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Biblical Truths I Learned From My Cats: Enjoy Life

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It amuses me what God sometimes uses to teach us lessons. Lately, it seems my four cats (and others in my life) have been the source of a few biblical truths.

 

Enjoy Life

I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. 

John 10:10

Leo

Leo_bedLeo is my youngest cat. He is the most energetic, the most playful, the most destructive, and by far the most annoying. He’s also the biggest cuddler, when he’s in the mood. He is the only foster kitten I’ve kept so far, and some days, I question the wisdom of that decision.

If nothing else, however, Leo has entertainment value. Everything is a toy to Leo. Although my cats have a basket of safe cat toys, Leo would rather chew electrical cords and steal ponytail elastics. He’ll chew plastic shopping bags, steal straws from drinks and plastic water bottle caps. I find them every time I move a piece of furniture. He’s two years old, and should’ve outgrown most of the “kitten crazy,” but he’ll still attack your toes if you move them under the bed covers. When it comes to relaxing, he is just as dedicated. He can sprawl out in a patch of sunshine on the floor or on the back of a chair near a window and just chill for hours. If nothing else, this boy knows how to enjoy life.

It’s very easy to become so busy with all the things we must do. I don’t know about you, but my life often seems to be whizzing by at breakneck speed, always another appointment, commitment, or deadline in front of me. I can’t recall the last time I was bored. The to-do list just goes on and on. And if I’m not careful, I end up using every minute of my day trying to catch up, staying up late at night to finish things I didn’t get done during the day (case in point —I’m writing this at midnight) , and spending my weekend hours doing the housework that didn’t get done because I was busy doing the other things I had to do.

When Jesus said He came so that we could have life, and have it abundantly, I don’t think He meant for our lives to be a constant whirlwind of work. “Abundant” means over-sufficient, abounding, more than adequate – but I don’t think that’s referring to an abundance of work. I think Jesus wanted us not only to have life but also to enjoy it. To spend time with our family and friends, to relax, and to take the time to enjoy the world His Father created.

I’ll be the first to admit I’m terrible at making time to play, and even worse at relaxation, but I’m trying. I need to spend more time hanging out with my husband on the beach on weekends, or playing games with my kids. I’d even love to find some time just to sit and read one of the many books on my to-be-read list. Most importantly, I need to make sure my time with my heavenly Father is a priority, if only to thank Him for all the beautiful blessings in my life.

Perhaps my Leo takes having life abundantly a bit far, but then again, maybe he’s setting a good example. Find ways to enjoy the life God has given you, and get plenty of rest. Pretty good advice, for a cat.

Blessings,

Amy

Biblical Truths I Learned From My Cats: Take A Time Out

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It amuses me what God sometimes uses to teach us lessons. Lately, it seems my four cats (and others in my life) have been the source of a few biblical truths.

 

Take A Time Out

He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

Psalm 91:4 NIV

Max

Max_hidingOne of my male cats is an eighteen-pound, long haired mountain of fluff. He’s by far the biggest, but he’s also the shyest. Max was attacked by a wolf/dog hybrid as a kitten, and while he’s affectionate with us, he is somewhat skittish when it comes to loud noises and strangers. When the doorbell rings, he will fly up the stairs to hide. His favorite place is under my bed, a place he feels secure. After a while, he might venture out to see who is here, but only after he has taken some time in his little refuge to calm down, assess the situation, and determine it’s safe to do so.

Life is often a series of sudden twist and turns. Something as simple as a phone call (or an unexpected visitor ringing the doorbell) can change everything. The abrupt whirlwind that often follows can be very disconcerting, but we don’t have to let the whims of the world blow us this way and that. We may not be able to run and hide under a bed when the doorbell rings, but we can turn to our God, and like a mother bird protects her offspring from a sudden storm by sheltering them under her wings, we can know that He will always provide a place of refuge for us.

Psalm 91:4 promises that His faithfulness will be both a shield and a rampart. A shield is designed to protect a warrior in battle. A rampart is a defensive wall, usually around a stronghold, like a castle or fort. When life’s storms rage around you and the world’s enemies relentlessly attack, your God has your back. Not only does He promise to protect you in one-on-one combat, he offers a sanctuary from the battle, a wall behind which you can retreat to regroup, rest, and evaluate your next move.

Next time your paradigm is unexpectedly shifted, take Him up on that promise. Enter into His refuge. Let His faithfulness provide the shelter you need. He’s waiting, with wings wide open.

Blessings,

Amy

DISCERNING GOD’S VOICE TO FIND GOD’S VICTORY: It’s Break Time!

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“God thunders marvelously with His voice; 

He does great things which we cannot comprehend.”

JOB 37:5

Sometimes the best encouragement comes through a true story, especially one that shows the mighty hand of God to be at work among us. Instead of the usual format, I’d like to encourage you this week with a true story. Each day the Encouragement will continue as the story unfolds. You don’t want to miss a single day!

 

It’s Break Time! 

“I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”

John 10:9-10, NKJV

“I thought we’d never get here,” Tom said.

“Me either,” I replied. “I don’t remember when we had so many things go wrong in such a short amount of time! I mean, who ever heard tell of a tire blowing out in the middle of our driveway! But finally – we’re heeere!”

MONDAYWith the waves crashing on shore, and the warm spring sunshine on my face, I could feel the weight of busyness and stress begin to lift from my heart and mind. Our cold dreary winter had finally given way to the brilliant Carolina blue sky we look forward to every year. White puffy clouds floated swiftly overhead as salt air filled our nostrils. With sunscreen-slathered bodies, we looked like pack mules, loaded down with the umbrella, chairs, beach bag, and fishing gear. With our dog Sandy’s leash attached to the beach bag, we headed to the sand without a care in the world. Finally, it was sabbatical time! Now that the mission trip was over, the battle was over as well. There would be no more threats or enemy interference around every corner.

Reaching our sweet spot on the sand, I released the chair slung over my shoulder. Reaching to remove the chair from its encasing, I heard a Still Small Voice issue the warning…”watch out for black widow spiders.”

Instantly I was on guard, hesitant to touch the chair again. “I’m sure it’s just another threat from the enemy,” I thought. At the same instant, Tom and I reached out from opposite sides of the chair to extend its legs. As he turned to walk away, I saw movement out of the corner of my eye. And there it was—a very large, shiny black spider, dangling in mid-air, on a string of web. And it was about to reach my leg. Jumping back, I looked closely to see it had turned upside down, with its back dangling toward the ground. A bright red spot flashed on its belly, shining bright as the noonday sun.

I’m so thankful I still had on my flip-flops because without thinking, I started stomping that spider for all I was worth. As it lay dormant on the sand, I peered over it, wondering if it was pretending to be dead. Realizing the only thing left was a black greasy spot, with long legs still attached, I should have been relieved. Instead, an ugly, dark wave of fear gripped my heart, stealing my peace, killing my joy, and stealing my rest …

But that’s not what Jesus promised in our verse today. Remember, these are words from today’s verses – from Jesus’ own lips to our ears:

“I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”

Join me tomorrow as the story continues…

Your Traveling Partner,

Brenda