2007)

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It’s Terrific Thankful Tuesday! Reflecting with gratitude and revving up for 2021…Blessings to you, Kayren on 12/8/2020

Stop NOW! Time is of the essence…

“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out,

when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.”

(Acts 3:18-20)

Have you ever scheduled an activity, only to find that the time to do it never comes? Do you often plan to do things and realize (maybe weeks later) that the time to accomplish them never presented itself? If you can relate, it’s quite possible you need to take a moment to stop and evaluate where your energy is going. Where is your focus? If it’s all over the place, that could be an indicator that you need to try a different approach.

Now contrast this with a stoplight turning red – what does that signal (or indicator) mean? It means: STOP NOW! If you put it off until later – it might be too late. It is actually hazardous (to your health and the health of others) not to stop when you see the signal is already red – or better yet, if you see the warning of the yellow caution light telling you to slow down and PREPARE to stop.

A friend recently e-mailed me, reminding me to take time to refuel, reconnect, and REST. I appreciated her concern for me as I wondered incredulously, “Exactly WHEN would I find the time to do this?!?” Truth be told, she e-mailed me on 12/12/07, but I’m just now getting this message posted on 12/20/07 – see how it happens? Time drifts away from us when we don’t actively manage it. Let’s commit to actively managing our time in 2008 instead of passively allowing time to dictate to us what our schedules will be…a novel concept, wouldn’t you agree?

The times of refreshing come from the presence of the Lord. If you’re too busy to spend time with Him to get clarity and direction for your life, then guess what? You’re just too busy. Stop NOW! Refocus. Reprioritize. Rest in Him. As we take time at the end of the year to reflect, we can also use this time to reprioritize based on what’s really important. The Holy Spirit is here to help us and guide us as we commit to aligning with God’s Word.

Abundant blessings as you tie up those loose ends and approach the conclusion of 2007

TT: Go Forth in Obedience (12/26/2006)

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I’m gifting encouragement all month long! Enjoy a waltz down Memory Lane as I share December posts from previous years on Terrific Thankful Tuesdays and Throwback Thursdays! Reflecting with gratitude and revving up for 2021…Blessings to you, Kayren

Go Forth in Obedience to Obtain God’s Promises in 2007

“For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.”

(Hebrews 10:36)

“Now therefore if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:

And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation.

These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the house of Israel.”

(Exodus 19:5-6)

A few of Webster’s definitions for the action word “go” include: to proceed; to move or start to move; to engage in a specified activity; to function; to become; to enjoy participating in or partaking of; to happen; to succeed.

I am ready to GO, Lord! I’ve waited patiently ALL year long. So where is this promise, God? Oh – I glossed over the “after you have done the will of God” part of Hebrews 10:36? Oops! Help me to be obedient to your voice, Lord!

If you’ve felt like you were running in place with God’s hand holding onto your shirt collar or your shoulders – get ready! He’s about to release you in the greatness of His glory – and when you go forth, you’ll be like a rocket taking off with so much energy, drive, dynamism, and power that He’ll sit back watching you while saying, “Look at My child go!” For Him to entrust His authority to us, we must prepare and plan to participate in the process as yielded vessels who have no problems saying, “Yes Lord, according to Your will be it unto me.”

In order to prepare to go forth in His fullness, we must remember these essential components of obedience:

1. Make a decision to obey Him – it starts in the mind!

2. Commit to discipline ourselves – our flesh must be subject to His Holy Spirit!

3. Demonstrate determination and bring forth good fruit – we must persistently pursue His purpose for our lives exhibit

We want the promises He has for us in 2007 – are we willing to pay the price?

Obedience at ANY cost is what the Master requires of each of us…

TTT: This Time It’s Different… (12/7/2009)

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Today, I was obedient. This is a milestone. Not because I was obedient, but because of the timeframe in which I responded to God’s gentle nudging – it was immediate. The task was simple, something I like to do, and something I am good at. However, I’ve postponed, delayed, and procrastinated (however you choose to classify it) for more times than I care to admit. This time, I didn’t use the excuse that instantly popped into my head. I ignored the list of other things I mulled doing with that 5 minutes. I didn’t get stuck pondering the “what ifs” as that so often taunt me. “What if it’s not perfect the first time? What will I follow up this topic with? What if I start and then run out of content? What if no one reads it?”

Instead, I took a deep breath and consciously thought, “What’s the consequence if I don’t do this now?” My inner response was, “More of the same. And direct opposition to the will of God because of blatant rebellion.” Ouch! I cannot afford that. I’m tired of the results my current actions (or lack thereof) are creating. And who in their right mind wants to oppose the King of the Universe? Exactly. That’s not a smart move at all.

So as much as I’ve agonized with inner turmoil and angst about writing, I took to the keyboard and began this message instead of letting the words roll around in my head like a one-sided conversation that no one else would ever hear. In the past, I’ve made a mountain out of a molehill and dragged a 5-minute activity out to weeks (okay, I’ll admit even months and years) in duration. I could give plenty of attempted justifications, but – simply put – it all boils down to disobedience. Over time, you may be glad I chose to be an obedient vessel. I know I am.

This time it’s different. No more “hit or miss” with the things of God. It’s time out for foolishness. We ALL have to get serious about obeying His voice when we hear Him speak to us with direction, correction, or instruction. It’s no longer optional – it’s mandatory. It’s a new day…embrace it, live it, obediently walk in 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)

My Prayer of Thanksgiving:

Truly You have blown my mind today, Lord, as I feel the fog lifted and I’m able to hear You clearly. And to think – all I had to do was obey. That’s what You were waiting for. I hear You.

Finding Grace at the Bonfire

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Just as tears and rain are cleansing, so is fire. This morning’s sermon caught me in a place where I immediately repented. I felt the need to take an intentional action to signify my new start as I (once again) hit the reset button on walking in obedience.

I had to wait my turn for the fire pit/altar on my back porch. It seemed that I wasn’t the only one who needed God to consume some stuff that had been accumulating for too long. My wonderful hubby decreed and declared that we’re moving to paperless billing as he vigorously purged old home office files.

I watched as the stacks of papers he’d put in the fire pit curled up in the flames and turned to ash. Then I tossed my own papers (actually, cardboard toilet paper centers – fitting, eh? – on which I’d written my confessions that I was symbolically sacrificing to the Lord) into the fire. In moments, they were utterly consumed, no longer existing in their previous form. Later that evening, as the fire was still burning, it began to rain. More cleansing. More gratitude.

I am thankful that God heard my prayer, received my repentance, and forgave me with His abundant grace, mercy, and love. Because of the Blood of Jesus, my sins are covered; like the papers in the fire, they have been obliterated. I am so humbled that God wipes the slate clean and offers a fresh start when we come to Him acknowledging our sins and shortcomings!

Friend, what do YOU need to place on the Lord’s altar for Him to consume so it’s not unnecessary baggage dragged into 2021? We don’t have to wait until New Year’s Eve…we can approach his throne boldly and with confidence today! Try it…you’ll probably feel lighter afterwards. I did!

“15 For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize and understand our weaknesses and temptations, but One who has been tempted [knowing exactly how it feels to be human] in every respect as we are, yet without [committing any] sin.

16 Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the throne of God’s gracious favor] with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment].”

(Hebrews 4:15-16, AMP)

“28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:

29 For our God is a consuming fire.”

(Hebrews 12:28-29, KJV)

My Best Gifts Are NOT Under the Tree This Year

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Filled to overflowing with gratitude, overwhelmed by the goodness of God, and perhaps a bit hopped up on the choco-chip-walnut cookies I baked and nibbled too close to bedtime, I had to get up and capture this moment.

Earlier tonight, my teens put the lights on our Christmas tree (without adult supervision!); it was fun to eavesdrop on their bantering conversation. Yesterday, they assembled the tree. I think we’re subconsciously decorating in phases since the boxes of ornaments, tinsel, bows, and all things festive were dragged from the attic and wreaths hung outside two days ago. They left the tree lights on after they went to bed, and I was mesmerized by the simple, unfinished, yet unadorned with ornaments beauty when I caught a glimpse on my way to refill my water bottle.

This year, I am super-excited about the holidays – to the point that I got each member of the family themed holiday pajamas for Christmas morning photos. (#MemoryMakingMama #GuiltyNotSorry!). I’m so excited that I’m ready to wear mine in November! LOL 😜🤣🎉

This is evidence of personal growth that has taken time and diligent self-work. My grandmother passed away on Thanksgiving Day 2008, so the holiday season was bittersweet for me for several years. Not until recently did I personally experience Christ removing the sting of death FOR ME, and it made all the difference. Grief is a process, but so is life, healing, forgiveness, and restoration – and none of these processes should be rushed or glossed over. For too long, I lived suspended between past memories and fantasy wishes beyond my grasp, while attempting to ignore (sometimes harsh) reality. This year, I’m in a place to embrace the entire spectrum of life and all that it holds – and that feels GOOD…like breathing in clean, fresh air.

This year, I am unbound by a calendar. Honestly, I feel that I’ve experienced both Thanksgiving and Christmas in my heart on multiple occasions in the past couple of months…and I look forward to celebrating with my family throughout the remainder of 2020 and into the new year. I’m not waiting anymore. My declaration of appreciation for God’s grace and goodness has already begun. And I’m thankful that this year, my best and most meaningful gifts are not under the Christmas tree. May you discover the same realization to be true for you…

Praying God’s abundant blessings for you and your family during this holiday season,

Kayren

“55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.

57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”

(I Corinthians 15:55-58)

Self-Care Sunday: Rest is NOT just a 4-letter word!

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REST is often juxtaposed with another 4-letter word: RUSH. If you find yourself still searching for the rest and repose of Sabbath (even in the midst of quarantine – ironic, I know), I invite you to give yourself permission to just BE. Experience your day. To the fullest. Observe the handiwork of God all around you. Yes, even from the vantage point of your home.

Today, my self-care action step of progress looked like foregoing the grazing of prepackaged food I’d stocked my pantry with (for the inevitably impending apocalypse) and taking time – making time – to prepare a healthy, wholesome, low-sodium meal for ME. I love to cook for my family, but today’s gift was for ME. Unapologetically. Lavishly.

Not fancy, but prepared with intention, focus, and follow-through. I perused several internet recipes and decided to try oven baked quinoa for the first time and add some roasted mushrooms. This blossomed into a beautiful bouquet of sliced carrots, diced red onions, and cubed celery that burst into a symphony of color.

The finishing touch was fresh rosemary snipped from my yard – lovingly grown by my wonderfully green-thumbed hubby – sprinkled across my culinary creation.

The process of preparation was unrushed, relaxed, unhurried, unscheduled, and an utterly restful experience. I meandered from back porch to front porch between checking on my dish; clouds and sun and wind interplayed the entire day. I went from short sleeves to hoodie and back again. The only thing missing from my imaginary getaway was the ocean. Sheer delight. A moment of pre-Thanksgiving gratitude oozed from my heart.

Funny thing, my hubby said he might wanna try a bite (he doesn’t even like mushrooms! LOL) – I think it smelled so good, he couldn’t resist. Sometimes the best way to influence others towards healthier habits is to take the first step yourself.

Sidebar: He’s been doing this for me with his consistent morning exercise routine…for several months.

Full disclosure: I’m gonna try to make it work for me starting this week (ugh…the joy of aging! LOL).

So let’s do this…new day, new me starts now. No need to wait for a New Year’s resolution…join me today!

p.s. By the way, the quinoa melted in my mouth.😉

“12 Keep the sabbath day to sanctify it, as the Lord thy God hath commanded thee.

13 Six days thou shalt labour, and do all thy work:

14 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, nor thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thine ox, nor thine ass, nor any of thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates; that thy manservant and thy maidservant may rest as well as thou.”

(Deuteronomy 5:12-14)

“28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

(Matthew 11:28-30)

Dead – or Just Dormant?

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Sometimes the obvious gets our attention like a bucket of cold water in the face, right? We forget the simplest lessons of truth by getting caught up in what we see, feel, hear, and think. When we shake off our sensory-induced stupor, we admit what we realized all along, but didn’t trust or believe 100%.

For the past couple of weeks, the rosebush in my yard (whose lovely blooms have been featured in my blog all Summer long and provided me with a beautiful diversion during quarantine) once again looked dried-up, lifeless, and down for the count. I had stopped even looking in that direction when outside, and had resigned myself to accept that they were gone for the season…but I should’ve known better than to assume this temperamental, scrappy rosebush was done putting out flowers just because the only color I saw was brown vine.

From my August 2019 Can These Bones Yet Live Again? post, I should have recalled:

“May we receive our Heavenly Father’s gentle and poignant reminder that some things that appear to be dead are only dormant…and dormancy lasts for only a season before life re-emerges.”

From my 2011 post on time management (worth revisiting), I should have remembered:

“…some seeds remain dormant for a whole year before becoming productive.”

Yes, I forgot about the power of the comeback…until this week – in my haste to grab at least a moment of fresh air between back-to-back conference calls – when I saw 3 tiny buds had emerged from that shriveled up, dead-looking stalk…I was amazed!

I wanted to take a picture, but my phone refused to hold any more data, even after I reluctantly deleted app after app. My wonderful hubby swooped to the rescue (again) to order me an upgraded phone before it crashed (like it did in 2018) as he’d been attempting to prevent for months (again). With my new, fully functional device in hand today, I was able to snap evidence of those 3 roses past full bloom, along with some new buds springing forth.

Instead of being doomsdayish after learning that tonight’s overnight temps may produce frost, I decided to enjoy the floral beauty in this moment. Whatever happens to the roses tomorrow cannot be my focus; right now, they are a gift for me to enjoy, so I’m taking it in!

The moral of this story: No matter what your situation looks like, trust that God is able to breathe new life and restoration into it – all for His glory, and in His time. Stay encouraged…hope springs eternal!

“39 And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth.

40 And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying.

41 And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise.

42 And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment.”

(Mark 5:39-42)

Envelopes of Provision

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Disclosure: This blog post is NOT about getting a physical check in the mail…🙂

This morning, after a couple of days of not feeling my best, I woke up so grateful to be feeling better that I decided to take a walk and watch the sunrise. Ambitious, eh? LOL. I grabbed my water bottle and sunglasses, ready to rack up some steps. About 7 minutes after leaving the house, I felt it: a single raindrop on my forearm.

I promptly turned around and headed back home, but not before acknowledging the magnificent splendor of the Almighty on display. I marveled at the tropical wind blowing, the clouds quickly overshadowing the sun, and the birds flitting here and there.

I decided to watch the rainstorm roll in from the covert of my porch. I peeped a gecko nibbling on some leaves, realizing I often see them scurrying, but I’d never watched one eat. New experience checked off.

I gaped in amazement as I watched individual raindrops hit the ground and shake blades of grass (or weeds…whatever…it’s still green, and grass sounds more poetic). I usually think of rain in the collective sense…as “a thing” or an entity. This morning, I saw the individual drops coming down and observed each one as a package of provision from the Creator sent to fulfill a specific purpose. One raindrop, followed by another, followed by another in succession over a duration of time yields results: a harvest.

So I thought I’d share my personal object lesson on patience, provision, and the Spiritual Principle of Sow and Reap springing alive before my eyes. In the midst of much turbulence and destruction surrounding us, we have God’s assurance that He cares for us and is attentively watching over us. And that, my friend, is Good News! Stay encouraged…

“Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.”
(Psalm 29:2)
“30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive and green today and tomorrow is [cut and] thrown [as fuel] into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith!
31 Therefore do not worry or be anxious (perpetually uneasy, distracted), saying, ‘What are we going to eat?’ or ‘What are we going to drink?’ or ‘What are we going to wear?’
32 For the [pagan] Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; [but do not worry,] for your heavenly Father knows that you need them.
33 But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also.”
(Matthew 6:30-33 AMP)

I Don’t Wanna Go THERE!

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Last night, I made beautiful chicken kabobs, assisted in the assembly process by my daughter, a skilled and meticulous chef in her own right. Red onions, multicolored peppers, mushrooms, and okra from our garden added to the nutritious visual feast.

As I took the sheet pans out of the oven while trying not to dump the chicken liquid, I felt the singe of skin…back of my left hand, near my wedding band finger. The irony that even healthy food can hurt ya loomed heavy. In 20/20 hindsight, I wished I’d used 2 full oven mitts instead of relying on plain ol’ flat potholders to do the job. Too late. In a split-second, I was reminded that I truly do NOT want to go to Hell.

As a mom, I was gonna “walk it off” with the unsatisfying remedy of the ice cube that slipped into the sink after providing a few short-lived moments of relief. My son recommended that I put on some burn cream…and after 5 minutes, I relented & found myself rifling through the first aid kit. That cream almost sizzled as it soothed. Granted, this was a VERY MINOR burn. Nevertheless, it was no less hot (and my skin no less burned and beginning to wrinkle up), and served as a vivid prompt to keep my heart clean by staying in close fellowship with Christ, and walking daily in love, forgiveness, and grace…because I truly do NOT want to go to Hell. Not for a split-second, and certainly not for eternity…

“The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.”
(Psalm 9:17)
“For great is thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell.”
(Psalm 86:13)
“But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.”
(Matthew 5:22)

Anything BUT Routine: Are You Auditing Life?

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audit (verb) – attend (a class) informally, not for academic credit;
inspect, examine, survey, scrutinize, probe, vet, investigate, assess, check, analyze, evaluate, study, peruse, sift, dissect
audit (noun) – an official inspection of an individual’s or organization’s accounts, typically by an independent body

Most folks who really know me are aware of my natural “night owl” tendencies. When everyone in my house is asleep, I savor the peace, quiet stillness when I can reflect, meditate, and write. However, as the past several months of the “stay at home” routine have been anything but routine, my sleep schedule has gotten unusually whacked out. Being overtired doesn’t really make me wake up bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, so my exercise routine is anything but routine. And everyone knows that when you’re overtired and not exercising regularly, your eating habits are anything but routine. So here I find myself gargling with warm salt water and vinegar since my resistance is lower for the aforementioned reasons.

After I stepped out of the shower groggy and borderline cranky, I brushed my teeth and mindlessly wandered over to step on the scale. Not until I was back in front of the sink rinsing my mouth did I realize that I didn’t even look to see the number on the scale. Probably because I’d already looked before I got in the shower and wasn’t anticipating a pre-midnight fat-shrinking miracle…but moreso because I was just wandering aimlessly. Not intentionally moving with purpose along a determined course, path, or plan – I was “tumbling.”

Earlier in my career, I worked in the Internal Audit Department of a large financial services institution. For this li’l ol’ liberal artsy Southern Belle in a communications role who had never taken an accounting class, it was an eye-opening learning experience. Everything was logically organized in folders (both physical and electronic) – for ease of filing, cataloging, and storage, but also for the purposes of providing historical documentation and proof of process/procedure/policy. If something was missing from the file, it was an outlier during an audit. If something hadn’t been corrected that was called out in a prior inspection, an explanation was required. At any time, a record could be accessed to review the status of a given group.

When I absentmindedly stepped on that scale the second time, I was immediately convicted of going through the motions – like I was auditing the class of life instead of wholeheartedly embracing and participating in every opportunity afforded. I had succumbed to the mundane instead of committing to create the excellent and extraordinary in the part of my environment that I could control.

I found myself tonight being audited by the Spirit of God (the Supreme Independent Body Who is able to reveal and assess every innermost part) as I’d bobbed along the waves and drifted past the buoys of the “how much longer” saga of coronavirus, weather phenomena, social injustice, political tomfoolery, and the impending apocalypse (that’s been 2,000+ years in the making) instead of keeping my eyes firmly fixed on HIM. I had to admit I was living distracted – and it was showing like a frayed and tattered ribbon unravelling.

So I did the only thing you can do when a bright light is shined on the dark places still lurking in your heart – I repented. And recommitted to get back on track. Again. Tomorrow morning, I start afresh and anew, grateful for the gift of His amazing grace once again bestowed on me without measure.

“A false balance is abomination to the Lord: but a just weight is his delight.”
(Proverbs 11:1)
“TEKEL; Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting.”
(Daniel 5:27)
“Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.”
(II Corinthians 2:14)

Kayren Cathcart's Blog

Observations on daily life and inspiration for spiritual growth…

Perspective Maintenance

TTT: Stop NOW! Time is of the essence… (12/20/2007)

TT: Go Forth in Obedience (12/26/2006)

TTT: This Time It’s Different… (12/7/2009)

Finding Grace at the Bonfire

My Best Gifts Are NOT Under the Tree This Year

Self-Care Sunday: Rest is NOT just a 4-letter word!

Dead – or Just Dormant?

Envelopes of Provision

I Don’t Wanna Go THERE!

Anything BUT Routine: Are You Auditing Life?