peace

Strength Zapper: Living in FFW Mode

Posted by

0

Has anyone else found themselves trying to microwave a miracle, a manifestation, or a moment? I’m old enough (and experienced enough) to know that life doesn’t work this way. Hitting the “fast forward” button to skip over the routine, mundane parts in an attempt to “get to the good part” only happens with technology. In real life, process requires time and has patience inherently baked in as an essential requirement (is that redundant? LOL). Yet, in repetitively familiar cycles, I find myself in the same place (albeit with a different situation and set of circumstances) trying to hurry the results. 

While reading about joy this morning, I found myself speeding up and just trying to “get to the end.” Mentally, I wanted to check the box for “completed morning devotions.” How disingenuous, insincere, and un-worshipful! I realized I hadn’t even noticed (let alone processed, absorbed, or retained) what I just read. Isn’t the point of reading about joy to draw closer to God? I was going through the motions and missing the point. 

I repented and reread the passage, from the top – slower, deliberately, and with intention. I saw a phrase pop out that was confirmation of what God had spoken to me previously this week, but I was probably rushing too much for its significance to even register. I laughed as I was reminded that the point of reading about joy isn’t to complete the reading, but to be pulled into closer relationship with the Source of Joy. Perspective maintenance complete? Check!

My prayer for us today is that we slow down long enough to experience the love of God instead of just reading or hearing about it – there’s a tremendous difference! May we be refreshed as true joy causes our strength to be renewed…

“And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

(Nehemiah 8:10)

© Copyright 2021 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Spring Cleaning of the Soul: Release the Garbage

Posted by

0

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Listen to this episode of my podcast:
https://anchor.fm/kayren-cathcart/episodes/Spring-Cleaning-of-the-Soul-Release-the-Garbage-euct01

As I sat on the porch waiting for my lunch to finish cooking, I marvelled in the beauty of this splendiferous sunny Spring afternoon. I soaked up the rays amidst the natural wonder of warbling birds, flitting butterflies, and a mischievous chameleon stealthily navigating the shrubs. Out of nowhere, the garbage collector noisily rumbled down the street…and then went away as the sound faded in the distance. As quickly as the truck appeared, it dumped the container’s contents into its massive jaws and vanished down the street. Then it ambled around another corner to collect from the other side of the street.
I waved to the driver in appreciation for the consistent service of keeping our community clean and safe. Yet, I was struck by the fact that I saw no one running down the street behind the garbage truck saying, “Hey, I put my old rubbish and refuse in there for you to haul it away, but I’ve had a change of heart…stop and gimme back my stuff!”
If that’s the case in the natural, why don’t we let the garbage collector haul away our old thoughts, habits, emotions, hurt feelings, and inaccurate beliefs that no longer serve us in our current space & place? Why do we insist upon tightly clutching what can only be accurately labeled as TRASH?! Prayerfully consider what “Spring Cleaning of the Soul” would be to your benefit this week – and then, release the garbage. You’ll find yourself in a better position to allow God to fill that new space with HIS goodness…

“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)

“4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.”
(Revelation 21:4-5)

© Copyright 2021 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Likeminded and On One Accord

Posted by

0

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

My wonderful hubby is a consummate coffee drinker – with one caveat: he must have his sugar-free creamer. I found a hazelnut-flavored one that he likes; since he was down to his last drop, I decided to swing by the store after my nail appointment and grab some more creamer for him. Yes, even in the rain and separate from my regular weekend grocery run – because that’s what love does, right? 🙂

I also grabbed some of his favorite cinnamon-raisin mini-bagels and sugar-free seltzers. As I got into the check-out line, who did I see rolling up behind me? None other than my handsome, freshly clean-shaven husband – armed with those same items I had in my hands (plus a few extra snacks) – who had decided to stop by the SAME STORE after his haircut. It was SO funny! After 20 years of marriage, we are (finally) thinking alike! I am grateful for God’s mercy as He continues the process of making us one IN HIM…

“Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.”
(Genesis 2:24)

“Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.”
(Philippians 2:2 KJV)

“Make my joy complete by being of the same mind, having the same love [toward one another], knit together in spirit, intent on one purpose [and living a life that reflects your faith and spreads the gospel—the good news regarding salvation through faith in Christ].”
(Philippians 2:2 AMP)

© Copyright 2021 by Kayren J. Cathcart

By clicking submit, you agree to share your email address with the site owner and Mailchimp to receive marketing, updates, and other emails from the site owner. Use the unsubscribe link in those emails to opt out at any time.

Processing…
Success! You're on the list.

Take Time to Listen

Posted by

4

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Have you ever walked into a Walmart knowing that the power of the Holy Spirit would overshadow you on Aisle G13? Me neither – but that’s exactly what happened today when a gentleman asked me if I knew where the toddler toothbrushes were. I laughed that my “toddlers” were now teenagers, but offered to help him look for the specific item.

Turns out he was getting it for an octogenarian neighbor, and an adult soft toothbrush just wouldn’t do. I looked for Hello Kitty and the other usual suspects in children’s dental gear, to no avail. I summoned a nearby employee and she directed us to the other side of the aisle a few feet down (not intuitive)…and he found exactly what he needed.

As he put the toddler toothbrush into his basket, I said cheerily, “You know, this pandemic is such a reminder that we really need each other!” He blurted, “I’m all alone; my wife just died and I don’t know what I’m gonna do; I don’t know how I’m gonna make it!” I certainly didn’t expect that impassioned outburst before adding deodorant to my own basket, but I immediately began to pray aloud for his comfort, peace, and strength. This gentleman was obviously heartbroken and tears filled his eyes as he told me about losing his wife of 46 years a few months ago. Recently bereaved of my beloved godmother who valiantly battled dementia for years, my heart was tender and open. In that very moment, NOTHING on my shopping list was more important than pouring oil on the open wound of this fellow child of God. 

We talked for at least 15 minutes as I encouraged him to connect with other believers instead of continuing his stoic attempts to process through his grief in isolation. I shared the powerful resource of GriefShare.org with him and invited him to connect with my church as well. He said, “Thank you; I wish I could hug you,” and I said, “Well we’re gonna do a socially-distanced hug in Jesus’ name,” as I put my arm on his arm. 

I’m honored God chose ME today to be His hands and feet to remind this precious man that his Creator loves him immensely and has not forgotten about him. And I’m grateful that I heeded God’s leading to come to THIS particular store (instead of my usual Walmart closer to my house) at this precise time of day to fulfill this divine assignment.

I thought I came to purchase a tea infuser (after a dear friend blessed me with a loose leaf tea set and I realized I’d need a strainer). I found the tea infuser, then meandered from Home Goods to Health & Beauty to grab some toothpaste. And there, the knock of opportunity connected with my gift of encouragement. I’m so grateful I wasn’t too busy to answer the Father’s call! I encourage you to keep your ears attuned this week as God summons you to work in His vineyard, fulfilling an assignment custom-tailored to fit you…

“10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.”
(Romans 12:10-16)

© Copyright 2021 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Mic Drop: When Second Place is #1

Posted by

2

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

For someone with “math phobia,” I’ve certainly been dealing with a lot of numbers lately! 

I just competed in a Spring 2021 Toastmasters Area contest tonight. I won Second Place in both categories – International Speech Contest and Table Topics Contest. And you know what? For this recovering perfectionist, it feels great! Why? Because I challenged myself to compete in BOTH contests (instead of staying in my comfort zone with just one), I prepared in advance, I determined to have fun no matter what, and I did my best. My response to NOT winning First Place in either contest signifies that I’m GROWING – and that’s what life is about. Plus, I got to hear a bunch of really good speeches and learn some new techniques for speaking effectiveness and excellence! 

So here’s the backstory. In the Fall of 2020, I competed in my first Toastmasters contest. I won First Place at my Club Contest, which was pretty cool since my competition was no lightweight. I advanced to the Area Contest, where I won First Place for the Evaluations Speech Contest – it was exhilarating. When I moved ahead to the Division Contest, I didn’t even place – not even third. Seriously! I was stunned…and if I hadn’t had other stuff going on in my life, I might have felt a bit bruised or crushed. (Kinda ironic since I’ve had my share of musical competitions where I didn’t place at the top…but that was decades ago LOL…time does heal wounds – even not making All-State Chorus LOL).   

Yet, after a dazed day (or 2 or 3) of wondering whether I exceeded the given time limit and trying to figure out what exactly counted against me, I decided to let that “kick in the pants” propel me into my “next.” Since I know I want to do more public speaking, I decided to keep working at improving my skills. I began giving speeches more frequently (every week) and invited candid feedback, which I diligently incorporated the following week. And I saw my “speaking muscles” growing stronger with every speech.

Today, I celebrate ALL who participated and gave of themselves and their personal stories in the Spring 2021 contests, especially my Mentee who competed for the first time – I’m really proud of him  for stepping up to the plate and the way he represented our Toastmasters Club. There’s something to be said for knowing what to expect “the next time.”

So I didn’t win First Place this time – it’s all good. I get the opportunity to give another speech at my home club (filled with people I absolutely enjoy growing with) tomorrow. I’m advancing along my Pathways (the Toastmasters educational program) journey at a strong clip. And before the contest ended tonight, I was asked to provide a keynote speech at another club – wow! That squeak sounds like doors of opportunity opening to me…

No matter what the award says, it’s a win either way – and a matter of perspective. GOD gets the ultimate glory because the gifts belong to HIM – and HIS is the only applause and approval I need. I’m excited for what’s yet to come as I continue working to develop my passion – encouraging, motivating, and inspiring others! What wins can you celebrate with gratitude this week?
#WatchMeGrow #LosingIsWinning #LossIsGain #Lose2Gain

Blessings to you,
Kayren 🙂

“7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.”
(II Corinthians 4:7-10)

“7 But whatever former things were gains to me [as I thought then], these things [once regarded as advancements in merit] I have come to consider as loss [absolutely worthless] for the sake of Christ [and the purpose which He has given my life].
8 But more than that, I count everything as loss compared to the priceless privilege and supreme advantage of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord [and of growing more deeply and thoroughly acquainted with Him—a joy unequaled]. For His sake I have lost everything, and I consider it all garbage, so that I may gain Christ,”
(Philippians 3:7-8, AMP)

© Copyright 2021 by Kayren J. Cathcart

I’m Having a Moment Here!

Posted by

5

Blobs Kayren-Tine Comic Strip 2-3-2021

We ALL have emotional moments; don’t think you’re the only one!

Having a support system makes all the difference in the world – during tough times and during great times. In the midst of ongoing quarantine, I encourage you to find your tribe. Never before has it been so important to maintain meaningful connections with other humans. I recently joined several amazing virtual groups (come along if you’d like! organizing group here, inspirational book club here, and authors’ network here) that admittedly, if I weren’t stuck at home (er, I mean, having the divine destiny to be with my family pretty much 24/7), I likely would not have reached out to connect with in person. 

Nevertheless, I am already benefitting from exposure to new people with different (or surprisingly similar) mindsets, backgrounds, and experiences. Each group has uniquely challenged me to try new opportunities and to say “yes” to unexpected possibilities.

So today, I embraced a chance to create via a different medium. Instead of limiting myself to writing with words, I tried my hand at expressing my thoughts through a “Kayren-Tine in Quarantine” comic strip (thanks, Canva!). I’m sure there was some subconscious influence from the fantastic Toastmasters webinar (The Humor Workshop – check it out!) I attended today. 

Whaddya think? Please share your thoughts on my first comic strip (since a high school assignment LOL) in the comments section, and tell me how you’re handling those pop-up “emotional moments” of extended quarantine. It’s nice to know someone’s listening, isn’t it? 

Blessings to you,
Kayren

“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.”
(Proverbs 17:22)

“A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;”
(Ecclesiastes 3:4)

“Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh.”
(Luke 6:21)

© Copyright 2021 by Kayren J. Cathcart

New Year, Fresh Start!

Posted by

1

PP Pink gift box

Well, I’m certainly grateful to see 2021 – with me in it! I’m looking forward to new EVERYTHING: possibilities, opportunities, friendships, learnings – you name it, I’m pretty much trying to be open to it.

Perhaps it’s the maturity inherent in my birthday approaching in a few days, but I think I’m FINALLY embracing change more than I fear it. This is HUGE!

A fresh start is a gift that cannot be wrapped, but one that commands respect and deserves full appreciation and utilization. May each of us put the gift of this new year to use wisely…

Praying blessings and God’s perfect will be done in your life this year,

Kayren 🙂

p.s. My http://www.PaperPolisher.com website got a refresh over the holidays – I’d love for you to take a peek and share a comment on my fresh start…and feel free to share any fresh start YOU’RE excited about, too! Let’s support each other as we make this our best year yet…  

“And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.”

(Revelation 21:5)

© Copyright 2021 by Kayren J. Cathcart

TT: Planning Gone Mad: The Vacation That Wasn’t (12/4/2018)

Posted by

0

wp-16067210427356899208154129946569.png

It’s Throwback Thursday! Reflecting with gratitude and revving up for 2021…Blessings to you, Kayren on 12/17/2020

Planning Gone Mad: The Vacation That Wasn’t

Every parent has experienced that fleeting moment of fantasizing about what they’ll do when everyone else in their household is occupied and they get to hold in their hands the elusive concept of “free time.” I had scheduled the entire week after Thanksgiving for vacation away from work – last year, it looked like we’d use that time for a cruise to celebrate 18 years of marriage (“This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.” Psalm 118:23). However, still recovering from our family’s summer vacation travels, we agreed for the sake of practicality that our planned getaway week as a couple would become a “staycation.”

Therein lies the rub.

I had NO PROBLEM in my mind with being away from work assignments on my desk and my regular routine of meetings, conference calls, and status updates. Unfortunately, someone forgot to inform my children that I was on vacation. There is no way of reconciling in my brain getting up for a parent/teacher conference before the sun was up…which meant I was awakened by my alarm clock…during the second day of my vacation. Definitely not my idea of vacation. That just didn’t make any sense to me.

Just like my child being behind on assignments and having a questionably less-than-stellar grade and saying everything was okay in that class (hello? reality check!) didn’t make sense to me. This junior Nancy Drew had to investigate…and what I found was not pretty. It kept me up late that night (of the same day I’d gotten up EARLY) coaching the child to completion of the late assignments so they could be turned in ASAP.

And I realized with a wan smile: That’s life. There’s no glossy brochure, 24-hour buffets, or smiling concierges waiting on you hand and foot. Life is about responding to needs in a timely manner. My child needed me and my husband…immediately. And we responded accordingly. Because life is real and vacation is fleeting and temporary.

What happened to the relaxation I thought I’d earned? Yeah, I’m still waiting on that! LOL

I was grateful that we were home and available to address the immediate needs requiring parental attention (it took a united front of me and my husband to help triage the child over this hump). Surely, coming home to foolishness would’ve blown whatever temporary high we’d received from sun, sand, gentle breeze, and ocean waves. Yet, my week didn’t go as I’d planned. It rarely (if ever) does. Because I’m not in control. I don’t know why I keep getting surprised by this unchanging fact. But as I mature, I realize that it really is better that I’m not in control – because God IS!

Regardless of the shenanigans and antics, I am thankful for my week of vacation. It was a series of days that the Lord made for me to rejoice and be glad in – no matter what situations or circumstances arose. I was surrounded by those I love for an extended time when I could focus on them – and that is a priceless gift that couldn’t be purchased on Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or any day.

“This is the day which the Lord hath made;
we will rejoice and be glad in it.”
(Psalm 118:24)

© Copyright 2018 by Kayren J. Cathcart

My Best Gifts Are NOT Under the Tree This Year

Posted by

3

20201122_0041244542984292707457445.jpg

Filled to overflowing with gratitude, overwhelmed by the goodness of God, and perhaps a bit hopped up on the choco-chip-walnut cookies I baked and nibbled too close to bedtime, I had to get up and capture this moment.

Earlier tonight, my teens put the lights on our Christmas tree (without adult supervision!); it was fun to eavesdrop on their bantering conversation. Yesterday, they assembled the tree. I think we’re subconsciously decorating in phases since the boxes of ornaments, tinsel, bows, and all things festive were dragged from the attic and wreaths hung outside two days ago. They left the tree lights on after they went to bed, and I was mesmerized by the simple, unfinished, yet unadorned with ornaments beauty when I caught a glimpse on my way to refill my water bottle.

This year, I am super-excited about the holidays – to the point that I got each member of the family themed holiday pajamas for Christmas morning photos. (#MemoryMakingMama #GuiltyNotSorry!). I’m so excited that I’m ready to wear mine in November! LOL 😜🤣🎉

This is evidence of personal growth that has taken time and diligent self-work. My grandmother passed away on Thanksgiving Day 2008, so the holiday season was bittersweet for me for several years. Not until recently did I personally experience Christ removing the sting of death FOR ME, and it made all the difference. Grief is a process, but so is life, healing, forgiveness, and restoration – and none of these processes should be rushed or glossed over. For too long, I lived suspended between past memories and fantasy wishes beyond my grasp, while attempting to ignore (sometimes harsh) reality. This year, I’m in a place to embrace the entire spectrum of life and all that it holds – and that feels GOOD…like breathing in clean, fresh air.

This year, I am unbound by a calendar. Honestly, I feel that I’ve experienced both Thanksgiving and Christmas in my heart on multiple occasions in the past couple of months…and I look forward to celebrating with my family throughout the remainder of 2020 and into the new year. I’m not waiting anymore. My declaration of appreciation for God’s grace and goodness has already begun. And I’m thankful that this year, my best and most meaningful gifts are not under the Christmas tree. May you discover the same realization to be true for you…

Praying God’s abundant blessings for you and your family during this holiday season,

Kayren

“55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.

57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

58 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 15:55-58)

© Copyright 2020 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Self-Care Sunday: Rest is NOT just a 4-letter word!

Posted by

0

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

REST is often juxtaposed with another 4-letter word: RUSH. If you find yourself still searching for the rest and repose of Sabbath (even in the midst of quarantine – ironic, I know), I invite you to give yourself permission to just BE. Experience your day. To the fullest. Observe the handiwork of God all around you. Yes, even from the vantage point of your home.

Today, my self-care action step of progress looked like foregoing the grazing of prepackaged food I’d stocked my pantry with (for the inevitably impending apocalypse) and taking time – making time – to prepare a healthy, wholesome, low-sodium meal for ME. I love to cook for my family, but today’s gift was for ME. Unapologetically. Lavishly.

Not fancy, but prepared with intention, focus, and follow-through. I perused several internet recipes and decided to try oven baked quinoa for the first time and add some roasted mushrooms. This blossomed into a beautiful bouquet of sliced carrots, diced red onions, and cubed celery that burst into a symphony of color.

The finishing touch was fresh rosemary snipped from my yard – lovingly grown by my wonderfully green-thumbed hubby – sprinkled across my culinary creation.

The process of preparation was unrushed, relaxed, unhurried, unscheduled, and an utterly restful experience. I meandered from back porch to front porch between checking on my dish; clouds and sun and wind interplayed the entire day. I went from short sleeves to hoodie and back again. The only thing missing from my imaginary getaway was the ocean. Sheer delight. A moment of pre-Thanksgiving gratitude oozed from my heart.

Funny thing, my hubby said he might wanna try a bite (he doesn’t even like mushrooms! LOL) – I think it smelled so good, he couldn’t resist. Sometimes the best way to influence others towards healthier habits is to take the first step yourself. 

Sidebar: He’s been doing this for me with his consistent morning exercise routine…for several months. 

Full disclosure: I’m gonna try to make it work for me starting this week (ugh…the joy of aging! LOL).

So let’s do this…new day, new me starts now. No need to wait for a New Year’s resolution…join me today! 

p.s. By the way, the quinoa melted in my mouth.😉

“12 Keep the sabbath day to sanctify it, as the Lord thy God hath commanded thee.

13 Six days thou shalt labour, and do all thy work: 

14 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, nor thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thine ox, nor thine ass, nor any of thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates; that thy manservant and thy maidservant may rest as well as thou.” 

(Deuteronomy 5:12-14)

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

29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” 

(Matthew 11:28-30)

© Copyright 2020 by Kayren J. Cathcart