Thorns or Roses

When you look at a rose have you ever wondered how such a beautiful flower can sit among such wounding thorns or how anxious we become around bees due to a possible sting yet both give such pleasure one from its beauty and fragrance and the other from the joy of its flavor and healing. Isn’t it the way of life as God allows the storm and then shows us the rainbow. I can not remember how many times I have said in distress “how much longer must I endure this” or “haven’t I struggled long enough”? That pity me syndrome is such a waste of time. It allows the negative to take over our focus. We can become lifeless in the ways of God and Jesus Christ. We go about complaining and bad tempered and the more we grumble the further we move from God. It is vital that we begin each day with… "this is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad". I realize this is easier said than done at times, however it is imperative that we find God in our thoughts and actions. We are the children of God and He will help us through the muck that bogs us down. So today let’s put on the armor of our Lord and surround ourselves in His love, peace and joy. Only through our actions of prayer, Bible study and Christian fellowship can we accomplish our goals. Lean on God as he is our Rock. 1 Corinthians 11:24 And when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” Look to the Lord and see the Rainbows. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Begin with a Smile

In our days of family illnesses, lack of employment and the day to day challenges of life it is difficult to begin each day with a smile. Yet, without a smile we are doomed to go about the day with a black cloud hovering over us. I sometimes think others view people with the carefree or “Polly Anna” attitude as less serious or capable. Too me the person who is able to smile, show confidence and a positive attitude during strife is probably walking closely with the Lord. If the black cloud is hovering we need to ask the Lord to put the devil at our backs so we may continue our day with less stress and negative feelings. Only leaning on the Lord, praying to our Lord and enjoying the life God has given us are we fully able to live the life God has planned for us. Let’s keep the devil at our backs as we pray, study scripture and continue our Christian fellowship. Our walk through life was never meant to be easy however it can be full of joy when walking with Jesus no matter the circumstance. I pray today that you are able to put on that smile, know that you are a child of God and His plan for you is one of love, success and joy. Reach out and begin each day with a smile…the smile of God. Psalm 74:21 Do not let the oppressed retreat in disgrace; may the poor and needy praise your name. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Thank You Lord

Praise be to all this day, Are you one of those people who jump out of bed with excitement and a song in your heart or more like me...you quietly and cautiously put your feet on the floor. I have always been in awe of those who begin their day in a whirl…how exciting and rewarding the morning must be as you sing or hum that song...where as I slowly stumble to the shower with out a word or song waiting for the water to refresh my soul. Isn't it incredible how the Lord was able to create so many different morning attitudes? Even though we have our own unique routines it is imperative that we allow time for prayer and supplication. Whether we begin our day with specific time for the Lord or end our day with Him…we need to spend some quiet time saying thank you. Although I am quietly beginning my day… before getting out of bed... I begin with a thank you Lord for the opportunity before me. Not all days have great opportunities, but what I do have is a choice to be thankful and do the best with what I have. I pray that as you begin each day you acknowledge the miracle before us. God has given us a new day. Let’s not squander this blessing. If facing some challenges pray for strength and an attitude of optimism which will lift you up. Jesus is just a prayer away with an out stretched hand. I know personally he walks through the storms of our lives if we allow Him to accompany us. Lean on him and say thank you. Psalm 5:15 O, Lord, open my lips and my mouth will declare your praise. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Study Life

Yesterday my boss, co-worker (friends) and I spent many hours working on a new program we will be using this semester in our classes. This is isn’t the first day as we have been preparing for our classes for several weeks now. We worked, snacked and of course had some laughs. We were so caught up in our work that we discussed the project even through lunch. We typed and read till our eyes were bleary all the while staying focused and upbeat. We encouraged each other and knew by the end of the session we would oh so much closer to a finished product. While riding my bike this morning I was contemplating our work, how much we accomplished and how much we have left. When I turned my attention to the Lord with prayer...it hit me. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we gave the Lord our undivided attention through study, prayer and quiet time? What would our world be like? I can only imagine a safer, ethical and moral place to raise our families. We would treat each other with the same love and compassion that we would want from others and our church pews wouldn’t be lacking in Christian forgiveness as we would be living the life God has commanded…”Love thy Neighbor” My prayer is that we catch the enthusiasm and joy that we receive when walking hand and hand with our Lord, Jesus Christ. Let’s give him our undivided attention through prayer, Bible study and Christian fellowship as it will reward our lives with Grace and Love… God is waiting patiently to open the window and let in the sunshine that only He can give. Psalm 92:1-2 It is good to praise the Lord and make music to your name, O Most High, to proclaim your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night… I lift my eyes and heart to the Lord. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Less is Best

Hello Dear Friends and welcome to this beautiful day! What an opportunity we are given. Are we going to clutter it with all the “stuff” that is going on around us? Or are we going to consider the saying “Less is best”? I can remember hearing when decorating a room it will have that classic look with just a few good pieces of furniture or when we ladies are dressing for success wear a little jewelry don’t over do it. Or how about the person (man or woman) that walks by us smelling of heavy cologne or perfume…it consumes the air and we wonder what were they thinking! Our spiritual life may resemble the clutter which allows all the stuff to overshadow what truly is important. God and Jesus Christ is all we need. It is too easy to get in that grumpy mood, to bring on the pessimism and to complain when things aren’t going as we had planned or hoped. Let’s clear away all that is unnecessary; disappointment, anger, frustration or worry. Our Lord is as near as a prayer and is waiting for us to reach out and enjoy the relationship he offers. He blesses us daily with His love, peace and joy. Begin today with prayer and thanksgiving. Psalm 47:7-8 For God is the King of all the earth; sing to him a psalm of praise. God reigns over the nations; God is seated on his holy throne. Walking with God and Jesus Christ is an honor that rewards us with comfort, strength and courage to continue our lives no matter the circumstance. I pray you have joy in heart and a giggle in your spirit. Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors

Black & White or Color

What a beautiful morning the Lord has given us. For those of us living in California it is easy to see the vivid colors from all the flowers and trees. Yes, we have trees that bloom. Isn’t God amazing? As I was riding my bike and enjoying the morning I thought about all the changes our country has experienced over the past 100 years. We baby boomers can remember when you went to the movies where there were two choices (Black & White or Color). In this day and age we don’t just have color we have COLOR…again two choices…Blu Ray or High Definition. Our world is constantly evolving and yet as the saying goes the more things change the more they stay the same. This is true as we still have two choices; we can choose to follow God and Jesus Christ or not. In those two choices we have the opportunity to see life through God’s eyes as his world is filled with love, forgiveness, compassion and joy. We are blessed with opportunities each day; we can choose a life of color or black and white. When looking at life with negativity and sour disposition it is difficult to see the beauty that surrounds us. Being around negative people brings our color to a dim gray…yet once you shed the pessimism you are able to see the beauty. My prayer today is we look at life through God’s eyes after all He gave us the rainbow. When life gets us down lean on the Lord… let’s continue to look for the rainbows in our lives and know that God and Jesus Christ are there. Let’s open the windows and let in the color. Psalm 100:4 Enter his gates with Thanksgiving and courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. Smiles & Blessings Cynthia Collins Kaitfors v

Deadlines

As I preparing for this mornings blog and wondering which direction I should go I glanced down at my to do list for this coming week. It was slightly overwhelming. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday I have to be in meetings. I must finish grading many more assignments as my classes ended on Thursday and grades are due. On Friday just for the fun of it plans to attend a Giants game were added to the mix. Oh, and I almost forgot the conference application that needs to be sent by the 26th of July…Yikes that is tomorrow! Can you see where I am going here…there is nothing on my list that says “time for Jesus”…why is that? Is it because we just naturally spend time with Him? If so blessings to you. When we fill our weekly list and do not add time with the Lord we are carrying the load by ourselves. One of my goals in life is to make sure I spend quality time with God and Jesus Christ. I notice when I don’t my day just isn’t the same. It is like when you miss going to church due to illness, travel or other unavoidable circumstance your whole week is off. I look forward to the time I have with God and Jesus…it rejuvenates my energy and spring boards me to the next challenge or obligation with joy in my spirit. I want to bottle that feeling and take it out like a sprits and just refresh when needed. What is amazing is I can sprits any time I want…it is called being in pray with the Lord. He is always there to listen, to encourage and to support. We are so Blessed by His love and devotion. He doesn’t give us a deadline, just allows us to come to Him. My prayer is we put God and Jesus on our list of daily deadlines and give our hearts, souls and body to our prayer life. Allow God to energize our daily challenges and obligations, to fill our spirits with joy and to know He is our support. Psalm 69:30 I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving. God and Jesus are the source that helps us reach all deadlines…praise be! Smiles & Blessings, Cynthia Collins Kaitfors