No Greater Love

A popular group once sang, “What about your friends?”

I wonder how Jesus felt knowing that those He called friends – and was about to willingly lay down His life for – would turn on Him by the end of the week.

Then I thought about how I respond when a friend of mine – one I certainly don’t expect to physically die for – does something that hurts me.

The responses are miles apart. The difference is like night and day.

But I’m working on it – every day.

I believe the walk of a believer is to consistently allow God to develop our character until we’re conformed to the image of Christ.

We cannot measure ourselves against any other standard but Him.

We can’t even compare our progress with our old selves.

Unconditional love is unspeakably powerful. It’s unending and unchanging.

Amazing love…#HolyWeek

Blessings, Kayren

“12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.

13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.”

(John 15:12-14)

“9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;”

(Romans 12:9-10)

Being Made Conformable

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Clay In the Potter's Hand — *How malleable are you?*

No, that wasn’t a typo. This post is definitely NOT about being made comfortable!

Sometimes when we know a person on a surface level and they wanna bring us into closer relationship, they may show us a scar or wound we’ve never seen before, or that we’re unaware they even had.

While some of these are grimace-worthy and might catch us off-guard (did I really need to see that?!), it does connect us on another level.

They’re inviting us to know them in a way most folks don’t and aren’t privy to.

Because it’s challenging to know something or someone intimately without firsthand knowledge or fellowship.

This #HolyWeek, let us be intentional about committing to know Christ more – as the Amplified Bible puts it in Philippians 3:10, “experientially, becoming more thoroughly acquainted with Him, understanding the remarkable wonders of His Person more completely.”

In this way, we are “being continually conformed [inwardly into His likeness even] to His death.”

Whew.

I’m beginning to comprehend the weightiness of drinking of the same cup as Christ – and the depth of His great love that was demonstrated through His sacrifice (Matthew 20:22, Mark 10:39).

Blessings as we enter Holy Week with open hearts, Kayren

“That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;”

(Philippians 3:10, KJV)

“And this, so that I may know Him [experientially, becoming more thoroughly acquainted with Him, understanding the remarkable wonders of His Person more completely] and [in that same way experience] the power of His resurrection [which overflows and is active in believers], and [that I may share] the fellowship of His sufferings, by being continually conformed [inwardly into His likeness even] to His death [dying as He did];”

(Philippians 3:10, AMP)

Fun Size or Farce?

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Truth is one size fits all — *quit foolin’ yourself…is it a “sweet treat” or packaged death in disguise?*

Fun Fact: Eating 8 “fun size” pieces of candy in one day WILL NOT equate to ME being a fun size. 😬

Marketing can be really sneaky. And downright misleading.

Alas…I even walked after work.

Then I was super-tired during a late-night work session, and my resistance was low. It was a crime of opportunity and I kept going back to the pantry.

And just because somebody else can do it and it looks like they’re “getting away with it,” don’t be deceived.

At least that’s the admonition I’m giving myself.

I know the truth about the wages of sin…so why would I willfully PAY for those results?

Why indeed…

“21 What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.

22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.

23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

(Romans 6:21-23)

Living for the Likes

Posted by kayrencathcart

As a recovering people-pleaser, I can admit that it feels good to be affirmed, accepted, and appreciated.

And as a maturing woman, I’ve learned that GETTING affirmation, approval, and acceptance cannot be my motivation.

It’s too fleeting. People are too fickle.

And there’s more to life than what other people think of me – which is certainly prone to shift at any given moment.

So what’s the solution? There’s no quick fix, but trusting God and resting in HIS Word (and what He’s already said about me) is the starting point.

Meditating in His Word night and day.

Remembering that He changes not and loves me with an everlasting love.

So “like, share, and subscribe” if you choose (I appreciate it and enjoy connecting with like-minded folks).

But if you don’t, I cannot and will not let that shake me.

‘Cuz living for the likes of another imperfect and fallible human is no way to live the abundant life.

Blessings, Kayren

“3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.”

(Ephesians 1:3-6)

ICYMI: One Year Later REPLAY

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Because I LOVE to share good gifts, here’s the replay link – I pray it blesses your soul, cuz I certainly had a blast reflecting on where God has brought me from in just one year!

One year ago, I was recovering from major surgery. Check out my One Year Later Virtual Celebration for timely encouragement…trouble don’t last always!

Blessings, Kayren

“…how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?”

(Matthew 7:11b)

One Year Later Virtual Celebration is HERE 4/1/25!

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Reflecting that one year ago today I was recovering from a hysterectomy. I’m grateful for the journey (yes, I tested out the healing power of chocolate…God is greater – AND calorie-free! LOL) and wanted to share my gratitude with those who could use some encouragement.

I hope you’ll join my One Year Later Virtual Celebration at 7pm ET on Tuesday, 4/1/25…no foolin’! #MoreHearts

Live on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@kayrencathcart

Blessings, Kayren 👍

Check out my SHIELD!

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Are you the type of person who tries to defend yourself when something (or someone) comes against you? Yeah, me too. It gets exhausting trying to fight all the time, doesn’t it?

When Psalm 3:3 popped up on my Bible app, it was a fitting and much-needed reminder as the battle raged all around me. After reading the scripture, I started to think about how we use and benefit from a shield.

We stand behind it and receive the protection we need from an onslaught. True, we COULD go and bonk someone on the head with the shield, but that’s an offensive move, and not the intended way to use the tool we know as a shield.

Therefore, if God is my shield, then what am I doing fighting?

Today, I challenge you to allow GOD to be the shield in your life that He already is. Let’s acknowledge His ability (and strong desire because of His great love for His children) to cover, protect, and defend us from the enemy He has already defeated.

What good news…we can shout the VICTORY now! After the past couple of weeks I’ve had, I’m gonna go ahead and do the same…be encouraged, my friend – God’s GOT US!

In His love, Kayren

p.s. Don’t forget to save the date to join me on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 @7pm ET for my One Year Later Virtual Celebration – subscribe to my YouTube channel now to get a reminder when I go live: https://www.youtube.com/@kayrencathcart – whoo hoo! #MoreHearts #GonnaBeEpic

“1 Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.

2 Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.

3 But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.

4 I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.”

(Psalm 3:1-3)

“Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.”

(Ephesians 6:16)

Lessons in Resilience

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The spiderweb in my shower was nearly imperceptible.

And fully unexpected. I’d just cleaned the bathroom a few days ago.

But the angle of sunlight streaming in illuminated tiny droplets hanging onto the faintest wisp of a web in a corner I must’ve skipped (or chosen not to reach).🤔😉

I threw some water on the web. Several times.

It barely budged.

May we be that resilient in the face of opposition that intends to take us out.

Blessings, Kayren

“10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;”

(Ephesians 6:10-18)

Crumbs of Truth

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I recently learned that a month-old homemade peanut butter cookie still crunches (and retains its ability to keep you awake during a boring virtual meeting).

Ask me how I know! #UNapologetic #MoreHearts

That is all. 😝

Happy Fri-YAY!

Blessings, Kayren

“And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.”

(John 6:35)

Apply DAILY

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Consistency and discipline yield solid results.

Intermittent application yields spotty and questionable results.

Can you believe I got all of that lesson outta just skipping a day of moisturizer? 😁

In addition to skincare routines, this principle is applicable (pun intended) to many other areas of life.

Pretty simple. But not always easy.

Build systems that support you succeeding. Accountability helps.

I’m here for it and upping my game. How about you?

Let’s get focused, finish the week strong, and keep progressing…

Abundant blessings, Kayren

“I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.”

(John 9:4)

“13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.

14 If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.”

(I Corinthians 3:13-14)

Kayren Cathcart's Blog

Observations on daily life and inspiration for spiritual growth…

reflection

No Greater Love

Being Made Conformable

Fun Size or Farce?

Living for the Likes

ICYMI: One Year Later REPLAY

One Year Later Virtual Celebration is HERE 4/1/25!

Check out my SHIELD!

Lessons in Resilience

Crumbs of Truth

Apply DAILY