Perspective Maintenance

Give Me Liberty or Give Me…

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Well, enough of my dramatic (yet patriotic, you must admit!) Patrick Henry allusions.  But the truth of the matter is this:  when we don’t choose life, we are indeed – even if by default – choosing death.  It may not be immediate, but eventually, something will die as a result of a choice that doesn’t line up with God’s instructions for our lives. 

As we reflect on the cost of freedom, let us appreciate the price our Savior paid for our own liberty.  May we daily choose life by walking in obedience to His Word, His will, and His way. 

“I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:”

(Deuteronomy 30:19) 

© Copyright 2012 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Of Secrecy & Shame, Transparency & Truth

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We all know John 3:16 by heart, right?  But when I did a www.BibleGateway.com search for “truth and light,” John 3:21 popped up.  Then I chose to read the prior verse for proper context.  While reading a few more verses above that, something clicked:  When we walk in the light, we’re showing forth the love of God; conversely, when we walk in darkness, of course we realize that there’s no love in this.  I experienced a simple, yet significant, moment of awareness.

When we keep things to ourselves, attempting to hide our foibles and struggles, we’re not being honest with ourselves – or others.  What good is a pretty façade when the inside is crumbling?  Why act like you’ve got it all together when you’re really “tore up from the floor up?”

It takes courage to stand boldly in the truth…yep, the butt naked truth.  It can be intimidating at first, but it is indeed liberating and cathartic – as if a weight has been lifted from your shoulders.  Why?  Because you’re no longer trying to hold everything together with an amalgamation of scotch tape, paper clips, staples, and push pins.  Instead, you’re admitting, “This is a bit of a mess, and I need some help and support to get through it until things come together.”  And you know what?  After that, the help you need becomes available.  Transparency makes ya vulnerable (that’s the story of my life on this blog).  Downright exposed.  But it’s the only way to start a genuine healing process.  Bringing things into the light brings life.

So today, I typed up the progression of my blood pressure readings over the past few months to share with my doctor during tomorrow’s appointment.  I’m gonna do this while taking a deep breath (perhaps several!) – because I’ve been dodging her for a while.  However, since I want to be healthy from the inside out (and not just an outward show), this is my first step.  What’s yours?

“16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.”
(John 3:16-21)

© Copyright 2012 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Critical Condition: Cut to the Core

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Talk about the boomerang effect!  It didn’t take long for the lessons in my previous post to come home to roost – again.  Today, I was called on the carpet with no recourse – except to implement some of the changes I’d been skirting for the longest.

At my request, a dear co-worker (who also has a medical background) took my blood pressure reading this morning; he was not pleased with the result.  I reasoned with him that we had just descended eleven flights of stairs for our unexpected fire drill.  Unconvinced, he came back (with stethoscope and all) an hour later to retake it.  My slightly decreased level was still elevated – enough to concern him.

He shot straight from the hip – again – as he had done on several other occasions.  Restating the disclaimer that he was not a doctor, he gave me four directives (which he recapped in an e-mail):

  1. Focus on weight loss – there’s no quick fix for this; a slow, steady process is the very best way to go.  (He noted that my blood pressure and cholesterol concerns would significantly diminish, if not be totally eliminated, when I’m within my target weight range; the chart’s goal is double my personal goal…but any weight loss at this point is desirable and welcome).
  2. Cut out salt – throw away your salt shaker; it’s better for the entire family.
  3. Keep up with your exercise – not less than 4-5 days per week.
  4. Make an appointment with your doctor to discuss these elevated readings since your physical 6 months ago.

Honestly, all of these were gonna be pretty grievous to my flesh, but I was especially apprehensive about the last one.  Because I don’t want to be put on medication like other family members.  But I guess my “hit or miss” efforts don’t really corroborate that desired outcome.  After a mental wrestling match, I called to schedule my doctor’s appointment – first available, next Wednesday morning.  Thank goodness, since my co-worker stopped by my cube to follow up with me less than two hours later.

Perhaps the most impactful thing he wrote (in all caps, so I guess that’s shouting?!) was, “KEEP FOCUSED AND DON’T CHEAT.  THE BENEFITS ARE HUGE.”  Well, it worked, because that truly resonated with me.  And he’s right.  Conversely, the risks and consequences of disobedience are also huge.  So begins my season of heightened accountability…

Perhaps your issue isn’t a health issue at all, but a matter of the heart.  Whatever it may be, I urge you to attend to it today, before it becomes critical, and possibly irreversible.

“When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart…”
(Acts 7:54a)

© Copyright 2012 by Kayren J. Cathcart

The Parable of the Organic Spinach: Infinite Perpetuity is Not Promised

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What can spinach from my hubby’s garden teach me about the seasons of life?
Apparently, plenty…

See, I thought we’d have spinach at arm’s reach forever…until my hubby told me last week, “I think that’s it – the last of the spinach.”  My heart skipped a beat.  I was totally enjoying the fresh, tender leaves brightening up my morning egg white omelet.  I relished the tasty change from romaine lettuce on my sandwiches. But most of all, it was easier to clean than the romaine (which tends to be slug-prone at the roots – ick!).  Nevertheless, I understand that fresh spinach isn’t sustainable in 90° heat…it wilts – quickly.  Then I discovered that the fresh romaine was coming to an end, too.  Not that I would miss the slugs (by any stretch of the imagination), but it was quite nice not paying for lettuce!  So I resigned myself to the fact that those fresh greens are now gone.

But the good news?  We have another crop of yummy delights springing forth – because it’s their season to bloom.  So I’m learning to munch on squash and zucchini at my desk – and lots of it. (I’m open to your favorite recipe ideas).  No need for me mourn the spinach and romaine; I can rejoice with anticipation of cucumber and tomato salads in a few weeks!

Likewise, we must learn to appreciate the cycle of each harvest in our lives – including the periods of dormancy, separation, pruning, weeding, repositioning, and replanting.  Cycle implies that things won’t stay one way forever, that a series of events may occur in a particular sequence, and that progression will occur.  And for those of us who are naturally change-averse, it means we must learn to adjust – promptly!

I believe this cycle concept is applicable to relationships, too.  Many times, we grow at a different pace from people we’ve shared space with for a long time.  Sometimes our paths diverge from people we’d travelled with for years.  We have to learn to accept this as part of the cycle.  As I approach my 15-year college reunion (no, I’m not attending the festivities; yes, I’m in denial that I’ve been out of undergrad for that long – LOL!), I reflect that there are some people I was really tight with as a teenager, but now, we haven’t been in contact for years.  Are they bad people?  Not at all – but our relationship changed because our seasons changed.

So let us embrace the season we find ourselves in…for surely, it will change as time goes by.  May we allow the cycle God intends for us – individually and collectively – to take its course in order to bring about the growth and maturity needed for all parties involved.  And enjoy the spinach…until it’s time for squash…and as you wait for the cucumbers.  🙂

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:”
(Ecclesiastes 3:1)

 “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.”
(Philippians 4:4)

“7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”
(Galatians 6:7-9)

© Copyright 2012 by Kayren J. Cathcart

A Cardinal Convention

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cardinal – basic, fundamental, key, prime, serious, chief, important, principal, essential, central, core

In addition to gardening, my hubby is pretty much into “all things outdoors-y.”  As such, he’s put up more bird feeders around the yard than I can keep up with.  But it makes for a most melodious morning wake-up (um, noisy to non-optimists) and brings a great flurry of winged activity during bird mealtimes (interesting to those with short attention spans).

One morning this week, as I was about to open the door heading to work, I noticed a cardinal on the walkway.  I didn’t want to open the door and make it fly away, so I just peered through the glass, observing its movements for a few moments.  Then I noticed its mate in the tree.  When I finally had to open the door and prepare to start my commute, I saw an entire flock of birds, it seemed, gleaning seeds that had dropped to the ground from the feeder on one sturdy tree branch.  Doves, pigeons, bluebirds, a hummingbird, (a partridge in a pear tree?), and Lord knows what else…so many colors, sizes, and shapes.

It was an unexpected delight to behold!  May your day be filled with a multitude of delights from your Heavenly Father, Creator of the most magnificent joys…open your eyes to what’s all around you – His presence!  Make Him your first priority today and allow your perspective to be adjusted to see what’s really important…

“In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul.”

(Psalm 94:19)

“Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?”

(Matthew 6:26)

 “The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.”

(Psalm 138:8)

© Copyright 2012 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Who’s Got YOUR Back?

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I guess I’ve had a lot to say lately, but I haven’t taken time to write over the past few weeks…that have turned into months.  Or perhaps I didn’t have much to say at all…since I’ve been giving intentional focus on consistently working at staying healthy and attentively caring for my family’s needs.  Nothing too out-of-the-ordinary, but now that I’m reflecting, it has been a steady, busy time.  Among other things – I survived yet another one of my son’s science fair projects (without having to blog my way through the anxiety – that’s progress!), encouraged him as he prepped for (and passed) his standardized End of Grade (EOG) testing, and accrued more of the legendary tooth-pulling acumen for which I’ve become so well-known (it’s how I ended this year’s delightfully restful Mother’s Day – it took under a minute and I was less than sentimental about this bottom front pearly white from my daughter).

Fitness-wise, I’ve been working pretty hard at keeping active (sweating and suffering – LOL) – trying new classes at the gym and making sure to get in some movement at least 4 times a week.  As a matter of fact, my local YMCA recently concluded an 8-week Fitness Challenge – here’s some feedback I gave the staff:

“The Fitness Challenge 1Q2012 came at JUST the right time – I lost 8.6 lbs. in 8 weeks AND got a free t-shirt!  (As a result, I feel better physically, I’ve gotten surprisingly stronger, and I pray all the time to get through my increasingly challenging workouts – LOL!). PLEASE keep these Fitness Challenges coming…I have 20 more lbs. I need to lose!  Thanks for the support and encouragement!  Consistently coming to the YMCA for the past 8 weeks has turned my “I can’ts” and “I’ve nevers” into “I DIDs!”  I tried new classes that I didn’t think I could survive – then returned because I discovered I liked them – wow!  As my 7 year-old daughter says, “Go, ME!”  This has definitely been a blessing in my life.”

In addition to receiving the wonderful benefits of participating in the Fitness Challenge, I also WON a prize, and that was like a cherry on top – a free personal training session, which I redeemed today.  And that’s when I realized something simple, yet profound:

My personal trainer has her own personal trainer.  And her trainer has a trainer!  Go figure – the “best of the best” build in a system of accountability in order to not only maintain their achievements, but to continuously improve themselves.  It feels like a total “It Takes a Village” effort, but I’ve intentionally involved most of the class instructors and trainers in helping me stay accountable at the YMCA as I work towards my personal health and fitness goals.  If I miss over 2 consecutive days of exercise, I know there’s someone (or several someones) I’ll have to answer to.  And that is good for me – because who needs to be isolated and left to their own devices? Exactly – no one does.

As Christians, we often think we’re self-sufficient, but we are not.  We are interdependent parts who need one another for accountability – because no individual has it ALL together (though some may try to convince us otherwise).  That’s why it’s called the BODY of Christ – that denotes an interconnected system.

So whether you’re a thumb, a big toe, an arm, a leg, an ear, an eye, or some other part of the body, know that you are significant.  And needed.  So make sure you’re doing your part – what God has called and instructed you to do…or someone else will suffer deficiency without the benefit of your valuable contribution.

By the way (for those of us afflicted with uncontrollable CHOD – Chronic Helping Others Disease), don’t play the “superhero” role 24/7 and try to win your personal battles alone while appearing to be a rock and a martyr for everyone else.  There are brothers and sisters willing (and able) to help you reach your next level.  Allow them to do so.  Does that require vulnerability, honest confession, and transparency?  YES!  Does that mean they’re perfect?  Not at all.  But will you be strengthened from their wisdom, experience, and support?  Definitely, so it’s worth it to humble yourself and receive the assistance…I’m a witness.

“4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;

5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,

 6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.”

(Ephesians 4:4-6, 16)

© Copyright 2012 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Autumn…or Fall? 9 Lessons from the Leaves

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fall – tumble, drop, collapse, cascade, sink, decrease, reduce, come down, descend, plummet

While driving home yesterday (on the same route I take every day), I noticed something markedly different.  What captured my attention?  The gentle but steady rain coming down?  No.  The lulling classical music I listen to during my commute to keep me patient in the midst of innumerable inconsiderate drivers?  Nope, I didn’t have the radio on; my only accompaniment was the symphony bubbling in my heart.  Well, what then?  I was acutely aware of the fall leaves wafting in the wind.  When a big gust blew, they came down in a swirling torrent of golden color as my car plodded on to pick up the children from afterschool care.  I smiled as I took it all in and was overwhelmed by the goodness of the God Who created this beautiful splendor.

Mind you, I love to watch leaves fall – really.  Especially when I’m sitting in front of a window or on the porch watching a tree in my yard.  Maybe for you, that’s just a boring step above watching paint dry or grass grow, but for me, it’s very calming, soothing, and relaxing.  In those pensive moments of solitude, I’m reminded that I should just let go and trust God – always, no matter what.  As we approach this season of thanksgiving (and giving thanks for the greatest Gift ever!), what meditative and contemplative activities will you take time for?  Indulge me as I go out on a limb (pun intended!) and take a bit of literary liberty to personify the thoughts of the lowly leaves…

9 Lessons from the Leaves

  1. Leaves let go when it’s time and take the plunge – they don’t try to cling to past or the old season because it’s comfortable, familiar, or predictable.  Wheeee!
  2. Leaves aren’t afraid to get low – they’re willing to humble themselves and come down to another level, even if they were previously soaring many feet above the ground.
  3. Leaves aren’t troubled about where they’ll land – they float, soar, glide, and drift along unrestrained, uninhibited, and with careless abandon in whatever direction the wind carries them.  In the same way, shouldn’t we trust God to lead, guide, and direct our paths?
  4. Leaves don’t worry about how they look or the fact that they’re changing – they know they’re supposed to look different than they did a few weeks ago…it’s called progress, growth, and maturity.
  5. Leaves don’t concern themselves with other leaves are doing – they’re focused on doing what they’re supposed to do, regardless of what it looks like others may (or may not) be doing.
  6. Leaves aren’t anxious about self-preservation, but they’re motivated by purpose – they know the cycle will start all over again; after a period of dormancy, more of their kind will spring forth.
  7. Leaves always have a smooth landing – they don’t try to fight gravity or the fact that they’re supposed to fall in this season; it’s part of their process.
  8. Leaves take the change of seasons in stride – they’re not in a rush to get it over with, but neither are they apprehensive or trying to avoid the inevitable, impending changes.  They appreciate each moment for what it is.
  9. Leaves know that change is part of their makeup – they’re created to change – not stay the same; it’s built into their structure, so they embrace it.

Let me leave (another pun intended!) you with these parting thoughts:

I challenge you to take a few lessons from the leaves…perhaps it will influence how you manage the season you’re in.  After all, the Lord of the harvest has a plan for your life…trust Him to bring it to pass as you walk in obedience to His Word, His way, and His will.

“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 5:6-7)

© Copyright 2011 by Kayren J. Cathcart

“Armed” & Dangerous…and Fit for the Master’s Use!

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“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)

“If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use,
and prepared unto every good work.”
(II Timothy 2:21)

Our faithful God healed my son’s broken arm in a matter of a few weeks – I was truly amazed at His handiwork and thankful for His touch.  To see the x-rays progress over the weeks of follow-up doctor appointments was incredible.  With each visit came further proof of significant improvement as he regained strength and mobility in his dominant arm – hallelujah!

Now he’s back to his regular routine and frolicking on the playground as if July never happened.  Children have short memories, eh?  I’m sure I remember more readily since I’m still getting medical bills in the mail…but bless God that He’s already made provision for those to be covered. 🙂

Perhaps there are some dry bones in your life and you’ve been wondering if they can live.  I encourage you to look unto the Author and Finisher of your faith to see the glorious outcome.  Activate your faith, belief, and trust in Him and watch the newness of life that will come forth when His Word touches what appears to be languishing.  It’s not over – God has the final say!

“3 And he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord GOD, thou knowest.

4 Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the LORD.

5 Thus saith the Lord GOD unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live:

6 And I will lay sinews upon you, and will bring up flesh upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and ye shall live;
and ye shall know that I am the LORD.

7 So I prophesied as I was commanded: and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and behold a shaking, and the bones came together, bone to his bone.”
(Ezekiel 37:3-7)

© Copyright 2011 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Maternal Musings: A Mother Reminisces

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“As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child:
even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all.”

(Ecclesiastes 11:5)

After the Great End-of-Summer Arm Incident, I was bathing my child again.  As I recalled the days of the totally dependant infant in the baby tub, I had to admit that he was considerably bigger now, and much more independent.  Where did the time go?  I wondered.  Each evening before the bath, we secured a plastic bag around the injured arm to prevent the cast from getting wet.  I scratched as far into the cast as my pen could reach to alleviate the incessant itching.  I watched him learn to eat proficiently with his left hand.  Could I have seen this set of circumstances coming?  Hardly.  Do I have “mommy superpowers” to avert all of life’s painful lessons or shield my children from major hurt or discomfort?  Clearly not.

Because – wonder of wonders! – pressure causes us to grow…no matter what our age may be.  This child astonished me by figuring out a way to hold his sticks (cast and all!) and play the drums that he loves so much within 2 weeks of his injury.  It was as if something inside wouldn’t let him just sit down, do nothing, and be sad.  He missed being in his bed (the top bunk) – so he was climbing back up there within weeks (yikes!).  A few weeks later, though he couldn’t play badminton with his sister, he went to kick the soccer ball around in the backyard while wearing his protective brace (I was terrified and wanted him outfitted with a battle tank).

I am thankful that God covers us.  He is our Protector – and has been from the very beginning.  We really can rest in Him.  He has ALL POWER…and that trumps “mommy superpowers” any day.  🙂

“13 For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb.

14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

15 My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.

16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned,
when as yet there was none of them. ”

(Psalm 139:13-16)

 © Copyright 2011 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Extreme Makeover: Arm Edition

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“Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.”

(Psalm 51:8)

 A bit o’ humor…since sometimes you have to laugh to keep from crying… 🙂

Back in August, my son told our pastor that “God had done this to him.”  He was quickly corrected when Pastor asked, “YOU chose to disobey your father, didn’t you?”  My son nodded in agreement.  “So that was your choice to jump off the sliding board/monkey bars – God didn’t do that to you, did He?”  “No sir,” was the penitent reply.

How many times do we put things on others (including God) when we’re really just reaping the consequences of our own unwise, impulsive, or deviously calculated poor decisions?

I remembered seeing my firstborn laying in the Emergency Room hooked to the IV going in and out of consciousness saying, “Daddy’s gonna spank me…”  I just caressed his face, attempting to calm and soothe him, but knowing that when he was healed up, this was gonna be the lesson of a lifetime.  His injury (and its accompanying pain and discomfort) were already speaking louder than any physical discipline that could be administered.

Plans can change so quickly – in an instant.  I’d taken Friday afternoon as a vacation ½ day so we could get ahead of traffic for our scheduled ministry-related short road trip.  We’d arranged a hotel reservation for our family and were looking forward to hearing the Word.  Even so, we never know how a day will end.

Our God is gracious and His lovingkindness endures to His children forever – even in the midst of painful processes.  In retrospect, I can say this wasn’t the worst thing that could have happened to my child.  He was even blessed enough to get his cast off the very DAY before the new school year began – though I’m sure he wouldn’t have minded not writing for a few weeks!  Sure, it was no fun for an energetic boy to have to sit out from Physical Education and recess for the first month of school, but it was part of his lesson on the consequences of our actions.  Some things just can’t be erased by saying, “I’m sorry” or “I won’t do that again.”

But two months later, he has been restored.  The doctors tell me that the mended, regenerated bones that were broken are probably stronger now than the bones in his other (unharmed) arm.  Isn’t that just like our God – to make us better than we had been as we yield to His process?  Who wouldn’t allow Him to work on the inside each day?  After all, He is our Creator; He knows what He’s doing to bring about our expected end.  I challenge you to trust the Lord with your inner makeover…starting now.

“He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken.”

(Psalm 34:20)

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”

(Jeremiah 29:11)

© Copyright 2011 by Kayren J. Cathcart