Animated Cat Office Gif | Funny Cat Pictures

Animated Cat Office Gif Funny Cat Pictures This is a first for one so techno-challenged. I hope it works. Being a cat "mommy," this animated gif picture gave me great pleasure! Blessings to my cat-loving friends (and may my not-so-cat-loving friends learn to love cats, too!)

Austin, Texas with My Sister

Anytime I can get together with my sister is a bonus. As children, we fought like bitter rivals. The only time we made a truce was an allied defense against our brother, Jimmy. As noted in my story, The Thornbuds, which Barbour included in "Heavenly Humor for the Mother's Soul," Jimmy's sole purpose in life was to torment us. But as we grew to maturity, Kathy and I became better than best friends, and Jimmy became our protector. When the wedding invitation came from our cousin Robert's daughter, Stephanie, I e-mailed Kathy.

"Are you going?" I asked.

"Yes! But David's staying home." Her reply was a hint this would be a sisters-only trip. Besides, weddings are for chicks; not for macho-disco, gun-toting guys like our husbands.

A chance to spend a weekend with my sister! And we had the added blessings of visiting beloved relatives we'd only recently seen at funerals. Now, we could come together for a happy occasion.

We shared a room at the Austin Motel, an eclectic, multi-level motel on S. Congress Avenue. Built in the 1930s, this quaint inn has old cars and metal artwork for decor. And we identified our room by the bullet hole in the window. The desk clerk explained it was the result of a band that stayed there in the 60s. Really? They never replaced the glass? We covered the tiny hole (just big enough for a mosquito to slip through) with scotch tape Kathy had in her purse. The staff includes Troy, the front office cat, and Rocky, the grounds custodial cat. Rocky was a bit camera-shy. But Kathy was able to get his picture in...the back of a pickup truck.

The wedding was lovely. Patrick Taylor and Stephanie Rollen were married in Hyde Park Presbyterian Church. The building is at least a hundred years old and was originally constructed as a Baptist church.

The reception was held on a paddle-wheel boat, which cruised the length of Lake Austin. The food was delicious (Tex-Mex fare - yum!). We spent two days walking S. Congress, checking out the trailers that offered take-out food (had great crepes at one!), looking at costumes in Lucy in Disguise with Diamonds, and a quaint antique store.

We found a few decorated bulls on the city streets, too. Here I am with my new Chia Pet!

Kathy and I trekked several miles in the triple-digit heat to another lake near downtown. She found her calling as Dona Kathy Quixote, the Woman of Lamanche!

Neither of us wore a hat and thought we'd have sun-stroke for sure. But a dip in the icy pool (and I do mean icy!) at the motel helped cool us down. The trip ended too quickly, and we headed for home on Monday. Kathy got to fly to Tampa with me before changing planes to return to her home in Birmingham. The only downside of the whole trip was the nasty flu bug I caught (probably on my flight to Austin from Tampa). I recovered after a week...well, almost recovered. These viruses are getting stronger every day!

Greetings from the Not-So-Oval Office

President…not a term I thought would ever be associated with my name. CWG/Word Weavers doesn’t elect officers. The founding members decided many years ago elections aren’t much more than a popularity contest or personality clash. When Jan Powell suggested passing the pen to me for this office as her term ended, I confess I took a step back. I don’t have an “A” type personality (more like a “Z” type, if there is one), and never considered myself presidential material. Although I’ve outgrown my fear of speaking to large crowds, thanks to many years in theatre and a leadership position with Tampa Christian Women Club, I do have difficulty in reaching out to form relationships.

When I met Jan at the Florida Christian Writers Conference in 2005, I never dreamed a friendship of this depth would develop. Her kindness and encouragement are a blessing to me to this day. A Little History Jan visited the original Word Weavers group in Orlando for a year before I finally joined her. Until then, we’d had a two-person critique group. She found more writers from Tampa who attended the Orlando group, and soon we had enough members to start our own chapter. Jan took charge as president, Tina Yeager agreed to be our chaplain, Sheryl Young accepted the role of recording secretary, and I became the group division specialist. Under Jan’s leadership, we have grown from four hopeful writers to a chapter of twelve members. And we’re successful! Over one-third of our group has sold stories to Chicken Soup for the Soul. Member Kat Heckenbach’s novel, FINDING ANGEL, is now available on Kindle and will be available in print mid-September. She designed the cover, too! Multi-talented, to say the least. (See it on Amazon.com) Word Weavers grew from a few members sitting around a kitchen table to a merger with Jerry Jenkins’ Christian Writers Guild. New groups are forming in other states, and now with a chapter in Canada, we’ve gone international! In the next two years of service to CWG/Word Weavers - Tampa, my goals are to grow our group to a divisible size, help our unpublished members become published authors, and bring glory to our Lord in our reputation as Christian writers.

The Fight of our Lives by Bennett & Leibsohn

I prefer to read fiction because non-fiction usually serves as a good antidote to insomnia. I struggled to get through this work for that reason only. Unlike other non-fiction list-our-woes type of books, THE FIGHT OF OUR LIVES is a true eye-opener. Most books of this ilk merely point out the problem, but this one delves deeply into the cause of our slide into political correctness and directs us to a clear resolution. "Rolling off our couches" is a good first step. In eight short chapters, plus an introduction and epilogue, Bennett & Leibsohn describe the lessons we SHOULD HAVE learned (but didn't) from Viet Nam (which showed Bin Laden our weaknesses) to the Ft. Hood massacre (which underscored our PC standing). Quoting Gen. George Casey of the recent attack: "As horrific as this tragedy was, if our diversity becomes a casualty, I think that's worse." I had to read that line several times, asking myself, "Can a military general REALLY put diversity above his soldiers?" This book clearly identifies our enemies, some of whom are within our own culture. Eleven pages of notes for their voluminous footnotes is indicative of the authors' intense research. THE FIGHT OF OUR LIVES isn't based on opinion, but proven facts. I hope it starts a wildfire of couch potatoes getting involved in taking back our country. I will certainly share it, give it as a gift, and recommend it. I received a free copy of this book from BookSneeze®.com in exchange for my review, and am in no way compelled to write flattery for flattery's sake.

Expert Witness - We Are A Christian Nation

Righteousness exalts a nation,

but sin is a disgrace to any people. - Proverbs 14:34

Two hundred thirty-five years of freedom is unique. Why has the U.S. been so blessed? What makes us so special?

Psalm 33:12 answers these questions. "Blessed is the nation whose God is Lord." Our nation had a Biblical foundation. The founders planted good seed. You can tell the root by the fruit, according to Matthew 7:16-18.

Dr. Andy Woods, speaker, pastor, and Bible teacher, and attorney used a reliable source to prove that the United States of America is indeed a Christian Nation. His expert witness is Justice David Josiah Brewer, who served on the US Supreme Court from 1889-1910. His opinion in the case Church of Holy Trinity v. U.S. (143US 457,465,470-71 1892) cites multiple, irrefutable authorities.

The Declarations of early American settlers: Christopher Columbus wrote a book on Biblical prophecies. His motive for the voyage was not to prove the world was round, but to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ in many distant lands.

The intent of the Mayflower Compact of 1620 was the advancement of the Christian faith.

The South Carolina Constitution (1778) established Christianity as the religion of the state. Roger Williams established Rhode Island for his Christian beliefs. Colonial life had an emphatic Christian tone.

Early education: Harvard's early seal and motto was: In Christi Gloriam. The rules for students of the university were to read the Scriptures twice a day and be ready to give an account of their faith proficiently. Yale and William & Mary had similar rules and motto. No school was founded on Mohammad, Buddha, or Confucius. MIT was the first school established by atheists in 1871.

Early support from the government for the church: There was no hostility, but cooperation between the Church and State. Maryland's constitution in 1776 offered a tax to support the Christian religion.

Requirement of elected officials: In 1776, Delaware required office holders to profess their faith in God, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Vermont's constitution required every member of the House to vow belief in Christ and profess a protestant faith. John Jay, the 1st Chief Justice of the USSC, stated choice of our rulers, our duty, privilege, and interest of our Christian nation is to prefer Christian leadership.

Use of the word "God" in reverence: The name of God is invoked. When His name is used in singular, it is presumed to include the Trinity.

The Declaration of Independence should have been called the Declaration of DEpendence on God. Our rights come from God, not the government. Man can't take away our rights because he didn't give them.

The U.S. Constitution uses the phrase "in the year of our Lord" (Anno Domini) to indicate the date.

Absence of contrary declarations: There is no repudiation of Christianity found.

Establishment of Christian Chaplains in the military: The original range of service was Christianity.

American population: (1890) One-third of the population was directly connected to a Christian teaching or church. Ben Franklin, whom many call a "deist" actually quoted the Bible. Thomas Jefferson, also referred to as a "deist" offered an historic call for prayer. He wrote to Europeans advice for immigrating to the new country: "Atheism is unknown, infidelity rare and secret, bad examples to youth are rare."

Acceptance of the Bible: Two hundred fifty million copies of the Bible. No further comment needed here.

Beyond dispute: Justice Brewer presented no doubtful facts. His evidence is 100% historically true. The laws and customs of the U.S. are based on Moses and Christ. The Bible is the guide of life. Christian doctrines are accepted as comfort in times of sorrow. Government Establishment of the Thanksgiving holiday, calls for fasting and prayers, recognition of Christmas, promotion of Sunday school for children, and Christian literature.

God alone deserves the glory for His part in creating this nation. He gives us a potential for greatness. We are a city on a hill because of our Christian roots.

Satan wants to erase the historical truths of our beginning. By removing our Godly heritage, he takes away the moral compass. We must remember from where we have fallen. From Harvard's motto: In Christi Gloriam to California's law demanding schools to teach students about homosexuality (but forbidding them to teach the truth our founding fathers). We have indeed plummeted a great distance.

Any country can be great if God has His place of authority.

Any church can be great if God has His place of authority.

Any person can be great if God has His place of authority.

Let us reclaim this nation for Christ.

Tampa Police in "Obedient Heart"

A scene from Chapter Five in "Obedient Heart"

Jennifer tapped her fingers against the phone. Should she call the police? A man ringing her doorbell and running off wasn't a crime. But if that man had driven by her house, followed her, then come to her door, well...that was a different story, wasn't it?

She picked up the phone and dialed the non-emergency number. "Tampa Police Department, Operator Eighty-Six." The woman's confident voice reminded Jennifer of a female Jack Webb.

"I don't know how to report this," Jennifer said.

"Just start at the beginning, ma'am."

"Okay." Jennifer took a deep breath. "Earlier this evening, two men in a van drove by my house. And then I went out with...um, I went out." No need to bring up her botched blind date. "I saw the van following me. I think it was the same one. And a few minutes ago, one of the men came to my front door. So, I don't know. Is this a prowler, a prankster, or a stalker?"

"I'll send a patrol car out to you. What's your name and address?"

Five minutes later, the patrol car drove by twice before pulling to the curb in front of her house. The officer walked to her porch, pausing to shine his flashlight through the shrubs before climbing the steps to ring her doorbell.

Jennifer opened the door to let him into the foyer. Another patrol car pulled to the curb, and an officer climbed out of the vehicle.

**************************************************************************

Our protagonist, Jennifer Ryaan, lives on Davis Islands, a neighborhood sprinkled with eclectic businesses and homes. D. P. Davis dredged up these islands in the 1920s from two small islets: "Little Grassy Key" and "Big Grassy Key" where Tampa Bay meets the Hillsborough River. He purchased the land for $350,000.00 and later sold three hundred of the original lots for over $1 million. He didn't live to see the growth and development of his islands. In October 1926, he was lost at sea during a transatlantic voyage. Another lesson in "you can't take it with you."

The homes range from modest 1920s bungalows to the infamous "St. Jetersburg," the nickname the news media gave Derek Jeter's mansion on Bahama Circle. Jennifer would never meet the famous baseball player since her modest brick ranch-style home, built in the '60s, is on the east side of the island facing the shipping canal. Bahama Circle is on the west side, which has direct access to either the Hillsborough River or the bay. I used the theft of my husband's bicycle to research the quick response to Jennifer's call for police. Tom had left the shed door open while he ran inside the house to get a tool. It took five minutes for a thief to move my bike out of the way (how insulting!) and steal Tom's Schwinn. The phone call I made to the police, and their quick response, was similar to the scene above. The thief must have beamed up to the Enterprise for the two patrol cars to have missed him.

The officer who took the report sympathized with us that, since the bicycle's value was under $500, the theft was considered a misdemeanor. That meant they wouldn't assign the major case squad to investigate. {sigh}

In the fifteen years Tom and I have lived in South Tampa, this was our first experience with a neighborhood crime. I was so impressed with the two officers' quick response to our call, as well as their professionalism, that I wanted to boast about Tampa's Finest in my novel.

(Tampa police photos taken from www.tampagov.net/dept_police)

The Brunchery in "Obedient Heart"

The Brunchery Restaurant & Catering, owned and operated by Greg Elliott, is located at 3225 S. MacDill Avenue in South Tampa.

***********************

Another snapshot from my novel "Obedient Heart."

...the waitress approached with their beverages. She pulled out her pad to take their orders.

"I'll have the chicken quiche and salad, please." Jennifer smiled and handed her the menu.

"And you, sir?"

Jack's gaze remained focused on Jennifer. "I'll have the same, please."

Jennifer grinned at Jack. "Do real men eat quiche?"

"Of course." He brandished his fork like sword. "But with a manly fork." He set the utensil down and rested his forearms on the table. "So, they caught only one of the men?"

"Yes. He won't give up his partner, so it means the battle isn't over yet." She stroked the glass of tea with her fingers before picking it up. "Surveillance will continue. It's so frustrating having this hanging over my head all the time."

************************************

The Brunchery is a perfect setting for this lunch scene. My Professional Women's Bible study meets here every Friday morning from 6:45 - 7:45. Yes, that's in the A.M.! Twelve to fourteen of us gather together for a study in the Word before work as guests of owner Greg Elliot. He graciously opens his doors for us, and even provides the coffee. I wanted to reward his kindness by mentioning his restaurant in my novel, and the characters were happy to accommodate me. According to the restaurant website, (http://www.brunchery.com/) South Tampa News (a regional section of the Tampa Tribune) voted The Brunchery as a top choice of best place for breakfast/brunch. No surprise there. The outstanding service and eclectic fare keep locals (and out-of-towners) coming back for more. Even the President of the United States ordered a catered lunch from The Brunchery on a visit to Tampa. Greg provided more than 1,000 sandwiches in a day's notice. I bet he did it without breaking a sweat, too!

Jack and Jennifer will visit the Brunchery again in the novel's sequel (still in its cocoon). In the meantime, you can find me there Friday morning at 6:45 with my Bible open. I'll be the one with the mug of decaf.