Kitty-mania

I was all ready to write this post an hour ago and then I got sidetracked by this website. I really discourage you from clicking on that link if you don't have a few hours to play around.

Seriously . . . I'm not kidding. It is addictive.

Anywho . . . while I'm waiting for my confirmation e-mail . . . here are some kitty pictures:


Looks like a sweetheart, right?


Well sometimes she is -- and sometimes she isn't, we'll just leave it at that for now.

Then there is this little darling.


She is my mom's new pet.


She is currently going by the name *Pffitt*

She obviously is trouble in the making. :-)

Fighting a cold

One thing about the change of seasons -- I am more prone to catch a cold during this time. Seems that fall has arrived because . . .

I have been fighting a cold the past couple days.

After church yesterday, I came home and napped under two blankets. It seemed to help. This morning I was feeling better but made a quick stop at the pharmacy to pick up some throat drops.

It probably won't help that I am going to bed at 11:30 tonight but I plan on sleeping in a little so maybe that will offset getting to bed later tonight.

I hope anyway.

I'm off to take a drop and go to bed.

Where My Heart Belongs by Tracie Peterson

I've said before that books sometimes force me to think through situations that have never happened (nor may never happen) to me. This books is a modern day retelling of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32).

Twelve years ago, Amy Halbert, eager to leave small-town life behind, demanded her share of the family money, changed her name, and dropped out of sight. Her older sister Kathy, was the one who stayed and witnessed the ripples of consequences Amy left in her wake.

Now as her father lies dying at the family farm in Kansas, Amy shows up out of nowhere. Her father is overjoyed to see her and learns that she has come to know the Lord. Before he dies, he begs his older daughter, Kathy, to be a good sister and welcome Amy back into the family.

But Kathy is struggling with the feelings of betrayal and bitterness. How can she forgive someone who brought such misery into their lives? -- Back cover

I honestly have to say that I was very sympathetic with Kathy's character. In fact several times I found myself mentally having words with Amy's character. :-)

The author really brought to light the different perspectives of everyone involved in the situation. The parents who saw their youngest child choose a path far away from them and the lifestyle their child had been brought up in. The sister who stayed and whose choices thereafter created a life path she wishes she could change. And the sister who left behind her family, life, friends, and even her name.

I think sometimes families take each other for granted. The expect and infer reactions and opinions and don't take the time to talk to each other.

That being said. What did I like about this book?

I like the characters. Both Kathy and Amy (the sisters) were so believable. Whether it was a little sympathy for Kathy or a harsh word for Amy, I found myself having imaginary conversations with them as I read the story.

I like the story. It is a timeless parable first told by Jesus to illustrate the acceptance new believers should receive into the kingdom of heaven.


Title: Where My Heart Belongs
Author: Tracie Peterson
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Published Date: 2007
ISBN: 9780764203961
Pages: 330p

Bookspot Chris-claimer

What lies behind and what lies ahead

I have been reading over the past couple week's posts. It is amazing to me how many emotions and moods I have had in such a short time.

And now a compilation of this week presented Wordle-style:

That took me and hour and a half to complete. I probably could have messed around with it for another hour, or two, or . . .

Anyway, my point was the highs and lows of the past two weeks have brought me to the place I am today. A little weary, hopefully a little stronger, and possibly even content.

That's all for the looking back portion of this post.

Looking ahead . . .

Tomorrow is my day off (YEA!) and since it is the last Friday of the month it is also Bookspot Friday. I am going to have an insightful book review (I hope). :-D

The next couple weeks will be filled: going to work, teaching my class, enjoying the fall weather, cleaning my house (bleah), getting my yard ready for winter, participating in church functions, and who knows what else will pop up along the way.

I have a lot to be thankful for and blessed by.

Ooohhh

I wanna go here, and here, and here.

Oh and here . . .

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This is the stuff of dreams. Even if it didn't make this list.