Thorns or Roses

When you look at a rose have you ever wondered how such a beautiful flower can sit among such wounding thorns or how anxious we become around bees due to a possible sting yet both give such pleasure one from its beauty and fragrance and the other from the joy of its flavor and healing. Isn’t it the way of life as God allows the storm and then shows us the rainbow. I can not remember how many times I have said in distress “how much longer must I endure this” or “haven’t I struggled long enough”? That pity me syndrome is such a waste of time. It allows the negative to take over our focus. We can become lifeless in the ways of God and Jesus Christ. We go about complaining and bad tempered and the more we grumble the further we move from God. It is vital that we begin each day with… "this is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad". I realize this is easier said than done at times, however it is imperative that we find God in our thoughts and actions. We are the children of God and He will help us through the muck that bogs us down. So today let’s put on the armor of our Lord and surround ourselves in His love, peace and joy. Only through our actions of prayer, Bible study and Christian fellowship can we accomplish our goals. Lean on God as he is our Rock. 1 Corinthians 11:24 And when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” Look to the Lord and see the Rainbows. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Begin with a Smile

In our days of family illnesses, lack of employment and the day to day challenges of life it is difficult to begin each day with a smile. Yet, without a smile we are doomed to go about the day with a black cloud hovering over us. I sometimes think others view people with the carefree or “Polly Anna” attitude as less serious or capable. Too me the person who is able to smile, show confidence and a positive attitude during strife is probably walking closely with the Lord. If the black cloud is hovering we need to ask the Lord to put the devil at our backs so we may continue our day with less stress and negative feelings. Only leaning on the Lord, praying to our Lord and enjoying the life God has given us are we fully able to live the life God has planned for us. Let’s keep the devil at our backs as we pray, study scripture and continue our Christian fellowship. Our walk through life was never meant to be easy however it can be full of joy when walking with Jesus no matter the circumstance. I pray today that you are able to put on that smile, know that you are a child of God and His plan for you is one of love, success and joy. Reach out and begin each day with a smile…the smile of God. Psalm 74:21 Do not let the oppressed retreat in disgrace; may the poor and needy praise your name. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Thank You Lord

Praise be to all this day, Are you one of those people who jump out of bed with excitement and a song in your heart or more like me...you quietly and cautiously put your feet on the floor. I have always been in awe of those who begin their day in a whirl…how exciting and rewarding the morning must be as you sing or hum that song...where as I slowly stumble to the shower with out a word or song waiting for the water to refresh my soul. Isn't it incredible how the Lord was able to create so many different morning attitudes? Even though we have our own unique routines it is imperative that we allow time for prayer and supplication. Whether we begin our day with specific time for the Lord or end our day with Him…we need to spend some quiet time saying thank you. Although I am quietly beginning my day… before getting out of bed... I begin with a thank you Lord for the opportunity before me. Not all days have great opportunities, but what I do have is a choice to be thankful and do the best with what I have. I pray that as you begin each day you acknowledge the miracle before us. God has given us a new day. Let’s not squander this blessing. If facing some challenges pray for strength and an attitude of optimism which will lift you up. Jesus is just a prayer away with an out stretched hand. I know personally he walks through the storms of our lives if we allow Him to accompany us. Lean on him and say thank you. Psalm 5:15 O, Lord, open my lips and my mouth will declare your praise. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Study Life

Yesterday my boss, co-worker (friends) and I spent many hours working on a new program we will be using this semester in our classes. This is isn’t the first day as we have been preparing for our classes for several weeks now. We worked, snacked and of course had some laughs. We were so caught up in our work that we discussed the project even through lunch. We typed and read till our eyes were bleary all the while staying focused and upbeat. We encouraged each other and knew by the end of the session we would oh so much closer to a finished product. While riding my bike this morning I was contemplating our work, how much we accomplished and how much we have left. When I turned my attention to the Lord with prayer...it hit me. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we gave the Lord our undivided attention through study, prayer and quiet time? What would our world be like? I can only imagine a safer, ethical and moral place to raise our families. We would treat each other with the same love and compassion that we would want from others and our church pews wouldn’t be lacking in Christian forgiveness as we would be living the life God has commanded…”Love thy Neighbor” My prayer is that we catch the enthusiasm and joy that we receive when walking hand and hand with our Lord, Jesus Christ. Let’s give him our undivided attention through prayer, Bible study and Christian fellowship as it will reward our lives with Grace and Love… God is waiting patiently to open the window and let in the sunshine that only He can give. Psalm 92:1-2 It is good to praise the Lord and make music to your name, O Most High, to proclaim your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night… I lift my eyes and heart to the Lord. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Less is Best

Hello Dear Friends and welcome to this beautiful day! What an opportunity we are given. Are we going to clutter it with all the “stuff” that is going on around us? Or are we going to consider the saying “Less is best”? I can remember hearing when decorating a room it will have that classic look with just a few good pieces of furniture or when we ladies are dressing for success wear a little jewelry don’t over do it. Or how about the person (man or woman) that walks by us smelling of heavy cologne or perfume…it consumes the air and we wonder what were they thinking! Our spiritual life may resemble the clutter which allows all the stuff to overshadow what truly is important. God and Jesus Christ is all we need. It is too easy to get in that grumpy mood, to bring on the pessimism and to complain when things aren’t going as we had planned or hoped. Let’s clear away all that is unnecessary; disappointment, anger, frustration or worry. Our Lord is as near as a prayer and is waiting for us to reach out and enjoy the relationship he offers. He blesses us daily with His love, peace and joy. Begin today with prayer and thanksgiving. Psalm 47:7-8 For God is the King of all the earth; sing to him a psalm of praise. God reigns over the nations; God is seated on his holy throne. Walking with God and Jesus Christ is an honor that rewards us with comfort, strength and courage to continue our lives no matter the circumstance. I pray you have joy in heart and a giggle in your spirit. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Black & White or Color

What a beautiful morning the Lord has given us. For those of us living in California it is easy to see the vivid colors from all the flowers and trees. Yes, we have trees that bloom. Isn’t God amazing? As I was riding my bike and enjoying the morning I thought about all the changes our country has experienced over the past 100 years. We baby boomers can remember when you went to the movies where there were two choices (Black & White or Color). In this day and age we don’t just have color we have COLOR…again two choices…Blu Ray or High Definition. Our world is constantly evolving and yet as the saying goes the more things change the more they stay the same. This is true as we still have two choices; we can choose to follow God and Jesus Christ or not. In those two choices we have the opportunity to see life through God’s eyes as his world is filled with love, forgiveness, compassion and joy. We are blessed with opportunities each day; we can choose a life of color or black and white. When looking at life with negativity and sour disposition it is difficult to see the beauty that surrounds us. Being around negative people brings our color to a dim gray…yet once you shed the pessimism you are able to see the beauty. My prayer today is we look at life through God’s eyes after all He gave us the rainbow. When life gets us down lean on the Lord… let’s continue to look for the rainbows in our lives and know that God and Jesus Christ are there. Let’s open the windows and let in the color. Psalm 100:4 Enter his gates with Thanksgiving and courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. Smiles & Blessings Cynthia Collins Kaitfors v

Deadlines

As I preparing for this mornings blog and wondering which direction I should go I glanced down at my to do list for this coming week. It was slightly overwhelming. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday I have to be in meetings. I must finish grading many more assignments as my classes ended on Thursday and grades are due. On Friday just for the fun of it plans to attend a Giants game were added to the mix. Oh, and I almost forgot the conference application that needs to be sent by the 26th of July…Yikes that is tomorrow! Can you see where I am going here…there is nothing on my list that says “time for Jesus”…why is that? Is it because we just naturally spend time with Him? If so blessings to you. When we fill our weekly list and do not add time with the Lord we are carrying the load by ourselves. One of my goals in life is to make sure I spend quality time with God and Jesus Christ. I notice when I don’t my day just isn’t the same. It is like when you miss going to church due to illness, travel or other unavoidable circumstance your whole week is off. I look forward to the time I have with God and Jesus…it rejuvenates my energy and spring boards me to the next challenge or obligation with joy in my spirit. I want to bottle that feeling and take it out like a sprits and just refresh when needed. What is amazing is I can sprits any time I want…it is called being in pray with the Lord. He is always there to listen, to encourage and to support. We are so Blessed by His love and devotion. He doesn’t give us a deadline, just allows us to come to Him. My prayer is we put God and Jesus on our list of daily deadlines and give our hearts, souls and body to our prayer life. Allow God to energize our daily challenges and obligations, to fill our spirits with joy and to know He is our support. Psalm 69:30 I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving. God and Jesus are the source that helps us reach all deadlines…praise be! Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

What's Your Pace?

This morning as I was enjoying my bike ride…yes, I did get up this morning and ride my bike around the neighborhood. I was totally immersed in the sunshine, listening to the birds sing and watching the neighbors as they walked, strolled or jogged. As I was talking with the Lord and wondering what I would highlight in my blog today it came to me or the Lord gave the thought to me that we all have a different speed in our Christian walk. Some of us are strolling, others are walking and yet many others are either running toward our Lord and Savior or running away. Where are you in your walk? I know as I was raising my family I thought I was a runner…yet I know now that I was a stroller. I did not join in the Bible studies at church, nor did I attend adult Sunday School and I was negligent in getting my sons to Sunday School. Ouch…that hurt to write. Now, please understand I was generally always at church with my family however I did not feel a pressing need to have my children or myself attend Sunday School. How arrogant was that? I praise the Lord and thank Him daily that He forgave my laziness and apathetic attitude. I now join in on all of the above and regret the time I wasted strolling on my Christian walk. As my walk increased in speed to jogging toward our Lord and Savior I find my days are filled with Joy, Grace and Peace. I am not saying I am without challenges and disappointments, I am saying that I am able to handle these uncomfortable moments with more strength and confidence. It is not I who supports me through the rough waters but the Lord. I have learned that the closer we are to God and Jesus Christ the more support we have. My prayer today is for all to pick up your pace in your Christian walk and join a Bible study, attend Sunday School and Services at your Church. It is a life changing, rewarding and uplifting experience. Praise be to God. Psalm 33:1 Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him. Loving God and Jesus Christ is a heartwarming experience, which is totally addictive. Alleluia!! Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Forgiveness

My sister-in-law and I were talking the other day about forgiveness and whether it is easy or difficult to forgive some transgressions. We wondered if the “offense” had any effect on our level of forgiveness. Through our conversation it struck me that no matter how grave the situation forgiveness is always the answer. I realized that it makes no difference the offense but, the difference is how we react to that offense. When our feelings have been trampled…or we have been lied to we feel it is essential to rationalize our responses to the offense. As we go about our daily lives are we holding grudges? I hope not as it is easy to do. We have all been there at some point in our lives. When we were young it was effortless as we didn’t know any better, however we are now walking the walk, learning to live a life of love and compassion while role modeling to our families and friends. Living a life as a Christian is truly treating people like we would like to be treated…”The Golden Rule”… I am surprised when talking with people that they have never heard of the Golden Rule…how can that be? Is it because we are not living it? Let’s begin setting the bar higher for our families / friends to emulate showing the world what it is really like to live a life as a Christian. We forgive when hurt, we love our neighbors and we strive to reach out to those who may or may not deserve it (in our eyes)… I love the saying, “If you change the way you look at things; everything will change”. (Author Unknown) Matthew 6:14-15 “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” My prayer today is that we look into our hearts and clean out all anger, disgust or harsh words we have been storing up to unleash at the “right” moment. There is no “right” moment and all the negative feelings we are carrying around shows in our lives and on our faces…So today let's begin cleansing our souls in order to see more clearly and feel the Joy that awaits us. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

When looking for work we hear or read Knowledge, Skills and Experience needed. Throughout my career life I have found these three words to be disheartening when listening to students, parents or friends who are looking for work…how does one gather the experience, skills and knowledge if you are seen as unqualified? In these economic times it is even more difficult to find work when we are qualified or overly qualified for positions that would simply bring home a paycheck. When offered any job, we are thankful to have “some” stress lifted from our shoulders. We believe we can now survive. Why is it we feel the need to carry the burden alone, to feel the overwhelming stress of taking care of ourselves and family while ignoring the inner strength of God. What keeps us from turning to God and Jesus Christ in times of struggles? Do we appear unqualified to God and Jesus? Do we not know that all we have to do is ask? He is the answer…the salvation and future. Isn’t it wonderful that God does not find us unqualified for the position of Christian follower of Jesus? When we stay close to God we are given miracles in so many tiny ways that they may escape our attention if we are not aligning our lives with Christ. It may be a phone call from a friend, a small gift that says “I care” or a ‘’big” one someone offers you a job… God has a plan for us and we need to be ready for the next level of growth with the Lord. as our spiritual life continues to be pruned through struggles and challenges…however as long as we lean on God, spend time with him through prayers, Bible study and Christian fellowship and praise we are on the right track. God never leaves us without hope, strength and peace if we choose to lift our eyes and hearts to Him. Let us continue this day praising his name, miracles and love. We are so Blessed. Psalm 71:14 But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more. My prayer for all who are struggling in these economic times is that you continue to lean on God and Jesus Christ as he is our answer and Joy. Allow our Lord to carry the burden, which then gives us Hope, Peace and Grace as we enjoy the day before us. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

God Allows U Turns

It is absolutely amazing how loving God can be. No matter what we do He is always there to comfort, encourage and help us make choices that keep us on the "right" path. When we are facing struggles that seem to go on and on as our endurance is tested, are we complaining and whining? Is so we need to make that turn and know that the Lord has us on a path that is glorious. Let’s make that turn with confidence as God will continue to guide us, give us hope and supply our needs. We need not worry about tomorrow instead praise his name and rejoice in the day that is before us. It makes me want to sing out, Shout To The Lord by Chris Tomlin… Shout to the Lord, All the earth let us sing, Power and majesty praise to the king... (Can't you just hear it? ) Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”. Those glorious U turns are there to change our direction, behavior or thinking. We are blessed with an opportunity to begin today with a focus on God and Jesus Christ. Alleluia! Let’s lift our eyes and praise His Name. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Divine Intervention

When struggling with disappointments, anxiety or challenges it is sometimes difficult to cast our eyes on God and Jesus Christ. Why is that? And why is it easier to see the miracles that God gives us only after someone has touched our lives by a simple conversation. I was speaking to my sister-in-law the other day and she stated how down she had been feeling and she was finding it difficult to be positive. Earlier in the day she sat down to read my daily devotion (blog) later went grocery shopping and then ran into a girlfriend whom she had not seen for over a year. They had a wonderful visit and her girlfriend offered some help by way of information. Nothing more. Surprisingly my sister-in-laws spirit lifted and her heart felt light once again. No more feelings of anxiety or helplessness…she had just felt the Blessings of Divine Intervention. She realized that God had heard her prayers and brought her peace, tranquility and joy in the way of a friend and offer of information. She also stated my blog helped too…but what was she supposed to say? Isn’t it wonderful when family is loyal…? God gives us so much… yet, many times we are closed off and in our pity me mood that we do not let the light in. You gotta know that makes the evil one happy. Psalm 43:5 Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God for I will yet praise him, my savior and my God. My prayer is that we let loose of worry as that takes us down, we release the regrets as that takes us backward and we always look up as that takes us forward and toward expectations from our Lord and Savior. Divine Intervention comes in many different packages…let’s keep our eyes on the Lord in order to receive his Grace and Joy. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors PS This one is for you Sis!

What To Believe

How often do we get emails that state upcoming events or warnings that need to be addressed? We read them and being the good citizens we are we send them on to friends and family only to find out they are not true. Being gullible and vulnerable can lead to our destruction. When we are willing to believe anything that comes in the email without doing due diligence to it’s authenticity we are open to any and all worldly views. When our Lord Jesus came to earth for our sins not all people wanted to believe… even though there was first hand knowledge. That is why it is important we keep our spiritual education guided by the hand of God. Let’s stay in fellowship with friends and family as we grow, encourage and support our faith and love for Jesus Christ. As a faith based community we are blessed to minister to those in need and who hunger for the word of God. Psalm 63:4 I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. God allow my thoughts to be my words Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Constantly Changing

We live in a world that is constantly changing…unlike our youth we baby boomers have a difficult time keeping up with technology. I remember a time when we walked over to the television; turned the knob waited a few seconds…picture / sound and we all said Wow! We are now inundated with digital gadgets of many types not to mention the cell phones… Don’t get me started on the phones…I have a blackberry so I can access my email, yet have no idea how to send email from it and now it is outdated due to so many updated prototypes like the Druid and i Phone and if I checked, these too are probably out dated… Yet, the one constant we have in our lives is God and Jesus Christ. Praise the Lord. Can you imagine what our lives would be like if we changed our faith with the constantly changing world…Ouch! I praise his name daily for loving us and giving us the constant gift of Peace, Grace and Joy. I ask that you lift your eyes to the heavens, that your prayers are for wisdom and our lives continually have God in our hearts. We have the opportunity to show the world the Blessings we receive as Christians which is a non-changing event through out our lives. Colossians 3:17 and whatever you do, whether in the word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the father through him. God be in my head and in my thinking… Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Face the Day

Good Morning World!! How do we face the day? Do we jump out of bed with a smile in our heart? When facing trials, disappointments or challenges are we over loaded with negativity? It can be so easy for some to turn from our Lord when inundated with fears and doubts. They forget they are only as strong as their faith. Through my work (a Christian University) we begin each class with devotions and prayer requests. I am always up lifted by our student’s attitude and devotion to God and Jesus Christ. Although they may feel over loaded with responsibilities of families, jobs and class load they continue to lean on the Lord. They know their strength, wisdom and peace is a product of their faith. It is not something they come by on their own. How exciting to realize we can accomplish so much in our lives if we follow the path God has for us. 2 Corinthians 3:5 Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competencies come from God. My prayer is that we embrace the day with joy in our hearts, smiles on our faces and knowledge that our Lord waits for us with love that has no boundaries or conditions. No matter what our situations or circumstances happen to be at the moment we are Blessed. Let's live with expectations! This is the day the Lord has made…rejoice and be glad. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Rush Rush Rush

Have you ever had one of those days when you just can not keep up? It seems I am having one today...here it is late in the afternoon and I finally have time to sit and ponder the Lord's word...Now I know some of you are saying, "Cynthia, where is that discipline"? My only response is I believe it jumped ship and went to the neighbors...no excuses...it is shameful. I will continue to work on my Service to the Lord and dedicate my early morning time for the Lord, however I must be honest my fingers began to freeze in place as I typed early morning... What is absolutely amazing is that our Precious Lord waits for us. He never walks away saying I am going to teach you a lesson for not spending enough time this morning. He understands and loves us in spite of our short comings. The gift of Grace! James 1:5 If anyone of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given. My prayer today is that we slow down, prioritize and spend time with our Lord. I pray we ask God for the wisdom and discernment recognizing our won vulnerabilities that keep us from God's favor. Have a blessed evening and I will see you in the early hours... Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Life is What We Make It

I thank the Lord for this beautiful, sunny and glorious day. As I was riding my bike (yes, I did get up this morning) praying and talking with our Lord I realized we are Blessed in so many ways...as Americans we live in comfort compared to most countries, we have the right to work in the field we desire and can choose our lifestyle. God does not directly dictate how we should live...he allows us to make choices whether good or bad. What type are you choosing? Are you following the word of God? It is so easy to get distracted, become negative or decide that we don't "deserve" _____! I pray we stay focused and follow the path the Lord has planned for us. Through our prayers, fellowship and Bible study we are living examples to those around us. Let's shout to the world that we are Christians and loving it. Deuteronomy 10:21 He is your praise; he is your God, who performed for you those great and awesome wonders you saw with your own eyes. God has made our world with beauty and majesty...let's live our lives as a celebration to God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit by making our life choices in compliance with His Word. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Discipline Discipline Discipline

Well praise the Lord, I once again threw on my shorts, t-shirt and tennis shoes and rode my bike...7:30 AM no less...why is it easier to ride at 7:30 in the evening than the morning hours? LACK of DISCIPLINE! How do we live our spiritual life? Are we disciplined? Quite a while ago I heard a saying that has continued to stick with me and I repeat when teaching (I teach for a Christian University)... "Christianity is only "one" generation from extinction". (author unknown) To me this is very frightening. Are we living a life that is disciplined? Are we walking the walk and talking the talk? We have a job that is not quite finished...we are to pass along the love of the Lord and the gift of His Grace, Peace and Joy. We can only do this through Discipline of prayer and continued Bible based education. I pray that you are setting aside time for the Lord with prayer and supplication. Remember to filter the noise and begin or continue to discipline your life with the Lord, Jesus. Psalm 45:17 I will perpetuate your memory through all generations; therefore the nations will praise you forever and ever. We are Blessed everyday and my prayer for us all is that we find the Joy through discipline and prayer so we can spread the Word. In our Lord Jesus name I pray. Amen Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Filter the Noise

Welcome Friends & Family to the day before us... Are we embracing this day? Are we filtering the noise that distracts us from our mission? I sure hope so...I know at times it is like thunder in the living room...and we try to speak louder in order to be heard. Let's keep our focus and enjoy the day the Lord has given us... Our challenges are overcome by the Strength, Love and Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. My prayer today is that we filter the noise and embrace the Love and Support that is waiting for us. All we have to do is ask... Psalm 43:5 Why are you downcast, O my Soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

The Joy of Monday's

What a beautiful day the Lord has given us...I praise his name and say Thank You... 2 Chronicles 29:30 So they sang praises with gladness and bowed their heads and worshipped. We have an opportunity everyday to praise the Lord; even with disappointment, setbacks and obstacles in our path. As Christians we have the choice to turn to the Lord or turn to negativity... My prayer today is for all who are dealing with disappointment, setbacks or obstacles that are blocking their paths...I pray for strength that you will contintue to persevere, I pray for courage that you continue on the path the Lord has for you and I pray that the Lord will embrace you and fill your spirit with Peace, Grace and Joy... Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Celebrate the Lord's Day

Sunday's are one of my favorite days of the week. It is a time we set aside to praise God and Jesus Christ in fellowship, song and prayer. Can it get any better than that? For me it only gets better when I share it with family and friends. Psalm 7:17 I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High. We are Blessed each day and it is a joy to say Alleluia !! Now please don't get me wrong there are days when I am not feeling so joyful...yet that is when I turn my heart to the Lord. He listens and I know Jesus is in control...my challenges may still be blocking my view however the load isn't as heavy. My prayer for all is that your loads are lighter and your view is less blocked knowing that Jesus is in control. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Thankful Hearts

This morning (7:30 AM) I threw on some shorts, t-shirt and tennis shoes and rode my bike...now for anyone who knows me you know the early AM is not my favorite time of day...yet as I was enjoying the morning air, listening to the birds sing and observing all the beauty in this day my heart was filled with awe and wonder! What an amazing world God has given us! We Americans are Blessed with freedom, an abundance of friends & family love that is shared and the opportunities we have as Brothers & Sisters of Christ. We openly worship, witness and praise God and Jesus Christ through prayers and song. What a Blessing. Thessalonians 5:16-18 Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances for this is the Lords will for you in Christ Jesus. I pray today that you too see the beauty of this day and your heart is filled with God's Love, Grace and Holy Spirt. When we turn our heart toward the Lord we are given such gifts...and we say Thank You Dear Lord. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Kaitfors

Rejoice in the Lord and Give Thanks

Rejoice in the Lord and be glad! Isn't that the easiest thing to say? Yet, are we Rejoicing? Do we let "life" get in the way of our Joy? I know I have been guilty of this...ugh! Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. So with "thanksgiving" I look at this day with my eyes open, a smile on my face and the knowledge that God and Jesus Christ are in control... the only requirement needed from me is to embrace the day with a joyful heart and soul. My prayer today for all my Brothers and Sisters in Christ is that we acknowledge our Lord, Jesus Christ with a "thankful" heart knowing he has a plan for each of us. We are Blessed and I say "Thank You Dear Lord". In Jesus name I pray...Amen

The Lord is Our Guide

Thank you Dear Lord for day two! As we go through our day are we thanking the Lord? I know it is easy to say we will spend some "quiet" time with him but do we...and when we do are we thanking the Lord for all he does in our lives...Do we acknowledge his care, love and miracles... As I was preparing to write this blog my eyes looked onto the Scripture that will be read in my church this Sunday and this is what I saw... Deuteronomy 30: 9- The Lord your God will make you abundantly prosperous in all the work of your hand... This tells me that our God will continue to Bless us as we live our lives and all we have to do is love and honor him Wow...what a gift. My prayer today is that we bow or kneel in prayer to say "Thank you, Dear Lord" You are our Savior, our Strength and Wisdom...Please keep us in your arms as we keep you in our hearts. In Jesus name I pray. Amen It would be a priviledge to pray for you...just email me and I will add your prayer concerns to my prayers. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Kaitfors

Following the Lord

As I begin my first blog I pray for direction. Several years ago I found myself in a transition I was unprepared and ill-equipped to handle. DIVORCE...After 31 years of marriage how could this be? The news was like a hot anvil to my chest...not only divorce but betrayal...wow!! When one loses their (thought to be) best friend and left with feelings of unworthy, self doubt and unanswered questions where do you turn. My Answer was simple: God and Jesus Christ. My Solution to handle this transition was not so simple, yet I began journaling the second day of my "New life" and focused my daily routine on the Lord. I have continued to spend time with the Lord since my transition began in 2002. My blog goal is reaching out to those who need support, a caring and listening ear and encouragement from those who have made this walk before them, with Scripture that will let you know the Lord is with us. So my prayer today is that you know the Lord is with you, hears your cries and will ease your discomfort which does turn to Joy... Philippians, 4:6 Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia