to God (vv. 5ā6), describing its various qualities such as love and faithfulness (vv. 3ā4, 7ā12), and its benefits as peace and longevity (vv. 13ā18). In a touching note, it adds that God gives such wisdom by taking us āinto his confidenceā (v. 32). He whispers His solutions to those who are close to Him.
Praying about his problem one night, David had an idea. Next Christmas Day, he and Angie put on their best clothes, decorated the table with tinsel, and brought in the roast dinner. Davidās parents did the same. Then, placing a laptop on each table, they ate together via video link. It almost felt like they were in the same room. Itās become a family tradition ever since.
God took David into His confidence and gave him wisdom. He loves to whisper creative solutions to our problems. .
Reflect & Pray
What dilemma are you facing? What loving solution might God have for you?
Father God, please whisper to my heart Your creative solution to my problem.
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Good night, Kitty!
š“šāØāļø
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