A Generous and Sleepy Christmas

"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously." 2 Corinthians 9:6

It was a great joy to have Christmas with my family yesterday. They gave generously and appreciated my very cheap little gifts.

Of course this is the same with Jesus. He gave us the spiritual gifts of love, peace and mercy, and gave up his life for our gain. We can only give back so little and, for me, it has been even smaller than for others because of my mental health.

The presents I got were all wonderful. From my father and stepmother I got the dress I am wearing in the photo and a lovely cat brooch also a pedometera, lavender hand cream, a book about religion and politics (Seven Ways to Change the World by Jim Ellis) and a diary. From my sister Elspeth I got a zigsaw puzzle and the book which has taken the world by storm Twilight by Stephenie Myer. From my sister Julia I got some soap and from my Nanna I got Island magazine.

I would also like to thank my friend Edwina for a poetry book, Debbie and family for a camera accessory, Debbie's daughter Jasmine for an animal calendar and my friend Raija for a kitten calender.

I would also like to thank all those people who wished me a Merry Christmas by text, email and cards. May God bless you all.

Christmas is usually my favourite time of year but this year I went to sleep for half the day. I'm not sure why I was so tired but it just happened. It was disappointing for me because I didn't get to spend as much time with my family as I wanted.

We were able to reflect together, however, on the details of Jesus' birth and what that means. Their opinions were different to mine. I am convinced that it was both an historical and spiritual event that changed the course of history. Because of this conviction I spent time in the morning in Bible study, reflection and prayer.

Anyway I hope you all had a great Christmas and I look forward to catching up with most of you in the next few weeks.

God Bless

Amber

In Memory of Kafka (Kaffy) Meredith

As most of you are probably aware my beloved cat Kaffy was run over by a car and died last Tuesday. I was devastated. We had the funeral yesterday and that gave me some relief and a sense of closure.

This quote sums up how I felt about Kaffy: "To others she may seem just a common little moggy, but to me she is my friend, confidante and comfort." Author Unknown.

Kaffy was a dear companion, a comfort in my distress and a friend always. I loved Kaffy dearly and spent many hours cuddling her and enjoying her company. She was calm, friendly and affectionate and always made my friends and family welcome. Many non-cat lovers - such as my friends Melonie Smith and Yvonne Wilkins - changed their minds when they met Kaffy. She will be sadly missed by many people.

I have placed a cat ornament and plastic flowers in the garden in memory of her. These are pictured.

My thanks go to all the people who helped me look after Kaffy - especially Rohan and Anthea, my stepmother Merridy, Tracey, Debbie and Tony and Kate.

My thanks also goes to all those who attended the funeral - Fiona, Kerri, Kate, Edwina, Heather, Yvonne and Owen.

After advice by various people I intend getting a new, fully grown cat in late January.

In the meantime I have my memories of a truly remarkable and exceptionally loving friend and companion.

God Bless you all.

Amber

The most beautiful cat in the world

"A cat will make itself the companion of your hours of work, of loneliness, or of sadness." Theophile Gautier.

Next year marks the tenth year of Kafka ''Kaffy'' Meredith and the sixth year since I became her servant.

I have not been a very good servant and often other people have had to help me care for her. Thankfully she has not been

taken by the RSPCA.

Kaffy has, however, been a wonderful master. If I am sad she cuddles me. If she needs food or water she lets me know. And visitors to the house are always made welcome.

Kaffy loves people. She is not discriminating at all - any available lap will soon be taken. She is affectionate and easy going.

So this is a public thank you to Kaffy herself for being easy to live with and compassionate and to all those people who helped me take care of her properly.

God Bless

Amber