Confront Challenges with Trust

For those of us that are blessed with family our hearts burst with pride and love. We have been given such opportunities…to watch our children grow, to share the love with extended family and see the love of God in our children. It makes me wonder how God must feel about us. He watches us grow, we share His love with our extended family and become strong in our faith. Hopefully along the way His heart bursts with pride and joy for us, His children. As we now pursue a life filled with the calling God has for each of us we are able to begin this New Year with resolutions that are easily met and completed. We are choosing to be proactive in our spiritual life and model to our families the commands of God. Life can be joyful and inspiring when walking with our Lord. We will still be challenged with the stresses of life, health problems or financial needs; however when we meet these challenges with the trust and belief in God and Jesus we are able to not only endure but rise above these tests. Psalm 112: 7-8 He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD. His heart is steady; he will not be afraid. Today is a delight…no matter the situation…I pray we thank God for the day…smile and spread the good news…We are loved by a God who is generous, gracious and merciful. We have been given the precious gift of Jesus. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Change Begins Today

Here comes the New Year…Have you made those never ending New Year’s Resolutions? What do you most want to change…your relationships…, your profession or your body image…how about your spiritual life? I always wonder why we wait until the New Year to make any changes in our daily lives…let’s begin today with an early resolution to grow in faith, to be a more loving family member and friend as well as do the work God has planned for us. Choose to listen for the inner voice of God, to be positive in our challenges, to support those around us and to love unconditionally. What a joy our world would be when we walk with the love of Jesus. As we prepare for the New Year…beginning today…reach out to those around you and shine for God. Speak with kindness; go out of your way for someone and pray for our community and world. Ephesians 3:16-18 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. As we begin our New Year decisions today I pray we build our faith through prayers, continued Bible studies and the joys of Christian fellowship. Let us proclaim God’s love through our trust, belief and witness. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Grace, Peace & Tranquility

For many shortly after Christmas Day the decorations are taken down and the tree is either put away or set outside…and as some say, “Get the house back to normal”…but for those of us who totally enjoy the wonder of Christmas and God’s blessings taking down the decorations happens around January 6th (Epiphany) and always with a sad face. The Christmas Season is a time of joy, happiness and family…why doesn’t all this goodness follow us through the year? Why is it when we “get back to normal” the ordinary days become mundane or less attractive? What is missing? God and Jesus are missing. It isn’t about decorations, music and gifts…it is about the love God has for us and the gift of Salvation. He has blessed us with life ever after…Knowing this allows us to live our lives with grace, peace and tranquility even through the tough times. So if life is a time of rushing, stress and schedules our approach to this marvelous miracle is neglected. Let’s live life with the appreciation and thankfulness of the new day; with the gift of life that goes beyond “back to normal.” I pray we are thanking God for each new day…for the miracle of Jesus…and the love we feel through the Holy Spirit. Psalm 16:8 I keep the LORD in mind always, because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. As we go through our week let us remember to praise God, Love our Lord and receive the Holy Spirit. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Active & Loving Christian

As we look forward to the New Year and all the blessings headed our way we also give ourselves that good old “self-talk” that motivates and inspires us for the coming year. This is a good thing…we want to improve over last year and become a better person…maybe a thinner person…maybe a nicer person or maybe a healthier person. When thinking about our New Year improvements do we add being a better Christian? Do we decide to love God more…follow His commands with more devotion…join a Bible based church…attend church regularly…or become an active and loving member of Jesus Christ’s family. We live in such a secular world that improving our Christian lives may be put on the back burner. So as we approach 2011…let’s put being a loving and active member of God’s family on the front burner and prepare for the most incredible year yet. Psalm 121:7-8 The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forever more. Knowing that God protects us is the blessing of the day and every day. Let us show our love by continuing our spiritual growth through Bible studies, constant prayers and enjoying Christian fellowship with family and friends. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Kaitfors

Christmas Continues

As we enjoy the afterglow of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day whether it was quietly or joyously celebrated let us praise God for the most precious gift. Many times it is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of gift giving, shopping and preparing that special meal; that we neglect the real reason for this celebration. What a delight and honor to kneel down and thank Jesus for being the answer to our Salvation. As we continue to live our lives let’s make sure we have unwrapped our gift and use it daily through prayers, thankfulness and Bible study. This is the ultimate gift and through our faith does this gift flourish and grow in our daily lives. God continues to bless us with His love and forgiveness so let’s unwrap our gift and receive the miracles. As we prepare for Epiphany during the twelve days of Christmas we have the opportunity to teach our children and family members that Christmas is not over on the December 25th but has just begun. We have those wonderful twelve days that the Magi (Wise Men) followed the star where they found Mary holding Baby Jesus...they bowed and worshipped this child of God and then presented their gifts. Psalm 40:5 Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them they would be too many to declare. Rejoice in the wonders of Jesus, His Love and His Gift. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Ultimate Gift

This is the time of year that children are waiting with anticipation and excitement…they are counting the hours before that ever awaited time that begins the festivities…opening gifts, enjoying the family and remembering the birth of Christ. It makes me wonder what Mary and Joseph were thinking before the birth of their first son…God’s Son…Where they counting down the hours with anticipation and excitement…was Mary afraid and apprehensive? As any new mother it would make sense that she was somewhat apprehensive. Yet, she had the knowledge from the Angels that when her son was born He will enlighten our lives with Joy…Love…and Salvation. We can only imagine the love she felt and the honor that blessed her and Joseph. Talk about ultimate gifts…Wow! As we prepare for this very important occasion let us thank God for all we have…Share the joy with family and friends as we worship in church, read the most amazing story from the Bible and sing praises with carols. Luke 2:10-11 The Angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord. As we praise God for the ultimate gift let us raise our arms in praise and bow in prayer as we sing out our blessings. Merry Christmas Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins

A Fresh Perspecitve

A new day always brings a fresh perspective and renewed hope. The Glory of God is truly amazing…When we think life is too challenging, struggles are too difficult or the burdens are overwhelming God gives us a new day. We are rejuvenated with hope, our spirits are lifted and our outlook is positive. What a blessing that is given to each of us as we grow in faith and trust with our hearts. As we prepare for this new day let us praise God for lifting our burdens and refreshing our spirits. Only through our Lord are we able to accomplish all that He has planned for us. We are filled with His Grace as we walk in His path and hold tight to His hand. Jesus understands our needs and blesses us with His love. Going forth with the inner glow of God and the knowledge that He walks before us allows us to proceed with the confidence and strength to complete our service of the day. So let us listen for His word, pray with an eager heart and trust; God is never further than our quiet conversation with Him. Ephesians 3:17-19 And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge –that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. What a joy to know God’s love and blessings….Enjoy this new day! God Bless. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins

Feel His Love

At this time of year more than any other time we want everything to run smoothly. . It seems just when we believe all is well with the world something else crops up and another stressor has been added to life. We have this idea that just because it is the holidays our troubles, concerns and difficulties should vanish. However the illnesses, financial troubles and relationship issues do not disappear just because it is Christmas. So what do we do when faced with this dilemma? We trust God. We continue to lean on Him with our arms out stretched. Let’s remember that our Lord has the power to ease our minds, heal our bodies and lift our spirits. I pray as we all prepare for this very special holiday we give our pain, our doubts and our sadness to God. He knows our hearts and needs...He is in control. It does not matter that we feel weak and vulnerable…Our Lord is there through a simple prayer and quiet conversation. Today I pray we have the courage to reach out to Jesus, the confidence to believe and the wisdom to trust. 1 Peter 5:5-6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. We are blessed with this day…let God bring the light into your soul as we feel His love. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins

Pray for Family

A friend sent an email asking if I need space on the ark he is building…yes, our community is being soaked, yet as our summers, fall and spring can be very dry I am enjoying the change of weather. But just to be on the safe side I did reserve small room with a view… :) Many times throughout our lives we are challenged with life…whether it is our health, financial struggles, relationships or the weather. As we go through them…it is how we handle the challenges not what the challenge is. We can become negative, grouchy and verbal or grouchy and silent, never the less our responses affect our spirit as well as those around us. We have opportunities daily to show our love for God. When dealing with problems let’s reach out to Him and receive the power only He can give. I pray as we are approaching the Blessed Birth of Jesus we are thankful for all that is in our lives. Let’s pray for our family members living in others states or deployed as well as reminiscing about our family members who have died. Proverbs 25:11 A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. Let us rejoice in our Savior Jesus and sing out in praise. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins

Gift is Free

During this time of year everyone is scurrying to and fro looking for that perfect gift. We go through all the ads, run from store to store or sit in front of the computer and search online to make sure our family and friends have that one of kind gift that makes their day. We look forward with anticipation and eagerness for that much awaited smile when they open it.. . I am wondering if we put the same amount of work, research and anticipation when preparing our family for birth of Christ. Our gift from God is “free”…all we have to do is open our arms and hearts to receive the most precious gift of all. We are blessed with His love and grace and a future that is beyond our understanding. Let us remember to accept His gift with love, devotion and faithfulness. We have an opportunity to bring joy into the hearts of family with our love for God. As we demonstrate God’s love and gentleness to those around us we are smiling, understanding and forgiving. I pray we go beyond just buying gifts but we show His love with the heart of Jesus…compassionate, merciful and full of love. 1Corinthians 13:7 (Love) always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Enjoy our Christmas Season as prepare for the blessings of Jesus. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins

Day Off

Today was a day off…what a laugh…what do we do on our days off…work, shop, clean and so many other chores. So basically today I did not see any students or correct any papers…which of course are still waiting for me since the classes are finished and grades are due on Monday. Yet, it was a joy and a delight to visit with a girlfriend, have lunch out and do a little Christmas shopping. We are consistently on the go and as I began my daily devotion and the sun was going down I realized I am behind schedule (again). It is fantastic to know that no matter how busy we get God is never too busy for us. As we are scurrying to complete all our tasks and baking for Christmas (if you still do this) I hope we do not forget those in need and what the most important part of our holiday is. Take time throughout your day and prepare your heart for the Lord. When feeling frazzled and stressed remember Jesus will give us the strength to overcome any and all negative feelings. I pray we are putting our lives on the right track, following the commands of God and promising to do the work that God has given us. Let’s enjoy this holiday as we not only love our family but we love our neighbor as ourselves. 1 Thessalonians 5:13-14 Live in peace with each other, and we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else. Let’s rejoice with the gift and miracle of Jesus and live our lives as imitators of God. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins

Everyday Miracles

At times we can be overwhelmed with stressors that try to steal our joy…yet when we look at our lives and appreciate all the “everyday” miracles we know that we are blessed. As we go about our day it is amazing how much we take for granted. We have friends that go out of their way to help, opportunities arise we weren’t expecting or we just feel good with little to no aches or pains. What a blessing to know that we have a God that loves us whether we are smiling or struggling with that smile. Many times during the Holidays it is more difficult to appreciate all those little miracles…yet today let’s relish in the fact that we are where we should be, doing what God has planned and seeking to serve Him with our lives. Let God lift us up, ease our burdens and rejuvenate our spirits. He has given us the greatest miracle, Jesus. So as we go about our lives with all our everyday miracles remember to praise God for our Salvation and the Light of the world. Psalm 30:11-12 You…clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to You and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give You thanks forever. We live in a world of miracles…Praise God. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Wisdom and Joy

As we go about our day let us praise God’s love. If it has been a day of tests…struggles and challenges…let us praise His name for the strength to endure such a day. If it has been a day of wonder and surprises…let us praise His name for the glory of His wisdom and joy. We are blessed and it is a delight to walk with Him and receive His love, mercy and forgiveness. He knows our hearts and understands our needs…through prayer and conversation we are able to share that special time. So as we continue through our hectic and busy life let’s remember to thank our Lord for the gift of today. Praising God and Jesus Christ is a privilege and an amazing opportunity to give thanks for all we have. When feeling down He lifts us up…When feeling jubilant He fills our soul with joy… Psalm 98:5 Shout with joy to the Lord, all you lands; lift up your voice, rejoice, and sing. Let us go forth with love in our hearts and joy in souls as we continue growing in faith through Bible studies, Christian fellowship and prayers. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Father's...Dad's...

As the anniversary of my father’s death nears I am reminded how he touched our lives. My brothers and I were each given different sets of rules…boys’ sports and outside chores and the girl inside chores and dance lessons. From the beginning we were taught to hone our skills and prepare for our futures. When growing up we didn’t understand the sacrifices our parents made in order for each us to achieve our goals. My Dad went off to work each day without complaints, did the best he could with his opportunities and enjoyed being a father. He brought laughter, song (he had a great voice) as well as love and compassion into our home each day. As he struggled with tough economic times he never once denied his children the joys of family blessings and the gifts of education. As a grown daughter it is sad to think it takes a life time, children of my own and his death to appreciate all his efforts. As children we expect our parents to be perfect and yet that is not possible… As my faith has grown so has my compassion, understanding and appreciation of life and the gifts given to each child; as I reminisce and recall my childhood I thank our Lord for an earthly father , who loved and cared for his family and a heavenly Father who blessed me with such amazing parents. Deuteronomy 5: 16 Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the Lord your God is giving you. I pray that we continue to thank God for our parents…for families… and the sacrifices each made. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

To Serve or Be Served

When spending time with friends, sharing the responsibilities with a colleague or reading a book to a child is a gift. We are given many choices as how to live…we can be of service to others or expect others to serve us. I am perplexed by those who believe they should be placed above serving others. When talking about foot washing many years ago, I remember an acquaintance, who thought washing another’s foot was disgusting, where as many others believed it is the ultimate gift…that we would kneel to someone and wash their feet. If it wasn’t beneath Jesus how could it be anything but a joy to imitate Him. Now I am not saying we have to go around washing others feet, however we could offer help in many ways. We have so many friends and neighbors that are in need. Let us go beyond our comfort zone and reach out to those in our community. Continue helping others and show the love of God …I am inspired when I hear someone had paid for the customer behind them when paying their own bill or the friend who offered to cook, clean or drive an ailing friend to a needed destination and the friend who actually paid another’s rent and health insurance. These are all ultimate gifts and fill our soul with joy. Let’s be imitators of our dear Lord and Savior and give the ultimate gift…Love, Kindness, Compassion and Healing through prayers and deeds. As we follow the path God has plowed for us, we are blessed to offer others the richness of God and Jesus Christ. James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him. God gives each of us the skills and abilities to serve…seek His wisdom to know how to help, praise His strength as we continue to help and rejoice in His mercies for the blessings of service. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Reach Out To Him

What a joy to be a child of God. To know He is always with us and when things get tough all we have to do is reach out to Him through prayer and quiet conversation. As the Lord guides our lives, lights our paths and opens doors… we have the opportunity to praise Him and value the blessings that are before us. Trusting Him through the challenges and choosing to be positive assures us that our outcomes with be filled with God’s blessings and joy. It is through our struggles that we find our strength as God will lift us up and carry us out of the muck and mire. In our economic challenges that face our nation and families… let’s pray for our brothers and sisters that deal with the hardships of little or no work, labor through health issues and feel overwhelmed or depressed. Through our prayers and God’s mercy we will see the miracles of our Lord. As we continue to pray during our Advent Season it is with joy in our souls that we know God is guiding us and preparing us for the step. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. Let us go forth with the knowledge that God has prepared the way and our Savior has paid the price; we are God’s children and our faith and relationship with Him is the answer for our continued blessings. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Blessings and Opportunities

As I prepare for the day I have been thinking about the blessings and opportunities that are before us. We are given so much and it is with a grateful heart that allows me to write and share my thoughts. Our Lord bequeaths each of us talents and gifts and if we are brave enough to venture out beyond our comfort zone we are able to produce what God has planned. The equation: LOB = LOS…Loss of Belief = Loss of Success…is so true. The joy of this equation is that God has already created within us all that is needed. So as we begin new adventures or continue with familiar ones let’s keep our eyes on God and remember we can do all things through Christ. My heart fills with His love and my soul wants to sing His praises. Life as a Christian may have trials and tribulations, however loving our Lord and learning to live within His commands is pure pleasure. Psalm 89:5 The heavens praise your wonders, O Lord, your faithfulness too, in the assembly of the holy ones My prayer today is we all praise His name, bow in prayer and enjoy Christian fellowship through work and play. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Find the Time

Loving God with the heart of a child does not mean we are not supposed to mature as a Christian. There are days when we believe we have finally grown in faith… we can handle disappointments or challenges with grace, understanding and positive attitude. And then along comes a new day and we may grumble, get impatient or lose that positive attitude. It is then we realize we are oh, so human…what a disappointment! Becoming prayerful and humble we ask God for strength in order to become the person He is waiting for us to be. We live such busy lives we need day planners to stay focused and only “pencil in” family activities. We fall into bed exhausted with little or no thought to our blessings and prayers to our Lord. When rushing through life we may neglect our spiritual wellbeing or prepare for everything but a life filled with God. It is through our Lord we accomplish the agenda God has for us. Let us remember to set aside a special time for God and thank Him for our blessings, praise Jesus for His gift of life and feel the love of the Holy Spirit. Hebrews 2:18 Because He Himself has suffered when tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted. Choose God’s way… Continue growing in faith as we maintain our Bible studies and share the joy through Christian fellowship and prayer. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Count on Me

I received an email from a dear friend with a U tube song…by Bruno Mars and states, “You can count of me…like 1-2-3… I’ll be there”. Another line from this song is… “If tossing and turning and can’t sleep…I’ll be there.” It is wonderful to know we have friends that love us and we can count on them throughout our lives; however friends can move, make choices that interrupt our friendship or die. Yet, we have the wonderful gift of God…he is not going away, make choices that remove us from His life or die. We can count on Him throughout our lives. We are so blessed to be a child of God and a sister or brother in Christ. We have that special peace knowing we are never alone. When struggling with illnesses, grief and loss or financial difficulties we have the power and strength of our Lord. As we go through our day let us remember to invite God into our lives through prayer, quiet conversation and personal relationship that grows with our faith. As Bruno Mars says, “You can count on me…like 1-2-3…I’ll be there.” God only needs to be invited and He is with us. So as we encounter tough or challenging situations let’s remember to seek…to knock…and to listen…as He will be there. Isaiah 40:29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Go forth with joy, strength and peace knowing our Lord will never leave us and His grace fills our soul. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Wonderful Opportunities

What an amazing opportunity that is before us. We have been given a new day and have many options. We can be positive, uplifting and caring to those around us…or bring people down and create negativity… What a delight it is to know we can choose joy and create a positive environment to all we meet. Now this does not mean we have the perfect life…it means we are choosing to be positive and faithful through tough times as well as the idyllic ones. When we can bring a smile to those in our lives, whether for a moment or a day; we are displaying our Christian attitude. God fills our heart and soul with His love and compassion…let’s spread the love. We have so many struggling with illnesses, grief and financial worries that it is important to find strength in God and know that He is taking care of us. Following the path God has for us is not always known, however as we continue to build that special relationship with our Lord we trust and believe that God’s will is being done. 2 Corinthians 12:9 “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” I pray we establish a loving and giving heart for our Lord and we patiently wait for our lives to be complete with His mercy and grace. Let us prepare for His coming this Advent Season with our continued Bible studies, prayers and Christian fellowship. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

God's Comfort

There are incidents and situations in our lives that can bog us down or dampen our spirit; however it is with the strength of God that we are able to endure those times. We have family and friends struggling with illnesses, financial stress or grief due to loss. While we are enduring these times I pray we turn to our Lord for courage and guidance which brings God’s healing power and mercy. He is as close as a prayer and quiet conversation. Let us build that relationship with our Lord that comforts us when feeling sad, lost, alone or vulnerable to outside negativity. Jesus knows our hearts and understands our feelings. We reach out and He is there…we cry and He fills our soul with love…and He brings peace to our life. Isaiah 65:24 “It shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.” As we continue to develop and grow in our relationship with Jesus I pray we trust, believe and receive His strength and wisdom. Our souls are refreshed with His love and His comfort is everlasting. Let us go forth with the knowledge that God is guiding us in His way all the while preparing the next steps for us to take. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Increase by 1%

My three brothers and I all teach…we are all given the gift and blessing of lifelong learning and motivational speaking. We enjoy helping others succeed while they gain confidence about themselves. As I was thinking about how similar we all are it made me proud of our parents. They did not have the luxury of a college education, however they were amazing and motivational without all the “book learning.” They were able to inspire each of us to strive toward our potential (which is an ongoing job) and encouraged us to help others. As we prepare to do the work God has for us each day it is a blessing to thank Him for the opportunities before us. It is our time to live the life God has planned for us and to go forth with smiles, joy and confidence knowing we can do all things through Christ. As one brother stated…let’s begin each week by improving our life by 1%...in work, personal relationships and devotion to God…Can you imagine what a difference we will make… 2 Peter 1:2 Grace and peace be yours in abundance. I pray we increase our dedication and love to God by 1% more than last week and continue our learning through Bible Studies, prayers and Christian fellowship. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Freedom to Pray

As I finished my email to a girlfriend who is teaching and sharing the Gospel in a communist country I rejoiced in the freedoms we have to pray and celebrate our Lord and God. When writing to her I must be aware of what is written and remember which words are not allowed like: God, Lord, Savior, pray or any other word which may lead to Christianity. We take so much for granted...I am allowed to pray for my friend in the comfort of my home, in my Bible study group or in church. What blessings. So as we go about our day I “pray” we talk to God and give Him our petitions and supplications. He hears our prayers and knows our needs…let’s give praise to our Lord and Savior and celebrate the season of love. Luke 2: 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” I raise my hands in prayer and my voice in song as we enjoy God’s grace, mercy and love. Share His Glory! Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Needs and Prayers

The last few weeks I have had to add many dear friends and friends of friends to my prayer list. It saddens my heart that we have so many dear ones struggling with illnesses and conditions from serious accidents. They are enduring procedures, physical therapies and oncology appointments; and it is only through the strength of Jesus that our friends and family are able to move ahead with positive attitudes and outlook. We are blessed with the inner strength of Jesus and the wisdom of God and the trust in the Trinity. As we go about our days let us remember to be thankful for the miracles and healing powers of God. Philippians 4:6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. God hears our supplications and knows our needs…let’s thank Him for our blessings of today, tomorrow and evermore. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Found Relationships

I love my life…It is circular…and complete…The other day I had a phone call from a relative I had not heard from for years; what a blessing…This is when we know family and friends are the most important relationships we have next to God and Jesus. It isn’t the “stuff” we acquire through our live time, but the investment we make with those around us. As we cultivate a close relationship with God and Jesus we will naturally grow closer to those we love and cherish. We are able to have a perspective on the importance and value of life. Demonstrating our love for God carries over to those who are near and dear to us. We are blessed with the gift of life and we honor God by caring and fulfilling our destinies. Psalm 86:11-12 Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth, give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever. I pray we are building a relationship with God and Jesus that extend beyond a Sunday visit, but flows through the week in our conversations, our actions and prayer time. Let’s grow strong in Christ through Bible Studies, prayers, and Christian fellowship. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Kaitfors

Share the Love

I so enjoy the Christmas Season…the music…the atmosphere and the cheerfulness of people around us. It seems it takes a holiday to bring out the smiles and positive behaviors. Why is that? Are they our reminders? What a joy to treat each other with compassion, to think before we speak or just go out of our way for someone? I have a friend with a bad back who helped another friend move…it was a small thing to my friend but a huge help to his friend as he was by himself. It is that touch of kindness that God asks of us…Love thy neighbor…at times we don’t go beyond our little world as it may be an inconvenience or interfere with our plans; God expects so little from us. We are to love our God and Savior, love our neighbors as ourselves and to follow His commands. What blessings we receive when following God’s path. I pray we are moving toward the goal God has for each of us. Let us rejoice in the birth of Christ and show the world our Christian love. 2 Corinthians 5:21 God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. Let God’s light shine through us and share the love of Jesus. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Person of Character

When hearing the term character we are able to think about it in at least two ways; the first is someone is such a “character”…fun to be with and everyone enjoys his or her personality while the other is he or she is such a person of character. As we live our lives it is fun to be the “character” once in a while; to laugh, joke and giggle about silly behaviors and making wonderful memories. God does not want us going around somber and serious all the time, but He does require us to always be a person of character. What a gift we give our Lord when we begin to imitate and model our attitudes and behaviors after God. We have the joy of speaking in kindness, understanding and love all the while having ethics and morals. With the beginning of the Advent Season let us give our Lord the gift of becoming a person of character that truly does the right thing even when others or society say it is OK to do what you want. Romans 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-His good, pleasing and perfect will. I pray we continue to build our strength, to encourage others, and to grow in wisdom through Bible studies, prayers and Christian fellowship. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Beautiful Sunday

What a great day we have before us…it does not matter whether we enjoyed this past holiday with lots of family and friends or we spent it quietly reading, recuperating or watching television; we have the blessings of God every day. Sometimes it is easy to become self-absorbed or have a pity party due to circumstances beyond our control. It is then we have two choices…one chooses to smile and appreciate what we have or become negative and shout “why me”… We are what we say…and if we continue to be negative and spout complaints…then negative is what we get; on the other hand if we enjoy life in spite of our circumstances then we are open to God’s blessings. So today on this beautiful Sunday I pray we all look at life with joy in our hearts and smiles on our faces. My heart continues to fill with the love of God and overflows to you all and my prayer is we continue to love God through Bible studies, prayers and a Christian fellowship. Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for He is faithful that promised) Let us go forth with God’s love, the strength and wisdom of Jesus and the amazing miracles of the Holy Spirit. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

John 3:16

Today was fun listening to people talk about their shopping experience…They either stayed up late or arrived at the stores very early; many were disappointed that they didn’t achieve their goal of gift buying while others were happy to have survived the shopping with gifts in tow… I found it humorous because years ago my mother and I would have done a little of the very early shopping. I still love to buy gifts, wrap them beautifully and watch the expressions when they are opened. It is a wonderful and fulfilling feeling. Our Lord is forever giving us gifts, some wrapped beautifully and He watches as we open or acknowledge our gift. What pleasure He must receive when we finally turn to Him. I pray as we begin our Advent Season we enjoy the gift giving and receiving but more importantly we remember the Gift from God. John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. Let’s enjoy this Advent Season as we accept the miracle of Jesus. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Thanksgiving Day

As our day ends and we had an opportunity to share with friends and family I praise the Lord for the bounty of love, fellowship and time spent in laughter. What a gift we receive when joined in the spirit of friendship, family and affection. Praising God for all that we have in our lives is beyond special. I pray that you gave thanks to our Lord whether you spent the time with longtime friends and family or had a relaxing quiet day. As we prepare for the Advent Season let us remember to carry our thankfulness beyond the Thanksgiving Holiday and remember the “reason for the season”… Psalm 13:6 I will sing unto the Lord, because he hath dealt bountifully with me. Rejoice in our God that loves us so much he gave us His Son…God Bless Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

The Gift

I had the opportunity to speak with someone the other day, which I had not seen or talked with for several years. It was bittersweet but a blessing. It reminded me how important family and friends are. Our lives fly by as we raise our families, move up the corporate ladder and enjoy that precious time off. We tend to look no further than our own backyard and ignoring those who may be in need. This is a time of sharing and thinking of others. I pray we continue to reach out and take care of those that need a hand up. Our Lord loves a cheerful giver…so as we praise our Savior and enjoy fellowship with others let us remember to share our bounty and love with those around us. What better gift is there to know we have brightened someone’s day and lifted their load a tiny bit? We can be the Earthly Angels that touch hearts and build faith. We have God’s blessings and the promise of His love. Psalm 42:5 ...Put your hope in God for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. Let us lift our voices in song and our arms in praise. Glory be to God! Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Handling Disappointments

Unfortunately we all have disappointments in our lives, however the question is…how do we handle it? Are we gracious and understanding or are we harsh and demanding? I was thinking about this as I was remembered a comment I had heard. At first I was a bit miffed and wanted to respond…then I thought about God and wondered…how does He want me to handle it. I then knew being negative only begets negative. So instead of responding in an unconstructive manner I prayed for God to take care of it. Allowing God to help us cope with hurtful comments or actions relieves us of any further damaging conversations. It gives a sense of freedom to walk away and know our lives are being cared for by our Lord. We have opportunities daily to make choices…I pray today we stand aligned with God and hold our tongue when needed and speak of kindness rather than conducting ourselves in an ungodly manner. 1 Corinthians 13:7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. So as we enjoy this week let us become "God like" in our circumstances, our decisions and our behaviors. May God Bless and Keep You! Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Rejoice & Sing

Last night many of us enjoyed the first annual Wine Women and Song, a Fresno Women’s Singing Group. What joy it was to listen to great music, watch friends perform, appreciate an excellent meal and revel in the silent auction for our desserts. Following church today I was blessed with a play date with my youngest granddaughter. Although the weather was cool and rainy receiving hugs, singing songs and going for a quick walk with her brought the sunlight into my life. Through many of these simple activities God allows us to see His gifts in action. Last night the women sang like Angels and today my granddaughter giggled with delight as we played hide n seek; which touched my heart with the love of God. It is the simple things in life that bring us joy and fulfillment. I pray we look forward to the Advent season and remember it is not the accumulation of “stuff” but spending time with family and friends that brings happiness, pleasure and contentment. We are fast approaching Thanksgiving and I hope we are all praising God and Jesus for the many blessings we have in our lives. If there is family close and friends available let’s make it a grand time with joyous conversations, family games and walks around the block. Psalm 98:5 Shout with joy to the Lord, all you lands; lift up your voice, rejoice, and sing. As we prepare not only for Thanksgiving but the Advent season let’s show our love for God by our kindness, understanding and mercy toward others. Reach out and hug your family while thanking God for that opportunity. Life is what we make it. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Family & Friends

Sharing our lives with family and friends is one of the ultimate gifts. As the holidays approach we have opportunities to connect with those we haven’t heard from or seen in a long while. Let’s share the joy that comes from bringing family and friends together. In our busy schedules it is easy to become absorbed with the immediate family…as we remember to reach out to our loved ones and close friends I pray we are enjoying a time together that will continue beyond the holidays. Our Lord invites us into His world with open arms…I pray we are doing the same for everyone in our world. Let us follow the path God has for us and join in Christian fellowship with our family and friends. Hebrews 13:5 God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” As we approach each new day we can show God’s love by our relationships with family and friends; we demonstrate the love of God by making memories of fun times and special conversations. Life if fragile…life is a gift…let’s share the gift. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Evening Thoughts

My daily devotion has become the evening prayer tonight…but the love of God is as strong at night as He is in the daytime. I hope your blessings through the day were received with thankfulness and joy. I cannot even imagine living one day without our Lord. Our world would be turned upside down and make no sense. I thank God for allowing us to enjoy the opportunities to work, play and help others. Too smile and wish others well, to protect our faith by sharing it with those around us and to look forward to a new day. I pray we have met the challenges that were before us and we go forth tomorrow with a renewed spirit and energy. God give us all we need and Jesus is there for strength and courage. We are blessed by the Holy Spirit and we walk with the inner light of God. Jeremiah 31:17 “There is hope for your future, declares the Lord. I pray we sleep well and wake with joy in our souls… Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Speak with Kindness

Life can be challenging at times…we may have financial problems, our health could be in crisis or family members may not be getting along. Negative attitudes and behaviors are contagious and it is important that we curb our tongue and rejuvenate our enthusiasm with positive energy. It is astounding how the spirit of God can fill our thoughts and direct our speech and behaviors. When visiting with a friend who had been at odds with a family member I was inspired as the conversation became positive and optimistic. We are always given choices of whether we want to carry that burden of negativity around or embrace positive thoughts and actions. Following our Lord in love, understanding and compassion for others is a choice. I pray we continue our Bible studies, prayers and Christian fellowship that allow us to grow in a close relationship with God and Jesus. Our lives change and our attitudes and behaviors become gentle, calm and open to a faith that encompasses all that God has planned for us. Proverbs 22: 11-12 He who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious will have the king for his friend. The eyes of the Lord keep watch over knowledge, but he frustrates the words of the unfaithful. Let’s keep our thoughts positive, our behaviors honorable and speech encouraging as we follow God’s plan. Remember the sky is the limit…we are heaven bound. Enjoy the miracles of this day. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Amazing Day

Last night I was told by one of my students that I use the word “amazing” a great deal…It surprised me…but then thinking about it she is absolutely right…I find life totally amazing…our God is Amazing…our futures will be amazing… We have the opportunity to make life “amazing” as long as we keep God and Jesus first. Living and loving our lives is honoring God…following His guidelines is respecting our Father. We don’t need the holidays to remind us to be kind, generous and thoughtful, because living by God’s commands we love our neighbor as ourselves and we are not judging or using harsh words. We share the joy of God’s grace and mercy and we experience the love He gives so freely. That is amazing…As we continue through the day let us thank God for His forgiveness and bounty. Hang tight to Jesus in time of need and weakness. I pray we maintain our Bible studies, prayers and Christian fellowship. We are approaching the day of thanksgiving and there is no better time to thank our Lord for our families, friends, health, careers and everyday joys… Let’s not wait for that holiday that encourages thankfulness, but let’s be thankful everyday…Lift your voice in song, raise your hands in praise and kneel in prayer…Let’s serve God with the heart of a child…open and fresh. Ephesians 4:7 Unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Go forth and enjoy this “amazing” day. God Bless Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Waking to Joy

What a joy to wake…to see the sun shining through a cool morning as our thoughts turn to the day at hand…Whether we are planning for a day of work or a day of leisure we are blessed…through our blessings we can honor God with our attitudes, behaviors and actions. As we go about our day let us remember to give praises and thanks for an opportunity to sever God. It is all about doing the work God has for us…Showing compassion, understanding and consideration to those in our families, work environment and society. I pray we have put on the smile that allows God’s love to shine through us. Being a member of God’s family is the ultimate gift. Let us share His love, mercy and grace as we begin our week. Our Lord is never further than a conversation…He listens…He hears our prayers and His love sustains us through the day. As we pray for those being challenged with disappointments, illnesses or grief let us lift them up to God. Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall make your paths straight. Delight in God’s mercy, love Jesus and let the Holy Spirit fill your soul. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

God's Touch

As Sunday is coming to a close we had the choice whether or not to worship our Lord and Savior… I hope you were healthy and able to enjoy the service of your choosing. My spirit gets rejuvenated and I am ready to begin the week. It is one of the best choices I make. I spend quiet time…noisy time and sporadic time with God everyday…but Sunday is the joyous time in His house. As a little girl I was always reminded to quietly meekly walk into God’s house…it was a time of wonder…I would say to myself, “Just think I am in God’s house”... And God would always touch that little girl’s heart… As an adult I know that we can receive God in all places and my prayer is that God touched your heart today through songs, prayers and scripture. Let’s carry that joy to others as we begin our week. May we show kindness to those having a difficult time, may we share joy with someone’s blessings and may we share the work God has for us throughout the week. 2 Corinthians 13:14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Go forth with the Love, Grace and Wisdom of God… Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Gift of Love

With the holidays fast approaching, our economy still struggling and people without employment times can be stressful. Yet, today I had a look at the generosity of Christian women. Our community held a fund raiser for the Pregnancy Care Center…what a joy to see all the good that was accomplished. It is a blessing to watch Christian ladies in action. We celebrated the gift of life with High Tea…We spent time shopping local venders and participating in the silent auction; then enjoyed tea, finger sandwiches and chocolate. We listened to our speakers and guests give testimony to the care, education and spiritual support they received from this wonderful organization…Listening to their experiences was touching and made you feel blessed to be part of this small community of love. It is all about the babies, parents and God. We are so blessed to have an opportunity to give back. Our Savior leads us, keeps us close and heals our hearts, bodies and souls. When following our Lord we make decisions that have God’s purpose in mind. How can we go wrong when our lives are devoted to God and His commands? Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and light to my path. Let us continue to show our Christian heart by giving to those in need, praying for those facing difficulties and sharing our time with those who may be alone. There is no greater gift that the gift of love…follow your heart as God will lead you to those who need the extra love... As we pray let us give thanks and rejoice in the blessings of today. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Sky's the Limit

As I was driving to the University today I marveled at the beauty of fall. It made me wonder how anyone could deny God…He has created such splendor not only in our communities, but in each of us. Our Lord God has made every person with gifts, skills and talents. He has set the time for each of us to shine. When we allow God to guide us we are able to reach our potential. When we trust our thoughts, ideas and convictions the sky is the limit… Isn’t that a great saying? “The sky is the limit”…after all it is heaven bound… When we believe in ourselves we believe in God. The thoughts and ideas come from Him…all we have to do is have faith. What a joy to have the wisdom of God and the strength and confidence of Jesus… I pray we are learning to listen, following our hearts and the ideas God has for us… while staying positive as we strive toward our goals. Let’s keep the devil at our back, ignore the negative talk and rejoice in the splendor of our lives. Let us persevere through our trials, challenges and concerns knowing that God is with us. Staying focused with positive attitudes and a pure heart allows the Holy Spirit to fill our souls with His love and mercy. Psalm 32:8 “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.” Let us remember the sky is the limit…we are heaven bound with our potential as God is our guide. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Veterans Day

Today is Veterans Day and we have the privilege of thanking all who served in the Armed Forces. It brings my thoughts to my Dad (Navy-WWII), my Uncle Bob (Air Force-Korean War) and many friends (Viet Nam)… What a gift they gave (give) to the people of the United States. We take for granted the freedoms, the luxuries and the abundance in this country. The shame is we become self-indulged with an attitude “it is all about me”… When living the life of a Christian it should be apparent that we keep those in need or in harm’s way in our thoughts and prayers; yet we live a life of over indulged desires and wants. We expect everyone to care about our wishes and aspirations without giving thoughts to others. Let us remember to pray for those in other countries without their families, luxuries and freedoms we experience daily…to ask our Lord to keep them safe, healthy and spiritually strong; make it a prayer of substance and not a fleeting thought… 2 Samuel 22:29 O Lord, You are my lamp. The Lord lights up my darkness. He is a shield for all who look to Him for protection. Our God has protected many and opened His arms to those went home to Him. We as Americans are Blessed and I thank God for those serving in all branches of the Armed Forces as well as the civilians working in those worn torn countries. May God Bless them All. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

God's Guidance

As we begin each day I pray we are asking our Lord for guidance, support and confidence. Knowing we have God’s guidance allows us to make wise decisions and follow His path. Feeling His support gives us the strength to endure our stress and challenges and having His confidence brings new experiences with joy and positive attitudes. Growing in faith with a personal relationship with Jesus brings comfort that fills our souls. We see life differently and treat each other with a special attitude and love. Having that “attitude” of faith is joining God and recognizing our strengths and living expectantly. Our Lord has mercy for each of us…He waits patiently for our hearts to open and begin living with trust…to allow God to handle our needs and wants without waking each morning with anxiety and stress. Give negative thoughts and worries to God through prayer and supplication and as you do trust that all your concerns will be heard. God will do what He says He will do. Our Lord is the power, He is the gift and He is the answer. Psalm 62:1-2 My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will never be shaken. Let us worship Him and live a life of joy. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Hear God

When the Lord speaks do we hear Him? Are we living our lives in accordance to the commands of God? While reading Hebrews 4:7 “Today if you hear His voice”...I wondered if we would recognize it? What a thought...if our Father is calling us… do we listen...Where is our walk with God and Jesus? Our attitudes and behaviors must leave God shaking His head at times…Our lives are blessed on a daily basis with His love and mercy. Let us go out and make this day a journey of enlightenment…choosing His way…listening for His call. When we are feeling the stress… walk in faith through prayer as God hears our supplications and He will answer. Living with fulfillment, trusting in prayer and receiving God’s love, grace and forgiveness offers the children of God hope and serenity that only come from the Trinity… As we find pleasure in the day let’s continue with our Bible studies, prayers and Christian fellowship. Let’s Choose a life of joy, endure hardships with the strength of Jesus and believe in the miracles of the Holy Spirit Psalm 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way. I pray we go forth following God’s plan, listening for His word and know He is near. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Freedom n Kindness

How many times have you looked into your closet and wondered what you would wear? Too many times to count right? We are blessed with abundance in the United States and therefore take much for granted. We have the opportunity to believe, to pray or to live a Christian way of life. We have the freedom to decide if we wear a smile or a frown...we have the freedom to speak with kindness or hurt anothers feelings..Again we can walk into that closet of emotions and behaviors and decide who we will be today. I pray we are walking with God and living the life He has planned for us. It is easy to be grouchy when we are down...but it is with the love of Jesus that we encourage ourselves to be strong and positive in order to be the person God knows we can be. Let's keep the devil at our backs and ignore the negative through our prayers and supplications to God. He is our promise and our strength...As we begin each day let us give thanks for the abundance (this does not mean monetary or belongings) in our lives. We have the Father of Creation, the Son of Eternal Life and the Joy of the Holy Spirit. Our cup overflows with love, mercy, grace and the wisdom from God. Psalm 27:1 The Lord is my light and my salvation- whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life- of whom shall I be afraid? As we decide who we shall be today let us remember to choose laughter, joy and smiles...as it is without fear we go forth in a world that can be negative and challenging, but knowing the secret to a joyful life is as close as a prayer. Remember “happy” is fleeting but joy is eternal. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Life n Complications

Sometimes life can be so complicated...Situations arise and we need to respond and react with a heart that is pure and caring; when we would rather voice a negative opinion...It makes me wonder if our behavior is God approved... It should be a no brainer, however we are human therefore have human feelings. I pray when faced with these situations we think before speaking and pray for wisdom. As we approach obstacles that challenge our attitude, disappointments that hurt our feelings and tests that are easily failed by a negative response let us hold tight to Jesus and follow His way. God will lift us up when we are stumbling, He will guide our footsteps and He will not let us walk alone. We are blessed with His compassion, mercy and love. When our lives seem too complicated to understand Jesus is there...when we cry out for help...God hears our cries...When we kneel and pray...the Holy Spirit fills our soul....We are Blessed. Romans 8:18 I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Let us lift our voices in song...lift our hands with praise and lift our spirits to God the Father and Jesus our Salvation. Let's feel the closeness of the Trinity as we worship, praise and thank God for showing us the way Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Peace n Love

Our lives have their ups and downs however it is not if we are up or down, but how we handle those down times that allow us to model our convictions and beliefs. If we are negative and unhappy through those times it is apparent we are not walking close enough to God. We are certainly allowed to have some less than happy thoughts...our hope and prayers are when those times cross our paths we are strong enough that we choose to lean on Jesus and trust the promises of God. He is there during our times of struggle, disappointments or challenges...Let us keep the devil at our backs, keep our focus on the positive and rejoice in the love of God. He is never further than a prayer and we are blessed with His gifts. Let us go beyond just enduring those tough times but let us delight in his love, grace and mercy. We will never be lost as long as we walking with the power of life, the glory of the future and the spirit of miracles. Romans 5:1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. I pray we are going forward in those down times with a strong hold and commitment to our Lord and feel the peace He alone can give. Stay aligned with the Trinity through your Bible studies, prayers and Christian fellowship. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Strong Values

Life can be so rewarding...our choices lead us to fulfillment or regret. We are able to decide how we want our day to unfold. Will it be with smiles, compassion and understanding or with gossip, negativity and judgment toward others? As I was out riding my bike...yes, I ventured out today I began thinking about our lifestyles and what we value most. Is it what people (society) deemed as elite and important? Is it leaving a legacy of love, doing the right thing (even when you want to do the opposite) and living a life seen as a Christian. Through our choices are we able to persevere through the tough times, turn toward Jesus with trust and devotion as well as lean on God with prayers? It is a blessing every day to know that His love endures even though society values are weak and change with the tide. Living with values that will not bend with every whim but follows the commands of God allows us to grow strong and bear the fruit God planned for us. I get excited knowing that there is no age requirement, no health requirement and no socioeconomic value that denies anyone from reaching the goals God has for us. God is patient and caring waiting for us to open our eyes, ears and hearts to Him. I pray we are taking a good look at ourselves and made the choice to love thy neighbor, to reach out and help those with needs and pray for our families, friends, state and country. Let us walk with the wisdom of God, the love of Jesus and pray for the Holy Spirit to fill our soul. Joel 2:13 Return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and He relents from sending calamity. Let us go forth living the life of a strong Christian; pleasing God as we continue with our Bible studies, prayers and Christian fellowship...Rejoice in His love. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Praise God

Today is coming to a close but I must do my daily devotion. Not because it is important to do one each day but because it is my way of saying thank you God for the day. I want to shout out and praise His name. What better way to show our love for Him than telling the world the joy we receive being a follower of Jesus. I am filled with love for our God after talking with my older son on the phone this morning and having such fun and listening to what a wonderful man he has become. God has blessed me with this gift. I am filled with love for our God because of friends and family who go out of their way to make my life comfortable and safe and I am filled with love for God because He fills my soul. God gives us so much and loving Him is so easy. I marvel at His patience, His mercy and His grace...I pray we are following his path and learning through Bible studies, prayer and Christian fellowship that His way is the only way. We are given the gift of eternal life; so as this day comes to an end let us give thanks for all the opportunities that came our way, for the challenges and trials we endured and for the life we have been given. Tomorrow is a new day and a blessing let us rejoice! 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Victory or Defeat

Today is a day of great wonder. We are allowed to choose our lifestyles, where we want to live and how we treat each other. As we have finished with nasty and negative political ads we can once again begin to settle into a quiet positive world devoid of negative political laundry. It is always an awakening to see what people will do or say to get the outcome they want. No one is out of bounds, nothing is too negative and truth or lies don't matter. You would think in this day and age society would learn that winning at “all” costs is not winning at all. What do we teach our children and the up coming generation about how to live and treat people. When walking with the Lord we have an obligation to follow the commands God has laid down. That means He expects us to be honorable, to show respect and to be gracious to each other. It is easy to get caught up in the negativity...to gossip...to judge...or to demean another...yet as a child of God we have a responsibility to live according to God's rules. Our lives can bring joy, comfort and encouragement to those around when we choose to live in love. We don't always have to agree with each other however we do not need to belittle someone, call names or label them because of their different ideals. God knows our hearts and will be the judge of our lives. He alone knows the outcome. Our job is to be the best He has for us. I pray as we go forth this day that we are following the path God has for each of us and that the way we choose to live is one of honor. We live in victory with Jesus as He laid down His life for us so we may live with Grace and Mercy. Ephesians 4:29, 30-31-Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger,brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one anther, forgiving each other, just as In Christ God forgave you. We win when society chooses to walk the road of Honor, Kindness, Generosity and Mercy. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Love God

It is common to hear “I believe in God” and it is also common to hear “I trust God”, however how often do we hear “I love God”...When listening to a song a while ago that stated “I love God with all my heart and soul... it made me think. Loving God means we have a personal relationship with Him and nothing could be more sweet than being in relationship with God and Jesus. Allowing Him in our lives with a personal investment... Not just a Sunday church service or Sunday school once in awhile kind of relationship...but living moment to moment, every day, on going true relationship with our Creator and Savior. Being in prayer with our soul entrenched with the power of the Holy Spirit and feeling the surge of love pulsate through our being is an experience we should be striving towards. God dwells not only in the saints like Mother Teresa but in everyday people like you and me. I pray we are following the path of God and His commands while demonstrating our love for Him. When we are in service for God we are showing our love, when we are doing for others with nothing to gain we are showing our love and when our life is filled with compassion and understanding for family, friends or strangers we are showing our love. Let us go about our days “in love” with God and Jesus...showing the world how amazing and extraordinary life is as a Christian. We are not without challenges, trials or temptations, however we live with the strength and wisdom of God and have the devil at our backs. Ephesians 1:7-8 He is so rich in kindness and grace that He purchased our freedom with the blood of His son and forgave our sins. He has showered His kindness on us. Along with all wisdom and understanding. Living life with the inner glow of God Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Steps of Growth

I was watching television the other day and at the beginning of a commercial was the sentence “Every climb is not planned”...all of a sudden it hit me... all our growth in life is not planned. When we are being pruned it most obviously is not something we chose. At some points in our lives we may find ourselves without a job, single, in financial need or with health issues none of which was our own choosing... Isn't life wonderful, however when making the climb it is imperative that we walk in faith. Many times we put blame where there should be no blame. It is just life. We may be at the mercy of others...their decisions may impact our lives or our health may be vulnerable and we once again are making that climb. The astonishing results create the person God wants us to be. Without growth and pruning we would stay the same. It is a blessing that God cares enough to ensure our transformation into the person He planned before our birth. I sometimes laugh at the steps I have had to take and joke with God...asking couldn't you have just asked me to change with out all the headache or heartache.. :) Yet, knowing me...I needed the wake up call that I received to become the person that now devotes my time and service to God. It is with joy that we can offer our lives to Him through our behavior, attitudes and discipline. Our lives are precious and valuable. Let's use our time to do God's will and to ensure that our families know God and Jesus. Our paths are open to us...we have free will...let's keep the devil at our backs, make the climb with God and reach the level of success our Lord has planned. We are filled with joy that comes from the Holy Spirit, we find strength in our weakest moments from God and we feel the love of Jesus in our climb. 1 Corinthians 1:5 In every way you were enriched in Him in all speech and all knowledge. Make the climb with a smile and trust in the path God has for you. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Listen & Serve

When we prepare to pray do we close off all the noise? Are we able to focus only on the Lord with out any outside thoughts entering our quiet world with God? I find if I am not totally focused on God and Jesus I have difficulty concentrating on my conversation and prayers. God needs our complete attention in order for us to hear His word. There are times that I heard but didn't hear and it wasn't until later that God had given me knowledge through that quiet voice in my head and I missed it. What a disappointment. When that happens I wonder how sad and frustrated He must get with us. Let us live our lives with a close and encompassing relationship with God and Jesus. As we go through the day let us make time (quiet time) for our Lord and live expectantly for His word to enter our daily lives. Walking in alignment with God and Jesus will produce gifts and blessings beyond our imagination. God has a plan for each of us that can only be achieved through our faith, trust and devotion. Learning to listen, to follow and to serve will allow our success to unfold as we choose to live by faith. There can be no greater gift than the gift of love. I pray we are rejoicing in the day as we praise and worship God our Father , Jesus our Savior and the miracles of the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 2:9 No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

God LIke

I was having computer problems, therefore I had to make the decision to invest in a new PC..well that is all good and done except things are never as simple as purchase, install and use. Due to my internet carrier I spent an hour and a half trying to get connected only to realize the tech assumed I had a newer version of the modem (of course I didn't) therefore nothing he tried worked. It wasn't until we began communicating did it work. Then in ten quick moments I was connected. Isn't that life? We think we are all on the same page and speaking about the same thing. Yet unless we ask precise and meticulous questions we may be speaking about two different subjects or “modems”. Our life of faith can be like that. We may believe one way and someone else may believe another. Unless we study the Bible, God's word and commands we are vulnerable to society's beliefs; which allows us to do and listen to what makes us feel good about our lifestyle. God and Jesus are very forthcoming in what they expect. They continue to bless and protect us as we go about our daily lives. Living as imitators of God in near impossible; however changing our lifestyles, our prayer routines and Bible study we have a better opportunity to grasp the meaning of God like. We are given choices each day to love and serve God. What a humbling opportunity we are given. Serving Him and doing the work He has called us to do is such a gift. I pray we listen, hear and act when God calls on us. He knows our hearts and our disappointments, let us sing for joy as he loves us in spite of our weaknesses. Let's be in constant conversation with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit as we enjoy the communication of Love. James 1:12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

The Gifts of Life

As parents we know the joy of watching our children, grandchildren or other family members succeed. When they are happy we are happy and our heart soars when they reach a goal once strived for. It is simple, uncomplicated and effortless. Our Father in heaven must smile, delight and celebrate when we too have reached a goal God has set for us. Following His plan can be natural and easy if our hearts are open to His word. Walking in God’s light is a joy even when we have challenges and temptations that can divert our objective or purpose. We are never alone or without hope; Jesus is as close as a prayer. When we reach out to him with earnest and sincere desires He is there. It is with praise we begin our prayers and it is with love we show our devotion to God. The blessings we receive are vast and beyond our understanding. We have the gift of life, the gift of purpose and the gift of success through Christ. God is merciful, loving and ever true. His Grace embraces us when we trust in Him. Psalm 118: 9 It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes. My prayer today is we trust in our Lord, prepare our hearts for His word and follow the path He has for us. Let us delight God with our choices and attention, sing praises to the Trinity and dance with joy. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Aspirations & Desires

Listening to Christian music is heartwarming and touching. As I was in thought and prayer I was moved by the words and melody. The Lord blesses us with so many different types of joys…music being a major one. Many times we don’t give any thought to what motivated the artist; we just enjoy. Our life can be like that if we give little attention to what inspires our love for God and Jesus. We may just ramble along not giving thought or merit to what motivates us in our Christian walk. When living life without conscience thoughts or a spiritual plan we are missing God’s purpose and rationale for our existence. We are blessed that God assiduously waits for us. His love is constant and His patience is never ending. What other love is so compassionate, so caring and so understanding. Today we have the opportunity to begin once again to ask for God’s help in following His plan. I pray we turn to our Lord throughout the day in order to diligently stay focused on the goals God has for us. As we continue with our aspirations and desires let us keep God and Jesus forever in thought and prayer. God knows our hearts, our wants and our needs. He will continue to bless, protect and answer our prayers. So when we are in those quiet times with God ask that His will be done in our lives and that our wishes are aligned with His purpose. Let us continue to strengthen our love for the Trinity through our Bible study, prayer and Christian fellowship. Titus 3:4 When God our savior revealed His kindness and love, He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. Rejoice in the song of life with praises, enthusiasm and joy in our hearts…In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit…God Bless. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Strong or Vulnerable?

There are times when I feel like a strong confident Christian and other times I feel weak and vulnerable. It is at those weak and vulnerable times that doubt, concerns or negative thoughts can enter my mind. When dealing with such feelings the more I try to block them the more the devil has a foot hold. It isn’t until I begin to pray for our Lord to intervene that peace and serenity will wash over me. What bothers me is that we allow one weak moment of gossip, what if’s or if only to become a conversation. We not only dim the light of God that dwells in us but we eliminate those feelings of closeness between Jesus and us. Knowing Him is having an awareness of love that engulfs your soul and warms your heart. It allows the Holy Spirit to bring joy and peace that is inexplicable and mystifying. Continuing to grow in our faith perpetuates love for those around us and builds barriers for negative thoughts and actions. The gratification and fulfillment one feels when living the life God has planned for us is an indulgence that goes beyond delight. I pray we continue to trust, love and follow our Lord’s plan. His way is the only way and our faith and devotion lead us to His promises. John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Let us keep the devil and vulnerability at our backs through prayer, Bible study and Christian fellowship as we rejoice in the day. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Cast Your Concerns

Good Morning Lord and thank you for this amazing and wonderful day. It is a blessing to begin each day with praise, prayer and the love of the spirit in my heart. With determination and resolve I promise to accomplish all that is expected of me as a child of God. As believers we will still be challenged and tested; however it is with the grace and strength of our Lord that we react and respond with a joyful heart that keep us focused on Him. Today many will be challenged with loss of job, separation and divorce, health issues or financial stress. Let us pray with trust and conviction that all we are going through is handled by God and our burdens are lightened as He is in control. What a blessing to have choices. We can be positive with an attitude of Jesus…Understanding, loving and compassionate or we can become negative and walk on the dark side. Let us celebrate the day with a smile, wear the armor of God and delight in His mercy. Psalm 142:3 I cry out to the Lord; I pour out my complaints before Him. When I am overwhelmed, You alone know the way I should turn. Remember to cast your concerns to the cross and live expectantly. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Lord is My Helper

Our lives are constantly bombarded with challenges, praises and surprises. Today I have heard all of the above. A friend has taken their elderly father to the hospital, another friend just began a new job and yet another found joy in the surprise of an answered prayer. Through our daily lives we demonstrate the power of God. We meet each crisis, we attain each goal and we embrace and rejoice in all that we accomplish with the strength of Jesus. We have opportunities to display the love of God to our families, friends and the world around us. As we begin this week let us remember to follow the commands of God, align our lives with the wisdom of Jesus and allow the Holy Spirit to work the miracles in our lives. God hears our prayers and supplications as He is never far from us. Knowing our lives are on God’s path we are given peace of mind, confidence and assurance that all we experience and pray for today is according to the will of God. When we keep our faith in the direction of the Trinity we are in the light…Let’s shine for them. My prayer today is for all who are ill and in discomfort and for their families, for those beginning a new job or career that they experience little or no anxiety and for those waiting for answers to prayers that will be answered. Hebrews 13:6 So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me? We are so blessed; begin each day with prayer, love and compassion for God our Father, Jesus our strength and the Holy Spirit who resides in our souls. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Time of Joy

As we prepare for our church services are we excited, do we look forward to our prayer and praise with enthusiasm and is it a time joy? If it isn’t what is missing? Many times we get bogged down with life and the challenges that confront us. We allow the negativity to enter our world, we complain about getting up early or losing those few precious moments of our day off…Shameful as it is that is what we sometimes here when listening to people talk. We are offered the greatest gift of life. Salvation and Eternity …Wow…We humans can be so selfish…let us make a pack to not only praise God and Jesus on Sunday with joy but to celebrate God's Goodness, the Love of Jesus and the Power of the Holy Spirit through out the week. So whether we are preparing for our church services, Bible study or prayer and quiet time with God let us remember to open our hearts to the Holy Spirit and be filled with the wonder of God. Praise His name with song and gladness. As we live with the joy of our Father His light shines through us. Let us rejoice in the day(s), remember to praise the Trinity and walk with a humble heart. We are the children of God and He knows our hearts and needs. He will answer all prayers and supplications. Psalm 145:14 The Lord upholds all who fall, and raises up all who are bowed down. I pray we experienced the joy of prayer, praise and song with our Christian friends and family this Sunday and that we continue with the pleasures of Bible study, prayers and Fellowship throughout our week. Keep the devil at your back and Jesus along side of you. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Not enough Memory

What a beautiful Saturday we have in store for us. And yet as I began working at the computer I saw messages such as “Done with errors, waiting for http://..., not enough memory, increase fire wall and renew virus protection. I began to praise God and thank Him for not telling us He does not have enough memory of us, that we must wait as He is busy, our prayers have been done with errors or that our virus protection and fire walls need renewal. Our God and Father listens always and continually cares for us as we grow in faith and mature in our belief and trust in Jesus. What an amazing world we have been given. It is a blessing to know that our needs are taken care of and that the Holy Spirit prays through out each day for us. Between our earthly Angels and our heavenly ones we have prayers and supplications going to God on a daily basis. We are also in prayer for those with financial concerns, health issues and employment needs; our God knows our hearts and fills our souls with His Grace. I pray today we recognize the gifts before us and praise God our Father, Jesus our Salvation and the Holy Spirit who touches our souls. Let’s keep our conviction’s strong, never wavering and dedicated as we continue with prayer, Bible study and Christian fellowship. Do not let the negativity and doubts enter your thoughts, keep the devil at your back and trust in the Trinity always. Psalm 34:4 I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears. Rejoice in our day and thank God for hearing our prayers and supplications and forgiving our sins. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Unruffled, Calm & Serene

When waking in the morning do you feel like shouting “Good morning world?” Most of my mornings are like that…but then there are the days that I just want to pull the covers over my head and ask God to excuse me from the day… We are blessed with a Lord that does excuse our behavior(s) when we are feeling out of sorts. Can you imagine what the world would be like if we grouched around, didn’t smile or didn’t feel like doing the right thing? I continue to learn that God is my joyful pill when taken on a daily basis and Jesus is my well balanced diet of salvation through continual belief and prayer. If we allow ourselves to delve into the “why me” or “life isn’t fair” conversation we have opened the door for the evil and negativity of the devil. I pray we hang tight to God and Jesus in this tumultuous and chaotic world. When having that down day pray with a soul searching heart, sincerity and authentic petition for our Lord to intervene and calm our distress. Let us learn through trials and ordeals that God is in control and all we need to do is trust and lean on Jesus. He will walk with us. We become unruffled, calm and serene as we allow the Holy Spirit to fill our souls. Hebrews 4:16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. As our faith matures through Bible study, prayer and continued Christian fellowship draw near to our Father; enjoy the benefits of being a child of God and a brother or sister in Christ. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

God's Inoculation

The other day I had my flu shot…yeah, I am protected! Bring on the cold and flu viruses because I have the protection. With a simple injection we no longer worry about becoming ill as the viruses float through the air. Wouldn’t it be great if we lived our lives in the same way? With our faith in God we have been inoculated. We have God’s love, mercy and forgiveness. As we grow in faith we become stronger, healthier and wiser. We know that all things are accomplished through Christ and He is our salvation. Why is it then we become depressed, overwhelmed and besieged with feelings of uncertainty? Our faith leads us to the power of life. God is our inoculation. As we continue to lean on Jesus for strength and his healing powers let us remember to be thankful for God’s covenant. God will do what He promises to do. Our trust in God continues to build up our strength as our soul becomes enlightened by His love and the Holy Spirit. When we are near to God and Jesus our load becomes lighter, our health becomes healthy and our heart soars with joy. Hebrews 10:35 Do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you receive what He has promised. We are blessed and have the opportunity to embrace the day with great joy as we delight in His love. Grow in faith with continued prayer, Bible study and Christian fellowship. We have the protection from God and the salvation of Jesus. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Peace of God

Learning that life isn’t turning out the way you envisioned can be disappointing. When this happens it is important to trust God. Allow His love to insulate your discouragement and disillusionment. He will build the bridge of contentment and fulfillment through your faith. God’s plan may not be clear however He is leading us in the direction that is best. We are here to serve and love God while trusting and following Jesus. Our lives will be enriched through our faith and devotion. Being positive allows our strength to increase, our stress to decrease and our faith to grow. Let’s remember to keep the negative, the blame and the why’s out of the conversation. When negativity enters our thoughts this allows the devil to infiltrate our judgments. Keeping the devil at our backs permits the wisdom of God to develop strong, confident and secure Christians. Trusting God and leaning on Jesus through our trials and challenges demonstrates our ever-increasing love of life and everyday joys. It’s important we do not get caught up in the “happy” life but strive for the “Joyful” life that comes from God. John 14:1 Do not let your heart be troubled. Trust in God… I pray we remember who is in control; whose love, mercy and grace will bring us through tough times and sustain us in time of need. We are blessed with the peace of God, the love of Jesus and the powers of the Holy Spirit. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Breathe Deeply

Throughout our day someone’s action or gossip may get in the way of a great day. How we handle unpleasant situations or irritations will determine how we live and model our lives. If we fly off the handle or if we breathe deeply before responding is a testimony to our faith. It is easy to yell at someone anyone if they are within yelling distance just so we can displace the anger, disappointment or annoyance of another’s actions; however when we remember how God expects us to live and treat others raising our voice is not an option. We have no idea what the other person is feeling, how their day is going or how our negative actions would impact their life. Allowing our anger to diffuse and dissipate gives you time to readjust from negative circumstances to positive outcomes. Living by God’s commands brings calmness to our daily routines and soothes our bristled or bruised feelings. I pray we remember to love thy neighbor, remember we do not walk in their shoes and to judge not so we will not be judged. Let go of hurt feelings, unfair accusations or unwarranted gossip. We are children of God, brothers and sisters of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit fills our souls with joy. Deuteronomy 7:9 God is the faithful God who keeps His covenant for a thousand generations and constantly loves those who love Him and obey His commands. Our faith is our strength in times of needs, challenges and distress. Let’s keep our love for God strong, continue to trust and lean on Jesus through prayer, Bible study and Christian fellowship. Keep the devil at your back and rejoice…everyday is a new day. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

God Provides

It is exciting when we are offered a new beginning; whether it has to do with our careers, new home or new location. I have a friend who moved across the country due to a promotion, another friend has a new home and yet another just retired. How fun life can be. As we experience all these new beginnings in what ways do we celebrate? Hopefully the first expression of gratitude is to God. Being thankful for all the opportunities and praising our Lord is the first step to success. Many times in our society celebrations are with family and friends enjoying a dinner party or night on the town. Our Lord wants us to enjoy life, to share our delight in new ventures and express the pleasure in our advancements and creativity. As Christians we celebrate the love of God and His gifts through the Eucharist, with prayers of supplication and with trust. Knowing God will provide our needs, listen to our desires and protects us from evil. Our lives are not without challenges however they are met with the strength of Jesus and the promises of God. Let us enjoy our lives with a refreshed spirit and determined heart for God. Let’s make each day a new beginning with thankfulness and gratitude as we receive the Grace of God. Matthew 17:20 “I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to the mountain, ‘Move from here to there’, and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.” As we move from career to career, home to home or city or state let’s give thanks and praise for our faith that grows in strength; while we enjoy the benefits of God’s blessings. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors