Cathy's Corner: Week 3

This week continues the scriptures and thoughts of my Sister-in-Law Cathy Whitacre.

Cathy Whitacre has touched a lot of lives with her special personality. It is with much sorrow that her body cannot fight cancer this time due to other issues. Cathy is content to be able to be home with her family and Hospice care.  These are Cathy's daily thoughts which I am posting a week at a time. She wants to use this time in a positive helpful way and we pray that these scriptures and thoughts might encourage you.

Today, I have added a special note from one of Cathy's best friends Susie Graham. Susie Graham is the Church Secretary where Cathy worshipped before they retired. This is how they met:

We started working together and became good friends in February 2006.  It all started when our Elders sent us to Brown Trail COC in Texas to get information on a new Bible class curriculum for Fayetteville COC.  We decided to drive back to Georgia.  We prayed, talked, song, laughed together and became friends.  We were there for each other when one of us needed someone to talk to.  It helped that our very different  husbands  became friends too.  We went on a cruise, visited New Orleans, Mobile, Amish country in Ohio, Creation Museum in Kentucky/Ohio, San Francisco and had the best trip to England and Scotland.

To those who know Cathy,

Some people are larger than life—and Cathy is that person.  I have such wonderful memories of her filled with lots of laughs, fun, travel, love, and hard work.  Life around Cathy was always about God and the church family.  She always put God first.

Today I remember the times she gave to the teaching of children and her love for them.

Her goal was that the children learn God’s word and the class was fun and exciting so the children would love coming and the parent’s wanted to bring them.  She brought excitement to our bible classes and had us working hard to keep up with her.  With Cathy’s leadership and love we put the resources together for the youth curriculum at Fayetteville Church of Christ in 1 year.  We worked hard and had fun growing closer together during that time.  The curriculum is still being taught today after 8 years. God has blessed us.

Cathy also taught our Ladies Class for several years before she left. The ladies learned, studied, loved and grew closer in Christ together.  She is missed.

The one thing we all need to know is that friends are important and Cathy was a good friend to everyone.  She has many accomplishments, but being a good friend and Sister in Christ will keep her close to our hearts always. Susie Graham.

Cathy's Corner

April 5, 2015

Psalm 34:4 "I called on the name of the Lord, He heard me and delivered me from all my fears."

Everyday brings new challenges and some fears. Knowing my Heavenly Father is as close as my call, and is listening for my voice brings me so much comfort.
"Pray without ceasing" 1 Thess. 5:17

Your Sister Cathy

Cathy's Corner

April 6, 2015

John 13:34 "A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another, as I have loved you, that ye also love one another."

What a beautiful Lord's day [yesterday]. Today love has been shown to me in what I call sounds of silence. From the tender care of my family, visits from people I have never met, food in abundance, cards from far away places, and countless prayers.
The word Love doesn't always have to be said, it's the silent sounds that ring the loudest.

Love... Your Sister Cathy

Cathy's Corner

April 7, 2015

Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding."

There is a favorite hymn of mine that I have been thinking about today "Learning to Lean". This is one of the blessings of being a child of God's. We do not have to count on our own understanding, we can trust in God to help us. Lord help my understanding of Your will for me.

Your Sister Cathy

Cathy's Corner

April 8, 2015

Isaiah 41:10 "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God I will strengthen thee yea, I will help thee; I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."

Have you ever felt alone? I am not alone on my life journey. God is here to carry me through the difficult times, to hold me up during the challenging times and to encourage me to live for Him each day.

Your Sister Cathy

Cathy's Corner

April 9, 2015

Genesis 1:1 "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."

As I am enjoying the warmth of the sunset this afternoon I can't help but be thankful for all the glories that our Father has created. The trees are filling out, grass is growing, and even the smallest creatures are on the move. Creation was completed in 6 days, yet sometimes it takes us a life time to appreciate its beauty.

Your Sister Cathy

Cathy's Corner

April 10, 2015

1Peter 5:7 "Casting all your care upon Him for He careth for you."

Today I had wonderful news, we found out that Gerry [husband] had a good report on his yearly Cancer scan. I know that my God cares for me because He is caring for the ones I love. Our father is never too busy to care, we need to have the faith to ask and thank Him for prayers answered.

Your Sister Cathy

[Note: Last year Cathy and her husband were both fighting cancer at the same time. Fighting cancer is a battle itself, but for both spouses (or both parents) to have cancer at the same time is ... I can't even find the right words.]

Cathy's Corner

April 11, 2015

Philippians 4:19 "But my God shall supply all you need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."

As I look out my window this morning all is still. It is going to be what my mom would call a "liquid sunshine day" watching the rain fall is a reminder of how our God cares for His creation, which reminds me how He cares for each of His children.
We all need care and only He knows our every need and will make sure we are well supplied.

Your Sister Cathy