Thoughts on God

The Bible says that we are created in God's image.  I've always thought of this not in the physical, but in our hearts.  When I think of God, I think of love, hope, compassion, and generosity.  I think we are closest to God when we are doing good things for others.  We are most Godly when we serve a meal for the homeless, help a neighbor in need, and give compassion and forgiveness to those who have hurt us.  God is peace.  God is giving, selflessly and completely.  God created such wonderful variety in physical appearance, but the one thing that remains the same for all people is a capacity to have a loving and peaceful heart.

Critters are in my Blood

I love critters.  I can't help it.  My whole family has a need for animal companionship in our lives.  I grew up surrounded by life.  My parents shared their home with a cat and a dog before my sister and I were born.  My mom grew up cuddling kittens in the barn.  My dad shares fond stories of a cat named Harvey Wallbanger and many dogs.  My dad brought home snakes and other critters after going on a walk.  My grandma once rescued a frog from a snakes mouth because she felt sorry for him.  My grandparents brought a turtle and anoles back from their travels.  At one time or another my parents house was home to a snake, three anoles, three rabbits, a cat, a dog, a turtle, an ant farm, a tank of fish, and the odd insect or knocked out bird.

I've come by my menagerie honestly.  I share my love with two cats, a Robovski dwarf hamster, and a tank of fish.  I'm at a low critter count right now.  At one time or another we had six tanks of gerbils and hamsters, two tanks of fish, a newt and a toad, a bearded dragon, a rough green snake, an ant farm, and a praying mantis.  I love being surrounded by life.  I love providing for others.  I love being able to nurture other lives.