Saturday, October 8, 2011

Set the Example

When we are more than busy we have a tendency to move away from God. Our prayer time is shortened, our relationship becomes distant and our connection can become hazy. This is the time to recognize how vulnerable we might be to the negative and evil ways of the world

I have experienced firsthand those moments of concentrating on what I want to accomplish or what I want to do. I lose the focus…we must remember that we have a purpose and that purpose is to serve the Lord.

As we begin each day let’s keep the focus toward the light of God, follow His commands and walk the path He has forged for us. When cultivating that close personal relationship with our Lord our lives change.

We will never be the same as long as we keep our eyes on Him. Let’s set the example for our children, families and friends as we grow closer to His word, trust Him completely and love Him.

Deuteronomy 6: 5-7 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

What a joy we receive when praising His name.

Smiles & Blessings,
Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Sunday, October 2, 2011

So Many Pathways

I have some friends who have stepped out in faith, have become missionaries and will rely totally on God. This means they will receive their financial and prayer support from those who are willing to follow God’s heart and share their wealth.

Now by wealth I do not mean only people who are above and beyond financial stability but by the wealth we share in our faith. Knowing and trusting God with our health, careers, family and friends is being wealthy in Christ’s Kingdom.

It is a privilege to help those in need, support our missionaries in foreign countries and to serve God. There are so many pathways to our Lord’s heart. It is not by attending church every Sunday although that is very good, but it is to strive toward that God like attitude.

As Christians we are wealthy in His love, mercy and grace. We are given a new day to make amends for our sins and a new opportunity to live within His commands and rejoice in His forgiveness.

1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18 Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

Faith is our belief in God and trusting Jesus.

Smiles & Blessings,
Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Saturday, October 1, 2011

With Gratitude We Wait

It has always been a wonder to me as how some get through the day with all their challenges without the love and guidance of God. I have watched many try to hang tight to themselves and then make sense of their dilemma, however they struggle so much more than need be.

If only they were hanging onto God and would allow our Lord to intervene for them. We are given so much through God’s love and mercy that it seems inconceivable that anyone would try doing it alone.

Our lives become a treasure as God reveals His plan for each of us. It isn’t always the easiest task waiting for our Lord to divulge or enlighten us as to His plan. Yet, if we are following God’s commands and walking in faith with total trust we eventually understand what is waiting for us.

What joys we receive when we are able to see a small stretch of the road that God has laid. It is through our diligence and constancy in prayer and faithfulness that allows us the tiniest vision of our future.

Psalm 27 4-5 One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may in dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in his temple. For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.

Let’s accept God, our Father into a personal relationship as we praise His name and rejoice.

Smiles & Blessings,
Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Resilient, Flexible & Patient

As we go through life and experience the ups and downs of relationships, careers, finances or health issues we strive for that perfect ending; that happy ending of gal gets guy, the dream job, financial stability or doctor tells the patient they have a clean bill of health.

Many times over we share that sentimental thought of everything going just as we had planned. Yet, what we forget is that our purpose is to allow God to lead us to His plan and we need to be resilient, flexible and patient.

Living our lives with God’s guidance allows us to be of service, to hear His call and follow His commandments. We all struggle with our day to day commitments however we have a loving God who understands our weaknesses and His mercy and grace are continual.

Let’s remember that happy is fleeting but joy is ever after. Joy fills our souls with His love and forgiveness as we truly then appreciate all our Lord has done for us. We are able to recognize the gift of eternity and that happy ending.

Psalm 139:2-4 Search me (thoroughly), O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there is any wicked or hurtful way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Our faith is strong as we trust in God. Go forth following the path God has planned and let’s put our selfish ways behind us.

Smiles & Blessings,
Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Not Lucky but Blessed

Loving the Lord is one of the most pleasing and heartwarming relationships we will ever have. He is kind, understanding and slow to anger. His forgiveness is continual and He does not seek revenge or wish us ill.

Doesn’t this make you wonder why more don’t praise His name and give thanks for all they have in their lives? Are we so self-centered that we ignore the everyday miracles and bounty in our lives.

When I say bounty I do not necessarily mean great financial means or large homes. I am not talking about tangible things but heavenly gifts. We are given the gift of friendships, talents and skills and our faith that guides our lives.

We are not “lucky” but blessed. God is with it us throughout the day…do you seek Him? Whether we are enjoying the fruits of our labors or enduring the obstacles and potholes God continues to be with us. All we need to do is reach out…begin that conversation.

It is the most satisfyng and rewarding relationship we will ever cultivate. As we begin this week let’s remember to thank our Lord for all we have…all we strive for... and all that is waiting for us. As we walk hand in hand with our Lord we are lifted up with strength, resilience and the spirit of God.

Psalm 16:8 I keep the Lord in mind always. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

Stay constant with God; keep your faith alive; be humble always.

Smiles & Blessings,
Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Saturday, September 17, 2011

His Way Always

While praying and talking with the Lord have you asked to serve Him and then when the opportunity arises you say to Him… “I didn’t mean in this way.” Many times we pray we want to walk along God’s path, but forget it may be bumpy or difficult.

When we are facing challenges or hurdles let’s remember to count on God for strength and courage to complete the tasks He has forged. It isn’t always easy to remember, but we can accomplish all He has put on our plate with humility and success. It is with His love and the talents and skills He instilled in each of us that allow us the victory.

Keep our focus on serving rather than the hurdles or obstacles will keep us from defeat and negative thoughts. It is our way to achieve what God has planned. As we stay true to our faith while trusting God in each endeavor we encounter His comfort, inner strength and love will inspire us.

Let’s coin the phrase “His Way Always”….and then trust.

Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him.

What promises we have been given as we follow His path and commands. Let’s rejoice in His name forever as we praise our Lord.

Smiles & Blessings,
Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

New Doors Will Open

How does God fulfill our hopes and dreams if we are too busy for him…It is impossible to hear Him when we overload our days with the business of schedules, agendas and responsibilities.

Let’s remember to thank our Lord for the day ahead of us and be grateful for all we have. Many times we are so busy doing our “job” that we forget to seek Him…we must put Him first and then let God help us with all the little things that incorporate our daily life.

Allowing ourselves to be dependent upon God is living our faith and totally trusting Him throughout our day. Being filled with His goodness and seeking His love brings our faith alive and keeps us walking the path of commitment as our devotion shines through our everyday behavior.

As we go about our days reflect on His love, seek His favor and invite Him into our lives. New doors will open to us as we follow the path He has selected for us and we will be renewed.

Psalm 136: 3-4 Give thanks to the Lord of lords, his love endures forever; to him who alone does great wonders, his love endures forever.

May the Holy Spirit be alive in us as we rejoice in each miracle of each day.

Smiles & Blessings,
Cynthia Collins Kaitfors