Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: Expand Your Horizons https://anchor.fm/kayren-cathcart/episodes/Expand-Your-Horizons-e167ab9
purpose
Butterfly2B
Transformation is NOW! Today’s podcast celebrates butterflies emerging from caterpillar phase – rejoice!
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: Butterfly2B https://anchor.fm/kayren-cathcart/episodes/Butterfly2B-e15tmuk
I’m FINALLY on IG – Go, ME! LOL
I’m on Instagram as @kayrencathcart. I invite you to install the app to follow my photos and videos. I’m excited to have another way we can connect so I can share inspiration, motivation, & encouragement! Blessings to you from the GenX TechnoDino, 🦖Kayren 😊 LOL🤣 https://www.instagram.com/invites/contact/?i=1njmqjuclddmj&utm_content=m8e2pin
Strength Zapper: Living in FFW Mode
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
Pursuing Progress, Process, or Both?
Today wasn’t a cartoon-y kinda day for me. There was just a certain gravity I felt. Sometimes your cup gets full, and tears leak outta the corners of your eyes, ya know? As I considered the events of my past 7 days (some weighty, others celebratory) – not to mention the past month – I got full. So much is changing in and around me, even as my “stay at home” surroundings remain. I guess I was overdue for a good ol’ cleansing, let-it-all-out type of cry.
It’s what happens when you realize that whatever food you shove down your gullet doesn’t fill that empty place in your soul. You feel it when checking the next item off your list of goals doesn’t bring the lingering sense of accomplishment you’d anticipated. You’re reminded every time you reflect on the list of dreams you tucked away (again) because you think it may be just beyond your grasp – and yet, you can’t let it go because you’re called to it.
You’re smack dab in the middle of growth and change with no roadmap, no template, no lifejacket. Kept afloat and constantly buoyed by hope and faith. Propelled by persistence and propensity to persevere.
Does it hurt a butterfly to emerge from its cocoon no longer a caterpillar? Regardless of pain or its absence through the process, the butterfly comes forth lookin’ different and actin’ different – because it IS different!
The process of transformation is intricate, detailed, and cannot be rushed; yet, neither can it be prevented. How many times have we tried to remain in the same place of comfort and familiarity, only to be thrust forward and propelled into something unknown but totally aligned with our divine destiny?
It’s March, it’s Spring, and it’s time to PUSH…I don’t know what’s coming, but I know it’s big. What will YOU birth in this season? Let us diligently prepare now…our purpose awaits!
“But he knoweth the way that I take:
when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.”
(Job 23:10)
© Copyright 2021 by Kayren J. Cathcart
Momming is a Verb: Reflections and Epiphanies
In case you didn’t realize it, “mom” is a verb – an action word as well as a noun. Hence, momming is something I do because mom is who and what I am.
I turned 45 this week 🥳 (and I’ve been gratefully celebrating my birthday/Christmas/20th Wedding Anniversary for the past month). So consider this a disclaimer for (and fair warning of) the wistful ramblings that will likely ensue for the next several months as the slow dawning of my firstborn son reaching legal adulthood and my baby girl turning Sweet 16 settles in and becomes my reality and clichéic “new norm.” (yup, I just made that word up because it fits…new year, new me! LOL)
As a mom of a teen who is “coming into her own,” I’m watching my exquisite daughter try out her new wings. Oh, I KNOW she can and will fly – but does she? Not yet…but she will. How do I know? Because I’m here to make sure it happens – armed with tissues, hugs, lip gloss, and great-smelling lotions and shower gels – and whatever else I need to add to my arsenal (since these precious critters don’t come with a manual or a template) – by adjusting her perspective skewed by society, social media, and other potentially toxic environments to see the grace of God at work in and through her.
Geez, this is momentous…am I ready? Only God knows – and I continue to rely on HIS wisdom, strength, and guidance for this next leg of the journey called motherhood. I’m also glad there are footprints for me to follow since I’m not the first mom to tread this path…blessings to all who’ve answered the call to the work and joy of motherhood!
“25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.”
(Proverbs 31:25-26, 29-30)
© Copyright 2021 by Kayren J. Cathcart
New Year, Fresh Start!
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
Finding Grace at the Bonfire
Just as tears and rain are cleansing, so is fire. This morning’s sermon caught me in a place where I immediately repented. I felt the need to take an intentional action to signify my new start as I (once again) hit the reset button on walking in obedience.
I had to wait my turn for the fire pit/altar on my back porch. It seemed that I wasn’t the only one who needed God to consume some stuff that had been accumulating for too long. My wonderful hubby decreed and declared that we’re moving to paperless billing as he vigorously purged old home office files.
I watched as the stacks of papers he’d put in the fire pit curled up in the flames and turned to ash. Then I tossed my own papers (actually, cardboard toilet paper centers – fitting, eh? – on which I’d written my confessions that I was symbolically sacrificing to the Lord) into the fire. In moments, they were utterly consumed, no longer existing in their previous form. Later that evening, as the fire was still burning, it began to rain. More cleansing. More gratitude.
I am thankful that God heard my prayer, received my repentance, and forgave me with His abundant grace, mercy, and love. Because of the Blood of Jesus, my sins are covered; like the papers in the fire, they have been obliterated. I am so humbled that God wipes the slate clean and offers a fresh start when we come to Him acknowledging our sins and shortcomings!
Friend, what do YOU need to place on the Lord’s altar for Him to consume so it’s not unnecessary baggage dragged into 2021? We don’t have to wait until New Year’s Eve…we can approach his throne boldly and with confidence today! Try it…you’ll probably feel lighter afterwards. I did!
“15 For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize and understand our weaknesses and temptations, but One who has been tempted [knowing exactly how it feels to be human] in every respect as we are, yet without [committing any] sin.
16 Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the throne of God’s gracious favor] with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment].”
(Hebrews 4:15-16, AMP)
“28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:
29 For our God is a consuming fire.”
(Hebrews 12:28-29, KJV)
© Copyright 2020 by Kayren J. Cathcart
My Best Gifts Are NOT Under the Tree This Year
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!
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
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