Face Doesn’t Match

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

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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

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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)

Growth, Maturity, Tolerance, and Wit

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What does Pink Panther have to do with Father’s Day for this eldest daughter of a Girl Dad?

When I was a child and Saturday morning cartoons were the jam (we didn’t have cable – gasp! I turned out fine…), my dad used to chuckle amusedly at the Coyote and the Roadrunner (on the ORIGINAL Looney Tunes).

I was annoyed whenever they’d cut away from Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck – because for the life of me, I couldn’t figure out why there was no dialogue between the characters! Add to that the Coyote’s unfortunately risk-prone leaning to ridiculous predicaments…I never understood why he kept trying the same nonsense – to no avail.

Now that I’m older and wiser, I find myself hollerin’ with laughter at the irony, sarcasm, hubris, and double entendre baked into these wordless cartoons.

In some life situations, no words are required and one look says it all.

I finally get it. And now I find myself appreciating the beauty of a classic…#FullCircleMoment #DaddyWasRight

With honor for the mighty men of valor in my life, Kayren💞

“Children’s children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.”

(Proverbs 17:6, KJV)

“Grandchildren are the crown of aged men,

And the glory of children is their fathers [who live godly lives].”

(Proverbs 17:6, AMP)

A Teachable Spirit

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Do you suffer from delusions of grandeur?

We’ve all been there – thinking we were all that and a bag of chips…only to discover that there were other chips that out-chipped us.

It can be a crushing blow if you think that moment is the end-all, be-all. But if you take it for what it’s worth and desire to learn from that moment, it can be pivotal, instructive, and corrective.

A well-placed lesson learned can catapult your trajectory to your next level of growth and maturity.

I understand what it’s like to feel like, “Awww, they gunning for me/they’re targeting me/they’re against me” in a hyper-sensitive way.

(I used to live in that space of my feelings – it leaves you feeling either vulnerable or like a victim…neither of which are true for a child of God who has access to victory through Jesus).

Instead, we can take the feedback objectively, and choose to make an adjustment, or reject it as we consider the source (they may NOT be a credible witness, they could be a distraction, or they could be dealing with their own “stuff” and not considering the impact of their response on you).

Or they may have a valid point. <gasp!>🫢😑

Allow God to show you the truth.

Then adjust or respond accordingly. And sometimes, that’s no verbal response at all…

Blessings, Kayren

“1 Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.

2 A good man obtaineth favour of the Lord: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.

3 A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.”

(Proverbs 12:1-3)

Ignoring It Does NOT Fix the Problem

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There’s no time like the present…to address the real issue.

I’d been putting off a call to the Help Desk for weeks. My reasoning? That I didn’t have time to do it then.

Weeks later when I needed to meet a deadline…you already know how the story goes.

I logged on, all set to copy/paste/upload 200+ questions into the online portal and BAM! I didn’t have access. SAY WHAT?!?!

I finally got focused enough to be in deep work mode (is that even a thing for a creative? I dunno; it sounded good! LOL) and now this roadblock PLUS undue pressure.

But I could’ve sidestepped this last-minute drama by just dealing with the issue when it first presented itself. Selah.

Let’s not put off until tomorrow what we can do today.

Blessings, Kayren

“I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.”

(John 9:4)

Learning to Listen

Posted by kayrencathcart

In the past, I’d breeze past life lessons (kinda in fast-forward mode) out of eagerness to “check the box” on the lesson.

Can you relate?

Now I understand that the process is kinda the point of the lesson (moreso than the outcome). #ModernMaturity

“A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:”

(Proverbs 1:5)

Need a Change of Scenery?

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*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)

Rejoicing In His Presence

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Today, I choose to experience the day from His perspective – as a gift to be unwrapped.

Instead of analyzing the “box of the unknown,” I receive and accept the truth that my Heavenly Father gives GOOD gifts to His children.

There is no place or room for fear, worry, dread, or anxiety because I am His daughter, He loves me, and He has great things in store for me.

What’s your declaration today?

If you’re not sure, start by reading the scripture below out loud for a spiritual identity boost!

Blessings, Kayren

“3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,

5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:

7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:

9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.”

(I Peter 1:3-9, KJV)

“3 Blessed [gratefully praised and adored] be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant and boundless mercy has caused us to be born again [that is, to be reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, and set apart for His purpose] to an ever-living hope and confident assurance through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

4 [born anew] into an inheritance which is imperishable [beyond the reach of change] and undefiled and unfading, reserved in heaven for you,

5 who are being protected and shielded by the power of God through your faith for salvation that is ready to be revealed [for you] in the last time.

6 In this you rejoice greatly, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials,

7 so that the genuineness of your faith, which is much more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested and purified by fire, may be found to result in [your] praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

8 Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and though you do not even see Him now, you believe and trust in Him and you greatly rejoice and delight with inexpressible and glorious joy,

9 receiving as the result [the outcome, the consummation] of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”

(I Peter 1:3-9, Amplified)

I Am a Person – NOT a Machine

Posted by kayrencathcart

Ever feel like people around you need that reminder?

I cannot run 24/7. Continuous grinding is NOT abundant life.

That means I have to adjust deadlines. Respond once my emotions have been acknowledged and addressed. Realize that nothing is set in stone – even when others’ expectations point to the contrary.

I’ve learned to be okay when stuff doesn’t go as planned. I consider myself to be a pretty decent planner (kinda meticulous, very detail-oriented). Execution – I need support in that area. Maybe it’s cuz I get easily distracted.

Anyhoo…when things look like they’re taking a turn from the “script,” I’ve learned how to pivot with grace (and I’m still practicing HARD every day…and life seems to be throwing multiple opportunities to broaden and deepen this skill, so um, thank you, Lord – I guess?).

If you’ve been serving the thief more than the Good Shepherd, how will you give yourself grace in the midst of an automated environment today? You know it’s time…

Blessings, Kayren

“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”

(John 10:10)

Kayren Cathcart's Blog

Observations on daily life and inspiration for spiritual growth…

growth

Face Doesn’t Match

Full Circle

Yesterday’s Yes

Growth, Maturity, Tolerance, and Wit

A Teachable Spirit

Ignoring It Does NOT Fix the Problem

Learning to Listen

Need a Change of Scenery?

Rejoicing In His Presence

I Am a Person – NOT a Machine