Christmas Cats--A Loving Gift From a Dog Person

Our grandson named this cat Whipped Cream.  My husband calls her Wrap Around because she curls around legs when there is food but she is wild otherwise. 

Shadow and Puzzle chowing down in their coal shed condo

My husband hates cats.  Seriously, he doesn't like anything about them, mainly because he sees them as vicious killers who destroy things just for fun.  He says, "The only good cat is a dead cat."  Well, he talks big and bad, but there is something less of a grinch in his heart because he has done an unselfish act for me today, on Christmas Eve, that is a sign that he loves me very much and will do a-n-y-t-h-i-n-g for me.  He is always doing special things for me, but this one takes the cake!

You see, I am a cat lover, but am allergic now that there hasn't been one in my home since I married this man who won't have a cat in our household.  He is a tried-and-true dog lover, but he couldn't get away from felines, since our neighbor, Mack, had, literally, hundreds of cats over the years that often hunted for mice in our field.  Most of them were wild, but he fed them well.  When he died last February, I became worried about those cats that had become dependent on his shelter and food.  So, I contacted Best Friends and was supplied with traps to catch the cats and have them spayed, neutered, and given shots for rabies (all free).  The sick ones were taken to the animal shelter so they wouldn't infect the healthy cats.  The others were released back to their feral colony.

Well, here is the miracle--my husband has helped me maintain the feral cat colony.  At first, I didn't let him know I was feeding the cats.  Then, he knew I was trying to save them because of the trapping operation, but he still didn't know I was going to take responsibility for their care (I was a bit afraid to say anything).  I hid the food on the property and would sneak over to feed them.  Eventually, I had to confess I was feeding them and needed to hire someone to feed them when I was going out of town.  He seemed okay with the fact that I felt the need to have cats even if they weren't mine.  Over the months of my reports about the cats and how one of them was becoming my kitty because it let me touch it, he has softened and is supporting me in this project.  He has assisted me in winterizing the coal shed where we feed them and fed them when I've gone out of town.  Now, he has done the most amazing thing.  These pictures tell it all.  Love.  Christmas.  Giving.  Gifts.  Sacrifice.  Love.  Love.  What a dear, precious man!

He plowed a path on the abandoned property across the road from our home.  

It goes through the yard of the empty house (see my shadow in the glass?)

He plowed a path right up to the cats' shed.

Brighten Your Hope This Christmas

In a world gone topsy-turvy with suffering, violence, and dark days, there is peace and hope to be found in the goodness of people and in the inspired promises Jesus Christ has given us in His Gospel.  Truly, good will always overshadow bad, and light will always penetrate darkness.  We just have to seek Him, find Him, and follow Him.

Take time, above all, to let the Christmas Spirit lighten your heart.  Enjoy pondering the good things in the world as you read the scriptures, gaze at Christmas lights, and find joy in the many festivities surrounding this glorious season of celebrating the birth of the Son of God--The One who has made all the difference of how our world will turn out.

Gather your family around you and reminisce over those favorite Christmas ornaments you've collected over the years and the traditions you all enjoy as December rolls around each year.  Be glad of life!  Build new memories with your loved ones.  Reach out and give of your own warmth.  It costs nothing but time to cheer another's heart, or put a smile on someone's face.  Life is short.  Make it a loved-filled one.

And . . . don't forget to enjoy the music that, for me, makes the Christmas season especially meaningful and bright.  One of my favorites Christmas songs is the link below.  I usually prefer male voices singing most songs, but this rendition is sweet and brings the joy of the Christmas season to my heart.

Oh, Holy Night by Josh Gorban

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Zh-yR0pbmU

P.S.  Just sitting next to my husband in church today, listening to him singing, made me especially grateful to have him near and to feel secure in his caring presence.  I treasure the opportunity to be with him and my family members yet for another Christmas season in my life.

Thanks to God for giving us not only this life, but the opportunity for eternal life all because of our Savior, Lord, and King!

A Guaranteed Happy Holiday Start

This is a gift for you.  If you haven't heard Alex Boye and his African tribal versons of familiar music, you're missing some truly happy moments in music.  Kick start your Christmas season right here with one of his songs:

Little Drummer Boy