The Cat Saga Continues

Well, the cat turned out to be craftier than I thought. The trap I set only caught ants and my own cat. The peach colored cat is still on the loose and terrorizing the neighborhood. Just a few minutes ago, he was picking a fight with my cat. He obviously is hungry, because he often does the fighting when he hasn't had any food. My neighbor took back the trap, so I probably should go out and buy one so we can both set the traps and have twice as much chance to be rid of the cat.

To Catch the Cat...

Our neighborhood has been terrorized for the last 3 or 4 years by a peach colored male cat. It never fails that the topic of this cat, messing up our yards, attacking our pet cats, and acting as though he owns all of our yards is a frequent and ongoing conversation among our neighbors. I told my husband earlier this week that I was done with doing nothing. So, with a borrowed trap, I have set some tuna as bait, in hopes of catching this pesky beast.
This street wise cat though, seems to know his way around, so I wasn't surprised that he didn't run to the trap the first night it was set out. Tonight is day two. I've replaced tuna for chicken, and took my husband's suggestion to create a trail of bait into the trap. I'll keep you posted...

Ama's Delantar (Mom's Apron)

There's nothing more endearing than the memories I hold of Ama's delantar (Mom's apron).
It was the image of this garment that taught me about the art of serving. Actually, it is the gift from God modeled by my earthly mom.
She wore it everyday. It covered her dresses which were impeccably clean even though she gardened, scrubbed floors, and prepared meals.
I could always count on her to furnish me with a safety pin woven into her apron to make a quick repair on my skirt or pants.
From Ama's apron pocket she'd produce money to cover my school lunch or a trip to the drug store for something I needed to buy. Surely this garment was more than a cotton article-- it was an expression of love in action....

"Occupy 'Til I Come..."

I am not a very political person, but I have always tended to form some opinions on events pretty quick that seldom change. This was the case for me recently when I saw the first protest sign with the word 'occupy' in our downtown. I didn't know what the sign meant, to the person who was carrying it, but it brought to mind what it meant to me. To be occupied means keeping busy; taking care of one's own tasks. Jesus often told His disciples that they should "occupy 'til He comes (back)". For me, this means living out my life with honor and integrity. While I should speak out of injustices, I should also model what the conduct of a law abiding citizen should be. So, even though I think it's crazy that our city's street washing efforts leave my curbside as though it was never touched, I get out and clean it myself, and let the city know. The people who have camped out in our city "occupying" are an eyesore with their litter and their shabby campsites. I'd be more impressed and their views more believable to me if they got out and cleaned the streets, making the city take notice that they want things improved, not worsened by their mere presence. I know that they're very passionate about the greedy banks, but I also am very passionate that one person exhibiting upright behavior can make great strides in bringing order and beauty in a chaotic world.

Trick got the Treat

My favorite memory of my childhood treat or treating days was when my brother Ruben showed his quick wit at a house we were trick or treating at. My aunt had dressed Ruben as a hobo. She shook talcum powder on his head maybe to resemble an older hobo. The big group of us went out together, and came to a house where the owner, upon answering the door to the shout of "Trick or Treat", responded-- "Where's the trick so you can get your treat?" Ruben immediately took off his hat and shook his head to make a white cloud of "smoke" from the talcum powder in his hair. It really impressed the owner of the house and we got our treat. I wonder to this day if the person handing out candies asked every group of kids the same question, and how many tricks were presented. I don't think many, but I remember thinking how glad I was that we were insured our treat by Ruben's "trick".

Tim's View of New York

This picture was taken by Tim during his recent visit to New York. Thought it was pretty cool angle. (Love You Tim... MOM)

Encouragement

Think of times that discouragement comes. There's also a remedy for it. Looking past the discouraging situation, and allowing others' needs and supplications to fill our hearts, is the solution to squelch this nonproductive mental state. It definitely squeezes out any self-pity, as the realization comes that there's power to help others with prayer, service, and fellowship.
It takes effort to have the mindset that focuses on others rather than on oneself. But the rewards are innumerable. It takes courage to step outside the comfort zone which we are accustomed to. Perhaps that is why the word 'courage' is contained in the compound words 'encouragement' and 'discouragement'. It also clearly shows that there's a choice to make between the two words. Let's choose right.