Clive, my 23-pound tabby hunk of feline love, teaches me life lessons every day. I thought it was high time that I shared his words with you.

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What is my favorite thing other than loving my parents? It’s my parents Isagenix protein shakes. I love them. I go crazy for them. I hear the blender and I run from anywhere in the apartment to come make sure that I get some of it.

As my parents make it, I get right behind them and beg on my hind legs. I lean on my mom or dad’s legs as one of them blends this delightful concoction. They make me get down and wait, but then I start meowing at the top of my lungs.

Why? Because I don’t give up. I am not a quitter. I howl and cry and howl until they give me a little bit in a small bowl.

And, why do they give it me? Because it’s delicious and nutritious. They wish they hadn’t let me taste it in the first place, but since I am overweight and they both lost weight drinking these shakes, they thought it might work on me too.

I don’t think I’ve lost any weight because they only give me small amounts—a few licks—they drink more than 8 ounces twice a day. But I don’t care. I am passionate about Isagenix because it tastes so good! I admit, I am kind of driven by my appetite. After all, I am a cat, I don’t know any better. What about you?

Applications for Life and Business 

What are you passionate about? Are you driven by behaviors that are good for you? Are you persistent when something that you want is so close that you can taste it?

Today I had a large project that I have wanted to do for quite sometime, and I finally found someone to partner with to make it possible to get it done. That possibility that it was so close kept me motivated to keep going even though it took hours longer than I thought and was having huge technical difficulties. Like Clive going after our protein shakes, I kept pushing (along with some howling) until I got through.

So let me encourage you today, don’t give up as you face challenges if you are striving for something good. It generally gets the most difficult just as you are about to break through the barriers. Your goal may just be attainable with one more try.

Spiritual Insight
If you are tired or discouraged, ask God to help you keep going. 

 “So let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith” (Gal. 6:9–10, The Message).

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Loral, Clive’s mom, in addition to being everywhere Clive is, is a professional writer and editor who helps authors and businesses get whatever message is in their heads out to their target audiences. If you need help crafting a creative campaign, evaluating your content or completing a book, blog or other materials, check out her services at cowriterpro.com. 

Clive, my 23-pound tabby hunk of feline love, teaches me life lessons every day. I thought it was high time that I shared his words with you.

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I am so happy. My family and I are celebrating two special occasions today. I am posting earlier so that more of you can see how happy I am sooner. (Many of you don’t see what I write until the next day, since my mom usually posts what I say at night).

Representing My Kind Well

First, we are celebrating because it is National Cat Day. Happy cats unite!

My dad says that in general, it seems that men aren’t fans of felines. I’m out to change that travesty today, especially on National Cat Day. He also says that if more men knew me, they might give more cats a chance.

That’s because I am just pleasant to be around, Daddy says. I am a loving, loyal companion. I am funny. I get myself in all kinds of positions. I show off and I pose for the camera. I make all kinds of noises…satisfied purr snorts and grunts, light sighs, soft wimpers, and harrowing howls. Probably my most common noise is an agreeable meow…this is my way of talking back when my parents are conversing or hanging out with me.

Enjoying Victories

My parents and I have been hanging out so much in the evenings lately, watching the Royals play in the playoffs and now the World Series. So far my mom’s hometown team has won two games World Series Games! Only two more wins and they will be champions!

I get to stay up really late and sit on the couch with them all night because they are glued to the TV. We never watch TV, so my eyes are fixated on the TV too…I chase that fast ball with my eyes and watch those little guys move. Every so often, my parents even jump up and down. It’s fun to see them so excited at the time of day when they have already normally put me to bed.

Not only do I love the Royals because they do, but I have another reason too!  I doubly love them because of my “Royal” heritage. I am named after a British theologian (Clive Staples or C.S. Lewis), and his queen, the Queen of England, is a Royal. Therefore, according to various online sources, the Queen of England also loves the Royals.

Of course she does! She is one classy lady. Her pictures in blue Royals garb are all over the Internet.

I don’t have the Queen’s wardrobe budget, but I am going to get some kind of Royals gear this year. Maybe I’ll get a Royals shirt instead of a Halloween costume. I don’t want to be scary, I want to be supportive and keep enjoying the victories!

Applications for Life

What special moments and pastimes are you celebrating today? Why celebrate your furry friends or cheer on your favorite team? You just may find joy appreciating God’s creation or  commemorating victorious moments.

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Loral, Clive’s mom, is a professional writer and editor who helps authors and businesses get whatever message is in their heads out to their target audiences. If you need help crafting a creative campaign, evaluating your content or completing a book, blog or other materials, check out her services at cowriterpro.com. 

Clive, my 23-pound tabby hunk of feline love, teaches me life lessons every day. I thought it was high time that I shared his words with you.

After I have sufficiently loved on my mom until about mid-morning, I start to seek a new adventure. I go exploring in all the nooks and crannies in the apartment. I start with under the table. I love scratching my paws against the blue carpet to try to show my manliness. Even though I no longer have my claws, I still strengthen my bulging biceps.

I also love going under the couch bed. I get under the covers but I still peek out…at least with a claw or something.

What’s so attractive about seeking out a nook or getting into a cranny? 

• I like to squeeze my body into spaces that are just my size, just to challenge myself to see if I can do it. After all, a dog couldn’t do that.
• I like to peek out without anybody knowing where I am.
• I like a change of scenery.
• I like to pretend that I can go to another world.
• I like a cozy place to take a snooze.
• I like how it makes me feel safe and protected.

I know that my parents are the same way. Sometimes, when they go on their own adventures, they check out the nooks and crannies too. You can read about those adventures in my daddy’s blog, Hiking With Your Honey.

No matter how much I like being in nooks and crannies, I long to return to my wherever my parents are. I may be unlike other cats because I feel that way. But to me, their love and affection is better than hanging out by myself any day.

Applications for Life and Business

Have you explored a nook or cranny lately? Perhaps a change of scenery could be just what you need to get a different perspective to help you overcome a challenging obstacle. Or, perhaps you just need a brain break and a little snooze.

Spiritual Insight

When we intentionally get away from our everyday to seek God, He meets us there. In fact, he encourages us to dwell with him in the ultimate secret place—hidden in His love. “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1, NKJV).

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Loral, Clive’s mom, is a professional writer and editor who helps authors and businesses get whatever message is in their heads out to their target audiences. If you need help crafting a creative campaign, evaluating your content or completing a book, blog or other materials, check out her services at cowriterpro.com. 

Clive, my 23-pound tabby hunk of feline love, teaches me life lessons every day. I thought it was high time that I shared his words with you.

Yesterday I mentioned that my parents finally got the hint and moved my litter box to where I like it. They put it in the hallway. I also like my litter box without a lid so that I can maneuver easily to cover my tracks. (Like I said, I can’t cover it well with the lid on because there isn’t enough room for my burly body).

Taking Out The Trash. But, I don’t let my trash pile up. If my parents don’t get rid of my waste in a timely manner, I take my business elsewhere. We have a deal—I go in my box, and they clean it. It’s simple. If they don’t keep their end of the bargain, they get to pick up my trash from someplace they don’t think is a trash repository—like the carpet.

Keeping Groomed. I am very clean. That’s why my mom let’s me get my gunk out of my eyes, because that’s they only place I can’t clean on my own. Every morning, I take a bath, starting with my paws, face, and then proceed to my entire body. It just makes me feel better and ready for my day.

Staying Fueled. I never have a problem with this one. I love to eat, and I do it each day to get me going. I then have plenty of energy for loving my parents as they get ready, for inspiring my mom to write during the day, and greeting my daddy after he comes home from the office.

Applications for Life and Business

Just like taking care of Clive, I’ve learned that it’s best to address the sticky issues before they get worse. I wish that I could ignore these difficulties, but that only makes the problem worse. I’ve also learned that I perform better in a tidy environment, even though I am not as much of a neat freak as Clive is. And finally, after many years of working through lunch, I have learned to not let myself get hungry, and to stay hydrated. Taking care of myself is a best strategy I have for the highest productivity.

Life can be difficult enough as it throws us unexpected curve balls. Are you doing your best with what you can by taking care of the basics to make you the most effective? It may be the simple things that can help keep you grounded.

Loral, Clive’s mom, is a professional writer and editor who helps authors and businesses get whatever message is in their heads out to their target audiences. If you need help crafting a creative campaign, evaluating your content or completing a book, blog or other materials, check out her services at cowriterpro.com. 

Clive, my 23-pound tabby hunk of feline love, teaches me life lessons every day. I thought it was high time that I shared his words with you

Conventional Placement Doesn’t Always Work

My parents finally gave in and moved my litter box (at least during the daytime) to the hallway. I like it there. I don’t like it being back in a corner behind the laundry room door, because I have to go too far away from them to get in there. I like to be able to see and hear everything that is going on. The laundry is also sometimes running during the day, and the noise scares me while I am doing my business.

I expressed my need for my box to be moved in the clearest way I know how: by leaving my poop in the hallway on the carpet.

Once they gave in and moved my box each morning, we were both happy. I could go where we both wanted: in the hallway in my box!

One Size Does Not Fit All

Another breakthrough with my box happened after I had a neighbor come in and check on me when mom and dad were out of town. She noticed something that my parents hadn’t noticed, just because they see me everyday and everything about me is familiar to them

Our neighbor saw that I was struggling inside my box to cover my tracks. You see, I am about twice as large as most cats. The litter boxes with lids are made for average-sized cats, generally under 15 pounds. But I am a special more-than-20-pound hunk of feline love! I am a bigger—but I also believe that I have an extra special loving heart.

When the neighbor shared my struggle with my parents, they took the lid of my box off. It was so liberating! Now I can cover up my droppings like a cat is wired to do! My job is easier because I can move my body around as I need to—even with my unique differences.

Applications for Life and Business

Have you ever felt the need to change things up to get a fresh perspective? Have you ever thought your were trapped or caged by boxes that aren’t your shape? Maybe it is time to step out and try a different sized box. And, although it isn’t wise to turn your life upside down in a day, it may be time to try baby steps in a new direction to help you plan out a new course.

After years of prayer and struggle in a traditional career path, I moved out of state for a different life and I launched into a new direction of freelance writing and editing, both of which better suit me.

Within a year of making these changes, I met my husband, who I had always prayed for. He has enabled my new direction to be sustained. I, in turn, have the time and energy to meet his needs in a way that is most meaningful to him—with the gift of flexibility. A small business is not for everyone—and it doesn’t always pay well—but it is working now, in this season, for us.

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Loral, in addition to being Clive’s mom, helps authors and businesses get whatever messages are in their heads out to their target audiences. If you need help crafting a creative campaign, evaluating your content or completing a book, blog or other materials, check out her services at cowriterpro.com. 

Clive, my 23-pound tabby hunk of feline love, teaches me life lessons every day. I thought it was high time that I shared his words with you.

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I comfort my parents when they don’t feel good. Today my mom had to lie down because she wasn’t feeling well. I can always tell, somehow. I know I just need to lay there with her, and  I gently lick her hands. I then nestle my head in her hand, and go to sleep with her. I know that just my presence and companionship helps her rest comfortably.

I serve as a second alarm clock. Sometimes my parents are still tired when they know it is time to get up early in the morning during the week. Daddy comes to wake me up and to let me out of my room because I wake up easier than mommy does. Then, he goes back and gently snuggles with her to make starting the day seem a little easier. The only problem is, that when he is still tired, sometimes he falls back asleep when he gets back in bed to comfort her. But, thankfully, I know that they are supposed to be up.

I meow at the door and tell them it is time for our morning couch time. That’s when we read Scripture and pray over our day, and listen to what God may be saying to us. If they don’t hear me meow, I jump up on the bed, climb on top of them and meow in their ears. Then, they finally get up, and our day can get started.

I make happy noises when I sleep, encouraging my parents to rest when they need it. Many cats are nocturnal, but I am not. Once it is dark and I have enjoyed my evening meal, I want go to sleep. My parents, on the other hand, begin to write their blogs. They sit up in their bed, and I lie at their feet. I make happy noises as I dream about them petting me, enjoying another meal or maybe having other courageous cat adventures. I think that when they see me relaxed and comfortable, it makes them want to finish. They are reminded to push through what they have to get done, but to also remember that only so much can be done in a day. Soon they finish their blogs—and call it a night.

I have done my part once again.

Applications for Life

Some days—especially on the weekends—your “part” may be rest and recovery. Even if you are up against a deadline, you may be best served by recharging your batteries. What recharges you? What do you find restful? Do you have enough “scheduled” rest time? The alarm clock of Monday morning or other times of “must do now” will inevitably come, so take down time as often as you need it. After all, Clive does!

Spiritual Insight

“By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work” (Genesis 2:2, NIV).

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Loral, in addition to being Clive’s mom, does her part as  a professional writer and editor. She helps authors and businesses get whatever message is in their heads out to their target audiences. If you need help crafting a creative campaign, evaluating your content or completing a book, blog or other materials, check out her services at cowriterpro.com. 

Clive, my 23-pound tabby hunk of feline love, teaches me life lessons every day. I thought it was high time that I shared his words with you.

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OK, I’m awake again after maybe 10 catnaps in the last 24 hours. So, let me see—here’s part two of me telling you what I do to “do my part” in my family.

I provide constant companionship. Before my mom moved to Tennessee, she didn’t have a cat, and she worked in an office rather than at home. When she decided to stay home after she got married to start her own editing and writing business, she was worried about feeling lonely. Well, I take care of that. I am with her all day—I am touching her legs right now!

I entertain and converse. Since my mom doesn’t talk to other humans during the business day until my daddy gets home, she entertains herself with all the dialog you are now reading between us. I am thinking that this blog may turn into a book if she keeps recording all of my insightful thoughts.

I converse with my daddy too. He talks to me as he gets ready, feeds me in the mornings and puts me to bed at night. Sometimes my mommy get confused when she hears him talking to me. After my daddy is talking to me sometimes, she will say, “What did you say, baby?” She only calls him baby, so I know she is talking to him, and I am not a baby…I am full grown, thank you very much!

I show—and allow—affection. I’ve already told you about the extensive jumping up in my parents’ laps and how I constantly follow them around. But I haven’t mentioned “mamma sandwiches.” When my mom wants to show me her love, she lays her head on top of me, and I just purr. She doesn’t squash me, and I am big, so I can take it. I’m including a picture so you can see below.

I beg for food to keep my parents weight down. My parents, who were both in really good shape when they met, found a few pounds in their first year of marriage. Since they have to put on their fur and they don’t want to have to buy bigger sizes, they have to watch their food intake. I beg for food before they finish. I do love food, but I am really just helping them with their personal goals. It’s the least I could do for all they do for me.

Wow. I’m getting tired reading all I do again. Time for another snooze. Good night.

Spiritual Insights

God gives all of us roles suited just for how He created us. Clive has been given the important tasks described above. If you are like me, you may not always feel like you understand why you are called to do what you are called to do during certain seasons of life, but if you know what your current part it, God calls you to do it with excellence. God is pleased when you do your part joyfully. When you do, His love shines through you.

“Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17, NKJV).

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works” (Ephesians 2:10, NKJV).

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Loral, in addition to being Clive’s mom, does her part as  a professional writer and editor. She helps authors and businesses get whatever message is in their heads out to their target audiences. If you need help crafting a creative campaign, evaluating your content or completing a book, blog or other materials, check out her services at cowriterpro.com. 

Clive, my 23-pound tabby hunk of feline love, teaches me life lessons every day. I thought it was high time that I shared his words with you.

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I, Clive the Cat, do my part to be useful, entertaining and loving to my parents. I don’t know why I do what I do—I’m just a cat, after all. But today I’d thought I’d share with you what I do. My mom seems to find some kind of lesson from everything—I’m kind of glad she has someone else to talk about them too now.

I am a bookstand. When my parents get up in the morning, they read devotional books and the Bible. I like to be right in the middle of the action, and their laps are only big enough for either the books or for me. So, what’s our solution? They lay the books on my back. As long as they scratch under my chin when they read, I am totally fine with it. I love hearing their voices as they read, pray and learn.

I bow my head and cross my paws in prayer. As my parents pray, I lower my head and cross my. That’s what they do, and I want to be like them, so I imitate them. I humble myself with them, and I usually wait until they are done before I get up.

I come running when I am called. This behavior is unlike most other felines, so I am told. When I hear my parent’s say my name, I can’t help but running to them. I love jumping onto their laps and letting them pet me. I love their companionship.

I have much more to say, but it is time for one of my naps. I think I’ll elaborate on the other ways I “do my part” in days to come.

Applications for life and business

How do you provide foundational support (like a bookstand) to others in your household, business or community in the midst of activities that they have orchestrated? Are you patient and helpful as you wait until its time for you to do something that may be more beneficial to you?

Spiritual Insights

Are you taking the time necessary to listen and let God lead into something that is bigger than you? Is he telling you to be still? Or is He saying that its time to get up and run? If you are not sure, ask him to quiet your mind as you wait for an answer. “

“Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know” (Jeremiah 33:3, NKJV).

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Loral, Clive’s mom, is a professional writer and editor who helps authors and businesses get whatever message is in their heads out to their target audiences. If you need help crafting a creative campaign, evaluating your content or completing a book, blog or other materials, check out her services at cowriterpro.com. 

Clive, my 23-pound tabby hunk of feline love, teaches me life lessons every day. I thought it was high time I shared his words with you.

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Fearing New Situations. One time my parents took me, Clive the Cat, to some of their friends to house sit and care for another creature of my kind—yes, they were caring for another cat. Everything since the beginning of this adventure had been scary. Watching my parents pack was scary because they were going to leave, but then I was relieved for a moment because they took me with them. Riding in a car was scary because we were so much closer to those monsters I see from  our patio. The car got a little better when my mom decided to hold me outside of my cage, though. Then, being put back into the cage and being carried to a strange new house was scary.

Vocalizing Anguish. I let my parents know under no uncertain terms that I didn’t like all this change with my deep howls and allowing my hair to stand up on end. But none of the previous events were as scary as encountering a fluffy white creature with green eyes once the door of the new home was opened and my cage was set down on the floor.

Would my parents love him more than me? Why were they petting him? I hissed at him through my cage and roared at him with a growl 10 times deeper than the ones I had uttered up to this point.

Observing a Different Reaction. But he—I heard my parents call him Ivan—wasn’t looking at me. In fact, he wasn’t flinching at all. He just kept looking up as my daddy bent down to pet him. Ivan was even raised up on his back legs to get up to my daddy’s hand.

Lacking Understanding. How could this white creature not even be looking at me—and be in so much peace as if nothing was upsetting—when I was in so much duress?

I couldn’t understand his behavior. I learned later that Ivan is deaf.

But, then, in an instant, his demeanor changed.

My daddy walked away, and Ivan stopped looking up. Instead, he looked around only at his own level. Then he saw me. He saw my mouth moving. And his peace vanished. He realized there was an enemy in his house.

Intervening Protection from Above. But Ivan wasn’t in any danger from me. I was caged. I couldn’t hurt him—and he couldn’t hurt me. My parents kept us separated the entire time. In so doing, they kept us both safe. I am always amazed that my parents are so protective of me and that they always know what to do—and I am so thankful to have them.

Spiritual Insights

Just like Clive, we get scared anytime we encounter something new. We may even growl and complain in protest in a Clive-like manner. We might face these fears when we meet people for the first time,  go to a doctor,  move because of a job transfer or speak in public. Regardless of the circumstances we find ourselves in, God is in our midst, intervening from above.

God calls us to keep looking at Him when we don’t understand. He tells us to, “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colossians 3:2, NLT).

In Ivan’s case, he couldn’t hear something at his own level. That shows me that sometimes God keeps us from seeing the entirety of the situation for our own protection. Sometimes, we may be aware of the dangers, and God offers a way to peace. He says that we should be “Keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith” (Hebrews 12:2, NLT).

I’ve certainly found that looking up at God has kept me more peaceful than focusing on my momentary difficulties and ongoing challenges.

Applications for Life and Business

Are  new, scary or overwhelming scenarios facing you today? What has your reaction been so far? Are you at peace or are you growling in dismay? If you are growling internally or even out loud, consider a different reaction. Look up and focus on things above—and trust that God that He knows what’s best. Ask Him for wisdom and to lessen your anxiety. He will get you through the situation and make you stronger in the process.

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Loral, Clive’s mom, in addition to helping Clive look up, is a professional writer and editor who helps authors and businesses get whatever message is in their heads out to their target audiences. If you need help crafting a creative campaign, evaluating your content or completing a book, blog or other materials, check out her services at cowriterpro.com. 

Clive, my 23-pound tabby hunk of feline love, teaches me life lessons every day. I thought it was high time I shared his words with you.

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Crying Uncontrollably. I, Clive the Cat, can be crying uncontrollably for food, and pacing the hall if my parents are moving around doing something. It’s not my meal time, but I can become obsessed thinking about food.

They go down that hallway to feed me and when they get ready to leave. I get so scared that they are leaving and will forget to feed me. I wonder if I will need to contact PETA if they don’t feed me. I wonder if mom left her laptop open and I can try to find a local hotline or something.

Intervening of Others Who See Clearly. But what I don’t know is that too much of a good thing makes me sick. My parents have to ration my food—otherwise I eat too much of it. They are just concerned about me, and they don’t want me to get heart disease and die—because that would surely break their hearts.

Replacing the Desparation. I’m always amazed that Mom and Dad know me so well, though—and I’m so glad that they know what to do. They know that if I am distressed, all they have to do is to pick me up and get me back on to their laps.

Shifting My Mindset to Gratitude Changes My Outlook. Nine out of 10 times I am not really hungry and I really don’t need food. Knowing my parents love me calms me. It doesn’t matter how upset I think I am. When they pick me up and put me back on their laps, it makes me purr snort every time. I can relax. I am no longer distressed. In fact, I even start kneeding them my paws even kneed them, and then my motor roars. I now feel like a lion.

How do I suddenly shift from the deep distress of surely coming starvation to exemplifying my majestic prowess?

Because now I sit one of my parent’s laps—the best place ever—and I am comforted from whatever is wrong by just being there, knowing I am unconditionally loved.

Spiritual Insights:

Watching this transformation ministers to my frustrated, pent-up, things aren’t happening fast enough, sometimes discouraged soul. I ask God to show me how I am like Clive begging for extra meals. God says, “Come to Me, and let me support you as you rest in my arms, laying your head on My lap. Let Me show you that I’ve got this issue and you.”

He goes on to speak to my heart: “Stay snuggled up to Me, because just like you move when it is time to feed Clive, I will move you and gently scoot you up to walk you to where your next meal is. But, meantime, enjoy your place here—in my my lap—letting you lavish me in my love.” Thank you, Lord. I’m so grateful for your words.

Applications for Life and Business:

Like Clive, do you have tendencies to obsess about how much you think you want something? Perhaps God is tempering your need or want for a greater purpose. Or, perhaps the timing isn’t right.

Ask God or others for help and perspective. Comfort yourself by going somewhere or doing something else that you know is good for you. Sometimes it can be as simple as talking a walk and noticing something beautiful in creation. I just went on one. It works wonders. Start to feel thankful for that shift that takes place, and watch your spirit soar as you enjoy where you are.

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Loral, Clive’s mom, in addition to diverting Clive’s distress, is a professional writer and editor who helps authors and businesses get whatever message is in their heads out to their target audiences. If you need help crafting a creative campaign, evaluating your content or completing a book, blog or other materials, check out her services at cowriterpro.com.