We are able to observe many relationships throughout our life; today I had an opportunity to observe my son and his daughter. They were singing and moving to the beat as the music sang out while I drove the car.
The expression on my granddaughters face was pure joy and awe as she tried to imitate her Daddy…the laughter and giggles from the back seat made me want to stop the car and get the movie camera out in order to capture a sweet moment.
My son and his daughter have built this wonderful and blossoming relationship that is built on a firm foundation. They spend quality time together swimming, reading, coloring and playing ball. They have established a routine and formed some traditions all in a short span of three years.
While listening and watching them in the car I was flooded with emotions; it was the unadulterated pride that can only come from a parent and grandmother. I had a momentary glance into God’s world. How He must feel when we spend loving and joyful time in His presence.
God patiently waits for us to invite Him to our party…to sing, dance and rejoice in our relationship with Him. As children of God He must swell with love and devotion for His children as we build our foundation planted with His commands and grace.
When we begin our day let’s praise His name; when we drive to work or eat lunch let’s rejoice in our blessings; when we arrive home safely after a busy day let’s bow our heads with gratitude and faith.
Hebrews 10:23-25 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another…
As we make memories with our children and grandchildren let’s celebrate the blessings God has bestowed on us.
Smiles & Blessings,
Cynthia Collins Kaitfors
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Our Strengths
The other day our staff was given an assessment to find our strengths…we were to answer questions and through this assessment we would see how we might handle a situation or resolve a challenge.
What I found interesting was I had taken a similar assessment several years ago and the results were extremely different. I was shocked at the outcome yet realized the results mirror who I am now.
My personal relationship with God and Jesus Christ is the deciding factor. When answering the questions I realized it is no longer about me, but it is making sure I am helping, encouraging and mentoring others to succeed. And I now know that our success is through our faith and trust in God with the talents and skills we possess.
A few of the results were: Harmony (treating others with respect), Connectedness (accept people as they are not what I want them to be) and Belief (not being deterred by others or peer pressure, but stay true to my values).
I received my strengths from God…wanting to please Him and to live a God-like life is my goal; however I fail miserably many times over but our Lord forgives us and with His mercy we are blessed with renewed peace.
Let’s remember to stay connected to God, stay strong in our prayer life and Bible studies and enjoy Christian fellowship. He guides each of us on a path especially designed for success and all we have to do is trust.
Jeremiah 17: 7-8 But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.
Praise His name with thanksgiving and joy.
Smiles & Blessings,
Cynthia Collins Kaitfors
Monday, August 22, 2011
Prayer is a Gift
As this day comes to an end…did we thank God for all the opportunities? Were we able to find the strength to jump the hurdles and maneuver through the obstacles? Whatever our day was… it is most important to remember "this is the day the Lord has made and be glad in it”.
I spoke with a friend the other day who has some health issues…she carried her oxygen and walked ever so slow, but what was most extraordinary was the joy in her spirit and conversation.
She is maneuvering through her obstacles with a smile on her face and joy in her heart. She knows that God is walking with her and she has nothing to fear. She does what she can with what she has at this moment and allows our Lord to do the rest.
We are blessed with friends like this who shine for God no matter what the circumstance. Let’s remember to pray for those who are struggling with their health, finances or careers. The power of prayer is a gift we give to our friends and family.
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 May our Lord Jesus Christ Him-self and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.
Continue to be a blessing to those around you, be assiduous in your prayer life, be steadfast in your Bible studies and praise God with your love.
Smiles & Blessings,
Cynthia Collins Kaitfors
I spoke with a friend the other day who has some health issues…she carried her oxygen and walked ever so slow, but what was most extraordinary was the joy in her spirit and conversation.
She is maneuvering through her obstacles with a smile on her face and joy in her heart. She knows that God is walking with her and she has nothing to fear. She does what she can with what she has at this moment and allows our Lord to do the rest.
We are blessed with friends like this who shine for God no matter what the circumstance. Let’s remember to pray for those who are struggling with their health, finances or careers. The power of prayer is a gift we give to our friends and family.
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 May our Lord Jesus Christ Him-self and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.
Continue to be a blessing to those around you, be assiduous in your prayer life, be steadfast in your Bible studies and praise God with your love.
Smiles & Blessings,
Cynthia Collins Kaitfors
Monday, August 15, 2011
Sing with Joy
In our everyday lives we have prayers, requests and hopes. When we are down we lean on our family or friends and when we are feeling happy we again turn to our family and friends. Yet, it is through our Lord that we receive the gifts of answered prayers and blessings
Let’s remember to continue with our prayers as we wait for God’s support, because as we live through the struggles and the joys He alone clears our paths and supports our dreams and prayers.
As we begin our day… worship Him with your prayers, quiet conversations or even through the songs you sing whether in church, the car or possibly the shower. Rejoice in His name and share the delight in living with Him.
Today is a blessing let’s make the most of it and show our gratitude in serving God with a heart filled with love and our attitude of graciousness extending to those around us. Let’s be blessings to others as God shows us His mercy and grace.
Psalm 33:2-4 Praise the Lord with the harp; make music to Him on the ten-stringed lyre. Sing to Him a new song’ play skillfully, and shout for joy. For the word of the Lord is right and true, He is faithful in all He does.
Go forth today with joy and hope in your heart as we do the work God has prepared for us to do.
Smiles & Blessings,
Cynthia Collins Kaitfors
Let’s remember to continue with our prayers as we wait for God’s support, because as we live through the struggles and the joys He alone clears our paths and supports our dreams and prayers.
As we begin our day… worship Him with your prayers, quiet conversations or even through the songs you sing whether in church, the car or possibly the shower. Rejoice in His name and share the delight in living with Him.
Today is a blessing let’s make the most of it and show our gratitude in serving God with a heart filled with love and our attitude of graciousness extending to those around us. Let’s be blessings to others as God shows us His mercy and grace.
Psalm 33:2-4 Praise the Lord with the harp; make music to Him on the ten-stringed lyre. Sing to Him a new song’ play skillfully, and shout for joy. For the word of the Lord is right and true, He is faithful in all He does.
Go forth today with joy and hope in your heart as we do the work God has prepared for us to do.
Smiles & Blessings,
Cynthia Collins Kaitfors
Thursday, August 11, 2011
It's All About You...Not
While commuting to work the other day I saw a billboard that stated, “It is all about you”…I do not know what the advertisement was for, however it made me think. Is it always about us… Individually? For many this could be a very dangerous trap as we would truly believe we are the ones that are most important.
Living with this thought in mind our selfishness, self-centered and egotistical behavior could run rampant. The thought it is all about you has no room for anyone else… especially our Lord. God wants us to have a servant’s heart yet if we put ourselves first then we have no room for others.
Let’s go about our day with a heart filled with gratitude and warmth as we enjoy sharing our work place, family space and community environment with the pleasure of being one of God’s own. He alone will give us the attention needed, the health prayed for and blessings of His miracles.
Isaiah 58:11 The Lord will guide you always.
Being in relationship with our Lord keeps us grounded in God’s commands, opens our hearts to others and allows us to follow His plan. Let’s stay in prayer and conversation with our Lord, appreciate all we have and serve God.
Smiles & Blessings,
Cynthia Collins Kaitfors
Living with this thought in mind our selfishness, self-centered and egotistical behavior could run rampant. The thought it is all about you has no room for anyone else… especially our Lord. God wants us to have a servant’s heart yet if we put ourselves first then we have no room for others.
Let’s go about our day with a heart filled with gratitude and warmth as we enjoy sharing our work place, family space and community environment with the pleasure of being one of God’s own. He alone will give us the attention needed, the health prayed for and blessings of His miracles.
Isaiah 58:11 The Lord will guide you always.
Being in relationship with our Lord keeps us grounded in God’s commands, opens our hearts to others and allows us to follow His plan. Let’s stay in prayer and conversation with our Lord, appreciate all we have and serve God.
Smiles & Blessings,
Cynthia Collins Kaitfors
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
New Insight &Faith
I have always wondered why some people have this amazing and strong faith while others do not. What touched that person…what brought them the knowledge that many others have to find after years of struggle or disappointment?
When talking with a friend we shared that our families did not talk much about God or Jesus Christ but we were expected to attend church regularly and be good. My friend and I then began to think about our own families and how we raised our children.
We realized that if one is not raised with a personal relationship to God and Jesus Christ it is not impossible to learn and pass it on to the children, even adult children. It is like giving a new branch to the family tree, as we are grafting the branch of God and Jesus Christ onto it.
It is a time to reflect as to what is most important and to share the word of God and begin developing or continue building a personal relationship with Jesus. This is easily accomplished simply by reading scripture with your children and other family members, praying together, joining Bible studies and enjoying Christian fellowship.
As we achieve our goal by modeling the behavior we want our children to learn we also obtain the ultimate gift from God…a relationship from our Lord that brings us understanding and compassion while living closely with Him.
Although we may have struggles or challenges our load is lightened by walking with God; we have new insight and faith all the while trusting God.
John 16:23-24 “I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and He will grant your request because you use My name. Ask, using My name, and you will receive and you will have abundant joy.”
We can have no greater delight than knowing our God…Give thanks for His mercy and peace.
Smiles & Blessings,
Cynthia Collins Kaitfors
When talking with a friend we shared that our families did not talk much about God or Jesus Christ but we were expected to attend church regularly and be good. My friend and I then began to think about our own families and how we raised our children.
We realized that if one is not raised with a personal relationship to God and Jesus Christ it is not impossible to learn and pass it on to the children, even adult children. It is like giving a new branch to the family tree, as we are grafting the branch of God and Jesus Christ onto it.
It is a time to reflect as to what is most important and to share the word of God and begin developing or continue building a personal relationship with Jesus. This is easily accomplished simply by reading scripture with your children and other family members, praying together, joining Bible studies and enjoying Christian fellowship.
As we achieve our goal by modeling the behavior we want our children to learn we also obtain the ultimate gift from God…a relationship from our Lord that brings us understanding and compassion while living closely with Him.
Although we may have struggles or challenges our load is lightened by walking with God; we have new insight and faith all the while trusting God.
John 16:23-24 “I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and He will grant your request because you use My name. Ask, using My name, and you will receive and you will have abundant joy.”
We can have no greater delight than knowing our God…Give thanks for His mercy and peace.
Smiles & Blessings,
Cynthia Collins Kaitfors
Monday, August 8, 2011
Season's of Your Life
Years ago I was asked to be a guest speaker at a Woman’s Retreat and the theme of the event was the “Seasons of our Lives.” It did not take me more than a minute to say yes, “I would love to do it” and to talk about the spring of my life.
Interestingly enough I do not think of a person’s season as the chronological age of a person, but the season God has given us in our spiritual walk. As I follow God and Jesus Christ I am in the spring, because I am one of the “farmers”. I truly enjoy planting seeds, watering and nurturing someone’s faith.
As we pray and learn about ourselves our personal relationship with God develops as we begin to understand what our Lord expects from us. We all have a purpose and God has the plan, however without a loving and growing relationship we will not understand what God has intended.
We do not need all the facts, information or a blueprint…all that is needed is the closeness with God and trust. God implanted on my heart to teach (plant), to give information (water) and to encourage (nurture) about faith and the love of Jesus Christ.
It is a heartwarming and gratifying feeling to know that I am doing what God wants from me. At a very young age I knew I was going to be a teacher, what I did not know was I would be teaching from my heart about our loving and gracious God.
John 5:24 “I tell you the truth, whoever hears My word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemmed; he has crossed over from death to life.”
What joy we receive when we walk the path God has forged; what satisfaction is felt when receiving God’s blessings; what a rewarding life we live when knowing the love of Jesus.
Smiles & Blessings,
Cynthia Collins Kaitfors
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Follow Your Dreams
Moving forward through self-doubt, challenges or overwhelming hurdles is as small as an ant hill or as gigantic as Mt. Everest. It is all about perspective and personal attitude. If we constantly beat ourselves up with negative thoughts and feelings we will not realize our abilities or assets.
When remembering that we are children of God and we are made in His image; then there is nothing that will keep us from accomplishing what our Lord has put on our hearts. Our dreams, aspirations and creativity are gifts from God.
He endows us with strengths and talents and through our constant faith and trust we walk toward all that God has waiting for us. It is not with arrogance we achieve our dreams but it is with God’s love that instills our confidence of success.
What joy our Lord must feel when we undertake the challenges of new ideas or opportunities with gratitude and delight for our God given skills and talents. As we carry out our mission with total certainty and conviction nothing will stand in our way of moving forward.
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.
Follow through with your dreams; know that God has sanctioned your work and He waits for you to navigate around the hurdles and glide past the negative thoughts as you take pride in your triumphs all the while praising his name.
Smiles & Blessings,
Cynthia Collins Kaitfors
When remembering that we are children of God and we are made in His image; then there is nothing that will keep us from accomplishing what our Lord has put on our hearts. Our dreams, aspirations and creativity are gifts from God.
He endows us with strengths and talents and through our constant faith and trust we walk toward all that God has waiting for us. It is not with arrogance we achieve our dreams but it is with God’s love that instills our confidence of success.
What joy our Lord must feel when we undertake the challenges of new ideas or opportunities with gratitude and delight for our God given skills and talents. As we carry out our mission with total certainty and conviction nothing will stand in our way of moving forward.
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.
Follow through with your dreams; know that God has sanctioned your work and He waits for you to navigate around the hurdles and glide past the negative thoughts as you take pride in your triumphs all the while praising his name.
Smiles & Blessings,
Cynthia Collins Kaitfors
Saturday, August 6, 2011
In Times of Sorrow
Some days are tougher than others; last week I heard about a family losing their son to a skateboard accident. How do we muster the strength to move forward, how do we make sense of such a freak accident or how do we survive our grief?
I do believe losing a child is the worst possible l0ss…yet, with the strength we receive from God He carries us through the mindless days of anguish and sorrow. He knows our heartache and misery as He too lost a son. During these difficult times keep the family in prayer as they search for the answers and are given God’s peace.
The ache in their heart is beyond comprehension and all we can do is let them know we are thinking of them through prayers, cards and possibly just sitting with them. Don’t be afraid to ask, “What can I do “or “what do you need” and then be their earthly Angels.
Psalm 147:3-6 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name. Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit.
In times of trial and sheer desperation it is essential we hang tight to Jesus as He will help us through the ordeal. Praise His name as He understands our sorrow with support and compassion.
Smiles & Blessings,
Cynthia Collins Kaitfors
I do believe losing a child is the worst possible l0ss…yet, with the strength we receive from God He carries us through the mindless days of anguish and sorrow. He knows our heartache and misery as He too lost a son. During these difficult times keep the family in prayer as they search for the answers and are given God’s peace.
The ache in their heart is beyond comprehension and all we can do is let them know we are thinking of them through prayers, cards and possibly just sitting with them. Don’t be afraid to ask, “What can I do “or “what do you need” and then be their earthly Angels.
Psalm 147:3-6 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name. Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit.
In times of trial and sheer desperation it is essential we hang tight to Jesus as He will help us through the ordeal. Praise His name as He understands our sorrow with support and compassion.
Smiles & Blessings,
Cynthia Collins Kaitfors
Friday, August 5, 2011
Meeting Our Goals.
What joys we have in each new day as we prepare for new opportunities or just cleaning a closet. When our thoughts and feelings are aligned with the Lord we are walking in His light. It is through His love we are lifted up with spiritual energy as we go about our day
We are instilled with a get-up-and-go that drives us to new levels; our Lord wants us to succeed in every aspect of our lives and to shine for God. We do this by being honorable in our decision making, meeting goals with a compassionate heart and being humble as we accomplish the smallest of chores.
We also raise our level of devotion to God through daily prayers and conversation, continued Bible studies and the enjoyment of Christian fellowship. Let’s show the world how a lifestyle of living within God’s commands can sustain us through struggles, rejoices with us on our successes and fills our soul with His love.
Life is not always easy or comfortable; however we find solace in His care as we grow in our Christian maturity. So whether we are cleaning closets or embarking on new adventures let’s go forth with a heart filled with His compassion and grace as we take up the challenge of this day.
1 Corinthians 16:13-14, 23 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love...The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.
Allow God to be ever present in your life; allow your heart to overflow with His peace; allow the Holy Spirit to seal you with His love.
Smiles & Blessings,
Cynthia Collins Kaitfors
We are instilled with a get-up-and-go that drives us to new levels; our Lord wants us to succeed in every aspect of our lives and to shine for God. We do this by being honorable in our decision making, meeting goals with a compassionate heart and being humble as we accomplish the smallest of chores.
We also raise our level of devotion to God through daily prayers and conversation, continued Bible studies and the enjoyment of Christian fellowship. Let’s show the world how a lifestyle of living within God’s commands can sustain us through struggles, rejoices with us on our successes and fills our soul with His love.
Life is not always easy or comfortable; however we find solace in His care as we grow in our Christian maturity. So whether we are cleaning closets or embarking on new adventures let’s go forth with a heart filled with His compassion and grace as we take up the challenge of this day.
1 Corinthians 16:13-14, 23 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love...The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.
Allow God to be ever present in your life; allow your heart to overflow with His peace; allow the Holy Spirit to seal you with His love.
Smiles & Blessings,
Cynthia Collins Kaitfors
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