By Fred Pry, Op-ed contributor Friday, May 09, 2025iStock/Drazen ZigicMothers Day can hold all kinds of emotions. For some of us, its a joyful day, and we give loving sentiments to our parents and

By Richard D. Land, Christian Post Executive Editor Friday, May 09, 2025Messengers hold up their ballots at the Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana, on June 14, 2023.

New York-based Gan Jing World (GJW)a video and social media platform committed to promoting wholesome, family-friendly contenthas launched its third annual contest to honor what we love about our

A set of 15 stonemasons tools from the pre-Roman Iron Age have been discovered in an ancient limestone quarry at Mgura Clanului, Romania. The discovery of the toolkit in a quarry that bears the marks of how such tools were used lends new insight into Dacian stone working and architecture.The cache of tools was discovered by a local villager in the summer of 2022 at the foot of a tree near the main quarry face. They had been dug up recently and left at the spot, possibly by looters whose nefarious plans were foiled by the 25-pound of the toolkit. The finder turned them in to the Corvin Castle Museum in Hunedoara. Deracinated from their original context, the tools are difficult to date with precision, but there are tool types in the kit that were exclusively used during the Dacian kingdom (2nd century B.C. 106 A.D.), and quarrying of stone blocks stopped completely when the Romans left in the middle of the 3rd century. The tools include five double-headed picks, two with a rare toothed edge, five splitting wedges of varying sizes used to break large stones apart, a whetting hammer and field anvil used to sharpen chisels, one flat chisel and one point for fine finishing work. Its a mix of different categories of tools: direct percussion (the double-headed picks), indirect percussion (the chisel and point), cold sharpening (the hammer and anvil) and stone-splitting (the wedges).The picks with the toothed edges are specifically Dacian in design with no known parallels from Greece or Rome. The toothed sides were used to finish the prismatic blocks for the luxurious ashlar architecture characteristic of the Dacian period. Splitting wedges have been found at ancient construction and quarry sites all over the Greek and Roman world, and while the simple design is basically the same, their weight and dimensions vary widely. You need a much larger, heavier wedge to split marble and large blocks. The wedges in this kit are small, weighing between 150 and 400 grams, and were intended for use on small blocks or soft limestone that require less force to create the fissures and split the stone.The wedges were not used on a single block. There are stones at the quarry site that were never quite broken apart, but still retain their splitting sockets from the attempt. The sockets are uniform in size and depth. Its possible that this toolkit belonged to a master mason who had one wedge of each size, made the choice of the appropriate wedge for each stone, then delegated work teams to do the splitting with the matching wedges. Alternatively, the toolkit may be incomplete. The mason may have buried only a selection of his tools, or some of them may have been scattered or lost in the shady circumstances of their recent excavation. The whetting hammer was widely used to sharped agricultural implements, typically scythes, and examples have found on farm sites in Romania. The field anvil is much more rare, with the only comparable examples known from Roman Britain and Gaul. There too it was used for scythe sharpening. This is the first time a whetting hammer and field anvil have been found in a quarry context, which suggests the set was used to keep the stonemasons tools sharp as he cut the stone, an essential task as the chisels and points dulled quickly. Having these tools on hand in quarry operations allowed masons to keep working without having to take their kit to a blacksmith over and over.Most of the tools are small and designed for finishing work, which in a quarry context would consist of splitting small blocks and refining the rough surfaces for construction or decorative features. The discovery at Mgura Clanului deepens our understanding of stonemasonry in Dacia, challenging previous assumptions about construction and quarrying in this region. It also prompts questions regarding the origins of these tools and the circumstances leading to their preservation in such a complete state. Future research may reveal a connection between these tools and the tool marks on quarry faces and stones, potentially confirming their use at the site and providing insights into the specific techniques employed in Dacian stoneworking. Metallographic, microstructural analyses, and studies of use-wear (such as scanning electron microscopy, mass spectrometry, or wear trace analysis) could provide valuable information regarding the manufacturing techniques and usage of these iron tools, offering a more detailed understanding of how they were crafted and employed by Dacian craftsmen.

A kind person noticed a kitten on their way to school and quickly realized how special the cat was.SaoirseLiberationCatHouseA woman was taking her kids to school when she spotted a kitten outside with a distinct gait.The finder, wanting to help, scooped her up from the street and brought her home. Once she could take a closer look, she was amazed to find the little one only had two legs.Despite being born without back legs, the kitten was in high spirits and moved around effortlessly using her front legs.LiberationCatHouseConcerned that the kitten might need extra care, the finder reached out to her online community for assistance."When I saw her photo and video, I knew I had to help her. I wanted to make sure she received medical care and would be adopted by someone who could make any necessary accommodations for her," Ashley, a director and foster with Liberation Cat House (an all-volunteer rescue), told Love Meow.She was born without back legs - a small stump on one side and nothing on the otherLiberationCatHouseJen, a fellow volunteer, stepped in and took the kitten to the vet. She was instantly charmed by her vivacious attitude. "She could tell she had a big personality from the start. She was very vocal and confident."The moment the kitten stepped out of the carrier, she was eager to explore, climbing up Jen's shirt using just her front legs.She has perfected balancing using her two front legsLiberationCatHouse"The vet did radiographs, which showed that she had a fully formed spine and pelvis but was missing both back legs. In place of one back leg, she has a small stump which is mostly cartilage, and she can't walk on it. On the other side, she doesn't have anything.""The vet determined that this was a congenital issue, so she has always navigated the world this way."LiberationCatHouse"When she came to me, I was impressed with how well she could balance and walk using entirely her front legs. Then I realized that she doesn't know any differently. If she wanted to get somewhere, she had to learn to do it on two legs."The kitten named Saoirse is a bundle of energy. She is constantly on the move, darting from corner to corner, playing with toys, and filling the air with her adorable meows.LiberationCatHouse"She loves attention and likes to fall asleep in your lap. She's very curious and not intimidated by new people or environments. She chases toys just like any other kittens; she just does it with two legs instead of four."The little house panther never ceases to amaze everyone with her determination and impressive abilities.LiberationCatHouse"She especially loves chasing the feather wand toy. She likes to wrestle with stuffed toys, too. She can't jump, but she climbs things using her front legs, which are much more muscular than an average kitten's."For the first time in her life, Saoirse has unlimited food, a safe environment, and caring humans, ensuring she's happy, healthy, and loved.LiberationCatHouseDespite missing a leg on one side and just a small stump on the other, Saoirse hasn't slowed down one bit. She has mastered the art of balancing on her front legs and can reach any place she sets her mind to."The way she zips around on two legs is amazing. I especially love her confidence. She's not afraid to demand what she wants, and I'm here for it."LiberationCatHouseThanks to many compassionate people, Saoirse is safe and thriving in her foster home, showcasing her incredible, fiery spirit every day."Her name Saoirse means 'freedom,' and she's already living up to it in the most amazing way."LiberationCatHouseShare this story with your friends. More on Saoirse and Ashley's fosters on Instagram@foster.love.repeat and Liberation Cat House on Instagram.Related story: Cat Follows a Kitty Through Pet Door into a House, So Her Kittens Won't Have to Live Outdoors

They took in kittens needing help and watched the young cats bond in ways that charmed everyone.Charlie and PollyFrankieTwo kittens, Polly and Charlie, were brought to Best Friends Animal Society (in LA) for a chance at a better life.When Frankie, a volunteer, heard the kittens needed a foster home, she immediately stepped up to take them in. "When I picked them up, they were incredibly frail, and both had URIs. At five weeks old, they weighed what a two-week-old bottle baby should weigh," Frankie shared with Love Meow."They were also covered in the most amount of flea dirt I have ever seen and were very scared."FrankieThe gray kitten, Charlie, was particularly skittish and wouldn't let anyone pick him up. "He would hiss and moan and didn't trust me. The silver lining is that they had a great appetite and good energy."Frankie set up a comfortable playpen for the pair, with a large bed, plenty of snuggly toys, and ample nourishing food.They chose the tiny box over the big bedFrankieThe kittens were clearly bonded from the start. They nestled together in a little cardboard box to decompress. "When you've got a big oversized comfy bed, but the itty bitty box fits just right."They ate side by side and often napped with their arms wrapped around each other. While Charlie hid behind the bed from his foster mom, Polly stayed by his side, comforting him.Frankie"I knew they were going to be okay when I would see them play with each other. Thank goodness they had each other, as that really helped build their confidence and let them relax. Every day, bit by bit, they started to gain weight and feel better."Polly grabbed a tiny plush bunny, practicing her wrestling, kicking, and cuddling skills.FrankieCharlie, who was terrified when he first arrived, slowly warmed up to his foster mom. Watching Polly play and interact with people reassured him and encouraged him to try new things. Eventually, he mustered the courage to accept pets."By the end of the week, they were both purring and cuddling on my lap once they knew they could trust me."Charlie was very timid, but with Polly's help, he began to trustFrankie"They both have big personalities now, are very playful, and have come out of their shells. They need each other to stay social and active.""Charlie, in particular, would never have relaxed if he didn't have his sister there to play with. It really helped him settle and be less anxious. They love to wrestle and cuddle and have learned to love human affection."They share a beautiful bondFrankie"Amazing what just a couple of days in a peaceful environment with lots of love will do."With Polly by his side, Charlie's walls have come down. Feeling more confident, he is no longer afraid, knowing his human means well. "I am so proud and amazed at how far he's come."FrankieCharlie has turned into a snuggly lap cat, just like his sister. He feels completely at ease, letting his belly hang out for rubs and stretching his paws blissfully in the air."It has been a really special transformation to witness and be a part of."Charlie enjoys lap time with his sisterFrankieThe bonded siblings have made incredible strides. Their eyes are clearing up, their coats are soft and gleaming, and they are becoming more playful and energetic each day.They have been each other's rock from the start. Their beautiful bond melts every heart they encounter.Charlie, Polly, and their Easter bunniesFrankieShare this story with your friends. More on Polly, Charlie, and Frankie's fosters on Instagram and Best Friends (in LA) on Instagram.Related story: Family and Their Cat Change Everything for Little 4-week-old Kitten in a World He Cannot See

A kitten hiding under the stairs came out at the sound of a can of food being opened and found the right person for help.Eeva aka BugEmmaFor several nights, Allison kept catching glimpses of a tabby darting around outside through her window. But whenever she stepped out, the kitten vanished without a trace.As a volunteer at Whiskers-A-GoGo (a cat rescue), she felt compelled to help the kitten. So when she heard crying near the stairs, she didn't hesitate to investigate."(The kitten) crawled under my gate and was hiding in this storage space when I found her," Allison shared with Love Meow.Allison at Whiskers-A-GoGoThe tabby let out a loud cry at the sound of a can of food being opened. Driven by hunger, she finally emerged from her hiding place."She immediately let me pet her. After eating, I sat with her under the stairs."Allison at Whiskers-A-GoGo"She started rubbing against me. Her demeanor was that of a pet. She let me pick her up and bring her inside, where she was happy to settle into a loving home."After surviving the streets, the kitten, Eeva, was safe indoors. She stayed close to her rescuer, seeking comfort and never wanting to be alone again.Allison at Whiskers-A-GoGoAllison contacted her team at Whiskers-A-GoGo, determined to find Eeva a loving home she deserved. This wasn't Allison's first rescue in the area. "She seems to have a cat radar and keeps finding great cats in need in her neighborhood," Eva of Whiskers-A-GoGo shared.Soon after the kitten was brought inside, she was back to her happy, confident self.Allison at Whiskers-A-GoGo"She let me trim her nails on day one with no objections and was very calm at the vet," Allison added.Eeva strutted around her foster home with her tail held high. Ever inquisitive, she jumped onto windowsills and countertops to take in her surroundings. When she needed to recharge, she nestled beside her foster mom or curled up at her feet at night.Allison at Whiskers-A-GoGo"Her favorite toys are your feet under a blanket and a scratcher loaded with catnip.""Eeva wants to be where the action is. She is social and wants to be around people and cats. She is a skilled climber and likes to explore. She will mark you and your home with her cheek. If you are eating cheese, she will expect you to share with her."Whiskers-A-GoGo"She also enjoy epic naps while hiding in a drawer. Her attention span is currently too short to be held for very long, but she loves chin scratches and belly rubs. Wiggle your feet under a blanket, and she will happily pounce on them."Eeva adored the resident cats even though one of them was unsure about the curious newcomer.EmmaShe is so friendly and easygoing that she even greets her own reflection in the mirror."She makes chirping noises, resembles a little owl with her ear tufts and big eyes, or an elf or munchkin with her little size, making her look younger than she is."Eeva, now Bug, has found her forever homeEmma"She deserves to be in a new home where she will be loved and cared for. Eeva is pretty much perfect."After an eventful and life-changing month, Eeva's dream came true when the perfect adoption application landed. Emma was smitten with the sweet tabby and warmly welcomed her into her loving home.EmmaAfter fending for herself on the streets and crying for help, Eeva, now renamed Bug, is living the best life in her forever home, where she is in charge, pampered, and cherished."She loves to climb and be tall and snuggle into weird places. She's the perfect friend for me," Emma told Love Meow.EmmaShare this story with your friends. More cats and kittens at Whiskers-A-GoGo on Instagram and Facebook.Related story: Cat Curled Up Outside House on Bitter Cold Day, When the Door Opened, He Walked in Ready for Change

A kind person never forgot the kitten she found in a neighbor's yard. She returned to give the young cat the life he deserved.ArisBestFriendsFelinesA tiny orange tabby, just four weeks old, was found behind a shed. Kelly spotted the little one in her neighbor's yard and rushed to his rescue.Without his mother, the kitten desperately needed a safe haven and bottle feeding. Kelly swiftly brought him to her local veterinary clinic, where the staff reached out to Best Friends Felines, a cat rescue they work with.Volunteers sprang into action, quickly placing the little guy into a loving foster home.BestFriendsFelines"Kelly found him behind a shed on Christmas Day (over a year ago). He then spent the next month with the most wonderful carer and foster kittens," Best Friends Felines shared with Love Meow.Confident and social, the kitten, Aris, trotted over to people as soon as he saw them. He quickly befriended the older fosters, who were gentle with him as if they knew he was still a baby.BestFriendsFelines"Aris will grab a tail or hold onto a back leg, pretending he's a big boy. He loves to chase and wrestle with his older fur 'siblings' as well as racing up and down the cat tower and jumping on any toy he can get his little paws on."He'd greet his foster carer with a soft meow, big blinking eyes, and an irresistible pleading look.BestFriendsFelines"He's very affectionate, and his purr motor runs in overdrive as he settles for a sleep on his foster mom's coveted lap."Kelly never forgot the kitten and followed his foster journey with Best Friends Felines. Inspired by their work, she applied to be a foster volunteer to help kittens like Aris. Before long, she fell head over heels for the little kitten.Aris is all grown up now. He drools when he's happyBestFriendsFelinesAris's baby blues turned into a warm golden hue as he wriggled his way into Kelly's heart. She filled out an adoption application for Aris and was offered a foster-to-adopt arrangement, giving Aris a chance to adjust to his new home and feline companion, Po.Aris blended seamlessly into the family, like the missing piece they'd been searching for. Now fully grown, he charms everyone he meets with his endearing personality.He's curious about everything, including spinachBestFriendsFelines"He's super sweet, chilled, and independent; inquisitive about everything (even spinach); loves cuddles, food, wrestling shoes, and zoomies," Kelly shared."He runs out to greet everyone, doesn't believe in personal space, will pop his paw or head into any unaccompanied glass of water or his filtered water, scales mesh doors, hunts and eats any fly brave enough to enter his home."He likes to inspect water in every unattended glassBestFriendsFelines"His mannerism and personality are so similar to our late dog Bronxhe even drools and likes to bop Po on the head when playing with or annoying her. He's just the most perfect, delightful, and healthy little boy."After a day of mischief around the house, Aris enjoys sharing some quiet moments with his best friend.Aris and PoBestFriendsFelinesAris is a social butterfly with a vibrant personality typical of an orange cat. Bursting with unbridled energy, he brings constant laughter to his family and fills the house with all sorts of playful antics.He's taken greeting his people to the next level by scaling screen doors and enthusiastically shouting his welcomes.He goes out of his way to greet his peopleBestFriendsFelinesKelly found little Aris behind a shed, got him the care he needed, and couldn't stop thinking about him. Now, he's her most loyal companion, a cherished member of her family.BestFriendsFelinesShare this story with your friends. More on Best Friends Felines on Instagram and Facebook.Related story: Kitten Meows All Day After Being Found in the Road, Crew of Cats Take Him in, Making Him Feel Like He Belongs

A cat picked up from the street decided to help run a vet office, winning the hearts of everyone there.PepsiCatRescue901Pepsi, a striking tuxedo cat, was rescued from a colony of strays. He was friendly and talkative, and he clearly didn't belong outside.When he was brought to Parkes Street Vet, the staff were immediately charmed by his affectionate nature. While they tended to him, he kneaded gently with his paws, filling the room with rumbling purrs."This cat is a legend and rapidly won the hearts of the team," Parkes Street Vet shared.CatRescue901Whenever the staff arrived at the office, Pepsi greeted them with the sweetest head bumps and meows, tippy-tapping around as if asking for attention.He was never fussy about food, happily devouring whatever was placed before him. He loved curling up on any lap that needed warming, nuzzling his face against people in pure bliss. For Pepsi, making friends was the motto he lived for.CatRescue901He decided to lend a paw around the office, delighting the staff with snuggles and purrs, quickly becoming the cutest and most supportive "supervisor" anyone could hope for. "He can be found sneaking into consult to steal treats or insisting on face rubs. He loves attention, brushing, and any food on offer."Confident, outgoing, and friendly, Pepsi stationed himself at the front desk or by the entrance in case anyone needed a cat fix. "Pepsi, the security guard, is always watching."CatRescue901He split his time between napping in the sun, deleting emails, and sneaking snacks. "He loves being around people and enjoys being the center of attention. Whether he's curling up next to you for a nap or following you around the house, he's always eager for companionship," CatRescue901, an all-volunteer rescue, shared.He was easygoing around his canine friends, especially when treats were involved.ParkesStreetVet"Pepsi is an absolute smooch-bag. He loves a cuddle and cannot get enough pats from his people."He reminded the staff to take breaks by hopping onto their laps and asking for back scratches. When offering his assistance, he happily donned their stethoscope, bringing smiles to everyone while imparting a bit of feline wisdom.ParkesStreetVetPepsi craved constant attention and wasn't fond of being alone. Clever as he was, he even became a bit of an escape artist. To ensure he stayed in a secure and loving environment, the staff wondered if he would enjoy being in a home.Kirstie, the receptionist who also volunteers with CatRescue901, stepped up and arranged a foster home for the sweet boy.ParkesStreetVetThe tuxedo quickly settled into his foster home, claiming the big bed as his own. As soon as his foster mom walked in, he greeted her with purrs and crunchy meows, seeking head scratches and cuddles."He sounds like a happy duck. He is one of the friendliest cats we have had."CatRescue901"He has a playful side, too. He loves interactive toys, exploring new spots, and showing off his charming personality."Pepsi adores his foster family, showering them with cuddles and plenty of "biscuit-making." He's always happy, with his purr motor running nonstop. "He is in love with his foster mama and being his usual affectionate, purry self."CatRescue901After roaming the streets and "working" part-time at a vet, he's ready to be the star of the show in a place of his own, where he'll be loved and spoiled endlessly."He will make a wonderful companion to a very special human."CatRescue901Share this story with your friends. More on Pepsi and CatRescue901 on Instagram@catrescue_901 and Facebook. Thanks to Parkes Street Vet @parkes_street_vet.Related story: Cat, Size of a Small Bobcat, Found Wailing in Front of House Until a Couple Scoops Him Up and Finds Him Help

A kitten followed other cats outside for food. She lit up when she realized she no longer had to hide.HanyaChatonsOrphelinsMontrealAs a resident tried to rescue a litter of stray kittens that had wandered onto her balcony, a new face appeared one day, ready for a fresh start.After bringing one of the kittens to Chatons Orphelins Montreal (a cat rescue), the resident continued her search for the remaining two littermates. They eventually returned for food and brought along another cat.Though not part of the litter, the new kitten, Hanya, followed the others to the food source.She followed other stray kittens onto a balcony in search of foodChatonsOrphelinsMontreal"The woman had never seen her before, but Hanya was so hungry that she landed in a humane trap, which saved her life," Chatons Orphelins Montreal shared.At a few months old, Hanya had never experienced human contact. She was scared, huddling in a corner with wide eyes. Her thin frame was evident beneath her coat, and she had an eye infection and stomach troubles.She was very shy around peopleChatonsOrphelinsMontrealFor a while, she shied away from anything unfamiliar. Too much noise or activity would make her retreat to a quiet space. She slowly warmed up to her new surroundings with another calm kitten as a companion."Hanya took some time to come out of her shell, but she eventually grew to love her new life with the other friendly cats and unlimited food."She took some time to come out of her shellChatonsOrphelinsMontrealShe began to fill out, no longer worried about her next meal. Her eyes softened as she watched the other kittens interact with people and play with joyful energy. One day, she took a leap of faith and snuggled into a warm lap for the first time."Hanya is a sweet, gentle, and affectionate kitten. Once you gain her trust, she turns into a cuddly purr machine who loves spending time with you."Eventually, she warmed up to her foster family and turned into a lap catChatonsOrphelinsMontrealShe has made incredible progress in socialization and grows more affectionate each day. When something new catches her attention, she curiously watches from a distance before diving into the fun.Hanya has fabulously long whiskers and a heart of gold.ChatonsOrphelinsMontrealWith her newfound confidence, her playful side has fully come to life. She enjoys romping around, wrestling with other kittens, and getting into all sorts of mischief. "She adores other cats and immediately feels at ease with them.""She's as affectionate with her feline friends as she is with her humans, and she loves taking long naps curled up in a cat tree."ChatonsOrphelinsMontrealInstead of hiding in a corner, Hanya now seeks out cuddle time with her humans. She often hops onto the couch with them, drifting off to sleep in their laps. "This beautiful bundle of fur has come a long way since her arrival.""The other kittens in the house have helped her gain confidence, turning her into an endearing little character."She has blossomed into a beautiful young catChatonsOrphelinsMontrealHaving another cat her age has really encouraged her to try new things. Hanya gets along wonderfully with another foster named Mataf, who also arrived at the rescue as a stray.Mataf follows her around like a little shadow and grooms her whenever they cuddle up for a nap.Hanya and MatafChatonsOrphelinsMontrealHanya showed up on the balcony hungry on that fateful day. Now, she's thriving, enjoying the company of playful kittens and the warmth of a loving foster family.ChatonsOrphelinsMontrealShare this story with your friends. More on Hanya and Chatons Orphelins Montreal on Instagram and Facebook.Related story: Kind Person Takes in Kitten, Though Tiniest of All, He Has Heart of a Lion Cat and a Will that Never Quits