Change & Transformation

An Empty Present: A Post-Holiday Reflection

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What an empty feeling to get the present you thought you wanted, only to discover that it doesn’t bring you fulfillment – or longer hair, whiter teeth, stronger muscles, a bigger bank account, greater prestige, or many of the empty promises we heard touted by advertisers in the weeks preceding the Christmas holidays.  Just reflect:  were your holidays celebrated as holy days?  Instead of resolving to do something you knew you wouldn’t do in the new year, did you consider asking God to show you what HE wanted from you in 2011?

I’ll be honest – I did overeat during the holidays a bit more than Weight Watchers would’ve allowed.  Nevertheless, I’m back on track, losing weight again (after several weeks of gaining!), being more disciplined, making healthier food choices, and getting back into my exercise routine.  But I’m grateful that I didn’t overspend.  Because I’ve been in that position before – and it hurts when the sparkle wears off.  Every action has a result.  The euphoria of having something shiny or new diminishes exponentially when you realize how much it’s going to cost you…every month…for several years.  And then you have to ask yourself:  was it worth it?

I believe there’s actually a correlation between overeating and overspending – in both instances, you think you don’t have to pay for it now.  But the big secret is this:  you will have to pay for it eventually!  And interest is mounting up significantly.  While excess fat that you don’t burn off accumulates on the hips (and other spots!), spending (or charging) what you don’t have today racks up credit card debt. 

By now, the bill cycles from Christmas decisions (and indecisions) are running and being delivered to mailboxes far and wide.  Though the specific day celebrated as Christmas has come and gone, it is still quite appropriate to ask your Creator for the right gift this year.  Troubled, anxious, worried, fretful?  What you really need is peace – that only comes from the Prince of Peace.  Puzzled, confused, wavering?  You need the Wonderful Counsellor.  Looking for direction and instruction?  The Mighty God and Everlasting Father will show you the way – for He is the Way.

Don’t bankrupt yourself – in the natural or in the spirit realm.  Nobody wants an empty present birthed out of an impulsive past that leads to a bleak future.  Choose life!  Make wise decisions!  Jesus is the Gift that keeps on giving…taste and see.

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.”

(Isaiah 9:6-7)

 

“Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.”

(II Corinthians 9:15)

© Copyright 2011 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Waiting in Line: An Opportunity to Practice Patience (and to be perfected)

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Happy New Year to y’all in the blogosphere!  My new year is off to a great start – how about yours?  Thanks for reading; I look forward to another year of growth as we continue to mature and develop with the help of God’s Word.  Be abundantly blessed and stay encouraged! 🙂

Grateful to approach yet another birthday, I found myself at the DMV to renew my driver’s license earlier this month.  Unfortunately, the stereotypes about government offices held true during this visit; it ended up not being the most enjoyable way to spend my day off from work. However, it was necessary since I wanted to remain in good standing with the State.  In light of the fact that neither folding my arms, tapping my toes, rolling my eyes, nor sighing with visible exasperation would change my predicament, I prepared myself mentally for the imminent line.

So I waited outside.  In the cold.  Behind a young pregnant lady…and her icky cigarette smoke blowing into my face.  And I realized that being anxious wouldn’t speed things up one bit.  We finally got inside the door (with the heat) within 5 minutes.  I moved up a slot after the fresh-faced teenager (behind the pregnant lady) discovered she’d have to come back tomorrow.  Because of her place near the back of the line, she wasn’t guaranteed to be seated for the road test by 4:00 p.m. – which of course, was a requirement.  It was 3:15 p.m.  I could tell this was gonna take a while…with the “standing room only” area obviously near capacity, the line inside the building wound its way through several velvet ropes.  This was like hanging around a club I didn’t want to pay a cover charge to enter…

By the time I’d reached the front of the line, I’d served as the Unofficial Southern Welcome Wagon to a nice lady who’d recently moved here from Wisconsin.  If I must pass the time, at least I can be kind to someone, right?  I even held up my mirror for the pregnant lady while she put on eye shadow for her impending “photo opportunity.”  She put more effort into her glam look than I put into my own; I was ready to get outta that cramped place that looked like it was stuck in the 80s!

At 4:05 p.m., a matter-of-fact DMV employee announced to those still in line that there were no guarantees they’d get a terminal for the computer test today (do we see a theme here?)…so I guess it’s “wait at your own risk?”  At least by then, I was out of the dreadful line and seated behind the counter amongst strangers who looked more annoyed than I felt.

Anyhoo, as steady progress was made – hallelujah! – my number was finally called!  I didn’t have to use corrective lenses to pass the sign test…bless the Lord for the wonders of LASIK surgery!  And my hair looked great since my sister had just given me new highlights for my birthday gift.  I’m thinking my picture will look pretty decent for someone who’s been on the planet over 3 decades!  But I’d have to wait to see it since it the official copy had to be mailed to me…yes, more waiting.  I folded the temporary paper I’d have to retain as my proof of certification to operate a motor vehicle and added it to my wallet.  I was glad to be on my way before 5:00 p.m.  It hadn’t been so bad after all. 

Funny how time changes so many things.  I am grateful for another year of life – truly, time is in God’s hands.  Come to think of it, I’m very appreciative for His patience with me.  How are you practicing patience this year?

“I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.

He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.

And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.”

(Psalm 40:1-3)

 

“And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.”

(II Thessalonians 3:5) 

© Copyright 2011 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Getting Low

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Maybe I’m wrong, but somehow, I just don’t think anyone signs up for a class in humility.  Yet, when the wake-up call comes, it’s like, “Oh yeah, the Word does tell me to humble myself, doesn’t it?”  It’s no mystery, and it’s not rocket science.  It’s part of our faith walk.  And when we walk in humility, we’re in a position that captures God’s attention because we’re acknowledging Him as sovereign and supreme in our lives – and not just relegating Him to the position of someone we consult from time to time when things get tight.

Humility has been one of my Pastor’s key sermon highlights for several weeks, but obviously, I didn’t get the personal message until I saw blinking neon lights and arrows pointing straight at me.  Well, God’s got my attention now, for sure.  And as much as I know I’ve grown this year (insert retrospective year-end reflection music here), He showed me ever so gently today that He will require all the more of me in the coming days of the new year.  It’s not an emotional thing; it’s an obedience thing.  So I should give God what He wants, not just what’s convenient for me, right?  Right.

And that requires humbling myself, realizing that whatever ideas I can come up with in my finite mind could NEVER surpass the plan of the almighty, omnipotent, omnipresent God Who created me.  What an humbling thought.  Perhaps getting low is the best way to enter a new year…on my knees and with my heart bowed in true worship. 

“Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. 

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”

(I Peter 5:5-7)

© Copyright 2010 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Take Another Look: Before and After

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Many times when I’m at home, I eat “on the go” while standing up at the counter.  Today, God nudged me to slow my pace and sit down at the table.  Really?  OK.  I opened the curtains to survey my backyard while I enjoyed my lunch.  Sure, I see my backyard all the time.  But today, I took a moment to really look at it.  And what I saw surprised me.

Today is overcast, gray, and cloudy.  The badminton net my hubby triumphantly struggled to anchor to the ground has blown over into defeated crumple.  A lone bird sits atop a neighbor’s roof.  The box where our garden thrived has been cleared out; it’s an empty space now.  Not one leaf remains on the tree swaying in the cold, biting wind.  Palm tree stumps – all that’s left of what got hewn down after the first frost – sit staunchly as if waiting for warmth that is nowhere in sight.  Huge patches of brown grass outnumber sprigs of rapidly fading green grass.  What a bleak and dreary picture.

It seemed like just a few weeks ago when birds chirped happily as they raided the bird feeders.  Sunbeams streamed through puffy clouds on the backdrop of a bright blue sky, sometimes laced with a delightful rainbow if we peeked at the right time.  Our garden yielded a weekly bounty of fresh vegetables bursting with life.  The green palm trees my hubby planted waved in the warm gentle breeze.  Leaves and cherry blossoms filled another tree, and a lush carpet of grass invited us out to play until sunset.  Yet, looking at the backyard reminded me of the importance – and inevitable passing – of the seasons.  After having a kinda “blah” day yesterday, I needed that message:  this too shall pass. 

I love watching makeover shows like “What Not To Wear,” “How Do I Look,” “Neat,” and “Clean House.”  Seeing the transformation of a person’s thought patterns – as evidenced by an improvement in their personal appearance or a new arrangement of their living space – is intriguing to me.  Perhaps this backyard glimpse was just the reminder I needed that God’s promise of newness will surely accompany the approach of Spring.  I am thankful for the quiet moment of reflection as I anticipate God’s promises yet to be fulfilled…a new year awaits around the corner, doesn’t it?

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

(II Corinthians 5:17) 

© Copyright 2010 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Old Keys

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After my hubby recently got a new front door installed, he then installed a new lock and gave me the new key.  I put it on my already full key ring, right next to the old (and now obsolete) house key.  Why was I keeping the old key?  I reasoned, “I’ll put the new key next to the old one so the old shape can trigger a reminder that I need to select and use the new one.”  Sound convoluted?  I agree.  But worse, I realized this morning that I have a bunch of old keys that I’m carrying around every day in my purse – to what avail?

Let’s see…I have the copies of my mom’s old 4-door Pontiac 6000 that I drove during sophomore year of college when I had a spring internship (yes, that was in the late 1990s), AND consequently, that car was sold a long time ago.  Yeah, I suppose I could get rid of those two useless keys.  Then there’s the key to my grandmother’s house (rest her soul; she passed away two years ago on Thanksgiving Day); I suppose I’m keeping that for sentimental reasons.  Since I haven’t lived at that address for 10 years, and they’ve since added a deadbolt (for which I don’t have the key), that’s not doing me any good! 

So really, I guess the only key I need to carry on a daily basis is my current house key (for the new door) and my current vehicle keys.  Organization really is God’s plan to simplify our lives.  But I could’ve attested to that yesterday while cleaning out my purse when I (finally) discarded receipts and grocery lists over 6 months old…geez, old clutter can accumulate unawares until it becomes a mountain…attack first! And wouldn’t you know that today’s Weight Watchers meeting talked about “having a ceremony to retire our old materials – get rid of ‘em; they won’t work anymore!” since we’ll be learning about a completely new program rolling out after Thanksgiving?  I’ve got more “throwing out” to do; God really knows how to underscore a message…

The moral of this diatribe:  Get rid of old baggage that serves no purpose in your present.  A key is only as valuable as what it’s able to unlock.  What “old keys” (or memories, thoughts, habits, photos, or other items) do you need to discard today?

“And no man putteth new wine into old bottles: else the new wine doth burst the bottles, and the wine is spilled, and the bottles will be marred: but new wine must be put into new bottles.”

(Mark 2:22)

© Copyright 2010 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Just One – Really?

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moderation – restraint, control, self-control, temperance

Moderation isn’t popular these days.  I’ve found that it goes hand-in-hand with that discipline thing…and isn’t temperance a fruit of the Spirit?  Yeah…Galatians 5.  Pop culture glorifies and glamorizes excess in just about everything – and now we want more of just about everything.  The multitude of marketing and advertising messages that constantly bombard us through a variety of media (strategically crafted for millions of dollars, might I add) tease, tantalize, and tempt our senses.  We can almost smell, feel, and taste things we see dancing across our TV screens – that’s pretty powerful!

As I munched on some Pringles chips the other day, I remembered the jingle they used a few years ago, “Once you pop, you can’t STOP!”  With all intentions of having “just a few chips,” I started humming as I crunched and drifted into reminiscing on the days when my mom packed Pringles for my own lunches…before Weight Watchers, before being a “responsible adult,” before counting the “few chips” I’d surpassed.  Before I knew it, 4 chips, then ¼ of the can, and finally 1/3 of the can had disappeared – all with mindless nibbling and thinking about a catchy product tune!  I quickly snapped back to reality as I glanced at the label, fat content per serving, and calculated how much I’d need to exercise to burn off that little “snack detour.”  Now I won’t go so far as to say that I believe some dark forces implanted ideas into my brain as a child and are triggering them in my adulthood to make me overweight (think “The Manchurian Candidate”)…or would I???  LOL…

In all seriousness, we have to stay on guard and fight the wiles of the enemy.  Random ideas and fleeting, idle thoughts often come to accost us – the challenge is what we do with them.  Will we actively choose to walk according to the Word, or will we passively allow the flesh to dominate?  Will we submit ourselves to God and resist the devil, or will we fallaciously continue to think we have the power to have “just one?”  Don’t fool yourself – obedience to God’s Word is the best choice.  Perhaps I should create a new tune, “If you don’t pop, you won’t have to stop!”

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

(Philippians 4:5)

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.”

(James 4:7-8) 

© Copyright 2010 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Is Your Soul for Sale?

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Several co-workers asked me what my children dressed up as over the weekend and if they had fun trick-or-treating.  When I replied, “We don’t celebrate Halloween” firmly but with a smile, they swiftly moved along and signaled the end of our conversation.  Gone are the days of me trying to “fit in” just for the sake of casual conversation; I am compelled to stand up for righteousness.  As my son put it, “We don’t celebrate the devil or give him any glory because this is the day the LORD has made!”  My sentiments exactly; may God’s truth prevail!

My hubby had set the DVR to record some of the “Unsung” programs about high-profile recording artists who dropped out of the public’s eye after achieving what appeared to be fame and success.  This weekend, we watched a couple of episodes and were amazed at how rapaciously the machine known as the “music recording industry” used people, chewed them up, spat them out, and then looked for fresh, new victims.  One woman felt emptiness during her 20 years as an R&B artist, but rejoiced that the void was filled when she returned to her roots in Gospel music and focused on developing her relationship with Jesus. 

In my younger days, I thought I wanted to pursue a recording career.  Since then, I’ve had many wake-up calls to make me evermore grateful that those circumstances never materialized.  This program sounded one of those alarms.  How devastating it must be to put your time, energy, and effort – your life – into something of little to no eternal value.  Sure, people say what a nice voice you have – but are they there when you’re crying in the middle of the night, alone and empty, tired of road touring and wanting to spend quality time with your family?  No.

Gray areas and occasions for compromise present themselves daily.  Indeed, the lure of material gain and recognition by man can be enticing, but we must know where we stand – in Christ – before the pressure comes.  Selling your soul (whether in one fell swoop or a piece at a time) comes at a great price…and it’s never worth it.  Selah.

In these critical times, one misstep can cost us more than we’re willing to pay.  Let us be conscious of making godly decisions guided by the Holy Spirit each day…

“For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”

(Matthew 16:26) 

© Copyright 2010 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Appreciating the Beauty of Routine

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So this is maturity, eh?  Let me back up.  To understand the significance of this epiphany, you’d have to know that I grew up as one of those über-creative types who thrived on new, unique, and exciting experiences – always something different.  I thought a person who adhered to a schedule was a boring stick-in-the-mud. Quite frankly, predictability was not appealing to me.  But that was then… 

My dad is retired from a 20-year Air Force career.  I believe he’d have blown a bugle to get us up every morning…if he’d had a bugle (I shudder to think!).  I could set my clock by him – and probably still can – because he’s regimented.  But that routine helps him.  And after I left off living under his roof and went to college, I became aware of how much his routine helped me.  So when I got married, did I walk into a leisurely free-for-all?  To the contrary – my wonderful husband was also an Air Force man with a strong foundation of consistent daily habits.  Sigh…obviously, God’s trying to tell me something, right?  Yeah, it boils down to that inescapable “ingrained discipline is a forced habit that’s good for ya” thing…

Allow me to share my “I could’ve had a V-8!” moment from last week.  I was talking to a co-worker who’d spent a lot of money on a personal fitness trainer a year or two ago, but had recently gained more weight than he wants to carry.  I encouraged him to start walking (a mere 15 minutes) during his break just to get moving.  He nodded and asked genuinely, “What’s your workout routine?”  When I didn’t immediately scoff at him, but instead chirped enthusiastically, “I take classes at the gym during lunchtime because I need to be around other people while I’m exercising!” I knew I’d turned a major corner.  I admit that I actually like knowing what I was gonna do on my gym days!  Conversely, when I get out of routine, I tend to lapse back into old, not-so-healthy habits – and it’s not worth breaking my momentum.  Now, I look forward to my fun fitness classes (and hanging out with the people in them) with joyful anticipation instead of loathsome dread.  “Yeah, I need to start again,” my co-worker agreed.  You go, buddy!  Start again indeed…

Routine helps in our spiritual lives, too.  What spiritual discipline do you commit to work on this week?  Start again indeed!

“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.”

(Philippians 1:6)

 “Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.”

(I Timothy 6:19)

© Copyright 2010 by Kayren J. Cathcart

When the King Calls You, What’s Your Response?

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Too often, we take for granted our positions in God’s Kingdom; we think we’ll never be moved, no matter what.  Because we’ve been “called, chosen, appointed, established, and crowned” with a particular role or set of responsibilities, we believe that we’re irreplaceable.  Well, here’s a news flash:  we’re not irreplaceable.  There’s always a David being equipped to take the place of a disobedient Saul, and there’s always a Joshua that God will raise up when Moses gets old and tired.  Why?  Because He is committed to having His will and His Kingdom’s purpose fulfilled.  And He’s a God of order, so when we get out of order, He re-establishes order – sometimes without us!  Imagine that…

I admit, I don’t always respond immediately (like I should!) when I feel those gentle nudges from the Holy Spirit…and then I have to repent because everything is out of order until I get in alignment with His will.  However, the stronger that nudge gets, the tougher it is to resist.  So why don’t we just yield to the Master from the beginning and walk in obedience and humble submission?  After all, He is the Potter and we are the clay, right?

Remember: there’s always an Esther (who’s younger, more beautiful, and willing to please the King) being prepared in the wings to replace a stubborn, cantankerous, rebellious Vashti.  Gauge yourself – would you be wearing the crown today, or would the King’s servants be prying all of the ex-Queen’s benefits from your clenched fists?  Like a bad reality show, I can picture Vashti remorsefully ruminating, “That was my royal house (operative word:  was), and now somebody else is living in my place, wearing my clothes and my title, and receiving all the perks from the man who was my husband!  Ain’t that a cryin’ shame?  But I brought it on myself because I didn’t answer when he called me…”

No one wants to get replaced.  Let us make wise, obedient choices (evidenced by our actions) so we don’t find ourselves in that position.  The King is serious these days…have you noticed?

“If it please the king, let there go a royal commandment from him, and let it be written among the laws of the Persians and the Medes, that it be not altered, That Vashti come no more before king Ahasuerus; and let the king give her royal estate unto another that is better than she.”

(Esther 1:19) 

© Copyright 2010 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Reflections on My Fitness Journey

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A trainer at my gym recently asked me to submit an article for the monthly newsletter; I’m sharing it with you and hoping you’re doing something each day to stay healthy.  If you’re in the Charlotte area, I invite you to check out a free workout at Elements for Women – tell ‘em Kayren sent ya!
 
Special thanks to Kevin Mills (my fellow Paper Polisher) for his expert editing of this piece! 🙂  

I’ve encountered my share of speed bumps on the road to personal health and wellness in my lifetime.  Admittedly, many were self-imposed.  When I finally got serious about making some positive changes for a healthier lifestyle (instead of desperately grasping at the latest weight loss scheme), Elements was there with a support system designed to ensure my success. 

Since I started working out again (after my long hiatus), Elements has been like training wheels on a bike, bumpers at the bowling alley, and safety scissors – all rolled into one.  The staff helps me celebrate my small victories, challenges me to set goals, and pushes me straight out of my comfort zone.  Truthfully, I look forward to seeing other class participants on a regular basis.  It’s become so much more than just a gym – it’s a community.

Before joining Elements, my weight loss plan basically consisted of getting my wisdom teeth extracted.   Today, however, I understand the importance of incorporating physical activity into my schedule at least 3 times a week.  And after sweating non-stop for a full 45 minutes, it’s much easier to choose to eat a more balanced diet!  🙂

Since joining Elements and starting Weight Watchers in June, I’ve lost over 16 pounds.  But I’m prouder of the fact that I can actually jump rope for 30 seconds; I couldn’t do THAT 2 months ago!  I was winded during my first Walking Boot Camp Club session, but now I can keep up with the best of them.  In a few months, my posture has improved (thanks, Pilates instructors!), my muscles are getting stronger (my abs are somewhere between a 6-pack and a 2 liter), I’ve lost half of my double chin (good riddance), and my shadow is actually shrinking. 

From sedentary to simply spectacular… I’m on my way!  It’s all about making progress, being consistent, and staying committed – one step at a time, one day at a time, and one healthy decision at a time. 

“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?”

(I Corinthians 6:19)

© Copyright 2010 by Kayren J. Cathcart