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. 🙂

“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)

Don’t Neglect the Gift Within You

Posted by kayrencathcart

“Do not neglect your gift…”

(I Timothy 4:14, NIV)

Many times, gifts that God Himself has given us lie dormant. We’ve allowed precious treasures He has entrusted to our care and stewardship to be hidden, inactive, and underdeveloped. Often, we don’t really venture outside of our comfort zones until the pressure we’re experiencing becomes almost unbearable. Then, under the weight, we finally yield and say, “Okay God – You win!!!” When a storm comes to shake us out of our grogginess and complacency, we cry out, “Mercy! Please help me, Lord!”

It is imperative that you cultivate, nurture, develop, and mature your gift. If it weren’t important, Timothy’s mentor wouldn’t have admonished him to “stir up the gift of God that is in you” (II Timothy 1:6). Was Timothy lazy, fearful, or just comfortable? Perhaps he just wasn’t operating at maximum efficiency and effectiveness. As a matter of fact, Paul seemed to admonish him to shake off his comfortable contentment with the status quo and stop settling for the mediocre and familiar.

If this sounds like a place where you find yourself, it’s time to give your gifts a wake-up call! Repent, pray for direction, commit to purposeful action, and GET MOVING! Your gift will take you into the arena of greatness (Proverbs 18:16). Be so focused and single-minded in tending to your gift and executing God’s purpose that external influences and distractions cease to matter. I’ll admit that it’s not easy or passive activity. Jude 1:3 admonishes us to “earnestly contend for the faith.” That means it’s going be a press. Sometimes we’ll have to fight; yet, Matthew 11:12 tells us “…the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.” I dare say that your destiny is worth fighting for. The purpose of resistance, opposition, and pressure is to propel you toward opportunity – which is cleverly disguised as adversity! Will you polish your gift and seize the opportunity?

What will you do with the door opened by your gift?

The world anticipates your response…and destiny awaits your embrace.

Contents Under Pressure

Posted by kayrencathcart

“We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.”

(II Corinthians 1:8-9, NIV)

Is it just me, or is this a time of intense (and yet increasing) pressure? Pressure can be defined as “force, weight, heaviness, stress, strain, demand, load, burden, or difficulty.” Does any of that sound familiar to you? Everywhere you look these days, pressure is evident. Sometimes it feels like more than we can bear, but we must keep putting one foot in front of the other to make progress – no matter how fast or slow we seem to be moving.

We’re all hesitant to shake a warm soda can before opening it. Why? Because the contents have been packaged under pressure. When we “pop the top,” the pressure is released, and what was on the inside definitely comes out. When the pressure you’re under now is released, what will flow from you? Will it be true worship, praise, thanksgiving, and adoration to God for bringing you through the trial? Our attitude when navigating through the tests will determine what comes out when the pressure diminishes.

Make no mistake – pressure exists, and today’s pressure is real. However, the purpose of pressure in the life of a Christian is significant and undeniable. Pressure is what transforms a lump of coal into a diamond, what differentiates a victim from a victor, and what converts a worrier into an intercessor. Through the pressure in your life, choose to rely on God even more, then watch Him mold, shape, and form you as He sees fit.

Are you a diamond in the rough or a jewel in the making?

Yield to the pressure and allow God to transform you for HIS glory!

A Prayer to Build Your Faith in God

Posted by kayrencathcart

Author’s Note:

When I posted the January message, I reluctantly admitted that I was personally Running on “E.” Therefore, I decided to take a few weeks to reconnect to the Source of peace, love, life, joy, and all that I need. That was a good decision, for I have been refreshed in His presence. I encourage you to do the same – sooner than later. Your spirit man and your natural man will thank you 🙂

I was asked to share the prayer below, written during the recent WIW series on “Building Your Faith in God.” I challenge you to be transparent with God – He knows your innermost thoughts and wants only His best for you. This is stepping out of my own comfort zone to post an intimate prayer from my heart for the world to see, but if it blesses someone and leads to their deliverance, then it’s worth it.

I am glad to report that God is at work in me, and I am grateful for His patience with me! I pray that it will help you face and OVERCOME whatever fear stands in the way of your victory. Go forth boldly!

A Prayer to Build Your Faith in God

Lord God, Great and Sovereign Holy One,

Cleanse me of all unrighteousness, I pray. I choose to forgive those who’ve offended me, and I ask you to forgive me. I need Your help to create and sustain a new mindset and a consistently healthy lifestyle full of the true, pure, uncontaminated love of God. I cannot do this by myself.

I need You to create in me a clean heart and renew within me a right and steadfast spirit. Cleanse, purge, purify, and perfect me into the image of Your dear Son, Lord God. Let there be no hidden corner of iniquity, sin, or unrighteousness that I try to deny, cover up, or ignore. Change me for Your glory – I’ve been this way for much too long. Make me what and who You need me to be. I want Your results, which means I must yield to Your process. I trust that what You choose for me is right, fitting, appropriate, and just.

Help me to release to You and overcome every:

Food addiction
Destructive habit
Hidden lust and craving
Nasty, ungodly attitude
Stubbornness, rebellion, and pride
Indecision and anxiety
Unbelief, doubt, and fear
Self-sabotage
Stinkin’ thinkin’ and negativity
ANYTHING that blocks, hinders, and impedes the flow of the Holy Spirit
Laziness and undisciplined behavior and thoughts
Complacency

Fill me with the fruit of the Holy Spirit in abundance that I may be a vessel pleasing in Your sight that manifests Your splendor and glory. I know You are faithful to meet me as I press toward the mark of Your high call that’s on my life.

In the precious name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

The Power of Purpose: Making Your Life Count

Posted by kayrencathcart

“Before I shaped you in the womb, I knew all about you.
Before you saw the light of day, I had holy plans for you:
A prophet to the nations – that’s what I had in mind for you.”

Jeremiah 1:5 (The Message)

It is powerful to know your true identity and why you exist. The Bible gives in-depth illustrations of many people who either arrived on the scene knowing why they were created or, through the course of life, discovered their guiding purpose for being on the planet.

Jeremiah received personal assurance from God that he was equipped to take on the tasks appointed to him – despite his age.
Deborah was a prophetess who gave insight for a great national victory during wartime – a well-respected and honorable woman in a male-dominated society.
Joseph was destined for greatness and achieved it – regardless of the “haters” within his family.
Esther delivered her people from utter destruction – by her obedience, wisdom, dedication to prayer, and willingness to take a risk.
Daniel was set apart for wise leadership and empowered to pass every test placed before him – from interpretation of a king’s forgotten dreams to deliverance from a lion’s den.
Mary was hand-selected to bring forth God’s greatest gift – above all others.

The list goes on. I have good news: you are included in this list! Whenever you examine, discover, and embrace your purpose, the heart’s cry, “Why am I here, Lord?” is inevitably addressed.

Luke 1:31-33 depicts how Jesus’ purpose and greatness was made known to His mother before He was in her womb. Jesus’ earthly ministry lasted three years, and much preparation took place before he launched out. Yet, those three years were packed with power, miracles, changed lives, and the demonstration of God’s glory. Quality of time, not quantity, made the difference as Jesus impacted those who came across His path. To some, three years seems like a short time; to others, it’s a long time – it all depends on what you’re setting out to accomplish. Romans 14:12 reminds us that “every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” How are you living in light of that fact?

As a person of faith, you may often reflect on the fact that you have been given the priceless gift of life – and with that, a certain amount of time (your life span) is allotted for you to fulfill the purpose God created just for you. In Luke 16, Jesus told the story of a rich man with a servant who got “called on the carpet.” His master confronted him, “Give an account of your stewardship!” When this man realized his position was in jeopardy, he immediately got busy being productive for his master’s benefit.

Each of us faces a similar moment of truth today. When God glimpses you, does He see you fervently serving Him – or your own interests? He expects His faithful children to commit to using the gifts He entrusted to them (time, talent, energy, skills, abilities, etc.) to profit and promote His Kingdom. Over 2,000 years later, Jesus’ life holds a legacy that we continue to benefit from. Are your actions today creating a legacy that will bless those who look beneath the surface of your life? Power in action will cause you to be a wise investor and not a resource waster!

Knowing your purpose and the power provided for you to fulfill it will guide and direct your path, help you select the activities in which you participate, influence where you decide to invest your time, and impact the people (positive or negative) you allow to sow into your lives. During your personal time of meditation, consider reading Psalm 139:13-16 and Isaiah 49:1-5 to appreciate the fact that you were designed for a specific purpose. Greatness lies within YOU. Tap in and allow God to powerfully direct your purpose; it will make a difference in your life.

After all, walking in your purpose with power is what life is all about.

Enjoy the journey…

Stop NOW! Time is of the essence…

Posted by kayrencathcart

“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 🙂

Always Enough

Posted by kayrencathcart

“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!

Residual Heat

Posted by kayrencathcart

“So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spue thee out of my mouth.”

(Revelation 3:16)

Have you ever thought you were finished curling your hair, only to look in the mirror and see one set of strands you missed? So you grab the curling iron you turned off 3 minutes ago, and try to use the “heat that’s left in it” to get that last curl to look like all the rest of them? (Am I the only who’s ever done this??? I know I’m not!).

That’s how I felt this morning. I couldn’t get started. I snoozed several times too many. Getting up late made me rush my toddlers – and you KNOW toddlers don’t rush getting ready unless they FEEL like it, which is rare with morning preparation routines. I should’ve laid their clothes out the night before, but I convinced myself, “Oh, I know where the shirt is in the drawer that I want to put on her.” I was impressed that my son had selected his outfit last night, so that was squared away. To my chagrin, this morning he had a fashion revelation and decided that last night’s selection just wouldn’t do for today. I was exasperated. But you know what? It was my own doing. Had I taken a few steps to prepare last night (though I’d convinced myself I was “just too tired,” I could’ve left the house earlier, avoided some rush hour traffic, and had a better start for my day.

Preparing To Embrace Transition

Posted by kayrencathcart

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.”

(Ecclesiastes 3:1)

During last month’s Life Application classes, we identified a “cure for the common life.” This month, we’ll develop an unquenchable thirst for God’s presence. Applying the combination of these two themes to our lives promises to bring us into a new season – we won’t be able to stay the same! So how do we prepare for the upcoming transition? What mindset do we need to embrace so we can do something different from what we’re already doing?

As we approach a change of natural seasons (moving from Summer into Fall), take a moment to hear what God is saying to you about your own spiritual season. Don’t be discouraged if it doesn’t look like you’re where you think you should be. God is preparing a place for you at the same time He is preparing you for that place! Be encouraged and know that He has an expected end for you (Jeremiah 29:11).

Surely, there is an appointed season and timeframe for your blessing, your miracle, your healing, your deliverance, your promotion, and your breakthrough. Realize that it may not happen overnight, in a week, or even in a month; transition occurs through a process. You must listen closely to God’s plan and obey His instructions to satisfy the conditions and be in position for the transition.

God is faithful and He is taking you somewhere…

Are you preparing to embrace the transition God has for you?

Controlling vs. Conquering Your Weakness – You ARE an Overcomer!

Posted by kayrencathcart

*You must overcome your weakness – or it will overcome you!*

“To change means picking a fight with the status quo”

Taking Inventory

Let’s see – I know I still have some issues lurking, but I swept them under the rug. I made sure nobody could see them, but I think a few folks with discernment are starting to suspect this growing mound under my rug – oh man, it’s getting lumpier – and taller. Well, if I do all the “right” things and keep trying to look spiritual and “hold it all together,” maybe I can just blend in. I think we were told from Genesis 1:28 to be fruitful, multiply, replenish, and subdue…okay, let me work on that for a minute. But if I’m still holding onto old junk, then what am I being fruitful in growing? Junk! I am making a mess!

Why change? destiny, purpose (whatever doesn’t change – dies)

Growth = change, but change doesn’t always equal growth

You must CHOOSE to grow!

Characteristics of Controlling Behavior	Characteristics of Conquering Behavior
Co-dependent; making excuses	Taking responsibility
Keep it “just in case” I need something familiar/comfortable to fall back on	Kick the crutches away; Get rid of it because it’s holding me back/weighing me down
Hiding/pretending/projecting a false image (“frontin’”)	Exposure: light + sound = no secrecy
Pride makes me think I can handle it by myself	Victory = able to stand AND able to help someone else be delivered (Who really “has it all together” anyway??? Accountability matters)
Dieting	Lifestyle Change
Addiction/Lust/Destructive Habits	Deliverance!
Anger Management	“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me”(Psalm 51:10)
Holding a grudge	Forgiveness
Criticizing others (fault-finding)	Committing to be the change I want to see
Overspending	Discipline!

Action Steps for Change and Growth

(Moving beyond my present situation/set of circumstances)

Accountability

Tell on yourself!
Surround yourself people who are strong in your area of weakness
Remain humble

Responsibility

Be honest with yourself
Be truthful with others
Admit mistakes and reward progress
Discipline your mind and body – you must feed your spirit with the WORD of God!

Maturity

Keep moving forward (one step at a time = progress)
Know when to ask for help (assistance = a hand up, not a handout)
Don’t expect someone else to rescue you or solve your problem – stand on your feet
Commit to move from milk to meat – time out for spoon-feeding!

The Process of Overcoming entails walking in the Big IDEA – O!

Integrity – according to the WORD, not yourself!

“All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the Lord weigheth the spirits.” (Proverbs 16:2)

Discipline – brings you to the results you need “..run in such a way to get the prize.” (I Corinthians 9:24b NIV)

Endurance – breeds consistency

“…be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” (Hebrews 6:12)

Action (be active, not passive – expecting it to “just happen” or come to you)

“…now therefore arise, go over…” (Joshua 1:2)

Obedience – (no loopholes, shortcuts, or hypocrisy) “…to obey is better than sacrifice…” (I Samuel 15:22)

Kayren Cathcart's Blog

Observations on daily life and inspiration for spiritual growth…

reflection

O Christmas Tree: A Matter of Perspective

Don’t Neglect the Gift Within You

Contents Under Pressure

A Prayer to Build Your Faith in God

The Power of Purpose: Making Your Life Count

Stop NOW! Time is of the essence…

Always Enough

Residual Heat

Preparing To Embrace Transition

Controlling vs. Conquering Your Weakness – You ARE an Overcomer!