Gratitude

O Christmas Tree: A Matter of Perspective

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Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

I’m looking at the most exquisite Christmas tree ever – not because it’s elaborate, expensive, or customized, because it’s none of those things.  The reason is because it’s an expression of our family’s love, togetherness, and building our own traditions.  Personally, I could do without the tree (since I believe Christmas is birthed in our hearts 24/7, not just during this season), but I was vetoed 3-1, so we have a tree and some lights.  I even broke down and spent $1 on some red and green gel clings that I enthusiastically added to the sliding glass door in the kitchen.  Cheery.  When I tried to peel them off the plastic transfer sheet, I realized why they were only $1…grrrr!  But it’s for the children, right? 

Back to the tree.  To me, it first appeared unplanned, un-color coordinated, and not monochromatic (what can I say? I love simple white lights).  Yet, to my 4 and 6 year-old munchkins beaming with pride that their decorations have completed this year’s tree, it’s nothing short of a masterpiece.  It is colorful, bearing the imprint, insignia, fingerprint, and signature of each of their unique personalities expressed through original ornaments made at school.  My husband even added my daughter’s Rudolph (complete with sparkly red puffball nose) to the tree, which is twice the size of all the other ornaments (including the star).  Now I don’t recall why we didn’t have a star last year, but the one my hubby found and nestled among the top branches was a great crowning glory.  As he snores away, I’m enjoying his handiwork with a smile of admiration.  And I reminisce with fond memories of my own first handmade ornament – a spectacular popsicle stick glitter glue-covered Star of David…I’ll bet my mom still has it…somewhere.

On second thought, I think our tree is perfect – just like they do.  🙂

© Copyright 2009 by Kayren J. Cathcart

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”

(Isaiah 9:6)

Unwrapping the Gift of YOU

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Have you ever received a really nice gift and thought, “I’ll save this for a special occasion,” or “I’ll wear it for a fancy celebration,” or “I’ll use it when the time is right” – and before you know it, you’ve forgotten that you even had the gift?  Then a few months later, when you’re walking around with a raggedy high-heeled shoe shooting off sparks behind you or wearing a torn item of clothing, you remember, “Hey – I’ve got a great new pair of shoes and a new outfit nestled in the back of my closet!  Why am I going out looking crazy?”  Well, that’s happened to me more times than I care to admit!  I knew the giver must’ve spent a pretty penny (or at least some time and energy) getting me the “just right” gift and looking forward to me making good use of it…only to find that I tucked it away and failed to maximize the gift’s capacity.

I happen to be rather mindful of this principle because my home was recently broken into.  Thankfully, no one in my family was harmed, but some valuable items were taken.  Sadly, I must admit those stolen items included one set of jewelry that I wore so seldom (though it was given to me for a significant milestone) that my husband realized it was missing before I did.  He GAVE it to me, but I didn’t even realize it was gone.  How many times have we been in that situation with valuable gifts God has given us?  Additionally, how many of us don’t realize that we are gifts that He has given to be a blessing to others?  II Corinthians 4:7 reminds us that we have treasure (something of great worth) in earthen vessels. 

No matter what your container looks like, the product inside is precious to God!

Don’t Neglect the Gift Within You

“Do not neglect your gift…”

(I Timothy 4:14, NIV)

Many times, gifts that God Himself has given us lie dormant.  We’ve allowed precious treasures He has entrusted to our care and stewardship to be hidden, inactive, and underdeveloped.  Often, we don’t really venture outside of our comfort zones until the pressure we’re experiencing becomes almost unbearable.  Then, under the weight, we finally yield and say, “Okay God – You win!!!”  When a storm comes to shake us out of our grogginess and complacency, we cry out, “Mercy!  Please help me, Lord!”

It is imperative that you cultivate, nurture, develop, and mature your gift.  If it weren’t important, Timothy’s mentor wouldn’t have admonished him to “stir up the gift of God that is in you” (II Timothy 1:6).  Was Timothy lazy, fearful, or just comfortable?  Perhaps he just wasn’t operating at maximum efficiency and effectiveness.  As a matter of fact, Paul seemed to admonish him to shake off his comfortable contentment with the status quo and stop settling for the mediocre and familiar.

If this sounds like a place where you find yourself, it’s time to give your gifts a wake-up call!  Repent, pray for direction, commit to purposeful action, and GET MOVING!  Your gift will take you into the arena of greatness (Proverbs 18:16).  Be so focused and single-minded in tending to your gift and executing God’s purpose that external influences and distractions cease to matter.  I’ll admit that it’s not easy or passive activity.  Jude 1:3 admonishes us to “earnestly contend for the faith.”  That means it’s going be a press.  Sometimes we’ll have to fight; yet, Matthew 11:12 tells us “…the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.”  I dare say that your destiny is worth fighting for.  The purpose of resistance, opposition, and pressure is to propel you toward opportunity – which is cleverly disguised as adversity!  Will you polish your gift and seize the opportunity? 

What will you do with the door opened by your gift?

 The world anticipates your response…and destiny awaits your embrace.

When you unwrap, acknowledge, respect, and appreciate the gift that you are, here’s what can happen:

  • You will prosper (Proverbs 17:8)
  • You will find yourself in the presence of great people (Proverbs 18:16)
  • You will be promoted and elevated (Daniel 2:48)
  • You will be able to share your gift with others! (I Peter 4:10)

This holiday season, I encourage you to take a serious inventory of the gifts in your own treasure box.  Don’t wait to make “New Year’s Resolutions.”  Start NOW – see what valuable things are inside that you have allowed cobwebs and tarnish to cover up.  Ask God to help you dust off and polish up your gifts – so HE can get glory from what HE gave you TO USE (not just to hold onto).  This holiday season, celebrate the gift God sent us in His Son, and esteem Him by honoring the gift of YOU!  Look no further than your mirror to see one of the greatest gifts God has given…YOU!

“Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.”

(II Corinthians 9:15)

© Copyright 2008 by Kayren J. Cathcart

A Prayer to Build Your Faith in God

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Author’s Note: 

When I posted the January message, I reluctantly admitted that I was personally Running on “E.”  Therefore, I decided to take a few weeks to reconnect to the Source of peace, love, life, joy, and all that I need.  That was a good decision, for I have been refreshed in His presence.  I encourage you to do the same – sooner than later.  Your spirit man and your natural man will thank you 🙂

I was asked to share the prayer below, written during the recent WIW series on “Building Your Faith in God.”  I challenge you to be transparent with God – He knows your innermost thoughts and wants only His best for you.  This is stepping out of my own comfort zone to post an intimate prayer from my heart for the world to see, but if it blesses someone and leads to their deliverance, then it’s worth it.

I am glad to report that God is at work in me, and I am grateful for His patience with me!  I pray that it will help you face and OVERCOME whatever fear stands in the way of your victory.  Go forth boldly!

A Prayer to Build Your Faith in God

Lord God, Great and Sovereign Holy One,

Cleanse me of all unrighteousness, I pray.  I choose to forgive those who’ve offended me, and I ask you to forgive me.  I need Your help to create and sustain a new mindset and a consistently healthy lifestyle full of the true, pure, uncontaminated love of God.  I cannot do this by myself. 

I need You to create in me a clean heart and renew within me a right and steadfast spirit.  Cleanse, purge, purify, and perfect me into the image of Your dear Son, Lord God.  Let there be no hidden corner of iniquity, sin, or unrighteousness that I try to deny, cover up, or ignore.  Change me for Your glory – I’ve been this way for much too long.  Make me what and who You need me to be.  I want Your results, which means I must yield to Your process.  I trust that what You choose for me is right, fitting, appropriate, and just.

Help me to release to You and overcome every:

  1. Food addiction
  2. Destructive habit
  3. Hidden lust and craving
  4. Nasty, ungodly attitude
  5. Stubbornness, rebellion, and pride
  6. Indecision and anxiety
  7. Unbelief, doubt, and fear
  8. Self-sabotage
  9. Stinkin’ thinkin’ and negativity
  10. ANYTHING that blocks, hinders, and impedes the flow of the Holy Spirit
  11. Laziness and undisciplined behavior and thoughts
  12. Complacency

Fill me with the fruit of the Holy Spirit in abundance that I may be a vessel pleasing in Your sight that manifests Your splendor and glory.  I know You are faithful to meet me as I press toward the mark of Your high call that’s on my life.

In the precious name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

© 2008 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Always Enough

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“But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

(Philippians 4:19)

Yesterday, I decided to finish some filing I’d put off for much too long.  The stack of papers threatened to overtake a significant corner on my desk, so I finally conceded that it was time to do something about it.  I went to look for some plastic tabs to label and insert into the hanging file folders.  I had 25 reports to file, I knew I had 25 folders, but I started getting anxious when I realized I didn’t have enough plastic tabs. 

I went to the supply area, hopeful that I’d find tons of plastic tabs lying around.  I didn’t – I only saw a few plastic tabs in the bottom of a container.  So I started counting.  It was near the end of the day, the administrators had gone home, and if there weren’t enough, I’d have to put off completing my task yet one more day.  Wouldn’t you know that I ended up with exactly 25 plastic tabs?  God made sure I had enough to meet my need and complete my task.  And I felt silly for fretting and worrying over something so minor.  Yet, we do that all the time, when God assures us in His Word that He will supply all that we need by precious His Son.

What “plastic tabs” do you need today?  Trust God to supply EXACTLY what you need – He’s your Heavenly Father, and He’s faithful!  I’m a witness that He won’t leave you “hanging.”  It sounds simple, but I challenge you to remember that He is the God of more than enough.

p.s.  ’Tis the season for thanksgiving…don’t forget to be GRATEFUL! 

© Copyright 2007 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Running Water…and other niceties we take for granted

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How many times have you nonchalantly flipped on a light switch, flushed a toilet, or turned the key to your car’s ignition, unconsciously expecting something to happen automatically?

I must admit, I was doing that quite often…until last night.  This experience has heightened my sensitivity and caused my ear to be more sharply attuned to the Father’s voice.  He adjusts and tweaks us in unexpected ways, unique to each of us.  Because He designed us, He knows exactly how to get our attention.

Indoor plumbing enables us to bathe ourselves, keep our homes clean, and live with relative ease.  We view it as a necessity, but the truth is, compared to many parts of the world, it is a luxury.  Maintaining an attitude of gratitude will help us to keep these modern advancements in proper perspective.  Additionally, an “outage” or shortage reminds us to keep a healthy respect for the basic essence of what it takes to live.  I took several “extra steps” to ensure proper/appropriate hygiene – and had the privilege of heating my water in the microwave (thank goodness the power was on) to wash my face.

If running water represents the flow of the Holy Spirit in our lives, what are the ramifications when it’s no longer there?  Could it be that we’re disconnected from the Source?  It reminded me of all the different ways in which running water touches my life:  washing my hands, brushing my teeth, washing my face, and cooking, just to name a few.  The seemingly “little things” make a big difference in our comfort level, and in our ability to function efficiently.

So I became very grateful for the mere PRESENCE and availability of water (though it was in buckets) even though it wasn’t running.  There are times when the Holy Spirit isn’t flowing, but He is available to us – and we don’t appreciate Him until we REALLY need Him and experience that sensation of thirst or drought.

How many times have you not wanted to read your Word until you’ve lost power and can’t turn on the lights?  How many times have you wanted to take a bath (instead of a quick shower) – but realize that when you don’t have running water, you can’t have either?

Priorities/basic needs include food, water, shelter, and clothing.  Everything else is “nice to have,” but not a necessity.  Is the essential fresh water flowing through your life today?

“Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?

Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.”

(James 3:11-12)

© Copyright 2006 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Time for a Tune Up!

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If anyone had told me a couple of years ago that I could be on time for work, I would’ve laughed.  Yet, when I changed my mindset and accepted responsibility for the PRIVILEGE (not a right, especially not in this economy) of having a job and being given stewardship by God of that job, it took on a new meaning.  It wasn’t just about “being on time,” it became a matter of showing true gratitude to God for His goodness and mercy, and wanting to set an example that would cause others to take notice, evidence of my special relationship with Christ and my desire to please Him.

I must admit that I wrote this last year and am CONVICTED to pull it out and see that I have slipped from steadfastness into complacency once again.  But “thanks be to God who always causes us to triumph…” (II Corinthians 2:14).  When we repent and make a sincere commitment to change and improve, He dispenses the grace, resources, and support to make it manifest.

If you’re the kind of person whose attitude says “it doesn’t start until I arrive,” I encourage you to reconsider your position.  I used to think, “As long as I make up the time, it’s okay.”  However, what strength is added to my testimony when people see that I’m where I’m supposed to be when I’m supposed to be there, in place and ready to serve. 

Give your perspective on your own time management a tune-up…you may find some unexpected blessings are waiting for YOU!

One thing you can’t recycle is wasted time.

© Copyright 2006 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Whose Time Is It Anyway?

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If anyone had told me I could be on time for work, I would’ve laughed.  Yet, when I changed my mindset and accepted responsibility for the PRIVILEGE (not a right, especially not in this economy) of having a job and being given stewardship by God of that job, it took on a new meaning.  It wasn’t just about “being on time,” it became a matter of showing true gratitude to God for His goodness and mercy, and wanting to set an example that would cause others to take notice, evidence of my special relationship with Christ and my desire to please Him.

If you’re the kind of person whose attitude says “it doesn’t start until I arrive,” reconsider your position.  I used to think, “As long as I make up the time, it’s okay.”  However, what a strength to my testimony when people see that I’m where I’m supposed to be when I’m supposed to be there, in place and ready to serve.  Try it – you may find some unexpected blessings are waiting for YOU!

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:”

(Ecclesiastes 3:1)

© Copyright 2005 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Taking Time to Smell the Flowers

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Today, I took time to smell the flowers – literally.  My manager had brought me beautiful hydrangeas on Tuesday.  Yet, here it is Friday, and it’s the first time I took a moment just to inhale the fragrance.  Don’t get too busy to appreciate and embrace the beauty all around.  Don’t let life pass you by in a blur.

“He hath made everything beautiful in his time…”

(Ecclesiastes 3:11)

© Copyright 2005 by Kayren J. Cathcart