Peace?

The cessation of war.  The antonym of chaos.  A friendly greeting. A state of silence.  Harmony.

Lots of words and phrases come to mind when I hear the word PEACE.  As a teacher, a state of silence is a lovely gift.  As a friend of a marine, cessation of war is treasured.  As a single lady with a busy schedule, the opposite of chaos is a blessing.  As a friend, sister, daughter, and aunt, a state of harmony is so sweet.  Yes, peace is a good, good thing.

During this second week of Advent, I was challenged to possess and pass peace as I walk this journey.  If you know me, the first thing my mind thought was, ” Alliteration!  My students would identify the example easily.”  Yet, I pondered my daily, weekly, yearly, and life journey.  I was reminded of how often I pray for peace.

This life can be filled with uncertainty, so a peaceful spirit points me to the presence of the Prince of Peace in my life.  I think back to May 2017 when my father fell outside of Krogers.  A few weeks later a throbbing headache prompted his trip to the ER.  Tests sent him to Louisville.  In the early morning hours on Memorial Day (I believe), he was wheeled into surgery.  It was the middle of the night, so no pastor or minister was there.  It was my dad, mom, one of my sisters, and me.  In the middle of the night with an unknown journey ahead, I prayed for peace. As the three of us sat in the waiting room, Sherry & I would try to keep Mom’s mood light and insert laughter to help alleviate her worries.  I realized that in the midst of the unknown a peace dwelled within me.  A peace that said regardless of what happened in the operating room the Great Physician was holding my dad’s life (and brain) in His hands.  [FYI, he made it to Connor’s high school graduation that Friday having been released from the hospital on Thursday afternoon.]

This fall, my mom had some blood count and sugar count issues that took her to the ER and the ICU a time or two.  As I sat down in a parking lot during Old Court Days attempting to sell children’s books, I learned that she was back in the ER. When Saturday’s hours concluded, I headed up to the hospital.  When I arrived, Dad went home to take care of their dog and get some items.  While he was gone, Mom and I talked about the unknown journey of diabetes and unidentified blood issues.  It was obvious that there was a sense of unrest, so I stood next to her bed and prayed.  I prayed for her, Dad, and the physicians.  And…I prayed for a peace that surpasses understanding.

I remember way back in 1992-1996 how often I would pray for a peaceful spirit in the midst of my unknown journey.  Trusting and hoping that the next phone call would offer me a teaching position.  In the midst of each disappointment and alongside each tear of rejection, I was reminded of the peace He gives me.  Even when the world doesn’t make sense and when our life is not what we had planned, we can experience the peace of Christ.

The job came, yet the unrest of singleness continued.  Just when I would believe I had accepted that aspect of my life’s journey, someone would utter that dreaded question, “Are you seeing anybody?”  Of course, if you know me, my go-to is generally humor (well, sometimes sarcasm) and I’d reply, “Yep, I see about 20 kiddos every single day.” I knew their heart was in the right place.  From their point of view as a married person, they believed my life wouldn’t be complete until I found ‘the one’.   Thankfully, the only person who tends to toss the question to me these days is my oldest sister.  Now I simply say, “If I was, you’d know.”  Each time the question arises as well as on New Year’s Eve and Valentine’s Day, I generally utter this familiar prayer again, “Lord, give me Your peace and help me trust You with all aspects of my life.”

Ah, the peace that surpasses understanding.  That is what Jesus gives.  That is what is offered to those who choose to call on Him as Lord and Savior.   Oh, how much a peaceful spirit can testify to the greatness of God.  From my perspective, a peaceful heart in the midst of chaos and unknown steps is part of our testimony as Christians.  It doesn’t make sense to the world for someone to walk in peace when hatred surrounds her.

Just as Pastor Mike challenged me this morning, I challenge you to possess peace daily.  Pray to practice it in your speech and actions.  Then, while you possess it, take the time to pass it along.  Whether you pass it to others through prayers or through actions of kindness and service, I pray you will be a passer of the peace you  possess to point others to the presence of the Prince of Peace.

{Yes, I had to end with alliteration too.  It’s what I do. }

 

There was Ginger…and Sassafras…Taffy and Moses.  Buckey and Sampson then there was Shadrach…but to top them all….was the most unique cat of them all!
Jasper, the territorial feline.  Had a very uninviting hiss.  And if you ever met him, he would let you  know all this!  All of the mail carriers used to laugh and shake their head…until he chased them down the sidewalk to prove they had something to dread… Wow!  That’s not too bad for not putting much thought into it!  I may have to finish it into a full parody in December (Umm, that’s Monday. Ha).

I’ve always loved having pets.  I had many living at home with my parents.  Then, when I moved out after starting my teaching career, Sammy (Samson’s nickname) moved out with me.  Then, Shadrach was with me a bit, but I was never home at that point due to both teaching full-time and working with collegiate ministry.

Then, there were a few feline-free years.  However, when field mice thought they could move in, I decided that cat hair and kitty litter were much preferred over mice droppings!  Thus, I adopted a calm kitten from a co-worker of my sister.  Soon, his desire to be cuddled or petted as a kitten was pushed away.  He developed his PURRsonality, which was like none that I’d ever experienced in a cat.  His behaviors and habits became storytelling moments and inspire my model pieces during writing instruction. Then, in the midst of Jasper scaring grown men and chasing mailmen, he triggered me to finally act on a dream.  So, even though his life sadly ended almost a year ago, his reputation and stories will endure.  Though his 4-book memoir series has concluded, his voice will continue to teach and entertain in my picture books.  Jasper, thanks for being the only attack cat on guard duty 24-7 I’ve ever met.  I cried when I hung your ornaments, but you’ll be proud of my current felines.  They’re enjoying the effects of your tree decorating instructions.  Your jingle bells are bringing them great joy!

Within a week of Jasper’s passing, I became the human to two new kittens.  One was five months old while the other was only 8 weeks old.  RockyTop started with pretty white fur with orange accents (thus the name), but has transitioned into creamish with orange “lowlights” along the edge of his fur.  I laughed when I had lowlights added in October as I told my stylist that the color almost matched Rocky’s.  Topper was a cute black and white cuddler.  Actually, he was a cuddler only when he was sleepy. Then he’d nuzzle my neck, cheek, or chin.  On their instagram posts, I had him call me “Mama” due to his toddler behavior.  He reminded me of little ones I’ve babysat who had no desire to be held or cuddled UNLESS they were ready to nap or go to bed.   Speaking of instagram, Rocky refers to me as PoofyHair because as he’d sleep above my head on my recliner, he’d often sniff through my hair.  Perhaps, my poofy hair reminded him of his mom or life on the farm before he came to be an inside cat in downtown Madison?

Anyway, I was shocked in August when HillTopperwas playing on the bed at 7 while I made the bed, then playing with Rocky in the living room, then….gone by 8.  His sudden passing has triggered what I have named Feline-Death-Paranoia.  Poor Rocky has been awakened from more naps than he’d care to lose due to my suddenly yelling his name to ensure he’s still breathing.  This morning, as I looked for photographs for my blog post, tears fell when I got to ALL of Topper’s photos.  They were either of him playing with Rocky or him nuzzling my neck during his naps.  What a sweet and playful kitten he was.  HillTopper may have not been here long, but his impact on my heart was great.  He & Rocky proved that felines can choose to cuddle and be lovable.  After more than a decade of Jasper’s aloofness, it was a welcome change.  For his cuddly disposition, I am thankful

Losing a pet is never easy whether you’ve had them a few months, a few years, or over a decade.  However, to avoid Rocky becoming territorial like Jasper had been, I decided to get another cat “in a week or so”.  Well, that same day a friend posted about a litter of kittens who needed homes.  She specifically mentioned a black cat who had had a home for a small time, but due to too many pets, it came back.  She shared how all it wanted was to be held and due to her allergy…she couldn’t oblige.  So, my methodical planning went out the door, and I went to give this outdoor stray kitten an inside home.

I was so out of sorts with the suddenness that I referred to him as Nameless for several days.  I took suggestions from friends.  Then, FB friends and a class of third graders voted, and BlackTop became official.  [You see, third graders think it makes sense for both cats to have ‘the same last name’.]

RockyTop wasn’t so sure about this new roommate.  He didn’t warm up as quickly as he did to Topper.  Perhaps it’s because he’s older or perhaps it’s Blackie’s unique spirit.  The poor kitten isn’t the brightest bulb in the bunch, but what he lacks in cat smarts he makes up with in feline enthusiasm.

Rocky?  He’s my walking cottonball who loves to eat!  I’m talking…he may love food more than sleeping which says a lot for a cat. The funny thing is….until recently, he’d never put a cat treat in his mouth.  As you can see by the picture, anything that I eat seems good for him to try (Don’t worry…I always research whether the items are safe before sharing.)  Just like Jasper, he lets me know when it’s time to be fed.  Only where Jasper would literally nip my ankles, Rocky meows.  Then, the volume increases just like on some alarm clocks.  He’s all about his food!

He has other similarities to Jasper as well.  He has turned on his predator skills.  I believe there must be an intruder somewhere in these walls, as he’s often on full alert.  Between him and Blackie, I’m confident that I won’t have to assist like I did with Jasper. Perhaps it’s because they both lived outside prior to moving in with me.  Who knows.

A final similarity between RockyTop and Jasper is the welcome home they extend me.  At least once a week, I’d find Jasper’s face in the window as I’d walk up to the door.  A few weeks ago, I saw this pretty boy beckoning me to pet him.  He wasn’t quite sure how to get through the glass to me. As soon as I opened the bedroom door, he came running….right through the living room and to the kitchen, where he meowed for a scoop of food.  Yep, the boy loves to eat.

The most noticeable thing about Rocky are his pretty blue eyes, but close your eyes and you’ll know he’s still there.  Why?  His motor is loud enough to hear across the room.  What a sweet boy he is!  Yes, I’m thankful for this MEOWvelous roomie.

My students ask if my new cats will get to write books too.  To which I say, of course!  I hope “Tales from Two Kitties” will begin next summer.  I told my class that I need to “learn” Rocky & Blackie’s voices, so I can write as them.  So far, Rocky is the smart one who loves to eat.  (Did I mention that?) BlackTop is the not-so-bright little brother with a bushy tail and loud meow.  I kid you not…when I first got him I didn’t know if I could get used to how loud his meow was.  Thankfully, as he adjusted to life with Rocky and me, his volume decreased.  Funny thing is, that his hearing must be extraordinary.  Why?  If I call Rocky’s name or give an “air smooch” to him, BlackTop will come running from wherever he’s been and do a running jump up onto my chair.  Hmmm, I think he may be a little attention-seeking.

Yes, I am thankful to be “the cat lady”.  No, I don’t want another cat, though I’ve been offered countless since becoming a 2-cat home.  Yes, I talk to them.  Who knows if they understand, but eventually I bet they’ll figure some things out just like Jasper did.  So, as my final thankful thought…I’m honored to be the human who shares her home and her heart with two sweet felines.

So, for what are you thankful? Perhaps, as Jasper suggests in “his” memoirs, you could consider giving a cat or kitten a home.  I know for certain that the animal shelter near you will have one who is waiting for YOU!  Think about it.  I think it’s a PAWSitively MEOWvelous idea!

Have you ever known someone who is known for only one aspect of their personality?  For instance, when former students are asked, most will say “Miss P was the teacher with the funny voices.”  Obviously, I do more in Room 302 than speak in different voices, but that’s what stands out because it makes me different from a lot of other teachers.

Now, Jasper…he’s obviously known for being a less-than-hospitable feline.  He’s known for hissing, swatting, clawing, and occasionally spitting at unwanted guests, relatives, landlords, house repairmen, roofers, mail carriers, and…you get the picture.  So, it was simple to use an arrogant and demanding feline voice for “Jasper’s ABC Book”.

However, he’s more than mean.  He can be sweet, at least to me.  Once upon a time, he was also sweet towards my nephew.  In fact, on October 7th, a FB memory from ten years ago showed Connor with his arm around Jasper, his head leaning on him, and quoting him as saying that “Jasper is nicer than my cat.”  I quickly sent the pic and quote to Connor to remind him of a time when Jasper liked people who visited our house.

I think over the past ten years since it’s 99% me & Jasper only in the house, not including an occassional field mouse, wasp, moth, or cricket that sneak in.  When you get used to not having other living creatures around, it seems that you gain an attitude of “This is my kingdom and you’re not invited.”

Now, this cat who hisses and swats and has become known for his dominant ways…is only that way when others come.

Many evenings, he jumps up on my lap and either laps on my legs, my students’ work, or my lap.

At night, he’ll often curl up beside me and lay his head on my hand.

While I shower, he generally moves his nap to the purple rug in the bathroom.

While I cook, he’ll relax on the rug by the kitchen sink.

In the midst of fall cleaning, he’ll jump in empty drawers, lay on newly made beds, and follow me from room to room until the vacuum starts to roar.

On Wednesday, while having his annual check-up and vaccinations at North Madison Veterinary Clinic, another veterinarian was amazed at the stories of his behavior towards others.

You see….he’d known for being “mean” but he is also protective, sweet, and a seeker of company….on his terms…in his time.

Now, this makes me think of a discussion my Bible study group had last night.  We so often just see God as a “Loving Father” because…He is.  But…He’s also so much more!  He’s also…Just….Righteous….Holy…Jealous…Sovereign.  If we just look at one aspect of who He is….we will miss out on what a Mighty and Great God we serve!

So….I’m more than a teacher who makes funny voices…I’m also an author who writes in the voice of an arrogant cat…I’m a friend who tries to be there for the people I care about…I’m a church member who serves in various ministries…I’m a daughter who   spends time with her parents…I’m an aunt who has a one-of-a-kind relationship with the “best nephew in the whole entire world”…I’m a follower of Christ who attempts to live out her faith in word and deed.

Oh…I forgot.  I’m the roommate of a cat named Jasper who is known for being (more than) mean.

What are you more than?

One of the questions I’ve received frequently over the past couple of weeks is “What are you working on now?”  To which I respond “Parent-Teacher Conferences”.

You see, I’m a teacher.  Back on a mission trip to Gary, Indiana, in the summer of 1986, I realized I was called to work with children.  God had given me some teaching skills and creative skills which allowed me to engage children in lessons and discussions.  So, I became a teacher.

During the 22 years I’ve taught thus far and the four years I subbed before that and even the four years of undergraduate work prior to that…my dream of writing a “real book” grew.

While teaching my third graders to compose their thoughts into sentences, paragraphs, and papers, I modeled my own writing.  Many times my students would tell me that it would be a good book.  The dream grew.

So, in May of 2018, when my kids had the chance to write their own ABC book, I modeled the beginnings of “Jasper’s ABC Book”.  They chuckled as I read the pages, and…the dream grew.

Then, goals were set.  Focus began.  The dream was put into an action plan.  Granted, my first books has only sold 9 copies on Amazon, but it’s sold over 100 in Jefferson County.  “Kitten Chronicles” hasn’t sold a single copy on Amazon, which I admit makes me a bit sad, but…I’ve sold over 30 personally.  Not bad since the copies just arrived a week ago.

Guess what?  Parent-teacher conferences are over, so….after some fall-cleaning, a dental visit, and Jasper’s vet appointment…I think it’s time to start “Pet to Predator: Memoir of My Life as a Feline Hunter”.

For now…I’m going to go home and collapse.  Thankful that this LONG work week has finished.  It was productive, positive, and packed….but now….I think Jasper and I are both ready for a restful Friday night.

So, last spring….I set a goal.  Actually, I set four goals.  One each in the area of reading, writing, cooking, and exercising.  Being a bit “methodical”, I was determined to check each off my list.  The biggest challenge was the writing goal.  Not because I didn’t have the ideas.  I’ve had ideas for writing since high school.  Not because I didn’t have time.  I have the summer off since I’m an elementary teacher.  It was the most daunting because it forced me to face the fear of failure.

If I didn’t cook a new recipe each week, no one would care but me.  If I didn’t exercise regularly, no one would know but me.  If I didn’t read ten books… Well, that wasn’t even an option with my voracity for reading.  But…if I took my writing…put it into a book…and no one wanted to read it. Or, if they read it and condemned my efforts….I would endure the heartache.

But.  A goal is a goal.  And my self-imposed personality issues made it a must to accomplish.  Thanks to the experience of David Kummer and Benny Newell, I was able to be guided to CreateSpace where my goal…my dream…could become reality.  I kept telling myself that even if the only person who read it was me and my class that it was worth it.

So…in August, “Jasper’s ABC Book” was completed.  Less than two months later, over 100 copies have been purchased!  Then, last week, a mere two days before my first event sale at Jefferson County Old Court Days, “Kitten Chronicles: Memoir of My First Year Living with a Teacher” arrived.

Will everyone enjoy my books?  Nope.  Will everyone want to buy future books?  Nah.

But.

Will I write?  Yep.

Ideas remain.  The joy continues.  The dream has become a reality and the journey has just begun. What fun this adventure will be for me.  I have the HEART of a teacher, the IMAGINATION of a writer, and the FAITH of a child.  Come along with me…and enjoy the journey!