Joy

So this is my little cat Boo.

We found her and 3 other little babies this summer in one of the many heavy thunderstorms we had. The three kittens, probably about a week old, were under our porch and were completely flooded. We found them, and of course rescued them and brought them inside. One died right away, probably from taking in so much water. Another died about a week later, but Boo and little Spice cat survived. The funny thing about these two kittens from the same litter is that they were soooo different in size. Boo was a normal growing cat, where as little spice cat was always half her size. She was so small! Needless to say, little spice cat didn't make it. We think something was always wrong considering she was so tiny. Boo and spice cat could not see for the first month or so of their lives. Their eyes were closed shut with that nasty puss stuff kittens get when they were babies. We tried every medicine out there, and cleaned their eyes daily but they just wouldn't stay clean. Boo is my little trooper. She has survived a flood, survived being blind for half her little life, and survived fitting in with the other big kitties around here. This week she has discovered she is big enough to jump into things. Here is a little snapshot of her new favorite hideout.

She now loves the bathtub.

This is my joy for today. :)

What would you do?

There are times in life when everyone is forced with difficult decisions. Each circumstance is unique to each individual and not everyone will go through extremely difficult times. Most people would probably agree that I am not one of those who good fortune likes to keep company. 2010 would probably take one of the top spots for worst years of my life. Starting out the year with financial uncertainties and a hospital trip for my mom was definitely not how I would have pictured or wanted my year to start. Around April things got pretty bad and ever since then we have been playing catch up. The summer was definitely the high of the summer, my mom finally got a steady job with benefits after months of searching; yet the devil never rests does he? In September, she was back in the hospital and because of this hospital trip she once again lost a job in November. December showed no real signs of improvement and we were still struggling.

Here’s some numbers for the year 2010-

Number of times my mom was in the hospital- 2

Number of different jobs my mom held in 2010- 4

Number of times we had to have extensions on our rent or bills- 10+

Number of broken cars-2

Number of times I’ve prayed- countless

I don’t tell you these things for a sob story, or sympathy. I tell these things because many people don’t know my story, or the extent of it really and the fact that yes my life may be tough-but I wouldn’t change it. The one thing I never doubted or gave up on was my God. God is faithful, and I am certain he never puts you in any situation that you cannot bear.

“And as I look upon your name, circumstances fade away now your glory steals my heart, for you are holy; you are holy. You are holy Lord. Evermore my heart, my heart will say: Above all, I live for your glory, and even if my world falls I will say, above all, I live for your glory.”

-Evermore, HillsongUnited

One day we’ll be in a place where worries are no more, and worldly issues will dissolve… but until that day I will remain faithful and do what God wills. So often our plans are never what God’s are, and I am excited to see what he has in store for me.

¹³No test  has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tested beyond what you can bear. But when you are tested, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”

1 Corinthians 10:13

So yes, I may have to take classes at Blue Ridge this semester in order to save money and help my mom will bills and rent, but I am not sad or disheartened by it. And yes, I may have to take the public bus to work because neither of our cars are fixed but hey, what is the shame in that? People do it every single day, why is it weird if I do it? Yes, I live in the ghetto and may not have a nice fancy house but I do have a house with water and heat, four loving cats and the most wonderful mother a girl could have. Yes I am happy with all of the amazing things God has blessed me with and I don’t look at what I don’t have. Could you say the same???