obedience

Heart Conditioning: Wake Up Those Lazy Muscles!

Posted by

0

Ummm, hello?  Is this thing on?  Do I hear crickets chirping?  Has anyone missed hearing from me via this blog?  Oh well…I’ll just assume that you have.  Good news:  I’m back – after a brief hiatus from writing so I could LIVE what I was talkin’ about…so lemme hear from you about what’s going on in your corner of the world!  I wrote this last month, so I’m posting it for September…  Blessings, Kayren 🙂

The heart is a muscle – and you have to work it.  Today, I purposed to do the elliptical for 20 minutes (okay, I intended to do 30 minutes, but given that I wanted to STOP after 5 minutes, I think I did pretty well).  So when I left work 3 minutes late, I had no problem jogging to the train and then sprinting the last few feet to catch the train that would keep me on schedule for picking up my children on time. 

I have to condition my heart over time – and train it to operate and function properly.  And that takes WORK and consistency!  No, it isn’t easy sweating in the gym, but I do it because I want the results.  So we must do the same thing to keep our hearts clean, clear, and pure before the Father – forgiving, repenting, and walking in love.

What heart conditioning will you do today?

“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”

(Psalm 51:10)

© Copyright 2010 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Extraction: It’s Gotta GO!

Posted by

0

I finally had my two upper wisdom teeth removed last week (after my dentist has been trying to separate them from me for at least four years).  They weren’t giving me trouble, but she found a cavity on one during my recent routine cleaning and told me that I just needed to get rid of them; they could cause me more trouble later.  So I sheepishly scheduled the appointment with the oral surgeon.  Isn’t that like so many other things in life?  We put off dealing with the inevitable, only to find out – too late – that a situation has exacerbated, festered, become infected, or just gotten downright outta control.  Then we wish we’d taken care of it when we first saw evidence of the issue.  And why was I holding onto a potential problem anyway???  No rational reason except for upholding the status quo…I’ve always had these teeth.

I don’t really look forward to pain (or even discomfort), so I decided not to think about what it would feel like to just do what I needed to do and get those teeth removed.  I truly had the peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7) before, during, and after the entire procedure; I know the prayers of the saints were at work on my behalf.  And because I opted for IV sedation, I don’t remember a thing…it was absolutely beautiful.  But I had to go through the process for those teeth to be removed.  Thankfully, my recovery was speedy – bleeding had stopped within 24 hours, and I was eating mashed potatoes within two days.  Armed with my new mindset and determined to eat healthier, chicken broth became a delicacy as I waited for my tender tissues to heal.

What has to “go” from your life for you to line up with God’s plan for you?  The Holy Spirit will strengthen you to let go of the things that are hindering you from growing, developing, and maturing into who God is calling you to be.  Granted, you will have to yield and change, but the results will be worth whatever sacrifices you make.  Just ask me as I appreciate how much my fresh gums have in common with my 7 year-old’s these days…I know I lost a few pounds last week! 🙂

“For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.”

(Mark 11:23)

© Copyright 2010 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Honest Accountability: Effective Leadership in Action

Posted by

0

accountable – responsible, answerable, liable

dependable – trustworthy, reliable, conscientious, sensible, mature

Whether we like it or not, we all have to answer to somebody.  Though we don’t care to admit it, we need to be accountable to others – it keeps us honest.  Our Pastor has the right (and the responsibility) to hold us accountable to the standard of God’s Word, the Holy Bible.  As parents, we must hold our children accountable to being obedient to our instructions.  Our managers provide us with mid-year and annual performance reviews, and sometimes give more frequent feedback.  Many people have to clock-in for work on a daily basis, creating a documented track record that can be reviewed at any time.  Friends can be our accountability partners for fitness goals or lifestyle changes when we check in regularly to share our triumphs and challenges.  The baseline for all of these relationships?  Honesty.

What good is telling someone something if it isn’t true?  One thing I’m learning from Weight Watchers: the scale doesn’t lie!  I can choose not to track or write down a high-calorie item and kinda attempt to “fudge” my numbers (pun intended!); but in the end, the truth reigns.  So I may as well be honest with myself to begin with, then start making healthier choices.  In turn, it becomes easier to be honest and transparent in my relationships with others.  From my husband to my personal fitness trainer to my Sales Director in Mary Kay – accountability is built into systems all around me.  But I know it’s for my benefit.  Because left to my own devices, I deviate from the best path and meander into justifying behavior that’s undisciplined.  I have proof from previous experiences – and I can’t afford the consequences anymore!

Why do we hesitate to tell others the truth about what we’re really going through?  Because we don’t want to be corrected or instructed in righteousness; we wanna do what we wanna do (hint: that’s the FLESH)!  Before I was committed to changing my eating habits and beginning some semblance of exercising, I didn’t talk about my unhealthy habits to others because I didn’t want them telling me what to do!  The sad thing about that mindset:  it’s counterproductive and detrimental to me, but it also impacts others associated with me.  Most of all, it affects my witness for Christ.  In the Body of Christ, we are interconnected, so how can I think my actions are isolated?  They are not.

I know it’s been several weeks since I blogged, but I’ve been digging in to make some seriously positive changes in my life.  And I’m glad to be in the process of aligning my walk with my talk.  How about you?  Be honest…with yourself, and with others.  Allow God to lead you in the way that is right.

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

(Psalm 119:105)

 “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.”

(Galatians 5:16)

© Copyright 2010 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Consistently Inconsistent?

Posted by

0

Have you ever wondered why you just can’t “keep it all together?”  That thought often comes to me in cycles.  I’ll be doing great (so I think), then all of a sudden (so it seems) – WHAM! – I’m off-kilter and trying to pick up the pieces, get reorganized, and get back on track.  Whether it’s morning devotions, regular exercise, making healthier eating choices, or whatever goes into having a balanced lifestyle that glorifies God in every facet (not just the examples I’m willing to show others!), I know that I must become more consistent in my practices instead of being “hit-or-miss.”

However, I know it’s a process that builds consistency.  And inherent in that process is (ugh!) discipline.  My hubby told me I was just gonna have to learn to love discipline.  Now that seems like an oxymoron to a free-spirited creative type like me, but I know he’s right.  And exhibiting discipline is a manifestation of love.  So just as I discipline my children because I love them and want them to grow up healthy, successful, and making wise decisions, I must discipline myself so I can be who God has called me to be.

As I walk in obedience to God’s Word, I’ll build consistency.  Simple, isn’t it? 🙂  Pray for me as I walk this out – not easy, but very necessary! 

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”

(I Corinthians 15:58)

© Copyright 2010 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Lasting Change

Posted by

1

It’s slowly dawning on me that I really don’t want the “old way” anymore.  And it’s exciting to see myself changing, because I did the “old way” very well for so long!  This past weekend, I had my first ice cream cone of the year with my family.  And that was it – one ice cream cone after a balanced dinner at home.  No secretly sneaking to eat it alone between meals in a room behind closed doors. (If it sounds like the “old way” took a lot of scheming and energy, go with that – you’re right).  I didn’t revisit the freezer for a 2nd or 3rd cone (glorious change!).  I was truly content with eating in a more healthy way that would profit my body.  I didn’t even feel deprived when I gave my children some ice cream for dessert last night; I passed up my portion. 

Additionally, God made a way of escape for me when my hubby wanted to treat us to Sunday dinner out so I wouldn’t have to cook – he selected a buffet.  I didn’t say anything to him that morning (gotta appreciate your spouse’s thoughtfulness!), but I prayed that God would give me wisdom in selecting foods from the buffet that would glorify Him and not stuff my body full of junk.  And you know what?  By that afternoon, my hubby had changed his mind – without me saying a word (imagine that!).  He decided that we could eat at home, save some dough (yippee!), and I still didn’t have to cook because we’d prepared well a few days before and had plenty in the fridge.  I was so delighted to eat a chicken breast sandwich topped with bleu cheese dressing, fresh spinach, and red grapes at home!  When I remarked to my hubby, “I definitely wouldn’t have gotten something this healthy at the buffet,” he agreed and we both laughed.

I am grateful that God wouldn’t allow me to eat myself to death – literally.  Why?  Because He has a purpose and a plan for my life that I must fulfill.  So it is with you, my friend.  If you’re facing something that seems absolutely insurmountable and you haven’t gotten victory over it the past 10 times you tried to overcome it, I encourage you to try one more time.  But this time, allow God to change your heart (give Him free reign, holding nothing back for yourself) so you can change your mind, and your lifestyle will begin to change.  He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.  I am a witness!

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”

(Hebrews 11:6)

© Copyright 2010 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Less is More

Posted by

0

I should’ve known God was up to something that would create major change in me.  You know what tipped me off?  It wasn’t one particular “struck with a lightning bolt” moment.  But it was a gradual realization of, “Hey – something is different here!”  That “something different” is the reason I haven’t visited my co-workers’ candy dishes since the Christmas holidays…who knew that 20 miniature chocolates in one week (or in one day) would add up on your hips if left unattended???  Right – I should’ve known then, but now I know better, and I do better.  Allow me to share a couple of observations.

About a month ago, we went to a restaurant that serves chocolate mints after dinner.  Our server was kind enough to give us 2 for each person.  Now I remember a day when I would’ve taken the mints from my children so I could have more (I hate to admit it, but I guess that’s hoarding).  This time, I reached (out of habit) for one mint, then subconsciously jerked my hand back.  I remembered, “That was my old way of doing things; I really don’t want that candy, nor do I need the extra calories…nor do I desire to eat one and end up with an urge to finish off the rest of them.”  My family didn’t notice my mental conversation, but I did.  And I’m proud to report that the candies my children didn’t eat are still in a drawer in my kitchen.  I see them when I pull out twist ties, and they’re safe – it’s not even a temptation anymore.  I am grateful for God changing me from the inside out. 

As if to prove that it wasn’t a one-time deal, another test-type situation presented itself one afternoon at work.  I headed to the break room to refill my water bottle, passing by the “free” coffee and rich, calorie-laden hot cocoa.  Then I saw them – leftover cookies from a meeting.  Neatly preserved in a box.  And nobody was looking.  Oh sure, they’d been put there for anyone to help themselves – but that someone didn’t have to be me!  I took a peek to see what flavor presented itself – livin’ on the edge, right?  Peanut butter, with visible peanut butter chip chunks.  “Hmmm,” I mused as I inhaled, noticing how soft the cookies looked.  “Peanuts are healthy,” I reasoned.  Then I snapped back to reality, shut the box, and walked back to my desk with my full water bottle.  I didn’t really want or need a cookie, and that wasn’t what I’d gone to the break room for anyway.  I acknowledged it as just a distraction.  Kayren – 1 point, cookies – zero. God had made a way of escape for me. This time – thankfully – I took it.

“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”

(I Corinthians 10:13)

© Copyright 2010 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Purging In Progress!

Posted by

0

Propelled by the momentum of discarding old, unnecessary materials at work and organizing what remains, I made a major leap forward this weekend – I attacked (and conquered) the angst-evoking clutter corner in my kitchen!  Celebrate with me!  I was so ashamed of the piles of 3-ring binders, year-old children’s artistic masterpieces, choir rehearsal lyric sheets, Christmas photo cards, expired coupons that I’d had every good intention of using, et cetera…but I had also become complacent about it – can you relate?  I’d cook, load the dishwasher, disinfect my countertops, and sweep the floor, but that menacing corner always lurked just beyond the grasp of my ever-elusive ideal of being “finally organized.” 

Well, this weekend, I made a decision to just do it – no matter how tired or disheartened I felt (and believe me, I felt both!).  I even rediscovered (and subsequently tossed out – devoid of my usual emotional attachment) a boarding pass from a summer 2008 plane trip…don’t ask – of course I had no clue it was there, so I won’t miss it.  I wasn’t even saving it for sentimental reasons; it had just accumulated, like most of the other bits and pieces straining my poor, overburdened little side table.  And you know what?  I felt better when I was done – because the seemingly overwhelming task that had loomed overhead for far too long had been completed…at last.  After that, I pressed on toward the office – another potential abyss of clutter pandemonium (to which I was a chief contributor).  With a furrowed and resolute brow, I declared war on the army of boxes that had assembled in the middle of my floor; I think I won the battle.  Some contents were discarded; the contents of other boxes were consolidated.  And the Earth did not stop rotating or revolving because I threw some stuff away – what a relief!

Before I could ever change my external environment, I had to change my mind – and that was preceded by allowing God to change my heart.  It was (and continues to be!) a process…one that took (and is still taking!) time and patience.  And growth and maturity.  And a commitment to change.  We don’t like to admit that “our stuff ain’t working,” but God is gentle, patient, kind, and loving as He guides us into what we deem to be new territory.  So I guess my Pastor’s sermon series on “Allowing God to Do a New Thing” is really taking root…and bearing fruit.  I am grateful. 🙂

 “For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.”

(II Peter 1:8-9)

© Copyright 2010 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Starting Small: Every Victory Counts

Posted by

0

Everything has changed.  My company’s merger has come and gone, leaving behind altered team structures, roles, and job responsibilities.  So why have I been holding onto the past?  I too must change.

Today, I discarded contents of files I’d had from 2 managers ago – now neither of them is with the company.  I seriously doubt that they reminisce about our extended series of meetings to map out the departmental communication strategy, nor do I think they’d be saddened to know that I tossed out memorabilia to commemorate said gathering.  Because they’ve moved on.  And so must I.

If my desk clutter was any indication of what I’ve been retaining and storing in the cavities and recesses of my brain, draining energy and life from my own present, then I’ve got a lot more mental purging to do!  Glad I don’t have to tackle this alone…

“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)

© Copyright 2010 by Kayren J. Cathcart

My Clean Start: Seizing the Moment of Inspiration

Posted by

1

Today, I started the great purge.  No, not the purge of paper clutter in my home – that will come later this week.  (No, really – I’m serious.  It has to…my hubby said so!).  I had to build up my endurance.  So I hit the web and found some good resources from a “paper organization” search and used that to motivation to propel me to start from where I was – at my desk at work.

Yes, sad to admit, I have retained files from my previous position (completely and utterly unrelated to what I do now) that are over three years old and were untouched since I moved into this cube.  Out they went as I felt the wind of exhilaration rush through my hair.  Or not.  I didn’t think I’d have the courage to slip them through the slit of the locked recycling bin, into the one-way slot abyss, never to return to my fingertips…but away they went.  I was surprised that it got easier as I went along, guided by the question grounded in reality, “What’s the worst possible thing that could happen if I threw this away?”  Since I couldn’t manufacture a reasonable-sounding cataclysmic or apocalyptic consequence, I parted with much of my desk paper today.  That was a baby step in the big scheme of my paper cosmos – yet, a significant step in the right direction.

Now to overcome my anxiety and attack one room at home – the office – this weekend.  God even sent a co-worker to encourage me to dig and discover the root of why I’m apprehensive to get rid of stuff I don’t need or that’s not adding joy to my life. (Duh – it’s because I figure I just might need it!  But I’ve gotta let go of that ridiculous thinking).  Halfway joking, she said, “I might have to pop in over at your house to help you keep the momentum!”  You know, I believe she just might do it.  Preparation is priceless…

“Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.”

(Matthew 24:44)

© Copyright 2010 by Kayren J. Cathcart

The Bill of Lading: Putting Down Burdens That Weren’t Mine to Begin With

Posted by

0

So I called the “Calgon – take me away!” hotline today, slightly dismayed to find out the line was busy…imagine that!  Here I am clamoring and clawing in desperation for someone to stop the dizzying, frenetic pace of the merry-go-round of a schedule I feel stuck on, only to realize in a flash of clarity that I am the person who can make it stop.  That’s a rather empowering realization.

Once again, I got caught up in a cycle of madness, only to return to the footstool of Jesus – bedraggled, worn, and spent – asking Him to restore me.  I could just imagine His eyes twinkling as He gently admonished, “Since you’ve finished trying to do My job, are you ready to try it My way now?”

Maturity has taught me that I don’t have to be near a breakdown to have these creatively inspired, introspective, pensively poetic moments…but you’ve gotta admit, it makes for good reading!  🙂

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

(Matthew 11:28)

© Copyright 2010 by Kayren J. Cathcart