by James Bowen, 2018
A sweet little book about lessons he learned from Bob, his Ginger Tom cat that he loves so much. It is an easy-read and has darling illustrations. Here are some of the lessons:
“We are all stronger together than we are apart.” He needs to go one step further and admit God into his life – the giver of all good things. “A three-cord strand is not easily broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:12.
Friendship “is not about being there every moment of the day–it’s aobut being there when it matters.”
True friends understand you and can just be there, silently present, when that’s what you need.
“We all need to be noticed. We all need to feel we are important. That we are needed.” For God so loved the world that He gave His One and Only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16.
Routines in one’s life are important – they make us feel secure.
People need to feel independent and in control of their lives. Good advice for my dealings with Mom.
“We all want to feel protected.” Yes, we are all scared little beings, but “if God is for us, who can be against us.” Romans 8:31
“We all need something to believe in…You are what I believe in, Bob.” Dear James, I’m so sorry for your hurt and pain. Remember all that you learned from Bob. He was a gift from God to you. God loves you and He cares for you.
Other things he learned from Bob – we need challenges (“insecurity”) to help us grow, learn, and have fun.
Open our eyes
There’s wonder all around us
Don’t take revenge (Revenge is mine, saith the Lord. Romans 12:19)
Don’t obsess about what you don’t have, be grateful for what you do have.
“Enjoy the Journey…Take things little by little…Don’t be ruled by fear. (Fear not for I am with you. Isaiah 41:10)
Be in the moment. Matthew 6:34 – Therefore do not worry about tomorrow…
Social interactions are important – do not be too socially isolated – even a quick chat in a shop or park – is good for you.
Do not turn away other’s love and affection.
Don’t be concerned with what other’s think of you – be yourself.
Never give up.
Something as simple as a smile and a kind word can change a life.
Music can bring bliss.
There are lots of other little tid-bits he learned from Bob. He tells cute stories about Bob with each bit of wisdom. A precious little book.
My prayer for James Bowen: Dear God, please comfort James as only You can. Help him to see and feel your love and bring him into your loving arms. Amen.
In the 3 books of his that I’ve read, he writes about encounters on the street with Christians. Each encounter was meaningful to him and sparked thoughts and wonder. I hope he chooses God in the end.