How to Be Better

November 16, 2024 Cathleen Zahradnik

“Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3 NLT

Better. Most of us desire to be better or do better, but sometimes we compare ourselves to others and, whether we admit it or not, we think we are better.

The Dicionary.com definition of better is this:

of superior quality or excellence
morally superior; more virtuous
of superior suitability, advisability, desirability, acceptableness, etc.; preferable:

Am I really better than someone else? Am I of superior quality or morally superior? Am I preferable? Let me put it this way: Does God prefer me over someone else? You and I are well aware that the true answer is no, but there are times when we may painfully feel like God prefers someone else or pridefully feel He prefers us. Ouch either way!

When I think of myself or my ideas or my convictions as better than someone else, I am not thinking like Jesus. Jesus showed us the way of love, a better way (1 Corinthians 12:31 CEB)

The better way is the way of humility, kindness, gentleness and patience (Col 3:12-14). The better way is love which elevates the needs of others above my own. Better is serving. In a cultural climate of division, we can do better. We can be better. Division comes from thinking that my way is better and because my way is better, I am better.

The Promise of Perseverance

November 2, 2024 Cathleen Zahradnik

“Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.” Hebrews 10:36 NLT

Life can be hard. True? There have been times when my life seemed so incredibly difficult that I could only handle one moment at a time. Perhaps you’ve been there. I call managing those moments “survival mode.”

In survival mode, you do the needed tasks but have nothing left for the extras. You focus on getting through the present but have no energy left to imagine the future. Perhaps your hopes have been decimated. I’ve been there. Imagining a different future is not possible while you process that pain. Survival mode gets you through.

But it is in survival mode that you begin to truly understand “Apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5) It is in survival mode that you experience the truth “He is near to the broken-hearted.” (Psalm 34:18) It is in survival mode that you find strength in the “everlasting arms.” (Deut. 33:27)

Through every survival mode season, there are some things I have found to be true. Here is some hope for your current or upcoming survival mode.

God is using survival mode for your good. Current pain can blind us to the current positives. It can be hard to see beyond how hard it is now. But please, Dear Friend, remember that God is good and only does good. There have been moments when all I could do was remind myself of God’s good character. I couldn’t see the situation as good. I didn’t feel good. But because God is good, I chose to believe He was at work for my good.

That is true for you as well. Feelings are not good forecasters.

Where is God When I am in Pain?

August 3, 2024 Cathleen Zahradnik

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Psalms 46:1 NIV

I’ve been on a journey these past few months! I had my final check-in with the orthopedist this week. The bones are healed, and it is “safe” for me to return to all normal activities, although it will take a bit more time to regain strength and flexibility as my wrists continue to heal. I’ve been sharing with you what I’ve been learning through this. But there is something I’ve learned that I hesitate to share.

No one seeks out pain. However, pain is part of the human experience. Physical pain has been my most recent experience, but I’ve been through other types of pain in my six decades. So have you. Each of us experiences different kinds of pain: emotional, relational, mental, financial.

When we are in pain we have one goal: End it! We want to end the pain. But in most cases, we have no control. I could not end the pain of two broken wrists and all the side effects. I had to walk through it just as you must walk through your pain. Where is God when you and I are in pain?

What is Normal?

July 13, 2024 Cathleen Zahradnik

“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 NLT

I don’t know about you, but Tom and I have been in a very unusual season over the last six months as we have both battled some physical challenges. It’s natural to want to “get back to normal.” Ever feel that way? But I have found myself asking, “What is normal anyway?”

We think normal means smooth with no obstructions. Deep within we think normal means perfect because that is what God intended. We are wired for eternity which will be perfect. But the normal we live in is the broken normal that Adam and Eve bequeathed us when they took life into their own hands in the form of shiny, delicious forbidden fruit. Their bites broke normal as God intended and passed on to us a normal that we don’t want.

The normal we have received is full of bumps and obstacles, limits and loss. We lost perfect in the garden and gained struggle, heartache, and sometimes hopelessness.

Right now, my normal means I have limitations as I recover from the basement fall that broke my wrists. It means that I have a new normal. In this new normal I have faced some unexpected pains, struggles, and trauma. In this new normal I am a bit more careful as I head down into the basement or lift a pitcher of water or drive to the store. My abilities are not fully recovered, but so much better than when I was first injured. Even when my recovery is complete, the memories will be a part of me. I will remember falling, breaking my wrists and all that followed. So, normal will never be the same.

So, what should I expect as “normal”? Maybe these thoughts will help you navigate the broken normal you are living.

Pressing on is More Important than Perfection: Tom’s Birthday Tribute

June 29, 2024 Cathleen Zahradnik

“I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” Philippians 3:12-14 NLT

I don’t remember meeting Tom. It was somewhere near the end of elementary school. We were never in the same class, but our families attended the same Catholic church. In high school, we were in plays together. We have known each other through the best and worst of seasons, even before we were married. Watching God transform Tom has been one of my life’s greatest privileges.

From the moment he first surrendered his life to Christ at the age of 19, I have watched Tom pursue God zealously. When my own commitment to Christ brought me to the same church he was attending, we rebuilt a broken relationship and became good friends until God surprised us with love and marriage. He is not the same sarcastic boy who cut people down with his words in high school. And he is not the same fearful young man that I married. He has pressed on through a myriad of challenges, internal and external. And that is what I have learned most from Tom. Pressing on is more important than perfection.

Here are a few lessons I’ve learned from Tom. Maybe he will inspire you as well.

Don’t let fear keep you from trying.

What I’m Learning: Hope in the Present Reaches for the Future

June 22, 2024 Cathleen Zahradnik

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 NIV

When people hear that I broke both my wrists in a fall on Mother’s Day their first reaction is surprise and sympathy. Their mouths drop open, they shake their heads and say, “How terrible for you!” I appreciate their compassion, but part of receiving the grace to get through this is accepting the reality of what is without feeling sorry for myself the way others feel sorry for me. Yes, this is a challenging season, but even the most challenging season is manageable. What makes it manageable? It won’t last forever.

Walking though this challenge knowing that every challenge will end fills me with hope for the future. Perhaps you could use a bit of hope, too. Here’s how hope can help you get through what you are going through.

Hope motivates movement. Hope in the present reaches for the future. The first time I did my physical therapy exercises at home following my right wrist surgery was excruciatingly difficult. Stiffness and pain made each small movement a major effort. I squeezed my eyes shut and forced myself to keep going, choking back tears. It wasn’t extremely painful, but it was extremely difficult. However, quitting was not an option. Why? I want to regain the use of my right hand!

Without the pain now there won’t be any restoration in the future. Dear Friend, you may be experiencing a tremendously painful challenge, but keep doing what you need to do to move forward! Remind yourself that it won’t last forever, and the future payoff is worth the challenge now. Don’t quit!

What I am l Learning: Sometimes You Just Need a Break

June 15, 2024 Cathleen Zahradnik

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”Matthew 11:28 NIV

Well, my friend, it’s been a rough week. I had an unexpected medical issue arise. So even as I am recovering from two broken wrists and right wrist surgery, I found myself facing another challenge. Ever been there?

Part of what I am learning throughout this stressful season is that sometimes you just need a break. I see it on my husband’s face as he walks through it with me and I recognize it in myself as well.

So, if you will indulge me, I’m going to step out. I’ll see you next week!

By the way, my friend, if you are going through a rough season, maybe you just need a break, too.

What I’m Learning: The Challenge is Not Mine Alone

June 1, 2024 Cathleen Zahradnik

“If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad.” 1 Corinthians 12:26 NLT

So, here's this week's update. I am recovering well from the surgery on my right wrist. I am still very limited in what I can do, but I am feeling better, and I know that after my follow up appointment this coming week I will be able to do more. My left wrist is healing. As it has been the only hand that I can do anything with, at times it feels a little strained. I can do what I need to do, like eat as long as the food is prepared for me. I can’t handle carrying any weight. But we are moving forward. Thank you for your prayers!

I am keenly aware that what I am going through, this challenge, it’s not just my challenge. My challenge presents challenges to others. This challenge is also my husband’s challenge as he cares for me and helps me with the many things I am unable to do for myself. It’s my church’s challenge as my care pastor works to help us through it with meals, rides and other support. It’s my family’s challenge as they navigate their own feelings about my injuries and recovery. I may be the one with broken wrists, but when I fell a whole bunch of other people fell with me.

I once heard a message by Elisabeth Elliot in which she defined suffering as having what you don’t want or wanting what you don’t have.

So, a thing happened this week…

May 18, 2024 Cathleen Zahradnik

“The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.” Psalms 37:23-24 NLT

Hello, Friend!

So, a thing happened this week. I took a wrong step and fell backward onto my basement floor. As I struggled unsuccessfully to regain my balance, I called out the name of Jesus. He answered me in this miracle. Somehow, as I was falling my hoodie transformed into a cushion for my head, so I did not bang my head on the cement floor. As I was at home alone, that would’ve been a really bad day. I am praising Jesus for his great mercy and kindness!

However, my right wrist took the brunt of the fall.

What Will They Remember About You?

April 13, 2024 Cathleen Zahradnik

“There has never been another prophet in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face.” Deuteronomy 34:10 NLT

When people think about you what is the first thing that comes to their minds? What do you want them to think about? What kind of legacy do you want to leave?

I’ve been thinking about Moses. Moses was identified by his relationship with the Lord, not by all the miraculous things he had done or how he led the people. His legacy was intimacy with God. How’s that for a legacy? I want to be identified by my relationship with the Lord more than anything that I do. That’s what I want people to remember. Boy, have I got a long way to go!

Isn’t that the legacy of the “spiritual giants” who have done great things for God? They preached to large crowds but spent hours alone on their knees. They taught the principles that defined their daily actions to lead others into the kinds of relationships that they had with God. That’s why we remember them.

Brother Lawrence, Oswald Chambers, Charles Finney, Eric Liddell, Billy Graham, Jim Elliot, Elisabeth Elliot, Amy Carmichael, Mother Theresa, Joni Erickson Tada and so many others. I’ve read about them or read their words. What is it that attracts me to these people? Not their mighty deeds. It is the deep relationship with Jesus that motivated their works.

When people remember me, I want them to be inspired to spend their energy pursuing His presence in their lives. That’s all that really matters.

What can you and I learn from Moses about intimacy with God?