reflection

I’m Having a Moment Here!

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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

Late in the Midnight Hour…

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PP Late in the Midnight Hour

…God’s gonna turn it around…if ya know the song, then sing along!

Even after putting 2 potential slots for an outdoors walk on my calendar, it still didn’t happen amidst 5 back-to-back conference calls – ugh, talk about a sedentary day! As I wearily powered down my laptop at 11:30pm, I repented in my heart for not getting my physical exercise in for the day and silently made an “air promise” to get it in tomorrow. As I approached the shower, I realized, “I have absolutely NO excuse not to do SOMETHING for my physical well-being today!” 

So I marched to the closet, threw on some workout clothes, laced up my tennis shoes, refilled my water bottle, and headed over to vigorously attack the stationary bike that my wonderfully visionary hubby procured months ago to facilitate perpetual pandemic home workouts. Not sure why I thought I might wake my children, but the cackling I heard from their respective rooms confirmed that they are truly teenagers. Armed with my earbuds and favorite playlist, I purposed to do at least 20 minutes…and I surpassed that goal. Honestly, as someone who’s done MULTIPLE weight loss programs over the years, I admit I’m often hesitant to set goals (let alone share them) – so this is kinda a big deal for me. Celebrate my glamorous midnight sweaty = healthy glow look with me! LOL

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Inspired and invigorated, I thought about posting this “later” – but later usually doesn’t come when competing with (and crowded out by) all the other items on our to-do lists, right? So I’m doing my cool down/stretch as I write. Now I’ve earned my shower (and burned off a couple of cookies that may have found their way across my lips in the past 24 hours…gotta pay to play, right?) ha ha… 

In 2021, I’m deliberately and intentionally choosing OBEDIENCE – one decision at a time.  What’s your testimony in this freshness of this new year, full of unlimited possibilities? What imprisoning bands will be loosed by your prayers, praises, and obedience? I invite you to share in the comments below…

“25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.

26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed.”

(Acts 16:25-26)

© Copyright 2021 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Momming is a Verb: Reflections and Epiphanies

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PP Momming verb fireworks

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!

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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: O Christmas Tree: A Matter of Perspective (12/13/2009)

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It’s Throwback Thursday! Reflecting with gratitude and revving up for 2021…Blessings to you as we celebrate the season of the birth of our Precious Savior, Kayren on 12/24/2020

O Christmas Tree: A Matter of Perspective

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

I’m looking at the most exquisite Christmas tree ever – not because it’s elaborate, expensive, or customized, because it’s none of those things.  The reason is because it’s an expression of our family’s love, togetherness, and building our own traditions.  Personally, I could do without the tree (since I believe Christmas is birthed in our hearts 24/7, not just during this season), but I was vetoed 3-1, so we have a tree and some lights.  I even broke down and spent $1 on some red and green gel clings that I enthusiastically added to the sliding glass door in the kitchen.  Cheery.  When I tried to peel them off the plastic transfer sheet, I realized why they were only $1…grrrr!  But it’s for the children, right?

Back to the tree.  To me, it first appeared unplanned, un-color coordinated, and not monochromatic (what can I say? I love simple white lights).  Yet, to my 4 and 6 year-old munchkins beaming with pride that their decorations have completed this year’s tree, it’s nothing short of a masterpiece.  It is colorful, bearing the imprint, insignia, fingerprint, and signature of each of their unique personalities expressed through original ornaments made at school.  My husband even added my daughter’s Rudolph (complete with sparkly red puffball nose) to the tree, which is twice the size of all the other ornaments (including the star).  Now I don’t recall why we didn’t have a star last year, but the one my hubby found and nestled among the top branches was a great crowning glory.  As he snores away, I’m enjoying his handiwork with a smile of admiration.  And I reminisce with fond memories of my own first handmade ornament – a spectacular popsicle stick glitter glue-covered Star of David…I’ll bet my mom still has it…somewhere.

On second thought, I think our tree is perfect – just like they do.  🙂

© Copyright 2009 by Kayren J. Cathcart

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”

(Isaiah 9:6)

TT: Anniversary Eve: So Many Reasons to Celebrate! (12/15/2009)

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It’s Throwback Thursday! Reflecting with gratitude and revving up for 2021…Blessings to you, Kayren on 12/10/2020

Anniversary Eve: So Many Reasons to Celebrate!

Tomorrow (12/16) is my 9th wedding anniversary, and geez, am I excited!  God has brought us a mighty long way (did I mention LONNNNG?) – both as a couple and as individuals.  I have much to be thankful for in the areas of growth, development, and maturity.  And I’ve learned a LOT (because someone forgot to slip me the “Perfect Wife Manual” though I’ve been searching for it, to no avail).  However, I digress…

After work, I picked up the children as I usually do, but made a quick detour to my favorite nail shop before heading home. My eyebrows were long and bushy beyond belief, and I figured I’d better start now on my efforts to get incrementally “gussied up” for my anniversary trip this weekend.  The pizza store in the same strip mall with the nail shop was offering a large pizza for $4.44, which I couldn’t pass up.  Not because it was their anniversary special (50 years in business – hey, I’ll raise a slice to that!), but because I thought me not cooking tonight was a perfectly fitting start to our own anniversary celebration.  Plus, if I wasn’t cooking, I could get started earlier on washing and roller setting my hair (just saved at LEAST $10 – cha-ching!).  I picked up 2 pizzas.

Since we stopped at McDonald’s to pick up the “2-fer” special (you remember – 2 fries, 2 burgers, 2 bucks – yes, it was December 2000) on the way to our honeymoon (with leftovers from the reception neatly wrapped in the backseat), I figured that pizza nine years later was an upgrade.  My hubby agreed and was glad to have the pizza when he arrived home from work (better than tuna noodle pasta, which he is increasingly shunning over the years – I guess his palate has become more cultured?).  Nevertheless, a good time was had by all – especially the children.  Simple pleasures.  Enjoying the company of those you love.  That’s what it’s really about anyway.  And good pizza, of course…and not cooking…

© Copyright 2009 by Kayren J. Cathcart

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.  To him be glory both now and for ever.  Amen.”

(II Peter 3:18)

TTT: Stop NOW! Time is of the essence… (12/20/2007)

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It’s Terrific Thankful Tuesday! Reflecting with gratitude and revving up for 2021…Blessings to you, Kayren on 12/8/2020

Stop NOW! Time is of the essence…

“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out,

 when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.”

(Acts 3:18-20)

Have you ever scheduled an activity, only to find that the time to do it never comes?  Do you often plan to do things and realize (maybe weeks later) that the time to accomplish them never presented itself?  If you can relate, it’s quite possible you need to take a moment to stop and evaluate where your energy is going.  Where is your focus?  If it’s all over the place, that could be an indicator that you need to try a different approach.

Now contrast this with a stoplight turning red – what does that signal (or indicator) mean?  It means: STOP NOW!  If you put it off until later – it might be too late.  It is actually hazardous (to your health and the health of others) not to stop when you see the signal is already red – or better yet, if you see the warning of the yellow caution light telling you to slow down and PREPARE to stop.

A friend recently e-mailed me, reminding me to take time to refuel, reconnect, and REST.  I appreciated her concern for me as I wondered incredulously, “Exactly WHEN would I find the time to do this?!?”  Truth be told, she e-mailed me on 12/12/07, but I’m just now getting this message posted on 12/20/07 – see how it happens?  Time drifts away from us when we don’t actively manage it.  Let’s commit to actively managing our time in 2008 instead of passively allowing time to dictate to us what our schedules will be…a novel concept, wouldn’t you agree?

The times of refreshing come from the presence of the Lord.  If you’re too busy to spend time with Him to get clarity and direction for your life, then guess what?  You’re just too busy.  Stop NOW!  Refocus. Reprioritize.  Rest in Him.  As we take time at the end of the year to reflect, we can also use this time to reprioritize based on what’s really important.  The Holy Spirit is here to help us and guide us as we commit to aligning with God’s Word. 

Abundant blessings as you tie up those loose ends and approach the conclusion of 2007 🙂

© 2007 by Kayren J. Cathcart

TT: Go Forth in Obedience (12/26/2006)

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I’m gifting encouragement all month long! Enjoy a waltz down Memory Lane as I share December posts from previous years on Terrific Thankful Tuesdays and Throwback Thursdays! Reflecting with gratitude and revving up for 2021…Blessings to you, Kayren

Go Forth in Obedience to Obtain God’s Promises in 2007

“For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.”

(Hebrews 10:36)

“Now therefore if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:

And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation.  

These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the house of Israel.”

(Exodus 19:5-6)

A few of Webster’s definitions for the action word “go” include: to proceed; to move or start to move; to engage in a specified activity; to function; to become; to enjoy participating in or partaking of; to happen; to succeed.

I am ready to GO, Lord!  I’ve waited patiently ALL year long.  So where is this promise, God?  Oh – I glossed over the “after you have done the will of God” part of Hebrews 10:36?  Oops!  Help me to be obedient to your voice, Lord!

If you’ve felt like you were running in place with God’s hand holding onto your shirt collar or your shoulders – get ready!  He’s about to release you in the greatness of His glory – and when you go forth, you’ll be like a rocket taking off with so much energy, drive, dynamism, and power that He’ll sit back watching you while saying, “Look at My child go!”  For Him to entrust His authority to us, we must prepare and plan to participate in the process as yielded vessels who have no problems saying, “Yes Lord, according to Your will be it unto me.”

In order to prepare to go forth in His fullness, we must remember these essential components of obedience:

1.      Make a decision to obey Him – it starts in the mind!

2.      Commit to discipline ourselves – our flesh must be subject to His Holy Spirit!

3.      Demonstrate determination and bring forth good fruit – we must persistently pursue His purpose for our lives exhibit

We want the promises He has for us in 2007 – are we willing to pay the price?

Obedience at ANY cost is what the Master requires of each of us… 

© Copyright 2006 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Finding Grace at the Bonfire

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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

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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