So to my parents, I want to say a great big “thank you” for all the sacrifices you made to send me to a Christian school from 1^st through 4^th Grade.  I am so appreciative for the godly heritage and solid foundation!  As I watch my own children in elementary school (and though they’re in public school, they are blessed with good teachers…I prayed for that!), I realize how critical these formative years are to a child’s development. The amount of influence exerted by someone who stands in front of your child for 180 days of the year cannot be underestimated.  I still communicate regularly with their daycare provider (who kept them since age 6 weeks) and their former teachers because they’ve been supportive of my children and still consider them to be “their students.” 

I am currently privileged to serve as a Sunday School teacher for our teen class.  I don’t take the responsibility lightly.  I know that seeds planted today bring forth the future harvest, so I’m mindful of what I teach – in my lessons and through my lifestyle.  May we do the same thing in the presence of all children which whom we interact.  They are precious souls created by our Father for specific purpose…as adults, we are tasked with protecting this vital resource and teaching them the ways of the Lord.  May we fulfill our assignments valiantly and exceptionally. 

“5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:

7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.”

(Deuteronomy 6:5-7) 

“Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD.”

(Psalm 34:11)

© Copyright 2011 by Kayren J. Cathcart

While driving home yesterday (on the same route I take every day), I noticed something markedly different.  What captured my attention?  The gentle but steady rain coming down?  No.  The lulling classical music I listen to during my commute to keep me patient in the midst of innumerable inconsiderate drivers?  Nope, I didn’t have the radio on; my only accompaniment was the symphony bubbling in my heart.  Well, what then?  I was acutely aware of the fall leaves wafting in the wind.  When a big gust blew, they came down in a swirling torrent of golden color as my car plodded on to pick up the children from afterschool care.  I smiled as I took it all in and was overwhelmed by the goodness of the God Who created this beautiful splendor.

Mind you, I love to watch leaves fall – really.  Especially when I’m sitting in front of a window or on the porch watching a tree in my yard.  Maybe for you, that’s just a boring step above watching paint dry or grass grow, but for me, it’s very calming, soothing, and relaxing.  In those pensive moments of solitude, I’m reminded that I should just let go and trust God – always, no matter what.  As we approach this season of thanksgiving (and giving thanks for the greatest Gift ever!), what meditative and contemplative activities will you take time for?  Indulge me as I go out on a limb (pun intended!) and take a bit of literary liberty to personify the thoughts of the lowly leaves…

9 Lessons from the Leaves

1. Leaves let go when it’s time and take the plunge – they don’t try to cling to past or the old season because it’s comfortable, familiar, or predictable.  Wheeee!
2. Leaves aren’t afraid to get low – they’re willing to humble themselves and come down to another level, even if they were previously soaring many feet above the ground.
3. Leaves aren’t troubled about where they’ll land – they float, soar, glide, and drift along unrestrained, uninhibited, and with careless abandon in whatever direction the wind carries them.  In the same way, shouldn’t we trust God to lead, guide, and direct our paths?
4. Leaves don’t worry about how they look or the fact that they’re changing – they know they’re supposed to look different than they did a few weeks ago…it’s called progress, growth, and maturity.
5. Leaves don’t concern themselves with other leaves are doing – they’re focused on doing what they’re supposed to do, regardless of what it looks like others may (or may not) be doing.
6. Leaves aren’t anxious about self-preservation, but they’re motivated by purpose – they know the cycle will start all over again; after a period of dormancy, more of their kind will spring forth.
7. Leaves always have a smooth landing – they don’t try to fight gravity or the fact that they’re supposed to fall in this season; it’s part of their process.
8. Leaves take the change of seasons in stride – they’re not in a rush to get it over with, but neither are they apprehensive or trying to avoid the inevitable, impending changes.  They appreciate each moment for what it is.
9. Leaves know that change is part of their makeup – they’re created to change – not stay the same; it’s built into their structure, so they embrace it.

Let me leave (another pun intended!) you with these parting thoughts:

I challenge you to take a few lessons from the leaves…perhaps it will influence how you manage the season you’re in.  After all, the Lord of the harvest has a plan for your life…trust Him to bring it to pass as you walk in obedience to His Word, His way, and His will.

“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:  Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”

(I Peter 5:6-7)

© Copyright 2011 by Kayren J. Cathcart

“If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use,
and prepared unto every good work.”
(II Timothy 2:21)

Our faithful God healed my son’s broken arm in a matter of a few weeks – I was truly amazed at His handiwork and thankful for His touch.  To see the x-rays progress over the weeks of follow-up doctor appointments was incredible.  With each visit came further proof of significant improvement as he regained strength and mobility in his dominant arm – hallelujah!

Now he’s back to his regular routine and frolicking on the playground as if July never happened.  Children have short memories, eh?  I’m sure I remember more readily since I’m still getting medical bills in the mail…but bless God that He’s already made provision for those to be covered.

Perhaps there are some dry bones in your life and you’ve been wondering if they can live.  I encourage you to look unto the Author and Finisher of your faith to see the glorious outcome.  Activate your faith, belief, and trust in Him and watch the newness of life that will come forth when His Word touches what appears to be languishing.  It’s not over – God has the final say!

“3 And he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord GOD, thou knowest.

4 Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the LORD.

5 Thus saith the Lord GOD unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live:

6 And I will lay sinews upon you, and will bring up flesh upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and ye shall live;
and ye shall know that I am the LORD.

7 So I prophesied as I was commanded: and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and behold a shaking, and the bones came together, bone to his bone.”
(Ezekiel 37:3-7)

© Copyright 2011 by Kayren J. Cathcart

(Ecclesiastes 11:5)

After the Great End-of-Summer Arm Incident, I was bathing my child again.  As I recalled the days of the totally dependant infant in the baby tub, I had to admit that he was considerably bigger now, and much more independent.  Where did the time go?  I wondered.  Each evening before the bath, we secured a plastic bag around the injured arm to prevent the cast from getting wet.  I scratched as far into the cast as my pen could reach to alleviate the incessant itching.  I watched him learn to eat proficiently with his left hand.  Could I have seen this set of circumstances coming?  Hardly.  Do I have “mommy superpowers” to avert all of life’s painful lessons or shield my children from major hurt or discomfort?  Clearly not.

Because – wonder of wonders! – pressure causes us to grow…no matter what our age may be.  This child astonished me by figuring out a way to hold his sticks (cast and all!) and play the drums that he loves so much within 2 weeks of his injury.  It was as if something inside wouldn’t let him just sit down, do nothing, and be sad.  He missed being in his bed (the top bunk) – so he was climbing back up there within weeks (yikes!).  A few weeks later, though he couldn’t play badminton with his sister, he went to kick the soccer ball around in the backyard while wearing his protective brace (I was terrified and wanted him outfitted with a battle tank).

I am thankful that God covers us.  He is our Protector – and has been from the very beginning.  We really can rest in Him.  He has ALL POWER…and that trumps “mommy superpowers” any day. 

“13 For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb.

14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

15 My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.

16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned,
when as yet there was none of them. ”

(Psalm 139:13-16)

 © Copyright 2011 by Kayren J. Cathcart

(Psalm 51:8)

 A bit o’ humor…since sometimes you have to laugh to keep from crying…

Back in August, my son told our pastor that “God had done this to him.”  He was quickly corrected when Pastor asked, “YOU chose to disobey your father, didn’t you?”  My son nodded in agreement.  “So that was your choice to jump off the sliding board/monkey bars – God didn’t do that to you, did He?”  “No sir,” was the penitent reply.

How many times do we put things on others (including God) when we’re really just reaping the consequences of our own unwise, impulsive, or deviously calculated poor decisions?

I remembered seeing my firstborn laying in the Emergency Room hooked to the IV going in and out of consciousness saying, “Daddy’s gonna spank me…”  I just caressed his face, attempting to calm and soothe him, but knowing that when he was healed up, this was gonna be the lesson of a lifetime.  His injury (and its accompanying pain and discomfort) were already speaking louder than any physical discipline that could be administered.

Plans can change so quickly – in an instant.  I’d taken Friday afternoon as a vacation ½ day so we could get ahead of traffic for our scheduled ministry-related short road trip.  We’d arranged a hotel reservation for our family and were looking forward to hearing the Word.  Even so, we never know how a day will end.

Our God is gracious and His lovingkindness endures to His children forever – even in the midst of painful processes.  In retrospect, I can say this wasn’t the worst thing that could have happened to my child.  He was even blessed enough to get his cast off the very DAY before the new school year began – though I’m sure he wouldn’t have minded not writing for a few weeks!  Sure, it was no fun for an energetic boy to have to sit out from Physical Education and recess for the first month of school, but it was part of his lesson on the consequences of our actions.  Some things just can’t be erased by saying, “I’m sorry” or “I won’t do that again.”

But two months later, he has been restored.  The doctors tell me that the mended, regenerated bones that were broken are probably stronger now than the bones in his other (unharmed) arm.  Isn’t that just like our God – to make us better than we had been as we yield to His process?  Who wouldn’t allow Him to work on the inside each day?  After all, He is our Creator; He knows what He’s doing to bring about our expected end.  I challenge you to trust the Lord with your inner makeover…starting now.

“He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken.”

(Psalm 34:20)

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”

(Jeremiah 29:11)

© Copyright 2011 by Kayren J. Cathcart

They say the best time to prepare for an emergency is before it’s necessary.  How do I know?  Because I got a call at work this past Thursday around 11:30 a.m. that my son had jumped from the top of the sliding board (or fallen from the monkey bars, depending on the iteration of the story) during a field trip to the park – and his arm was twisted, mangled, and – I was told – dislocated.  This was no time to practice the peace the comes only from resting in the presence of God – it was “go time.”  

Instead of relying on my less-than-stellar sense of direction, I printed a quick set of MapQuest directions to the hospital, and off I zoomed.  When my co-worker generously offered to drive me to my car (which I would’ve had to reach after a 2 block walk to the train, then a 10 minute ride), her quick thinking and thoughtfulness helped me arrive at the hospital 10 minutes before my child and his caregiver.  And it was a blessing that a parent chaperone for the field trip just happened to be a nurse…whose daughter had broken her little arm a few months prior.  It was no coincidence that this woman knew exactly what to do to calm my hysterical child.  God is so faithful!

Well, after 7 x-rays, a couple of shots of morphine, tears too numerous to tally, (and a partridge in a pear tree, it felt like), Emergency Room staff confirmed that both of his forearm bones (ulna and radius) were indeed broken.  And to think that my biggest decision that morning was what time I’d go get a mani/pedi…and wax the fuzzy caterpillars still (unfortunately) adorning my forehead.  As a parent, it’s a matter of priorities; I resigned myself not to think about the unruly, bushy eyebrows anymore.  However, I digress…

The entire ER staff at Levine Children’s Hospital was absolutely EXCEPTIONAL during the 6+ hours we were there.  My child had some pretty strong “dreams” as a result of the anesthesia (conscious sedation, I believe they called it) and it took him a couple of hours to shake off the grogginess enough to come home.  However, after eating a popsicle and evidencing that the drugs had worn off significantly, he was discharged until a 1-week follow-up appointment.  I had no complaints because I’m very aware that some mothers don’t leave the ER with their children in one piece.  As we headed for x-rays, we passed a young girl with her neck in an immobilizing brace; I know our story could have ended in such a different way.  Yet, by Sunday, my son was back to his jovial self – and sporting his blue cast, complete with signatures.

So goes another chapter in the “growing up” saga…for both child and parent.  Since my “fix the pain” threshold usually ends at “Band-Aid duty,” God definitely carried me through the day with His grace.  Considering that I was whining about pulling teeth for the past couple of years, I’m a witness that promotion truly comes from the Lord!  Before this set of circumstances, my honorary MD stood for “Mommy Dentist,” but I dare say that I’ve been elevated to “Mommy Doctor.”  I am grateful.

Thank the Lord that He is able to put us back together again!  May we daily walk in obedience to reap the rewards of righteousness and enjoy the protective benefits of yielding to God’s authority.

“Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak: O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed.”

(Psalm 6:2)

 “Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.

It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.”

(Proverbs 3:7-8)

© Copyright 2011 by Kayren J. Cathcart

The broken right arm - what a shape...

Two encounters in the past two days reminded me of God’s faithfulness to adjust (correct, fine-tune, change, alter, regulate, amend, modify, tweak) us for His glory.  I encourage you to acknowledge daily that God’s design for your life is much greater than anything you can imagine!

Encounter 1

Yesterday, my gym held an Open House event with outside vendors.  While I excitedly anticipated a complimentary eyebrow waxing, I arrived to discover that the waxing vendor never confirmed – and I’d even called her myself a few days prior to see what time she’d be at the gym.  (Maybe it sounds like overkill, but if you’d seen the fuzzy caterpillars on my forehead, you’d understand my urgency with nailing down this time and date of service).  Nevertheless, God had an even more delightful treat in store for me.  As I went to change into my workout clothes, I spotted makeup artist Sissy Duncan (and her seemingly endless array of eye, cheek, and lip palettes – oooh, aaah!) set up in the bathroom – this was a definite “goodie” upgrade, and a motivating incentive for me to finish my entire 30-minute date with the elliptical machine to earn this treat. 

After drying off and cooling down, I eagerly hopped into her chair and she went to work on my face for a 10-minute touch-up.  She gave me a natural look, but it was polished and refined (quite an enhancement since I hadn’t put on any makeup before leaving the house that morning).  I left feeling significantly prettier, but I couldn’t see the details under the gym bathroom’s lighting.  I knew I looked better leaving than when I’d walked in, but I didn’t notice how dramatic the difference was until I got onto the mirrored elevator back in my building – 5 blocks up the street.  I literally did a double take when I saw the impact of the “smoky eye” technique…I said, “This girl’s work is absolutely slammin’!” While her concealer worked wonders, she brought out a light in my eyes I didn’t know was there!  I do a pretty good job with my own makeup when I put effort into getting all “gussied up,” but Sissy made it obvious that technique, experience, and quality products make a world of difference.  Not only was she well-trained, but she was dedicated to passionately perfecting her craft for ultimate customer satisfaction.

As her business name implies, I left Sissy’s presence feeling Simply Beautiful.  When I willingly yielded to being malleable clay in her hands, she created a work that improved upon the original.  God will do the same with us when we choose to obey His way instead of stubbornly resisting (or refusing!) the work of His molding, shaping, and sculpting tools in our lives. 

Encounter 2

One of my teammates has been developing a database for the past few months.  This morning, she asked to view something on my screen because it looked weird on hers.  Peering at my screen, she murmured, “You’re definitely supposed to see that “Upcoming Action Items” field, and the “Create” button is off…too far to the right.”  I thought it looked a bit strange, but I had no frame of reference or specifications to compare it to.  Since she helped design it from scratch, she immediately noticed the inconsistency, discrepancy, and contradiction between “what is” and “what should be.”  Not only was she able to detect an issue, but she knew how to fix it! 

She thanked me for my time, then headed back to her desk to work out the bugs. I sensed her irritation and slight annoyance that it wasn’t working as intended.  Could it be that God feels the same way when we don’t walk in the path He’s laid out for us?  How are we “showing up” as His children?  Do our actions “look weird” or incongruent with our professed Christian witness on the screen of life because we’re “a bit off”…too far to one side or the other?  Let us commit each day to walk in obedience – according to the design of God’s plan for our lives.  After all, He is sovereign! 

“O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel.”

(Jeremiah 18:6)

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”

(Jeremiah 29:11)

© Copyright 2011 by Kayren J. Cathcart

allergy – reaction, aversion, hypersensitivity

antipathy – hatred, opposition, ill feeling

When she began to light up her cigarette, before I knew it, I told the lady I’d been casually chatting with from the train station, “I’m allergic, so I’m gonna cross the street here.  Have a good day!”  I don’t know if I’m really allergic to tobacco smoke, but I have such a strong aversion to it that I try to steer clear of it at all costs.  I’m not judging anyone, but I have a personal preference to be in a smoke-free environment 24/7.  When I see someone on the sidewalk ahead of me with a cigar, I’ll go out of my way to avoid walking through the revolting cloud.  At the very least, I’ll hold my breath as long as I can, so as not to get the ickiness in my lungs, throat, and nasal passages. Cigar smoke repulses (and literally nauseates) me.

As Christians, we should be the same way with sin – but are we?  Not just what we think of or categorize as sin (i.e., what we label as “the biggies” – though God doesn’t categorize sin), but what God Himself calls sin (unrighteousness; whatever doesn’t line up with His Word).  Not only the outwardly apparent stuff, but especially those inner matters of the heart that no one but God sees when we try (and miserably fail) to hide them.  The effect of sin (including our own!) in our presence should be an automatically righteous response – but this comes by disciplining ourselves with (and submitting consistently to) the Word of God.  We must constantly desire to walk in light and truth instead of getting comfortable in darkness and “grey areas” of compromise.

Do you hate sin – in yourself as well as in others?  Since sin blocks, pollutes, taints, and contaminates the flow of relationship with our Creator (and consequently impacts our relationships with our brothers and sisters), ask God to give you a hatred toward the things He hates.  As we 1) humble ourselves in His presence, 2) honestly admit the (numerous) areas we come up short, and 3) genuinely repent (evidenced by a change of heart and behavior), He is faithful to cleanse us so we can experience unbroken fellowship with Him.  Run (don’t walk!) to His refreshing well of pure, life-giving water and be cleansed today!

“Neither shall they defile themselves any more with their idols, nor with their detestable things, nor with any of their transgressions: but I will save them out of all their dwellingplaces, wherein they have sinned, and will cleanse them: so shall they be my people, and I will be their God.”

(Ezekiel 37:23)

“But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.”

(John 4:14)

© Copyright 2011 by Kayren J. Cathcart

I thought, “If I had this brother’s positive outlook while doing my own work, what could I accomplish today that would bring honor to God?”  In that moment, that man was engaged in pure worship to his Creator. He was thankful for having a job, and that was evident in his purposeful actions, pace, upbeat attitude, and demeanor. He commanded respect; he was so focused that I wanted to greet him with a hearty, “Good morning, sir!”  It didn’t matter that he wasn’t wearing a 3-piece suit or working on a job making a 6-figure salary.  He carried himself in a way that exuded gratitude, and that was a great practical devotion for me!

Today, check what you’re emitting.  If it’s time for an attitude adjustment because others don’t see the joy of the Lord in you as you progress through your workday, give God full access to your control panel – and allow Him to tweak you for His glory.

“Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?

He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.

He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.”

(Psalm 24:3-5)

 “Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God;

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.”

(Colossians 3:22-24)

 © Copyright 2011 by Kayren J. Cathcart

familiar – common, customary, typical, regular, traditional, usual

Wow – what CONVICTION came over me upon the reminder and realization that “there’s no way you can be peculiar when you’re familiar.” My heart was pricked from the time I left work, and I went straight to repenting (yes, again) – during my entire commute home.  How could I continue to feed myself the enemy’s fare from a smorgasbord of heist getaways, lust, and deceit – and expect to walk in righteousness?  I was setting myself up for a fall.

So with resolute intention, I deleted more shows from my DVR: “In Plain Sight” for taking the Lord’s name in vain – repeatedly and remorselessly (along with unapologetic fornication – yeah, I’m married, but I don’t need that seed planted in my spirit); “White Collar” for two women kissing as if there’s nothing wrong with it; and “Law and Order: Criminal Intent” for repeated variations of murderous plots – I don’t need to be desensitized. In and of themselves, I didn’t think the programs were bad.  I took issue with the no-longer-subtle but now painfully obvious, overt, blatantly antichrist agenda that has become so prevalent in the story lines.  If it’s not originating from the heart of God, do I need to partake of it?  How can I expect any good thing to come from a sewer or cesspool?  It’s a collecting place for filth!  Should I be surprised with any of the base depravity and vile wickedness the world presents these days?  They’re just showing evidence of their “anything goes; if it feels good, do it” philosophy.  But that is utterly CONTRARY to God’s Word.

I’d set these programs to record for the entire season, but with a QUICKNESS, I deleted any episode that had already been recorded, and cancelled the “record the season” command.  I have to vigilantly protect the treasure God has placed in my earthen vessel – and so do you!  As we grow closer in our walk with the Lord, He shows us more areas we can yield to His sovereignty.  He won’t force us, but He invites us into closer relationship and deeper intimacy with Him.  Because God is holy and there is no unrighteousness in Him, He desires for us to be holy like Him.

I willingly surrendered the TV programs because I don’t want anything to impede, obstruct, hamper, or impair my relationship with my Creator – or become an idol that takes precedence over the true and living God.  A TV show – or ANYTHING else, for that matter – is NOT worth forfeiting my eternity with Christ. Asking God to cleanse me while rolling around in a mud hole (or playing near one while wearing a white outfit) is ludicrous.  So my walk increases as the heat intensifies and He seeks His Bride without spot, wrinkle, or blemish.  Find me hidden in You, Lord – beneath the shadow of Your cross, I pray.  Amen.

Where do you stand?  Are you peculiar, consecrated, and set apart unto God – or are you familiar, comfortable, and cozy with the world and its carnal mindset?

“Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God?
whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.”

(James 4:4)

“But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”

(I Peter 1:15-16)

“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;”

(I Peter 2:9)

© Copyright 2011 by Kayren J. Cathcart