No Regrets

Looks like this is gonna be one of those nights when my mind won't shut down. Way too much swirling around in there and of course those thoughts have to go somewhere so here they are.

This past week has served up a heaping helping of reality to me, my family and friends. On Monday, my daughter Mandy buried a friend and co-worker, Becki just 24 years old and the mother of a 7 day old baby girl. An aggressive bacteria stole this young mother from her baby girl and husband of one year just 7 days after giving birth. My daughter asked why God would take someone so young? Why would God take a mother from her baby? I wasn't sure how to answer. I tried to find words that would offer some comfort, telling her that I believe every person is given a purpose in life and that perhaps Becki's purpose was to bring this little girl into the world and perhaps she will one day do something great. Truth is this is one of those questions I guess we have to reserve for God himself. Only He knows the answer.

Then tonight I received word that our family had lost Josh, my cousins 28 year old son and the father of an 8 year old, by a tragic accident. A trailer fell on him, REALLY? How do you make sense of that? This is the kind of story that I would normally read and say, "Wow, you never know how you're gonna go when your time is up." On the heels of this loss, I learned my Uncle had a stroke and another cousin a miscarriage. Loss after loss, suffering and more suffering...and I began to wonder....What are You trying to tell us God?

On Facebook today, my "God wants you to know" message was as follows:
that when whispers do not get your attention, bricks will fly your way. Don't speed through life so fast that someone has to throw a brick at you to get your attention. Slow down and be present.
Think that might be what He's trying to say? The fact is sometimes life gets in the way of things that should be too important to neglect. I don't know too many people who when asked what regrets they have would say that they wished they had been busier. No, they always say they wish they had more time. Time...something we are not guaranteed more of, so why waste it.

Yesterdays are history and can't be gotten back; today is a present, a gift to be enjoyed and tomorrow isn't guaranteed; isn't that why they say "don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today?" Tomorrow may never come. Sad, but so very true. Think about it, if we knew we wouldn't have a tomorrow, what would we want to do today? Would there be someone you need to forgive? Is there someone that you need to tell just how much they mean to you? Is there someone who you need to ask forgiveness from? Like Tim McGraw's song says, "live like you were dying"--"talk sweeter", "love deeper", "give forgiveness you've been denying" and if you're so inclined, "ride a bull name Fu Man Chu".

Harsh reality is none of us know when our time on earth is gonna end. I say don't waste time being angry when you can make the choice for happiness; don't hold grudges when you can choose to forgive; don't deny love out of the fear of being hurt; hug your children tighter and watch them sleep a little longer; tell your family and friends you love them even when you don't like them and remember to praise God for all things in this life.
LIVE TODAY WITH NO REGRETS! Tomorrow is not a given. And don't stop trying to find your Purpose!
Choosing to live with no regrets,
God bless,
CAT

I Have Arrived in Bloggers World

Hello everybody!
Well, I never thought that I would one day be blogging for the whole world to see, but here I am, thanks to the encouragement of some who have read some of my writings on other forums.  Writing is always something I have enjoyed. I find it almost theraputic at times; an outlet for the thoughts that swirl in my head and weigh heavy on my heart.  Sometimes these thoughts come from a personal experience but most of the time I believe they are thoughts that God has put on my heart to share with others. Perhaps there is someone, somewhere who needed to hear that message at that particular time. So forgive me if there seems to be no rhyme or reason to my topics. One thing I can assure you is that I put nothing out that I haven't asked God to bless first. I hope with my writings to offer some inspiration, clarification, maybe a tear and hopefully alot of laughter. If I can positively touch one person with what I write then I feel I have served God's purpose for me.
Since, I "dumped" the thoughts swirling in my head in a previous post on another forum, I am reposting it as my official First Blog for Cat's Chat. I'm sorry if you find it a bit of a downer for an opener, but it relates to what is going on right here and right now in my life.  Again, my thoughts, I pray, blessed by God.

I hope you will continue to follow me.  Who knows, maybe you'll read something that can make a difference, even just a little.
Until next time,
God bless,
Cat