Power of Prayer

What an amazing day we have been given. I am totally solar powered. The sun is shining and the birds are singing. We are so blessed! Does this mean my life is running smoothly with no worries or concerns? Absolutely not, yet I am always calmed and uplifted with prayer. When I have more on my plate than I would like and my stomach can do that lurch as it has done on many occasions…I turn to God. I pray for the strength to continue going forward and I ask for the armor of God to comfort me. My prayers remind me that it is God who is in control I must give my concerns to God and lean back with trust in my heart. As our week begins after a long weekend I take a deep breath and exhale knowing I have nothing to dread. As we keep our lives off the fast track of worry, concerns and anxiousness we exercise our faith knowing Jesus is there. He holds us tight and leads us through the maze of agendas, schedules or financial concerns. Psalm 138: 3 When I called to you, you answered me; you made me bold and stouthearted. Prepare your days and weeks with the strength of prayer and the love of faith. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Parks & Play

Today my son and I took his two and half old daughter to the neighborhood park. What a joy and blessing. I watched other families interact with their children and grandchildren and I observed the love displayed through the care and conversations. There was a pond with ducks and geese that the children delighted in when throwing their bread. They giggled and crowded closer to watch them scurry after each handful. Not only did the children enjoy feeding the ducks and geese but the parents and grandparents had great pleasure watching the children. It’s the simple joys of life that fill our hearts and remind us what is important. The opportunities to spend quality time with each other; whether taking a walk, reading a book or playing together is all special and invaluable. With God’s love, guidance and wisdom we are given the same opportunities to spend quality time with Him. He takes great pleasure in our joys and wants to be included in our lives. We are His children and He waits to be invited into our lives. I pray we keep God the center of our families and love each other with the heart of Jesus. Psalm 20: 4-5 May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. We will shout for joy when your are victorious and will lift up our banners in the name of our God. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Music & Prayers

After I wake in the morning and take that much needed shower I turn on the music. It begins my day with up lifting melodies and inspiring words. It reminds how blessed we are… God gives amazing creativity to some in the way of melodies and lyrics, while others are gifted in sports or math. How exceptional are the people of God. As I prepared for church this morning the music had me swinging and swaying as I applied my make-up and did my hair. I was filled with joy as I hummed along. I am reminded that God will inspire, uplift or encourage us through the many gifts, but one of my favorites is music. My memories flood back of my parents dancing in the living room or my Mom and her sister singing in the kitchen while doing dishes. I pray we pursue the activities that bring us inspiration and awareness of our faith. Choose prayer, Christian fellowship and Bible studies that increase our knowledge of God and Jesus Christ. 2 Chronicles 29:30 So they sang praises with gladness and bowed their heads and worshipped. Find the song that gets you dancing and praise God and the blessings of life. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Child's Heart

Today I had the sheer pleasure of spending a couple of hours with my youngest granddaughter. We went swimming, looked at books, played tag and threw the beach ball around the room. As I watched her joy at each new activity and her exuberance with the attention of one on one it struck me that we are able to take pleasure in the attention we receive from God our father. We can experience that same love a child has for its parent simply by trusting God. What a blessing we receive when we turn our life over to God. He knows our wants and needs…He will supply our life with joy, peace, grace and the wisdom of His love. Hebrews 11:1 Faith is sure of what we hope for and certain of what we don't see. Let us “fully rely on God” Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Wonders of God

God’s wonders are everywhere, but when one travels into the mountains it is an inspirational trip. I had the pleasure of spending the day in Yosemite National Park yesterday and was surrounded by God’s presence as we took in the sites. How can anyone ever be in disbelief or doubt that there is a God after taking in the beauty and wonder of the park? We spent some time walking through Yosemite Falls, enjoying the fresh air and the light scent of pines. We had front row seats as we watched the squirrels scamper to and fro, watched beautiful blue birds darting through the branches and admired the massive granite boulders. God was everywhere. We visited with people from England, Australia and New Zealand…watched people from Japan taking movie pictures of the squirrels as they ate their nuts… There was peace, neighborly conversations among strangers and courtesy for those needing help in directions and other information. God walked with us as we took pleasure in his creation, we marveled at the breath taking views in all directions and felt the disappointment when it was time to leave. I can not wait for the next day trip as it fills my soul and rejuvenates my spirit. God’s love is displayed through out our world…let us go forth finding God moments and praising his name. Genesis 1:31, 2:1 God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning-the sixth day. Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array. I pray we acknowledge the beauty, creativity and wonders of this world as we cherish what God has given us. Let us remember to share the blessings of his love by taking care of each other and our environment. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Father's Love

Growing up with a father in the house can be a blessing and comfort as they have the ability to show strength all the while displaying gentleness. Today’s world has evolved from father’s going to work, earning a paycheck and having little input raising their children to engaged and enthusiastic daddy’s. As we advanced technologically we also advanced in the knowledge of child development and the importance of an active father. A “hands on Daddy” is now seen everywhere. When I have the opportunities to watch my sons with their children I feel proud and blessed. They have the tenderness and love that is displayed through their expectations and participation. Whether they are reading, swimming or playing games they model fair play, temper control and humor. They are able to laugh at themselves or situations while showing their children the joys of life. I view God’s love the same way. He gives us the comfort and gentleness as well as the expectations and standards for our lives. We have been given the “book” on family rules, do’s and don’ts and consequences if we choose to do our own thing. The love of God has also given us the rewards of following him and Jesus. If we have strayed he waits with open arms and a celebration…the prodigal son shows the love of a father. As parents I pray we love our children with the family rules, consequences and rewards of the "book” that allow our children to grow into God fearing and Jesus loving adults. 1Samuel 12:23-24 …And I will teach you the way that is good and right, But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for your. Rejoice in the rewards of God’s Grace and Jesus’ Love! Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Trust God

I was talking to a friend recently and the topic of worry became the center of our conversation. It is always amazing to hear how people become consumed with the worries of the world. Several years ago I was exactly like that. I would try to control my entire world not to mention everyone else’s. I vision God looking down and shaking his head all the while we are wringing our hands, stressing out and at times making ourselves sick with concerns that God can easily handle. I remember one of our first Bible Studies we used a Beth Moore booklet…the first questions was: Do you believe in God? The very next question was: Do you Believe God? It was at that moment I realized it was simple to answer of course I believe in God…but then to put my trust and Believe that God will do what He says, I shamefully had not thought of. Probably because I was too busy worrying… :) I lived my life as a believer but I was not living my life as “A Believer". Knowing that God will do what he says he will do. I now joyfully know and believe God will take care of our worries, concerns or needs; and yet when I decide to take charge of my life, the stress can be overwhelming. It is at that point I would ask for forgiveness and give my life back to God. Our ladies group has just begun studying the Book of John. It is an incredible accounting of Jesus and all that he accomplished. Knowing what power Jesus has through His father, I wonder why we worry. Would Jesus look at our lives and say, “Ye of little faith”? I pray not… So, that being said, my prayer today is we allow God and Jesus to care for us in all areas of our lives and be prepared for the miracles he has waiting for us. Knowing that everything is in God’s time we have nothing to fear…but the fear of negativity entering our lives. Let’s keep the devil at our backs and bask in God’s Glory. 1Peter 5:6-7 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Rejoice in God’s love as we continue to “Believe” that God will do what He says He will do. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors