Late in the Midnight Hour…

PP Late in the Midnight Hour

…God’s gonna turn it around…if ya know the song, then sing along!

Even after putting 2 potential slots for an outdoors walk on my calendar, it still didn’t happen amidst 5 back-to-back conference calls – ugh, talk about a sedentary day! As I wearily powered down my laptop at 11:30pm, I repented in my heart for not getting my physical exercise in for the day and silently made an “air promise” to get it in tomorrow. As I approached the shower, I realized, “I have absolutely NO excuse not to do SOMETHING for my physical well-being today!” 

So I marched to the closet, threw on some workout clothes, laced up my tennis shoes, refilled my water bottle, and headed over to vigorously attack the stationary bike that my wonderfully visionary hubby procured months ago to facilitate perpetual pandemic home workouts. Not sure why I thought I might wake my children, but the cackling I heard from their respective rooms confirmed that they are truly teenagers. Armed with my earbuds and favorite playlist, I purposed to do at least 20 minutes…and I surpassed that goal. Honestly, as someone who’s done MULTIPLE weight loss programs over the years, I admit I’m often hesitant to set goals (let alone share them) – so this is kinda a big deal for me. Celebrate my glamorous midnight sweaty = healthy glow look with me! LOL

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Inspired and invigorated, I thought about posting this “later” – but later usually doesn’t come when competing with (and crowded out by) all the other items on our to-do lists, right? So I’m doing my cool down/stretch as I write. Now I’ve earned my shower (and burned off a couple of cookies that may have found their way across my lips in the past 24 hours…gotta pay to play, right?) ha ha… 

In 2021, I’m deliberately and intentionally choosing OBEDIENCE – one decision at a time.  What’s your testimony in this freshness of this new year, full of unlimited possibilities? What imprisoning bands will be loosed by your prayers, praises, and obedience? I invite you to share in the comments below…

“25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.

26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed.”

(Acts 16:25-26)

© Copyright 2021 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Momming is a Verb: Reflections and Epiphanies

PP Momming verb fireworks

In case you didn’t realize it, “mom” is a verb – an action word as well as a noun. Hence, momming is something I do because mom is who and what I am.

I turned 45 this week 🥳 (and I’ve been gratefully celebrating my birthday/Christmas/20th Wedding Anniversary for the past month). So consider this a disclaimer for (and fair warning of) the wistful ramblings that will likely ensue for the next several months as the slow dawning of my firstborn son reaching legal adulthood and my baby girl turning Sweet 16 settles in and becomes my reality and clichéic “new norm.” (yup, I just made that word up because it fits…new year, new me! LOL)

As a mom of a teen who is “coming into her own,” I’m watching my exquisite daughter try out her new wings. Oh, I KNOW she can and will fly – but does she? Not yet…but she will. How do I know? Because I’m here to make sure it happens – armed with tissues, hugs, lip gloss, and great-smelling lotions and shower gels – and whatever else I need to add to my arsenal (since these precious critters don’t come with a manual or a template) – by adjusting her perspective skewed by society, social media, and other potentially toxic environments to see the grace of God at work in and through her.

Geez, this is momentous…am I ready? Only God knows – and I continue to rely on HIS wisdom, strength, and  guidance for this next leg of the journey called motherhood. I’m also glad there are footprints for me to follow since I’m not the first mom to tread this path…blessings to all who’ve answered the call to the work and joy of motherhood!

“25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.”

(Proverbs 31:25-26, 29-30)

© Copyright 2021 by Kayren J. Cathcart

New Year, Fresh Start!

PP Pink gift box

Well, I’m certainly grateful to see 2021 – with me in it! I’m looking forward to new EVERYTHING: possibilities, opportunities, friendships, learnings – you name it, I’m pretty much trying to be open to it.

Perhaps it’s the maturity inherent in my birthday approaching in a few days, but I think I’m FINALLY embracing change more than I fear it. This is HUGE!

A fresh start is a gift that cannot be wrapped, but one that commands respect and deserves full appreciation and utilization. May each of us put the gift of this new year to use wisely…

Praying blessings and God’s perfect will be done in your life this year,

Kayren 🙂

p.s. My http://www.PaperPolisher.com website got a refresh over the holidays – I’d love for you to take a peek and share a comment on my fresh start…and feel free to share any fresh start YOU’RE excited about, too! Let’s support each other as we make this our best year yet…  

“And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.”

(Revelation 21:5)

© Copyright 2021 by Kayren J. Cathcart