Change & Transformation

Obedience to Authority is NOT Grievous: Stay Under the Umbrella of Protection

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“Obedience is better than sacrifice!” My mama used to drill this into my head as a child (which isn’t altogether a bad thing, now that I reflect upon it). Usually, it was to remind me to just go ahead do what she’d said instead of analyzing it first, then putting my own “personalized interpretation” on it, and possibly getting around to doing what she’d told me to do much later than she desired. The scripture verse referenced comes from the story of King Saul who – to his own detriment, demise, and utter downfall – decided to “do his own thing” because he thought his idea was better than God’s (or perhaps he imprudently figured that God wouldn’t realize he did something different from what was instructed… and grossly miscalculated – I dunno).

Earlier today, I had the opportunity to minister encouragement to a precious sister in Christ. I was led to gently (but firmly) remind her that God had placed her husband in her life for her protection, and therefore she should stop trying to “figure it out” by herself, and receive the wisdom and counsel coming from within her own house, and apply it (in a timely manner) for her benefit. Well, wouldn’t you know I got tested on that very same thing within less than an hour of saying it to her?

My wonderful husband is fiercely protective of our family. Since I’m certain it has something to do with him taking seriously the fact that he will have to stand before God and give an account of how he cared for those he was given stewardship over, I really try not to give the brother a hard time! Being the health/safety/well-being oriented person (and hence weather-watcher) that he is, he was mindful of the fact that our area (multiple counties – indeed a great part of the state) is under a tornado warning until 10 p.m. Now I wouldn’t necessarily call myself a Doubting Thomas, but even after seeing the headlines on two local news websites and checking the weather app with the big ol’ red shading over 1/3 of the state, it really didn’t faze me; I was prepared to carry on with my planned evening routine…that is, until my hubby pulled rank and the emergency brake, and my plan came to a screeching halt.

His phone call during my commute was crisp, curt, and to-the-point, “I see how the weather is looking on this side of town; call and cancel the children’s piano lesson tonight.” Casually glancing around at the balmy sunshine and fluffy white clouds, I opened my mouth, then closed it after many thoughts zoomed through my head but I wouldn’t let them outta my lips, “It’s probably not gonna even do anything over this way…the piano teacher is 5 houses down the street from ours…even if something did happen, I’m sure we could get home safely…” It wasn’t worth a protest, or even asking my infamous “what if” since no commentary, opinion, or feedback had been invited or solicited. He had spoken; it was my turn to obey. So I did. (Score 10 “spiritually maturing wife” points for the short girl – she finally learned to just roll with the prophetic unction without asking 50 zillion questions because she didn’t have all the details). 🙂

By the time I’d picked up both children and we were heading home, little splotches of raindrops had turned into an all-out steady rain – who knew those pretty white clouds held such amounts of water on a sunny day? And if tornadoes were featured on The Weather Channel last night and thunderstorms were in the forecast, they were definitely heading this way. Needless to say, I’m glad to be where I’m supposed to be right now – at home in the ark of safety and under the Shadow of the Almighty – just like my hubby told me to be. As the piano teacher said, “I respect the power of those storms; no problem rescheduling their lessons!” Likewise, we must respect the power of those in authority over us who are merely trying to save our lives from hurt, harm, danger, and destruction. I don’t have to see debris flying all around me to realize the need for protection. No more walking the “obedience tightrope” without a net, hoping to thumb my nose after the fact and say, “See? I knew nothing would happen.”

Things I’ve learned about obedience:

    • Delayed obedience = DISOBEDIENCE.
    • There’s no such thing as “creative obedience” or “intended but poorly executed obedience.” That’s an obscure, self-deceiving excuse.
    • We can call it any of these “other” things, but if it’s not obedience…it’s just not obedience! trying it my way first; testing out an option; eventually getting around to the original instruction; making a variation; proposing an alternative; being open to adaptation; allowing a modification; tolerating a glaring disparity or discrepancy; reworking; alteration; deviation; departure; distinction; difference…and the list goes on…

Call me apocalyptic (in light of the deluge and onslaught of current earthquakes, tsunamis, pestilence, plagues, and epidemics, do you really blame me?), but my prayer is that we hearken to the truth (and obey!)…no matter how the message is delivered. Pay attention, saints! It’s time out for foolishness in any form…selah.

“And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.”
(I Samuel 15:22)

 © Copyright 2014 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Family: A Beautiful Cacophony

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This weekend, I was delighted to host my parents – along with my sister (whom I hadn’t seen in ages) – for a Sunday afternoon visit. While I didn’t have a clear meal plan, I had a hankering to serve brunch – I’m always game for French toast with powdered sugar (yum!), and I felt I owed my sister the real deal since I’d sent her a picture on her birthday of the breakfast I’d fixed in her honor across the miles…and taken it upon myself to eat it for her, too. Anticipating that I wanted everything finished in advance so I could spend quality time with my guests, I lovingly prepared the French toast together with 3 dozen zucchini mini-quiches with fresh basil from our garden on Saturday – because what’s more fun that cooking eggs in a muffin tin?! 

The funny thing was that my mom, on the other hand, prepared chicken fettuccini alfredo and brought Hawaiian bread (yum!) and various salad toppings to go with my other freshly-harvested garden goodies in the salad I made for folks who wanted dinner foods. My hubby blew it all outta the water when he finally fixed the 9-hour slow-cooker pot roast with potatoes that he’d been talking about all week. 

It was absolutely hilarious to see my mom, the consummate event planner and ultimate “hostess with the mostest,” as she set our “party table” with the blue plastic tablecloth that she somehow produced out of thin air, replete with sparkly curled banners of festiveness for a centerpiece, accompanied by her handy-dandy pink travelling placemats, convenient matching paper plates (and salad bowls, of course), red plastic cups, and a full place setting of clear plastic cutlery. Voilà! She is usually determined to make a major production out of the most informal gathering…so we humor her and watch her gesticulations with amusement.

Like our assorted table setting, there was absolutely no coherent theme to the menu, but we all sat down together to graze and munch contentedly, starting with my fruit tray of navel oranges and grapes and ending with the brownies Mama had individually bagged and tied with a cheery ribbon for each family member. Seeing my semi-vegetarian and formerly vegan sister succumb to the tender pot roast (placed atop her salad) was therapeutic. Everyone let their hair down and savored the comforts of family and home (not just a place, but a state of mind, in my personal opinion).

My ears relished the ebb and flow of concurrent conversations punctuated by raucous laughter of not-so-distant shared memories. My sister and I ended the evening by trying on clothes Mama had picked up from an estate sale and deciding who looked thinner in which outfit – that yielded a ton of cackles. I surveyed the scene with the ironic consciousness that my family puts the “fun” in dysfunctional, which is pretty much the only normal I’ve known. I’ve often wondered why God put people who just wanted to be hassle-free and to enjoy undisturbed solitude smack dab in the middle of a family. As I grow in age, wisdom, and grace, I’m just thankful that He did it for me – I think I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be. Family is the gift that keeps on giving, and I’m appreciative for the entire package. I hope you’ll take a moment to give thanks for your own family (in whatever shape, form, or quantity it may appear), and let them know how much you love, value, and treasure them. Today is the perfect day to reach out and (re)connect…

“God places the solitary in families and gives the desolate a home in which to dwell…”
(Psalm 68:6a)

© Copyright 2014 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Progress Cometh – Wait For It…

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This morning, I allowed myself to be served breakfast (in bed, no less – at my request while I made provision to have some much needed quiet time to pull my thoughts together for the day) by my daughter. No big deal, right? Well, for a normal person – maybe. But for me, it was evidence of my own personal growth and development since I actually thought about the pros and cons of asking her to do it before yielding to what I sensed the Lord leading me to ask her to do. This seemingly small act of obedience caused me to walk in:

  1. Humility – I know what I like and how I like it (my husband says I have “funny ways;” what does that mean? Don’t we all? LOL). Now I had to humble myself to receive what someone else was going to give me.
  2. Being apt to teach – Would she follow my directions as instructed, or add her own “creative spin…” like I’ve been guilty of doing so often with God?
  3. Patience, gentleness, and meekness – I’m used to “doing it myself” and being done with it – but as the interdependent Body of Christ, there’s no room for “Lone Rangers.”
  4. Not taking myself too seriously – I mean, really…if I can’t trust my own 9 year-old (whom I’ve trained by my own example of service) to bring me a bowl of cereal, I have bigger issues than can be dealt with through journal writing!
  5. Allowing God room to pleasantly surprise me – I had to break out of my regularly anticipated routine and be willing to receive a blessing (instead of always trying to be a blessing to someone else; the Spiritual Principle of Sow and Reap goes both ways).

Granted, I did specify which particular bowl and spoon I desired, but to my great astonishment and delight, she complied with a great attitude – huh? I’m sure it’s fun living with a slightly OCD mom (I should know – ha ha). Perhaps she had been waiting for me to sit down long enough for her to be able to jump in and do something considerate for me. Needless to say, it was nice to see a teachable spirit on display. This was my opportunity to see that she’s actually been learning from me – even when it seemed like she wasn’t listening. Especially when I felt like I was droning on and on like a broken record. Fruit cultivation takes time, but the harvest will come. My pastor always says, “Teaching is repeating until learning takes place.” Sometimes seeing evidence of learning takes longer than we’d like or expect. But wait for it…it’s worth it.

To all who prayed for my child (and me!) over the past school year when I was pulling my hair out over her less-than-stellar attitude at school and at home, thank you – this is your praise report, too!  For those tried-and-true mothers and grandmothers who encouraged me that “this too shall pass,” I appreciate your wisdom and reassurance. In the words of a precious dearly departed saint of God (I think he had about 7 children, so he must’ve known what he was talking about), “You can’t…rush…God.” Seriously – he drawled it with pauses just like that. When I first heard him say it, I was in high school, and I scowled that it took him so long to get that short phrase outta his lips.  But now, I just sit back, smile, and nod knowingly in agreement – because it’s true, and I know this for myself. 

“Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.”
(Psalm 143:10)
“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
(Proverbs 22:6)
“24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, 25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;”
(2 Timothy 2:24-25)

© Copyright 2014 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Is Your Heart Calloused? Slough Off the Deadness and Live!

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Disclaimer: While you may want to go ahead and schedule that overdue pedicure, this is an “ouch!” message; read at the risk of inciting and inviting godly change into your life…

Recently, I’ve been forgetting that I was already dead. How’s that, you ask? 

After the hellacious week (or two…or maybe even 3…I dunno, it’s all running together) I’d had, I was beseeching God for some serious answers. Imagine how He got my attention when the answer came by way of “random” morning pop-up scripture on my phone’s Bible app, underscored by a focus on the exact same scripture passage during Bible Study that evening (Colossians 3). Amazing – He heard me…and responded! Though I’d felt alone in the wilderness, He had been right there with me all along.  After acknowledging the validity of my Heavenly Father’s timely reminder: “Your flesh should be crucified and dead in that area, daughter – so why is this issue bothering you so much?” I groaned, repented, and then proceeded to pull myself back together with the capable assistance of the Holy Spirit.

During my time of testing, I wondered if I just needed to become tough to the point that I didn’t feel anything anymore (I know it sounds extreme, but that’s where I’d allowed my mind to drift). A bit of web research modified that out-of-control, irrational thinking and taught me:

  • The formation of calluses is caused by an accumulation of dead skin cells that harden and thicken over an area of the foot. This callus formation is the body’s defense mechanism to protect the foot against excessive pressure and friction. (source)
  • A callus (or callosity) is a toughened area of skin which has become relatively thick and hard in response to repeated friction, pressure, or other irritation. Rubbing that is too frequent or forceful will cause blisters rather than allow calluses to form. Since repeated contact is required, calluses are most often found on feet because of frequent walking. Calluses are generally not harmful, but may sometimes lead to other problems, such as skin ulceration or infection. (source)

Pressure, friction, irritation, aggravation, frustration…well, didn’t that just shed some light on my present status of suffering (temporary light affliction, I know – but affliction nonetheless). Hmmm…“faint not” even though you feel like throwing in the towel after shredding it to ribbons…“crucify the flesh” and it’s not even close to Easter season…“he that is dead is free from sin” – well, I like the end result, but enduring the process is not something I’m not particularly looking forward to. Honestly, as I’m reflecting on my week, typing this, and reviewing the scripture verses below, I’m crinkling my nose, shaking my head, and saying to myself, “Naw, I don’t like that either…ouch, ouch, ouch – but Your Word is true, Lord.”

Needless to say, I’ve had some serious perspective maintenance and mental adjustment going on in this season of my life – because it really isn’t about me anyway. And I am not alone. I am eternally grateful for the strong saints He’s placed to undergird me with prayer and encouragement while cheering me on to finish the race God has chosen and designed expressly for me to run – and complete. As I embrace this new maturity (whether reluctantly or with joy, I haven’t quite determined) I realize – no matter how uncomfortable it is (and it is uncomfortable and unfamiliar, trust me!), it is for His ultimate glory.

If you realize that some dead cells have built up and developed into callouses in, around, or over your own heart, I invite you into my personal prayer, “Lord, please fix me so I’m aligned with YOUR Word, and not my feelings. Help me to fight the good fight of faith and not be a passive soldier in Your army.” He desires to do a new work in each of His children…will you allow Him to do so in you – starting now? 

“1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 
 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 
 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.”
(Colossians 3:1-3)
“11 For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.
12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you.
16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;”
(2 Corinthians 4:11-12, 16-17)
“And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.”
(Galatians 5:24)
“5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.”
(Romans 6:5-7) 

© Copyright 2014 by Kayren J. Cathcart

In the Twinkle of an Eye: Capturing Life’s Fleeting Moments & the Work of His Hands

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Yesterday, I saw a hummingbird just 2 feet away from me while I sat on my front porch to unwind from the work week. It was beautifully amazing to watch it hover as if suspended in mid-air and to hear the buzzing wings (beating an impressive 70 times per second). As I stealthily fumbled to get to my cell phone’s camera, then glanced up to note the bird’s absence, I was reminded why “nature photographer” was never a personal career aspiration nor a viable avocation.

So in an age where our minds have been dulled by “reality TV” capturing everything “real time,” what do we do with those fleeting moments that pass us by so quickly? Savor, appreciate, and reflect on them – but not for so long that we get stuck in the past. A glimpse of beauty has often been given to encourage us at just the moment we may have considered throwing in the towel. A gentle but firm nudge says, “Keep on going – you can do this. Press on!” Acknowledge that glimpse His glory – for it was given as a gift.

As I grow in age and wisdom, I realize that we can’t live on the mountaintop, but we can appreciate a mountaintop experience in between the valleys of life. And I’m learning to be OK with that – because though it doesn’t always feel great, there’s value in the valley, too. I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on something you saw, heard, or experienced this week that reminded you of God’s overwhelming love for you, His child. Then allow it to become a praise on your lips and a worship in your heart. After all, He put a lot of stuff on this planet just for you. Selah. 

“How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!”
(Psalm 139:17)

“5 I will speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works.
9 The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.
10 All thy works shall praise thee, O LORD; and thy saints shall bless thee.”
(Psalm 145:5, 9-10)

“Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.”
(Psalm 147:5)

 © Copyright 2014 by Kayren J. Cathcart

The Linguistics of Lyingese

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fluent – smooth, cogent, natural, well-versed, eloquent, effortless, flowing

I recently reconnected with a young lady from the Democratic Republic of the Congo who speaks fluent French. I enjoyed taking 5 years of French in high school (merci beaucoup, Madame Burwell – je t’aime!), but that was a couple of decades ago, and it seems that Spanish is in greater use in this part of the country. So when her husband asked me, “Where did you learn your French?” I grinned broadly and with my best Southern Belle twang, I drawled, “Virginia! Why do you ask – do I sound country?” and we all laughed. After being in the US for just 2 years, she tells me, “Your French is good; I’m trying to get better at English,” as we both work to bridge the steadily narrowing communication gap.

We all know how important it is to speak the same language when you expect someone to understand you and comprehend the meaning of what you’re saying. So when God illuminated this statement to me, I did a double take: “Firmly REJECT the lies of the devil – truth is a foreign language that he cannot speak fluently!” This means that the enemy of our soul is miserably inarticulate and absolutely unintelligible in the language of truth – which is the only language God the Father speaks. There is no way to translate the devil’s foolishness into something acceptable in the kingdom of God! Therefore, we cannot afford to be passive about “not receiving” a lie – as saints of the Most High, we should proactively REJECT lies in every form and iteration.

We must be steadfastly convinced of the need to incorporate this mindset into our spiritual communications. When we don’t resolutely and decisively reject what the devil introduces, suggests, or implies to us (remember – it’s a lie, because the only language he can speak as the father of lies is Lyingese), then by default, we’re agreeing with our enemy instead of with God. And that’s a dangerous spot to be in. So ask yourself today who you rollin’ with…and who’s your daddy? If you need to repent and adjust your position in light of God’s Word, I encourage you to do so right now…

“42 Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.

43 Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.

44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.”
(John 8:42-44)

© Copyright 2014 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Mothering: There’s a Reward for Putting in the Work

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mother (verb) – protect, nurse, tend, cherish, nurture, raise, rear

To me, mothering is a verb – an action word. In my experience, being a mother is not a passive pursuit or a mindless undertaking. Tough? Absolutely. Underappreciated? Usually. But rewarding? Definitely. However, we must bear in mind that the seeds we plant today won’t necessarily yield a harvest in 24 hours. On the contrary, it may be months, years, or even decades before we see what we’ve taught, invested, instilled, prayed about, or counseled come to full fruition. And for this, we have need of patience (Hebrews 10:36)!

Since mothers are always trying to “save here to spend there,” I called myself saving some money on a gel polish manicure by doing my own nails this week. Best of intentions, but after 2 days, the regular (and cheap since I got it “buy one, get one half off” at the drug store) polish was chipping and peeling horribly – just before it had time to match my dress for church on Mother’s Day Sunday. Perhaps I could get away with calling it a “reverse French manicure” if I hadn’t used red polish, and if it was more than 3 inconsistent nails on both hands impacted. All I could do was laugh – because after 11 years of “mommying,” I’ve settled in my heart that it’s not a professional manicure, a fresh hairdo, or a new outfit that makes me who I am. Sure, those are nice “extras” – bells and whistles, if you will – but it’s the inner man of the heart that makes a mother memorable and endeared to her children.

Back in the day, we’d all have to wear corsages for Mother’s Day – it seemed a bit over the top to me as a child, but those traditions have a way of sticking in your memory, especially when you remember special loved ones who have passed on to glory. I choose to celebrate in the mundane moments of everyday life. So forgive me for waxing poetic after my hubby and children went out of their way to get me some veggie hot dogs to put on the grill today with their meaty hot dogs (yeah, I think this vegetarian thing may be sticking – wonder of wonders; trust me, nobody’s more amazed than me).

What is a mother’s love to me today?

  • Watching a thunderstorm pass over while you’re nestled safe in the house with those you love,
  • Grabbing a package of pre-mixed oatmeal raisin cookie dough at the store because you’re too tired to whip up a homemade batch (that you know tastes better) – and not feeling guilty about not being Betty Crocker in an apron 24/7,
  • Seeing dust and a couple of cobwebs (eek!) beneath the computer monitor – and various other places that were overlooked for the past week…or maybe two…but probably three now that you think of it…and being ok with that (for the same reason listed above).
  • Pensively realizing that you’ve whizzed through the phases of changing diapers, teething, and the first day of school – but knowing you have yet to cross the bridge to middle school, puberty (as my 11 year-old reminded me today – YIKES!), driver’s licenses, etc. (help me, Lord!).
  • Investing time, energy, a listening ear, and a comforting touch when you feel like you don’t have another ounce, drop, or iota of ANYTHING left to give ANYBODY…

And then God sends the grace you need to put one foot in front of the other and make it through yet another day.
And you sink into your pillow (after everyone else in your household – of course!) with a satisfied smile, knowing that tomorrow, with its unexpected joys and hidden delights, will bring more of the same…
And you’re good with that – because it’s who you were created to be…a mother, a high calling in the kingdom of God.

I reflected on the joy of today – not technically a holiday, but definitely a “Mommy-day.” And what could be better than that? Yeah, in my humble opinion, pretty much EVERY DAY is Mother’s Day. Today, I salute those of you who are mothers in the natural and/or in the spirit, providing support, nurturing, truth, discipline, and love to those who need it. It’s a big job, but hey – somebody’s gotta do it. 🙂 Stay encouraged, and don’t be weary in well-doing – when done God’s way, the work of mothering yields great fruit that will endure for generations to come. Blessings, peace, love, and joy to you…today and every day.

“4 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.

5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.”

(Philippians 4:4-9)

© Copyright 2014 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Circumspect Speech

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circumspect – cautious, prudent, careful, guarded, wary, judicious, vigilant

I recently met someone who talked more than me – a lot more. And I was pretty amazed. Because when two talkers get together, somebody’s gotta yield. Well, that day, I had to give the right-of-way, because this person could ROLL! I wasn’t being judgmental; conversely, it was almost like looking at a mirror as I wondered to myself, “Hmmm…so is this how I sound to other people when they’re trying to get a word in edgewise during a conversation with me?”

That moment of reflection gave me pause, because my husband declares that when you’re talking, it’s impossible to listen at the same time. For years, I had disagreed with him because I come from a family of talkers and anyway, I have a degree in Speech Communication, right? However, since that (one-sided) conversation, I’ve been weighing my words much more carefully, desiring that they add value and bring life instead of being idle.

Perhaps you’ve seen a thing in someone else that God’s been nudging you to get rid of. Don’t hesitate or procrastinate any longer – just let it go so you can walk circumspectly according to His will for your life.

“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”
(Ephesians 5:15-16)

“But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak,
they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.”
(Matthew 12:36-37)

“Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt,
that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”
(Colossians 4:6)

“Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.”
(Proverbs 16:24)

© Copyright 2014 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Boogers, Warts, and Ashy Skin

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Hey, are you still blogging?
I haven’t seen you post anything new in a while…

For anyone who happened to wonder where I was, I chalk it up to being “under construction” – literally and figuratively.  We recently had a new home built, which was a 6-month process – relatively swift and painless (actually, a JOY with our builder). But add to that preparing for the process of moving (in both the natural the spiritual realm), ensuring a smooth change of my children’s school districts, my own outside-the-home job role evolution, and endeavoring to maintain family and ministry commitments with godly excellence, and you see an equation in which I found myself under a lot of pressure.  It wasn’t necessarily negative pressure, but I had to adjust to the quantity of pressure coming from different directions – all at the same time. And of course, a lot of the pressure was self-induced by a recovering unrealistic perfectionist.

So about the glamorous title of today’s post – you know how we all have ‘em, but nobody wants to admit it or talk about it – let alone highlight it?  Well, I’d kinda backed away from blogging during this latest season of transition because a lot of undesirable “yuckies” were unearthed.  Not only was I purging old, nearly forgotten about stuff from the back of the closet, attic, and garage, but I was doing the same thing with the clutter in my soul. And because I’m pretty transparent when I write, I didn’t want anybody to see my boogers, warts, and ashy skin.  Sure, I could admit they were present, but I didn’t want to shine a huge spotlight on them while I was in the midst of the purge – it was too fresh, too new.  But I encountered all three along my journey to this “new place.”

Nevertheless, I can look back with 20/20 hindsight and thank God for bringing me through the press He designed expressly for me.  Pressure causes one to change, transform, and conform to the image of what’s wielding the pressure.  So I continue to yield my will to His will for my life.  Perhaps in subsequent posts, I’ll be sharing lessons learned and insights illuminated.  Or just reflecting on the process.  Whatever unfolds, it’s not predetermined by me – I am an instrument in the hands of the Master Potter, desiring to be hidden behind the Cross for HIS ultimate glory.

“For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing…”
(Romans 7:18a)
“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.”
(Romans 8:1-2)

© Copyright 2014 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Let God’s Word Pressure Wash Your Heart

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I’m watching my hubby pressure wash our deck and chairs.  Personally, I thought everything was okay “as is.”  Not so for him!  He has prepped and planned for this day for over a week – the precursor for staining it, applying protective water seal, and getting us more active outside as a family.  Until I saw the murky water running off the side, I didn’t realize how much dirt and grime had built up on the wood.  But he knew, and he wanted to get rid of it.

Now isn’t that like us when we consider the condition of our own hearts?  We reason and rationalize:  “I’m just fine…I don’t have to change…it’ll be okay if I wait until later to deal with that.”  And all the while, God (who has already examined us) is tugging on our heartstrings, encouraging us to allow Him to make much-needed change and adjustments in us.

A new-looking deck is now beaming back at me and beckoning me to spend time on it once it dries.  Yet, the wood had to yield to the pressure for cleansing – and somebody (my hubby) had to put in some elbow grease to “get ‘r done!”  This week, may we yield to the pressure God allows in our lives to remove the buildup and residue of the world – so we can be thoroughly cleansed.  Then He’ll apply the protective seal of the Holy Spirit to keep us in this “new and improved” condition.  You’ll likely be able to identify the “before and after” distinctions encountered when restoring a valuable work of art…after all, we are His workmanship. 🙂

“Now when I passed by thee, and looked upon thee, behold, thy time was the time of love; and I spread my skirt over thee, and covered thy nakedness: yea, I sware unto thee, and entered into a covenant with thee, saith the Lord GOD, and thou becamest mine. Then washed I thee with water; yea, I throughly washed away thy blood from thee, and I anointed thee with oil.”
(Ezekiel 16:8-9)

“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.”
(Ephesians 5:25-27)

“Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.”
(Hebrews 10:22)

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”
(Ephesians 2:10)

 © Copyright 2013 by Kayren J. Cathcart