Cathy's Corner: Week 9

Week 9 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 Gail Newman for today's introduction.

We met when Robert and Rob (Cathy's son) became friends in high school. I personally think Cathy and I could out cheer all the other moms on the sideline while watching Rob and Robert play soccer!

We worshiped together at Northern Oaks church of Christ (TX) and also worked together at Smithson Valley Middle School. Those were wonderful years. I saw firsthand how Cathy lived her faith every day. I loved sitting next her in church and hearing how much she loved to sing. I, on the other hand, just made a joyful noise.

She was a great help to me when I started teaching children classes. I remember the ladies retreat we went on together. We slept on couches, chairs, anything we could find a spot in the house. It was so much fun. Just a group of ladies studying, worshiping, and having a wonderful time with sisters in Christ.

We also had many adventures while working together at the Middle School. Those kids really loved Mrs. Whitacre; we all did! I really have missed you Cathy. She even talked me into helping fix Potato Soup for the band booth at Wurstfest. So much fun. I love your whole family so much. May God be with you all.

Cathy 's Corner

May 17, 2015

Psalm 37:34 "Wait on the Lord and keep His way and He shall exalt thee to inherit the land."

One of the many things that I have learned from the study of Psalms is his development for the characteristic of trust that we all need and want from our God and Father.

As I study God's word, I learned that this characteristic comes from, keeping Him close to us.

Have you ever just had the opportunity to observe your surroundings? As I have seen my health changing there are things that just aren't as important. What I want to share with you is the importance of valuing every day, every hour and minute, and the calm I feel just being together with my God and His loving family.

Let's not be in such a hurry that we forget that God is not far from us. As I look out at the beautiful sunset I know that my God is not far from you and me. I am a truly blessed Nana.
Your Sister Cathy

Cathy's Corner

May 18, 2015

2 Samuel 22:31 "As for God, His way is perfect, the word of the Lord is tried, He is a buckler to all them that trust Him."

Where do I put my trust? During times of trial we all need a place to find refuge. No time have I found it more important to have a buckler than I have recently. I have found that the friends that God has given me are my personal bucklers (protection).
There are times when we aren't even aware of the protection that our personal bucklers provide for us.

I feel my friends have been given to me as protection against the times when I am at my weakest. Being a buckler for a brother or sister is a blessing, it helps us not just talk about our faith but to live it. Each one of us needs a buckler, who can I help today.
Your Sister Cathy

Cathy's Corner

May 19, 2015

Hebrews 13:5 "I will never leave thee, nor sake thee."

What a comfort on spring days like today. I can compare these to the stormy days of life. Today as I watched the clouds roll in and out, I am reminded to thank God for those who stand by me, hold me up and give me the support I need.

As children of God's, we are given that blessing of a family who will stand by us, and go the distance. Stormy weather may be like the weather over the holler; one minute it is calm and the next it is pouring. One thing is for certain God's promise to never leave us, nor for sake us so that we can boldly say, the Lord is my helper and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. (Hebrews 13:6)

Your Sister Cathy

Cathy's Corner

May 20, 2015

1 Chronicles 16:11 "Seek the Lord and His strength, seek His face continually."

In the morning as I look out over my holler to the mountains, I want to be able to seek the blessings of my journey. I have noticed there are several areas that can help me get through each new day. One of the most important things is strength, and the marvelous works He has done. This can be done through the study of the power of prayer.

Praying is an area that I need not neglect. As my prayer life grows so does my strength in Him. When Jesus faced the trials and tribulations, He found himself on His knees to His Father. What a great place for you and I to go.

By keeping communication open I gain the strength that comes from staying in communication with my Father. Talking to my Father helps me build a close relationship. Every parent wants to talk to their children and our God is no different. We are His children and He wants to talk to us as well. We should desire an intimate relationship with our God. As my prayer life grows so does my relationship with my Father.

1 Peter "5:7 "casting all your care on Him; for He careth for you."
Your Sister Cathy

Cathy's Corner

May 21, 2015

Luke 15:18-20 I will arise and go to my father, and I will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and before thee, And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. And he arose and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.

There is rest and rejoicing with the family of God. Being part of God's family brings more benefits than one could ever imagine, such as allowing us to have the strength needed to meet each trial and tribulation with confidence that Christ is on our side, and that we can be protected by His word.

Christ not only provides and protects us but gives us the relationship and rejoicing we need as we strive to live our Christian life. What joy we can have knowing Christ is holding us up in times of trial and recognizes us no matter how far away we are, we're never too far for His love. We should never be too far to reach for our Savior.

Your Sister Cathy

Cathy's Corner

May 22, 2015

Psalm 127:1 " Except the Lord built His house, they labor in vain that built it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman walketh but in vain."

Have you ever asked yourself, who built the house where you live, how sturdy is it, what material is it built from?

These questions seem to be of the utmost importance when we are going to purchase a house we will make our physical home from. However, somewhere in the translation these questions get lost. when it comes to our spiritual dwelling. Do we still ask the same valuable questions?

Who built your house? As we remember the lesson from Luke 6 we recall this valuable foundation and how sturdy is it? And what foundation is our house built on? Who can provide the same protection and give us eternal life but Jesus Himself?

No other foundations can withstand the trials that we will go through, Matt 7:24-28. Let's make sure our foundation is sturdy enough to with stand the darts of the devil. Eph. 6:16

Your sister Cathy