7/6/2026
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.
“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts."
Isaiah 55:8-9
I woke up very early several times this morning, beginning around 5 am, and I just did not want to stay up. I rebelled and laid back down until 6 am, and I still did not want to get up. Still, although I didn't feel His nudge, I knew something may be up, so I checked my kids in Israel. No bombs, no drones, thankfully. I checked the news, and there was nothing new. No unnerving news from prayer groups, and no other surprises yet unnamed. My life can be complicated. But no! It seemed safe to lie back down until the alarm went off, so I grabbed some ice for my back and rested a bit. Finally at 7 am I got up, greeted my day, and grabbed a cup of coffee. I had to ask Abba to forgive me for being lazy - again - but He knows when I don't sleep well from pain that it is harder to drag myself up. I have to persevere, I know, but some days can be tough. That'll teach me to stay away from trees and other life-altering experiences that an ole lady my age should knowingly avoid. Besides which, I had an eye appointment scheduled for the early afternoon, so I needed to be ready to go after my prayer call.
While in the kitchen I cleaned Mia's bowls, gave her fresh water and food, patted her on the head and asked her if she'd slept well. Cats are not the most lovable creatures, generally, so Mia only had food and fresh water on her mind. I washed Alex's bowls and I placed those on the porch, as Alex tends to come home either very early or mid-morning. I imagine he's out "mousing" before he settles down for the morning side-meal. When I went back inside from putting Alex's bowls on the stoop, I heard what sounded like a bird, and then listening more closely it sounded like crying. I thought Alex had hurt himself or the squirrel had gotten the better of him, so I went outside to investigate. There in my flower garden was the straggliest, bony, starved little kitten I've ever seen, crying for all it was worth. All 1 lb 6 oz of her! Her eyes were infected, so I cleaned them with a warm wash cloth, and that seemed to help. Still she was hungry and needed love. She looked so emaciated and wouldn't eat or drink water, plus the eyes concerned me, so my son Daniel and I decided to pack her up and take her to the vet close by, so off we went.
The vet didn't wasn't opened for business yet, then we had a bit of a wait, but all the dogs coming in for their routine visits were so adorable! It was the friendliest atmosphere I've been in for a while. They named the cat Jane Doe, as we were yet uncertain of whether she was Jane or John at that point. As it turned out, she was a Jane, but Daniel called her Mina, as he'd already fallen in love with the bedraggled sweetie. He's tenderhearted that way. Me - well I love all animals, but dogs are my best buds. Alex is an anomaly - another one who just showed up on our doorstep. I'm certain that Alex probably tells every unwanted stray that they'll be welcome at our house, as we've had several visitors come and go, including birds who crave Alex's cat food. They prefer their meal on the porch rail, however. What a strange life I live. I even have a opossum who stops by from time to time. I need a new Welcome Sign - WELCOME! ALL Creatures - Great and Small! But no reptiles! I've had that too, courtesy of Alex when I rejected the half dead mouse he left me early on in our friendship. Once I said "NO SNAKES!" I never saw another one. Like I tell you - cats have a mind of their own!
So back to Mina - she was diagnosed and treated for an upper respiratory infection and conjunctivitis - no surprise there. She was malnourished, and she needed a lot of love and attention. As noted earlier, she weighed a little over a pound, and she was about seven weeks old. She had ear mites and fleas, but she received treatment for that as well. Otherwise, she's due back in a month or earlier if need be. Back at home she's quarantined from Mia until she gets rid of the fleas and mites. She's enjoying my nice queen size bed and my special friends who watch over it. I sleep in my mom's room, so that worked out, plus I'd just uncluttered it so I could doing some sewing, so Miss Mina had the best of both worlds. I never thought my life would be this way, but God does have His ways of softening this ole gal's heart.
The night before I had gone to bed troubled over some things. For one I didn't know when I could go to New Mexico to visit my daughter, Kristie. I haven't been back since I came here. I knew I couldn't leave Daniel without a vehicle, and I had qualms about driving the Mercury since I haven't had it that long. It's just a quirk I have, but it's a great car, and God always protects me. Besides Holy Spirit is always here inside, outside, all around. But Daniel! He's all alone, and he's been depressed since losing his friend, Bryan, who has to be away. So, once more as I prepared for sleep I'd asked Abba to please show me what to do. After all He's the trip planner, not me. So I believe Mina is part of the answer to my prayer. Daniel loves animals, especially vulnerable, helpless little critters who need love, care, and protection. He has a huge heart, and he is often misinterpreted by his size and stance. Daniel's been through much trauma in his life, some self-imposed in response to man's violations and cruelties. People tend to judge by outward appearances as we have learned from scriptures - and from life. He knows he has Mina, as well as Mia, now, so that gives him purpose. So, I trust God's plan - I must! Else I have no true faith at all! It's been a difficult almost five years since I arrived back home. But there's a reason for everything. Nothing in life is happenstance.
I'm not sure what will come of it all, but I'm open to any surprises God wants to give. He's watched over us since He placed us here on this earth, and I've no doubts that He will continue what He has begun! How can I be so certain? Philippians 1:6 Paul says, "Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ."
More than that though, God said it in Jeremiah 29:11, "'For I know the thoughts that I think toward you,' says the Lord, 'thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.'" And if God said it, then that settles it!
"Forever, O Lord,
Your word is settled in heaven."
Psalm 119:89
No comments:
Post a Comment