Thanksgiving IS the Giving of Thanks

*I’m giving you some calorie-free food for thought – you’re welcome!*

During a 1-hour commute last week, I was praying NOT to be anxious about everything on my plate for the upcoming workday. All of a sudden, Philippians 4:6 sprang to life as the Holy Spirit illuminated – and prayed THROUGH me – “let your requests be made known unto God.”

Stunned, I could’ve pulled off the road and just SAT WITH THAT for a while.

Cuz I know that scripture. Have it memorized. Reflect on it often.

But applying it that morning? Something in me shifted. Immediately.

I was like, “LORD, I haven’t been asking properly!” 😯 I humbled myself, repented, and asked Him to show me what to ask for. 🙏🏽

“2 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war,
yet ye have not, because ye ask not.
3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.”
(James 4:2-3 KJV)

The day went SO smoothly – it was almost uncanny. Except I KNEW what made the difference – thanksgiving.

The giving of thanks. From a sincere heart. Even though I didn’t feel like attacking the tasks with approaching deadlines, I thanked God for being WITH ME in the press and for showing Himself strong and mighty on my behalf. 💪

I applied Matthew 19:26 to a specific project (that had me STUMPED for 2 days), and it literally FLOWED like oil…I was SO grateful! 🙌

“But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.”
(Matthew 19:26 KJV)

The Message translation brought it to life for me and put a li’l pep in my step after I finished laughing at how refreshingly truthful it was:

“Jesus looked hard at them and said, “No chance at all if you think you can pull it off yourself. Every chance in the world if you trust God to do it.”
(Matthew 19:26 MSG)

👉 This week, I challenge you to reflect on and dig DEEP into your own giving of thanks (while you’re diggin’ deep into that menu you’ve been planning! LOL).

Then watch the light bulb come on for you like it did for me…💡

Blessings from a thankful heart, Kayren

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”
(Philippians 4:6 KJV)

“6 Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God. 7 And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours].”
(Philippians 4:6 AMP)

“6 Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns.
7 Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.”
(Philippians 4:6-7 MSG)

Face Doesn’t Match

Posted by kayrencathcart

Have you become unrecognizable as a new creature in Christ?🦋

You know how the smartphone lockscreen has the facial recognition feature?

Well, mine recently said, “Face doesn’t match” – like who else is gonna be logging into my phone but me? 👀😬😘😵‍💫 (don’t get me started on hackers…#Rude&Inconsiderate😡)

But it reminded me how we’re new creatures in Christ – old things are passed away.

So maybe that face shouldn’t match anymore after all…#NewIdentity

Blessings as we learn who we REALLY are in Christ,
Kayren

“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)

Full Circle

Posted by kayrencathcart

Serve others — *The harvest cycle takes time…so be patient in the process.*

Someone I met while riding public transportation in 2009 reached out to me this week through my website – it was an unexpectedly delightful surprise. She said that she still had an autographed copy (of my first published book) and that she thought of me from time to time, even as she had moved from my local area in 2014 and was now retired.

Getting this “blast from the past” email from a sister in Christ (whom I met during a particularly challenging season of my life) truly brightened my day, reminding me that we never know the impact we’ll have on someone – just by being ourselves and allowing the light of Christ to shine through us.

God is the One Who causes a seed planted to grow – in HIS time, and in due season.

Are we being diligent to plant and water so HE can give the increase as He sees fit?

Blessings to my fellow seed planters, Kayren 🌱

“6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.
7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.
8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.
9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.”
(I Corinthians 3:6-9)

Yesterday’s Yes

Posted by kayrencathcart

We can’t afford to drive an entire trip while looking in the rear-view mirror. At what point do we choose to focus on what’s ahead? (hint: NOW is a good time!)

In terms of obedience:

My “yes” to God is still required today – even if (& especially when) I said “yes” yesterday.

When I rest on yesterday’s yes, I am deliberately choosing to stunt my own growth.

Why?

Because before I know it, I’m facing compromise, complacency, or comfort – and all of these can slow the progress of growth and maturity.

Today’s yes unlocks my next blessing – because it lays a part of the foundation I’ll need in place if I’m building something that lasts, stands the test of time, and holds up in the midst of a storm.

Blessings as we choose to continue building wisely, Kayren

“24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:

25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:

27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

28 And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:

29 For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.”

(Matthew 7:24-29)

Need a Change of Scenery?

Posted by kayrencathcart

*It doesn’t always require a vacation…Small adjustments can yield big results…*

After mindlessly carb-grazing past the clear cake dome of devil’s food cake and plastic container of croissants, I realized that I needed to tamp down my visual triggers…and quick! 🥐

Cuz if I see it, I’m usually nibbling within 10 seconds. 👀 Call it an endearing foible…or a weakness – your choice.🙄

So I moved the cake from the easily accessible corner of the counter. It may seem insignificant, but it was like a landmine when I’d go refill my water, like, “Yes, cake IS perfectly acceptable this close after breakfast…and again this close before bedtime.” 🫣😆

Um no.🚫 I rebuked myself, made the adjustment (2 croissants and 4 buttery fingers later), and went to brush my teeth.

Drop a comment and share how you’ll change your scenery today.

It’s definitely a judgment-free zone – because people who live in glass houses can’t afford to throw stones…and people with crumbs around their lips shouldn’t be quick to criticize! 😉😏😜😂

Blessings, Kayren

“The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.”

(Proverbs 16:21)

The Leadership Lesson

Posted by kayrencathcart

In process and in progress — *Learning when your tests & trials aren’t just for you…*

The tempering. Pulverization. Incessant pressure. Repetitive knocks. All leading to and culminating in ultimate restoration.

I hadn’t thought about the challenges of my current season as being part of leadership training. Until now.

But it all makes sense.

The greatest among us must serve.

And a true servant leader has a tender heart after experiencing what they walk others through – because they’re already familiar with the path.

They know the sting of rejection. The frustration of being misunderstood. The loneliness of isolation. The two-sided coin of forgiveness and redemption.

And they don’t despise any part of the lesson, because they understand that it’s all part of the process of being made.

May we continue to endure each lesson until we become leaders who accurately reflect the image of our primary example of selfless servant leadership – Jesus Christ.

In progress & in process, Kayren

“24 And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest.

25 And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors.

26 But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.

27 For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.”

(Luke 22:24-27)

Love: An Action & A Choice

Posted by kayrencathcart

Sacrifice required.

Sacrifice applied = rewarding.

Bewilderment inevitable.

Bewilderment addressed through God’s Word = reassuring.

Joy baked into the process.

Joy experienced = fulfilling.

Jesus is our example of unconditional love – a requirement for successfully completing our assignment as mothers.🌟

Some days, we do better than others, but our goal must always be to partner with Him in the process, and to never think we’re able to unplug or disconnect from the Source and do it on our own. 🎁

Because we can’t. It wasn’t designed for us to be able to do it on our own.

Being a godly mother is a BIG job.💪🏽 With more than 2 decades of momming under my belt, I can say it’s one of the most significant jobs I’ve ever undertaken. When we show up in His presence daily for fellowship, refreshing, refilling, and guidance, He equips us with exactly what we need – a measure of HIS love.😇💓

Blessings to all who take on the BIG job of momming – and to those who are honoring mothers today…and EVERY day, Kayren 💞

“1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

(Hebrews 12:1-2)

Check out my SHIELD!

Posted by kayrencathcart

Are you the type of person who tries to defend yourself when something (or someone) comes against you? Yeah, me too. It gets exhausting trying to fight all the time, doesn’t it?

When Psalm 3:3 popped up on my Bible app, it was a fitting and much-needed reminder as the battle raged all around me. After reading the scripture, I started to think about how we use and benefit from a shield.

We stand behind it and receive the protection we need from an onslaught. True, we COULD go and bonk someone on the head with the shield, but that’s an offensive move, and not the intended way to use the tool we know as a shield.

Therefore, if God is my shield, then what am I doing fighting?

Today, I challenge you to allow GOD to be the shield in your life that He already is. Let’s acknowledge His ability (and strong desire because of His great love for His children) to cover, protect, and defend us from the enemy He has already defeated.

What good news…we can shout the VICTORY now! After the past couple of weeks I’ve had, I’m gonna go ahead and do the same…be encouraged, my friend – God’s GOT US!

In His love, Kayren

p.s. Don’t forget to save the date to join me on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 @7pm ET for my One Year Later Virtual Celebration – subscribe to my YouTube channel now to get a reminder when I go live: https://www.youtube.com/@kayrencathcart – whoo hoo! #MoreHearts #GonnaBeEpic

“1 Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.

2 Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.

3 But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.

4 I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.”

(Psalm 3:1-3)

“Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.”

(Ephesians 6:16)

Lessons in Resilience

Posted by kayrencathcart

The spiderweb in my shower was nearly imperceptible.

And fully unexpected. I’d just cleaned the bathroom a few days ago.

But the angle of sunlight streaming in illuminated tiny droplets hanging onto the faintest wisp of a web in a corner I must’ve skipped (or chosen not to reach).🤔😉

I threw some water on the web. Several times.

It barely budged.

May we be that resilient in the face of opposition that intends to take us out.

Blessings, Kayren

“10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;”

(Ephesians 6:10-18)

What Will You Let Go Of Today?

Posted by kayrencathcart

If trying to juggle what’s on your plate is getting overwhelming…maybe there’s too much on the plate.

I’m working on this myself…

“33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.”

(Matthew 6:33-34)

Kayren Cathcart's Blog

Observations on daily life and inspiration for spiritual growth…

Gratitude

Thanksgiving IS the Giving of Thanks

Face Doesn’t Match

Full Circle

Yesterday’s Yes

Need a Change of Scenery?

The Leadership Lesson

Love: An Action & A Choice

Check out my SHIELD!

Lessons in Resilience

What Will You Let Go Of Today?