My Needy Cat

My needy cat kneads me. She possesses a peculiar habit of lying in my lap, kneading her paws into my belly, and sucking on my fleece robe, often while purring. I found a website that explained possibilities for my rescue cat’s actions.

  • She’s claiming my robe and me as her territory.

  • Her behavior shows affection and contentment.

  • She’s seeking comfort as she did while a kitten nursing from her mother (found in cats that were taken from their mama too soon).

I’m happy she’s comfortable with me and wants to show me affection, but her quirky behavior can be annoying. She usually does this during my devotional time while I’m at my desk in the morning, and she expects me to coddle her as she snuggles. She relaxes so much that I must place my arm along her side, or she’ll slip off my lap. Have you ever tried to write in your journal while a cat rests on your writing arm?

After this lovable snuggling time, she leaves my lap and finds another place to lounge. When I wander past her, she may greet me with a meow. But if I reach out to pet her, she sometimes bites. Not a playful nip or love-bite but an all-out bite that causes me to say, “Ouch.” Fortunately, she doesn’t break my skin.

She bites my husband too, but he gets the love-bites. Not the “ouch” kind. But she doesn’t show him the love and affection she does me by kneading and snuggling.

How can such a lovable cat one moment turn on me several minutes later and morph into an attack cat? More research and more answers.

  • Cats become overstimulated and need time alone.

  • I may resemble an earlier owner who was abusive or neglectful.

  • Someone took her from her mama before she learned proper play-biting techniques.

Before my research, I thought I might resemble a former owner. But now I believe someone took her from her mama too soon.

The answer? We continue to bond. I put up with her cuddling in my lap while I read my Bible and save the writing in my journal for later in the morning. I’ve learned not to touch her if she’s resting.

Is there someone in your life who seems to be your friend one moment and your foe the next? What sparks their behavior to change? Maybe they’re overwhelmed and need to be alone or need an extra dose of love and kindness.

What helps you when you feel you’ve had enough? Walk outdoors? Read a book (perhaps God’s Word)? Listen to music? Or do you seek a kind word, a warm hug, or the reassuring voice of a close friend?

As I thought about my cat and how her affection toward me can change in an instant, I remembered times when I’ve snapped at someone I love. I don’t bite, but my tone hasn’t always been calm or sweet. There are moments I reach that point when I need alone time or an understanding hug. Although I strive to show kindness and love, I guess I’m a lot like my needy cat.

Dear children, let us not love with words or speech
but with actions and in truth.
1 John 3:18, NIV 

An Odd Request, Part Two

This blog post is a continuation of last month’s post. Here’s a quick review of my story: While in Orlando on vacation, I visited with a mission’s pastor to learn how he’d proposed to a woman he hadn’t seen in twelve years. In Part Two, Pastor Ben Peterson updates us on the woman’s initial response to his odd request.

Pastor Ben contacted me the day after our visit to ask for advice. He thought, because I write Christian romance, I might offer him a few suggestions on how he should proceed with the woman he felt God called him to marry. I didn’t have the heart to tell him to give up on the idea, so my husband and I agreed to meet him at a coffee shop near his church.

When we arrived, we placed our orders and joined Pastor Ben at his table. He brought us up to date.

“I sent her another message.” He leaned forward. “She hadn’t read the letter yet. She thought I wrote to request money for a mission’s trip. Then, when she read it, she messaged me back and accused me of picking out my wife from a harem like King Xerxes did in the Bible.” He sat back in his chair and crossed his arms.

“I love the story of Queen Esther.”

He ignored my comment. “She said she answered me in a letter and planned to send it by snail mail, which tells me that her answer is no.” He raised his palms. “What should I do now?”

Kenn raised his eyebrows and shook his head. I was on my own.

My heart rate quickened. “I suggest you call her. Let her hear your voice. Maybe that will bring back fond memories for her.”

Pastor Ben rested his elbow on the table and waved his hand around as he spoke. “But that gives her the opportunity to tell me that I’m crazy.” He rubbed his chin. “What if I record a video and send it to her? That way, she won’t only hear my voice, but she’ll see me, too, and know I’m sincere.”

“That might work.” Although I doubted it would. “But if she doesn’t get back with you, give her at least a day or two to think and pray about this before you follow up with a phone call.”

He took a long sip of his drink and placed his cup on the table. “I’m not sure I have her phone number. Perhaps it’s time to visit her in Pleasant Springs.”

Kenn agreed.

I eyed Kenn and grimaced. “No, wait.” I focused on Pastor Ben. “If she’s not open to your idea, she may assume you’re stalking her if you show up unannounced.” I lowered my voice. “Be careful. Those small-town sheriffs don’t take to strangers well.”

“You might be right.” He stared over the top of my head. “Annie may have kept Becca’s phone number. I’ll check around the house.”

“Becca? The woman you want to marry?”

He smiled. “Yes. She and her husband Michael were very special to my wife Annie and me. He died a few years before Annie.”

I asked him to keep me posted as to Becca’s response to his video. “If she’s favorable, I’d like to write your love story. Many people will find your romance worthy of their time.”

“Well.” He paused. “Ours won’t be a love story.”

I opened my eyes wide. “What?”

“I’m not in love with her. Our marriage will be an arrangement. I explained that to Becca in my letter.”

“A marriage of convenience?”

He nodded.

“I hope you’re right that God called you to marry her, and I hope He tells her the same thing, because most women want and need love from their husbands.” I hesitated to say more, but I forged ahead. “Psalm 37:4 says, ‘Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.’ But when your desires and hers are opposite one another, you’re asking for trouble.”

To read Ben and Becca’s happily ever after, check out An Odd Request on Amazon.

Full disclosure again this month: This blog post is a work of fiction. Pastor Ben Peterson, Becca, Michael, Annie, and Pleasant Springs are fictional people and places.

Photo by Tyler Nix - Unsplash

An Odd Request

Last year, my husband Kenn and I visited his uncle in Orlando, Florida. His Uncle Johnny told us a story about a pastor at the megachurch he attends. As a Christian romance writer, I wanted to know more. We asked Uncle Johnny if he would arrange a meeting for Kenn and me to talk with Pastor Ben Peterson at Hart Fellowship. We met with him in his office for twenty minutes early on a Friday morning. Much of that conversation follows.

Me: We were told you sent a letter proposing marriage to a woman you know in Tennessee. As a Christian writer, I think there may be a great story here for a novel because people rarely propose by mail. Would you share the details with us?

“Sure. My first wife, Annie, passed away two years ago. I’m ready to get married again but find dating tiresome.” He crossed his arms. “After a few months of prayer, I felt God gave me a definite answer of who He’d selected to be my bride. Because I knew this, there was no reason to waste time dating before I popped the question.”

Me: But why a letter and not a personal visit?

“I wanted to make sure she was interested before I traveled. She lives near Chattanooga—600 miles away. Plus, I’d rather she messages me to tell me no than tell me to my face.”

Me: But you must be close friends. You expected her to say yes. Right?

“Of course. It’s just that we haven’t seen each other in twelve years.”

Kenn: Twelve years? But you’ve stayed in contact and talk often?

He shook his head. “Just an occasional comment on social media.”

Me: Really? Have you heard from her since you made her an offer of marriage?

“I sent the letter ten days ago, but she hasn’t given me an answer.”

Me: Ten days? And you still expect her to respond?

“If she prays about this like I have, and like I asked her to, I believe God will show her His plan, and she’ll agree to marry me.”

Kenn: Are you sure she received your letter?

“Yes. I sent her a message last night on social media and asked if she got it. She said she’d pray and get back to me.”

Me: That sounds promising.

Pastor Peterson pulled out his phone. “I haven’t checked my message app since last night. Let me see if she’s responded further.” He grimaced. “What does this mean? Check ready to mail? I didn’t ask for money.” He looked up at us and spoke with frustration in his voice. “We need to finish up now. I need to respond to her message.”

Me: Pastor, this could make an amazing storyline if she responds favorably. But if she doesn’t?

“I’m sure it sounds odd.” He glanced toward his closed office door and rubbed the back of his neck. “Maybe I should have called her instead.”

Kenn: Or visited her in person.

He nodded, stood, and walked to his door. “I planned to do that when she agreed to marry me.” He released a heavy sigh and softened his tone. “If she agrees to marry me.”

Me: Thank you for your time, Pastor Peterson. I hope this works out well for you.

Kenn: We’ll be praying.

On our way to the parking lot, Kenn asked, “What would you think if you were single and received his letter after twelve years?”

I shook my head and shrugged. “That he’s crazy? I doubt there’s a story here. If I were her, I’d throw the letter away. Such An Odd Request.”

You’ll find the rest of Pastor Peterson’s story, in my newest release, An Odd Request. Coming soon!

Full disclosure: This blog post is a work of fiction. The only truth found within is that we were in Florida last year, and Kenn has an Uncle Johnny who lives there.

Photo by Shaun Frankland - Unsplash

Align my Heart in 2022

For the past two years, I’ve selected a word and Bible verse to focus on for the new year. My reason for doing this is to grow deeper with the Lord and align my heart with His.

For 2021, my word was joy, and my verses were 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances;
for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus (NIV).

Last year proved difficult with our move to Tennessee and buying a home. But in giving thanks in all circumstances, I wrote out something each day for which I was grateful. Gratitude for God’s blessings in my life brought an extra dose of joy to my heart.

For 2022, I’ve selected the word awareness. I desire to be aware of God’s presence in a greater way. I’ve selected Habakkuk 2:14 to remind me of my focus word. 

For as the waters fill the sea, the earth will be filled
with an awareness of the glory of the Lord (NLT). 

In following the Lord for many years, I’ve grown in my faith and trust His word to be true. But I also yearn to draw closer and develop a more intimate relationship with Him. I desire more of those special moments where I sense His nearness.

By faith, I believe the Holy Spirit watches over and guides me. But I need to better develop my spiritual listening skills and be sensitive to hearing the Lord when He speaks and follow His leading.

Have you experienced those moments with God when you know without a doubt that you’ve communicated with Him in a real and personal way? I’ve felt this closeness over the years, but I long for these moments to be a regular occurrence—just the Lord and me.

I hope to walk away from my prayer time and sense a greater connection to God. To experience His fullness and all He has for me.

I believe God desires this kind of relationship and plan to take the following four steps to draw closer to Him.

  • Continue to read His Word and write out verses that stand out to me but allow myself more time to meditate upon these verses and write them on my heart.

  • Focus on Bible studies and be more purposeful when I study. Ask the Lord what He wants to show me.

  • To not only pray, but to get alone with God and listen for Him to speak before I jump up and carry on my day.

  • Spend time in personal worship, lifting my voice to the Lord in song.

What would you add to my list to draw closer to God?

My hope for 2022 is to be more aware of the Lord’s presence as I continue to grow deeper with Him and align my heart with His.

Photo by Alice Donovan Rouse - Unsplash

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