Monday, November 14, 2011

Prayer and listening


I know some of you are going to think this is about a dog, but I hope most of you don't.  I want to share with you another faith moment, and they always seem to happen about the time I say "I didn't see that coming"; LOL.  let me start by saying that for the past eight years or so I have wanted to have my own store, be my own boss, but it has NEVER been blessed by God.  At one point while praying on it I even heard God ask me, "for who's glory would it be?".    Now if you asked me if I liked kids or animals I would shrug and say, eh so-so.  Those of you who know me well will find that hysterical as I always seem to have a house full of both and only half are mine.  No matter how I run or how I make choices to the contrary, I always end up with what I will call rescue kids and animals.  I am starting to see a pattern here : )  I believe this goes with 'God's plans for me'.  I am very good at it, and I have embraced being a Proverbs 31 women, to the max!  Well once again it hit me, I needed to do something, but what?  For some reason I started combing 'Craigslist', not sure what I was looking for.  Then I had narrowed it down to the 'pet' listings, and let me tell you I was appalled at what I found.  I had never even heard of 'dog flipping' before.  It makes me sick that so many people are trying to make a buck on 'rehoming' their 'friend'.  Then I started hanging around a dachshund rescue site, I love doxies!  I thought maybe I could foster, rescue or even volunteer there.  They too wanted money, even to volunteer!  Meanwhile I kept praying, talking to my hubby and looking to see what I could do.  Well as of yesterday it all seemed to fall into place, even our church service seemed to touch on my issue of leading by example and being a blessing to others.  I took a deep breath and posted on 'Craigslist' that I would do local doxin rescue but would not pay anyone to help their animal.  Afew folks emailed but they weren't getting it either, they wanted cute puppies.  I want to help local doxies, doesn't matter age, sex handicapped or not. Well I happened across an add for free doxie in neighboring city.  I had seen the add a couple days before, but was out of town.  I took a deep breath for courage and called.  On the end of the other phone was a very overwhelmed woman who needed my help.  By the end of the call I found out that I knew her daughter who lived here locally by me, and had even helped her with a pet before!  By the end of the evening I had taken in a very sweet new friend, found a home for my son's ferrets and had invited another 'rescue' kid and her sister to church with me.  When I went to bed I lay there stunned.  It hit me, maybe this wasn't so much about the dogs or even me, maybe God had used me and my skill with animals and children to help two families.  Wow. I still believe that God has commanded my family to have a pet ministry, but I also have to see the bigger picture.  There are real people on the other end of those leashes and maybe I can help them too!

Here is our new friend Smokey, even though his papers list him as Sir Scooter.


Smokey looking at my hubby.


Smokey keeping dd company as she does school work.

Blessings, Beth Ann

Monday, November 07, 2011

A day in the life of Oliver the cat ~

I have mentioned our newest rescue cat, Oliver, several times.  He has settled in and is currently un-injured and gaining weight.  I believe his middle name is trouble but like any other cat, does spend 20 hours a day sleeping.  Here is a glimpse of his daily schedule:

9 a.m. = morning nap in Miss Beth's craft basket


11 a.m. = mid-morning nap in the craft basket


2 p.m. = nap in the craft basket, but take time to stretch and use window sill as pillow


4 p.m. = take a break to play video games


7 p.m. = waiting in the craft basket for someone to go to bed so he can join them!  LOL


All of God's creatures are a blessing, including cats.  Beth Ann

Friday, November 04, 2011

Halloween visited and Turkeys bought

Today I bought my Thanksgiving turkey - whoot, whoot!  LOL  The holidays are in full swing now baby.  I found a great price at the local Piggly Wiggly, 89 cents a pound.   I also found some other great sale items there and at the other local Bi-Rite store.  Buying marked down seems to be about the only way I can stay on budget anymore.  Seems like even processed and packaged food is now costing the same if not more than fresh.  So I try to grab the marked down burger vs. the packaged burritos for lunches.  I feel so blessed that not only am I home to cook for my family I also know what to do with raw ingredients : )

Enough about money and budgeting.  Here are a few Halloween pic's to share.

This is a car load of hippies that followed me over to my friend's house - LOL   No really it is Bre with her friends


You all have heard me talk of the kids I watched before they moved back to Mexico, well I was blessed to have the oldest come visit me during Halloween.  Little Gabe, such a joker - LOL


Me and a few friends handed out candy here in town, where they close the roads for a huge block party.  This is the third year I have done it and seeing all those cute kids makes up for the run over feeling I have afterwords : )  We get about  1200 kids , yeah, I know!

It was another amazing October, my favorite month and now I am looking forward to Thanksgiving; already have a dozen folks lined up here to join me!  We are soooooo blessed!

Blessings, Beth