Spring Cleaning of the Soul: Release the Garbage

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Listen to this episode of my podcast:
https://anchor.fm/kayren-cathcart/episodes/Spring-Cleaning-of-the-Soul-Release-the-Garbage-euct01

As I sat on the porch waiting for my lunch to finish cooking, I marvelled in the beauty of this splendiferous sunny Spring afternoon. I soaked up the rays amidst the natural wonder of warbling birds, flitting butterflies, and a mischievous chameleon stealthily navigating the shrubs. Out of nowhere, the garbage collector noisily rumbled down the street…and then went away as the sound faded in the distance. As quickly as the truck appeared, it dumped the container’s contents into its massive jaws and vanished down the street. Then it ambled around another corner to collect from the other side of the street.
I waved to the driver in appreciation for the consistent service of keeping our community clean and safe. Yet, I was struck by the fact that I saw no one running down the street behind the garbage truck saying, “Hey, I put my old rubbish and refuse in there for you to haul it away, but I’ve had a change of heart…stop and gimme back my stuff!”
If that’s the case in the natural, why don’t we let the garbage collector haul away our old thoughts, habits, emotions, hurt feelings, and inaccurate beliefs that no longer serve us in our current space & place? Why do we insist upon tightly clutching what can only be accurately labeled as TRASH?! Prayerfully consider what “Spring Cleaning of the Soul” would be to your benefit this week – and then, release the garbage. You’ll find yourself in a better position to allow God to fill that new space with HIS goodness…

“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)

“4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
5 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 21:4-5)

Likeminded and On One Accord

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My wonderful hubby is a consummate coffee drinker – with one caveat: he must have his sugar-free creamer. I found a hazelnut-flavored one that he likes; since he was down to his last drop, I decided to swing by the store after my nail appointment and grab some more creamer for him. Yes, even in the rain and separate from my regular weekend grocery run – because that’s what love does, right? 🙂

I also grabbed some of his favorite cinnamon-raisin mini-bagels and sugar-free seltzers. As I got into the check-out line, who did I see rolling up behind me? None other than my handsome, freshly clean-shaven husband – armed with those same items I had in my hands (plus a few extra snacks) – who had decided to stop by the SAME STORE after his haircut. It was SO funny! After 20 years of marriage, we are (finally) thinking alike! I am grateful for God’s mercy as He continues the process of making us one IN HIM…

“Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.”
(Genesis 2:24)

“Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.”
(Philippians 2:2 KJV)

“Make my joy complete by being of the same mind, having the same love [toward one another], knit together in spirit, intent on one purpose [and living a life that reflects your faith and spreads the gospel—the good news regarding salvation through faith in Christ].”
(Philippians 2:2 AMP)

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Take Time to Listen

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Have you ever walked into a Walmart knowing that the power of the Holy Spirit would overshadow you on Aisle G13? Me neither – but that’s exactly what happened today when a gentleman asked me if I knew where the toddler toothbrushes were. I laughed that my “toddlers” were now teenagers, but offered to help him look for the specific item.

Turns out he was getting it for an octogenarian neighbor, and an adult soft toothbrush just wouldn’t do. I looked for Hello Kitty and the other usual suspects in children’s dental gear, to no avail. I summoned a nearby employee and she directed us to the other side of the aisle a few feet down (not intuitive)…and he found exactly what he needed.

As he put the toddler toothbrush into his basket, I said cheerily, “You know, this pandemic is such a reminder that we really need each other!” He blurted, “I’m all alone; my wife just died and I don’t know what I’m gonna do; I don’t know how I’m gonna make it!” I certainly didn’t expect that impassioned outburst before adding deodorant to my own basket, but I immediately began to pray aloud for his comfort, peace, and strength. This gentleman was obviously heartbroken and tears filled his eyes as he told me about losing his wife of 46 years a few months ago. Recently bereaved of my beloved godmother who valiantly battled dementia for years, my heart was tender and open. In that very moment, NOTHING on my shopping list was more important than pouring oil on the open wound of this fellow child of God.

We talked for at least 15 minutes as I encouraged him to connect with other believers instead of continuing his stoic attempts to process through his grief in isolation. I shared the powerful resource of GriefShare.org with him and invited him to connect with my church as well. He said, “Thank you; I wish I could hug you,” and I said, “Well we’re gonna do a socially-distanced hug in Jesus’ name,” as I put my arm on his arm.

I’m honored God chose ME today to be His hands and feet to remind this precious man that his Creator loves him immensely and has not forgotten about him. And I’m grateful that I heeded God’s leading to come to THIS particular store (instead of my usual Walmart closer to my house) at this precise time of day to fulfill this divine assignment.

I thought I came to purchase a tea infuser (after a dear friend blessed me with a loose leaf tea set and I realized I’d need a strainer). I found the tea infuser, then meandered from Home Goods to Health & Beauty to grab some toothpaste. And there, the knock of opportunity connected with my gift of encouragement. I’m so grateful I wasn’t too busy to answer the Father’s call! I encourage you to keep your ears attuned this week as God summons you to work in His vineyard, fulfilling an assignment custom-tailored to fit you…

“10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.”
(Romans 12:10-16)

Mic Drop: When Second Place is #1

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For someone with “math phobia,” I’ve certainly been dealing with a lot of numbers lately!

I just competed in a Spring 2021 Toastmasters Area contest tonight. I won Second Place in both categories – International Speech Contest and Table Topics Contest. And you know what? For this recovering perfectionist, it feels great! Why? Because I challenged myself to compete in BOTH contests (instead of staying in my comfort zone with just one), I prepared in advance, I determined to have fun no matter what, and I did my best. My response to NOT winning First Place in either contest signifies that I’m GROWING – and that’s what life is about. Plus, I got to hear a bunch of really good speeches and learn some new techniques for speaking effectiveness and excellence!

So here’s the backstory. In the Fall of 2020, I competed in my first Toastmasters contest. I won First Place at my Club Contest, which was pretty cool since my competition was no lightweight. I advanced to the Area Contest, where I won First Place for the Evaluations Speech Contest – it was exhilarating. When I moved ahead to the Division Contest, I didn’t even place – not even third. Seriously! I was stunned…and if I hadn’t had other stuff going on in my life, I might have felt a bit bruised or crushed. (Kinda ironic since I’ve had my share of musical competitions where I didn’t place at the top…but that was decades ago LOL…time does heal wounds – even not making All-State Chorus LOL).

Yet, after a dazed day (or 2 or 3) of wondering whether I exceeded the given time limit and trying to figure out what exactly counted against me, I decided to let that “kick in the pants” propel me into my “next.” Since I know I want to do more public speaking, I decided to keep working at improving my skills. I began giving speeches more frequently (every week) and invited candid feedback, which I diligently incorporated the following week. And I saw my “speaking muscles” growing stronger with every speech.

Today, I celebrate ALL who participated and gave of themselves and their personal stories in the Spring 2021 contests, especially my Mentee who competed for the first time – I’m really proud of him for stepping up to the plate and the way he represented our Toastmasters Club. There’s something to be said for knowing what to expect “the next time.”

So I didn’t win First Place this time – it’s all good. I get the opportunity to give another speech at my home club (filled with people I absolutely enjoy growing with) tomorrow. I’m advancing along my Pathways (the Toastmasters educational program) journey at a strong clip. And before the contest ended tonight, I was asked to provide a keynote speech at another club – wow! That squeak sounds like doors of opportunity opening to me…

No matter what the award says, it’s a win either way – and a matter of perspective. GOD gets the ultimate glory because the gifts belong to HIM – and HIS is the only applause and approval I need. I’m excited for what’s yet to come as I continue working to develop my passion – encouraging, motivating, and inspiring others! What wins can you celebrate with gratitude this week?
#WatchMeGrow #LosingIsWinning #LossIsGain #Lose2Gain

Blessings to you,
Kayren 🙂

“7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.”
(II Corinthians 4:7-10)

“7 But whatever former things were gains to me [as I thought then], these things [once regarded as advancements in merit] I have come to consider as loss [absolutely worthless] for the sake of Christ [and the purpose which He has given my life].
8 But more than that, I count everything as loss compared to the priceless privilege and supreme advantage of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord [and of growing more deeply and thoroughly acquainted with Him—a joy unequaled]. For His sake I have lost everything, and I consider it all garbage, so that I may gain Christ,”
(Philippians 3:7-8, AMP)

Pursuing Progress, Process, or Both?

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Butterfly KC 8-29-2019

Today wasn’t a cartoon-y kinda day for me. There was just a certain gravity I felt. Sometimes your cup gets full, and tears leak outta the corners of your eyes, ya know? As I considered the events of my past 7 days (some weighty, others celebratory) – not to mention the past month – I got full. So much is changing in and around me, even as my “stay at home” surroundings remain. I guess I was overdue for a good ol’ cleansing, let-it-all-out type of cry.

It’s what happens when you realize that whatever food you shove down your gullet doesn’t fill that empty place in your soul. You feel it when checking the next item off your list of goals doesn’t bring the lingering sense of accomplishment you’d anticipated. You’re reminded every time you reflect on the list of dreams you tucked away (again) because you think it may be just beyond your grasp – and yet, you can’t let it go because you’re called to it.

You’re smack dab in the middle of growth and change with no roadmap, no template, no lifejacket. Kept afloat and constantly buoyed by hope and faith. Propelled by persistence and propensity to persevere.

Does it hurt a butterfly to emerge from its cocoon no longer a caterpillar? Regardless of pain or its absence through the process, the butterfly comes forth lookin’ different and actin’ different – because it IS different!

The process of transformation is intricate, detailed, and cannot be rushed; yet, neither can it be prevented. How many times have we tried to remain in the same place of comfort and familiarity, only to be thrust forward and propelled into something unknown but totally aligned with our divine destiny?

It’s March, it’s Spring, and it’s time to PUSH…I don’t know what’s coming, but I know it’s big. What will YOU birth in this season? Let us diligently prepare now…our purpose awaits!

“But he knoweth the way that I take:
when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.”
(Job 23:10)

Vitamins + Cookies

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Kayren-Tine Comic Strip 02.18.2021

This one needs no introduction…just share in the comments if you’ve ever reasoned using a pattern like this before! LOL

It’s like starting the day off riding the indoor bike because it’s too rainy to walk outside, and then advancing to a healthy breakfast…only to end up with ice cream at bedtime (for example…so I’ve been told…by someone else – ha ha!). Almost cancels out the positive effect of the exercise, eh?

Sometimes we try to justify our nonsense when we truly know better. How many times do we get caught up in foolishness, only to find ourselves at the feet of a loving Savior who is ready to forgive us once again? Oh, what grace, love, and mercy!

May we extend the same to others…(and ourselves, too)…

“10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?
11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.”
(John 8:10-11)

Late in the Midnight Hour…

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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

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)

Momming is a Verb: Reflections and Epiphanies

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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)

New Year, Fresh Start!

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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)

TT: Taking Inventory, Measuring Growth (12/24/2016)

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Wow – it’s the last Throwback Thursday of 2020 and the New Year is so close we can almost taste it! Thanks for waltzing down Memory Lane as I shared December posts from previous years. Praying blessings for you and yours, Kayren on 12/31/2020

Taking Inventory, Measuring Growth

What a full year it’s been; I have MUCH to be thankful for – and I’m sure you do, too! The “Watch Me Grow” chart with the giraffe comes to mind – you know, the one where a parent measures how tall their child is growing every so often? It felt like God kept His spiritual measuring stick handy for me in 2016, but thinking back over the year, I wouldn’t change a thing. Every step of the journey was preparation for what is yet to come.

In retrospect, God has kept my family through one transition after another, and I am grateful. One of the most significant adjustments was the mid-year 180⁰ career change of my spouse. Prior to that, God sustained us during a stint when my hardworking hubby endured a 3^rd Shift role with valiant strength and dogged determination that ministered volumes to our family and friends alike. Both children are in middle school and are successfully navigating those potentially turbulent waters with the God’s grace, parental patience, and the Holy Spirit’s guidance and protection. Were things perfect in my family this year? By no means – but I am a witness that consistently-applied discipline DOES indeed bring forth the peaceable fruit of righteousness!

I’ve put a renewed focus on my personal role within the ministry of marriage as we celebrated our “Sweet 16 Wedding Anniversary” for an entire month. As I committed to make my 40^th year on the planet fabulous every day (and it has a wonderful celebration filled with glitter, laughter, tears, and joy!), I learned that a sign of true maturity is to admit the things I don’t know (and to be okay with it) – this was a liberating epiphany (especially since I consider myself to be a planner extraordinaire)! I’ve learned to embrace where I am at this specific point in time instead of allowing dissatisfaction to propel me to attempt to achieve some unrealistic and elusive goal that was never mine to begin with.

We’ve mended bridges with family members and friends, realizing that time really does heal all wounds, even though it doesn’t change the past. I’ve learned to extend forgiveness proportional to the amount of times I need to ask for it.

I’ve diligently worked on holding my tongue so I don’t respond before thinking (as much…trust me, this is progress for someone with my DNA – LOL). I’m doing this not through clenched and gritted teeth to “finally take that vow of silence I’ve been threatening forever” (but been woefully unable to make good on – it’s in the genes; what can I say?!). Now, this refined behavior comes from a primary desire to please God and to allow the fruit of the Spirit to be manifested in every facet of my life.

Sometimes we can’t see how much we’ve grown because it’s like waiting for a flower to bloom 5 minutes after we dropped the seed into the dirt – or more accurately, it’s like watching paint dry. We’re too close to the action to be able to fully absorb the progress. Yet, by stepping back with objective observation through a time lapse lens, we notice the flower unfurl, the seed begin to sprout and bring forth abundance, and our personal growth and development come forth according to God’s Word. I encourage you to take inventory of your own growth over this past year – you may be surprised to see that, though you’re not where you intend to be, you’ve far surpassed your starting point…and this, my friend, is indeed praiseworthy!

Join me in looking ahead to a new year full of promise and potential with joyful anticipation…God’s best is yet to come!

“20 My soul hath them still in remembrance, and is humbled in me.
21 This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.
22 It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
24 The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.
25 The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.
26 It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.”
(Lamentations 3:20-26)

Kayren Cathcart's Blog

Observations on daily life and inspiration for spiritual growth…

humility

Spring Cleaning of the Soul: Release the Garbage

Likeminded and On One Accord

Take Time to Listen

Mic Drop: When Second Place is #1

Pursuing Progress, Process, or Both?

Vitamins + Cookies

Late in the Midnight Hour…

Momming is a Verb: Reflections and Epiphanies

New Year, Fresh Start!

TT: Taking Inventory, Measuring Growth (12/24/2016)