Cassidy the Cat—The Neighborhood Rule

Our neighbor, Dick, owns a beautiful male cat of lengthy white fur, tinted with just a hint of gray dispersed perfectly throughout. It performs a stately stride, topped with its arrogant, pug-nosed, never-deviating expression. You just can’t help but assume with certainty that it has secured many a blue ribbon though Dick has never trained nor entered him in any competition. When I first met Trouble, the cat of perfection, I was confident he was a coroneted, prize-champion.

This respectful, marked appearance of Trouble doesn’t keep him from shrinking in fear when our cat, Cassidy, conceitedly pounces outside our door, though holding no pedigree appearance or papers. If Trouble is anywhere near and spots Cassidy, he scampers for home at a grand rhythmic pace; yet, never departing from that stately stride.

Not long ago, my husband, Alan, and I were conversing with Dick …Trouble being attentive at Dick’s side. Cassidy took note and casually strode over to divert my attention to her, not desiring it be given to any other, including Blue-ribbon Boy. This immediately caused Trouble to back away from us, not knowing what Cassidy might devise against his innocent well-groomed self, even on his own property. Dick always laughs at this intimidation upon his feline, male specimen.

No neighborhood sashaying cat stays about for Cassidy’s punishment when she, the queen of beasts, walks through her door. She loves to rule in majesty and will not transfer her lion-like ancestry robe, crown and title, to another.

Now our cat Alfredo who is all love and gentleness, relishes the friendship of his neighborhood fellow felines, and would never even think of possessing a desire to control, manipulate and rule. When it comes to Alfredo, Cassidy is family-loyal to a degree, when in her outside realm. Though she hates Alfredo with a vengeance, she will defend him as a brother; but only if a threatening need arises, such as the time a black lab sought to overtake Alfredo. He knew not what to do but just stand there. Fortunately, lion-like Cassidy did. She bolted swiftly like a striking snake and pounced on the bewildered, huge thing which caused it to retrieve its forwarding jaws from poor, dumbfounded Alfredo. I don’t think Alfredo ever fully comprehended her prompt action, but I was thankful she was there to back the black thing away.

When it comes to the neighborhood dogs, they are viewed as no threat to Cassidy. Canines learn quickly that Cassidy rules over every created critter and they must be set in place under “her” rulership in “her” neighborhood. Never have I witnessed fear in Cassidy when a dog is near, never deflecting a porcupine-like towering of fur; just a determination that articulates, “I will not surrender my place.”

No, I have not set out a sign that warns “Beware of Cat!!” Animals can’t read, don’t you know and people rarely listen to my warnings. Oh well, such is life in this charming neighborhood which the LORD God has blessed with His delightful assorted creation.

Love in Jesus Christ, our Creator LORD (Colossians chapter 1),

Val Lee

To learn of God’s personal love for you, please click here: Paradise

A Cassidy the Cat video with our son, Nate, and his dog, Charlie: 

(Cassidy only loved me. She hated every other person and thing. This story is recalled from several years ago.)

True Cat Story—Split Personalities

 

Cassidy left/Alfredo right

Bird center

 

Cassidy the Complainer

I have read many verses that remind me not to complain about anything but to give thanks in all things. I have contemplated on the fact my cat Cassidy certainly does not represent the proper illustration for teaching Christians not to complain. I do not believe Cassidy will ever grasp this concept. Though Cassidy is my cat, I have to confess she is also a beggar and a whiner—attributes not befitting a Christian; Philippians 2:14. She has to have her own way and no one can argue with her. She will plague you until she gets what she wants. Sometimes I will tell her just a minute and she will be still and quiet for that minute, but not much longer. If I am not attentive as promised, she will screech and place my nerves on edge. She knows all the off-key ear-hurting tunes and which ones work best.  

Christians are called not to fuss, complain and worry, as God owns the cattle on a thousand hills and has every hair numbered on our heads. Nothing escapes His notice including our needs. Everything that arrives in our life is for a reason, to cause us to change and grow. Every circumstance is to bring us to the place of spiritual maturity. We are to ensure that we never cease to walk in the fruits of the Spirit. We are to learn to flee fleshly desires and tendencies through our trials and temptations. One main fleshly desire is to complain. The Bible teaches that the unsaved are grumblers and those who follow sensual lusts (Jude 16) and we must witness the opposite. 

Even though our cat Alfredo is not a believer, and does not own an eternal soul, he is Mr. Easy Going. The Bible teaches that we can learn from critters and Alfredo is one who can teach his observers to simply rest and not fuss. Cassidy could never teach humans any good thing, I am afraid. Now, I must pause here and change what I have stated to a degree, knowing Cassidy is very loving towards me.  Unfortunately, her attributes cannot travel farther, being she is a snob and partial. She snubs very well. She loves only me and hates everyone else and every critter. She could never love our neighbors as herself, let alone Alan (my husband), our sons or Alfredo. 

Alfredo does not complain about anything and loves everybody and everything. He also is thankful in all things; 1 Thessalonians 5:18.  If he were human, he would verbally give thanks in all circumstances. If he could wear a smile, he would have one pasted on his cute countenance. He never has a bad day. 

Cassidy’s favorite and only desired pillow is her royal gold one, which she authoritatively lays upon on our waterbed. She sets up a countenance like that of an admired queen. Her posture only lacks a scepter. (Now, I might state here, that Cassidy isn’t as young and fit as in her former days. Please, don’t get me wrong, she can still hunt like a tiger, but she just isn’t as agile as in years past. Sometimes, she will try and jump on our elevated bed, where her gold pillow sometimes lies; but she simply can’t make it up that high at times. I will view her face for a swift moment popping up, but then down it goes.  She is determined and usually can land her entire self on her second attempt after composing herself.)

Cassidy could never grasp the concept of lowliness—she does believe she is queen.  Believers are to be lowly in mind and action, always exercising humility of mind. This all goes along with not complaining. If we recognize we are deserving of nothing, we accept the fact there is nothing that should distress us. We are called to be nobodies, never desiring to exalt ourselves; only Christ Jesus; 2 Corinthians chapter 12. We are always to consider each person as being more important than ourselves, as commanded in Philippians 2:3. We are exhorted to display the lowly and obedient heart of Christ who possessed a heart that was willing to suffer a painful death, placing Himself last and in our stead.  

Val Lee

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Please click here: Paradise

 

 

True Christmas Cat Story

 

  

Cassidy’s Christmas Present

Last night while I was doing my Christmas cooking, playing in the dough to present gifts to neighbors, I heard a rustling around the tree. When I realized it was inquisitive Cassidy, I said, “Get away from that tree”—I’m sure you can picture it.

My cat wasn’t swift to obey so I went and sought her out amongst the gifts and there she was … in her gift! She had pushed the tissue paper back and had a very good peak.

A dear friend had brought over a Christmas sack of kitty gifts the other night. Yes, there was a name tag and all. I never dreamt Cassidy could read though she is a prodigy! My husband, Alan, even testifies to this fact and it is hard for him to say anything good about Cassidy.

I let her know she could not open it further and placed it in the closet.

Now you may ask, how did she know it was for her? Well, the pushed back tissue revealed a couple of toys, and one had catnip enclosed.

Christ Jesus creates critters wise and wonderful.

Val Lee

Pretty-boy Alfredo – The Unconventional Cat!

Pretty-boy Alfredo © Val J. Lee

Our cats are so opposite!  Let me tell you about it … Alfredo is a homebody—a collector of love and affection. He is so spoiled; we even have toys for him including play mice. He doesn’t enjoy outdoor life that much.  Yes, you can tell by the photo that he is red and hairy all over just like the Biblical Esau in the Bible, revealed in Genesis chapters 25 and 27; but he does not have a reputation for hunting game.  Remember Esau?  He loved to hunt and make delicious stew for his venison-craving father, Isaac—who just gloated over the skilled, game-killer instinct in his beloved son. 

Now Cassidy, our black and white feline, displays a different scenario, as she mostly resembles the personality traits of Esau.  She certainly bears his tenacious heart as she loves the prey that meets her carnivorous cravings.  Bringing home the bacon is her delight in life. … and she brings plenty!  Isaac would have been so proud to own such a skilled hunter of an animal. And on top of all that she just loves showing off! What more could an appreciator want? She leaves all kinds of gifts of birds and mice  (and one time, a large black gopher) right at our door even though she is declawed. One time she left us a large head, which my husband could not decipher. I refused to look even though he kept coaxing me.

Often, when one of these creatures is caught in her powerful and speedy jaws, she will produce such an excruciating meow, it brings us running to the window where she gleefully displays the distressed captured creature … producing a personal energetic audience to her delight.    

 

I am afraid Rebecca, Isaac’s wife, would have disapproved of Cassidy and would have sought a way to dispose of this show-off hunter-cat so she wouldn’t have to face the leftovers.  Remember … Rebecca doted over Jacob, he being the clean and well-manicured son.  Only Pretty-boy Alfredo would have been permitted on her premises.

 

Now, you can rightly bet Alfredo just mortifies Cassidy, just like Esau was embarrassed by soft, Pretty-boy Jac. Jacob was such a homebody and a mother’s boy, don’t you know!  

 

One day, Cassidy decided she had just had it with this softy!  She brought home a tempting live mouse and set it before Alfredo, who was, of course, simply reclining on the porch.  Alfredo slowly got up and graciously received her gift and played with it in appreciation till its life was spent.  I think Cassidy truly believed she had finally reformed this stupid idiot.  However, within a short period, Alfredo was back in the house completely stretched out on his luscious bed, belly up!  Yes, Cassidy completely failed in her reformation mission which has resulted in her backtracking to growling and hissing at this odious, red cat.  Oh well, life goes on, Cassidy.  

Val Lee

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Cassidy video with my sons: Mad Cat Cassidy  She loves only me!

 

Cassidy a terrorizer video: Killer Cat, Cassidy  

 

McDonald’s Fast Food Cat—True Story

Cassidy @ Val Lee

Cassidy, the McDonald’s Cat

Today, Al, my husband, opened the door, and Cassidy ran past him, jumped and landed on my lap, snuggling next to me (She can be quite agile for being a rather hefty gal). As she did this, Al indignantly referred to her as “The McDonald’s Cat” which kind of stunned me until he explained.

Al told me she demands things just like the fast food restaurant that caters to fly-by-nighters, who grab their evening meal while on the move. She exhibits this tendency on occasion, when she desires to be with me when I am busy. When I refuse to let her in the room no matter how loud and much she cries for me, she will run to Al for assistance. Just like today. When she squawks at him, he impatiently gets up and follows her so the door is opened to her. He never tells her “no.”

Even though she uses Al, relishing telling him what to do, she will never turn to him for affection. She offers no rewards or thanks. Therefore, Al has implemented other terms that he feels are applicable to her personality, such as the cat from you know where.

Christians can certainly be thankful Jesus Christ’s love for them is never demanding, as He never forces His way into their lives.  Our obedience to Him must arise from our own inward desire to follow Him. What a precious God we can choose to serve; John 3:16.

To learn of God’s love for you click here:

Paradise

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To view Cassidy video with my sons, please click here: Mad Cat Cassidy  She loves only me!

McDonald’s art-photo by Val Lee