He Waits with Outstretched Arms

When death occurs, it is such a difficult moment as we feel the loss and sadness; however today as I learned of a dear friend’s death I knew God had answered her prayers.

She was recently diagnosed with stage 3-lung cancer. Her greatest fear was the pain of death not the death itself. She was a prayer warrior and knew the Lord had forged the path in which she would travel. What she did not know was that God laid a path of peace and grace for our dear friend and sister in Christ.

This is just one tiny miracle in our daily lives…He hears our prayers, our concerns and fears. As we trust in Him, our concerns vanish as they did with our friend. God allowed her to pass onto Him with the grace in which she lived.

Hearing about this moment of grace is only a small fraction of what God does for us. He enriches our lives with His unconditional love, we are given friendships that bring a smile to our faces and memories that touch our hearts.

As we prepare to say good-bye to this joyous friend, colleague and sister in Christ, we do so with mixed emotions. We will miss her dearly; however, I believe she will be watching over us with her smiles and prayers as she did each day.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

God’s love directed our friend’s path to an ending worthy of her love for our Lord, compassion and understanding to her colleagues and her amazing strong spirit. It was a blessing to be called her friend.

Smiles & Blessings
Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Today's Vitamins

Have you ever wondered about taking that ever-ready vitamin pill for strength, endurance and health? I was praying and listening to God’s word the other day and realized we not only need that vitamin on a daily basis but we need the Lord’s word for our joys, blessings and comforts.

It is through our daily walk with God that brings us our confidence and resilience (our vitamin so to speak) as our Lord prepares us for life; we are going to be challenged, tested and quizzed through everyday hurdles and roadblocks. Working and living with the presence of God always present in our lives allows us to jump the hurdles and manuever around the roadblocks.

Let us remember whose we are and who we are… “a child of God”…Through His love and grace we are able to accomplish what God has put in front of us; as we continue to follow His path, our Lord guides and directs us

So prepare for His goodness with daily worship, prayers and thankfulness. His grace is our “vitamin” for continued healing, success and a joyful spirit. Build your personal relationship with Jesus and treasure His goodness and love.

Matthew 16:26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?

As we join in Christian fellowship, follow God’s commands, shine forth with His glory, and relish in our Lords power and majesty.

Smiles & Blessings,
Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Renewed & Refreshed

Whether we begin a new day, a new week or a new year it is with high hopes and optimism. We look at life with a renewed spirit and hope for the coming days. Why is it we need that opportunity to begin fresh?  We are so blessed with the love of Jesus and God’s forgiveness.

The saying; “Today is the first day of the rest of my life”…is a reminder to thank the Lord for our blessings. We are given so much and we give back so little it is essential that we cherish our loved ones, the bounty that blesses us and our opportunities before us.

When struggling with the challenges of employment, poor health or other family crisis’s the Lord knows our hearts and has prepared us for the next step. As we walk with our Lord, build our personal relationship and truly trust His promise we have nothing to fear.

We learn so much about ourselves as we react or not to each new dilemma that confronts our lives. Let's stay strong in our faith, pray with confidence and be prepared for His goodness. The answers may not be in our time, but God’s yet; we are always taken care of. It is through our patience and trust that opens our hearts to see the gifts.

Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

As we enjoy the new beginnings of each day praise God for His goodness, rejoice in our Salvation and feel renewed by the Holy Spirit.

Smiles & Blessings
Cynthia Collins Kaitfors