Dead – or Just Dormant?

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

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

Posted by kayrencathcart

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

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)

Anything BUT Routine: Are You Auditing Life?

Posted by kayrencathcart

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

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)

Cold or Hot?

Posted by kayrencathcart

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

My hubby says I must be “part lobster” because I like to take really hot baths.
I guess all that’s missing is some Old Bay Seasoning…

Through my sleep-deprived coronafog this week, I struggled to get a hot bath on 2 separate occasions – but alas, the faucets were not cooperating. I couldn’t figure out why – after letting the water run for almost 5 minutes – it was still tepid…a most unpleasant prospect for us crustaceans. A semi-warm bath just won’t cut it. Two nights ago, I thought extended showers by my wonderful teens who also ran the dishwasher took all of Mom’s hot water, so I reluctantly resorted to a shower when the bath taps still responded barely warm. I was so tired, I almost stomped through the bathroom. I’m intentionally working on my evening wind-down routine after being in front of computer screens most of the day.

Tonight, my candles were lit and I NEEDED a therapeutic bath with epsom salts. So I went to The Fixer, my handy-dandy hubby (who’d just done a masterful job on our subway tile kitchen backsplash – way to go, honey!). 🙂 He checked the hot water heater that was up as high as it could go. Hot water ran from every other faucet but my tub…until hubby turned the other knob. Seriously…I’ve lived in this house (and been taking hot baths in this same tub) over half a decade and still had to guess which handle dispensed the hot water?! (Yes. I guess I choose to use my cranial capacity for more substantial matters). I shook my head at myself in exhaustion, thanked him for valiantly solving my latest crisis, and prepared to settle in for my hard-won hot bath.

It was one of those “womp womp” moments – like when tech support tells you to try rebooting your computer…which instantly fixes the computer issue you’ve been having…and you wish you’d tried that before waiting 30 minutes to get some assistance. My whole family got a good laugh at my expense, but I was too tired to try to defend the foolishness, and I think they had compassion on me.

This true blonde moment couldn’t be covered by my burgundy hair rinse even if I tried. Frazzled by quarantine as we prepped for the start of a new virtual school year (and possibly a zombie apocalypse), I guess I’d gotten my wires crossed, spatial relations whacked out, and looked at something so common and familiar from the wrong perspective.

Doesn’t this happen to us spiritually more often than we care to admit? Ah, I am evermore thankful for the gift of glorious grace…

“13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:”
(Revelation 3:13-17)

Full, But Unsatisfied

Posted by kayrencathcart

Two weeks ago, I thought this was just a “get it off my chest, rambling personal journal entry.” But now I realize that I have to post it…because I wrote Part Two (unbeknownst to me) today. So here it is – Part One…may you be blessed by this big ol’ heaping helping of transparent exposure…

Have you ever eaten a meal and been stuffed to capacity, only to realize that it did not hit the spot? Or you worked hard to achieve a significant goal, milestone, or accomplishment, only to experience the same nagging void that was there when you started? Yeah, me too. Utterly disappointing, isn’t it? #EpicLetdown

On far too many occasions through my 4 decades-plus of life, I’ve reached the top of a ladder, only to realize I’d placed it against the wrong wall. I’d achieved a goal, but not the fulfillment to accompany it. So what next?

I lost the (same) 20 pounds (again)…only to regain them (again). I got the new job responsibility, accolade, or recognition…only to realize it wasn’t the adrenaline rush I was looking for after all. I tried the new gourmet recipe and presented it to my family with little acknowledgment for the effort…only to feel my high-flying “mom balloon” deflated amongst the empty dirty dishes.

What was I really seeking? Contentment. Affirmation. Fulfillment. If I’m brutally honest with myself, I know that comes only from being at peace with the will of God – not seeking to check off the next achievement. No matter how many things within my span of control (which admittedly are very few) I tweaked, I only experienced satisfaction when I decided to yield to God’s selected path for me in that season. Even when it wasn’t glamorous or sexy. Especially when it felt mundane and routine (quarantine, anyone?).

So how do we change the narrative? Give it up, and give in. Go back to Square One – HIS plan. Yeah, it’s the one that does NOT look like your plan…but it’s custom tailored to fit you perfectly.

My dietician’s recent reminder that we’re never able to satisfy emotional hunger with physical food was a light bulb “aha!” moment and a real game changer. The same premise is true in the spiritual realm: we’re never able to satisfy our spiritual hunger with anything but Christ…we were created with that void He longs to fill. Don’t get sidetracked by distractions…let us focus on the Lord and allow HIM to fill us during this time when He continues to draw us deeper into His presence..

“As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is tried:
he is a buckler to all them that trust in him.”
(II Samuel 22:31)

“He revealeth the deep and secret things:
he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him.”
(Daniel 2:22)

“And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life:
he that cometh to me shall never hunger;
and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.”
(John 6:35)

The Sistahood

Posted by kayrencathcart

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

It’s not that Oprah, Michelle Obama, or Beyonce are any more fabulous than anyone already in your personal circles…it’s just that, as celebrities, they’re more widely known. This entire week, my eyes have been opened and my soul awakened to the sheer magnitude of greatness in the women around me. Like these gorgeous new roses blooming in my yard, we find ourselves at different stages of life and levels of growth and development, but our individual beauty enhances the collective landscape.

MY network is invaluable and priceless. I was bursting with pride after Tanya gave her dynamic Toastmasters Icebreaker speech today – I’ve gotta get that well-traveled chick’s autograph NOW! I felt like a million bucks after having an afternoon catch-up chat with Tiphanie; after tag-team encouraging each other for 5 minutes, we finally agreed to have a mutual admiration society for respect of the current and future potential we see in one another, determined and committed with accountability to not let it go dormant. I connected her with Michele who just started her own consulting firm because they’re both young, vibrant, unstoppable, brilliant, and share a similar interest. I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for LaKeisha who has actively served as a nurse on the COVID-19 front lines and still takes care of her husband and family with godly devotion like a champ; she’s younger than me, but I consider her a role model in so many ways. Yvette is a creative spiritual powerhouse who – days after attending to her own health issues – was calling to check on me…seriously compassionate. My college friends who group text with me regularly have provided the familiar solace that comes from people knowing you (up, down, sideways, inside and out) for over two decades.

These women (and the scores of others I can’t possibly list here) have been an invaluable part of my support network. The impact of their influence on me has been magnified during these past several months as they provided reinforcement in places I didn’t even know I had needs.

I say it’s time to harness the power of those dynamic people God has already placed in our paths. The next Oprah may already be within your sphere of influence – help her come forth, and she’ll do the same for you. We can nurture and build our environment with genuine friendship, kinship, and relationship. With love, perseverance, and dedication, we CAN change the world as we know it for the better – one step at a time, one day at a time, one intentional action at a time. I’m counting on it…for my daughter’s sake, and her generation. Count your blessings, assess your network, and mount up, sistahs…the time is NOW! OUR time is now!

Thank YOU for being part of my network – I am truly grateful!

p.s. It goes without saying that as we strengthen our sisterhood network, we put ourselves in better position to support our brothers…

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”
(Psalm 133:1)

Nestled

Posted by kayrencathcart

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

nestle – snuggle, cuddle up, curl up, huddle, nuzzle, settle, lie close, burrow

Look closely. Now look closer. See how safely hidden this nest is – tucked amidst the protective thorns? That’s how our God covers and surrounds us. What comfort and confidence we can experience when resting in Him!

“1 How lovely are Your dwelling places, O Lord of hosts!
2 My soul (my life, my inner self) longs for and greatly desires the courts of the Lord;
My heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God.
3 The bird has found a house,
And the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young—
Even Your altars, O Lord of hosts,
My King and my God.
4 Blessed and greatly favored are those who dwell in Your house and Your presence;
They will be singing Your praises all the day long. Selah.”
(Psalm 84:1-4 AMP)

In Full Bloom

Posted by kayrencathcart

Transformation abounds…wait for it…

This same rose that just began to bud less than a week ago is now in full bloom. It was almost like it happened in the blink of an eye. Wow, God – truly You do ALL things well!

In the midst of what’s going on right now, our expansive, extensive, magnanimously massive and infinite God is STILL sovereign and reigning on the Throne! As I reflected tonight on where I was physically at this time last year (grappling with ongoing GI issues), I was soooo grateful to just be able to have a meal in this season without fear of being unable to keep it down. I nearly had a praise party while washing my hands because I’d felt like the woman enduring the issue of blood last year as I searched for a cure to my ailments. Nevertheless, Jehovah Rophe healed me with HIS powerful touch, and I’m soooo thankful!

If you take a moment to meditate, what overwhelms YOU with gratitude for a fruitful area of your life (expected or unexpected) bursting forth even in the midst of the “stay at home” directive? When we resist fixation on a particular desire or outcome, our eyes may be opened to the miracles already at work right under our noses! Feel free to share your own praise report in the comments…

“4 For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him.
8 But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.”
(Isaiah 64:4, 8)

“10 I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.
11 For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.”
(Isaiah 61:10-11)

Feeling Tossed?

Posted by kayrencathcart

Do you ever feel tossed (like an ocean wave…or a really hearty salad) when things don’t go as planned or expected (like no March Madness 2020)? I do…

A lot has changed in my corner of the world since I posted at the beginning of the month. You can probably say the same. It’s just that kind of time.

At the beginning of the month, I took a vacation day from work to celebrate “Happy Hardworking ME Day!” (ME = Mommy Extraordinaire)…I scheduled my first mani/pedi in several months and enjoyed the royal treatment at Elevation Beauty & Nail Spa (shout-out to my new fave nail spot in the University area for pampering and perspective maintenance)…highly recommend!

Today, I’m prepping for Week 3 (of 2 months *minimum*) support of my children who are physically out of their school classroom environment and transitioning into distance learning from home. Does this make me a Schoolmaster? Um, yes…

At the beginning of the month, I was excited about being assigned to a new project at work.

Today, I find myself struggling to adjust to working from home 100% without ANY options to go into the office as our entire state is under “stay at home” directives.

At the beginning of the month, Daylight Saving Time impacted my circadian rhythm…who knew 1 hour could make such a huge impact on your life? I found out a few years ago. LOL

Today, I find myself irritable as my inner night owl natural tendencies collide with my domestic and professional responsibilities that start earlier in the morning than I can sustain on a few hours of sleep. I’m working towards a healthy balance of proper rest (being awake to know there’s a 2am national news show on is NOT helping my plight), regular exercise (though sporadic exercise would be more than I’m doing right now), and wise food choices (eating the majority – but not all! – of a homemade iced lemon pound cake…by myself…in 2 days…without remorse…is probably less than beneficial). #JudgmentFreeZone #PandemicCaloriesDontCountDoThey 🤣

Perhaps, like I do, you find yourself grasping for some semblance of normalcy as “the new norm” is being reshaped for our respective communities each day – and sometimes being redefined every few hours. It seems like as soon as I make one adjustment, five more unexpected changes are hurled my way, and I’m accountable for responding properly with wisdom and maturity – and then adapting quickly…no matter how stretched to capacity I may feel.

Nevertheless, God’s Word – as always – offers comfort, assurance, and strength for this particular part of the journey we find ourselves travelling. When we are afflicted and tossed, He promises to establish us – in Himself…the Solid Rock. He is with us in the midst of every trial and tribulation – to teach us lessons in the fires of adversity, and to bring us forth refined as pure gold, without even the smell of smoke!

Even as things around us appear to deteriorate rapidly, may we endure, stay encouraged, and seek the “blessing in disguise” right under our noses. A family member, friend, or neighbor who is ill or has a need may present an opportunity for us to be the hands and feet that extend the love of Christ through needed acts of service. A child you’re suddenly “shut in” or “locked down” with for weeks (or months – grace & mercy please, Lord! 😇🙏🏼) on end may be the answer to prayers you prayed long ago for the reconciliation and restoration of right relationship. And believe it or not, when you humble yourself enough to admit your own need, you may find a source of support available TO YOU that you never knew existed.

“Social distancing” in a physical sense doesn’t mean we withdraw from connecting in meaningful ways with those we care about. We must be more creative and intentional about finding ways to reach out to those who need to experience kindness and compassion.

God has equipped us for this battle, and already calls us MORE than conquerors through Christ. May we see our present assignments as gifts for us to be further strengthened and prepared as saints of the Most High who share the Good News of the Gospel in love and with joy every time there is an open door. When we look around, I believe we’ll see that our next door is not at all far away…

I’m praying blessings, safety, and good health for you and your family,
Kayren

“11 O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not comforted, behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colours, and lay thy foundations with sapphires.
12 And I will make thy windows of agates, and thy gates of carbuncles, and all thy borders of pleasant stones.
13 And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of thy children.
14 In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall not come near thee.”
(Isaiah 54:11-14)

Abiding Under the Shadow of the Almighty

Posted by kayrencathcart

I’m grateful that the shadow of the Almighty is bigger than mine!

Not a bird in sight during my impromptu Saturday afternoon walk…

Yet, when I heard a flurry of chirps, tweets, squawks – and other sounds too challenging to describe with words – I knew there were many birds nestled just beyond the leaves. Though I couldn’t see them tucked into the covert of the bushes, their cacophony of sounds evidenced a vibrant winged community hidden from my sight.

In times like these, may we abide under the shadow of the Almighty and experience firsthand His covering from the imminent threats, dangers, evils, and perils that are near. May God’s hedge of protection continue to surround His children as we humble ourselves and pray…

“1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.
4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.”
(Psalm 91:1-4)

Kayren Cathcart's Blog

Observations on daily life and inspiration for spiritual growth…

assurance

Dead – or Just Dormant?

Envelopes of Provision

Anything BUT Routine: Are You Auditing Life?

Cold or Hot?

Full, But Unsatisfied

The Sistahood

Nestled

In Full Bloom

Feeling Tossed?

Abiding Under the Shadow of the Almighty