Monday, May 20, 2024

I'll Be There For You

 


Here I am!  I stand at the door and knock.  If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. ~Revelation 3:20

I'll be there for you (when the rain starts to pour), I'll be there for you (like I've been there before), I'll be there for you ('cause you're there for me, too). ~ Theme song from "Friends"

My daughter, Sarah, sends me this adorable photo of their new kitties who were adopted practically at the same time.  Acquiring two cats was not the original plan, but God has His own ways of seeing to the welfare of all His creatures.

Rocky, the black one, was their first choice.  However, the shelter called before Sarah and her husband, John, could adopt him to give them some sad news.  A virus had broken out there, and it was unclear as to whether or not any of the cats housed there would survive it.  Rocky's chances were looking bleak.

In light of this, Sarah and John visited another animal shelter in the area, and found this beautiful tabby whom they name Riley.  While this new kitty was adjusting to her world with a loving family, lo and behold!  The shelter housing Rocky called to tell them that he had miraculously recovered, and were they still interested in adopting him?

The ending of that story, as you can surmise by this featured photo, is a happy one, indeed!  In their brief time together their "furever" family, Riley and Rocky have become the best of pals.  They play with one another constantly, and simply enjoy each other's company.  As the family is planning a big move to another region of the state, we are all gratified to know that these two feline friends have forged such a solid bond.  Even when the upheaval of moving may cause them anxiety and stress, they will be there for each other, and come out stronger once the dust has settled in their new home.  

All because neither John nor Sarah could ignore that knock on the door of their hearts, these orphans have a home where they are loved and sheltered from the storms.

When you hear Jesus knocking at the door of your heart, do you open it gratefully and invite Him in?  If you do, you can rest assured that He will be the best friend you could ever imagine, in this life and the next.

Jesus will always be there for you!

Amen!


62 comments:

  1. Dearest Martha Jane,
    Rocky and Riley are now brother and sister in their furrever home!
    What a special bonding...
    Hugs,
    Mariette

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    1. Theirs is a special bonding, indeed, Mariette, I agree. God is good!
      Love and blessings!

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  2. What a great story and application Martha! While I am not a cat person, this story was real. I have to admit though (to my shame?) that although I never watched the TV show "Friends" that is the song which came to mind when I saw the title. :)

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    1. The only reason I watched "Friends" was because all Sarah's classmates were talking about how much they loved the show; I thought best to watch it with her in case I thought something was inappropriate at all, but more importantly, just to be there if she had any questions. The theme song has always stuck in my mind, too, Bill.
      Love and blessings!

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  3. What a lovely story, Martha. The kittens will bring joy to your family.

    They say that the Lord is everywhere. Not strictly true. He is only where He is allowed to be. Where He is invited in one's heart and soul. He never forces Himself on anyone.

    God bless.

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    1. You are so right, Victor. Jesus always knocks on the door and waits for the invitation on our part. When we accept Him, we can know that He will always be with us as our loving friend and the rock of our salvation.
      Love and blessings!

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  4. A sweet story, Martha -- with a good punchline.

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    1. Thanks so much, Glynn! Glad you liked the punchline, too. :)
      Love and blessings!

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  5. Cute introduction. Powerful truth.

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  6. Aww it is amazing how things work out and 2 lucky cats!

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    1. Isn't it though, Christine? God certainly works His ways in our lives when we allow Him to.
      Love and blessings!

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  7. Your grand-kittens are adorable, Martha! (And I'm not even a cat person.) I love their adoption story so much and look forward to 'seeing' them again in future posts.

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    1. I'll have to agree with you, Myra, that these kitties are absolutely adorable. Yes, I can certainly envision them "starring" in future posts. I do love how God works on behalf of all His beloved creatures.
      Love and blessings!

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  8. What a sweet story! That made me smile. And AMEN to Jesus standing at the door and knocking. He is there for anyone who will let Him in. 💙

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    1. Thanks so much, Sparky - so glad this story brought a smile to your face today. Yes, Jesus is the perfect gentleman; He waits patiently until we open the doors of our hearts and invite Him in.
      Love and blessings!

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  9. This is a very touching story. Glad the kitties are happy and are going to thrive. Peace and blessings to you and yours.

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    1. Thanks so much, Cecelia. Yes, I believe these kitties will thrive together in a loving home.
      Love and blessings!

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  10. This is, for sure, a precious photo of the two kittens. I am not really a cat person, preferring them in pictures more than in person. Such a sweet story you've shared here, Martha Jane.

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    1. Thanks so much for your comment today, Barbara. I never thought I was a cat person either until my son talked me into taking our kitty, Jordan, home to live with us. She changed my heart in an instant. :)
      Love and blessings!

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  11. How amazing that Riley and Rocko bonded so quickly! And you're right--that will be a great advantage as the family moves to their new home. Praise God he is ready and willing to bond with us when we say "yes" to him. That's even MORE amazing!

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    1. That is even more amazing, Nancy, that He loves us so much and will bond with us when we give Him permission. What a wonderful God we serve!
      Love and blessings!

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  12. Precious photo. Yes, he is always there for us thankfully. It would be so hard without God.

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    1. I know I couldn't put one foot in front of the other without Jesus in my life, Annie. Glad you liked the photo.
      Love and blessings!

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  13. God has a plan for all His creation! I just love these two cuties. Hurrah for Rocky that he overcame the virus. Riley is a cutie too. Meant to be together even though they were in different shelters. Rocky reminds me of my boy Boots. He was like a person to me. Always with me when I suffered severe migraines years ago. I thought did God send me an angel in the form of a feline? Thank you for visiting me always and thank you for sharing this sweet story.

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    1. Thank you, Anne, for your sweet comment here. I do believe God sends us angels in all sorts of forms, knowing what will bring us hope and comfort. And it's always my pleasure to visit your posts, my friend.
      Love and blessings!

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  14. So very sweet!! I'm glad they have two cats and that the cats have bonded!! May I ask if the kids are moving closer to you? Hopefully not farther away! I hope the move goes well for them - and for the kitties!!

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    1. Thanks, Terri! I was thinking about how your two cats have gotten along so well, and I knew this photo would make you smile. Yes, the kids are moving closer to us, but right now, with Danny unable to drive, they will have to be the ones to come visit us.
      Love and blessings!

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  15. Precious story of adopting these two cuties. Thankful Rocky recovered and now has a pal for life. God bless, Martha! Karen Friday

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    1. Thanks so much, Karen! I am so happy for all of them as they have missed their dear Henry so much. God knows our needs before we ask, always.
      Love and blessings!

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  16. What beautiful kittens! I love cats. And yes its so true. Jesus will never leave us. I'm lost without Him!🙏🏾

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    1. Thanks, Regina - I think they're beautiful, too, and such a blessing for the family. I would definitely be lost without Jesus, too!
      Love and blessings!

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  17. Another sweet family story, Martha, and one that has love, rescue, and redemption woven throughout. It's a theme all of us ought to be reminded of every day because it's our story, too. Helpless kittens are great reminders that we're not as self-sufficient as we might think we are and the peaceful, comforting picture you sent along has "shalom" written all over it. Thank you, diear sister and friend, for another bright and encouraging family visit.

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    1. And thank you, Ron, for your always kind and encouraging words here. We are as helpless as kittens without God's love and support, and hopeless when we don't know His power of redemption and forgiveness in Jesus. These little kitties are so blessed and so are we.
      Love and blessings!

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  18. Such adorable two cats!
    The title of the post "I'll be there for you", fits the picture of the two bonded kitties, each promising it'll be there for the other.

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    1. Amen, Duta! May we learn that same lesson as human beings.
      Love and blessings!

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  19. Yes a cute photo, some things are just meant to be

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    1. You are so right about that, Jo-Anne.
      Love and blessings!

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  20. We never know what surprises are to found when we open those doors. I do hope that I won't find cats on the other side of my door, though, since I am highly allergic to them. :) But I'm glad they did find the right home!

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    1. So sorry to hear that you are allergic to cats, Lisa. And we never do know what surprises the Lord has in store when we invite Him into our hearts.
      Love and blessings!

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  21. I, unlike many I know, love cats. I agree that we must be ready to be the friend and to respond to the c alling of the Lord. It is refreshing to find site like this.

    Hugs and Blessings

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    1. Thanks so much, Jim, for your kind words here. We do need to be awake and aware in this life as to how we can best help and love others as Jesus did.
      Love and blessings!

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  22. a sweet, sweet invitation on so many levels, Martha ...

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    1. Thank you so much for your kind words here, Linda.
      Love and blessings!

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  23. Bom dia, Martha
    Linda postagem, aprendemos tanto com os animais, eles são fofinhos demais, cheio de amor. Jesus é o nosso fiel Amigo, de todas as horas, um forte abraço.

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  24. We can learn so much about caring for others from our furry friends, Lucinalva, that's for sure. Jesus is our Forever Friend!
    Love and blessings!

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  25. so sweet and inspirational!! Made my day

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    1. Thanks so much, Jean, and it's a joy to have made your day.
      Love and blessings!

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  26. Such a sweet story and photo, Martha. I'm glad Rocky made it. They look like they're best friends already. :) And thank you for the encouraging message. Yes, Jesus is the Best Friend ever! Love and blessings to you!

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    1. Thanks so much, Trudy; we were amazed, too, that Rocky made it through and now, he has such a beautiful friend and a loving family. God always knows best!
      Love and blessings!

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  27. What a heartwarming story, Martha!
    It's incredible how God's timing always works out perfectly, even for our furry friends.
    Riley and Rocky's story is a beautiful reminder that we are never alone and that God always has a plan for us, no matter the circumstances.

    Hugs and blessings, Martha

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    1. We are never alone, Veronica, when we accept Jesus into our hearts. I'm so very happy that these two beautiful cats have found a loving home, and that they get along so well.
      Love and blessings!

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  28. This is just the sweetest story. I'm so glad Rocky got well and now has a best friend and a forever home. Such a special story, in many ways.

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    1. It is a story that just begged to be told, Henny, and I'm so glad it spoke to your heart.
      Love and blessings!

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  29. Such a lovely post. Thank you for the smiles.

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  30. They are a gift from God! Blessings to everyone in your world. Aloha

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    1. Aloha, Cloudia! These sweet kitties are God's creation and certainly a gift from Him for Sarah, John, and the girls as they recently lost their beloved Henry who was faithful to them all through thick and thin.
      Love and blessings!

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  31. I love cats. My grand daughters youngest cat, a year old just had her first litter of 2. She has seven outside cats and I think her parents are going to let her keep the two new babies. She is allowed to bring her cats into her room only since her Dad is allergic to them and dogs. I have been amazed at the things God is teaching this one heart through her cats, she is 15 now. I am excited about the baby cats because I will get to babysit them once in a while. Animals are so good for our soul, they bring comfort. When our daughter and family came home from Papua New Guinea for good Ava Jo was only 4 and a neighbor gave her the first kitten and it exactly what her little heart needed to weather the change in their life. Love the post, you always put things into perspective Martha. Blessings.

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    1. Thank you, Betty, for your wonderful story here about your granddaughter's experience with her kitties. Yes, animals have a remarkable way of choosing us, don't they? It seems they sense where they will find love and comfort. When it comes to finding the same for us, there are times when we were born with a God compass so we could grow always in His love and guidance.
      Love and blessings!

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  32. Aw! What a sweet story and photo! Thank you so much for sharing!

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Your Will Be Done

  Your kingdom come.  Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. ~Matthew 6:10 Seasons come and seasons go Beyond control of human race ...