obedience

Give Me Liberty or Give Me…

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Well, enough of my dramatic (yet patriotic, you must admit!) Patrick Henry allusions.  But the truth of the matter is this:  when we don’t choose life, we are indeed – even if by default – choosing death.  It may not be immediate, but eventually, something will die as a result of a choice that doesn’t line up with God’s instructions for our lives. 

As we reflect on the cost of freedom, let us appreciate the price our Savior paid for our own liberty.  May we daily choose life by walking in obedience to His Word, His will, and His way. 

“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) 

© Copyright 2012 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Critical Condition: Cut to the Core

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Talk about the boomerang effect!  It didn’t take long for the lessons in my previous post to come home to roost – again.  Today, I was called on the carpet with no recourse – except to implement some of the changes I’d been skirting for the longest.

At my request, a dear co-worker (who also has a medical background) took my blood pressure reading this morning; he was not pleased with the result.  I reasoned with him that we had just descended eleven flights of stairs for our unexpected fire drill.  Unconvinced, he came back (with stethoscope and all) an hour later to retake it.  My slightly decreased level was still elevated – enough to concern him.

He shot straight from the hip – again – as he had done on several other occasions.  Restating the disclaimer that he was not a doctor, he gave me four directives (which he recapped in an e-mail):

  1. Focus on weight loss – there’s no quick fix for this; a slow, steady process is the very best way to go.  (He noted that my blood pressure and cholesterol concerns would significantly diminish, if not be totally eliminated, when I’m within my target weight range; the chart’s goal is double my personal goal…but any weight loss at this point is desirable and welcome).
  2. Cut out salt – throw away your salt shaker; it’s better for the entire family.
  3. Keep up with your exercise – not less than 4-5 days per week.
  4. Make an appointment with your doctor to discuss these elevated readings since your physical 6 months ago.

Honestly, all of these were gonna be pretty grievous to my flesh, but I was especially apprehensive about the last one.  Because I don’t want to be put on medication like other family members.  But I guess my “hit or miss” efforts don’t really corroborate that desired outcome.  After a mental wrestling match, I called to schedule my doctor’s appointment – first available, next Wednesday morning.  Thank goodness, since my co-worker stopped by my cube to follow up with me less than two hours later.

Perhaps the most impactful thing he wrote (in all caps, so I guess that’s shouting?!) was, “KEEP FOCUSED AND DON’T CHEAT.  THE BENEFITS ARE HUGE.”  Well, it worked, because that truly resonated with me.  And he’s right.  Conversely, the risks and consequences of disobedience are also huge.  So begins my season of heightened accountability…

Perhaps your issue isn’t a health issue at all, but a matter of the heart.  Whatever it may be, I urge you to attend to it today, before it becomes critical, and possibly irreversible.

“When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart…”
(Acts 7:54a)

© Copyright 2012 by Kayren J. Cathcart

It’s a Matter of Principle…Right?

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principle – code, standard, belief, attitude, rule, law, notion, tenet

Have you ever held one set of rules or expectations for others, but operated according to a different set of principles for yourself?  Sadly, I have – and on more than one occasion.  I can tell you from experience that the charade eventually becomes overwhelmingly difficult to keep up – until it finally collapses.  Then you’re left to deal with the fallout of epic proportions…that was totally preventable.

For too long, I’d leave myself an “out,” calling it an exception, a loophole, or a “treat.”  But a bold sister in Christ recently told me what it really was:  self-sabotage.  I had to irrefutably admit that ignoring the unction of the Holy Spirit to do what I wanted to do (in a lame attempt to please my flesh ever so often) was just downright rebellion against God’s will and His perfect plan.  Ouch.  (Someone once said the truth hurts…)  Then (ironically), I’d end up running back to the Father to humbly ask Him to fix the mess I’d made because of my own disobedience…now that’s ludicrous, isn’t it?  But we allow ourselves to be trapped in these vicious cycles – and to what avail?

So before an unnecessarily dramatic finale ensues, come clean – with yourself and with your Creator.  (Hint:  He knows already!)  🙂  Today, make a declaration that you’ll keep only one set of books, and that it will sync up with the Word of God.  No more conditions (call them what they are:  excuses).  Identify what’s tripping you up, then ask God to strengthen you as you build a system of accountability incorporating trustworthy, responsible people who will help you mature in your walk with Christ.

The clock is ticking…it’s time to make the right decision – now.  And since you asked, yes I DID avoid the candy bowl at work today…it’s amazing how we experience victory through Christ when we yield to HIS leading – in issues great and small!  🙂

“And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.”
(I Kings 18:21)

 “A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.”
(James 1:8)

© Copyright 2012 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Walk in Your Assignment: For Such a Time as This

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Have you ever had something impressed on you so strongly that you KNEW you had to start walking in that direction immediately…or else? I got a gigantic jolt of a reminder to that effect this weekend – and I don’t believe the holiday is called “Memorial Day” for naught. Oh, how well do I remember that very specific assignment God impressed on my heart many years ago. I worked on it diligently at first, but after a while, I fell off, got distracted, and allowed other things to start consuming larger portions of my time, energy, and attention. But the assignment never went away. God didn’t change His mind.

So here I find myself at the crossroads of Obedience and “But Lord, You know…” And the decision really is very simple. (Hint: Take the road of obedience!) 🙂

Opportunities present themselves all the time.  The question when they appear is:  are we prepared to receive them and walk in them? Have we effectively utilized our seasons of preparation, or did we fritter them away with nothing to show for it?  It’s “go” time – are you ready?  It’s time…for action, obedience, fruit…and for His perfect will to be made manifest in the earth.  My prayer is that each of us will deliberately walk in our assignment today and serve our Creator with joy.

“For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

(Esther 4:14)

 “Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:”

(Acts 26:19)

© Copyright 2012 by Kayren J. Cathcart

The Parable of the Cilantro: Launch Out Into the Deep

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I’ll be the first to admit that this entry may not be as chock full of deep spiritual revelation as the term “parable” implies.  However, I tried something new this weekend, and I’m pretty excited with how it turned out.

My wonderful hubby, an avid gardener, has been hard at work growing all sorts of edible green (and yellow and red) things in our backyard.  When I made ground turkey tacos this weekend, I told him I was out of my favorite picante sauce. He suggested that I use some of our fresh cilantro to make my own salsa.  I was a bit apprehensive because I’d never used cilantro before.  But I must’ve gotten a surge of confidence from somewhere because I didn’t even look online for a recipe – I just started stirring chopped red onion with canned tomatoes (because our garden ones aren’t ripe yet) and chopped cilantro.  The finished product needed some seasoning (more than I’m used to adding), but everyone (including me!) commented on how tasty it was – and the Cathcart Cilantro added a freshness that we didn’t get from a jar.  I beamed with joy as a potential recipe disaster was averted and my family was nourished and satiated.

How many times do we hesitate to try or do something new – just because it’s unfamiliar to us?  Are we not called to continue stretching, growing, learning, and maturing?  How can we do that when we’re stuck in the rut of common everyday habits and comforts?  Years ago, I’d often wonder, “But what if I fail?” to which my husband would counter, “But what if you succeed?!”

Perhaps the Holy Spirit has been nudging you for a while.  I challenge you to try something new this week.  (Because watching someone else use and taste cilantro just ain’t the same as using and tasting it yourself…).  Who knows?  You just might like the result God has in store for you! 🙂

“4 When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.”

5 But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.”

6 And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking.

7 So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink.”
(Luke 5:4, NKJV)

© Copyright 2012 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Who’s Got YOUR Back?

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I guess I’ve had a lot to say lately, but I haven’t taken time to write over the past few weeks…that have turned into months.  Or perhaps I didn’t have much to say at all…since I’ve been giving intentional focus on consistently working at staying healthy and attentively caring for my family’s needs.  Nothing too out-of-the-ordinary, but now that I’m reflecting, it has been a steady, busy time.  Among other things – I survived yet another one of my son’s science fair projects (without having to blog my way through the anxiety – that’s progress!), encouraged him as he prepped for (and passed) his standardized End of Grade (EOG) testing, and accrued more of the legendary tooth-pulling acumen for which I’ve become so well-known (it’s how I ended this year’s delightfully restful Mother’s Day – it took under a minute and I was less than sentimental about this bottom front pearly white from my daughter).

Fitness-wise, I’ve been working pretty hard at keeping active (sweating and suffering – LOL) – trying new classes at the gym and making sure to get in some movement at least 4 times a week.  As a matter of fact, my local YMCA recently concluded an 8-week Fitness Challenge – here’s some feedback I gave the staff:

“The Fitness Challenge 1Q2012 came at JUST the right time – I lost 8.6 lbs. in 8 weeks AND got a free t-shirt!  (As a result, I feel better physically, I’ve gotten surprisingly stronger, and I pray all the time to get through my increasingly challenging workouts – LOL!). PLEASE keep these Fitness Challenges coming…I have 20 more lbs. I need to lose!  Thanks for the support and encouragement!  Consistently coming to the YMCA for the past 8 weeks has turned my “I can’ts” and “I’ve nevers” into “I DIDs!”  I tried new classes that I didn’t think I could survive – then returned because I discovered I liked them – wow!  As my 7 year-old daughter says, “Go, ME!”  This has definitely been a blessing in my life.”

In addition to receiving the wonderful benefits of participating in the Fitness Challenge, I also WON a prize, and that was like a cherry on top – a free personal training session, which I redeemed today.  And that’s when I realized something simple, yet profound:

My personal trainer has her own personal trainer.  And her trainer has a trainer!  Go figure – the “best of the best” build in a system of accountability in order to not only maintain their achievements, but to continuously improve themselves.  It feels like a total “It Takes a Village” effort, but I’ve intentionally involved most of the class instructors and trainers in helping me stay accountable at the YMCA as I work towards my personal health and fitness goals.  If I miss over 2 consecutive days of exercise, I know there’s someone (or several someones) I’ll have to answer to.  And that is good for me – because who needs to be isolated and left to their own devices? Exactly – no one does.

As Christians, we often think we’re self-sufficient, but we are not.  We are interdependent parts who need one another for accountability – because no individual has it ALL together (though some may try to convince us otherwise).  That’s why it’s called the BODY of Christ – that denotes an interconnected system.

So whether you’re a thumb, a big toe, an arm, a leg, an ear, an eye, or some other part of the body, know that you are significant.  And needed.  So make sure you’re doing your part – what God has called and instructed you to do…or someone else will suffer deficiency without the benefit of your valuable contribution.

By the way (for those of us afflicted with uncontrollable CHOD – Chronic Helping Others Disease), don’t play the “superhero” role 24/7 and try to win your personal battles alone while appearing to be a rock and a martyr for everyone else.  There are brothers and sisters willing (and able) to help you reach your next level.  Allow them to do so.  Does that require vulnerability, honest confession, and transparency?  YES!  Does that mean they’re perfect?  Not at all.  But will you be strengthened from their wisdom, experience, and support?  Definitely, so it’s worth it to humble yourself and receive the assistance…I’m a witness.

“4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;

5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,

 6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.”

(Ephesians 4:4-6, 16)

© Copyright 2012 by Kayren J. Cathcart

How Many Wake-up Calls Do You Need?

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Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, Happy Black History Month, etc., etc. for all the holidays I may have missed while not blogging over the past few months.  But now, I’m baaaack…!

Admit it – sometimes, we’re just downright stubborn.  Though we know what we should do, we woefully lament that we’re not doing it – yet.  Whassup with that?!  We hit the snooze button on the alarm clock when we know it’s waaay past time for us to get up and still be on time to our appointed destination.  (Yeah, I’m preaching to myself here; I repent, Lord!).  We deceive ourselves by saying, “This is the LAST TIME I’m gonna do this…” but we know that it really isn’t.  It’s just the last time – until the next time.

When does the madness end?  When do we draw a line in the sand?  When do we commit to walk in consistent obedience to God’s will for our lives, sacrificing our own personal wants and desired comforts?  Does it have to come to something drastic?  Or will we yield to the gentle (yet firm) nudges of the Holy Spirit, birthed out of God’s great love for us as His children?

As saints of the Most High, we must realize the urgency of the hour.  It’s no longer “business as usual” – if it ever was.  It is altogether possible that we might not have a second chance if we don’t seize the current opportunity being presented to us.  I encourage each reader to begin TODAY (and right now) on something that’s been put off for too long.  You just don’t know who is depending on you to be in the right place, at the right time, doing the right thing, with the right people.  If this message sounds serious, I believe it is.  For me, it was like getting an e-mail with an exclamation mark from the Throne Room.  I implore you, don’t hit the snooze button again – get up and GET MOVING in the direction God is showing you!  Souls are in the balance – maybe even your own.

“45 And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow,

46 And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.”

(Luke 22:45-46)

 “…Let us rise up and build.  So they strengthened their hands for this good work.”

(Nehemiah 2:18b)

© Copyright 2012 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Autumn…or Fall? 9 Lessons from the Leaves

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fall – tumble, drop, collapse, cascade, sink, decrease, reduce, come down, descend, plummet

While driving home yesterday (on the same route I take every day), I noticed something markedly different.  What captured my attention?  The gentle but steady rain coming down?  No.  The lulling classical music I listen to during my commute to keep me patient in the midst of innumerable inconsiderate drivers?  Nope, I didn’t have the radio on; my only accompaniment was the symphony bubbling in my heart.  Well, what then?  I was acutely aware of the fall leaves wafting in the wind.  When a big gust blew, they came down in a swirling torrent of golden color as my car plodded on to pick up the children from afterschool care.  I smiled as I took it all in and was overwhelmed by the goodness of the God Who created this beautiful splendor.

Mind you, I love to watch leaves fall – really.  Especially when I’m sitting in front of a window or on the porch watching a tree in my yard.  Maybe for you, that’s just a boring step above watching paint dry or grass grow, but for me, it’s very calming, soothing, and relaxing.  In those pensive moments of solitude, I’m reminded that I should just let go and trust God – always, no matter what.  As we approach this season of thanksgiving (and giving thanks for the greatest Gift ever!), what meditative and contemplative activities will you take time for?  Indulge me as I go out on a limb (pun intended!) and take a bit of literary liberty to personify the thoughts of the lowly leaves…

9 Lessons from the Leaves

  1. Leaves let go when it’s time and take the plunge – they don’t try to cling to past or the old season because it’s comfortable, familiar, or predictable.  Wheeee!
  2. Leaves aren’t afraid to get low – they’re willing to humble themselves and come down to another level, even if they were previously soaring many feet above the ground.
  3. Leaves aren’t troubled about where they’ll land – they float, soar, glide, and drift along unrestrained, uninhibited, and with careless abandon in whatever direction the wind carries them.  In the same way, shouldn’t we trust God to lead, guide, and direct our paths?
  4. Leaves don’t worry about how they look or the fact that they’re changing – they know they’re supposed to look different than they did a few weeks ago…it’s called progress, growth, and maturity.
  5. Leaves don’t concern themselves with other leaves are doing – they’re focused on doing what they’re supposed to do, regardless of what it looks like others may (or may not) be doing.
  6. Leaves aren’t anxious about self-preservation, but they’re motivated by purpose – they know the cycle will start all over again; after a period of dormancy, more of their kind will spring forth.
  7. Leaves always have a smooth landing – they don’t try to fight gravity or the fact that they’re supposed to fall in this season; it’s part of their process.
  8. Leaves take the change of seasons in stride – they’re not in a rush to get it over with, but neither are they apprehensive or trying to avoid the inevitable, impending changes.  They appreciate each moment for what it is.
  9. Leaves know that change is part of their makeup – they’re created to change – not stay the same; it’s built into their structure, so they embrace it.

Let me leave (another pun intended!) you with these parting thoughts:

I challenge you to take a few lessons from the leaves…perhaps it will influence how you manage the season you’re in.  After all, the Lord of the harvest has a plan for your life…trust Him to bring it to pass as you walk in obedience to His Word, His way, and His will.

“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:  Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”

(I Peter 5:6-7)

© Copyright 2011 by Kayren J. Cathcart

“Armed” & Dangerous…and Fit for the Master’s Use!

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“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:”
(Philippians 1:6)

“If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use,
and prepared unto every good work.”
(II Timothy 2:21)

Our faithful God healed my son’s broken arm in a matter of a few weeks – I was truly amazed at His handiwork and thankful for His touch.  To see the x-rays progress over the weeks of follow-up doctor appointments was incredible.  With each visit came further proof of significant improvement as he regained strength and mobility in his dominant arm – hallelujah!

Now he’s back to his regular routine and frolicking on the playground as if July never happened.  Children have short memories, eh?  I’m sure I remember more readily since I’m still getting medical bills in the mail…but bless God that He’s already made provision for those to be covered. 🙂

Perhaps there are some dry bones in your life and you’ve been wondering if they can live.  I encourage you to look unto the Author and Finisher of your faith to see the glorious outcome.  Activate your faith, belief, and trust in Him and watch the newness of life that will come forth when His Word touches what appears to be languishing.  It’s not over – God has the final say!

“3 And he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord GOD, thou knowest.

4 Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the LORD.

5 Thus saith the Lord GOD unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live:

6 And I will lay sinews upon you, and will bring up flesh upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and ye shall live;
and ye shall know that I am the LORD.

7 So I prophesied as I was commanded: and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and behold a shaking, and the bones came together, bone to his bone.”
(Ezekiel 37:3-7)

© Copyright 2011 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Extreme Makeover: Arm Edition

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“Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.”

(Psalm 51:8)

 A bit o’ humor…since sometimes you have to laugh to keep from crying… 🙂

Back in August, my son told our pastor that “God had done this to him.”  He was quickly corrected when Pastor asked, “YOU chose to disobey your father, didn’t you?”  My son nodded in agreement.  “So that was your choice to jump off the sliding board/monkey bars – God didn’t do that to you, did He?”  “No sir,” was the penitent reply.

How many times do we put things on others (including God) when we’re really just reaping the consequences of our own unwise, impulsive, or deviously calculated poor decisions?

I remembered seeing my firstborn laying in the Emergency Room hooked to the IV going in and out of consciousness saying, “Daddy’s gonna spank me…”  I just caressed his face, attempting to calm and soothe him, but knowing that when he was healed up, this was gonna be the lesson of a lifetime.  His injury (and its accompanying pain and discomfort) were already speaking louder than any physical discipline that could be administered.

Plans can change so quickly – in an instant.  I’d taken Friday afternoon as a vacation ½ day so we could get ahead of traffic for our scheduled ministry-related short road trip.  We’d arranged a hotel reservation for our family and were looking forward to hearing the Word.  Even so, we never know how a day will end.

Our God is gracious and His lovingkindness endures to His children forever – even in the midst of painful processes.  In retrospect, I can say this wasn’t the worst thing that could have happened to my child.  He was even blessed enough to get his cast off the very DAY before the new school year began – though I’m sure he wouldn’t have minded not writing for a few weeks!  Sure, it was no fun for an energetic boy to have to sit out from Physical Education and recess for the first month of school, but it was part of his lesson on the consequences of our actions.  Some things just can’t be erased by saying, “I’m sorry” or “I won’t do that again.”

But two months later, he has been restored.  The doctors tell me that the mended, regenerated bones that were broken are probably stronger now than the bones in his other (unharmed) arm.  Isn’t that just like our God – to make us better than we had been as we yield to His process?  Who wouldn’t allow Him to work on the inside each day?  After all, He is our Creator; He knows what He’s doing to bring about our expected end.  I challenge you to trust the Lord with your inner makeover…starting now.

“He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken.”

(Psalm 34:20)

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”

(Jeremiah 29:11)

© Copyright 2011 by Kayren J. Cathcart