Cats & Dogs

I have to say that not only is reading fundamental to my life but it is what keeps me sane.  Not that I have many thoughts that are considered sane.  How about you?  You have those wacky thoughts.  About how maybe animals know more than we do.  You have seen haw they react to a storm all scared and shaking while we are silly and standing on the front porch watching the wind whip around.  Anyone with common sense would be seeking shelter during tornado season, right.  Gosh one of my dogs makes a beeline right to the bathroom to hide.

God gives us common sense.  But we do not always use it.  If we were more in tune to our pets than maybe we could also be more in tune to what God wants for us.  Peace of mind.  Contentment.  A life with less worry and more blessings.  That is just what Jim Kraus sees when he has written The Dog That Talked to God and The Cat That God Sent.  Now Jim knows that dogs can not speak, but he let's us in on the secret conversation that could be going on.  How maybe we should look at life with a more direct viewpoint.  One that God sees.  And how about the fact that God sends us help.  All we have to do is reach out and accept it.  But too often we think we can handle all of life's problems all on our own.  Honestly, are we that strong.  I don't think so!

Thanks to the Litfuse Chicks for sending me these two books to read.  They sure have made me reflect on what I can control and what I need to let go of.

  About The Cat That God Sent: 

Meet Petey, your not-so-average cat-on a mission from God

Disillusioned young pastor, Jake Wilkerson, has just arrived at his new assignment in the small rural church of Coudersport, Pennsylvania. Also new on the scene is Petey, a cat of unknown origins and breed-but of great perception.

As Jake sets about doing the business of ministry, Petey's continued interference brings chaos to the community of curiously off and eccentric people-residents like the faith-avoiding veterinarian Sally Grainger and Tassy, a young runaway with a secret. An expert at hiding his fears, Jake wonders if all this-and the cat to boot-is more than he can handle. What is Petey's real "mission"? Perhaps something larger than Jake---or even Petey---can possibly know.

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/kuEWy

 More about The Dog That Talked to God:

Be sure to check out Jim'sThe Dog That Talked to God which was nominated as an ECPA book of the Year (2013).

Publishers Weekly said, "Judge this book by its cover... and be charmed." 

"The Dog That Talked to God is a moving and powerful read, inspirational long after the last page has been turned." 

- New York Journal of Books

"Jim Kraus has written a funny, heartfelt novel in the tradition of Garth Stein and John Grogan. For a long time dogs have been man's best friend. It only made sense one would finally come along to save our souls." 

- Rob Stennett author, Homemade Haunting and The 

Almost True Story Of Ryan Fisher

"I loved this story. Quirky and unusual, this unique tale wove a spell around me and drew me in. It wasn't what I expected at all, and when I turned the last page, it left me wanting more." 

- Ane Mulligan, senior editor Novel Rocket

"Anyone who has loved a pet knows the sense of connection, of deep familiarity and acceptance, and even of a possible spiritual awareness. In The Dog That Talked to God, Jim Kraus offers a hard-to-put down story of Rufus, a miniature schnauzer who make a giant difference... Kraus has created an enjoyable and often hilarious read. Highly recommended." 

- Congregational Libraries Today

MORE ABOUT THE BOOK:

Recently widowed Mary Fassler buys a Miniature Schnauzer, Rufus, and her world is turned sideways in the midst of her grief. It seems that Rufus speaks. And not just to her. He also talks to God. When Rufus begins sharing advice that could result in major changes, Mary gets the feeling the pooch might not be steering her in the right direction. Or, is she just afraid to take the leap and discover something she desperately needs? Only Rufus...and God...knows.

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/kuEZH 
Meet Jim:

Jim Kraus grew up in Western Pennsylvania and has spent the last twenty years as a vice president of a major Christian publishing house. He has written more than twenty books and novels, including the best-selling The Dog That Talked to God. He and his family live outside of Chicago with a sweet miniature Schnauzer and an ill-tempered Siberian cat named (of course) Petey. www.jimkraus.com