Cathy's Corner: Week 7

Week 7 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.  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. Thanks so much to Kim Hartman for today's introduction.

Our two families became close after we moved out to the Bulverde, TX area in 1985 and began worshipping together.  Cathy and Gerry's hospitable nature drew us to them and we have loved them ever since.

In the 90's, Cathy came to work with me at Friendze Store.  We were "Fighting Accessory Deficiency Around the World!"  We instructed jewelry making and created fashion trends.  We were able to provide a creative outlet for customers and for some, it became a source of income.   We had such fun together! 

The pictures are from Cathy's time as manager with the Friendze store in Hurst.  Cathy and the owners invited me to come as a guest speaker for customers.  It was a great time to see both Cathy and Gerry and their new home in DFW area.  As always, they were incredibly hospitable and we had fun!  We always had fun together.  The customers and co-workers all loved having Cathy around.  That warm smile and quick laugh put all at ease. 

God has always been the center of the Whitacre's way of life.  Worship, class time, mission trips, and fellowship with Our Father has directed their lives.  It has never been a question to anyone who has come into their sphere of influence.  We are all better when they are directly in our lives.  God's light shines in their eyes!

 Love you, Whitacre's!   Kim and Randy Hartman 

Cathy's Corner

May 3, 2015

Philippians 22:6 "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it."

This past weekend was wonderful! I am so grateful for each and every moment that God has allowed me to spend with my family, especially my grand children. There are going to be times when I wish it could have been more, however I am content with what He is giving me. There is peace in my valley this A.M!

There are many things that they will learn from their parents, brothers and sisters, yet there are some things that only a Nana can teach them. Training starts at a very early age and I know I have repeated myself over and over again, I am so blessed to have that time with them. As the beautiful sun shines through my window, I want to soak up every minute. I can just hear them say "My Nana used to say that to me."

What a blessing each parent and grandparent can have by not letting this time pass.
Cancer can do a lot of things but it cannot take the love of our God away from us.

Your Sister Cathy

Cathy's Corner

May 4, 2015

1Timothy 6:19 "Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life."

Part of a good foundation is being part of God's family. This plan has been a very important support for Gerry and I. Since the beginning of time, how beautiful is this plan. Little did I know when my journey started that the plan I would need would include so many of my spiritual brothers and sisters. Most of the support I would receive you may notice I refer to as "Hugs in an Envelope."

Each day when the mail comes I am blessed to receive many cards, from get well, to encouragement. When I open them I know that the love and prayers of that person have be sent to the throne room of our God, and He hears the pleas.

These hugs become so important to me, as I received more than I would have ever thought.

As children of God's we all want to help, yet what can we do? We may think a card isn't much, or I don't have financials to do what I'd like.

Please, allow these special "hugs in an envelope" do just what they are intended to do, bring a smile, show the love of Jesus, and make my day brighter than the last. I look forward to each and every one.

Your Sister Cathy

Cathy's Corner

May 5, 2015

Matthew 5:14 "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid."

When I was diagnosed with cancer, the hardest question I had to answer was from my granddaughter? Why? What have you done Nana? Immediately my thoughts went to friends of mine that were undergoing chemo treatments, or those who had.
I have heard this statement before and the more I think on it the more it rings true. It's not why things happen to us, but it's how we deal with the obstacles presented to us and what difference can I make when they come our way.

Have you ever wondered how you could make a difference in this situation.
Pettus Reed has allowed me to use his thoughts this evening, for that I am grateful.
It's not the why's that happened to me during my journey, it is the how I want to use the whys. How I wanted my light to shine in adversity.

When the second diagnosis was announced I decided that Cancer could do a lot of things to me but it wasn't going to take away my love for Christ, His church and all the things that He has allowed me to do over the years. I would continue to serve our Lord as long as He allowed me to in which ever capacity He chose for me, that my light may shine along the way,

My thoughts have not been to ask why, but to ask how can I serve others along the way. I pray my journey will be to serve others not self, that my light may shine on the hill to glorify Him.

Your Sister Cathy

Cathy's Corner

May 6, 2015

2 Timothy 2:19a "Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are His..."

As I look out my window I see a beautiful hawk soaring the clear blue sky. As I watch this beautiful bird I notice how he depends on his Creator to provide the elements he needs to face the obstacles of each beautiful move.
We, like the beautiful hawk are dependent on our Creator to provide the strength we need to face the obstacles of each day.
Knowing that I am not facing each day alone gives me the strength to continue on.
Acts 3:7 "and he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up" Our God is my foundation and in Him I have strength.
Your Sister Cathy

Cathy's Corner

May 7, 2015

2 Samuel 22:3 Seek the Lord and His strength, seek His face continually.

Have you ever felt alone during a particular struggle, not knowing where to turn, or where to ask for help from? I know that I am not alone, the Lord is my strength.

One of the most difficult situations to except is that fact that I am not alone on my journey with cancer. Unfortunately, many have gone before me and many more will follow.

My Father is my strength, my rock, my fortress, if I continually seek His face and call on His name, our father will give me the strength to continue this journey. With the help of my brothers and sisters and all those who have offered their prayers on my behalf, I have been able to continue daily, I thank God daily for their loving care.

Your Sister Cathy

Cathy's corner

May 8, 2015

John 13:35 "By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples if ye have love for another."

If I were to pick a thought for today one would have to be God's gift of friendship. Our Father gives us countless gifts that we at times take for granted.
Today I looked out my window and saw 5 dear friends entering my back porch. What joy filled my heart as we shared the love of God together.

We need each other during the good times and the hard times, we can overcome trials and heartaches with the support of our friends. We also have the opportunity to show the world that we are his disciples. Love is a wonderful gift that our Father shares with us, let's take every opportunity to share ours with someone we care about. Love is too short to not share," ....thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift." 2 Corinthians 9:15

Your Sister Cathy

Cathy's Corner

May 9, 2015

Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication
with thanksgiving let your request be made known unto God.

As I am blessed to look out unto my beautiful sunset this evening and know my Creator is present in my life just waiting for me to communicate with Him. Communication is such an important thing for me. I remember years ago there was a preacher, V.E. Howard who would start his radio or television program with this opening, "Are You Listening? "

Our God is the same Creator who answered King David's prayers, and will answer ours if we but ask. The more I pray, the more I want and need to, I need to ask myself, Cathy "Are you listening?" Communication Is a very important part of my journey. I know that God is with me, 1Peter 5:7 "casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you." Have you let your request be made known to God today? Better yet, have I thanked God today for my blessings?

Your Sister Cathy