observation

A Modern Parable: Stay Connected to the Power Source

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There once was a state-of-the-art iron with all the bells and whistles available on the market – and then some.  There was just one problem on this day:  try as she might, she couldn’t get any wrinkles out the clothes placed in front of her.  After much frustration, angst, and inner turmoil, she finally noticed that her cord wasn’t plugged in.  She realized the reason she wasn’t hot anymore was because she was no longer connected to her power source.

When she reconnected, steam poured out, she whisked through piles of clothes, and was able to fulfill her manufacturer’s given purpose.  Instead of just looking like an iron, she was functioning, performing, and executing exactly as she was supposed to – a top-of-the-line iron.

 Do you ever have days when you feel like that iron did?  When you look the part but are unable to deliver?  Reconnect to your Source of power and see the difference staying connected makes.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

(John 15:5, NIV)

* This is whimsical because anyone who knows me understands that I advocate wrinkle-free fabrics so I can avoid using irons as much as possible…and it’s ironic that my grandfather actually owned a dry cleaning and alterations shop…maybe that gene didn’t get passed to me!  But when God speaks, who am I to edit Him?  🙂

© Copyright 2010 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Demolition Cometh: Make Room for Progress

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Have you ever noticed how unattentive you really are?  This week, I got a good reminder. 

There used to be a Subway restaurant across the street from the train station I wait at twice a day, five times a week.  I didn’t realize the Subway had moved or otherwise gone out of business until two days ago when I became painfully aware that a significant portion of the strip mall was missing, occupied instead by a wrecking machine.  “Wow,” I thought to myself.  “When did all of this happen?!  I pass this site twice a day and had no clue it was gonna be knocked down.”  Perhaps the land would be deemed more valuable without the structure currently standing on it, but it was a decision that had been made previously by the “powers that be;” I’m sure they had to obtain permits and permissions, and finally, I was witnessing the execution of a plan.  And it was going quickly.  It seemed so…destructive.  And final.  But I suppose that’s what’s necessary before progress takes place.  Out with the old and in with the new…

What negative habits and restrictive thought patterns need to get torn down from your 2009 mindset before you leap into 2010?  Don’t try to do “historic preservation” on something that would be better off demolished.  After all, progress cometh…if you allow it.  Let God do a new thing in you – starting today.  Start right now.

© Copyright 2009 by Kayren J. Cathcart

 “And he spake also a parable unto them; No man putteth a piece of a new garment upon an old; if otherwise, then both the new maketh a rent, and the piece that was taken out of the new agreeth not with the old.”

(Luke 5:36)

Rising to the Top… (kinda corny – pun intended)

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This morning, I was sitting at my desk eating my generic brand frosted shredded mini-bites cereal by hand (my doctor reminded me of the benefits of fiber), washed down by a generous swig of milk after each little biscuit.  Noticing myself getting full, I put the top back on my plastic container.  Then I started hearing little sounds like snow falling – but in my mind, I knew that couldn’t be happening at my desk.  So I looked closely at my container and saw that static was causing little bits of the wheat cereal to leave the pile (bits from the end of the bag) and cling to the top of the plastic container.  It was hilarious to me because I’d never noticed my cereal moving before my very eyes.  So I suppose this was a special occasion.  🙂

Now I’m not gonna get all deep and claim to have received some great revelation through my breakfast.  I will say that hearing this faint sound and subsequently choosing to look in an unlikely spot attuned me to the presence of God for the day in a unique way.  The sheer delight of everything in the earth being subject to Him reminded me of God’s greatness.

If He chooses to speak by cereal, who am I to protest?  He can speak in any way He chooses.  The question is:  will we listen?  And once we’ve listened, will we obey?

Will you stay with the crowd today, or will you rise to the top?  Press on, my friend!

© Copyright 2009 by Kayren J. Cathcart

“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.”

(Colossians 3:1-3)

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

The Perfection Misconception

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“The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever; Do not forsake the work of Your hands.”

(Psalm 138:8, NKJV)

Have you ever waited for just the right set of circumstances or conditions?  You want everything to be in its proper place and “just so.”  You don’t want to risk making any “mistakes.”  You’re reaching for perfection (a misconception and a work of the flesh) instead of excellence (flowing from the Spirit of God).

I am so guilty of this!  And you know what?  That elusive perfection never comes – it’s an illusion and a delusion.  Then you procrastinate.  By that time, you’re out of God’s perfect will.  When you try to play catch up, you’re asking Him for provision in an area that He’s not obligated to cover you in – because you led yourself there!

Did you think I was talking about you?  I was actually talking about myself!  But you know the old saying:  if the shoe fits…

I welcome you to the first of many submissions for The Writer’s Corner.  It’s been a long time coming – and I almost missed my window of opportunity.  But God gave me this chance, and today, I am seizing the moment.  I hope you’ll do the same today.

Faith requires stepping out of your comfort zone and beyond what your intellect can fathom, particularly when you can’t see how something will turn out.  It leaves us open and vulnerable, but it also creates an awesome atmosphere and environment for God to show Himself strong and mighty in and through us.  When we come to the end of ourselves, His glory manifests, and it’s absolutely magnificent to behold.

Have a productive day as you obey His voice and instructions to you – don’t act like you don’t hear Him talking to you!

© 2007 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Your Life’s Story

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“…my tongue is the pen of a ready writer.”

(Psalm 45:1)

 Your life is telling a story.  The words you say and the things you do are coming together right now to complete the next chapter of your book – the story of your life.

Is it a mystery, drama, fairy tale, non-fiction, or fiction?  Is it based on the truth or fantasy?  What type of book are you writing about your life?

Books serve many different purposes – some entertain, others inform, and many just express feelings.  When people see you, they are reading the pages of your book.  What are you telling them about yourself?  What is the message you want to leave with your readers?  A message of hope, encouragement, healing, or deliverance is needed by so many people you come in contact with every day.

What chapter are you writing now?  What decisions and choices are you making to prepare for the next chapter to be even better than this one?  God, Who spoke the entire UNIVERSE into existence with the power of a WORD, knows the plan He has for each of our lives.  We must yield to the process of learning to trust Him for not only the final outcome, but our very next step.

If the story you’re writing looks like it’s going to have a questionable ending, turn the writing over to the Author and Finisher of our faith.  Not only will He walk with you through the trials and tribulations that build your strength, endurance, and perseverance, but He is able to create a “happy ending” for you like no one else can.

© 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

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