by Cathy Boyd Byrd | Dec 18, 2022 | Truth, used by God, Words and Writing
One never knows what simple phrase may be the thing that completely reorients a person’s thinking. For me it was a simple phrase by a pastor over 25 years ago: “We give as much of ourselves as we can understand to as much of God as we can...
by Cathy Boyd Byrd | Dec 18, 2022 | counseling, Facing fears
I am about to the point of banning the use of the word “anxiety” in my presence . It is a pervasive mental health diagnosis….with many DSM variations on the theme. As I pray about and explore issues with women in recovery either seeking medication or...
by Cathy Boyd Byrd | Dec 16, 2022 | change
Some things are only seen for the successes they are when viewed from a little distance. A student today paid off a fine from several years ago. She was so happy to have that task completed and said it such an accomplishment, something she’d been trying to do...
by Cathy Boyd Byrd | Dec 16, 2022 | Aging, self care
The risk associated with staying up too late engaged in a project: Hearing things that go “bump” in the night. About 11pm last evening I heard what sounded like a gunshot. It’s not all that unusual to hear gunshots up here with woods all around the...
by Cathy Boyd Byrd | Dec 16, 2022 | sanctification
I have neither the sovereignty nor the goodness of God. I am not Jesus. I do not always respond like Jesus. When I don’t act in ways that please God I seek God’s forgiveness. I am simply me. And, believe it or not, God loves and accepts and even delights...
by Cathy Boyd Byrd | Dec 14, 2022 | nature
“Sheepdogs love their sheep, even when the love is not returned.” Ha Ha! Funny image. Dr. Daniel Amen in his “brain warrior” talk. Sheep don’t generally love sheepdogs, just the shepherd. And sheepdogs love the sheep because the shepherd...
by Cathy Boyd Byrd | Dec 10, 2022 | Suffering
I have been part of several conversations recently about the purpose of suffering, teasing out the aspects of one’s theology of suffering. Those most attuned to God seem to understand, there is a purpose in suffering. From Love Worth Finding: Follow Someone...
by Cathy Boyd Byrd | Dec 10, 2022 | Words and Writing, Worldview
From a favorite writer, Jill Carattini, 12/10/2014 Salvation or Sentimentality? “Who has understood the mind of the LORD?”(Isaiah 40:13) This God who moves among people, touching all of life and history is certainly not the quiet and tame being we often imagine. God’s...
by Cathy Boyd Byrd | Dec 10, 2022 | Christmas, Gifts
A friend made a generous donation and designated it for gifts for the Titus 2 students…….When I invited them to suggest what they wanted, it was nearly unanimous…..SHOES! Thrift store purchases and donated clothing are great fun and wonderfully...
by Cathy Boyd Byrd | Dec 10, 2022 | Addictions, boundaries, brokenness
Again, I and others have observed that our effort and resources were unable to overcome deeply entrenched resistance to change after four months with a woman we love and had hoped would embrace life recovery. But we know when to step back and leave all in God’s...
