The Gift that Keeps on Giving

It's been a while since I have blogged. Seems I've had a bit of "writers block" and quite frankly way too much white noise in my head to even think clearly, but today God has cleared my mind and put some things on my heart to share with you.

Today marks the 15th anniversary of the day that my Mom died from breast cancer.  This will be the 15th Christmas with out her and the 33rd Christmas without my Dad.  After all these years, I still find myself missing both of them like it just happened yesterday. As I pulled out the Christmas decorations and holiday recipes, my heart was flooded with memories of past Christmases. I remembered my Dad, hoisting me up to put the star on top of the tree and laying on the floor playing Tiddley Winks with me. I could smell the sugar cookies baking in the oven and hear my Mom's sweet voice singing Christmas carols as she rolled out the dough. I remembered the excitement I felt as I read the note that Santa left next to the cookies and milk we left him and I could see the smiles on my parent's faces as they opened the hand-made macaroni covered Christmas tree I made in school.

Ahhh yes, the memories and although there were tears, I found myself smiling. See, although their is sorrow in missing the ones we love, there is joy in the memories we hold dear in our hearts. These memories have the ability to turn tears to laughter and sorrow to happiness.  For instance, my sister just called me to say she loved me, and we both started to cry as we talked about what today meant, but just a few minutes later we were laughing as we remembered the hand sewn, matching quilted skirts our Mom had made us one Christmas back in 1977. Awful, just awful, but the memory was beautiful!

I'm certain I am not the only one missing a loved one this Christmas. Whether you have lost a friend, a parent, a sibling or a child, the sorrow is there; and while there won't be a present to open from them under the tree, there is a gift in your heart to be opened.  The package is beautifully wrapped in red foil paper, with a shiney, silver bow and the tag reads, "To: You With Love Our Memories". It's the gift that keeps on giving.  So tear open that package with the excitement of a child and smile through tears of joy as we all remember with laughter the ones we love.

May your Christmas be full of joy and may the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ bless you and your families.
Until next time...(Mommy what were you thinking with those skirts! LOL)
God bless and Merry Christmas,
Cat

Get Out of the Boat

For those who know me, they know that there are few things that scare me. Bridges scare me! Speaking in public scares me! But generally, I will try anything, with an open mind.  This weekend I was called to attend a weekend of spiritual renewal at a camp with about 35 other women.  On Thursday evening, I arrived and was the most frightened I have ever been.  I was sobbing and shaking, similar to what happens to me when I cross the Bay Bridge and if it hadn't been so dark on that mountain, I probably would have grabbed my suitcase and hiked on out of there! I wasn't sure where that fear was coming from; perhaps it was the unknown; perhaps it was because I was with "strangers" or perhaps it was the fear of what I would learn this weekend, about myself and what God's plans for me are.

At this crossroad in my life, where I am transitioning from being a full time babysitter for grandkids, which I have done for the past eight years, to trying to figure out what is next for me, I pray often for God to direct me, to show me what I am to do next.  The problem isn't that God hasn't been answering my prayers, the problem is that I have not been listening. He has been telling me all along, but in fear, I have chosen to answer Him with, "Really God? Do you know who you are talking to?" and I'd continue to pray, hoping to get a different answer.  But God is persistant and unwavering.  His plans for me have long been mapped out.
Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." (NLT)  I know I reference that scripture often in my blogs, but I am more and more learning to trust in those words as I see God's plans unfold.

Fear is a destructive and unproductive emotion.  Fear will rob you of joy; it will keep you from receiving the blessings God has for you; and it will leave paralyzed. In the Gospel of Matthew chapter 14, Jesus was praying alone while the disciples waited on the boat.  Winds had caused the boat to drift a considerable distance from the shore and Jesus went to them walking on the lake. The disciples where scared to death, thinking He was a ghost and they cried out in fear. Jesus told them, "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."   Peter, still unsure, questioned Jesus. "Lord, if this is you, tell me to come to you on the water." "Come," Jesus said and Peter stepped out of the boat, walked on the water and towards Jesus, but fear took over and he took his eyes off Jesus and began to sink. He cried out, "Lord save me!" Jesus took his hand and caught him saying, "You of little faith, why do you doubt?"

Fear, keeps us in the boat! Very often, God calls us to do things that we are afraid to do. But if we fix our eyes on Him and step out onto the water in faith, we will not sink. His mighty hand is there ready to catch us. I can't avoid bridges; they are everywhere.  For now, I can safely hide behind the words of my blog, but if God calls me to speak, I will have to trust in Him to not let me sink.  Jeremiah 17:7 "Blessed are those who trust in the Lord, whose trust IS the Lord."

Over and over again this past weekend, God gently (and sometimes not so gently) revealed to me what He wants me to do next and I am scared! But, I will cast my anxiety on Him, 1 Peter 5:7, "Cast all your anxiety on Jesus because He cares for you." I've decided, I'm getting out of the boat, how about you?

Until next time, I got one leg over the side!
God Bless,
Cat

What's in Your Playbook?

I have fretted over this blog for the past couple of days. I knew I needed to write it but I had to be sure that my words would be edifying instead of accusatory. This is a bit different from my typical blogs but felt it was important just the same.

I attended my grandson's football game on Friday evening. I am not talking about college or high school football, no I am talking about 5 and 6 year old football. I don't even know what they call it; pee-wee league maybe? What I do know is that I am very impressed with how far those little guys have come since the first days of practice when they were more concerned with picking dandelions and being able to hold their heads up under the weight of the helmets then who had the ball and making a tackle. The little men on the field Friday night were focused and having fun; taking direction from their coaches and showing great examples of good sportsmanship.

This leads me to the point of this blog. I am all about cheering on your favorite team and especially encouraging your son, daughter, grandson or granddaughter in whatever sport they choose to participate in. I was quite the "football Mom" myself when my son's played ball. However, what I experienced at this game on Friday night, I found appalling. While these 5 and 6 year olds were reaching out a hand to help up a player from the other team the spectators on the sideline were exhibiting anything but good sportsmanship.
On more than one occasion, I witnessed an adult from the other team come to the sideline of the opposing team to "taunt" the spectators and parents of that team. I heard as adults encouraged these children to fight another child; to take their legs out and to hurt them. Not that it is right to encourage this kind of behavior at any point but these are 5 year olds people! The adults in these children's lives are charged with the awesome responsibility to raise them up to be kind and respectful young men and yes that includes good sportsmanship. Encouraging your "child" to be the best that they can be at whatever they do, is vitally important but it is equally important for them to realize that how they conduct themselves in obtaining a goal is a stamp on their character. I had to wonder what kind of example these adults were exhibiting for these young kids.

I, in no way, am a perfect parent and have made my share of child rearing mistakes, but I can say that there is a fine line between cheering on a child and encouraging them to inflict harm, either by words or actions. As I continued to watch these enthusiastic little guys play the game the best they could, I was totally impressed with the way that they handled themselves. They encouraged each other (even the opposing players); they helped each other up and cheered for both sides of the ball. That's good sportsmanship and I could only hope that the adults on the sideline took a page from their playbook and learned a valuable lesson. I certainly did!

We teach our children to walk, to talk, to ride a bike, and to play football, but character is learned by the examples they have to follow. If you want a child to have a vulgar mouth, use vulgar language around them; if you want a child to be aggressive and mean, then be mean and aggressive around them. However, if you want a child to be respectful, show respect; if you want a child to be humble, show humility and if you want a child to be of good character, exhibit good character. We are writing on the playbook of their lives everyday! What is in your Playbook?

I would like to take one more moment to thank all of the coaches who work so hard with these little men. The patience and encouragement that they show toward these kids is truly inspirational and I, for one, appreciate it.

Until next time...Go Team!
God bless,
Cat

A Servant's Heart

I just spent an incredible weekend at North Bay Adventure Camp, a beautiful facility in Northeast, Maryland! It wasn't a weekend away with the family or even a romantic getaway with my husband, although he was there. No, this was the weekend of Mountain Christian Church's middle and high school fall retreat. Two hundred and eighty middle and high schoolers, having fun and worshiping the Lord!

So why were two old people like us at this retreat? We were asked to come and help serve meals to the students and the leaders who were participating in the retreat.  The prospect of a weekend away was appealing and it sounded like it could be fun. Besides this was an opportunity to show these young people what service to others was all about.  But as the weekend drew closer, my resolve began to melt. Not only were there torrential rains, but physically I was feeling horrible.  I have fibormyalgia and if you don't know what that is, take the worst muscle pain you've ever had; times it by ten and spread it throughout your body.  I did not think I could serve, let alone, serve with a grateful heart. But I had made a commitment and didn't want to renege on that commitment, so begrudgingly I went.  The ride to the camp was difficult due to the heavy rains and roads with standing water were treacherous. The skies were dark and ominous but as we drove I prayed that God would protect us and I asked that He provide me relief from my pain.  Ahead of us in the darkest of skies was the faintest glimpse of a rainbow! I couldn't believe what I was seeing and snapped a picture with my phone. A rainbow, a symbol of God's promise and I began to feel a sense of peace about the weekend ahead.

When we arrived, dinner service had already taken place and after meeting the rest of the volunteers, we started to clean up the mounds of dirty dishes (not paper plates) and silverware. The men in the group manned what affectionately became known as "the pit", the dish washing and sterilizing station, while the women worked clearing tables and washing them down.  After just half a service I was exhausted and wondered how in the world I would manage through four more meals and clean up over the next two days.

But God had a plan, bigger then my pain. Every time the dining hall filled with the laughter and excitement of all those kids, I found a renewed strength. My heart filled with joy as I listened as a teenage boy stood in front of 279 of his peers and offered prayer. Their genuine appreciation and gratitude was overwhelming and I was humbled to be serving these young people.

As I fell into bed on Saturday night, to exhausted to even sleep, I thought about the King of Kings and how He had come to this earth not to be served but to serve. Not because He wanted gratitude or reward, but because He loved. To be a servant with an attitude of love is the greatest expression of the love that is Jesus Christ. To serve without expectation of reward or accolades is to serve like Jesus.  To serve others is to serve Jesus.

Colossians 3:23-24 says, "Work willingly at whatever you do as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.  Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving in Christ."

This is not to say that we should not take joy in or be proud of our work or service, but that we should be humble, expecting nothing more than our own satisfaction and to glorify God.
"My heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labor." Ecclesiastes 2:10

What I learned this weekend is that whether you are serving meals to 280 teens and pre-teens, sharpening pencils for your boss, or scrubbing toilets, if you perform that service to the glory of God with a loving heart, your reward from the Father is greater than any pat on the back you can receive and any pain or obstacle you face, is erased when your spirit is willing to serve in His name.

Thank you Mountain kids, for serving me by allowing me to serve you!

Until next time, in humble service...
God bless,
Cat

Cat's Chat: God's Got This

Cat's Chat: God's Got This: I remember the words so vididly that it is as if I am hearing them today, "Mrs. Corbin, your son is missing half of his brain. He will never...

God's Got This

I remember the words so vididly that it is as if I am hearing them today, "Mrs. Corbin, your son is missing half of his brain. He will never be able to function normally on his own. You may want to consider terminating your pregnancy." These were the words of the doctor who had just performed a sonogram on my unborn child, during the seventh month of my pregrancy. I remember thinking to myself, "Are you crazy? I have felt this child move in me and I have talked to him and bonded with him!" But without hesitation, the words spilled from my mouth, "No, I won't consider that. My God doesn't make mistakes."

Immediately after his birth, my son was examined and scanned by some of the top pediatric neurologists in the country and they confirmed the diagnosis. He underwent his first surgical procedure to drain fluid from the skull at six weeks old and then again at four months.  He was followed closely every six months by these same physicians and they held steadfast to their original diagnosis, yet were perplexed by my son's continued success in accomplishing the very things they said he would never do-crawling, walking, talking, feeding himself, riding a bike and going to school.

After years of meeting with these doctors who asked the same questions over and over again, "Can he walk? Can he talk? Is he able to hold a pencil?", frustration had built to a boiling point within me during his five year old visit.  "He is starting school next week!", I belted out and with a pitied look on their face they asked, "Oh, a special school?" Completely mortified and furious at what they asked, I sarcastically replied, "Well if you consider a private parochial school special, then I guess he is." At that point I needed to point out that every six months for five years they had continued to look for problems with my son that were not there. I needed to know why they were persistent in looking for the problems and not acknowledging the successes. What I wanted to hear was that they had made a mistake in their diagnosis and that the scans and xrays had been wrong, but instead what I heard was that my son's accomplishments were not what they would expect from someone with his condition.

Just three months after that appointment, my son became very ill; complaining of headaches, unable to eat and wanting to sleep all the time.  These were symptoms we had been told to watch for as an indication that fluid was once again building up around his brain.  A trip to the emergency room and a visit with a new pediatric neurosurgeon confirmed that fluid was building up but it also yielded a new revelation.  While my son was being prep for emergency surgery, the neurosurgeon sat with my husband and I and asked what we knew about my son's condition.  Of course we explained that we were told he was missing part of his brain.  The doctor reached under his desk, pulled out a model of a brain and placed on his desk. "This is what is wrong with your son," he said as he pointed to the model with his pen, "See this piece of tissue between the two parts of the cerebelum? He's missing this.  What does that mean? It means God forgot to put it there, that's all. Your son's brain is in tact."

Obviously we were elated by that revelation yet we were furious that we had been led to believe the opposite for so long.  How could all of these doctors and scans be wrong all this time? Or were they? We were so lost in the medical issues, the doctors reports, the lab and scan results, that we failed to see what was happening right before our eyes.  God had healed our son. He had given us a miracle of healing, not because of anything we deserved, or even because of our faithfulness, but because He wanted to give us tangible proof that He is real and in control. I was a believer at this time, but not devout and my husband was an atheist, if he couldn't see it or feel it, it didn't exist. Like ripples caused by a rock thrown in the water, this miracle of healing caused ripple effects for years.  My husband became a believer, my own walk with the Lord became more real and personal and my son, well, suffice it to say, he is a testament to what it means to be "touched" by God.

We will celebrate his 23rd birthday tomorrow and with that celebration all the praise and glory will be given to the One who saved him, both physically and spiritually.  To meet my son, is to see the face of Jesus in him.  He has a compassionate heart and loving spirit and we are so blessed that God chose to lend him to us. When I look at my son, I am reminded to look for God in all things.

So often, we get mired down in the details of a medical diagnosis, the stack of bills, or the struggles of everyday life, that we forget to seek out God in the situation.  In our anguish and fear, we forget that God's got this and He wins. If we seek Him and acknowledge that He is in control, we will inevitably see His workings in any situation, regardless of the outcome for, "We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

Until next time, I'm seeking Him today,
God bless,
Cat

Open Mouth...

So many times, I have found myself suffering from foot in mouth disease.  Too often, I have spoken out of turn or said something out of anger, not considering my words or the affect they would have on the other person.  It's like the filter between my brain and my mouth gets clogged with emotion and before I can stop it, the words come tumbling out.  The look of  "where the heck did that come from" on the other person's face leaves me wishing I could scoop up the words and have a do over. 

People are emotional beings and sometimes, emotions get the best of us.  In our anger, we sometimes react with stinging tones and biting words; in our pain, we sometimes snap at those who care about us and in our need to help we sometimes speak when we should be listening.  I'm guilty of all of these. It's not that I ever intended to say something to hurt another person, I just didn't think before I spoke. I didn't give my heart a chance to catch up with what my brain was thinking and my mouth was spilling.

I've been on the receiving end of this as well and let's face it, uncensored reactions and words can hurt. There was a time when I would have gone with my initial reaction to become angry and oh the grudge I would hold.  But, in my Christian walk, I've learned a spirit of understanding, and realize the imperfection of human nature making it easier to be forgiving.

We are called to encourage and uplift one another with our words. In the same way we are called to speak with honesty, seasoned with love and compassion.  It is very easy to allow our own emotions and thoughts to overshadow anothers feelings.  Words can be either a powerful weapon of destruction or a powerful tool of empowerment. "The tongue has the power of life and death..." Proverbs 18:21. Our words, can either build up or tear down and once they are spoken, they can't be taken back.

If you like me are prone to the "foot in mouth disease", "...be quick to listen and slow to speak..." James 1:19.  Choose your words not out of reaction but out of love.  If you can't find words that are pleasing or loving, take that as a sign to be silent and simply listen.  After all, God gave us 2 ears and 1 mouth for a reason.

Finally, if words tumble out of your mouth and you find yourself choking on your big toe, take that as a sign from the Holy Spirit to shut up and by all means don't be afraid to apologize for any words or actions that may have been hurtful. A friend will be understanding.  "Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." Colossians 3:13
This act of humility will go along way to taming our tongues.

When you feel the need to speak, gauge your emotions, choose your words carefully and speak only in a manner that is seasoned with love. If you trip on your tongue, be quick to apologize and if you are on the receiving end of hurtful words, be quicker to forgive. "Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all type of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you." Ephesians 4:29, 31-32

Until next time, I'm going to get a pedicure!
God Bless,
Cat

Not Perfect Just Forgiven

This morning I had a conversation with a Christian friend and she shared a story of someone she knows who has resigned themselves to the fact that when they die they are going to hell, because their past is just too much to get passed. I found myself wondering, sadly, how many other people in this world feel such hopelessness.

I, myself, can relate to that train of thought. It wasn't long ago, when I thought that my past was beyond forgiveness. I was a troubled teen and young adult, who's only mission in life was to erase every hurt and loss from my memory.  Drugs, alcohol, and sex became my weapons of choice and were my only companions. My companions and I wreaked havoc on anyone and everyone in our paths.  We destroyed relationships; my family; my friends; my integrity and my self-respect.  I use the plural, we, because my companions (alcohol, drugs, and sex) and I had become one and the same.  The fearsome foursome.

To outline every sorted and horrible thing I had done in my past is a novel all unto itself, but suffice it to say, for the better part of ten years, my transgressions mounted one a top another. Finally, trading my long standing relationship with my "companions" for the love of a good man, I learned to love again and to become a kinder, gentler, person. Despite the love of my now husband and the unwavering love of my family, I still felt unworthy of forgiveness.  With all that I had done, who was I to expect forgiveness from my family, my friends, and most importantly from God.  I thought there was no way there was enough forgiveness to erase my dastardly deeds. There was not enough good that I could do to undo all the bad I had done. I could not have been more wrong.

I always knew God, but never really "knew" God.  I had grown up fearing Him as this vengeful, unapproachable being, who was keeping a tally of every sin I committed.  To obtain, "forgiveness" for my sins, I had to do a penance, over and over again and given my history, I knew it would be impossible. Then one day, I was introduced to God, not this vengeful, unapproachable God, but a God who loved me so much that He gave His Son to die for me and my sins. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16.

I soon learned that forgiveness could not be earned; that no amount of "penance" or good works would earn me forgiveness or eternal life. See, the hard work had already been done. Jesus had already done the work when He bore the sins of the world, my sin, suffered and died on that cross.  It was a gift, ready and waiting for me to receive, all I had to do was accept it. I didn't have to work for it; I didn't have to pay for it; all I had to do was admit, what I already knew...that I am a sinner, then open my heart to accept the gift of God's forgiveness.  "If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 1John 1:9

God doesn't keep a tally of our sins; the chalkboard is erased.  Because of God's grace, He doesn't treat us as we deserve, as I felt I deserved. "God does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those who fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us." Psalm 103:10-12

2 Corinthians 5:17 says, "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"
With this I can put my past behind me. Today, I can say with certainty, that I am NOT perfect, just FORGIVEN and one day when I stand before the throne of God to be judged for my sin, my perfect attorney, Jesus Christ, will stand at my side and proclaim that I am innocent because He already paid the price. He can be your attorney also, and the price of services....your heart.
Until next time,
God bless,
Cat 

One Bite at a Time

As I sat on the deck one evening, I watched a small sparrow dart in and out of a bird house.  Each time it returned, it carried in its tiny beak a trinket of some kind; a twig; a piece of fluff; or a ragged, worn piece of fabric.  I could only imagine the construction process going on behind that little hole. On one return trip, this tiny sparrow carried a twig that in length was bigger than its own body.  I giggled outloud as it landed on the perch outside of the hole and tried to enter with the twig.

This sparrow pushed and pushed, trying to force this twig through the tiny opening, much like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. Many times during the sparrow's attempt to force the twig through, it fell from the grasp of its tiny beak and landed on the ground beneath the birdhouse.  The sparrow was not deterred! It would pick up the twig and fly right back to the perch and push some more.  This scenerio repeated itself over and over again and I found myself wanting to pick up the twig and put it in the hole myself and even thought, why don't he just quit trying?  But I continued to watch as tiny beads of sweat formed on its tiny little feathered forehead. (okay not really but...) Finally, one last push and the twig bent and the sparrow and the twig were in the hole! I imagined this tiny little bird, exhausted from its labor, collasping on the pile of debris inside the birdhouse and I wondered if it felt some sort of pride in its accomplishment and determination.

Many of us face trials in our lives that at times have us feeling like we are that sparrow. We push and push; we start over and over again, wondering if our efforts are ever going to succeed.  This my friend is called perserverance. Perserverance is the patient endurance of harship; persiting in a state or enterprise inspite of difficulties and discouragement.

Romans 5:3 tells us this about perserverance: "...we also rejoice in our suffering, because we know that suffering produces perserverance; perserverance, character; and character, hope.

James 1:2-4 says: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face tials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith is develops perserverance. Perseverance must finish it work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

The point of perserverance is not to pretend to be happy when things are tough, but to have a positive outlook on our circumstances. We can never fully see the depth of our character until we see how we react under pressure. Instead of complaining about our struggles or simply giving up, we should use these trials as an opportunity to grow.

There is a saying, "There is only one way to eat an elephant...one bite at a time." Whether our elephant to eat is the many things we have to accomplish, a physical condition we have to live with, a broken relationship or a nest to build, if we do it one bite at a time, we can finish it.  We would love to wish our worries away, but unfortunately, the world doesn't stop when we get tired and problems don't just go away. Instead, we need to dig in with whatever tools we have; faith, hope, and prayer, setting our eyes on the prize.

The ant would never have moved that rubber tree plant, without high hopes; the sparrow would have never finished its nest without sheer determination, and we can't eat that elephant unless we take one bite at a time.  Through it all remember, we have the solid Rock of God to lean on! I'll leave you with this: "Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

Until next time, taking one bite at a time,
God Bless,
Cat

Calgon Take Me Away

Ever find yourself wishing that the old Calgon commercials were true, and a bath with Calgon would whisk you away to a place of peace. Calgon take me away! Wouldn't it be wonderful if it were that simple! But the truth is we don't live in a Calgon commercial and while soaking in a tub might for a few minutes help us forget the worries of the world, once our feet hit the bath mat reality is back. 

It seems that everyone these days are facing struggles of all kinds. Whether it is illness, death, finances, family discord, loneliness, or something as simple as an unexpected flat tire, the stresses we all face can leave us feeling frenzied and sometimes hopeless.  Personally, I have found myself hanging on by my fingertips more than once lately.  It would be nice to have a quick fix to life's stresses, like Calgon, but we know that isn't the case.  Calgon, won't pay the bills; it won't release someone from the grips of addiction; it can't bring back a lost loved one and it can't fix a flat tire. But there is something that make facing these stresses a little easier.  Encouragement.

So many times, as I hung on by my fingertips, pleading for someone to throw me a life line, some form of encouragement gave me the strength to hang on when I was losing my grip.  A phone call from a friend telling me they are thinking of me or praying for me; an unexpected note in the mail reminding me that I am strong and can get through this and even a smile from a stranger are all forms of encouragement. Proverbs 12:25 tells us "An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up." You don't know how true that is until you are lost in the midst of your anxiety and that kind word shows up.

While encouragement will not take away the stresses we face, it does give us the willingness to hang in there when we think we can't hang on any longer.  Kind words are free and smiling at someone is painless, but the results are rich.  Imagine for a moment that the random person you pass in the grocery store is having the worst day of their life. They have just left their home where the phone is ringing off the hook with bill collectors; their hot water heater went up and they still have to buy food to feed their family and they've just about reached the end of their rope.  You can't see this because they aren't wearing a sign around their neck, but you still make eye contact and smile at them. Suddenly, for a moment, their day is brighter and a smile is brought back to their face, if even for a moment. 

We don't always know what is going on in peoples lives, whether friends or strangers, but regardless encouragement can do wonders for the spirit. If today, someone you know comes to mind, let them know that you are thinking of them- send a text, an email or make a phone call.  If today you pass a stranger, don't look away, smile at them and offer a good morning or afternoon. It doesn't sound like much but it can go a long way to brightening someones day. A smile $0;  a kind word $0; the gift of encouragement priceless.

Share it today!
Until next time, hang in there you can do it!
God Bless,
Cat

Cat's Chat: Warts and All

Cat's Chat: Warts and All: "I was thinking last night about perception. Weird huh? But given some of the thoughts I've had lately I'll take this. Actually I have Mike T..."

Warts and All

I was thinking last night about perception. Weird huh? But given some of the thoughts I've had lately I'll take this. Actually I have Mike Tyson to thank for these thoughts. I was watching the new television program "Same Name" where a celebrity and an average person with the same name switch places for a couple of days and live the life of the other.  My initial thought was, "Good grief! Of all people Mike Tyson! This can't be good for this average Joe!" We've all heard the story of how he bit off Evander Holyfield's ear! But as I watched I developed a whole new perception of Mike Tyson the boxer. I am trying not to be skeptical but for the show at least, the Mike Tyson I saw was humbler, kinder, gentler, God-fearing and loving. He took on the life of a man who shared the same name as he but was not a fierce fighting machine; no he was a nurse who worked in a free clinic serving people who couldn't afford insurance and so Big Mike Tyson took on that role and did so with compassion and sensitivity. He treated each person he met with dignity and seemed genuinely interested in them.

When asked about his past behavior and how he found serenity, Mike explained that he had built this persona of a mean, tough, out of his mind crazy person to protect himself from ever being hurt or bullied. And after building that facade, he began to truly live it and let it become who he was with disastrous outcomes.  It took the tragic death of his four year old daughter to bring him back to reality, along with a lot of counseling. That story told, I started thinking about myself and others, wondering what kind of persona we have built to elicit a certain perspective from others.

Personally, for many years, I built the persona of this angry, strong-willed, rebellious, I can handle anything woman. Much like Mike, I did this to protect myself from being hurt. It didn't work and in fact it only caused more pain and lonliness.  By building these "walls" of protection, it only proved to alienate people from me and cause me to substitute human relations with more destructive behavior. It was many years of loniless before the heart of one man ignored his initial perception me and chose to help break those walls down forcing me to look at myself in the mirror. 

It's never easy to be so vulnerable, almost naked, before yourself or anyone else, but when you are finally honest and open about who you are and what you are about, somehow the burden is so much lighter. Not only have I learned, thanks to that man, my husband, that the real me is way more lovable than the fake persona I created, but I've learned that being the real me is not a sign of weakness or vulnerability but is a sign of confidence and maturity.

It is only when you are the "real" you that you can experience genuine love and friendship. If you are hiding the real you behind a facade of any kind, be it that the all is rosy in your world when the reality is that its all thistles and weeds or that you can handle anything and in reality you are an emotional wreck, you cannot experience genuine love. Genuine love comes when someone is given the opportunity to know you, warts and all and chooses to love you anyway. Wouldn't you rather be loved for who you are rather than who people think you are?

Perception is everything really and is something that can follow you forever. Just as Mike Tyson will forever be known as the man who bit Evander Holyfield's ear, despite his efforts to change, I feel that there are still people who perceive me as the hard, angry, in control person of yester-year because that was their first perception of me. I can personally say, that I enjoy the genuine love I receive today, because those in my life know the real me, warts and all!

I don't know where my life would be today if my husband hadn't chosen to ignore his first impression and instead help me become real, but what I am sure of is that being real is so much more rewarding then faking it. Whatever mask you are wearing, take it off! Because the real you is worth loving a whole lot more that the fake one, warts and all!

What do you want people's preception of you to be?

Until next time, my mask is off!
God Bless,
Cat

Expect the Unexpected

How many times have you heard the words, "Expect the unexpected"? Sometimes, the unexpected can be exciting but at other times the unexpected can be frightening. Receiving a surprise gift or party; a card of encouragement or love from a friend are just some examples of the exciting unexpected things, but if you are like me, then you are a planner. I like to know every detail, when it will happen; how it will happen and what the results will be.  If everything goes as planned, then I am elated, if I am thrown an unexpected curve ball it can send me into a frenzy. These unexpected things can cause me major anxiety and worry. I want everything to run like a well oiled machine. Wouldn't it be nice if life were like that? Ahhhhhh...everything, at all times, running smoothly without the need to adapt, overcome or improvise.

I've experienced the unexpected in just about every aspect of my life at one point or another. It has been everything from not getting out the door on time to the sudden loss of a loved one or friend.  All unexpected but not equal in severity and of course the reactions varying drastically. Or at least one would hope. 

I want to focus on just one of the many ways the unexpected can appear.  Spiritually. I'm gonna get personal here, so I hope you will indulge me. I began my walk with Jesus, on January 24, 1999. It was then that I was baptized and decided that I wanted to live a life worthy of His sacrifice. Sounded easy enough to me, I mean, really how hard could it be? Treat people nicer and they'll be nicer to me; give and it will be given back; pray and prayers will be answered; and share the gospel and surely all will follow. All green pastures and rainbows! That's what I expected, but "expect the unexpected".  Jesus wasn't kidding when he said, "Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me." Matthew 10:38

I thought the transition to a life with Christ would be easy and carefree. I wasn't expecting the unexpected that came with that transformation.  See, making a commitment to the Savior, means being willing to be refined.  Much like a lump of clay is just a lump of clay unless it is pinched and pulled, molded and fired into something beautiful, so are our lives unless we are willing to be refined according to God's purpose. 

The further I progressed in my walk, the harder the pinches and the hotter the furnace got. At first and still at times, I feel like enough is enough. Like I want to say to God, "Good grief, I've been pinched and prodded, pulled and fired so much I ought to be the next great masterpiece! Aren't you finished yet?" But the truth is I am His masterpiece and He will never be finished refining me.  In fact, God will continue to mold me into the beautiful creation He intended.  The Lord uses every trial, every heartache, every joy, and every disappointment to strengthen whatever area in my walk needs it. Just when, I am comfortable and complacent, God knows that there is work to be done in me and He begins to tweak His masterpiece and here comes the unexpected.

The unexpected, as unexpected as it is, keeps me on my toes. If my life and my walk with Jesus, were the same ole same ole, it would become stale and inferior. That's not the life that God intends for me or anyone.  So, while I may not always like the unexpected when it happens, if I trust that this is God refining me, the end result is worth the frenzy it causes me.

"We are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."  Ephesians 2:10

"The one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.  Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:8-9 

So while the unexpected might be unexpected for us, God knew it was coming and has it all worked out. Thank goodness!!
Until next time, I expecting the unexpected and embracing it!
God bless,
Cat

The Choice is Yours

In preparing for a Bible study lesson on hatred, I began to think about the hatred that has infested this world we live in.  Hatred comes in many different forms, wearing whatever mask we feel fits the situation.  There is the hatred that one feels for another human being, be it because of a wrong that person has done to us or to someone else; be it because we don't approve of their lifestyle or we envy what they have. We hate because they don't share the same beliefs or the same religion. Some hate just because they don't like the way a person looks. But hatred in any form towards another person is wrong.

As I searched scripture for verses that referred to hate, hatred, hating, or even abhor, there was one common thread in all scripture I found, Love. Funny huh? Scripture associated with hate all had the common thread of love. Repeatedly, the Word tells us to Hate what is evil, but Love what is righteous. Does this mean that we are only to love those who are perfect and do no wrong and hate anyone who does something we feel is evil or against our beliefs? No, of course not! If that were the case, given that there are no perfect people, this would be a world without love. How sad would that be?

Jesus made it clear in Matthew 5:45 "You have heard it said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven."

Jesus tells us to Love not hate.  As the old saying goes, "love the sinner hate the sin".  We are not to ignore the "sin" of another or even excuse it, no, we are to hate the sin, but we are to Love the person and pray for their sin. That's not always easy, especially when the sin is against us, but we are called to love like Jesus, and irregardless of our sins against Him, He still loves us. No one can claim to love God and hate another person.

1 John 4:20 If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar.

All hate however is not bad. We can hate injustice; we can hate evil acts; we can hate famine; we can hate war and unnecessary blood shed but we can't hate the perpetrators. I like to refer to that as "righteous hate".

Proverbs 13:5 The righteous hate what is false, but the wicked bring shame and disgrace.
Amos 5:15 Hate evil, love good; maintain justice in the courts.
Romans 12:9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.

To choose love over hate isn't always easy because it means rising above ourselves and our feelings for the sake of another, but the act of loving is so much more rewarding than hating. The burden of carrying hate in your heart is heavy and will effect every aspect of your life, negatively. Choosing to love, is liberating and freeing, making life in general better and our reward in heaven greater.

I, for one, am grateful that I have a God who chooses to love instead of hate and because of that love chose to send His Son as a sacrifice to afford me forgiveness for the very things He abhors. If my God can love all men unconditionally, so then, as a believer in the One Most High, I must choose to love. Imagine what a world full of love for mankind and hate for sin would be like. I think they call that Heaven.

Until next time, I'm choosing to love instead of hate.
God Bless,
Cat

Cat's Chat: Monster Under the Bed

Cat's Chat: Monster Under the Bed: "Tick...tick...tick...I watch the numbers on the clock change in the darkness of my room. I am acutely aware of every sound, my husband brea..."

Monster Under the Bed

Tick...tick...tick...I watch the numbers on the clock change in the darkness of my room.  I am acutely aware of every sound, my husband breathing, the cat purring, the fan of the air conditioner cycling on and off, my eyes are heavy but sleep won't come.  A felling of overwhelmning fear and anxiety invades my body and I feel like a small child waiting for the monster to come out from under my bed.  My heart races, I can hear it thumping in my head and my insides seem to tremble like jello.  I pray, "God, please give me peace. Take these fears from me so that I may rest." Tick...tick...tick...

That was my night.  Such a contrast from the day I had had.  My day started with an amazing Sunday worship.  His story...my story...two men walking along a road on a journey from Jerusalem to a village called Emmaus, discussing how disillusioned they were with the events that had happened the previous three days.  Jesus, whom they had come to believe was the Messiah, the one sent to redeem Israel, had been handed over to be beaten and crucified. Suddenly, their hope for a Savior, dashed as Jesus died and was placed in a tomb. And though the tomb was found empty on the third day and an angel of the Lord had said that Jesus was alive, these men still did not understand. As they recounted these events, Jesus himself joined them in there journey, yet they did not recognize Him.

My story...I sat and wept as I listened to this story, feeling fully convicted by the Holy Spirit.  How many times in just this past week have I doubted?  How many times had I failed to recognize Jesus walking right beside me? Times when I have lost hope, have become fearful, have seen the things that I have "pinned" my hope on begin to unravel right before my eyes, were the times I should have been pinning my hope on Jesus instead of doubting His presence.  Okay, the Holy Spirit convicted me with that sermon, so I would have expected that to be enough, but He wasn't finished yet.

I encountered a stranger a few hours later and our general conversation, suddenly turned to this person telling me how they sometimes doubt that Jesus is real. Really???? God why would you send this person to me? A perfect stranger, to ask me about the very thing that I have been struggling with. I opened my mouth and the words, His words, poured forth. I heard the words, I felt the words, but I honestly had no control over the words.  This stranger, looked at me with tears in his eyes as the Holy Spirit flowed through me to offer him encouragement, practical Biblical advice and assurance that he was not alone. After a hug from one struggling believer to another we returned to our tables at the class we were attending.  Still reeling from what I had just experienced, the pastor began to speak on the next topic for discussion.  Was the Holy Spirit finished?  Nope! As the pastor began to speak, the very words that I had just spoken to this stranger were reiterated by the pastor. It took remarkable self-restraint to keep from turning around and looking at the stranger I had just spoken to. But the reality of it all is that the Holy Spirit wasn't just trying to get the attention of this stranger, the Holy Spirit was trying to get my attention and He was using every means possible. 

Now, after being filled by the Holy Spirit, I find myself, even as I type this, in a tug of war.  A war for my spirit, for my soul, between Satan and the Spirit of God.  Satan is relentless and cunning. He wants to win and will stop at nothing to accomplish his dastardly deeds. Like a thief in the night, dressed in black, he creeps into my soul preying on my insecurities and fears and exploiting my weaknesses. He works the hardest when he fears the Holy Spirit is regaining ground he once inhabited. Doubt and fear...those were my weaknesses that the Holy Spirit extinquished in me yesterday, but as night fell and I awaited sleep, Satan slithered in and sparked that fire again. This time pouring gasoline on that spark. The fear and anxiety I felt last night was like nothing I have experienced. The intensity was so great that I felt myself plunging in an uncontrollable free fall from the high of the Holy Spirit to the depths of despair of Satan.  My heart pounded out of control and at times I feared it would explode.  My insides convulsed in fear and I felt like I was suffocating.  I could almost smell the stench of the evil one.  I've heard stories from people who have had very real encounters with Satan, but this was the first time and I pray the last time I have felt his evil presence.

I prayed and prayed for God to give me peace but the tug of war continued until the wee hours of this morning. Rentlentless, I tell you, Satan is relentless! Awake this morning before my alarm went off I grabbed the one source of wisdom, the Bible. First I searched for scripture regarding fear:

Proverbs 3:25, 26 Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared.

Romans 8:15 For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by Him we cry, "Abba, Father."

Psalm 31:24 Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.

Then I searched overcoming Satan:
James 4:7-8 Submit yourselves, then to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you.

Ephesians 6:10,11 ...be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.

Finally, I searched for scripture for rescue. Scripture to give me the words to cry out to God when I feel I am being swallowed up and bound by Satan.

Psalm 69:14-18  Rescue me from the mire, do not let me sink; deliver me from those (Satan) who hate me, from the deep waters. Do not let the floodwaters engulf me or the depths swallow me up or the pit close its mouth over me. Answer me, O Lord, out of the goodness of Your love; in your great mercy turn to me. Do not hide your face from your servant; answer me quickly for I am in trouble. Come near and rescue me; redeem me because of my foes.

I wish I could end this story by telling you that my heart is light and my nerves are calm but I'd be lying.  I still feel the tug of war raging within, but I continue the prayer of Psalm 69 and I am trusting the Lord to rescue me.  I may be in the fiery furnace but I know that God is refining me. One thing I am sure of my God is stronger than Satan or any of his minions and He and He alone is my source of peace.

John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let yours hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

Be on guard, my friends, and take refuge in Christ Jesus.
Until next time,
God Bless,
Cat

Shhh! Can you hear Him?

"Hello God! It's me Cat. Can you hear me?" So many times I have found myself being swallowed up in a cesspool of despair, sadness, fear, and loneliness and try as I may I just can't seem to find God anywhere. I pray, perhaps half heartedly because of what I am feeling and still I find no comfort; I don't feel God. Then, in desperation, I cry out in a loud, almost angry voice, "Are You there? Cause really God if you are I'm can't find you! You need to let me know you are there!"

Some might think that's a little crazy, yelling at God and if you witnessed some of my pleas, I probably look crazy too! But crazy as I may look or sound, God hears me and always makes His presence known.  I have experienced the presence of God is so many different ways, some very loud and clear and others are but a whisper.  One night not long ago, I was in the deepest grasp of Satan. (Yes, even the most devout Christians are suseptable to him) I was depressed, scared and at one point heard Satan tell me to drive into a tree, that no one would miss me. At that moment I recognized that Satan had ahold of me and knew that I had to do something.  That night, I lay in bed physically sobbing and in my anguish I cried out to God. I cried myself to sleep that night and in a dream I was standing in a field with thousands of people, including my husband and on a cloud I saw the Lord. He was robed in white with a gold sash and was standing with His arms outstretched.  I yelled to everyone around me that He was there but no one could see Him but me. He had let me know that He was with me. I awoke with all despair gone and a feeling of peace I hadn't felt in a while.

I wish I could say that every time I feel God's presence I see Him in all His glory but that's not always the case.  Sometimes God is much more subtle. Yesterday was one of those instances where God's presence was but a whisper that was heard loud and clear.  I was feeling insignificant and doutful; not sure where I fit in the grand scheme of things. I was trying to listen for God and prayed for His guidance and wisdom.  Then came a text message from a sister in Christ that was a scripture that I needed to see.  Then I received a visit from two very special people in my life and they brought me a gift that they said God had compelled them to do and told me how important our friendship was to them. As unworthy as I felt receiving that gift, it was not only something I had wanted but it was God's way of reminding me that while I may not feel important to myself, I am loved and important to Him and His people. Encouraging words from family members assuring me that I am on the path that God has layed out for me erased the doubt I felt with my walk.  God whispered loudly and I am so grateful I heard.

Sometimes we need to be still and wait; sometimes we need to cry out but always we need to rely on Him for our needs, spiritually, physically and emotionally.  Whether it is by a whisper or the message is loud and clear, know that when you call on Him, He is there. 

"Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10

The Lord your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon or destroy you or forget the covenant with your forefathers. Deuteronomy 4:31

Shhhh! Can you hear Him?
Until next time,
God bless,
Cat

The Rest is Still Unwritten

Today I find myself thinking about where my life is going. This is one of those days where I wonder to myself, "What's next for me?" ~ "What do I have left to offer?" ~ "Is my story finished or are there more chapters to be written?"  Some may call this floundering; others may call it a pity party; I call it self-reflection.

Most of my life has been "scripted". I've always had a "purpose", something to fulfill. Since my marriage in 1988, I've been a wife, a mother, a career woman, and then a grandmother.  After, the death of my mother in 1996, I left my career to be a stay at home Mom, doing daycare to help make ends meet and to be home with my young children. Once they were old enough, I returned to my career. Then came grandchildren and the decision was made to leave my job and watch those babies! No greater joy and that has been my purpose for the past soon to be 8 years. But now, as the I contemplate the impending school year, when both of my grandchildren will be in school full time, I find myself wondering what I'm going to do now.

I know that my story is written by the author of life, but somehow I can't seem to see the writing on the pages of the next chapter and this uncertainty has me freaking out a little. I'm a planner for the most part. I have a day planner with the days filled in, knowing what is coming and where I need to be, so to be so unsure of what God's plan is for me in unnerving. It has been very clear to me that tomorrow is not a given and that only God knows what is to come, but it can't hurt to plan for the future, however long it may be.

"I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Proverbs 16:3 tells me: "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed."
But what if I don't know what my plans are? Ahhhh Uncertainty!

I suppose this is one of those times when I need to let go and let God. When I can't be specific in my prayers, but instead just have to let Him know that I am struggling and need His guidance. Then patiently wait. (Not something I am good at!)

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you," says the Lord.  Psalm 32:8

I trust that my God will make my path clear. I know that whatever His purpose for me, however big or small, He will make it known. My God only wants what is good for me and pleasing to Him and so I give up to Him. 

"Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long." Psalm 25:4-5

Hoping, trusting, praying, waiting, and listening.
Until next time,
God bless
Cat

Filler Up!

There are days when any little thing goes through me like a hot knife through butter. My nerves are frazzled, my temper is short and things that would normally bring me joy seem to be a nuisance. Yesterday was one of those days for me and well quite honestly today is not looking much better. It would be really easy for me to find an excuse for this anxiety but the cold hard truth is that there is nothing or no one to blame but myself. 

After being away for a week on vacation, I came home and found myself diving right in to busyness. Suddenly, I had the overwhelming feeling that I needed to be doing something. It didn't matter what it was, cleaning or emails, I just felt that I couldn't be still. My mind was moving so quickly that one thought couldn't have a chance to catch up with the last one and while I seemed to be accomplishing something, I felt like I was accomplishing nothing. Inevitably this always leads to anxiety.

Anxiety for me comes when I find myself ignoring the very thing that gives me the strength and perseverance to continue on--God's word. See in my "busyness", I neglect to take a moment and be still in the word of God. When I do this, I find my spiritual cup empty and then the door for Satan to enter, wide open. Anxiety and fear are not of God, but are from Satan and if he, Satan, can empty my spiritual cup and fill my life with busyness, he can keep my from the peace of God. I know this! I have experienced this over and over again, yet I still find myself getting sucked right in.

Ephesians 6:11-12 tell us: "Put on the full armor of God (His word)  so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of the dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."
Ephesians 6:16 "In addition...take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."

If I or we, start our day with the Word of God, we are putting on the armor we or I need to thwart the flaming arrows of the evil one. Busyness, fear, anxiety, temptation, anger, and depression are all flaming arrows from Satan and when we, I put down our armor, the flames from those arrows can be consuming.  Satan loves nothing more than to take our weaknesses and use then to his advantage.  If we depend on the Word of God for our strength, Satan doesn't stand a chance!

"What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31

"The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." Psalm 18:2

God will most certainly strengthen us, but we must allow Him.  First, acknowlegde that only He is in control and fill your spiritual cup with the Word of God, then let Him direct your path.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6

As I was writing this, God made His presence known to me.  My telephone rang and on the other line was one of my sisters in Christ.  Her first words to me were, "Hey girlfriend, I'm just calling to see how you are doing today." God knows what my struggles are and once I give them up to Him, He knows just how to strengthen and reassure me that He is right there with me.  All I need to do is ask.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

As for my spiritual cup....I say, "Filler up God!"
Wishing you the peace of God!
Until next time,
God Bless,
Cat

Gone But Never Forgotten

Well, I just returned from a week long camping trip to Gettysburg. This was Gettysburgs Bike Week but we always extend our trip beyond the scheduled activities.  I had the pleasure of sharing this week with 23 members of the Mountain Riders, our church motorcycle ministry.  16 Bikes roared the glory of God through Gettysburg Battlefield and beyond. 

I am always filled with awe at the sacrafice made on this battlefield; the lives lost and the blood shed for the freedoms we have today and this Battlefield is a wonderful memorial for those who fought.

While we had a wonderful time of riding and fellowship with tons of laughs, our hearts were broken when we learned that one of our dear brothers in the Mountain Riders, Ed Rogers, had been in a severe motorcycle accident on Saturday afternoon and was in critical condition at Maryland Shock Trauma.  Immediately, we gathered in prayer and selfishly asked God to put Ed back together but reluctantly conceded that it would be God's will whatever happened.  Like worker bees we went to work notifying members of our group and doing what FAMILY does, offering support and love. Sadly, God decided He needed a biker angel and took our friend home to heaven on Monday afternoon. 

Ed's smile was amazing and he always knew how to make you laugh. Ed knew the Lord and was always a humble servant. Although we know that Ed is riding a golden Harley on the streets of Heaven and that Jesus welcomed him with open arms, our loss is no less easier.  We try to figure out why? Why would God take someone in such a senseless act? The questions can keep us running in circles with no answer to be found. 


I know that God has predestined when we will leave this earthly life and that this body is only temporary. "We know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands." 2 Corinthians 5:1 But I still ask why? It still makes me angry that death would impose itself in such a vicicious way! Death in any circumstance is an unwanted intruder and I find myself almost confronting God with my questions. But instead of resenting my questions and turning a deaf ear to my cries, God welcomes them.  Why? Because if I am crying out to him in my pain and anger, then I am communicating with Him.  He can then turn my pain and suffering into strength and make His presence known.
Jesus promises, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." Matthew 5:4


We mourn out of our selfishness and that is okay. It's okay to want to keep our friends and loved ones forever, but we are to mourn for only a little while, because in Christ Jesus, we will be alive with them again.
1 Corinthians 15:51-53 tells us: "Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed- in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed."

 I cling to the promise God revealed to the apostle John who wrote the book of Revelation:
"I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men and he will live with them. They will be His people, and God Hismself will be with them and He will be their God.  He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." Revelation 21:3-4

So friends, mourn for we must, but rejoice that God's promises to those who love Him are infalliable. We will cry when we say goodbye but will smile when we say, see you later.
Rest peacefully in the arms of your Lord, Ed. :o) see you later.

Until next time,
Cat

Enjoying HIs Beauty

My Fourth of July was not filled with burgers and dogs today, but instead was filled with the beauty of God's world.  Today, I enjoyed the company of dear Christian friends, as well as my husband and oldest son, as we ventured through the countryside on our motorcycles.  The day started with lunch, and I never tire of seeing the response of people when a group of "bikers" walk into a restaurant and then pray out loud.  Some of the expressions on their faces are priceless.  A once pensive mood becomes instantly relaxed. Makes me giggle inside. After fueling our bodies and praying for God's protection around us, we headed out on the open road.  July in Maryland is notably hot and humid and today was no different. You find yourself anticipating shaded roadways to just to get a break from the heat! But today, while enjoying one more of the freedoms I have, the freedom of the open road, I found myself soaking in all of God's beauty.

As we passed Amish farms in Pennsylvania, the aroma of freshly fertilized fields permeated our nostrils. One of those things that make you say "pew www"! But, it is a wonderful reminder that God is working to nurture and grow the food that many of us will enjoy.  Horses with their young, frolicked in the fields and goats and sheep grazed in open pastures. It brought a smile to my face as young Amish children on scooters, pushing with their bare feet as fast as they could go, smiled and waved as we roared by.  The smell of honeysuckles filled the air in other areas we passed and that was a welcome time to take in a deep breath. Everywhere the eye fell we were given a glimpse of God's beauty.

In our stops along the way, because, well some of us are "older" and needed to rest our butts, the conversations and laughter were all reminders that we are a family, not all by blood, but by the Blood of the Lamb. Some of us have known each other for a while, but a few met for the first time today. It was evident that God had a hand in putting us all together through two common bonds, the love of motorcycles but most importantly the Love of God.

The day ended with my husband and I enjoy a nighttime swim while fireworks exploded overhead. And while reminiscing about the amazing day we had, a gentle rain began to fall.  I like to believe they were tears of joy from heaven.  Ahhhhhh....what a wonderful way to celebrate the 4th. Thank you God  for this day.

Until next time,
God Bless,
Cat

Let Freedom Ring

Happy Independence Day everyone! I am sure that today across the United States of America, potato salad, hamburgers and hot dogs are going to be consumed in record amounts! Fireworks will light of the sky in celebration of the freedom we enjoy as Americans. To all of the service men and women who fight to afford us this freedom, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you.

As Americans, we enjoy so many freedoms, that countries across the globe do not.  Freedom of speech, freedom of equality, and freedom of religion, just to name a few. As Americans who enjoy these freedoms, we also need to respect those freedoms, being sure not to bend or mold them into what we think they entail.  The freedom of speech, while it gives us the right to express an opinion without persecution, (this blog for instance) we should not hide behind that freedom to attack another person. More and more we hear of people using the web and social networks to attack to individuals for their beliefs, their appearance, their sexuality or merely their "social status". That's not what was intended when we were given the freedom of speech. It does not give us the right to tear another down because we have decided not to exercise their freedoms.

It's not a secret that I am a Christian, and because of my right to religious freedom and the fact that America was founded on Christian beliefs, that I am choosing to exercise that right in what I am about to express.  Jesus was the prime example of what it meant to be nondiscriminatory. He didn't care what social status a person held, what their job description was, or even if they were a man or a woman. It didn't matter to Him what skeletons were in their closets, what kind of life they led, or whether they were diseased or broken. No, He loved them and that's what He calls us to do. "Love one another as I have Loved YOU."

Loving another person does not mean loving them to make them change to our liking. Love is unconditional. Love is kind. Love is patient and Love is FREE.  It is not our responsibility to change another person and I personally am thankful for that because what a tremendous responsibility that is. The only one capable of making that change is God Himself.  All we are to do is love them and let God do the rest.

So, as we celebrate the freedoms we have been afforded, let us remember to exercise one of the greatest choices we have....the freedom to LOVE.
Until next time,
Cat

No Regrets

Looks like this is gonna be one of those nights when my mind won't shut down. Way too much swirling around in there and of course those thoughts have to go somewhere so here they are.

This past week has served up a heaping helping of reality to me, my family and friends. On Monday, my daughter Mandy buried a friend and co-worker, Becki just 24 years old and the mother of a 7 day old baby girl. An aggressive bacteria stole this young mother from her baby girl and husband of one year just 7 days after giving birth. My daughter asked why God would take someone so young? Why would God take a mother from her baby? I wasn't sure how to answer. I tried to find words that would offer some comfort, telling her that I believe every person is given a purpose in life and that perhaps Becki's purpose was to bring this little girl into the world and perhaps she will one day do something great. Truth is this is one of those questions I guess we have to reserve for God himself. Only He knows the answer.

Then tonight I received word that our family had lost Josh, my cousins 28 year old son and the father of an 8 year old, by a tragic accident. A trailer fell on him, REALLY? How do you make sense of that? This is the kind of story that I would normally read and say, "Wow, you never know how you're gonna go when your time is up." On the heels of this loss, I learned my Uncle had a stroke and another cousin a miscarriage. Loss after loss, suffering and more suffering...and I began to wonder....What are You trying to tell us God?

On Facebook today, my "God wants you to know" message was as follows:
that when whispers do not get your attention, bricks will fly your way. Don't speed through life so fast that someone has to throw a brick at you to get your attention. Slow down and be present.
Think that might be what He's trying to say? The fact is sometimes life gets in the way of things that should be too important to neglect. I don't know too many people who when asked what regrets they have would say that they wished they had been busier. No, they always say they wish they had more time. Time...something we are not guaranteed more of, so why waste it.

Yesterdays are history and can't be gotten back; today is a present, a gift to be enjoyed and tomorrow isn't guaranteed; isn't that why they say "don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today?" Tomorrow may never come. Sad, but so very true. Think about it, if we knew we wouldn't have a tomorrow, what would we want to do today? Would there be someone you need to forgive? Is there someone that you need to tell just how much they mean to you? Is there someone who you need to ask forgiveness from? Like Tim McGraw's song says, "live like you were dying"--"talk sweeter", "love deeper", "give forgiveness you've been denying" and if you're so inclined, "ride a bull name Fu Man Chu".

Harsh reality is none of us know when our time on earth is gonna end. I say don't waste time being angry when you can make the choice for happiness; don't hold grudges when you can choose to forgive; don't deny love out of the fear of being hurt; hug your children tighter and watch them sleep a little longer; tell your family and friends you love them even when you don't like them and remember to praise God for all things in this life.
LIVE TODAY WITH NO REGRETS! Tomorrow is not a given. And don't stop trying to find your Purpose!
Choosing to live with no regrets,
God bless,
CAT

I Have Arrived in Bloggers World

Hello everybody!
Well, I never thought that I would one day be blogging for the whole world to see, but here I am, thanks to the encouragement of some who have read some of my writings on other forums.  Writing is always something I have enjoyed. I find it almost theraputic at times; an outlet for the thoughts that swirl in my head and weigh heavy on my heart.  Sometimes these thoughts come from a personal experience but most of the time I believe they are thoughts that God has put on my heart to share with others. Perhaps there is someone, somewhere who needed to hear that message at that particular time. So forgive me if there seems to be no rhyme or reason to my topics. One thing I can assure you is that I put nothing out that I haven't asked God to bless first. I hope with my writings to offer some inspiration, clarification, maybe a tear and hopefully alot of laughter. If I can positively touch one person with what I write then I feel I have served God's purpose for me.
Since, I "dumped" the thoughts swirling in my head in a previous post on another forum, I am reposting it as my official First Blog for Cat's Chat. I'm sorry if you find it a bit of a downer for an opener, but it relates to what is going on right here and right now in my life.  Again, my thoughts, I pray, blessed by God.

I hope you will continue to follow me.  Who knows, maybe you'll read something that can make a difference, even just a little.
Until next time,
God bless,
Cat