Not all things are right, or as they should be around my house. Weird stuff happens like the stuff in Disney movies or old Lassie shows.

One evening, I rubbed my eyes in disbelief at the zebra in the middle of the road. The creature took off on a Safari-run, darting back and forth in front of my car. “Stripes” ran about a mile before he turned off into the woods. I pinched myself while checking the camera. More info @ Piney Wood Safari Hunt.

Another time we were concerned when we found our tomcat napping in the chicken coop, but later saw something really weird. The rooster, J T Vain, roamed the acreage for bugs and the tom followed. Tom rubbed J T like only a cat could, with his tail curled around J T’s tail-feathers. Surely the cat’s nature would spark a pounce and chomp on J T’s neck. But crazy as it seemed, they were best buds.

The strangeness continued with Gomer, our lab. About a week before she became a mother, a stray kitten came to stay with us. Mr. Tumnus enjoyed cat food and lots of attention, but when Gomer had her pups the kitten became part of the litter. She nursed, chewed and got chewed on, and was cleaned like all the other pups, by Gomer.

That was nine months ago but the craziness hasn’t stopped. The puppies have new homes. Gomer is spayed. But to this day the cat still nurses. They sleep together in the kennel, huddle together in the storms and eat scraps together.

But this week the unnatural Lassie-ness escalated. Mr. Tumnus, a female, had a litter of kittens in the kennel. Gomer mothered them with regular cleanings. She barked to get Mr. Tumnus to come to her crying kittens. When that didn’t work she scooped a kitten into her giant mouth and escorted it to Mr. Tumnus.

This weirdness had to stop. After Gomer placed the tiny, soggy kitten in our hand and went back for another, we moved the kittens to the porch with Mr. Tumnus and kept Gomer in the kennel. Surely this time cats will be cats, dogs will be dogs and the rightful mother will mother.

Not on our place. Mr. Tumnus moved the kittens back into the kennel with Gomer.

It’s true. Strange things happen. The lion can lay down with the lamb (Is. 11:6-9). God can change the nature of any creature: rooster, cat, dog or human. I am thankful God changed me, my sin nature and made me new. I rejoice in God, our almighty creator.

“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” (1 Cor. 5:17)
“It doesn’t matter whether we have been circumcised or not. What counts is whether we have been transformed into a new creation.” (Gal. 6:15)

P.S. Mail order chicks are coming soon. I’m so confused. What would Lassie (Gomer) do? Do I put them in the coop or kennel?
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Please, can I have a drop to quench my thirst?

People Are Thirsty

Every time I come in from this Africa-hot Texas weather I beg for water, sometimes in a not-so-pleasant manner. This heat makes me sticky and irritable. I’ll be “glistening” all summer while searching for refreshment.

Others also look for cold water. Some head to rivers and lakes (my prayers for those involved in Arkansas’ flash flood). Others turn to vendors and waiters. I heard of a rich guy that was burning up in the heat. He could not buy a drop of water and was desperate for a cold drink. No one helped. “Send Lazarus over here to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue” (from Luke 16:24), he begged, while knowing he was shut off from the life-giving water.

Drinks All Around

His desperation created in me a desire to help. I wanted to dig a well, pipe in some relief, do something. It was too late for him, but I could share my life-sustaining drink with others before they reach the same horrifying end.

I decided to tell as many as I could about the water that flows deep, puts out the heat and satisfies our thirst. Such water is found in Jesus. He offers living water and to the one who drinks it, no more thirst (John 4:10-14). I want to be the pipe bringing life, the well that overflows, the spout that pours sweet words of hope, life and redemption. I want no one to go thirsty like the rich guy. I promise to share my drink.

The Choice to Drink Deep, or Not

I may not be able to make others taste, but I can be a pleasant, enticing glass that holds cool and refreshing water. My acceptance and love can leave people with a desire to know more about me and my God. In these irritable, hot, hazy days of summer, fill my cup Lord, and make me a pleasant presentation of your living water.

On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’ ” (When he said “living water,” he was speaking of the Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in him.) (John 7:37-9)

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