Eleven Cats in One Room

Guarding the Issues of our Heart

Whitney's cats (Callie and Theresa) had kittens within one week of each other. Comfortably housed within her room are 11 cats (well, 9 of those are to-be-cats) and a litter box. All 9 have names.


No one said anything about this situation the first month, though everyone knew when Whitney's door was open; you could smell the aroma of cat (ugh!) From time to time I would hear some one call out, “Whitney, close your door!” for air quality control. The situation only grew worse.


Despite her best efforts, Whitney slowly began to realize she was in a dilemma  These kittens were getting bigger and every time her door was opened, several little rascals at a time would make a “mad dash” of escape! Whitney's innocent euphoria was giving way to sober apprehension, knowing that when these 'little' cats became a nuisance...out they went! It was only a matter of time, their days were numbered. :) Some cats may have nine lives, but Whitney's darlings did not live them out in our house. We have only one cat today.

What are the issues of life, behind the closed door of my heart?

“Keep thy heart with all diligence: 
for out of it are the 
issues of life.” Prov. 3:23

In the same way Whitney daily watched and cared for her “issues”, do I give as much care to mine?


I have too often experienced the nuisance of some one “letting out” their complaints without allowing their thoughts first to be seasoned with grace and faith. I believe Solomon understood that all “the issues of life” are best dealt with by guarding them with the help of the One who never lacks wisdom. Paul saw this too..

Don’t worry over anything whatever; tell God every detail of your needs in earnest and thankful prayer, and the peace of God which transcends human understanding, 
will keep constant guard 
over your hearts and minds 
as they rest in Christ Jesus.

Phil. 4:6-7

 J.B.Phillips

Paul goes on to tell us what “issues” we can allow out of the room... “whatsoever is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, if there be any virtue, any praise...these things”

"God has given us two ears, but one tongue, to show that we should be swift to hear, but slow to speak.  God has double fence before the tongue, the teeth and the lips, to teach us to be wary that we offend not with our tongue."  ~Thomas Watson

Hymn by Anna L. Waring in 1850
Father, I know that all my life
Is portioned out for me,
And the changes that are sure to come
I do not fear to see;
I ask Thee for a present mind,
Intent on pleasing Thee.
I would not have the restless will
That hurries to and fro,
Seeking for some great thing to do
Or secret thing to know;
I would be treated as a child
And guided where I go.
Wherever in the world I am,
In whatsoever estate,
I have a fellowship with hearts
To keep and cultivate.

Heavenly Father, teach me how to keep and cultivate, what your bring to me today, knowing that Your nearness, is my Good.  May the meditation of my heart and the words of my mouth, be acceptable in Your sight....

Whitney's first kittens...

This one of Benjamin was taken around the time period of the writing above. He is 19 years old now.  Here he is holding one of the 9 that made a mad dash.  Poor kitty!  A good example of what happens to "issues unchecked"...:)