Dehydration

I was reading an article the other day on dehydration and its symptoms. One of the facts stated that if a person is dehydrated and generally does not drink water then their body does not recognize being dehydrated.

That same thought process is true for our belief in God and Jesus Christ. If we do not believe then we have no idea how badly we need God in our lives. It is only through our constant connection do we have any awareness of our necessities.

Many people say “I believe in God” and then go about living the life they choose…it is all about them and what they want. However living a life with God and Jesus Christ is never about what we want but what God wants for us.

Our bodies need water as our souls need God and Jesus Christ. Staying healthy not only physically but spiritually allows each of us to accomplish our goals and to follow the path God has for us. We do that by keeping hydrated in the scriptures and living God-like and Jesus loving.

John 4:13-14 Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

Let’s enjoy the day before us knowing that God is waiting to fill our souls, guide us on the right path and to allow us to shine for Him.

Smiles & Blessings,
Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Handle with Care

“Handle with care”…immediately we know to take notice, be cautious and to ensure the element of concern is not broken or damaged. We make sure our handling of the item or situation is treated gently and tenderly. Contemplate our lives using these thoughts (Handle with Care) when sharing life with family, friends or acquaintances.


What a positive and joyful atmosphere would envelope all those you are in contact with…It would be obvious that people are lovingly taken care of others and their concerns are a priority.


Living a life of “Handle with Care” allows us to walk closer to God as we are learning to treat others as we would like to be treated. I truly believe God handles our lives with care and never fails to lift us up or heal our hearts…let’s strive to be God-like and reach out to those we love and care about.


2 Thessalonians 1:3 We ought always to thank God for you, brothers, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing.


It is a blessing to walk in love with our Lord as we reach out, pray and join in Christian Fellowship as we spread the smiles of God.


Smiles & Blessings,
Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Glory of the Day

Did we get up on the right side of bed today…jump out and say Praise God for the glory of this day? If not let’s say it now and remember all that we are given is a gift… We have the joy and freedom to share His love by being the person He has created us to be.


It doesn’t mean we may not meet some challenges along the way, but it does mean we are able to see beyond our difficulties and smile as we know who is in control. Allowing God to shape our lives as we become more obedient is the corner stone of our faith…Trust.


Our relationship with the Lord only gets better as we worship, pray and spend quality time with Him. God is faithful, loving and merciful…He has prepared the way for each of us. Let’s follow the path before us as we listen to His word.


Psalm 128:1-2 Happy are those who respect the Lord and obey Him. You will enjoy what you work for, and you will be blessed with good things.


Obeying and respecting God is a pleasure as we accomplish our tasks no matter how overwhelming they may be. With God’s grace and strength we are energized to finish what He has laid before us.


Go forth with a smile and thankfulness that fills your soul.


Smiles & Blessings,
Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Personalize Prayer

The Lord gives us so many gifts but the most astonishing is that personal relationship. We are given the same opportunity we give our own children. We love them so and are pleased beyond words when we share that special time together.

Yet, when our children are talking to us are they distracted…are they investing themselves into the conversation or are we getting lip service? If they are we are disappointed but still love them…We should then ask ourselves… is our relationship with God without distractions?

I pray we are not giving lip service to our Father, but we are personalizing our conversations with Him…making our prayers about God and not ourselves. We are praising Him for His love…thanking Him for all we have and all that we will be.


The more we praise God and follow His commands the more we are blessed. He wants us to receive all He has…to trust in times of trials and to rejoice as we walk through our difficulties with Him.


He is our strength…so as we turn our thoughts and prayers to Him let us open our hearts and talk to our Father. Rejoice knowing He has heard our pleas and has already prepared the way….


Psalm 29:1-2 Ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Give to the Lord the glory due to His name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.


He hears all our conversations…and answers…Praise God!


Smiles & Blessings,
Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Personalize Prayer

The Lord gives us so many gifts but the most astonishing is that personal relationship. We are given the same opportunity we give our own children. We love them so and are pleased beyond words when we have that special time with them. Yet, when our children are talking to us are they distracted…are they investing themselves into the conversation or are we getting lip service? How are we treating God… I pray we are not giving lip service to our Father, but we are personalizing our conversations with Him…making our prayers about God and not ourselves. We are praising Him for His love…thanking Him for all we have and all that we will be. The more we praise God and follow His commands the more we are blessed. He wants us to receive all He has…to trust in times of trials and to rejoice as we walk through our difficulties with Him. He is our strength…so as we turn our thoughts and prayers to Him let us open our hearts and talk to our Father. Rejoice knowing He has heard our pleas and has already prepared the way…. Psalm 29:1-2 Ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Give to the Lord the glory due to His name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. He hears all our conversations…and answers…Praise God! Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

The Lord gives us so many gifts but the most astonishing is that personal relationship. We are given the same opportunity we give our own children. We love them so and are pleased beyond words when we have that special time with them. Yet, when our children are talking to us are they distracted…are they investing themselves into the conversation or are we getting lip service? How are we treating God… I pray we are not giving lip service to our Father, but we are personalizing our conversations with Him…making our prayers about God and not ourselves. We are praising Him for His love…thanking Him for all we have and all that we will be. The more we praise God and follow His commands the more we are blessed. He wants us to receive all He has…to trust in times of trials and to rejoice as we walk through our difficulties with Him. He is our strength…so as we turn our thoughts and prayers to Him let us open our hearts and talk to our Father. Rejoice knowing He has heard our pleas and has already prepared the way…. Psalm 29:1-2 Ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Give to the Lord the glory due to His name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. He hears all our conversations…and answers…Praise God! Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

The Battle is Won

The battle is won through prayer… When all seems to be going downhill, ending with a negative result or life is beyond our control we become frantic or worse… end in despair. The battle is won through prayer…when all seems dismal, don’t know which way to turn or our shoulders are heavy with the burdens…it seems too much to bear. The battle is won through prayer… what a wonderful thought and can only mean one thing…Jesus walked before us, showed His love and taught us to care. The battle is won through prayer…He is our way to Salvation, a life filled with mercy and grace to share. There is no other way to live and nothing can compare… Psalm 145:13-14 The Lord is faithful to all His promises and loving toward all He has made. The Lord upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. The battle is won through prayer…praise God ! Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Beautiful Stones

One of my favorite past times when walking on the beach is finding those smooth rounded rocks that have been rolled over and over as the sand and waves transformed a rough, rugged or jagged rock into a smooth beautiful stone. Life with Christ can do this for us. We can be transformed from a negative, rough person into a child of God with a beautiful spirit. We become smooth in our conversations as we consider feelings of others, their situations or struggles. We have a gentler spirit that goes out of our way for a person in need, whether it is personal time spent in prayer, chores or favors. God uses our life experiences to develop our heart for others, to expand our horizons for new opportunities and to shine for God. He utilizes our challenges, struggles and disappointments to enhance our faith as we trust Him in all endeavors. Psalm 51:2, 13 Wash away all my guilt and make me clean again. …Then I will teach your ways to those who do wrong, and sinners will turn back to you. Lord, continue to smooth out our rough edges, soften our sharp tongues and eliminate our negative attitudes. Enhance our lives with your love, mercy and grace as we build our faith and devotion to You… Amen. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Person of Influence

Let’s be a person of influence. We have all been given the gift…all we need to do is accept His love and grace. When we smile at someone, treat someone with kindness, understanding and joy we have become a person of influence. We have been given a job while on earth…sometimes we plant, other times we water and still other times we help with the harvest. Depending on the need, the time and situation God will have us at the right place at the right time. What a joy to know that we do the work God has given us to do. He has blessed us with His confidence, wisdom and knowledge to go out and be a witness through our conversations, behavior and faith. 1 Chronicles 29:12 Both riches and honor come from You, and You reign over all. In Your hand is power and might; in Your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. Let’s go forth with forgiveness in our hearts, smiles on our faces and joy for the Lord. Jesus gave His life for us…let’s live our lives for Him. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

God Provides the Way

During our Lenten Season we are more aware of temptation, sin and forgiveness. What a wonder it is that God knows our hearts, our desires and our weaknesses and prepares our lives for all we may be confronted with. Unfortunately the devil also knows our weaknesses and uses them against us in order for us to rationalize why we can do what we should not do. Once the thought of temptation is planted and we give it credence the power of doing wrong is accepted. Knowing this only strengthens our need for God and His mercy, as it is through God that we are protected. So when being tempted with life let’s turn to God and remember His commands and live the life He has planned for us. 1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will also provide that way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. We are blessed, shielded and sheltered with God’s armor and He defends us from the enemy…Hang tight to our Lord through continued Bible studies, prayers and supplications and praise for His love and forgiveness. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Let's Recycle

While working with a colleague the other day we listened to a song about recycling…it had a great beat with wonderful lyrics teaching children the benefits of recycling used goods. I joked that we were improving our minds as we listened to songs about trash. Yet, when thinking about recycling it is really about reusing, rejuvenating and refreshing old, used or broken goods. The goods are reborn into something more useful, more valuable and more effective. A new way to think about recycling is how God improves, advances or adjusts our lives. We have been reborn, refreshed or rejuvenated in the love of God. Our Lord has perfect timing and when He sees we need to be tweaked God steps in and adjusts our lives to follow His path. What an amazing gift He gives us…He does not throw us away but refines our lives in order for us to live a life of love, mercy and grace. He binds us together through the sacrifice of Jesus and fills our souls with the Holy Spirit. John 6:40 “For My Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life. “ He truly is Amazing Grace! Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Seek God

Many years ago an Amazing book, The Purpose Driven Life, by Rick Warren filtered through churches, Bible studies and continues to inspire many. It focuses on our purpose as we live our lives. Our ultimate goal in life is to seek God…to build that personal relationship with Him and live our lives following the path He has chosen. What a wonderful goal…to seek out and to find our Lord waiting for us. He is waiting to build a bond that carries us through every storm, challenge and struggle. Once we have learned to trust God there is little reason to stress or be concerned. That does not mean we ignore problems or situations but it does mean whatever happens we are in God’s hands. We know that He has taken care of the problem or that He has prepared us for the next challenge. Knowing all this allows us to go forward with confidence and anticipation of new opportunities and adventures. With joy in our hearts that only comes from God...let’s praise His name and thank him for the love. Psalm 52:9 I will thank You and confide in You forever, because You have done it [delivered me and kept me safe]. I will wait on , hope in and expect in Your name, for it is good. Let’s strive for the ultimate…seek God and attain the blessings only He can give. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Faith is the Answer

As we go through life…the struggles, the heartache or the disappointments do we continue to trust God? Are we one of those believers that only believe when everything is going smoothly? What a joy it is to believe when all is falling apart, nothing is going right and we have absolutely no idea what to do. Believing is trusting when we can’t see the road ahead…trusting God to do what He says He will do…take care of us, guide us and prepare us for each hurdle and joy that is waiting for us. All that we are and all that lays ahead of us… faith is the answer. God is a faithful God and through our faith He will not abandon us. So as we go through the day let’s change how we think…let’s be positive in the midst of a storm and know that God has already laid the foundation for us. Psalm 13:5-6 I’ve thrown myself headlong into your arms-I’m celebrating your rescue. I’m singing at the top of my lungs, I’m so full of answered prayers. We thank you Lord for the blessings of answered prayers, for lifting us up when all seemed lost and for forgiving us our transgressions. In your name dear Jesus we pray. Amen. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

"I" Syndrome

Sharing life with those around us is a blessing and delight. We have an opportunity to encourage, help and support when others are in need. It brings the true meaning of friendship and family love alive. On the other hand have you ever been around someone who begins each sentence with I… or when discussing someone else they interrupt with I…someone with the “I” syndrome is someone to avoid. Our Lord wants us to “love thy neighbor as ourselves, but not to love ourselves more than anyone else. It is important that we acknowledge and understand what God wants of us. As we live our lives let’s live as if God is walking next to us…let’s do what He would want and go beyond the box when someone is in need. Remembering the sacrifice of Jesus and His boundless love let’s continue through our Lenten Season with love and devotion to God as we become a beacon for others. Psalm 122:8-9 Because of my friends and my relatives, I will pray for peace. And because of the house of the Lord our God, I will work for your good. Join in and worship the Lord as you show kindness, compassion and grace to those around you. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Plant for God

With spring on the way, warm weather around the corner and lots of sunshine on the horizon we will be blessed with glorious temperatures in the very near future. We feel refreshed and rejuvenated with the onset of sunshine and warm weather. It is a time of new birth…the trees begin to bud, a few flowers break through the ground and we get the urge to plant. The question is what are we planting...what do we help nurture or water. Our Lord has given us each a job…We have the joy to spread God’s word, teach His love and witness our faith. What a blessing we have been given as God has entrusted us with the honor of planting for Him…He allows us to raise our families with the heart of God and love for Jesus…to be a light into our small circle of friends, family and acquaintances. Let’s not hide our light but shine brightly for God. Psalm 40:3 He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many people will see this and worship him. Then they will trust the Lord. God has made you one of His vessels…bring honor and glory to His name. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Joy of Family

Today like so many other Sunday’s we spent the day with my granddaughter…what a joy! We rode our bikes, went to the park and did our “projects”. Now that she is three we are able to take her out to nice restaurants…today was Japanese, TapanYaki and the use of chop sticks. As I think back on our day I silently said to myself, “there is nothing like being close to family.” I suddenly realized this must be how God feels when we spend quality time with Him. We pray, talk to Him at meals (thanking him for our bounty) and enjoy His fellowship. God waits to be invited into our lives and what joy He must receive when we feel His closeness. Realizing we don’t always have Jesus as the main family member in our lives should make us guilty and sad as we are not always open to receive God’s love and that special relationship…. We get so busy with work, responsibilities and families that we neglect to invite our most important family member. So beginning today let’s make the choice to have God and Jesus Christ as the center of our lives. Psalm 51:1-2 God, be merciful to me because you are loving. Because you are always ready to be merciful, wipe out all my wrongs. Wash away all my guilt and make me clean again. Continue in prayers and repentance through our Lenten Season as we build our personal relationship with Jesus. What a gift He has given. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Repentant Heart

Living in love with God gives us a sure foundation…we have entrusted our lives and souls to our Lord; we follow His commands throughout the day and receive His grace and mercy. Building on our knowledge and faith during the Lenten Season we have an opportunity to improve our personal relationship with Jesus as we can devote extra time in prayer, begin a devotional or journal time. With a true repentant heart ask God for His forgiveness and enjoy the salvation that is so easily given. Let us bow in prayer as we have that special conversation with Him as only He can guide and lead us where we need to be. Let’s take the step that leads us toward our Father and Jesus Christ. With all that is going on in our personal lives and the world let’s choose to worship; begin today thanking God for all we have and trust Him to take you through any fires along the way. Psalm 143:10 Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing. Allow God and Jesus to live in your hearts…hear Their words and feel Their love. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Peace & Tranquility

What would our lives be like if we lived God-like and Jesus-strong…no matter the difficulties we would be positive, wise and demonstrate a mature faith? We would face our adversities as each day was without hardships or complications. Allowing our faith to grow, flourish and blossom would be a true testament for our love and trust in God; yet, we have those moments, hours or days that try to beat us down and suck the joy from us. Our saving grace is that we can always count on our Lord for strength to endure the seemingly impossible. The knowledge that God and Jesus Christ are always with us and at times carry us through the muck and mire is a blessing. When you are feeling pain, disappointment or disillusionment keep your eyes heaven bound, your prayers focused on Jesus and your heart strong in God’s word. He continues to bless, guide and prepare the way… Psalm 91:1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Walking in love with God allows us peace and tranquility in a not so tranquil world. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Constant Source of Stability

There are days that we are forever behind, playing catch up and running ourselves ragged. We think we don’t have time for anyone or anything…and prayer time is on the back burner… What is wrong with this thought process? In order for our days to run smoothly, accomplish all that is needed with little to no stress and complete our tasks is achieved with the helping hand of God. He is our answer to a calm and serene disposition, a temperament that allows positive thoughts and actions and absolute success in our endeavors. God is our constant source of stability. Let’s take time conversing with God…thanking Him for our day, for the opportunities that lie ahead and for strength and a positive nature that reflects His love. Loving God is a joy we reflect through our character and outlook on life. Isaiah 33: 6 He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure. Take time to bow in prayer through the season of Lent as we praise God for His grace, Jesus for His sacrifice and the Holy Spirit for the love that fills our soul… enjoy this day. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

God's Delight

When walking through struggles and challenges it is tough to see the joys at the end of the path…God hears our distress and soothes our soul, relieves our pain and strengthens our body. What an amazing gift we receive when walking in faith, trusting and holding tight to Jesus. God loves us so much that He is there during our ordeals. As we wonder through the maze of difficulties let’s not forget God’s promises… He wraps us in His mercy and grace, fills us with His wisdom and strengthens us with His forgiveness. Psalm 34: 4 I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears. Knowing we are God’s delight it is a joy to praise His name, spend time in prayer and continue building a personal relationship with Jesus as He is our Comfort. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Go Forward and Forgive

When talking with a friend a while back the subject of forgiveness came up…how do we forgive and move on. We talked about how important it is to be God-like…to move forward and walk in grace. Many times this is a challenge…we are human after all, yet when studying the Bible and being in relationships with people who love God and who diligently walk the Christian walk makes our challenges much easier. God encourages us to be positive and to let the past bury itself. What a blessing to know our Lord lifts us up and inspire us to be a loving and forgiving person. Our eyes are in the front of our head to see clearly the direction we are headed. Let’s not walk backwards as God wants us always going forward…to Him. To forgive anyone the hurts and pains that were caused is a way of thanking God for all that we have in our lives…being grateful for new opportunities, new challenges and new experiences. Philippians 3: 14 …but one thing I do, forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Give thanks for God’s love and the strength, wisdom and grace we receive while walking with Jesus. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Accept the Gift

Unfortunately throughout our lives we are given negative feedback, thoughtless comments or looks of doubt which lead us to question our abilities. Through those actions we develop insecurities which lead us to mistrust our skills and talents. When having those feelings of disbelief lets’ do the “self-talk”…we can accomplish our dreams and goals because we can do all things through Christ. Believing in ourselves is like accepting the gifts from God. Following His guidance, staying in prayer and trusting…allows us to achieve all that God has planned for us. He knows our hearts and gives us all we need to be the person He had attended. What a joy to feel the familiarity and love of God…go forward today knowing we do not walk alone…we have Jesus who understands and the Holy Spirit who feeds our soul. Rejoice in His name and follow His way. 1 Peter 4: 10 Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. Show God’s love as we walk in grace with each other. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Today Like No Other

Today is a day like no other…let’s rejoice in the blessings and share the love. We live in the most incredible times…technology is up and beyond comprehensions, luxuries are an everyday occurrence in the U.S. and our freedoms abound. We have the choice to smile, show kindness and be tolerant. Let’s live our lives as if God is walking next to us…when we speak let it be with compassion and understanding, when we see someone with concerns let’s be of help and when we bow in prayer let it be from the heart. What a joy to see those around us with happiness in their souls, a tinkle in their eyes and a skip in their walk. We are daughters and sons of the most loving God and brothers and sisters to Jesus. Psalm 1:1-2 Happy are those who…love the Lord’s teachings, and they think about those teachings day and night. Allow God’s light to shine, share the compassion and grace of Jesus and enjoy the love of the Holy Spirit… Smiles & Blessings Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Fools Rush In

When beginning any new project or relationship do you jump in with both feet…or do you make sure you are on a solid and safe foundation? I remember a song by Ricky Nelson that began, “When fools rush in… where Angels fear to tread…” Gives thought to our choices and how we decide to act. It makes me wonder how we live our lives… do we rush into situations without thinking or do we make sure there is a solid foundation guiding us. And then the question is…who is guiding our lives…peers, society or God and Jesus Christ? Being reckless is not living in grace with God…I pray we are following His commands, listening to his guiding words and enjoying the miracles in our lives. As we enlarge our territories with new friends, work and a growing faith let’s show God’s love by being an inspiration to those around us. Be an example: pray over a meal, lead devotions or help someone that is struggling with everyday life. Give encouragement to those feeling hopeless by spending quality time or make that phone call that says hi… I am thinking about you. It’s the small acts of kindness that makes us God like. Psalm 16:5-6 Lord, you have assigned my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in the pleasant places. Let’s be earthly Angels and praise God. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

The Gift

Knowing God walks with us, gives us strength and lifts us up in our times of need is a gift. Let’s rejoice in the name of Jesus…Praising His name, following the path and accomplishing all that God has in store for us. Throughout our lives God gives us opportunities to achieve our dreams and goals; however our success depends upon our relationship with the Lord. Does God look down upon us and say, “Ye, of little faith” or does He smile and say, “A person after my own heart?” With a spirit for God we build our relationship with Jesus through prayer, Bible studies and Christian fellowship and it is a joy to be blessed by our faith. It’s like getting a gift; let’s open the present and know we will succeed today and every day. 2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear; but of power and of love and of a sound mind. Today is a new day…a gift…let’s thank God. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors