Monday, June 29, 2015

Disappointments in life

Many times during our lives we are disappointed, disillusioned or distressed. Maybe we did not get the job offer, a relationship did not last or a friend betrayed us. How do we handle this and how do we respond? As Christians what is our next step?

I believe it is important to keep the focus where it should be....on Jesus...building our relationship with Him  in order to live our lives for Him and do the work God has given us to do. We are all going to be let down from time to time, yet it is our reactions that matter. God knows our weaknesses and vulnerabilities...let's not lose the focus...

We have a golden opportunity to shine as Christians when we respond in gentleness, kindness or sincerity. We are not in control of others and it is not up to us to be their keepers. That is our Lord's job...and He does not need our help, which is a good thing as we would more than likely mess it up.

I always marvel at our Lord's love and mercy; He knows our hearts and our plans and continues to love us. We have so many in need; with health issues, financial stress or worldly struggles. It is important we follow our Lord, join in fellowship with like minded Christians and spend time building the bond with our Lord and Savior.

The closer we become to God the more we want to please Him; I can only imagine how sweet it would be to know that we are the "apple of His eye"...to be counted as one of His. My prayer is we keep the focus on Jesus, continue to pray for everyone (no matter the circumstances) and ask the Lord to watch over us in our times of trials.
 
Ephesians 3:16-17 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith

Let us go forth with love in our hearts and mercy for all...and may God's blessings shine on us through out the days.

Smiles & Blessings,
Cynthia Collins Kaitfors 

Friday, June 26, 2015

Family Love and Generosity...

I had the opportunity to speak to a friend the other day and heard how her sister decided to surprise her with enough money to upgrade a badly needed kitchen fix. My friend was overwhelmed by her sister's generosity and love.

This reminded me of our Lord's love, as He puts earthly angels in our lives. We are blessed everyday with tiny miracles we receive from friends and family. It may be a phone call that brightens our day, a surprise visit or a date for lunch when we so needed a break.

What is so sweet about my friend's kitchen is she would have been just fine with the way it was, but having the surprise upgrade was a testimony of God's love. She had wanted to fix the needed improvements for years, but was unable to afford it. She would never have asked for the help, yet her sister understood this and was blessed with God's abundance, which allowed her  to reach out and help my friend. What a joyful conversation that must have been when she heard what her sister was going to do and what a prayer of thanksgiving my friend gave to our Lord.

Many times we need God's help, but believe we do not have the right to ask, yet He tells us to come to him with prayers and supplications. Our Lord wants nothing more than to know we trust in Him enough to ask for His help. Of course we will not have all our request answered the way we would like however God does answer our prayers.

My prayer this day is we seek Him, trust Him and love Him. He is the way and He is our benefactor. Our lives may not be filled with financial abundance or continual upgrades to homes or cars, yet our abundance grows in our faith. It fills our souls with joy knowing we have His grace and love.

 Hebrew 11: 6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Let us continue to spread God's joy by reaching out to others, sharing His promises and thanking Him for all we have. Our lives are not about what we do not have but what we do have...family, friends and God's unfailing love.

Smiles & Blessings,
Cynthia Collins Kaitfors


Thursday, June 25, 2015

Overwhelming chores

There are days I believe I have it all together and others that totally overwhelm me. Yesterday was one of those days...a project that I thought to be doable became over the top involved and complex. My first thought was just do not do it..after all it is not something I have to accomplish.

But then I could hear that inner voice saying something different. Sometimes we are given chores or projects that will stretch our limits, push us for further growth or increase our confidence. Although my first impulse was to ignore and give up, I realized what ever is put before me I must complete. It does not matter how trying or difficult it may seem I can accomplish it.

Our Lord continues to walk with us, gives us strength and the fortitude to push forward with energy and feelings of a positive attitude...a can do attitude with God's help. This was a good lesson for me as I must remember that God does not desert us when the going is trying, complicated or over the top involved.

Through prayer and trust we will accomplish the task and know when troubled we will be successful. It may have taken longer and we may have had to work more diligently, however the final outcome is worth the time and effort. 

My prayer today is go forward with your chores, projects or tasks with that can do attitude. Know that our Lord is accompanying us with our endeavors. We do not walk alone nor work alone...let us rejoice that we have the joy and blessings of God.

Philippians 4:4-7  Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

We are blessed knowing that our Lord hears our prayers and fills us with His love, mercy and grace; all the while easing our anxiety through our trust and faith in Him.

Smiles & Blessings
Cynthia Collins Kaitfors 





Saturday, June 20, 2015

What a day

Yahoo, it is a beautiful  warm summer day. I can hear the birds singing, a neighbor mowing the lawn and watched a child ride by on his bike.  When I was young it was filled with library books ( I know that dates me), swimming at the public pool and going to the lake for family picnics. Life was grand, uncomplicated and simple.

I believe we called that "the good ol days"....Yet, it is what is happening now...what is in our lives now that is worth our praise and celebration. It is God and Jesus Christ. Our Father and Savior. What makes this so special is this relationship lasts our entire life not just for a time or season.

We do not have to think back on special times like our fond memories of our childhood, but know that our close relationship with Jesus continues to build and grow. We open our hearts to His love; we are able to see the  miracles of everyday life...a soft warm breeze in the mornings, the laughter of a grandchild, or just enjoying a summer evening.

Many times we get caught up in life, we forget to enjoy the simple daily activities, the blessings of family and friends, the opportunities to help or pray for others and to spend time with our Lord. As we enjoy our day let us remember to thank Him for always being there and to be ever merciful and loving.

Psalm 103:1-3 
Praise the Lord, my soul;
    all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the Lord, my soul,
    and forget not all his benefits—
who forgives all your sins
    and heals all your diseases...


Whether it is a beautiful summer morning or blissful evening watching the stars let us thank our Lord for the miracles of our everyday life. The opportunities to shine for Him and allow His love to glow through us.

Smiles & Blessings,
Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Friday, June 19, 2015

God's Tree

Many of us enjoy learning about our ancestors. Where did we originate, what were they like, and did they have health, wealth or wisdom? Were our ancestors faithful to God and their families? How did their past lives affect us today.

I believe our past does affect our present. We live, worship and raise our children by what we know. It is inter-generational unless we have had different experiences from our parents and grandparents. We tend to continue what is comfortable and known, but breaking from past traditions that do not instill a strong faith and personal relationship with our Lord is the beginning....If past generations lived without a strong faith, yet you are feeling God's call then you have an amazing opportunity to begin that new branch.

It may seem silly, to think we should consider a new branch on our ancestral tree, however it is not a new branch in having babies or marriage. I am talking about adding a new branch to God's tree. Are we raising our families with a personal relationship with our Lord? Are we seriously committed to loving God and building a bond that  strengthens us no matter the circumstances.

We are given so much; we have God's unconditional love, His forgiveness and mercy. Let us shower our family with the gifts we receive from our Father...nourish our children with the compassion from Jesus and begin the tradition of a personal relationship with our Lord. When we do this we will watch our branches blossom and grow as our families faith is strong, sturdy and lasting through the generations.

Jude 1:24-25 To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— 25 to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.

What a joy to know we are growing ever closer to Jesus, raising our families with His love and planting seeds of God's greatness in our children.

Smiles & Blessings,
Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Thursday, June 18, 2015

Incredible Journey

Each day the Lord allows our journey to expand and grow. We feel He blessings through the joy in our lives. We feel His love when there are struggles, grief or incredible hurdles to overcome. We know He is walking with us as our trust in Him keeps us afloat.

As life is peppered between the positive and the negative it is important to remember that we are never alone; therefore let us express the gratitude of graciousness and love to our Lord with our whole hearts.  To remember why we are on this earth...let's continue to shine for the Lord no matter the circumstances and set an example for those around us.

So as we continue today's journey my prayer is we indulge in God's love, mercy and grace; know that He is continually preparing the way and guiding us. We are blessed with His never ending care and assurance that we are His children.

When our paths are geared towards God's plan nothing can be sweeter...it will still have some thorns along the way, but once we past the thorns our lives are sweet, content and meaningful. When feeling this, let us remember to praise His name and enjoy His love.

Proverbs 16:9 In their heats humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. 

Let us go forth with the knowledge God is in control and our lives will experience His sweetness...

Smiles & Blessings,
Cynthia Collins Kaitfors 

Thursday, June 11, 2015

Rekindle the Love

When we contemplate rebuilding or re-energizing a relationship how do we go about it? For most of us it is putting in the time; being attentive, thoughtful or doing something extra. All this will work as long as there is a strong commitment  to the relationship in the beginning.

We are blessed with an ever patient Lord, as He waits for us to rebuild or begin to build our relationship with Him. He does however expect us to put in the time, read the Bible, join a Bible study, worship, pray and enjoy fellowship with like minded Christians.

The benefits of these blessings exceeds our expectations, as His love, mercy and grace surround us if we allow it.  We are given daily opportunities to grow close to Jesus. It may be by simply saying thank you Lord for the day. The fact that we know He is always with us no matter the circumstances is a sure sign of His love.

Our relationship with the Lord is not hindered by struggles or challenges, however it is strengthened knowing He will walk with us as we lean on Him. Through our day let us remember to ask for guidance, have an ear to hear Him and an open heart to grow closer to Him. Lets rekindle God's love and enjoy His blessings.

2 Thessalonians 3:5   May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.

My prayer today is that our relationship to the Lord grows closer, we feel His love and enjoy His grace.

Smiles & Blessings,
Cynthia Collins Kaitfors 





Monday, June 8, 2015

Resist Change

As humans, one of our greatest challenges is change. We are creatures of habit and enjoy the normalcy of the everyday...the same routine...and life in our comfort zone. Yet, as we expand our horizons, meet new friends and move beyond the ever safety "comfort zone", we realize we are walking closer to the path God may want us on.

Throughout our life, we may hinder the plans prepared for us by our Lord by refusing, fearing or lacking confidence to move forward. When we believe we do not have the talents, skills or required experience we limit God's abilities to increase our lives.

Finding the strength to go beyond our comfort zone and experience what is waiting for us is truly an amazing gift. Relying on our Lord to prepare us, protect us and provide for us will lead us to the destination God has planned.

It is not always easy...OK, it may  never be easy; however, the results can only lead us closer to Jesus. To lean on Him for courage and know that He is our first stop toward our destination. Once our relationship with Jesus is complete, we will have a better mindset as we go forward toward God's plans.

Let us move onward today, preparing for some change, knowing God has prepared the way. Let us  trust Him in all ways and in all things. When we feel fearful or lacking confidence let us move into our "Jesus moment" and hang tight to His hand all the while praising His name. 

Psalm 56:3-4 When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise; In God I trust; I will not be afraid .

As we praise His name, make room for the delightful changes and relish in all He has planned for us... let us enjoy the day.

Smiles & Blessings,
Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Friday, June 5, 2015

God's Blessings

Some days are just over the top..a time when everything is in its place and all is well with your world. When I have those feelings I want to shout from the mountain top...Thank you Lord!! My heart is full and the blessings seem to overwhelm me.

The joy is, we all have those days. It is a time to praise God and know he fulfills dreams we thought impossible...But then we realize He heard our prayers, and when the timing is right His love grants the wishes that are best for us. 

As you go through the dark times I pray that you hold fast to our Lord and prepare for the the blessings He will bestow on you. It may seem your prayers are not being heard, however it is all in God's timing; therefore lets wait with patience and love. When we do, the blessings are ever so sweet.

Walking hand in hand with our Lord brings you closer to Him, which in turn fills your heart and soul. As you prepare for the day lets praise His name, feel His love and prepare for the blessings that are coming your way.


Psalm 30:12 "that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent.
    Lord my God, I will praise you forever."


Smiles & Blessings,
Cynthia Collins Kaitfors 

Monday, June 1, 2015

New Friends

Have you ever joined a new group or club where you met a potential new friend(s), which then blossomed into a wonderful and meaningful relationship? Isn't it joyous and beyond words? I have had that opportunity the past six months.

In the beginning it was somewhat overwhelming, however as you get to know your "new" friends it becomes comfortable and exciting at the same time. You learn about their lives, families and joys as well as some of their struggles.

I believe as we grow and build our relationship with Jesus we find a "new" friend. Someone who has been waiting for us to join "His group". What better company could we possibly be in...Our Lord and Savior.

It can be an awe-inspiring experience to feel His love...to know He is with us through all our joys and struggles. And as our relationships grow closer to Him we realize being counted as one of His...can only be the highlight of our lives.

Once we experience His love...we will only want to grow closer. My prayer today is that you have the opportunity to experience His love, open your hearts to Him and have your souls refreshed by His grace.

Thessalonians 3:16 Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.

Smiles & Blessings
Cynthia Collins Kaitfors