Satan's Tactics

Lies, Lies, and More Lies,

It amazes me how many women are hearing the lies of Satan, and yes I am one of them. He just would not stop with that first lie to the first women, he has to continue feeding more and more women with untruths.

Several have shared with me since the last post regarding the lies that they feel women are hearing. Lies about ourselves, our families, our church and many more. Although we know he is the Father of Lies, we still listen. Why? Because he is sneaky...making the lies seem so real and true. He is saying them over and over causing us to begin to believe them even if we know better. We begin picking ourselves and others apart and not focusing on God's things.

I am reading a new book by Lysa TerKeurst, "Becoming More than a Good Bible Study Girl". (This is a great book that if you are interested in walking through it with a small group please let me know) Anyway, in the book Lysa makes a great point.

"Satan would love for us to pick ourselves apart, to obsess on the negative. When we do, we become hyper self-focused and take our eyes off Jesus and the mission set before us. Many of us spend years trying to hide or fix what we perceive as personal flaws.
Jesus would love for us to see ourselves as a package deal of unique qualities that He -- the author and perfecter of our faith -- saw a necessary for the life He's calling us to live."

That spoke so much to me! I get so hung up on the lies Satan tells me but to hear that Jesus saw each and every quality that I was given...the good, the bad and the ugly (The last two most likely just in my opinion) was necessary for the life He called me to live. Those qualities are usable by Him and for His glory. If that ain't freedom from the lies of Satan I don't know what is!!!

His chosen daughter!

Cynthia

Lies Satan Tells Women

Currently Bro Ronnie is leading us through a series "Satan: Father of Lies" and this really has me pouring over the many lies that Satan tells women. So I feel led to post about some of these lies.

Women today are bombarded with more and more lies from Satan. There is almost an epidemic of "soul-sickness" and it is not just among women in the world but also among those of us in church. Why? Because Satan wants us in bondage. He wants both you and me not to live freely but rather to live under a cloud of personal guilt and condemnation. He doesn't want us to enjoy the grace and love of God so he whispers lies to us. During our walk, we may stir up a lot of religious dust but we won't do Satan's kingdom any real damage when we listen and dwell on his lies.

So what are some lies Satan tells women? Please note this is just one or two and not an exhausted list. Maybe you would like to add more on in the comments.


One lie that Satan whispers to women is "If you take that mask off, people will not like you." He leads us to believe that if others see my uglies then they won't like us. I have noticed more and more that women want to see who other women really are. In other words, don't play like you have it all together when I am floundering around like a fish out of water. This is one that I am personally working on. I struggle and as I timidly slip the mask from my face, I sadly hear ladies say, "but I thought you had it all together." Wow what a lie I was telling! I have put on a mask of happiness, when really I struggle with depression at times. I have put on a mask of being outgoing when really I struggle with the fear of rejection and loneliness...even in a crowd. I am currently learning that these mask are doing nothing for me except keeping me in the crippling bondage that Satan desires for me.
Not only is the mask hindering me but it is very possibly hindering another lady from experience the grace and mercy of God.

Another lie Satan tells women is "you are not worth anything." Have you heard it? I sure have, especially when I am seeking to do that which God has called me.
Personally, Satan knows when to play "You are not worth anything" card on me. When I am trying to organize an event or study, he whispers it in my ear. When I am seeking God's direction for my self or ministry, he is there whispering it in my ear. Even when I sit down to write a blog post, he's whispering it in my ear. Whether through his own whispers or the use of others, Satan tries to make us feel less worthy. As we listen to Satan's lies we grant others the opportunity to determine our worth. He knows that many times our worth is in direct relation with what others have said about us. Instead of letting others define us we need to reflect on what is true. I am a child of God's and a treasured possession. I am currently doing a study on the Inheritance of God and if we were not worth anything then why would God send His only son to die for us? Why would he be preparing a place for us, a MANSION in heaven? Why would He call us co-heirs with Christ? It is all because we do have worth! We are worth some much more than this big revolving ball in the universe. Yes it is hard to fathom but it is true. The lie of no worth told by Satan is just that, a Big Fat Lie. I struggle with this lie sometimes but when it rears it's ugly head it helps me to dwell on the truth. Please take time to read Ephesians 1:3-12 and just listen to the Words of Worth spoken over you. Did you see you are chosen, adopted, purchased? What other truths did you find?

I know we could go on and on about the lies Satan tells women but it respect for your time we'll stop here. We may address a few more over the next few days but please leave a comment stating other lies Satan whispers in the ears of women.

Beautiful Feet

I have had a pedicure only once in my life. Not because I don't desire another but I am so down right ticklish on my feet I can barely stand it. Although I have experienced two foot surgeries and had to bare all the dealings on my feet I still can't bring myself to getting one. Yes I want to have the soft beautiful feet with expertly painted toes that so many sport but I just can't bring myself to it. Crazy I know...most of you are saying "Get over it". You just don't understand...sometimes just the simple act of pulling a sock over my feet tickles.
Yes my son loves knowing this about me and if I am bare foot with feet propped up, he will reach out to tickle me every time he walks by.

Beautiful feet got new meaning for me this summer with I was on the mission trip in France. One day a young man at the ports came up to the group handing out Bibles. He asked the young women that knew French if he could take a picture of the group's feet. A little dismayed at the request, she asked why? His response was, "I have never seen American feet before, they are pretty." She then pulled the group together to grant his request and responded with a question for him.

Her question was, "Do you know what the Bible says about beautiful feet?" With him shaking his head no, she quoted the verse from Isaiah 52:7 "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who proclaims peace, who brings glad tidings of good things, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, Your God reigns!"

With this the young man asked, "What about the feet of those who believe in God?"

She responded, "They will become beautiful also because they will go and share what has become real in their hearts."

Upon hearing this the young man said, "then one day maybe my feet will be beautiful as well."

What encouragement we all received that day! What encouragement I want to pass on to you today! Your feet are beautiful as you share God's love. Even if you haven't had a pedicure recently by human hands let the God of All perform a pedicure on your beautiful feet. May the beauty of your feet be noticeable to all you encounter and a witness to the One to whom all glory is given.

Blessings,
Cynthia

Life changing verses.

Over the last few weeks my thoughts have been caused to ponder on several verses in Scripture. Verses that untangle my thoughts, soothe my soul, or even create a wonder so great that I have to dig for more.

Currently I keep turning to Eph. 1:18 "the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints."

What verse are you pondering lately?

Beth Moore Living Proof Live

An Important Message from Beth Moore from LWEvents on Vimeo.

The Color Green

If you have ever gone on a foreign mission trip you will undoubtly know that there is usually one very large barrier…Language.

As I began to prepare for this trip we were given a list of phrases that would help with our presentation. Five phrases, one in Arabic and four in French was the basis of our communication with our target people group.
These phrases were: (in English)
Peace be to you
This is a new testament
This is a gift
It is free
Have a safe trip

The longer we stayed the more we would pick up a few more phrases but our original five were used very often. So often I would wake up saying them, go to bed saying them, even saying them in my dreams. To this day, the phrases will jump into my mind. The funny thing is you can’t say just one, they always demand you go through all five at the same time. Maybe it is just me but I get tickled when they appear in my thoughts at the most random times.

Anyway, you can see that our French and Arabic was VERY limited to say the least. The neatest thing was to step out on faith, approach someone, let the phrases roll off our tongue (ok maybe that was stutter off our tongue) and watch God do the rest. It totally amazed me when God would take our bumbling of the language and still open the door for people to receive the packets we were giving.

There were times, however, that something more than those five phrases were needed to break down the barriers. I’ll share with you how God used the color green to open a door.

As I had shared earlier my mother was on this trip with me. One morning she was at the walk on gate (this is where people boarding the ferry would have to carry all their luggage for a while without the use of cars).
As she was offering the packet to those walking up she noticed an older lady dressed in a burqa laboring with her belongings in the distance. My mother shared with her partner at the gate that she was going to start praying that by the time this lady got to the gate she would be prepared to receive a packet.
As the lady drew near, my mother’s partner told my mother that she would approach every one else and my mother’s attention should be directed only to that lady.

My mother walked towards the lady and begins with the five phrases that we had studied but to her dismay the lady refused and kept pressing onward to the ferry. A little discouraged but still feeling she was to continue to offer the packet to this lady. She quickly realized that the five phrases were not enough and she began to seek God’s help. Then she realized that the lady’s burqa was the exact shade of green as the shirt she was wearing. As my mother walked beside the lady she pointed to the burqa and then to her shirt. The lady realized that they were both the same in color and looked my mother in the eyes. At this time, my mother again used the phrases and the lady graciously accepted the packet.

We learned that day that words are not the only thing that God uses to get His Word into the hands of others. It can be many things even a color that He will use to open doors. I encourage you to seek God to show you how to reach those that are rejecting Him.

His,

Cynthia

Playing in Traffic

If you haven’t read the prior post I would like to invite you to do so before continuing. If time doesn’t allow please scroll down to the definition of successful witnessing.

All my life I remember hearing someone tell me, “Stay out of the traffic” or “Don’t play in the street”. As a mother I have stressed these same points to my children over time BUT on the first training day we heard just the opposite.

As we sat in that room listening to the speaker we hear these words come from his mouth, “We WANT you to go play in the traffic!” As we giggled and joked, his face showed that he wasn’t joking. He really did want us to take the initiative and step out into traffic. That was enough to send anyone back to their room to hid under the pillow especially after the cab ride we had from the airport.

The next morning as we met our team and headed to the port the thought of playing in the traffic was a little unnerving. As we approached the gate, cars were well into the process of proceeding through to board. Some were slowly maneuvering the fully loaded cars (a sight in itself to see) past the authorities and others were zipping right on by. Most of the time it wasn’t one car at a time but rather two wide and very much with an agenda.

Our crew leader led us to the small concrete island at the port entrance. She showed us where our materials were, placed a packet in our hands, turned with a smile and said, “Let’s do it”. Oh how this girl from the south wanted to do what she has done best over the course of her life…step to the farthest point of action, fade into the background and hope no one sees her. But God…God would see. God didn’t allow me to travel this far to hide. God called me to this port. God set these materials in place for a people to freely receive.

I started quickly reviewing my 5 phrases and praying for God to empower me to do this task. Just then a thought ran across my thoughts. My husband has always had a quick little phrase that he spouts when someone steps into the line of traffic, “Go ahead, step out there and meet Jesus”. With that thought it hit me what I was doing, (taking the initiative alert here) I was to go ahead, step out there so someone else could meet Jesus. Once that was settled in my own mind, I quickly felt the need to get these materials into the hands of those passing through.

As the days passed, I found myself excited to go to this gate. Although the other two gates were much slower paced and less likely to have my toes smashed by a tire, I found an excitement at the car gate. I witness God soften the hearts of some passing through, I watched in amazement as God took my jumbled phrases and spoke to the people and they accepted a packet. All the things I saw and experienced was because through God He asked us to take the initiative to share Christ's love through the power of the Holy Spirit and leave the results to Him!

Are you ready to play in traffic? Ok don’t literally go into the streets and step out into an intersection. But are you ready to play in the traffic of life and step out there so someone else can meet Jesus? I would love to hear how you are "playing in traffic".

His,

Cynthia

Open the eyes of my heart, Lord!

It is beyond a shadow of a doubt that I had my eyes opened this summer.
I just don’t know where to begin to relate to you just what an incredible mission trip I participated in.
After much thought I think I will do a series of entries so that I will not overload you or begin to ramble.

This trip in and of itself was a treat to me. You see for years I have answered the question, “If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be?” with the same response…The Mediterranean Sea. I never had a specific place just wanted it to be on THAT Sea. Little did I know that God had a plan to delight me with a trip there and combine it with doing His work. Many places in the Bible tells us that God delights in us and even gives us the desires of our hearts but this…this took my breath away.

I traveled with a group of 13 other ladies from all across Arkansas (one being my mother) to France.
Our main agenda for the trip was to distribute Bibles to North African Muslims that lived is France but traveled by ferry to their homelands. Please don’t get the impression that this was an easy task because of its location. It was long and sometimes very early days, lots of walking and a good amount of rejection…BUT well worth every minute!

Let me lay a little groundwork.

Here’s an interesting fact: Within the world population, 1 in every 10 is a Muslim women.
That fact set me back a little. I kept asking “within what population?” and kept getting the same reply…world. Being from the south, that one was hard to grasp. If you live in this region you will understand why…my goodness we live in the “Bible belt”.

Another interesting fact: While it is not illegal to own a Bible in Northern Africa it IS illegal to give them out. There are stiff penalties for such offenses so that is why the distribution is in European countries.

My eyes were quickly opened to the oppression and deception that these people are under. Even though so many were rejecting our packet, you could still see the hunger in many eyes for the truth. There was a desire of some to take the packet when someone with authority would demand that they not. Some of these stories I will share soon.

For our first days we underwent some very beneficial training. The one thing that stuck with me the most was a definition of successful witnessing. That definition is:

Successful witnessing is taking the initiative to share Christ, in the power of the Holy Spirit and leaving the results to God.

That was exacting what was called upon us to do daily. Over the next few post I will share with you how that definition became something we took as our own. How we learned to take the initiative and how we had to completely surrender the results to God. You will be amazed at how we were called out of our comfort zones to get God’s word in the hands of others.

For now I will leave you with this to intrigue you and not get too lengthy. One of the best things about a mission trip is what you bring home. I traveled many miles away to learn something that I know that I need to learn to apply to my life here at home. While it is easy to take the initiative on foreign soils, it needs just as much to be done here at home. Would you join me as I lean on the true meaning of successful witnessing?

Please pray:
- that those that did accept the packet will read the true Word of God and accept His give of salvation.
- That those that wanted a packet will find one and begin to read.
- That many packets will be distributed by the other groups that are taking part in this project.

Looking forward to sharing more soon!

Cynthia

Long time

I know, I know it has been a long time since I have posted on here.

I ask that you please forgive me.

God has taken me on an incredible journey and frankly, I haven't physically recovered from it. I hope to post something about the most eye opening mission trip that I have ever been on soon. Please visit back soon to hear about my adventure.

For now, I leave you with...Our God is incredible to serve.

Talk to you soon!

Cynthia

Mad Gab

Lately my life has been marked with sadness.
A struggle in my personal life has resulted in forced smiles and down cast eyes.
At the beginning of this season I would cry out to God...sometimes in sadness...sometimes in anger...sometimes in confusion. It seemed however I didn't hear God answer...not even a still small voice.

At times I would begin thinking that God was not wanting to talk to me and would ask friends how God was working in their lives. Each and every time, a friend would reply with how they were experiencing God. I had mixed emotions. One celebrating that God was working among them in such a great way and the other a deeper sadness that I wasn't seeing Him work among my life.

Sadly my prayers began to slowly be withheld. If God is chosing not to work in my life then I will chose to cease conversing with Him. (side note...Not recommended)
As the situation did not change, I found myself missing God. I didn't know how to begin praying. The situation that had brought the sadness didn't show signs of change so how was I to pray in a believing fashion? All I knew was to open God's Word. The pages in my Bible fell open to Psalms 143 and I begin to read.

"Come quickly Lord, and answer me, for my deprssions deepens.
Don't turn away from me, or I will die.
Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you.
Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you."

This was just what I needed. God was speaking to me through the words of David.
I felt a spark of hope that God had not forsaken me.

Last night I really struggled with going to church. I was really wanting to go, unlock the doors, then retreat to my car until time to lock the doors back. Thankfully someone saw me and I was committed to stay.

Our pastors wife had graciously offered to lead the class for me and when she saw me she laughed because she had been caught. She was not expecting my attendance and decided to teach through a game. Her thoughts were, "If kids can learn through a game so can the women."

Honestly, my heart sunk. A game? How would God show Himself to me through a silly game? But you know what? He did!

We joined in a fun and lively game of Bible Mad Gab. We laughed as we heard the other team saying the phrase but not realizing it. We joked about how they were getting so close but yet so far. We research where the phrase was in the scriptures.
We enjoyed a great fellowship during a mid-week gathering that was simply refreshing.

To me that was just what the Great Physican ordered. I needed to know that although my sad situation was not letting up miraculously, God was still providing. He was being my sustainer, my all in all.

I can now read and attach myself to Psalm 143:11 "For the glory of your name, O LORD, preserve my life. Because of your faithfulness, bring me out of this distress."

He is faithful...may I be found faithful as well.

His,

Cynthia

God's Chisel

You ARE a masterpiece!

Cynthia

Signs of Summer

Yesterday for me was the first sign that summer was almost here.
You see yesterday was the last day of Wednesday morning Ladies Bible Study for the semester. I will miss these ladies. Even though I was the leader, this wonderful group of ladies are mentors to me although they do not realize it. Their insight on the Word of God and life in general will travel with me well into my journey called life.

As we finished up this study, I reflect back on the life of David and the things we learned of his life. The man after God's own heart was on a roller coaster ride just like the rest of us. He lived on the mountain tops with God and in the valley's just like I do. He was not a perfect man and to me that is a relief. David was a sinner just like me and still earned the title of a man after God's own heart. Why? Repentance, Whole Hearted Obedience and Reverence.

In the final week of the study, I learned some things about God, His Grace and His Word that will cause me to ponder for a while. Although it would take me forever to write out all my learning, I want to give you snippets and references for you to seek out. Then if you want come back and share with me if your eyes grew wide with amazement. Please play along...I would love to hear what God shows you.


1. Kay Arthur gave a statement that "God's grace is previous." If you went huh? Don't be discouraged because I did too when I first heard it. As she explained and I looked at scripture, my huh? turned to wow! In Ephesians 1:4, "Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes" God knew even before he created the world he would love us and choose us. That my friend is previous grace. But what does that have to do directly with David's life? Check this out. David was not allowed to build the temple for God because he was a man of war and shed much blood but God said that David's son Solomon was the one that would build the temple. Where's the previousness of grace? I ask you to read 2 Samuel 12 and 1 Chronicles 22. When was David told about the birth of Solomon? When did David commit adultery with Bathsheba?
Did you notice that even before David sinned God knew what would happen? Just as before God ever created the world, he knew Adam and Eve would sin but in His grace He made provision. In the previousness of grace, His love covers the sin.

2. The things tucked in God's Word is so amazing. I simply love putting puzzles together and have fun when pieces of God's Word fit together in my mind and create a big picture for me. Please read 2 Samuel 24:10-25. Then read 2 Chronicles 3:1.
What does the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite and the temple that Solomon built have in common? How does this expand your biblical world view regarding the land in which the Israelites and Muslims fight over today?

These are just a few of the things that are floating through my thoughts as we ended this study. One of my favorite lines at the end of the study was this, "What was David's is yours--appropriate it, walk in it, and abide in it. No matter what you have done, you will be able to go deeper still." That is a promise of hope because God is there calling us to a deeper walk with him. We, too, can become a woman after God's own heart.

Keep searching for more of Him, even during the summer.

Cynthia

If My People...

"If My People who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14

Insight

Do you ever get confused? Ever not understand what is being said?
Wish you had much needed insight? Me, too!

This is why this verse means so much.

Proverbs 2:3-5
"Cry out for insight,
and ask for understanding.
Search for them as you would for silver;
seek them like hidden treasures.
Then you will understand what it means to fear the LORD.
and you will gain knowledge of God."

So when we are confused, not understanding or just simply need the insight, Cry out and ask. Search and Seek. Then you will gain what is of God.


Have fun seeking Him,

Cynthia

Reverence

I don’t usually get on a soap box about much…well ok, I confess maybe a few times with my kids but it is rare. But lately I have been in the book of 2 Samuel studying the life of David while going through the Bible Study “Anointed, Transformed and Redeemed.” and it really has me thinking.

Much of this week we have dug into that confusing story of David moving the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem and Uzzah touching the Ark resulting in his death. That story has always brought the “Huh?” out in me. Thoughts like “would the Ark not have crashed to the ground had Uzzah not reached out to stabilize it?” or “why was that such a crime that God killed him on the spot?” I don’t know about you but I always got so hung up on that that I failed to dig deeper into the whys.

In this study, Beth Moore pointed out that it had more to do with WHOLE HEARTED OBEDIENCE and REVERENCE to GOD.

You see the King David and the Israelites had the desire to move the Ark to where it belonged but did not seek God’s commands as how to bring it about properly. (See Exodus 25:10-16 and Numbers 4:5,15) Without seeking proper instruction they moved the Ark in the same manner that the Philistine’s had moved it. (1 Samuel 6:7-8) therefore treating the Ark just like those that didn’t call on the name of God.

Beth Moore stated, “We are sometimes tempted to measure our respect for God by the lack of respect surrounding us. The godless, however, are not our standard. God is. Through the pen of David, God told us to “praise him according to his excellent greatness,” not according to public opinion.”

So what does this have to do about a soapbox?

My boys sometimes call me so stuck in the days of old and out of touch with the times. They don’t understand my convictions when it comes to the House of the Lord, mainly the Worship Center.

My boys don’t understand what my deal is with not wanting them to wear shorts to worship or why I will not allow them to take their drinks or food into the Worship Center. I quietly shiver when I see a load of teenagers file out of a vehicle on Sunday mornings with their Sonic drinks, blast and yummies and walk right into the Worship Center to have a seat. Not that Sonic items are not good and yes on some days can be divinely appointed for this Route 44 coke easy ice kind of girl but I struggle with the reverence to God as it is brought into His House of Praise. If God has not impressed this upon your heart it is not for condemnation so please don’t condemn me it is just where God has me.

I know that our bodies are now the dwelling place of God and that’s a whole other topic but are the youth falling away from God because we are becoming more like those that don’t even call upon His Name?
Are we using the “it’s the only way we can reach them without offending them” and therefore losing them even more? Are we forgetting the reverence God so desires?

Beth Moore also stated, “God desires His presence and His glory to be a blessing, but reverence for Him is the necessary channel.

I wonder if the reason our nation-that was built on God’s Word- has been resembling those that don’t even call upon His Name so long, that this is why we are seeing God removed from everything.

I’ll now step off my box and bite my lip.

Cynthia

The Spoken Word

I have found a strong desire to pray scripture over my family.
I know that it is through the urging of the Holy Spirit with a little help from Beth Moore. Beth said recently in a Bible study to get alone and pray out loud. She said and I strongly believe that there is something about the spoken word.

So, I now have a use for the spiral wire bound set of index cards. Yes the one from last years ladies retreat. I guess better late than never.

The cards are beginning to fill up with scripture that I am wanting to pray for my husband, sons and even myself. Sometimes I just write the verse out but there are sometimes that I write it in prayer form.

Some of the verses that I have started praying for my family are:

Deut. 30:20

Proverbs 4:23-27

Psalm 18:16-19

The day that I started this I was so excited to see how everyone's day went. I had strongly prayed Psalm 18:16-19 that morning but when my son got home he had had a bad day. Apparently some words were thrown at him in his distress and he was "ticked" to say the least. But the last of that verse is "to lead us to a place of safety, rescue us because you delight in us." At first I was discouraged because I had prayed this for him but then I realized that I had not prayed to keep my family from those things never happening. I had prayed for them to be rescued and brought to a place of safety. As the thoughts of school subsided I began to see my son lighten up and feel safe. That my friends was God answering a prayer.

I want to encourage you to start praying scripturally for yourself and your family.
If you already do this please share with me the verses you use.


Please let me pray this prayer over you...

I pray that you my bloggy friend may love the LORD your God, that you may obey His voice and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days. Deut. 30:20

Have a wonderful day!

Cynthia

Praise the ONE

Who you are.

We get so tickled about a little dog that lives just down the road from us.

You see there is a family that purchased a few longhorn cows and they are pastured not far from our house. This spring two of the cows birthed the cutest calves. One is a black and white spitting image of it's mother, even down to the white streak that runs the ridge of the back. The other is a brown and white young'un that seems to be an adventurer. I know you are thinking, "Wait a minute...you started out with a dog and now you are talking about cows."

Well this little basset hound that is brown and white seems to live in the pasture with the cows.
So many times we will drive by and think that another calf has been born only to notice a slight rise of the head to see the long floppy ears. If at first we don't see the dog we start asking, "Where's the wanna be cow?"

When the cows are laying in the field, this little dog will position itself close to where they are.
It truly is a funny sight.

Isn't that how we are sometimes? We forget who we are and what we were created to be?
So many times we see things around us and we try to mimic that in our own lives, thinking if we can just get close enough then we will be more like them or blend into that surrounding.

I am so guilty of this myself. I forget so many times who I am. Who I belong to. God makes us all unique yet in His image. Wow that is incomprehensible to me but yet so welcomed.
God has a purpose for each of us that follows the plan of how He made us.
We just have to embrace it and allow Him to determine who we are, because He has determined WHOSE we are!

Cynthia

Warms this Momma's heart

Yesterday was a beautiful day! Not only was the sun warm but my heart was warmed also.

We ran home after church and I fixed a man-sized meal for my 3 men. Once they were filled to the rim they loaded up the truck and boat and headed out to the fishin' hole. Oh I would have loved to join them but this little boat was a three seater and so Mom was odd man out. I encouraged them to take their time and enjoy the afternoon together. I even told them I would mow the yard so they wouldn't have to hurry back.
Am I hearing "Mom of the Year" nominations??? Hee Hee all kidding aside, I love mowing the yard. We have such a fun mower.

Anyway...Evening church time rolled around and the guys were no where in sight. So I got ready and when to church by myself. After church, I stopped by the local grocery store and picked up what every boy in our house thinks is a must have on Sunday evening...Ice Cream. (Back to the "Mom of the Year" thought)

As I drove into the driveway, I see all three guys playing a game of basketball and laughing their heads off. That warmed me from head to the toes. In a time when teenagers more often than not chose to be with friends instead of parents this simply put a great big smile on my face. I sat outside and listened to the ribbing, the laughter and the memories being made. Contentment at it's best!

Oh about the fish. Only two were caught and neither were keepers. But friendships were made with other fisherman at the lake, buzzards were pelted with dirt clods (well at least thrown at), old reels flew apart on cast and two boys and their dad had a blast!

Have you made memories with your clan recently? Are you finding contentment with your surroundings?


Cynthia

Could it be? Is it She?

I am having so much fun with God lately.
He continues to call my name and point my eyes to see Him and His glory.
Between the study on Esther, last weekends ladies event and all the testimonies, I have been overwhelmed by all that God has allowed me to witness.

Now I awake and read Lysa TerKeurst blog http://lysaterkeurst.blogspot.com/ .

Oh my heart started racing and thoughts started swarming. You see, I have heard about the She Speaks conference http://www.shespeaksconference.com/index.htm
a time or two but haven't really entertained the thought of me attending.
I mean come on,God has been stretching me and pushing me out of my comfort zone so often over the last 10 years. How could He ever have anything like this planned for me? I would have never imagine being placed where I am now but taking another step? How could that be?

Have you ever seen a fire begin? Being a mother of two boys and a wife of a man that loves to build fires, I have seen the beginning of a few. The wood is strategically placed and the tender is added all to be ready for that first spark.
A flint or match is struck and the red glows start warming until there is a full flame. This is how I see my desire for the She Speaks conference. God has been adding the tenders and the wood to my desire (a desire that I didn't even know existed until recently) and started hitting the flint together to create a spark. That spark has begun to consume what God has strategically placed together.

Why would I want to go to the She Speaks conference? It is designed to give you insights on developing your call. Whether that be speaking, writing, blogging, leading women or even reaching the next generation. There are different tracks that let you follow God's direct call on your life to reach women in your sphere of influence. That is exactly where I am...needing God's voice of direction.

Imagine this...You get a phone call from Regis...Says do you want to be a millionaire?

ERRRKKKK...wait a minute, put on the breaks. Sorry got carried away, that's a song.

Really imagine this. I am studying the providence of God, a desire is being fanned into a flame and then there is an opportunity to win a scholarship. For this country girl it is overwhelming. Whether I win a scholarship or not, I am praying that God will provide if it is His will I attend.

So Could it be? Is it She? She Speaks that is.

We'll see and leave the rest up to the Providence of God.

Cynthia

How can I keep from singing your praise?

How can I keep from singing Your praise
How can I ever say enough
How amazing is Your love
How can I keep from shouting Your name
I know I am loved by the King
and it makes my heart want to sing!


Wow, this weekend was incredible!!!

My prayer over the last months has been for God to
do something so amazing that no amount of planning could take credit
for it. Boy oh Boy did that ever happen!

God drew over 300 women into our worship center on Friday night. My small mind hoped for 150-200.
The praise team ushered us into the presence of our King. I can still hear
the beautiful sound of women singing out to our Father. Chills are running up my arm
as I replay it in my mind. After our praising The Only One worthy to be praised, Lysa shared from her heart and life. I am so thankful that Lysa said "Yes" to God in order to lead other women to say yes to Him.

Through all of this here is what makes my heart sing!
Over 30 ladies now call Him Adonai. That my friends is something that no amount of human planning can take credit for. (Please let me wipe away a few tears)

So how can I keep from singing His praise?
I can't!

Heart singing of Him!

Cynthia

Free to be me

Just a few more days....

Wow can you believe it? Our ladies event is this weekend.
I am so excited about what God is doing with this thing.

I can trace His hand all throughout the planning of this conference.
He has provided some amazing things. Just wait to you hear about the
door prizes He has provided. We have books, many things to pamper yourself with including massages and even a get-away trip. Can you believe all that but most importantly a time to join other women to praise our Lord and learn more about Him.

Don't have a ticket? Don't worry you can get them at the door!

Please pray that women will respond to God's call to attend this event.
Pray that God will be honored and glorified throughout this weekend.
and most of all...Pray that your heart will be prepared to hear from God.

See you Friday night at 6:30.

Cynthia

What I took away. Part 1

This past weekend was Disciple Now at our church.
I got so tickled at the excitement of my boys. One is a veteran of DNows and the other was a first timer. Excitement level was high with both.

As soon as younger son got into the car on Friday after school, he informed me of the current time and the number of hours til "D" time. Could it go any slower?

With both boys away from the weekend, we took in the 6 member band. What fun!
They ranged from the age of 18 to mid 30's. Did you know that a group of guys that age still giggle like a bunch of junior high girls? I got tickled just hearing them from other parts of the house. It was so fun to see a bunch of guys that come together to lead in worship, enjoy the company of each other as well. God really used their obedience to lead others to the foot of His throne.

One of the songs that they led was so touching to me. Here's the words (I can't remember the original writers but I'll try to figure it out.)

Where the Love Lasts Forever.

Your mercy found me upon the broken road
and lifted me beyond my failing
Into Your glory, my sin and shame dissolved
and now forever Yours I'll stand
In love never to end...to call You more that Lord...Glorious friend!!!

So I throw my life upon all that You are
'cause I know You gave it all for me
and when all else fades my soul will dance...with You...Where the love last forever.

And forever I will sing...Lord forever I will sing
How you gave Your life away...Just to save me
Lord You saved me.

With You, where the love lasts forever.

That song really resounded in my soul.
The course simply made me ask myself, Am I throwing my life on all that He is?

How about you?

Place the vision of you placing all that you are on the One that gave it all into you mind. Take time to crawl up in His lap today, He's more than ready and able.

Cynthia

I'll share my take away from the speaker later. Can I just simply say "WOW" at this time. God spoke.

Yes or No...Is it really that hard?

Is it a woman thing? Is it just something that I struggle with at times?
Or could it be plain ole' subconsciousness rebellion?

In my husband's line of work some times the only answer he needs is a simple yes or no. No added explanations, no lengthy discussions and definitely no rabbit chases to eventually say yes or no. I guess you can say he's like Joe Friday on Dragnet..."The facts ma'am, just the facts." Well with typing that makes me think, "Maybe it's a man thing." You know they had to come up with that catch phrase for him somehow.

Anyway, this morning was one of those yes or no moments. As hubby was getting ready to walk out the door for work, he turned to head back upstairs to get some change.
At the same time I was at the kitchen island picking up some coins to take to the coin bowl. Here's the quick conversation that ensued.

Hubs: Oh is that some coins?

Me: Yes

Hubs: Is there at least 3 there?

Me: Oh there is 5, no make that 6, oh one more 7.

Hubs: Still having trouble with the yes or no thing, huh?

Me: (giggling) I would hate to have the guilt of causing you a heart attack if I simply answered yes or no. I just wouldn't be able to bear that.

With that I got a shaking of the head but he left with a smile on his face. What better way to go to work than with a smile? Mission accomplished.

One piece of advice I will always remember is this:
Give it the death bed test. In other words, if you were on your death bed would this matter?

I could have gone all defensive with the reply of "still having trouble with the yes or no thing" but instead knew that it was better to send my hubs off with a little bit of laughter than tension.

Have you made the loved ones in your life smile today? Even if it is making a seemingly frustrating topic into a light one at your expense?

What's your mission?


Cynthia

My Guy

Last week I read a post on the blog of Lysa TerKeurst about prayers.
In it she shared about her time spent with God in prayer and how that effected her life when a certain situation rose in her marriage.

As I read the post, I began thinking that I had not responded to my man like that in a long time and prayed that God would give me the opportunity soon.

Well God didn't play around, just this weekend God gave me that open door which I didn't even realize until it was over.

If you don't know my man. You ought to. He is a wonderful man of God. He has a great big giving heart. Although we have had our struggles over the last 22 years, God has blessed me with a man that is the same in public as he is at home.

This weekend my man struggled with a big decision. Actually the struggle was over the last month and the bell was ringing for a final decision. He was in for the count and time was slipping away. Would he make the right choice? Would we be living in the coulda, shoulda, woulda stage for a long time to come?

Finally the decision was made. My man in his 40's became the owner of a new truck.
Here's the interesting part. This was his first NEW vehicle EVER! Anytime we got a new car it was for me to have a safe ride for our boys. Even his very first car was a used one.

The struggle that my man had was, with the economy and so many people in crisis, should he forgo this opportunity and use that to help others. My man, always thinking of others instead of himself. I just love him for that.

But God gave me the opportunity to bless my hubby. To look straight in his eyes and share with him, how I love that he has a heart that gives. That this will not stop him from giving or helping others. He will always find a way and I love and respect him for that. He is a great example for our boys and to me.

As Lysa TerKeurst's post inspired me to bless my man, I pray that today you will find a way to bless the man in your life. Seek God to show you the opportunity. Be faithful to take it and strengthen your marriage.

In His Grip.
Cynthia

Save the Date!!!

I am so excited!


I am pleased to announce that Lysa TerKeurst from Proverbs31 ministries will be at First Baptist Greenwood.


Please visit her blog at www.LysaTerKeurst.com to learn more about Lysa.


So run now to your calendar and save March 13 & 14th for a very special event.

See you there!

Cynthia

You can do it!

Sometime ago I found this poem on Beth Moore's site. I think is was written by Joan Bandy. Today I felt the words soothing to my soul, I pray that you also will feel the wind of His Spirit.



Have a wonderful day!
Cynthia

Psalm 121

I look up to the mountains-
does my help come from there?
My help comes from the LORD,
who made heaven and earth!

He will not let you stumble;
the one who watches over you will not slumber.
Indeed, he who watches over Israel
never slumbers or sleeps.

The LORD himself watches over you!
The LORD stands beside you as your protective shade.
The sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon at night.

The LORD keeps you from all harm
and watches over your life.
The LORD keeps watch over you as you come and go,
both now and forever.