We added a new member to our house last week.
Meet our new kitten. He’s a curious little guy. Here he’s chasing the cursor on my screen. We still have a lot of training to do. LOL
And here he is thirty seconds later. No joke.
From curious and busy to asleep in record time.
My family and I had long discussions on his name. I thought perhaps Yoda, but my daughters didn’t like it. We threw around Odin, August, Zuko, Latte, Hercules, and Yoshi. One daughter wanted Odin another August. I kept looking at him, and he just didn’t look like an Odin or even an August.
So I made the executive Mom decision and named him Peanut.
My dog doesn’t quite know what to think of him. He’s being pretty patient, considering he’s an older dog and half blind.
And in that I think there’s a spiritual lesson.
For some of us, we’ve been Christians for a LONG time. I’m nearing my fifties now (shh), so I’ve been “doing this life” for 30+ years (I was a teen when I accepted Christ as my Savior).
After so many years, many of us feel like we know what we’re doing. And then again, I think some of us are half blind to the real truth. We’ve gotten mired down in traditions or “church” doctrine (notice I didn’t say Biblical doctrine). We’ve forgotten to see through the “eyes of a child” (or a kitten) where all things are wondrous and new. Life is easier if we don’t “rock the boat.”
But what we fail to realize is that when the boat rocks, it usually means there’s a storm, and Jesus is in the storm (as well as the calm). We may feel He’s sleeping on the job as the disciples did (Matthew 8:24), but He’s not. He’s ALWAYS got our backs. He’s ALWAYS in the storm with us. We just have to reach out our hands to Him. He may not take away the storm as He did for the disciples(Matthew 8:25), but He will always guide us through it.
When Peter walked on water, he faltered when he noticed the wind and the waves. “But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. ‘Save me, Lord!’ he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. ‘You have so little faith,’ Jesus said. ‘Why did you doubt me?’ When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped.” (Matthew 14:30-32, NLT)
Please notice that the wind didn’t STOP until they climbed into the boat.
Sometimes we (myself included) expect our prayers to be answered the way we want when we want. Jesus did save Peter, but He didn’t calm the storm immediately. It still raged around them as they made their way back to the boat. He expected Peter to trust Him to guide him in the right direction.
He expects it of us, too.
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.” (Ps. 23:4-5, NKJV, emphasis mine)
Our church sang Surrounded by Michael W. Smith this past week. It’s a very simple song. Two lines repeat.
“This is how I fight my battles,” and “It may look like I’m surrounded but I’m surrounded by You.”
No matter what it looks like or what it feels like or how hopeless it seems, God is with us. He surrounds us with His love, His peace, His comfort, and whatever else we need to get us through our circumstances. He’s our comforter and our protector.
Have you ever had a moment (or several) where you faltered, but Jesus reached His hand out to you in a tangible way? I’d love it if you share and encourage others who might be walking through something and are unable to see the end.
Blessings,
Ellie says
This is exactly the reminder I needed today!
Anke says
Peanut is a cute name for a kitten. Fun-fact, for the last month or two, I’ve been working out with a youtube walking coach whose *dog* is called peanut. Ha!
Renate says
Hi Ginger! Thanks for the reminder to see and understand Biblical truths through the eyes of a child or a kitten – new and wondrous. One of the reasons I enjoy watching my grandchildren – ages 13, 10, 5, and 20 months old. Life is a daily wonder. At the moment we are truly “empty nesters,” since our 16 year old deaf Sheltie passed on Sunday. Kittens are so much fun. Love the name. Wishing you the best with the training. The picture of the kitten and dog is precious. Reminds me of how our cats reacted when we brought the Sheltie home. Uplifting and inspirational to learn Biblical truths through all of God’s creation – sunrise, sunset, children, and the pets He leaves in our care. Best wishes and happy writing.
Brenda Day says
I’m so glad for your writing today. I needed the reminder that he is always with us always. I’m human and for get some times.
Amy J says
Welcome to your new assistant. ?
My childhood church had a beautiful stained glass window of Jesus lifting Peter out of the water that I always loved.
Lindi P says
Ginger–we just got a kitten, too. Now we have 3 cats. But this kitten is crazy–so true—crazy one minute, asleep the next. :) And I love that 2 line repeat song. What a good reminder and truth!
Ginger Solomon says
I’m glad it ministered to you, Ellie. Many blessings, ~~G
Ginger Solomon says
Ha, I think that’s one of the reasons one of my daughters didn’t like the name. It was too “normal.” She wanted something different. Good job on the consistent walking.
Ginger Solomon says
I’m sorry for the loss of your last baby, Renate. May the Lord show you new and exciting ways to fill your house with love and “excitement.”
Ginger Solomon says
We all forget sometimes and need the reminder. Blessings, ~~G
Ginger Solomon says
Yeah, he loves to type that’s for sure.
I love stained-glass windows. They are so beautiful. I have a friend who dabbles in them (obviously nothing compared to the one in your church), and she posts the most beautiful creations on FB.
Ginger Solomon says
Congrats on your new addition. My hubby definitely wouldn’t go for 3 cats, at least not inside and outside ones don’t fare well around here–too many coyotes.
What are the names of your cats?
Arlene says
So nice to find a Christian author. I know I can read your book without finding anything which would offend me. We had animals when our girls were small, but then traveled a lot when they left the nest. We still enjoy the ones they have, when we see them.
Ginger Solomon says
Thanks, Arlene.
All of the authors here at IR write contemporary Christian romance. While I can’t guarantee there won’t be stuff that offends you (everyone has their quirks), I can say that I’ve read something by nearly every author here, and if I haven’t read their work, then someone else on the Admin team has. We are very particular about the authors we invite to participate.
So far, all of my kids LOVE pets. The three that have moved out permanently have five pets between them–three dogs and two cats. :D I’ll have plenty of grandpets, if not grandchildren. LOL
Lou says
I love to read Christian books they are an inspiration to me
Paula Marie says
Ginger…I cannot begin to tell you how much I appreciate this reminder today, Bless you! Enjoy your new ?!!
Arletta says
Thanks, Ginger. “We’ve gotten mired down in traditions or “church” doctrine (notice I didn’t say Biblical doctrine). We’ve forgotten to see through the “eyes of a child” (or a kitten) where all things are wondrous and new. ” I’ve been challenged by this same thing in my devotions this week. Where did our joy go? The excitement that we had when we were young? Now we’re so careful to keep our emotions even-keel. We have lost our zest.
Ginger Solomon says
I’m glad it blessed you, Paula. Thanks.
Ginger Solomon says
Yes, Arletta, exactly. We’ve lost our joy and zest. Dare I say, we’ve lost our first love?
Ginger Solomon says
That’s true, Lou. I find many things that I need to work on through Christian fiction.
Joan Arning says
I think we often don’t receive because we don’t step out in faith!
Jackie Smith says
Wow, Ginger…this is exactly what I need to read today! THX
Ginger Solomon says
I’m so glad.
Ginger Solomon says
That is entirely possible, Joan.
Paula Shreckhise says
Hi, thanks for the post. I, too sometimes walk to that coach with a dog named peanut! It seems whenever hubby and I need a decision made, the Lord always comes through with an answer. I’m glad we recognized it!
denise says
in times of greatest need, when feeling hopeless, remembering I’m not alone is my salvation…it’s then I can turn it over to Him and find peace and comfort
Lisa says
This was a beautiful picture of walking with Jesus through the storm! He doesn’t promise that we won’t have storms, but He sure does promise that He’ll be with us through them all! All we have to do is trust. Thanks for sharing this!
SARAH TAYLOR says
Thank you so much for this wonderful blessing today I as so many others do falter but I needed to see this today and read it Thank you again for such a Blessing you are I love the name peanut for your cat.
Susan P says
The timing is always perfect! We are in the middle of a big move and two nights ago I faltered big time. Literally couldn’t get up off the floor after a big set back and I just didn’t know what to do next. I felt Him reach out and help me take the next step! My hubby gave me the advice I needed – just stand up and take the next step. I only needed to do the next step, not see the big picture at that moment. I knew those words of advice were from a heavenly Father who is always waiting there for me!
Ginger Solomon says
Funny that you walk to the same coach. :)
Ginger Solomon says
The key is to remember that’s he’s there at ALL times, when we need him, and when we seemingly don’t.
Ginger Solomon says
You’re welcome, Lisa.
Ginger Solomon says
Thanks, Sarah. I’m glad I was able to bless you today.
Ginger Solomon says
Exactly, Susan. Thanks for sharing. I got the Holy Ghost chill bumps from your testimony. He’s only asking for us to trust him in the next step. Great advice from your hubby.
Linda R Orr says
Oh wow! I can’t tell you how much I needed this. I’m going through something I never dreamed I would face (hint – 22-year old daughter). I’m saving this and putting it with my devotion book and Bible to read again and again.
Your kitten is beautiful. I have a new calico kitten – Pumpkin. Like you said, one minute she will be tearing through the house and I’m wondering if this was such a good idea and then I look and she’s curled up sound asleep looking so sweet and innocent.
Becky Smith says
Wonderfully encouraging post! I love to remind myself when I feel like I’m surrounded, that I AM surrounded by God and His love! Watching a loved one get hurt by someone’s unthoughtful & unkind words is hard, but I am praying God will surround them with His love.
Andrea B. Brooks says
Thanks for sharing this and it blessed me.
MJSH says
Everyday, as a parent of two teenagers and a tween and a first grader, I stumble and fall….and everyday Jesus picks me right back up.
Linda Rainey says
Jesus has helped me forgive my father and myself.
It was too late for him but maybe I will see him heaven.
ClaireP says
I have a tough week coming up so this was an excellent reminder about who is ultimately in charge.
Irma J says
I love to read Christian books they are an inspiration to me. And your cat :) So funny. He’s so cute. We got a cat 2 months ago so I know how fun it is.
Sabrina Templin says
Noo I don’t have an experience to share. Am looking at this thread for hope/inspiration for myself. THANK YOU! :D
Amy J says
And I admire anyone willing to work in stained glass/mosaics on even a small scale. Not sure I’d have the patience or risk tolerance.
Ginger Solomon says
Pumpkin is a great name.
And children… enough said. God’s got this. It wasn’t a surprise to Him.
And this … “Oh wow! I can’t tell you how much I needed this. I’m saving this and putting it with my devotion book and Bible to read again and again.” … is the highest compliment you could have given me.
I’m overwhelmed at how many people needed this message when I questioned it many times after writing it.
Thank you.
Ginger Solomon says
Sometimes watching loved ones get hurt is harder than if the words or actions were aimed at us. And God’s got your loved one. Just as He has you and me.
Ginger Solomon says
I’m so glad, Andrea.
Ginger Solomon says
So glad for His continued grace and mercy and forgiveness.
Ginger Solomon says
It’s a process, Linda. My mom’s been gone for 16 years, and there are times when I have to remind myself that I HAVE forgiven her. I can not testify as to whether she’ll be in heaven when I get there, but I can hope. :)
Ginger Solomon says
God will be with you during your tough week, Claire. He’s got this, even when it doesn’t seem like it.
Ginger Solomon says
I try to only read Christian or clean books (sometimes you just can’t tell from the description or the reviews). They definitely help me in my walk at times.
Ginger Solomon says
I hope you find it, Sabrina.
Katie Andersen says
I was a single mom for 6 years. At times it felt like forever. Now I have a husband and 3 beautiful children. The road has not been easy, and still isn’t at times, but God is faithful.
Carol Alscheff says
Our “kitten’s” name is Pookie and he is 15 years old. My youngest daughters named him. He has lived here long enough that he is very bossy. Thank you for your encouraging post. I usually just read Christian fiction and lots of it.
Shannon Taylor Vannatter says
Great post, Ginger. Cute kitten, sweet dog, and great kitten name. I’ve
Ginger Solomon says
Thank you for sharing, Katie. I imagine being a single mom is a difficult road to walk. And God is faithful.
Ginger Solomon says
You’re welcome.
Our other cat, who moved out with my son, was old enough to be bossy. He didn’t put up with much. He moved in with a hyper mini-poodle. He taught that poor doggy a lesson he probably won’t forget anytime soon. My son says they get along great now. :)
Ginger Solomon says
Thanks, Shannon.
Jessica B. says
What a great reminder. Thanks for sharing, Ginger. And my cat used to chase the cursor and the screensaver when he was young, too.
Ginger Solomon says
You’re welcome, Jessica.
Chanel Monroe says
I loved reading this blog post. Thanks for sharing!
Natalya Lakhno says
I think this is th hardest part for me as a Christian-fully trust my Lord!