I BELIEVE MOST OF YOU ALL KNOW GARFIELD, that adorable and funny character who brings us smiles and laughs! Most you who know of him may have fond memories of watching his antics with Jon and Odie like I did (and do)!

So who is Cathy?

You know friends, it always good to stir up joyful and happy memories (there is a difference between the two) which can revive attitudes when that old serpent tries (as always!) to get you  down, despondent…

NOTE:
Whether you think so or not; it is a choice to choose depression. I am not saying grief: I am saying depression…

Selah.

Cathy is a lady I worked with long ago. In fact, it was about 1982 or 1983 – so that’s right about forty-two years ago. I’ll never forget Cathy! She was beautiful, fun, and very sweet! She gave me Garfield…
You see, over forty years ago Cathy gave me an adorable, porcelain Christmas ornament of Garfield wearing a green muffler, riding on a candy cane sled.

I am telling you, for over forty years when we decorate our tree (remember: married in 1979) that Garfield ornament is one of my favorites…  Granted, it is very, very cute! But the better thing is (and I’m sure you know) is that it makes me always remember Cathy! So I think of her every year!!!

Cathy was about my age back then (twenty-six.) She had somewhat dark hair, a slim and attractive figure, and these beautiful green eyes which I will never forget! She also would bring in once in a while her nephew. Cathy is White and her nephew was (perhaps) Black. She was so proud of him and good to him! I loved that about her!! She loved to show him off and make sure he got loving attention from the rest of us! Cathy is very smart!

SO AT THIS TIME OF YEAR when people are acutely aware of being more patient, loving, giving, and generous it’s always heartwarming to stir up our emotions of gratitude! Love and gratitude first to God Almighty for the love He has for mankind and all the blessings He has given His children (plus the longsuffering He has for sinners)! Secondly, people loving people His part of His great plan:

 

Matthew 22:35-40
One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

 

Christmas is about this love.

Selah.

Only foolish people make it otherwise.

Christmas is a time God wants us to rejoice! (Like every day!)

For all those  you don’t keep in contact with at this point, pray for them if they’re still alive. If you’re not sure, tell God that! He knows! I myself will pray for people who I never see on Earth now and add, asking God if they are still alive on Earth. (We are not to talk to or pray for the dead.)

Selah.

Yes, Cathy is on my heart every year at this time! She did an awesome thing for me just through a funny little Garfield ornament! I am so ever thankful that this precious ornament, a memory of love, has never been and will never will be broken!

 

 

SCRIPTURES REGARDING THIS JOY STORY:

 

 

GOD IS LONGSUFFERING FOR THE SINNER

 

2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

 

 

DAILY REJOICE IN THE LORD

 

Nehemiah 8:10
Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

 

 

HARMONY THOUGH CHRIST JESUS

 

1 John 4:14-21
This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit.  And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God.  And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.

God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.  This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus.  There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

We love because he first loved us.  Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.