Precious Pics and 'A Child is Waiting' (1963)

A sweet pic from a few years ago of little Esther and Grace one morning.  Quiet time.  Is this not the most precious thing?   I miss little Esther and called Muffie, Esther the other morning. 





Guisseppe.  He is our elder dog at this time...he is almost totally blind, and this angel is needing much care these days.  


I thought some may enjoy seeing a sampling of our fur angels here:
Blog of Dec. 2012


May the Father be with you and minister to you all....   ~ Amelia at the Forest Cathedral  

P.S.  You may enjoy this movie:   A Child is Waiting (1963)  This movie has made an impression on my heart, although there are some light curse words in two instances. (God's name is not used in vain).  

It is unusual for me to recommend a movie with any cursing at all but this movie is very real and the couple of words said in anger, once (damn-it and hell) are what we may hear an uncle say at a holiday table.  One instance is where Burt Lancaster, the kind doctor is challenging a most arrogant, Dr. Lombardy.  (Lombardy deserves it by the way).  

These children are so very precious.  Burt Lancaster had a child that was mentally disabled thus this movie was very dear to his heart.  These movies from the early 60s such as To Kill a Mockingbird send an important social justice message.  ...A Christ-like message for all to take notice.  You can see many clips online of this poignant movie.

Little Esther, We Will Miss our Little Lamb so Very Much...

Me and our Little Lambkin, Esther

This past morning of March 31, 2016.  Little Esther, our precious, chubby little lamb crossed over to the other side.  I miss our little 'Lambkin' so much.   She was so cute, she was a chubby ball of black fur with a hint of white at her chest. She would gallop over the green grass just like a little baby lamb, always so carefree and such a happy little thing.   Even at almost thirteen years old she resembled a happy little round puppy...

This photo from a few years ago really doesn't resemble her facial look and expression.  She had a cute little short nose and we kept her curly poodle hair longer, she looked like a rounded little puppy always.  As she grew older her little eyebrows greyed...She looked at me while I was sewing that day before she left us as if she was trying to remember me.  Now, I regret not stopping sewing to hold her since she was ill.  We had taken her to the vet twice that week, she was scheduled again for the next morning.  

I awoke to a very ill little fur angel and she quietly passed to the other side.  

I cried hard over the phone to the vet's office that morning,   

.... I just don't understand what was wrong...I just don't understand............

At the vet's office earlier that week, the first visit, I sat with our oldest daughter, Lea, me, holding Esther. We had rushed her in, she was not well, I held her in a blanket, she was vomiting, and I tried to comfort her switching to a clean cotton blanket I had brought...A precious lady came up to me who had brought her cat in...She looks at me with a sweet smile and tells me...

...I can tell you really love your animal the way you are holding her and caring for her... I just feel like I need to tell you that.   

The lady's cross necklace hung from her neck.  Thank God for these Saints of God.  I hang on to her kind face and what she said.

I miss our little Esther so.  Every morning I would give her her morning treat.  Every lunch we would sit together, my little buddy.

Could have I done something differently?   

You may know I am a nursing home volunteer.   There is a middle aged man there my age.  He is a single guy with disabilities due to an accident, he has several computers in his room that he sits at command at.  Several years ago, he shared with us that the car accident that left him in the condition he is in..he was left for dead.   When he was leaving this earth...The first beings that greeted him on the other side were his three beloved dogs that had passed away..  ...Then he remembered the paramedics bringing him to.

I miss you Little Esther.  


Frederick Buechner says a saint is a "a life-giver."  He says, "If a saint touches your life, you become alive in a new way."  Does that make Lucy a saint?  I can't say.  I know that every place she walks with me is her favorite place to be - and every ball she fetches, and every cliff she descends...

...the spot on the bed where she rests her head on my lap.  She follows me, even when she'd rather not.  She knows I'm there to bring the ball back to, and when she's afraid of the step, my voice is enough to rally courage.  Her pleasure is her devotion.  Her devotion is her praise.  That is her gift to me.   

-Excerpt from Lessons from Lucy About Loving God by Wendy Murray Zoba  

Ask the animals, and they will teach you.   
~ Job 12.7



Here also, is a poem I found online:
 

May I go now?
Do you think the time is right?
May I say good-bye to pain-filled days
and endless lonely nights?

I've lived my life and done my best,
an example tried to be.
So can I take that step beyond
and set my spirit free?

I didn't want to go at first,
I fought with all my might.
But something seems to draw me now
to a warm and loving light.

I want to go. I really do.
It's difficult to stay.
But I will try as best I can
to live just one more day,

To give you time to care for me
and share your love and fears.
I know you're sad and so afraid,
because I see your tears.

I'll not be far, I promise that,
and hope you'll always know
that my spirit will be close to you,
wherever you may go.

Thank you so for loving me.
You know I love you too.
That's why it's hard to say good-bye
and end this life with you.

So hold me now, just one more time
and let me hear you say,
because you care so much for me,
you'll let me go today.

Source(s): By Susan A. Jackson, for a beloved pet and friend. 

God be with everyone,   Amelia  

EDIT:  5.12.16  Here is another photo of our sweet Esther that captures her little spirit... HERE, ESTHER & BECS

Hope. New Camera Shots, Today. Sharing.

Hello Loves, Signing on from The Forest Cathedral here.   I just received my simple little camera so I thought I would try it out a bit.   

 The evening sky here at the Forest Cathedral...It speaks Hope I think.

 Trying my camera out in the guest bath, a bit different yes, but a most convenient mirror.  Do you like my apron tunic?  I'm wearing it with black leggings, hair tossed back in a clip, glasses on my head.  Very typical.  The pattern is Simplicity 1080.  I found the top part to run large, so I ruched the shoulders as you can see.  I made the dress version, knee length, it hits below the knee. The bottom border is black with white flowers. It's evening and I'm a bit rumpled I do believe. : ) 

 I'm fond of old retro things as you know, and this framed TCM old movie print is one of my favorites; it says:  "Amelia, Honestly yours, Jefferson"  

 Speaking of Jimmy Stewart, this is another favorite movie of ours....You Can't Take it With You.  Highly recommend!   This is an original poster from 1938, pretty neat I think. 

Here is a real "Mr. Smith"...   Senator Ted Cruz.   This is the man of the hour in our home.  Yes indeed.  

Praying for our country, praying for our world, Brussels.  The sounds playing since this morning are chilling, the crying child breaks my heart.  It breaks my heart...

God help our land.  Oh what a dividing line it seems...

Prayers going forth, and let's be the real deal.

Keep it real, keep it kind.  Love is not rude.  Whether it be in omission or commission, Love is not rude.   1 Corinthians 13: 5


Goodnight Loves,       ~Amelia
(Edit. 3.23 The refurbished camera is being sent back, lens not working.  Booooo.)

*Closing with this favorite song by Sara Groves I heard today, It Might be Hope  

*Please continue to pray for Michelle, she is making progress but still on much bedrest due to a major case of adrenal exhaustion, the doctor has told her six months of mostly bedrest, it's an emotional time.

*We are so thankful to the Father for His Blessings.    He's always been faithful.  Speaking of... Please oblige as I also add,  He's Always Been Faithful, also by Sara Groves

'All the King's Men' (1949) Oscar Winner. TIMELY.

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS MOST TIMELY MOVIE.

Winner of 3 Academy Awards!
 

 "He thought he had the world by the tail."

 

Our family watched this classic movie great last night once again, it may be something you may want to watch as well! 

There are some direct correlations to today as well as the past.

Viewing this movie was a requirement for our history classes to see when I was younger in the 70s and I've always remembered it.  

It's interesting and mind boggling to me at times when I hear some who seem to be very naive or perhaps willfully ignorant when they say they want someone "strong" and willing to take a stand in the White House. There is a disconnect for some reason since...

Isn't that just what Senator Ted Cruz has done?   Hasn't he stood?  Hasn't he stood for the unborn and Biblical values along with the Constitution?   What happened to any recollection of his courageous  filibuster?   It seems we have some major forgetfulness going around coupled with dulled conscience in the Republican party.  
 

  

Blessings to you this fine Sunday!

Prolife, More Than Just a Litmus Test, but a Window to the Soul...

Excellent video by Ted Cruz... His stand for LIFE says so much about him.



Cruz:  "Prolife", more than just a litmus test, but a window to the soul of political candidates.

Photo by Robert Stock

Good evening Loves,   ~Amelia

Have the Courage to Suffer the Contempt of the World

"God assumed from the beginning that the wise of this world would view Christians as fools...and He has not been disappointed...If I have brought any message today, it is this:  Have the courage to have your wisdom regarded as stupidity.  Be fools for Christ.  And have the courage to suffer the contempt of the sophisticated world."

~Antonin Scalia



Dear Readers,  

This quote is so profound, and I would like to add that it is not only the sophisticated world that scoffs, it can also be carnal church goers as well.  

Be careful of whose parade you attend so to speak...

If someone is okay with an organization that is pro-death, the murder of precious unborn babies?  Then I would question the integrity of not only that organization, but also, the integrity of the faith of that person and those who blindly support that person.

Be careful of whose parade you are attending.  

We are in a pivotal time in this country.  Please teach your children and youth the importance of this time in our country!  
 

There are men such as Ted Cruz who to our family, seems to be very much in line with the teachings of Christ.  It's interesting he is not receiving much press. 

I reiterate the quote above. 



...And when it comes to our precious, innocent, unborn, I will always speak out. 




  Just this week, just two examples of many lately, of reports I receive from my daughters. 

-Our oldest daughter was dismayed this past Sunday as most singles there are not paying attention to what is happening in this nation and not realizing the importance of this time!  They lamely muttered that they usually just wait and pull the straight Republican lever. She was horrified at their passivity on the primaries and the importance of Justice Scalia's passing!  This church is probably one of the better ones.  Frightening.

-One of our daughters went to dinner with a handsome young man she met at a (protestant conservative denomination) church who has studied law, who also teaches at a Christian school.  He told my daughter he will turn her into a democrat yet.  Her response of course was simply No.   That platform comes against everything we believe in as Christians.


This young man (a sanders supporter) had no explanation except choice of the mother when confronted by our daughter on the abortion issue alone.   Shouldn't the baby have a choice?

Note: Neither churches above have ever been mentioned on this blog, my goal is not to mar a reputation but to make the point of the state of most churches.

  

Be careful of whose populist parade you attend.

 

Even a child is known by their doings...


Signing off for the day,   Amelia at the Forest Cathedral  

Photos by Robert Stock

Is He Our All? Even Amongst the Selfish?

"Never look ahead to the changes and challenges of this life in fear.....

"...So hold His loving hand tightly, and He will lead you safely through all things.  And when you cannot stand, He will carry you in His arms.

"Do not look ahead to what may happen tomorrow.   The same everlasting Father who cares for you today will take care of you tomorrow and every day.  Either He will shield you from suffering or He will give you His unwavering strength that you may bear it.  Be at peace, then, and set aside all anxious thoughts and worries." 
  ~Francis de Sales Psalm 23:1   Excerpt from Streams in the Desert devotional

It's been interesting lately.  As you know if you have read here at all, I'm of the INFP personality.  No, I'm not a strong introvert, I'm actually in the middle, just a tad over on the introvert side, too much visiting wears me out.   I also am an observer of people and a thinker, Jem thinks I could have been a very good detective.  He is correct. ; )

I highly recommend the Myers-Briggs personality test, not only to help understand yourself, but to understand others as well. For example, some people with the opposite personality seem to delight in pressuring and almost harassing people with my personality type; the INFP as myself, or INFJ, as my youngest daughter.  We sit back in wonderment at the control being exerted.  That control (sin) will repel us, usually; permanently.  I've also seen extreme  introverts who are a bit selfish (sin), because they refuse to reach out to others at all, even in small ways. 

My daughter is required to take the Myers-Briggs at the local college, and I know at College of the Ozarks, a Christian college, one of the students told me it is also a requirement.

Being an INFP personality, we are the counselors of the world.   But it seems we never receive caring counsel or rather a caring, listening ear, because people are busy dumping everything on us!  

This must be how Christ feels when people dump on Him, never thanking Him, never coming back.  

  I had to literally laugh the past month as I am going through life's most troubling challenges in various ways.  Twice, two women have spent quite a bit of time sharing troubles, with me, ...for so long of a time, my ears felt like a dumpster. My husband calls them selfish. At best, I think it's rather one-sided of them.  I don't mind listening to valid prayer requests and I SO take it to heart.    But.  When I mention the trials I am facing?  They are in a hurry to scurry off...I'm learning from experience that most will never even ask later about the prayer requests I have.  Wow.

It was so bad one day, it was much like what we would see in a comedy sitcom.  I just had to stand there wide-eyed, shaking my head in unbelief to myself as on separate occasions I watched these grown women scurry off. 

I think....   What a friend we have in Jesus though!    

Perhaps He allows this so we will appreciate that truth!   It's those times, I go about my work quietly, and smile to myself, and just talk to the Father.  It's a liberating and most refreshing, happy thing!

I remember when I was in highschool.   When we were pen-pals with people, we expected to have a letter back within a couple of weeks at most or we wondered what was up.  Now we have emails, aren't emails supposed to be much easier to write back?  Serious prayer requests are shared, information is shared to who we think are trusted friends.  Questions are asked of interest of the other person.   We don't hear back. I've noticed the same when asking a simple polite, friendly question on a blog...*crickets chirping*.  ...Rude.



Any of you not a Christian?  I am so sorry of what you may see in church goers...You see, I know there are many who are not truly representative of Christ and that grieves my heart, it really does.  There really is something to:  They will know we are Christians by our Love.   It doesn't matter if people go to church or quote scripture etc., if they have not love then I question the integrity of their faith.  And that does not mean we do not speak truth, we speak truth because we love, and we should answer and respond to honest, sincere, people because we have that Christian integrity.


I had better run, it's Monday-Monday and so much to do! : )

  We are busy taking care of another rescue dog, looks like a beautiful Weimar.  Marianna picked her up on a country road in the freezing cold, she was literally bones and shaking with fever, she never would have made it through the night if Marianna would not have picked this poor angel up.
My husband remarks,  
What kind of a person does this to a poor animal?  

We have been praying for her, nursing her and speaking Life in Christ to her.  She is now growing hair back, and we have given her meds from our sweet Christian vet.   Yes, they will know we are Christians by our love.  Thanking God that our daughters have inherited a love and care for animals and human alike.   And I thank God for a Christian vet who cares.   I don't even need to ask him if he is a Christian, it is so very evident.

May we walk the walk that is evident of Christ in our Hearts, minds and souls!

Thank you for your prayers and comments, I appreciate them greatly.

Good Afternoon Loves,    ~amelia in the Forest.