Autumn…or Fall? 9 Lessons from the Leaves

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

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!
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)

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

Posted by kayrencathcart

“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)

Maternal Musings: A Mother Reminisces

Posted by kayrencathcart

“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)

Extreme Makeover: Arm Edition

Posted by kayrencathcart

“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)

A Joyful Heart, A Right Attitude

Posted by kayrencathcart

While waiting for this morning’s train, I saw an older gentleman doing his job. It’s not what he was doing that caught my attention as much as how he did it. You see, he wore plastic gloves and a fluorescent safety vest for visibility, and he was wiping down the railings near the train stop. It wasn’t a particularly prestigious task, and he was hardly noticed by most of the waiting commuters. However, the vigor and intention with which he wiped down those posts really ministered to me!

I thought, “If I had this brother’s positive outlook while doing my own work, what could I accomplish today that would bring honor to God?” In that moment, that man was engaged in pure worship to his Creator. He was thankful for having a job, and that was evident in his purposeful actions, pace, upbeat attitude, and demeanor. He commanded respect; he was so focused that I wanted to greet him with a hearty, “Good morning, sir!” It didn’t matter that he wasn’t wearing a 3-piece suit or working on a job making a 6-figure salary. He carried himself in a way that exuded gratitude, and that was a great practical devotion for me!

Today, check what you’re emitting. If it’s time for an attitude adjustment because others don’t see the joy of the Lord in you as you progress through your workday, give God full access to your control panel – and allow Him to tweak you for His glory.

“Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?

He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.

He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.”

(Psalm 24:3-5)

“Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God;

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.”

(Colossians 3:22-24)

From Birth to Cap, Gown, & Tassel in 60 Seconds Flat

Posted by kayrencathcart

I hadn’t planned to cry. I was genuinely excited about seeing all the “little people” (many of whom were almost as tall as me) dressed in white for the Kindergarten Promotion Ceremony. As they began the processional, “Pomp and Circumstance” blared through the distorted sound system. Uh oh – I reached for my tissue as I remembered holding my daughter as a toothless newborn what seemed like just a few months ago. The music swelled and a drumroll signaled a crescendo; I remembered her first steps, eating solid food, first tooth lost…

I dabbed my eyes a bit more as I realized how much they’d all grown this year. There was no chaos or extraneous chatter – the classes stood and were seated in the orderly manner they were instructed. It was beautiful to behold. The parents, on the other hand, followed directions worse – when instructed to hold applause until the end of each class’ names being called, parents began loudly calling out their children’s names. I know we’re all proud, but really…a bit of decorum helps us all, folks. However, I digress… She waved at me as she crossed the stage. What a remarkably beautiful young lady she’s becoming…must not think of wedding yet…Sweet 16 comes first…oh Lord, help me!

To the tune of “New York, New York,” they sang (as only children can), “Start spreadin’ the news, we’re leavin’ today…we wanna be a part of it, First Grade, First Grade…if we can make it here, we’ll make it anywhere…so here we come,First Grade, First Grade!” That did it! I didn’t downright boo-hoo, but I was much more emotionally sensitive than I expected to be. The icing on the cake was when the principal announced them as the Graduating Senior Class of 2023 – I went there. In an instant, I reflected on my own high school graduation and how my parents were so proud of me after all they’d put into raising me. Now here I was full circle in the process.

The children turned the tassels on their plastic-coated mortarboards. “Gee, they’re really growing fast!” I sighed wistfully as I prepared to return to work, beaming inside and out. Next school year will be another new leg of this journey called growth, development, and maturity.

“As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:”

(I Peter 2:2)

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.”

(II Peter 3:18)

Success = Consistent Progress (and vice versa)

Posted by kayrencathcart

I have each child’s report card in front of me, and I‘m so proud that both of them received straight 3s (consistently meets expectations) for all 4 consecutive quarters of the school year! Not that it was easy, but my hubby and I kept prodding them, and they kept pressing. Their stellar report cards (along with quarterly awards recognition for Academic Excellence, Exemplary Citizenship, Perfect Attendance, and Accelerated Reader) provide an accurate reflection of the hard work they did all year long.

As a self-described “artistic type,” I had great disdain for consistency in my younger years; truthfully, I thought it was boring. However, maturity has taught me that some achievements only come as a result of consistent effort and execution. I relied too heavily on chance or being fortunate when I could’ve been assured of my outcome from the beginning if I’d been willing to do the same thing each time – start early (instead of waiting until the last minute), take time to study and do research (instead of cramming and flying by the seat of my pants on what I thought sounded good), and apply myself consistently (instead of being sporadic, unpredictable, and driven by whatever mood I happened to be in).

Funny how it took my own children in elementary school to drive this lesson home to me, but I’ve finally “got it” and I understand the importance of consistency. I believe God uses our children to help bring us to where we need to be. There was no way I could help my son do well with his Science Fair project if I didn’t face my own anxiety over the subjects of Math and Science. I really can’t stand to dust and ironing is a foreign concept (though I love to vacuum), but that matters not since I’m responsible for training my children in proper housekeeping techniques. So in order to accurately demonstrate the skills and provide a credible example, I have to get over myself. May we as parents and leaders be ever mindful of the critical role we play in developing those following in our footsteps.

Congratulations to all graduates celebrating the fruit of your labor – job well done! Be richly blessed as you advance to the next level of applying yourself to be excellent in Christ. 🙂

“Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper withersoever thou goest.

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”

(Joshua 1:7-8)

“I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

(Philippians 3:14)

The End is Near vs. Emergency Preparedness and Staying Ready

Posted by kayrencathcart

This title was brewing in my spirit all day, but from a different perspective (think recent apocalyptic prophecies and wild weather epidemics). However, the way I spent my last 2 hours was the icing on the proverbial cake. Just what was I doing, you might inquire? Teaching ALGEBRA to my 2^nd grader for his homework sheet due TOMORROW. Eeeek!!! Arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrgggggghhhh!!! The end surely must be near…

“And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?”

(Matthew 27:46)

As if enduring the torture of working on a science fair project over several months of my adult life wasn’t penance enough (I guess it wasn’t), I had to face yet another one of my idiosyncratic hang-ups from the high school/college years: math phobia. Yes, I know I’ve worked at a bank for 8 years. Yes, I’ve finally learned to TRULY balance my checkbook within the past 2 years. Yes, I’m acutely aware that my God has a sense of humor second to none. See, I’ve always been the liberal artsy type – the KHS TV/Radio Club President (geez, I’m dating myself – that was in the early 90s…before the term “media” became savvy), the show choir song ‘n’ dance gal, the Speech Communications major extraordinaire, the one whose “gift of gab” helped get her outta many a sticky situation.

Yet, here I sat at MY kitchen table with MY child, reviewing math concepts his teacher had just introduced today: finding missing numbers. Like I’m some expert on unknowns – kumbayah! I cringe and shudder to even reminisce on the math requirements I trudged through – including 9^th grade Algebra, and 11^th grade Algebra II (God bless my teacher and her many hours of after-school help on my behalf). I won’t even mention 10^th grade Geometry…let’s have a moment of silence for the only “C” on my “I graduated as one of the top 10 students with “highest honors” transcript.

Remind me to tell you why my dad says we have the smartest dining room table in Virginia…I vaguely recall that it had something to do with me taking a “teleclass” for Statistics through community college one summer – thinking I wouldn’t need to actually watch the classes…until I ‘fessed up to my dad a week before the exam and he had to coach me through probability and Lord knows what else in no time flat. Parenting – the job that keeps on giving…

Tonight, after realizing that my son didn’t understand the process for getting to the answer, I pulled out the blue and red checkers from the Connect Four game, 4 sheets of scrap paper (we used the front and back of 3 sheets), AND my calculator, to boot. After I talk with the teacher tomorrow, I’m sure I’ll realize I did it the hard way, but we had to solve 10 – a = 4 without a negative number (a concept that hasn’t been introduced yet)…so you can probably imagine my BFQ (brain frazzlement quotient) after an 8-hour workday full of its own idiocy. In the end, the boy made me proud – I don’t know if he was just pretending to “get it” so I’d let him go to bed at 10 p.m. (bless his li’l belly button – he’s usually crawling into bed by 8 p.m.), but he was able to show me his work after about the 12^th problem we had to correct. We’d stuck it out together. Go, Team Cathcart – beat those mean ol’ numbers! We RULE! 🙂

Nevertheless, God gives more grace to the humble…’cuz baby, I sure needed it tonight! Lord, I thank You for being ever-present and ever near. You are my Solution in the midst of every problem, puzzle, quandary, and conundrum. Because You are more than able to equip me to handle whatever emergency arises, I can rest in You. Selah. Help me keep my heart ready to yield to Your every command.

“And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?

And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.

For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.

And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.”

(Matthew 24:3-6)

It Is Finished!

Posted by kayrencathcart

“And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?”

(Matthew 27:46)

“When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.”

(John 19:30)

After weeks and months of agonizing, planning, preparing, and executing, The Great 2^nd Grade Science Fair Project of 2011 has finally been handed in – hallelujah! We concluded the experiment. We finished the research paper BEFORE Spring Break (no minor feat to keep a 2^nd grader focused in the house when they’d rather be outside playing). We printed the hypothesis, cut out graphics, and pasted until our hearts were content. Not only did I survive, but I emerged from the process stronger than I expected. I’m glad it’s done (really glad – trust me!), but I have a greater appreciation for why God made me face my own science project angst and trepidation head-on.

See, I went into this with the mindset, “I’ve already earned my degree(s) – why, oh why must I go through this dreadful torture again?!?” However, God showed me so many things through the course of working with my child on this project, including how very alike we are (in more ways than I care to admit), including:

Bright with natural aptitude = wanting to rush through the process to reach a conclusion (can’t see the forest for the trees)
Inclined to take the path of least resistance = being more focused on reaching the destination than enjoying the journey
Intense, perfectionist, self-critical = not being patient with the process, and sometimes getting unduly frustrated with the little things

I had plenty of opportunities for teachable moments – as teacher and as student. For example, I overcame the urge to finish the report myself just so it would be done – because I’d be robbing my child of his learning process. When one particular milestone progress report was due, we were solidly in the midst of the 21-day fast. I was irate, aggravated, and hungry; what I wouldn’t have given for some junk food that Saturday! Yet, God showed Himself strong and mighty, and HE ALONE sustained me through that episode without the crutch of emotionally eating chocolate or carbs!

So here’s the bottom line praise report: This week, my child was selected as one of the TOP THREE 2^nd Graders to advance a project to the school’s Science Fair! My initial goal had been simply to “get it done and turn it in.” Sad to admit, but I wasn’t aiming for excellence – “pretty good” would’ve been fine with me. But my child saw the guidelines for having a great project and he really wanted to win. Since we serve a God of excellence (not mediocrity), I had to practice what I preach and give my best effort. After all of my foot-dragging, complaining about how I didn’t want to do this because it’s just one more thing on my already full plate, yada yada yada…God showed that He was in the midst of the whole thing. Like I didn’t have a sneaking suspicion from the time the assignment came home…

So it really was never about me at all. 🙂 It never is! It’s always for God’s purposes. And this time, I believe God wanted to see a snaggle-toothed smile from a boy who won a prize full of science gold – complete with modeling clay, slinky, microscope, and who knows what else is in that package. He had his moment in the spotlight – being featured on the morning announcements, receiving congratulatory cheers from his classmates, standing on the stage beaming in front of peers and parents, and getting his picture taken by his little sister who was genuinely proud of him.

Did he win First Place in the School Science Fair? Nope – not even Second or Third Place. My hubby claims, “We was robbed!” and I’m rather inclined to agree with him…who me – biased? Nah! But in our eyes, he stood head and shoulders above the competition (including 3^rd through 5^th Graders). He represented us well, and our whole family was there to support him for his hard work and to celebrate his accomplishments. We have the certificates to prove it – and that big tri-fold board in the corner that I won’t soon forget. I think my hubby wants to frame the entire board. And I don’t blame him. As Editor-in-Chief of www.PaperPolisher.com, I declare that working on this project and report with my child may have been some of my finest work yet.

We must learn to see priorities from God’s perspective, and then commit to grow through the process He chooses for us. My daughter will have to do science projects, too – won’t she? 🙂

“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.”

(Ecclesiastes 12:13-14)

The Beauty of Being Hidden

Posted by kayrencathcart

Well, in the event that anyone missed hearing from me via this blog, hello again! Where have I been? A little of here, there, and everywhere – so I won’t try to stuff almost two months’ worth of experiences into a single post, but I’ll unfold it over the next few weeks. After writing a blog entry entitled Talk Back to Your Flesh, I shouldn’t have had one ounce of surprise when my Pastor called our church to a 21-day fast. Consequently, my fast included sacrificing some digital media access – including my beloved inspirational blog. 🙂 Reducing, curtailing, and eliminating many distractions (electronic, food, etc.) helped me to settle into a place of peace where I could hear Him more clearly. Our God is evermore faithful – He knows exactly what we need and when we need it!

Sometimes we fight against the very thing God is doing in our lives for His glory and, most of the time unbeknownst to us, for our benefit. Have you ever been “under the radar” – hidden so deep you could hardly find yourself? And when you tried to emerge from the place where God had you covered, He pressed you back into the position where He’d concealed you in the first place? I have years of personal experience with this! But be encouraged – it’s not a bad thing to be hidden by God; it’s just one of the ways He protects us. 🙂 I’ve recently gained an even greater appreciation for His means and methods of sheltering His children. Allow me to share some key points from a few verses God dropped into my spirit this evening.

Confidently Anticipate God’s Provision

“For it was so, when Jezebel cut off the prophets of the LORD, that Obadiah took an hundred prophets, and hid them by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water.”

(I Kings 18:4)

A dark, damp cave can save your life when it’s appointed by God!
Luxury isn’t a prerequisite for being sustained – bread and water will get the job done in a pinch.
God is more than able to maintain – for His ultimate glory – what man attempts to cut off.

Can You Handle Being Under the Radar?

“… and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.”

(I Kings 19:10)

Remain where God places you for the season He designates! Don’t pop up like the “Whack-A-Mole” game – stay low and humble yourself…you’re out of the public eye for His purposes!
Shut down the pity party – know that He’s got you separated unto Himself for good reason: so He can directly feed you the nutrients and nourishment He needs you to have.
Let God work on you – even when (and especially when) it’s uncomfortable and requires you to change. He knows the areas you need to be strengthened in for the next assignment or battle you haven’t foreseen.

Rest in God’s Reassurance

“Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.”

(I Kings 19:18)

You can hear God’s voice clearly when you commit to be still in His presence; He is the Answer you seek.
Believe that God’s plan is more extensive and comprehensive than what your finite mind is capable of comprehending.
God will punish idolatry – even in these “modern” times; check yourself and make sure you’re not compromising with any of Baal’s stuff (his people, representatives, mindsets, systems, places, etc.)!

A brief scan of the headlines for earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, and tornadoes will remind us that these are serious times indeed. May we find ourselves in the center of God’s perfect will, committed to obeying His every command to us – individually and collectively. When this occurs, we will experience – and trust – His protection as He hides us …like only He can.

“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.”

(Psalm 91:1-2)

Kayren Cathcart's Blog

Observations on daily life and inspiration for spiritual growth…

Perspective Maintenance

Autumn…or Fall? 9 Lessons from the Leaves

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

Maternal Musings: A Mother Reminisces

Extreme Makeover: Arm Edition

A Joyful Heart, A Right Attitude

From Birth to Cap, Gown, & Tassel in 60 Seconds Flat

Success = Consistent Progress (and vice versa)

The End is Near vs. Emergency Preparedness and Staying Ready

It Is Finished!

The Beauty of Being Hidden