Children are an heritage of LORD. They're not possessions, but a gift to raise for Him. The fruit of womb is HIS reward.

Either make tree good, and his fruit good; or else make tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for tree is known by his fruit. The relationship children have with parents will effect their relationship with God. For, however we perceive earthly parents is how we perceive God. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

As in everything, only way to parent perfectly is to ask God every time (letting Him be our parent). Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth will of my Father which is in heaven. Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock.

If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

In every way God loves us, we're to love others, in return; grace for grace.

It's our opportunity to give thanks.

© by Joyce C. Lock http://my.homewithgod.com/blessingsandlessons/ This writing may be used in its entirety, with credits in tact, for non-profit ministering purposes.

Whenever we leave house, Whiskers watches out window, anticipating our return … missing us, I'm sure. Upon arrival and before we get to an entry, he has already scurried there to greet us.

It really isn't all that different from picking up your toddler from baby-sitter, how they run to door, "Mommy!" If Whiskers hasn't greeted us, we know to check to see if he's gotten sick or closed in a closet.

Surely, animals must care intensely, being that they take on family health problems.

Also, each member of family has a different place in his heart. Whiskers responds to one who feeds him as if they were his mother and that is, also, person he cries to when bowl is empty.

To his playmate, Whiskers jumps on them, attacks, and does all sorts of silly things. His personality is so entertaining. Much like a Sanguine, he's sure to bring a smile.

To another, he is so romantic that everyone in house is drawn to watch him. He'll love on you as if you're most precious person this side of heaven.

The unconditional love one gets from Whiskers is as heartwarming as any toddler. If you're in tune to listen to his heart, more joyous than his purr, you'll know he knows 'love' ... and God is love.

These are just a few of things leading me to think Whiskers almost has to be part human.

Then, when subject of animals came up, around my 12-year-old niece, I overheard her say, "Well, of course animals go to heaven! Everything God created will be in heaven!" Like, duh.

All world will cry out that there is a God. Oh, wisdom of a child!

Maybe God blessed us with Whiskers so I would ponder such things and be able to offer assurance to those who've lost pets, as, now, I know ... when our beloved pet dies, we will see them again.

© 2002 by Joyce C. Lock http://my.homewithgod.com/blessingsandlessons/ This writing may be used in its entirety, with credits in tact, for non-profit ministering purposes.