CatHouse Chat

"Well done..."

I'm sure that when Tony Snow passed into eternity, he was greeted with those words from his Savior.

I am thankful that I went over to the Corner today and linked out to Kathryn Jean Lopez's article about Tony's funeral yesterday. She quoted from President Bush's eulogy which ended with this paragraph:

And so today we send this man of faith and character and joy on his final journey. Tony Snow has left the City of Washington for the City of God. May he find eternal rest in the arms of his Savior. And may the Author of all creation watch over his family and all those who loved him, admired him, and will always cherish his memory.

Kathryn comments:

In an environment where man and manhood are often subject to derision, it’s important to celebrate good men who aren’t afraid to recognize there’s a power greater than their own. It’s important to celebrate good men who know the right order of things. It’s important to celebrate good men who have some clue as to what to do with a charge like King David’s; they know that ultimately it’s the charge of another King, who promises more than any presidential candidate — even Barack Obama! — can. And their examples are living moral compasses in a confusing world.

And Snow, like Bush, wasn’t holier than thou about it. They’re but men — that’s the point — and they’re men who love life, love love, love fun. They’re men not threatened by tears, especially if the topic is family, but with no interest in being feminized. Tony’s brother Jim said of their childhood, Tony was evidence that “you can get into a little trouble and still turn out okay.” What a relief to boys the world over. When the time came to put away childish things, we all saw Tony Snow as a protector (in a national sense, even) and provider (why he left the White House, to make sure he could give his family everything he could before he had to go obediently serve Him who promises “better…bigger” for eternity).

The president said: “Tony Snow has left the City of Washington for the City of God.” As he made his way elsewhere, he left behind an inspiring example of commitment to the eternal. May we all keep our hearts open enough so that light from the City of God can shine in, even on the chaos of life on the Potomac.

Indeed.

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Good morning, Glory!

It is good to see this beautiful morning glory again this year. Last year it showed up to bless us with its splendor, and I'm glad it's back. It is a lovely, though pale, reflection of God's own beauty and glory, and a welcome reminder of my Savior and King.

So, welcome, Glory!

And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us,
And establish the work of our hands for us;
Yes, establish the work of our hands.
(Psalm 90:17)

Talent truly on loan from God

I understand this video was taken pretty recently, from what I see on the YouTube page:

Beautiful, inspiring... STUNNING!

I pray this young lady goes far, and I pray that she keeps her sweet and lovely attitude, as well...

Kittipurrs to one of my Cotillion sisters, and to Julie, who posted it at Degrees of Madness.

I didn't want to be a Mom!

Yet, lo these many years ago, the alarm bell went off, and BelovedHubby and I decided to take the plunge, and this is what God blessed us with:

She is our joy and our treasure... And, as I said to another friend,

This is what it's all about... They tear your heart out in the most joyous and tender way, and then they hand it back to you with a smile, filled up with all these wonderful moments... Snapshots of love-bursts that get you through hard times, make you a better person, and stay with you until the end of your days...

Yep. And thank the Good Lord Above for these beautiful, incredible people who happen to be our kids!

A song that's been on my mind...

Jimmy Wayne, "I Love You This Much"...

Pass House Resolution 888!

Affirming the rich spiritual and religious history of our Nation's founding and subsequent history and expressing support for designation of the first week in May as `American Religious History Week' for the appreciation of and education on America's history of religious faith.

Congressman Randy Forbes introduced this resolution, and I pray it comes out of committee soon and is passed... I would love to give a poke in the eye to those who mistakenly insist that our founders were not godly and religious men!

Here's the text of the resolution...

Just a little quiet time alone... With You

Last night at church, during the meeting for the Bible study groups going through Experiencing God, our pastor asked us to respond to one of the statements from the video, which had first made an appearance in last week's study:

I hear many people say, "I really struggle trying to have time alone with God." If that is a problem you face, let me suggest something; make the priority in your life to love Him with all your heart... People who struggle to spend time with God don't have a scheduling problem; they have a love problem. (p. 59)

The silence in the room went on for a while. I know that *I* didn't want to say anything because I know it's a problem in my life.

But as the members of our little group opened up, I listened and realized that I wasn't all that unusual: we all had problems getting away and finding time alone with God. We all struggled with guilt and a lack of faithful time with our loving Father. I wasn't alone in this.

Suddenly I realized that God doesn't require me to sit and study the Bible for hours on end - that's important, but that's not a relationship. I realized that I didn't have to meet with Him from 6:23 a.m. to 6:48 a.m. every day for a "quiet time" - that's legalistic. I didn't have to have a set schedule of 10 minutes of prayer, 15 of Bible study, three hymns, one teaching program and an hour of interceding for my country and my family... No.

God simply wants me to spend some time... with Him. He just wants me to talk... to Him. The irritations and fears and triumphs of the day need to be discussed... with Him. That wonderful song which touched my heart so much needs to be shared... with Him.

God just wants me to be with Him and love Him.

You know, He gave me a great example last week (which, being Madam Sieve-for-Brains, I promptly forgot): I was driving in to pick up the Munchkin at school, and I got a little nudge to just turn off the car radio and drive in the quiet. Suddenly, I started talking:

God, I really don't know how to do this. I mean, really, I am totally clueless here! I feel so out of control, I don't know what to do next, and I know I'm failing You. Sometimes I don't know why You bother with me; I'm a terrible Christian, and I don't love You as I should, but I don't know how! I'm feeling frustrated because I can never get it right, and absolutely helpless to move one way or another, and I just feel so STUCK! You have got to fix this, God, 'cause I don't know how and it's driving me completely out of my mind with irritation and disgust for myself!!! AAAAARRRGGGHHHH!!!!

And just as I wound down, a little tendril of peace wiggled into my heart. Just a little piece, and it seemed to say, "It's OK. I've got you."

That's all.

But when I recalled the event last night, I realized... that's enough. That was all I needed to remind me of the God of the WHOLE UNIVERSE, who really and truly loves little ol' me... and just wants me to spend time with Him.

Even if it is in the car on the way to school. The glory of God, wrapped up in the mundane routine of life.

You know... God... is really - really! - COOL!

Out of Islam and into the grace of God

My blog-brother Jim Bowden linked this video of Dr. Ergun Caner, who is the Dean at Liberty Baptist University and a former muslim. It's going to take you about thirty minutes to watch, but it is FANTASTIC!

After I'd seen that video, I poked around a little more and discovered that Dr. Caner has a brother who has also converted to Christianity. They appear together in this video:

What courage and conviction - and what grace! As "apostates," they are marked for death, yet they stand up and proclaim the truth of the Fatherhood and love of God, and the glory of Christ their Savior...

Thanks, Jim... Wonderful and encouraging finds!

Shaun's right: this is a good ad!

No, I don't plan on voting for Huckabee, but he does get it right - totally right! - in this ad:

God bless, Mr. Huckabee. Reminders like this, stripped of politics and self-promotion, are what we all need!

(Purrs to my blog-brother, Shaun Kenney)

A bright, brief candle...

... which was cherished and loved.

What a brave and godly couple! Given terrible news, they chose life anyway, and could therefore say "Until we meet again" with faith and confidence, and without regret.

"The doctor said that the majority of women with the diagnosis like this would terminate the pregnancy," said Rob. "And as he started to say that Gina said, 'No.' She just stopped him."

Gina says that in her heart she was certain of one thing. She was already a mom. She says God had given her a child and she already felt a deep connection with her son.

It was in that moment she made a sacrifice only a mother could make.

"I decided to hold tightly to my faith and push through my fear," said Gina. "I decided to put myself aside and know that this baby has a life right now and I am meant to be his mother right now." [...]

They had six hours with their son.

"I found some comfort in the fact that he went from safe in my womb to God's arms," said Gina.

The Harrises say their faith has given them the strength and perspective they have needed to get through this time.

"We have a choice. We can be bitter or we can choose to appreciate what were given," Gina said. "To actually carry a baby and be a mother is the greatest gift that anyone could have. I am confident that one day we will see David again and we'll get to know our son in heaven."

David Paul Harris taught his parents that love isn't measured in time.

"I held him and he was born and he lived and he had an impact on people," said Gina. "Most of all he had an impact on me. His life was so short but his life had great meaning." 

Yes. Exactly.

Ladies and gentlemen, this is a beautiful example of faith and strength and unselfishness! Sadly, it is all too uncommon in our culture; it is far more "convenient" for people to abort a child instead of stepping up to the plate and being Mom and Dad.

May God bless the Harris' and hold them in His loving hands. May He strengthen their faith and cause their witness for Him to shine through their lives. And, at the right time, may He bring them another child to raise in His name.

And, when it is time for them to go Home as well, I know that the reunion with young David will be joyous!

(Kitti purrs to the Mighty Malkin)

UPDATE: Please also go over to Wizbang!, where contributor Bill Jempty tells his own moving and faith-filled story.