Sully the Cat

 Our neighbor's cat, Sully, has gone missing. Carrie sent me a message asking if we could help look for him. Sully is 9 years old and is very much loved by his family. When Mark drove up (Carrie's husband), my husband mentioned that we’d keep an eye out for Sully. However, Mark reacted by saying he didn't really care about finding him and then walked away.

Mark is a generally good neighbor, but like many of us, he has his emotional ups and downs. About ten minutes after this, the doorbell rang, and there was Mark at the door. He expressed his regret for being rude and having a bad attitude earlier. It turns out that he’s very worried about his cat, Sully, and on top of that, today is the day they have to say goodbye to their pug, which is very hard for him. It's a tough situation for anyone.

We've all had moments where we've acted out of frustration or hurt and been difficult in our interactions with others. We shouldn't be defined by these moments - and the same goes with Mark.  

As someone who loves animals, I truly sympathize with my neighbors. Dealing with these kinds of issues can be tough. We've had to make the difficult decision to help some of our older pets pass away, and we’ve sadly lost two cats to coyotes, so we can relate to their pain. It's definitely sad.

If Susie ever got out, I would freak out! 

Loving the unlovable can be challenging, but it's a powerful expression of God's love working through us. As believers, we are called to love others as Christ has loved us, even when it seems difficult. 

Today I am praying for our next-door neighbors as they help their dog pass - and hoping they find Sully or that he walks up the walkway to greet them. 

TEXAS PRAYERS 

Speaking of prayers, my heart continues to break over the flood and aftermath in Texas - the families, the community, the search and rescue. So tragic. 

In His love,

Debby

Spring is in the Air

 

There is a forecast for 100% rain on Wednesday, which is expected to continue for several days.

I'm okay with that. The more rain, the better! 

It was cold this Monday morning. 

I recently reconnected with my old friend, Tammy, after years apart. She moved from California to Colorado to Tennessee and now to Kansas, and we lost touch. Our paths crossed again after seven years, reminding us of the bond we share. We reminisced about our journeys through motherhood, navigating divorces around the same time, and raising our children without an active father. Despite the challenges, we created precious memories together.

Tammy is facing a difficult time after the tragic loss of her 2nd husband, but she is surrounded by a strong support system at her church in Wichita. As she shared her feelings, I listened. She just needs to be heard. 

The week ahead:

I completed my study of Revelation 17, which discusses the Fall of Babylon. 

✔Tomorrow, I plan to visit my eye clinic to adjust my glasses, as they are currently uneven and driving me crazy. I knocked them off my face and messed them up - They are closed today. 

✔On Wednesday, I will attend my Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) group, which has only eight weeks left before breaking for the summer. 

✔Thursday is designated for my Isaiah discussion and study group at my church, which I find very enriching. 

I particularly enjoy where we engage directly with the Bible. Instead of using a study book, we read each chapter, analyzing the text with the help of commentaries and concordances and exploring the Hebrew meanings of certain words. This approach allows me to gain a deeper understanding of the scripture, as I have never been interested in "feel-good" studies—I prefer to delve into the substance of the text. Sometimes we only get to a few verses, but I always walk out knowing more than ever before. 

✔I have a dental appointment scheduled for Friday to have my teeth cleaned.

I walked around the yard, looking for Spring...this morning. 

It's not up there in the neighbor's Redwood Trees. Some Ravens live in his trees. 

My first Poppy for 2025! 

My husband found the second one...

The Vinca on the hill continues to mock me...

And NO, I did not get out there and knock them down. 

I do nothing to these primroses, which are probably one of the easiest flowers to grow. You have to find the right spot! 

You can't put a square peg in a round hole, and similarly, you can't plant flowers that thrive in full sunshine in a shady spot and vice versa. These primroses were in flower boxes in the front, exposed to the intense southwest sun. All they needed was a northeast exposure to thrive.

I have learned the hard way - 

Here are Twin Cedars, looking over my roof into the front yard. They do look like two separate trees. The sweet Gum will start popping its spring greenery soon. 

New growth on the Pomegranate tree! 

I've got a few more days to enjoy this lovely 60-degree weather before the rain comes back! I've been spending time in my backyard, reading and listening to the birds sing in the afternoon. There's something special about the quiet, with a few bird chirps here and there. 

However, since Thursday evening, a house nearby has been playing music loudly enough for me to hear it—especially the bass and drums. I've experienced louder music in my life, so I’m not too upset, but I must admit, I prefer the peace and quiet of our usually quiet neighborhood. Sound tends to travel, and I'm still trying to figure out where it's coming from. So far, it's been every evening since Thursday. Grrrrr. 

I only hear it in my living room. 

My husband has trouble hearing, so he doesn't hear it. Sometimes, that's a good thing, but the thumping music does distract me. Luckily, they tend to turn it down at a reasonable hour. It could definitely be worse! I could find myself living right next to them!

May God's grace surround each of you, guiding your steps this week.

Debby