Pressure vs. Stress

Drop the oversized load, pressure, weight

Is there a difference? One is a response…

I recently decided that I don’t have to be stressed just because I find myself in a situation with increasing pressure. I’m learning to choose more wisely how I expend my emotional and spiritual capital.

God’s Word is applicable in high-pressure situations. His Word contains numerous examples of people who overcame intense pressure without succumbing to stress. I encourage you to study some of their character profiles for encouragement.

When faced with the pressure that inevitably accompanies being a resident of this planet, may we rely on His infinite strength instead of our own finite strength.

I’m a witness that His outcome is exponentially more favorable than any of my contrivances.

Blessings, Kayren

“11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

(Philippians 4:11-13, KJV)

“11 Not that I speak from [any personal] need, for I have learned to be content [and self-sufficient through Christ, satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or uneasy] regardless of my circumstances.

12 I know how to get along and live humbly [in difficult times], and I also know how to enjoy abundance and live in prosperity. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret [of facing life], whether well-fed or going hungry, whether having an abundance or being in need.

13 I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.]”

(Philippians 4:11-13, AMP)

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)

Love: An Action & A Choice

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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)

Choosing Better

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Truth is one size fits all — *I’ll say it again for those in the back…*

My previous healthy choices don’t give me a license to transgress and make unwise decisions today.

#RealTalk from the gal who posted a salad pic earlier this week.

Those fleeting “livin’ in the moment so throw caution to the wind with careless abandon” choices show up later.

Trust me…I know.

There’s also an impact to those walking with me, and those coming after me.

No excuses…I’ve gotta choose better and build consistency.

Cuz I know better. And I like the results of choosing better.

Blessings, Kayren

p.s. How about you? Drop a healthy tip that’s helped you stay on track in the comments…there’s strength in accountability.

“I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:”

(Deuteronomy 30:19)

Fun Size or Farce?

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Fun Fact: Eating 8 “fun size” pieces of candy in one day WILL NOT equate to ME being a fun size. 😬

Marketing can be really sneaky. And downright misleading.

Alas…I even walked after work.

Then I was super-tired during a late-night work session, and my resistance was low. It was a crime of opportunity and I kept going back to the pantry.

And just because somebody else can do it and it looks like they’re “getting away with it,” don’t be deceived.

At least that’s the admonition I’m giving myself.

I know the truth about the wages of sin…so why would I willfully PAY for those results?

Why indeed…

“21 What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.

22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.

23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

(Romans 6:21-23)

What Will You Let Go Of Today?

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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)

I Am Zucchini: A Tale of Flourishing

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Hey friends! It’s been a full and active summer over my way, but I’ve got a FRESH new podcast episode for your listening pleasure…https://anchor.fm/kayren-cathcart/episodes/I-Am-Zucchini-A-Tale-of-Flourishing-e1m1fib

I’m sharing inspiration from my home garden on flourishing in harvest time. This uplifting 6-minute speech was given during a recent Toastmasters meeting…I hope it puts a smile on your face! Stay encouraged, Kayren 🙂

“Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God.”

(Psalm 92:13)

p.s. Drop me a comment after you listen; I wanna to hear from you…please Follow, Like, Share, Comment, and SUBSCRIBE to my Spotify podcast for notifications of new PODCAST episodes!

NEW Episode: The Convo Lab welcomes Rita Garnto

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I’ve connected with another dynamic woman who knows that #SelfCareIsNOTselfish and I’m excited to share our conversation with YOU! #TheConvoLab #AllSistahsAreWelcome

Rita Garnto with Simple Self-Care by Rita shares valuable tips and techniques for Building Up Your Stress Armor in this timely NEW episode of The Convo Lab.

Check out this amazing interview on YouTube or LinkedIn and learn how to show yourself MORE LOVE and stress LESS!

BONUS: Keep scrolling to check out my nostalgic Hello Kitty nails – they’re absolutely adorbs and they make me SMILE because I count nail design time as self-care LOL…thanks again to Kourtney (on IG @huesovhazel) for decorating me with her artistic genius!

“36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law?

37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

38 This is the first and great commandment.

39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”

(Matthew 22:36-40)

p.s. Drop me a comment after you watch; I wanna to hear from you…please Like, Share, Comment, and SUBSCRIBE to my YouTube channel for notifications of new episodes of The Convo Lab!

Thanks so much,
Kayren

NEW Episode: The Convo Lab welcomes Kim Angeli

Posted by kayrencathcart

Kim Angeli, CEO & Founder of GratefulBox.com, shares unique ways to inspire grateful living on this NEW episode of The Convo Lab. Check out this amazing interview on YouTube or LinkedIn and prepare to learn some wisdom that will positively impact you – both personally and professionally!

BONUS: Kim has graciously offered a free gift to viewers of The Convo Lab – a “Choose Grateful” key tag! Request yours here: https://gratefulbox.com/choosegratefulkeytag

“O give thanks unto the Lord; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people.”

(Psalm 105:1)

p.s. Drop me a comment after you watch; I wanna to hear from you…& please Like, Share, Comment, and SUBSCRIBE to my YouTube channel for notifications of new episodes of The Convo Lab!

Thanks so much,

Kayren

Nailed It!!! 💅🏾🦋

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*I’m looking at this lovely butterfly all the time…so mesmer*izing!

After a few short months of being her client, I am certain that Kourtney KNOWS me – and this helps her deliver a prime customer service experience every time.

You KNOW your nail tech is a keeper when she:

Guides you to a color combo that eases you into the neon you’ve been hesitant to try for 3 seasons but it still works in a professional corporate setting 🤓
Deciphers your ambiguous ask for “blingalicious” 💎 and pulls it off without using your prime obsession: gold glitter topcoat
Understands that your indecision between fill-in vs. gel polish vs. complete soak-off (so you can ambitiously do your own nails😯 with cheap polish from the drugstore😳…which will never happen because it takes more time than it’s worth and you get more product on your skin than on your nails🥴) is pure foolishness…and lets you run with that circular reasoning until you remember that your nail appointment is a valuable investment🎯 in your self-care and mental well-being 🥳 #SelfCareIsNOTselfish
Patiently waits 🤐 until you realize (on your own) that you’re aggravated because you need the fill-in and cut-down within 3 weeks instead of trying to stretch it to 4 weeks (or beyond…#Guilty)
Incorporates your child’s college colors (#AggiePride💙💛), your love of stickers, AND your business logo for transition, renewal, and rebirth in one fell swoop 🦋
AND you BOTH laugh and cry🤣 in the same appointment because it’s a sistah chat, venting session, and therapy all rolled into one

At least that’s how it was for me! I left her chair with a song in my heart, ready to face the world again…with super-fabulous nails!

Thank you, Kourtney!💓🤗 Follow her on IG @huesovhazel to be dazzled by her creativity and artistry…

I hope you find great service that brings you similar nail joy…or book with Kourtney if you’re in the area – just don’t take MY appointment time, PLEEEEZE!😊😉

“…but by love serve one another.”

(Galatians 5:13b)

Kayren Cathcart's Blog

Observations on daily life and inspiration for spiritual growth…

health

Pressure vs. Stress

Need a Change of Scenery?

Love: An Action & A Choice

Choosing Better

Fun Size or Farce?

What Will You Let Go Of Today?

I Am Zucchini: A Tale of Flourishing

NEW Episode: The Convo Lab welcomes Rita Garnto

NEW Episode: The Convo Lab welcomes Kim Angeli

Nailed It!!! 💅🏾🦋