I don't remember where this quote came from, nor do I know the author, but it speaks to my heart.

In this world today, my faith in people has been so restored.  This past week, I've spoken to countless people who shared their faith with me, openly.  People who have always been more reserved.

As Christians, it isn't easy to navigate "life."  Just when we think it's safe to take a breath, another tsunami hits us.  We had a pastor one time who said, "if you're in the middle of a storm, hold on, it will pass. If you're not in a storm get on your knees and thank the Lord, but know, that one is coming."

I wish that wasn't true, but we all know that it is.

A few days ago, one of my puppies woke up with a swollen, red eye. It looked like he had cried all night long, with one eye.  Of course I called my daughter, and she knew exactly what to do.  One day later, his little eye is perfect.

I'm so thankful that he's ok. I'm blessed to have a daughter who doesn't mind being "on call", and always has the answers to my veterinary questions.  And I'm grateful to have two puppies I can love on.  My boys bring laughter and joy to my life.

During this past month, when we, as a nation have cried, worshiped, and prayed together, I feel thankful, blessed, and grateful.

My prayer is you are feeling those too.

Dr. Katt

JUST IN CASE I MOVE

 So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female he created them (Genesis 1:27, NIV).

Does that offend you? Before September 10, 2025, I might have apologized.  But the apology tour is over.  I am NOT afraid to share my thoughts, my beliefs or my FAITH.  If you don't agree with me, do not follow my blog...or read it.

I enjoy having a conversation with an adult who may disagree with my views.  A healthy conversation, where we share and listen to each other's thoughts and feelings.

I will never use the murder's name on my blog, because he has no room in my heart.  The unbelievable thing about all this is that person did not know Charlie.  Had he known him, he would have etched different words on the cowards shell casings.   Knowing, loving and respecting the man Charlie was, I believe Charlie would have forgiven the assassin.  I'm not there yet.  As a Christian, I know I don't have a choice and believe me, I am working on that.

Charlie was reaching out to young people, loving on them, meeting them where they are (accepting them) but not always agreeing with them.  That's what Charlie Kirk was all about.  Having a conversation with another person with whom you may not share the same views,  

I meet dozens of people every day of every week.  Most of them do not share my beliefs or opinions about multiple issues.  Do I ever think about killing them because of that fact?  Killing anything, even a bug, is not in my DNA.  I respect another person who has a different opinion!

Jesus taught us to love your neighbor as yourself. 

If the person who took Charlie from us thinks he was successful in silencing Charlie, I can tell you, you are dead wrong.  What you did was strengthen his supporters and followers to now take the lead.  I will not be silenced by your bullet.  I will stand up now, speaking my thoughts, sharing my love of the Lord. If you don't want to hear me, that is your right.  You don't have the right to kill me. 

I saw a post the other day that said, You can't kill a Christian, you only change their address",,,,,, Just in case I move.....

Dr. Katt

THERE IS HOPE

 Charlie Kirk died because he wasn't afraid to speak his beliefs; in a country where freedom of speech is a right we are afforded.  However, it's become, 'only if the other person agrees with you.'

The day that Charlie was murdered, I was with a client.  Text messages appear on my watch, and I received multiple messages from different people asking me to pray for Charlie because he had been shot.  It seemed only minutes before I received that fateful horrific truth, that Charlie Kirk was dead.

My heart was heavy the rest of the day.  Waking up the next morning, during my devotions praying not only for Charlie's family, but for this country I love so much, it was September 11th.  Remembering another unspeakable crime, and remembering where I was and how I felt that morning the first tower was struck. Probably like most of the rest of us, thinking it was a horrible accident, until the second tower was struck. And the nightmare that continued to unfold that day. 

People were reaching out to me these past few days for comfort and assurance that we, as a nation, and a people, Christians, will be ok.

Marnie Swedberg, founder of Christian Women Speakers, a group I have been a member of since 2008, posted one of the most beautiful,  heartfelt tributes to Charlie.  I reached out to Marnie asking her permission to use her words in this blog.  They are profound, and support my feelings. Her words were a salve to my burdened heart.  Knowing Marnie is to love her sweet soul.

Take Marnie's words to heart.....I am....

Dr. Katt

Marnie wrote:

I implore you: Now is not the time to fear or fade into the shadows. No!

STAND UP and FIGHT!
But, don't fight like people with no hope!
Don't fight other people at all!!!
LOVE, PRAY FOR, AND HUMBLY SERVE the people of America while hating the enemy behind this unthinkable evil.
Let justice do its God-given work.
Let us do ours!

Marnie Swedberg,

IT'S OK

Jane Kristen Marczewski, or "Nightbirde", as those of us who knew her from her audition on America's Got Talent. 

Few people have left the impression on me that this beautiful, sweet, soul has.  Her voice was soft and soulful. The words to the song she wrote from her heart, "It's Ok", is about her life. 

When asked how she arrived at her stage-name, "Nightbirde", she shared, "it was based on a recurring dream, in which birds sang outside my window at night in anticipation of the morning. It felt so poetic, that these birds were singing as if it were morning, and yet there was no sign of it yet, and that's what I want to embody."

Looking at the joy on her face, and her sweet smile, no one could imagine the trauma she was enduring.  Deemed cancer free in July 2018, after a 2017 breast cancer diagnosis, she learned in 2019 the cancer had returned and was given three to six months to live. She was given another 'cancer-free' diagnosis in 2020.  However, she learned that the cancer had metastasized to her lungs, spine and liver with on a 2% chance of survival.  She shared on social media, "I have a two percent chance of survival, but two percent is not zero percent.  Two percent is something, and I wish people knew how amazing it is."

She was a fellow graduate of Liberty University with a degree in marketing communications. She was originally from Zanesville, Ohio.  The young Christian started writing songs at the age of six.

Jane Kristen Marczewski, Nightbirde, passed away on February 19, 2022 at the age of 31.

One of her quotes I hold dear to my heart:  

“You can’t wait until life isn’t hard anymore until you decide to be happy.”

Rest In Peace, Nightbirde.

Dr. Katt

SIMPLE IS BEST

 I've been thinking about my dad lately, more than usual.  Probably because his birthday is near.  I miss his phone calls, having lunch with him after church every Sunday, and the way he used to tell jokes.  He would ask if you've "heard the one"...then he would use the punch line as the "identifier."

My dad was special, and unique.  He was constant, and always there for all of us.  He showed us how to love and forgive other people.  He was stubborn, but kind.  I miss him.

One year, I think it might have been his 80th birthday, we decided to have a birthday party for him.  We usually celebrated birthdays at a local restaurant, but that year chose the Fellowship Hall at First Presbyterian Church.  So many people came.  They shared stories with us (his family) and of course with Dad.  He was happy that day, and I think a little surprised at the outpouring of love for him.

After the event, we (his family) suggested that we somehow thank the people who came to his celebration.  Realizing there were too many people, and afraid we might miss someone, we decided to put a "thank you" add in the paper.  I offered to help my dad write that thank you, knowing that was not his favorite thing to do.  He looked at me, and just shook his head.  The translation for that is, "no thank you, I can do that myself." Ok, Dad.....

When the weekly paper arrived, I thumbed through the pages, looking for that thank you note.  I scanned the paper more than once, thinking it hadn't gotten published yet.  Then, towards the back of the paper, I found my Dad's profound and heartfelt note. It read: "Thanks, Bob."

See why I loved him?

Dr. Katt

BE KIND

 School will be starting very soon.  My prayer is that each of you will think before you speak.  Think of kind words you can share with one of your classmates.  Do not speak unkindly, do not make fun of, or exclude another person.  Be that person other's look to for encouragement.

Remember these words:  You are NOT defined by someone else.  If another person calls you names, is disrespectful to you, or is just mean....that is not who you are.  Your definition is the way you react.

Love each other...can you imagine a world where that was our theme?

...and call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver you and you will honor me (Psalms 50:15, NIV).

Hugs and Blessings,

Dr. Katt

HOPE

 What happens when we lose hope?  I think the majority of the people would tell me at one time or another in their life, they have lost hope.

What does that mean?  Losing hope?  It's not a good place to be.  I don't think anyone wakes up and says, "I hope I lose all hope today!"  Of course you don't.

Hanging on by a thread isn't a good thing either.  

I just recently learned of another suicide.  A permanent solution to a temporary problem.  When a suicide occurs, it has a ripple effect.  The family, friends, community have so many questions.  The heart-breaking questions I hear are from children.

If you know someone who is telling you they are feeling hopeless, helpless, or worthless suggest they talk to someone.  

We need to take care of each other, reach out to someone today, right now, and let them know how much you appreciate them.  Or love them, or are just feeling blessed to know them and have therm in your life.

I Thessalonians 5:11-15 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact your are doing.  Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you.  Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work.  Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.  

Be Blessed,

Dr. Katt