Desiring the Rain

Time to say Goodbye

2011-09-01T15:40:00.000-05:00

Hi Friends,

As I posted before I feel God has led me away from the Desiring the Rain blog.

It was born and is tied to a different time in my life. God has pushed me out of my comfort zone once again and I am strapping on my seat belt for an adventure like no other.

In a week I will shut this down but I would like to invite you to join me on my new journey.

The site is up and still needs a little tweaking If you have some sweet suggestions, let me know.

Here's the link and hope you will join me!

http://cynthiamccutcheon.blogspot.com/

Still desiring the rain but at another location.

Cynthia

Update

2011-08-03T10:45:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to give a quick update.

Following God is a must and when He says move you move.
Therefore God has been urging me to move away from the "Desiring the Rain" blog.

I am in the process of launching a new site. Once it is up and ready I'll post the link here then after a few weeks I'll shut this one down.

I am so excited about where God is leading me, what He is showing and teaching me and He is challenging me.

Hope you will join me on my continuing journey to be more like Him!

His girl!
Cynthia

Stand up

2011-05-18T14:16:00.000-05:00

Stand up, Stand up for Jesus

Ye Soldiers of the cross;

Lift high His royal banner,

It must not suffer loss

Last night these words kept running through my thoughts.

Taking a stand is... hard.

Taking a stand is...something you really wish others would do.

Taking a stand...can leave you...well standing alone.

I have looked to scriptures to see some verses that call us to stand.

"Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one."

Ephesians 6:13-16

"Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong."

1 Corinthians 16:13

As we are called to take stands we have to put these verses into action. It is an action that readies us for that stand. First we are to put on the full armor of God. If you will notice that there is nothing covering the back of the one wearing the armor. God never made us to turn tail and run. Instead He calls us to stand in faith, be brave, strong and hold up the shield of faith to quench the fiery darts. Believe me when you are called to take a stand the fiery darts will fly your way.

I want to encourage you that if you are called to make a stand first make sure it matches up with God's Word, put on the armour of God and make a stand for God.

Recently I have been called to make a stand. I am so thankful for a faithful God that gives me words to encourage me along the way. He brought me to this verse...

"Do not be afraid, Just stand still, and watch the Lord rescue you today.

The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay clam."

Exodus 14:13-14

As I read through these verses I felt God say, "Cynthia can you trust me to fight for you and rescue you? Will you stay calm and stand for Me?"

I don't know what or who your Egyptians are but I want to encourage you not to feel trapped but have an attitude like Moses, to stand still and watch the Lord rescue you.

When God rescues me I will give Him all the glory, will you?

Blessings.

Cynthia

Bold and Stouthearted

2011-04-26T16:24:00.000-05:00

Isn’t it interesting that when God wants to tell you something He will keep repeating it until you hear it?

He can be specific to you even if it is in an arena with 8500 other women. That is exactly what happened a few weekends ago at the Beth Moore conference. Imagine if you will how my jaw hit the floor when she stated the topic for the weekend...Fulfilling Your Ministry. I know those sitting around me had to have heard the loud THUD!

Travis began by reading Psalm 138:1-3. Verse three says,

“When I called, you answered me. You made me bold and stouthearted.”

Stouthearted means brave, resolute, dauntless. What a way to call me to worship and seek what God had for me that weekend. I want to be bold and stouthearted. I want to be brave in what He calls me to do. I want to resolve to give it all to Him. I DO NOT want to be intimidated by what lies ahead.

Over the course of the weekend, Beth’s message was on 2 Timothy 4:1-8 and she gave the following 7 points.

1. Adopt a succinct life goal. God had already been working on this with me. I was challenged by a friend to ask others what they saw as my passion and then to create a short phrase capturing what I felt described my ministry. I came up with the tagline…”Stepping out of the Shadows, Into the Word”. That has now become my life goal, to help others step out of the shadows and fall in love with His Word.

2. Acquire the appropriate tools. Her questions that hit home were, “What would it take to do what God has called you to do? What self-discipline would it take?” I have to make up my mind that I will do whatever it takes!

3. Endure the hard for the sake of the good. Learn the art of pure perseverance.

4. Embrace the necessity and complexity of community. We can’t do ministry without people.

5. Accept God’s willing and healing. This was crucial to me. I had to be open to God’s will but not only that I had to let God fully heal the past hurts that I keep getting hung up on.

6. Entrust yourself to a divine “so that”. I have to accept that I went through things “so that” I can minister to others and glorify God.

7. Always and forever, come what may…Keep the Faith.

God is speaking to me ladies. How is He speaking to you? I would love to know what He is saying to you over and over.

Seeking to be stouthearted!

Cynthia

Fear! Just plain ol’ fear!

2011-04-19T17:29:00.000-05:00

As I have been posting about this journey I have been leaving one thing out. What I feel God is calling me to do.

Recently a couple of readers have seen me in public and stated, “You just leave us hanging.”

Jokingly I think, “Well that will keep you coming back.” But deep within I know that isn’t the logic at all. It is pure FEAR!

You see if I never post it or say it out loud you can’t hold me accountable or better yet, you can’t shake your head and say “No Way” or look she failed. Believe me, you won’t have to do any of these because I already will have beaten you to it.

What God is calling me to do is so far out of my comfort zone that I have already tried to throw in the towel. I have wanted to crumble what I was working on and throw it in the trash and then walk away. It has been the most trying and humbling experience I have taken on. Then God gave me another verse (don’t you just love His timing!)

“Be strong and courageous and do the work.

Don’t be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God is with you.

He will not fail you or forsake you.

He will see to it that all the work related to the Temple of the Lord is finished correctly.”

1 Chronicles 28:20

That first line got me! As if He were yelling at me “Do the WORK!”

Then He went on to encourage me and although at the time this verse was written it was about the temple in Jerusalem, He assured me that since I am His temple that He will make sure that it is finished correctly.

A friend told me that either I will have to say it on my own or God will make me say it.

So here it is…

God has placed two opportunities in front of me. One not as hard as the other but both are challenging.

The first is to facilitate a blog for women’s ministry leaders within our state. I will be an encourager to ladies that are in leadership and provide training and information along the way. This is very near and dear to me because I see that is a need that I did not have while I was a leader in women’s ministry.

The second is to go into churches and other gathering of ladies to share God’s Word. I lived much of my life in the shadows, the shadows of others and even my insecurities. God gently (ok not always gently) pushed me to step out of the shadows and into the Word. Now He is calling me to share with other ladies how to no longer be shadow dwellers but to live in His light and fall in love His Word.

I do covet your prayers! If I fall on my face please just extend a helping hand up without a shaking head. However, God has been doing some mighty BIG things regarding this so I might get a few scraped knees along the way but I don’t think He is going to bring me this far to let me fall on my face.

Stepping of the Shadows…Into His Word.

Cynthia

Journey or Destination?

2011-04-14T07:30:00.002-05:00

I love to travel.

Someone mention road trip and I am trying with everything I’ve got to figure out a way to go.

Recently as my sister and I were talking about a get-away we are taking with our mother, we joked about how our husbands are all about the destination. We on the other hand are just as much about the journey as the destination. I guess we come by in honestly. Our dad is the king of the journey.

Our childhood memories are filled with what we did between points A and B. He was notorious for jumping off the Interstate and getting on the back roads to really experience that area. Oh the things we ventured upon and learned will forever be etched in our minds.

One trip my sons and I were on with my parents is still talked about. We were taking a car trip from Arkansas to Washington D.C. My dad would drive out of the way to visit things like horse farms, log cabins and famous bridges. After many side tours my boys begin to think we were really lost and would never find our final destination. Finally my oldest having so much fun, piped up and said, “Papaw we’ve got all summer to be lost.” Both boys were learning to enjoy the journey. They didn’t have their eyes only fixed on where the trip was suppose to end rather they were experiencing the trip.

This is the same with the journey with God. My heavenly Father is very interested in what lies between points A and B. He is setting me out on a new journey that will have adventures and lessons that will be forever etched in my mind and heart.

As I start out on this pilgrimage, God has provided me with traveling instructions.

Stop at the crossroads and look around.

Ask for the old godly way and walk in it.

Travel it’s path and you will find rest for your soul.

Jeremiah 6:16

I know that as I venture down this new path God has set out for me I will come to crossroads. Each presenting decisions in my route and it is up to me to pick the direction in which to continue. If I seek the godly path and make that course my path I will find rest.

Are you enjoying the journey? Are you more concerned about the destination? I want to encourage you to ask for the godly way and walk in it. You will find rest for your soul!

Enjoying the journey!
Cynthia

Freedom in the Desert

2011-04-11T11:48:00.001-05:00

Have you ever seen the movie “Braveheart”? William Wallace, the main character, fights for freedom. It is the one constant push throughout his journey. Oppression heavily placed upon his country by rulers and other countries. But no matter what he encountered, William’s passion grew and even to his last breath he cried for freedom.

Through my journey I knew I needed freedom from the shackles that had clasped their bonds around me. I was assured by God that I was still looked upon with favor but within the recesses of my thoughts I was not free from the past, the hurts and discouragement. I needed to cry out and passionately pursue freedom even if it took my last breath.

Then God simply blew me away. You guessed it! It was time for another verse to commit to memory. This time God gave me:

Forget about the former things; do not dwell on the past.

See I am doing a new thing!

Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?

I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.

Isaiah 43:18-19

God was giving me the directions on how to be free from this desert I was in.

Forget and do not dwell. He was telling me to omit thinking of and dwelling on the past. Ouch! That was exactly what I had been doing. God wanted me to step away but learn from the journey I had just walked through. I don’t know about you but when I dwell on things too long it hinders me from moving ahead. I needed to let go and let GOD!

What I didn’t expect just yet was the “see I am doing a new thing”. I, at first, thought it was just a new thing in my heart. You know the fresh attitude or the clean slate in my thought processes.

BUT GOD…

God had other things in mind. He really was doing something new in my life. I still have a passion for women and women’s ministry but not being in leadership in the local church I was lost. God helped me to see that had I not traveled down the road and things had not happened the way they had, I probably would have been sitting doing the same thing again and again. He had a different plan for me and wanted me to rely on Him and start stepping out on faith.

Lysa Terkeurst said something once, “I want a faith that requires a little faith.” This was something I so desperately wanted. I knew I needed to have faith for the next adventure God was calling me too.

Cheri Keaggy sings a song with the lyrics, “a faith that has never been tested is growth that is long overdue.”

It was time for growth! God was springing up something within my heart that I knew was only from Him. I was certain that it was from God because it terrified me!

But as I watched God slowly soften my heart and slightly open doors I knew this path was for me to walk down. He is truly making a way in the desert and providing streams in the wasteland.

I am excited and nervous about this fork in the road. I can chose to stay on the path that I am comfortable with or I can step out on the other path and experience something that only God can provide.

I am choosing the unfamiliar path. Some will think I am crazy, others won’t see me doing what He is calling too. Ha, I don't see me doing what He's calling me to do but I guess that is the growth part.

I want to experience all that God has in store for this Jesus girl!

Cynthia

Dejected?

2011-04-07T08:00:00.004-05:00

Do you remember the story about the little boy that would sing the song, “Nobody likes me, every body hates me. I’m going to eat some worms.”

I felt just like that little boy when God said No.

Dejected. All I knew to do was revert back to what I used to do. Go hide. A long time ago that was something I was very good at. Hide in my room, behind someone that was close to me or even hide behind my fears.

In that hiding, God still worked. He began to convict me that I really didn’t have much of His Word hidden in my heart. About that time Beth Moore started a challenge on her blog to memorize two verses a month. She would not give us the verse, we would have to find those ourselves. The blog was just an accountability site. Up for the challenge, I jumped on board.

After the first verse was chosen which was Psalms 65:11 I began to want to get ahead of the game and find a list of all the verses I would commit to memory.

After searching the Internet I found a list “100 Verses that Every Christians Should Memorize.”

Perfect!!! I hit the print button but can you believe it? Almost as quickly as it took to print them I lost them. I searched all over for that list and still to this day have no idea where it is.

As teenagers say so often now days…Fail.

Then the morning it was time to post the next verse I had chosen to memorize, God gave it to me. It was like He was saying, “I will give you the verses, in my time and in the order I chose.”

That next verse was Exodus 33:13 “If it is true that you look favorably on me, let me know your ways so I may understand you more fully and continue to enjoy your favor.”

Not only did I commit it to memory, this verse became my prayer. I knew God was telling me that He still looked on me with favor and I was to seek to know His ways. I wasn’t to feel dejected and hide from Him or anyone else rather I was to take this time to get to know Him better. I was to seek Him and learn to understand His way more clearly. His direction to this verse gave me the promise that He was not to hiding from me.

No longer feeling dejected, now a strong desire to know Him more began to grow.

With His Favor,

Cynthia

Did HE really have to say No?

2011-04-04T07:00:00.002-05:00

I bet you are like me…you don’t like to be told NO! I didn’t like it as a child and really don’t like it as a grown woman. But that is exactly what God told me. NO!

I knew it was coming. I could sense it but I didn’t want to hear it. I loved being in leadership with women’s ministry. To be honest I found my identity in it. Why would God tell me no?

I’ll tell you why. I no longer relied on HIM. I no longer found my identity in HIM. I had gotten into a comfortable place. I knew how to organize events to the last detail, how to coordinate Bible studies, how to research new things in ministry and do many other things a women’s leader did. I just got to self-reliant.

Not only did I depend on myself but I let myself get tangled in a web that led to bitterness and heartache. Instead of sharing this struggle with others and asking for someone to lend a hand to cut the web, I kept fighting until I was so entangled that I couldn’t move. You know much like Frodo did in the spider’s cave during the movie Lord of the Rings.

God knows me better than I know myself and said, “Now is time for you a NO season.”

I panicked and began telling really almost shouting at Him “NO!” But He was so gentle raising my eyes to Him and then repeated the words softly, “No”. Eventually I gave in and resigned. Now What?

First I was paralyzed. I felt I no longer existed or was sent back to stand along the wall like I did some much during my life.

But the Bible tells us that God’s Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. However, one thing it doesn’t tell us is how far ahead that light shines on the path for us. Oh I wanted to see what lay ahead but I couldn’t stretch my neck far enough. My kids laugh because I don’t like being outside in the dark alone. I will never venture outside of the reach of the light. Guess God knew that and knew I would run to far ahead and take things in my own hands if He shone the light very far ahead. Stormie Omartian has a book out “Just Enough Light for the Step I’m On”. Even though I have just recently found the book, the title alone speaks to me. For that is exactly what He was giving me so that I would rely on Him again. My “now what” was just to stand on that step on the path and trust He will shine just enough light for that day. I was to simply rely on Him to direct my path.

This new path has been scary yet exciting. Through it all He has supplied verses in the most unique order for me to memorize. I’ll share those alone the journey!

Until next time “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding,, In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.” Proverbs 3:5-6

Not stepping beyond His light,

Cynthia

2011-04-01T07:00:00.003-05:00

Desiring the Rain….yes that was exactly what I wanted but I felt more that I got a drought. As though I have been buried in the sand but I think I have resurfaced. Incase you didn’t notice but from my post before last it had been 6 months since I wrote something on the blog. It is not that I didn’t log on and try. It was more like I was lost.

I didn’t know how to communicate the journey I was on.

It was such an up and down thing, more downs than ups I think. The blog started out primarily for women’s ministry but since stepping down I wanted to refocus it to what I was going through. Little did I know what that would entail.

I found myself confused and seemingly wondering. I knew without a shadow of a doubt at the time God led me to make that decision but now I was second-guessing myself.

I asked God repeatedly:

If I had made a mistake stepping down from leadership?

If He was finished with me, did I no longer have a ministry?

At first, I dug into His Word but I am sad to say that several times I set it aside for a long periods. Oh how thankful that I serve a God that won’t let me stay away from Him for very long. He at first whispered my name and then at times I know He was in a full out loud voice He was shouting it. Thankfully He got my attention.

So now I just think I am ready to share the journey. To put my toes back in and stir the water to share how God has never left me no forsaken me.

I invite you to join me and I will be as open as I can be.

To end this post I will give you the first verse God gave me to memorize this year. It really set my thoughts on the journey ahead and was an encouragement for me to continue.

“You crown the year with a bountiful harvest. Even the hard pathways overflow with abundance.”

Psalms 65.11

Walking in the Rain again!

Cynthia

Fragrance

2011-03-31T14:15:00.000-05:00

With all of the skunk problem around the area I live I thought about something I wrote sometime ago and thought I would share it.

Well the McCutcheon household has had a first! Several days ago I started my morning off in the usual way, letting the dog out and doing a few things before waking the boys to get ready for school. I vaguely remember getting a whiff of something and thinking to myself, “I don’t remember Tony getting up and putting on a pot of coffee”. As I was getting ready to head up stairs I noticed the dog was at the back door ready to come back in. Not being a morning person and had my senses been about me, I never would have opened that door. Little did I know that on the other side of the glass stood the victim of a skunk spraying. I didn’t realize that the bad “coffee” smell was now being allowed to run and rub around the house. I finally got the dog back outside and holding noses we rushed to make our escape. After dropping the boys off at school, I called the vet, opened every window, lit every candle in the house, started washing the fabric that had been touched and grabbed the bottle of Febreze. (What a great product!) The only problem was that the smell did not immediately go away, it just lingered for days reminding us of that morning when our family dog wanted to make a new friend.

You know that lingering fragrance of a skunk is not something to be desired but there is a fragrance that we should all desire. That is the fragrant of Jesus Christ. The Bible tells us in 2 Corinthians 2:14-15 “Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.” Just like my dog running from room to room leaving a fragrance we should be leaving a fragrant trail in every room and on every life we encounter. As you spend time with God, those you come into contact with will be wondering…”What is that she’s wearing?” The best part it doesn’t even cost a single penny just time with the ultimate perfume maker. So go splash a little Godly perfume on the world…and take it from me it’s sure to be more attractive than a skunk.

Sweet Smelling Blessings,

Cynthia

God Working

2010-09-20T08:52:00.003-05:00

Have you ever felt God working so intently in your life?
That is what is going on in my life right now. God and I are on a journey and things are changing.

One of those changes is that this blog will no longer be a blog for the women's ministry at my church. I have felt the LORD direct me to step down as women's ministry leader so this will now be a personal journal of what God is taking me through.

I look forward to posting my thoughts and steps along this new path God has me walking.

Now more than ever....I am desiring the rain!

Becoming More....

2010-04-22T09:17:00.002-05:00

Have you ever thought about becoming more? No I didn't say have more, I said become more. You see God calls us to follow Him and when we accept His call we are not suppose to just stay the way we are. He lovingly continues to call us to become more.

He calls us to become more than just a good Bible study girl. I can so relate to that. I used to just go through the studies and even though God would give me nuggets of true to hold on to, more often then not, I would just check that study off the list as completed. I have been such a good Bible study girl.

But God calls us to be more like Him in our hearts, walk with Him, in relationships, struggles, thoughts and even in our calling. My friend (yes I feel I can call her that since she didn't call the cops when I picked her up at the airport with a hacksaw in my car), author and speaker, Lysa Terkerust has written a book and bible study named, "Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl". This study is like no other.

A group of women and I have journeyed through this study over the last few weeks and we have all commented on how God has used it in each of our lives. We have dug into some deep issues that women carry. We have opened up to each other and allowed God to give us a trust among newly found friends.
A trust that often times women shy away from because many have been so untrustworthly to us in the past.

Ladies God is calling us to become more. He's calling you and He's calling me. What an impact we will make on those around us as we seek to be more like Him in all we do!

If you can, I encourage you to pick up your copy of this study by Lysa. She is real and leads you to a place of being real with yourself and others. When you finish with the journey through the pages, please share with me what you gleaned from the study.

Can't wait to hear how God is calling you to become more.

More!!! That's what I want and need. Not more stuff just more of Him!
May I become more!

Cynthia

What page are you on?

2010-02-24T13:58:00.003-06:00

This past weekend our church hosted D-Now and what a weekend it was!
One of the things that will stick with me is when Wade Morris shared about a time he was in a school and a young man came up to him telling him that the previous night at church had changed his life. He was so excited about the life change and had in his back pocket the small Bible that was given to him. He told Wade that there was some good stuff in the Bible and recommended that Wade try it out. (For those of you that don't know Wade Morris, he is a full time evangelist.) When a girl near by hears this young man she says she has a Bible too and reads it. This excited young man exclaims, "I'm on page 8, what page are you on?"

When you are looking for the answers for your life are you staying connected to the Word? Needing to know whether to get involved with a ministry? It's in there. Needing to know whether or not to follow that job or position? It's in there. Needing guidance on your marriage? parenting? friendships? It's in there.

Are you staying in the Word? So what page are you on?

I have decided to read the Bible through chronologically this year and I am on page 223.
Yes that is Leviticus and there is direction for me to be found there as well.

His girl!
Cynthia

Satan's Tactics

2009-10-22T08:37:00.004-05:00

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

2009-10-20T10:27:00.003-05:00

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

2009-10-08T08:44:00.003-05:00

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.

2009-10-02T07:45:00.003-05:00

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

2009-08-25T15:19:00.000-05:00

An Important Message from Beth Moore from LWEvents on Vimeo.

The Color Green

2009-08-15T08:29:00.000-05:00

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

2009-08-03T08:57:00.004-05:00

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!

2009-07-21T09:00:00.002-05:00

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

2009-07-16T16:55:00.002-05:00

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

2009-05-28T08:22:00.003-05:00

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

2009-05-17T16:57:00.000-05:00

You ARE a masterpiece!

Cynthia

Signs of Summer

2009-05-14T07:35:00.003-05:00

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...

2009-05-06T14:14:00.002-05:00

"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

2009-05-05T15:15:00.002-05:00

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

2009-04-27T10:13:00.002-05:00

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

2009-04-24T13:38:00.002-05:00

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

2009-04-10T07:24:00.005-05:00

Who you are.

2009-04-03T12:50:00.002-05:00

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

2009-03-23T14:28:00.005-05:00

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?

2009-03-20T08:55:00.008-05:00

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?

2009-03-16T08:21:00.002-05:00

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

2009-03-12T08:27:00.000-05:00

Just a few more days....

2009-03-11T07:25:00.003-05:00

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

2009-02-23T09:30:00.005-06:00

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?

2009-02-05T08:50:00.002-06:00

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

2009-02-02T07:35:00.002-06:00

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!!!

2009-01-14T17:00:00.006-06:00

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!

2009-01-10T10:48:00.002-06:00

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

2009-01-05T07:46:00.003-06:00

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.

Call me clingy

2008-12-29T08:24:00.003-06:00

Yesterday I heard two of the best sermons.
Jeff Ivey preached in the morning service on Deuteronomy 30:11-20 and then Chris Plunkett in the evening service shared from Exodus chapter 33.

Both of the messages were right on target for me. 2008 was a hard year for me and yesterday morning before I left for church I prayed that God would give me a fresh word. One that I can ponder in my heart and hold on to. One that would breath a freshness in to these seemingly frail bones.

So as I listened and soaked in the words being shared here's the one verse that resounded in my heart was Deut. 30:20. "that you may love the Lord your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life..."

This year I want to cling to Him more and know more in 2009 that He is my life.
Without Him there is no life. I want to cling to His Word, His work and His side.
I am not big on New Year's resolutions but this year I want to be BIG on resolving myself to Him, my Creator, Father and King.

What are you looking for in 2009? What is your focus in your walk with God?

His clingy daughter,

Cynthia

Welcome to our world.

2008-12-25T08:00:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas!

Cynthia

Shine Bright

2008-12-23T09:40:00.004-06:00

One thing that I really enjoy is to look at all the stars in the night sky.
Although I don't know one constellation from another, I simply love gazing at a sky filled with the tiny glimmers against the black backdrop.

Recently, my family and I was driving home from my husband's home town. We were traveling well after the sun had set and the sky was clear of clouds. The stars were brightly shining. For a long time we would be driving between towns where it was pitch black. The only lights around was what illuminated from our car or the cars that we would occasionally meet.

As I sat in my seat looking up at the sky, I started to think about the star spoken of in the Bible. You know the one that led the shepherd's to the birth place of our King, the one that the wise men followed for a long time (possibly two years) seeking the Christ and the one we remember as we top a Christmas tree.

As traveled further down the road, I looked for the brightest star I could find. Once I found it, I began to see if we would ever come to a place where I felt we were directly underneath it. Do you know I never found that place? The further we drove; that star seemed like it never got closer. It was similar to never being able to find the end of the rainbow.

Doesn't that make you think about that star so very long ago? How did those shepherds and wise men find the exact spot where the star was pointing? How?
Only by the Creator's handiwork could that come about. He is the One that knows that star by name, the One would gave that star the privilege of leading others to His son. He was the One that allowed these seekers to find the exact place the star was pointing to.

We've been told in Daniel 12:3, "Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever."

Are you shining brightly for Him this Christmas?

Have a Very Merry Christmas!

Cynthia

Even to cold for the Polar Bears

2008-12-16T09:15:00.002-06:00

This morning I pulled myself out of bed to check the weather and to see if school would still be in session.

As I read through the closings, I got the biggest chuckle.
There on the screen in front of me read, "Polar bear plunge canceled due to the weather being to cold." Now that just tickled my funny bone. I mean isn't that part of the reason for it to be called the polar bear plunge.

Just the thought makes me cold. I would never take part in a polar bear plunge because although I like winter I can't stand being cold down to the bone. I've always just shook my head and shivered when someone talked of jumping into cold water. There is only one time it makes sense to me to jump into cold water and that is on a hot 100 degree day.

If you have taken the plunge, my hat is off to you.

Enjoy your day and remember that no matter how cold it is outside a nice chat with Jesus does wonders to warm the heart.

His,

Cynthia

The River of Life

2008-12-02T20:03:00.002-06:00

Francis Chan in the book "Crazy Love" writes:
"If life is a river, then pursuing Christ requires swimming upstream. When we stop swimming, or actively following Him, we automatically begin to be swept downstream."

This really jumped off the page when I read it. I don't know about you but when I'm not actively following God it is like I'm being swept downstream.

If you've ever been in a rolling river and lose your footing it can be hard to find a place to regain control. The current presses hard against you and you just keep getting pushed further down river and out of control. It really takes effort to regain your footing and make the trek back to where you were before the slip.

Even if you slip, it is well worth the effort to make the trek of pursuing God.

We watch a lot of Animal Planet and Discovery Channel at our house. Many times I've watch a show about Salmon swimming up stream to lay their eggs. It amazes me how they can get anywhere with that current that is pushing against them. But the ones that are determined, fight and swim with all their might to get to their destination.

When we accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we were not called to a life of luxury or even complacency for that matter. We were called to take up our cross and follow Him. We are called to be determined to swim up stream with all our might to get to our destination.

What's our destination you ask? To be more like Christ!

Don't get swept downstream!
This world bombards us with the ideas of taking the easy way, get rich quick, and it's all about me. Don't let the current of the world sweep you under. Instead swim, ladies, swim. Pursue God with all your might.

While we're strengthening our swim strokes, let's encourage every Sister in Christ to become active pursuers of God and great swimmers with us!

Hosea 6:3

Cynthia

Oh Where is my hair brush?

2008-11-13T08:30:00.006-06:00

Yesterday I had such a fun experience.

A friend from church has a daughter, Melinda,that is attending Beauty College. Last week I received an email from her mother that she was now accepting appointments so with my hair needing some love I set one up. Now I didn't remember that Wednesday's were half price days and I scheduled the appointment for a Wednesday. Wow I never saw so many sweet little older ladies flocking to the joint. Needless to say they were very busy.

The fun part however was watching Melinda. She is a perfect fit for this career.
I got so tickles as she opened every drawer and showed me all the combs, brushes, and every piece of equipment that she had received to aid her in learning the trade. She was so eager to share with me all her goodies that came with her tuition. I'm not even her mother but I was so proud of the excitement that she had for her career.

As Melinda worked on my hair it was so neat to watch her work. As she worked she easily talked about her training, all the people she was meeting and things in general. I had only been around Melinda on a few occasions (mainly cheering in the stands at a football game.) but she was not tense or nervous. The girl simply loved what she was doing and it was like a perfume filling the air.

The one thing that really impressed me was that Melinda wasn't afraid to ask a question to the instructors walking around the room. I would think a lot of young people would have said to themselves, "This is a friend of my Mom's I have to show I don't need help." Melinda freely asked questions. The instructors gave the answer and encouraged her. She did an awesome job. I was so pleased.

Reflecting back on the time in the chair, I started to hold it to our lives as Christians. Upon accepting Christ as our Lord and Savior we were given an abundance of resources for our walk with Him but are we excitedly wanting to share it with others? Do we dip into that well of resources and let Jesus be our adequacy as we share Him with others? We are given the freedom to ask questions to the lead Instructor, Jesus Christ, but do we shy away or think we have to show we don't need help?

I want to encourage you today to open up that resource drawer, reach for the tools God has instilled in you and share the excitement with others. May you fill the air around you with the sweet perfume of Jesus Christ.

"For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing." 2 Corinthians 2:15

Have a wonderful day!

Cynthia

P.S. If you are in need of a haircut, wax, pedicure etc...Just let me know and I'll tell you how you can visit an up and coming stylist in the area. You will see for yourself how she loves her career and she would be so excited to have you sit in her chair a while and pamper you.

Onward, Christian Soldiers

2008-11-05T08:25:00.003-06:00

Following is what as been resonating through out my very being this morning!

Onward Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before!
Christ the royal Master, leads against the foe;
Forward into battle, see His banner go!

At the sign of triumph Satan's host doth flee;
On, then, Christian soldiers, on to victory!
Hell's foundations quiver at the shout of praise;
Brothers, lift your voices, loud your anthems raise!

Like a mighty army moves the church of God;
Brothers we are treading where the saints have trod;
We are not divided; all one body we,
One in hope and doctrine, one in charity.

Onward, then, ye people, join our happy throng,
Blend with ours your voices in the triumph song;
Glory, laud, and honor, unto Christ the King;
This thro' countless ages men and angels sing.

Onward, Christian Soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before!

Marching onward, Raising my eyes to Jehovah Nissi (God is our Banner)

Cynthia

5 Conversations You Must Have with Your Daughter

2008-11-03T09:48:00.007-06:00

I know...I don't have daughters but I think it is very important that
resources for those that do are made available.
Vicki Courtney's new book "5 Conversations You Must Have with Your Daughter" is sure to be one you will want.

Vicki addresses many "Hot" issues that are influencing our young people today. I am thankful that she does not hold anything back and is on the front lines for moms.

You can also visit her blogspot http://www.5conversations.blogspot.com/ for more insight on being a mom of girls.

Button button, Who helped the button?

2008-10-28T10:22:00.004-05:00

There are somethings in life that you never expect to do.
Yesterday one of these things happened to me and my son Caleb.

As we were driving home from school, Caleb said "Mom, there was a deer stuck in that fence." A little shocked, I questioned him and his response prompted me to turn the car around to investigate more. As we approached the house, there in the wrought iron fence we saw a young deer stuck between the rails. Caleb went to the door to get the home owners but they were not home. We couldn't just leave the poor thing there. We had no idea when the homeowners would be home and we knew the life of the deer would not last long.

I called a neighbor that is a member of our Life Group and he came to help us free the deer. Thank goodness we watch a lot of Animal Planet because we knew it would calm the deer if we threw something over its head. I grabbed a towel out of the car and with a few gentle pushes the deer was freed and running for the hills.

After all the excitement we went home and Caleb was diligently doing his homework when out of the blue he said, "Mom are you proud." I knew he was working on thesis statements and wasn't sure where this was headed so I replied, "In what way are you meaning. Are you meaning am I proud you are working on your homework? Or are you implying that I am prideful?" He giggled and said, "No mom, are you proud that we helped that deer today?" My reply was "Yes and I am so thankful that you wanted to make sure it was ok." Such a sweet tenderhearted young man I have. (Of course I would have to mention that this is the same young man that earlier that morning he did see a full grown buck in the back yard and wanted to grab a crossbow.) But deep down he loves animals and hates to see one suffer.

I thought more about that event and realized that we are so many times like that little button buck. Stuck in a rail, rut or habit needing help to get out. As that little buck struggled and the very life was being zapped from it, it is the same with our lives. We can be threatened by the very thing that has us ensnared. Thankfully our God knows and is able to free us. Just as that deer had to trust that we were helping free him, we, too, simply have to trust in God's hand. Whether by His own hand or the use of others, He is so worthy of praise for His love knows no bounds!

Psalm 40:1-3 "I waited patiently for the LORD; and He inclined to me, and heard my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps. He has put a new song in my mouth--Praise to our God; Many will see it and fear, and will trust in the LORD."

Keep an eye out for those that are stuck and need a hand.
Have a great day in the LORD!

Cynthia

Perspective

2008-10-24T09:11:00.003-05:00

Amy Ivey shared this with me Wednesday night...
from the book "Woman of Influence" by Pam Farrel.

Jill briscoe spoke with a woman from the killing fields of cambodia. The woman had lost many of her family members as victims of genocide. "you in the West, when trouble comes, say, get this off my back, God. We in the East say, strengthen my back to bear it , God."

Ouch! This is a perspective that I am guilty of not always having. I really had my toes stepped on. So many times I just want it gone, not something to be strenghtened by, but rather deliver from.

May we seek the strenghtening to bear the burdens we face.

Isaiah 40:29 says, "He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength.

Goodbye for Now

2008-10-16T08:01:00.004-05:00

Yesterday afternoon, my husbands 97 year old grandmother was ushered into the arms of her LORD.

The matriarch of the family lived life to the fullest. She had the priviledge to walk on the soil where Jesus walked, she lived a geniune faith much like the one that dwelled in Lois the grandmother of Timothy and she cherished her family.

We enjoyed so many times sitting and listening to her stories of her childhood or how she fell in love with a strapping young man who happen to have the most beautiful saddle in the county. Those times will be missed but remembered fondly.

The chorus of the song "Goodbye for Now" by Kathy Troccoli
voices our comfort that one day we will laugh, smile and praise our Lord together.

...but There Will Be A Time
when I'll See Your Face
and I'll Hear Your Voice
and There We Will Laugh Again
and There Will Come A Day
when I'll Hold You Close
no More Tears To Cry
'cause We'll Have Forever
but I'll Say Goodbye For Now

so We'll Wait...For Now

We love you Nannie Maudie!

Cynthia

Well You Ain't Got A Thing, If You Ain't Got That Bling!

2008-10-07T10:16:00.004-05:00

If you know me, you know that I am not a glitz and glitter kinda gal.
Hubby and I are both more of an antique lovers type so when our boys came along we assumed that they would be the same. Yeah the joke is on us.

Ever since our boys were little the glitz and sparkles have always caught their attention. If we were walking through a home improvement store a side trip to the Chandliers was always in order. I promise if we were to have built a log cabin tucked way back in the woods, we would have had a fight on our hands to give in and hang a light fixture with the biggest and largest count of crystals you could find.

I even remember on a vacation to Washington DC, I gave each boy a disposable camera so they could each take pictures from their views. It was such a riot to see all the pictures taken by 7 and 4 year olds. We laughed as we viewed headless statues, the feet of Abraham Lincoln but most of all, the many different Crystal chandliers throughout the Great Halls of our Nation's Capitol and surrounding buildings.

Fast forward to today...With Boy 1 rapidly approaching his final year in High School it has come time to create and order his Senior ring. Oh the choices. We had a hard time figuring out the order form and sent up a quick rejoicing praise when we realized that we could design the precious bauble on line. Of course true to nature, there was a slight amount of dazzle incorporated into the final creation.
Definately will have some bling going on.

Once the real ring was designed and the order form filled out the playing began.
Even Boy #2 got into the action. After a while the announcement came that the "dream ring" was designed. I about flipped when even from the computer screen, I was blinded by the glare of all the glitz that was added. Not to mention the price. It was such a site to watch my boys express their likes which is so totally opposite of their parents.

As I smiled about their fancy for the shine, I can't help to think about the total amazment that will be on their faces when they walk through the gates of Heaven.
Revelation 21 describes for us in the words of John what the New Jerusalem will be like, all the precious stones, the Crystal sea and the streets of Gold. As we all stand in awe of God and the home He has created for us, no Crystal chandelier on this earth reflecting the beautiful sunlight can even compare.

This mom would get the biggest kick if God would grant me the honor of seeing the expression on my boys faces when they arrive in heaven. No doubt it will be like they were 4 and 7 again. No, not in a hurry to go but know it will be such a joy when that day arrives.

His,

Cynthia

Invisible?

2008-10-02T18:58:00.003-05:00

Today I got to have so much fun. It was my turn to feed the linebackers of the Varsity football team. I took my turn last year and had so much fun cooking up a feast for these guys. This year was no different. Some even came into the house asking if I made the same thing that I made last year. When I answered yes, I received a "Aw right!" That of course just made my night and I was ready to refill their drinks and serve up some big ol' chocolate cake. Yep, these gentlemen are welcome to my house anytime. They are truly gentlemen and each parent should be proud of the men they are raising.

After my job was done I cleaned the kitchen and then did what was expected of me...disappear. Oh I didn't go far because I loved hearing the chatter and laughter but they didn't see me. I was quick to listen for comments like needing more ice or where something was but for the most part I was not seen to my guest. That was just how I wanted it.

Isn't that how it is in a lot of our lives. Jesus calls us to serve but sometimes to step out of the view. I was sent this video recently and wanted to share it with you. We must always remember that if we seem invisible to some we are never invisible to God. He is using everything unseen to glorify Himself and His Kingdom.

What are you building when no one sees?

Keep working towards building your cathedral, Because God sees.

Cynthia

Baggage

2008-09-18T13:13:00.003-05:00

"Then Jesus said, Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

We all have some. Many times we choose to disguise the baggage we carry with decorative coverings. Whether it be bright colors, paisley or polka dot patterns, the baggage we sometimes hold on to is very heavy.

I ran across this video and was so touched that I had to share it. It is a few minutes long but it is well worth it.

Trade these ashes in for beauty.
Lay every burden down at the foot of the Cross.

In His tender grip.

Cynthia

Days of Praise

2008-09-11T09:59:00.002-05:00

Psalms 8

O LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!

You have set your glory
above the heavens.
From the lips of children and infants
you have ordained praise
because of your enemies,
to silence the foe and the avenger.

When I consider your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you have set in place,
what is man that you are mindful of him,
the son of man that you care for him?

You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings
and crowned him with glory and honor.

You made him ruler over the works of your hands;
you put everything under his feet:
all flocks and herds,
and the beasts of the field,
the birds of the air,
and the fish of the sea,
all that swim the paths of the seas.

O LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!

Have you praised HIM for who he is today? It might just keep our hearts exactly where they are supposed to be.

Have a wonderful day with our LORD today!

Cynthia

Few of my favorite things

2008-09-02T08:15:00.005-05:00

I was so excited this weekend to see that one of my favorite movies, "The Sound of Music" would be on T.V. Of course I own it on VHS, but I was going to get to watch it in HD. Big deal in a house of males outnumbering mom.

My guys had been out of town and when they arrived home the house was alive with the sound of music. It has never taken much for me to embed the tunes of "doe a deer a female deer, ray a drop of golden sun" into the minds of my strapping young men. I bet you are thanking me right now for the tune that will be playing through out your day. I take my bow and say "You're Welcome" with a smile.

One of my favorite parts, really I can't narrow down which is my all time favorite, but one of them is when the children run into Maria's bedroom frightened by the storm. She teaches them the song to sing about their favorite things. You know the one, "Raindrops on Roses, whiskers on kittens....brown paper packages tied up with strings, these are a few of my favorite things." The song goes on to say, "when the dog bites, when the bee stings, when I'm feeling sad I simply remember my favorite things and then I don't feel so bad."

That got me to thinking while Gustav was sending rain our way, it being a Presidential election year and the fact that Satan is in full battle mode for us and our children, what are a few of my favorite things.

So here's a list of a few in no particular order of importance:

1. Being upstairs while the rest of the family is downstairs and hear a outburst of spontaneous laughter from the whole crew. Always brings a smile to my face.

2. Seeing a red Cardinal perched outside my kitchen window and watching the deer play in my back yard.

3. Spending time on the lake with family and friends.

4. Hearing my youngest son challenge his father and older brother, stating he can take them on. The would be opponents sitting with smiles and heads shaking back and forth.

5. Cheering for my guys in whatever sport they are playing.

One of my other favorite things is when God redirects my reading of His Word. You know the times that others say is a coincidence, to that I say "Yeah right". These are the times I think I am turning to the correct passage by instead find myself in a entirely different one. This happened just recently. I thought I was wanting to read Psalm 68 but instead I was looking for Psalm 16. Thinking I was in the correct chapter, I read through Psalm 68 and found so much. The part that really was an "Ah-hah" moment was verses 7-10. Maybe with the rains headed our way and the title of this blog that has rain on my mind but as I read I couldn't help but be amazed at God's provision.

God led the people out of Egypt and marched them through the dry wasteland. As the earth trembled and heaven poured down rain before God, he sent abundant rain to refresh the weary land. I was intrigued so I looked in a commentary for a deeper understanding. This is what I found, "This is not meant to be a literal rain, but rather a shower of blessings, i.e., manna, quail, water out of the rock, innumerable victories, protection from the enemies, etc." I am learning so quickly that I have often put God in a box. Sometimes reading the word rain as just that, the watery substance that falls from the sky. Even though it can literally be that it can be so much more. It can be His provision for big things as well as the little things. The victories that He led me to and even those favorite things from my list that happen just when I need. Our God is a god that loves to send a plentiful of rain even to our dry weary land. Praise Him!

The next few days looks to be filled with the rain from the skies but will you look for the blessing rains from God and think on your favorite things? Please let me know a few of your favorite things.

Cynthia

Final NOGS week

2008-08-20T08:00:00.000-05:00

Here we are at the end of our study, can you believe that we have come to the end? To tell you the true I am a little sad. This has been a unique way to get with ladies and study God's Word together. Believe me we will have another study through this format again in the near future.

I have learned and been encouraged by each and every post. I loved the realness that was shared. We all(especially me)have those areas where we have to let go of those false idols and make room for God. Thank you for traveling this road along side of me!!!

This last week was great! The intro to Session Eight was so powerful and dead on. Revisit the testimony about the married friend realizing she needed to get rid of the cards, letters and emails from the first guy she ever loved. Another friend shared a similar story with Kelly that she references on p.178. We can hang on to all sorts of things from the past besides old boyfriends and, often, until we really say goodbye, we can’t say hello to something wonderful God has for us. As Kelly’s been telling us for weeks, we’ve got to make ROOM. Discuss a time you came to a similar conclusion and acted on it. OR, if you haven’t let go of something but you know you need to, feel free to share with us to hold you accountable and pray for you to have courage to follow through.

I loved Day Three! Revisit Kelly’s first paragraph on p.173. What is the “bridge between the old and the new”? THEN, take a good look at Deuteronomy 6:23 in the margin of that same page and note Kelly’s abbreviation of it in the second paragraph: “He brought us out…to bring us in.” Girlfriend, I need that written GREAT BIG on a card to keep in front of me at all times! Why is it so critical to keep that concept in mind?

The last two days of study out of the Book of Ruth were so good. Didn’t you love the last line of Ruth 1 (V.22) where we learn that Ruth and Naomi, devastated and grieved, entered Jerusalem, just “as the barley harvest was beginning”? Read John 15:8. As we draw our journey to a close, having moved out some idols to make room for Christ, I want to encourage you to believe God to move in powerfully and purposefully.

Ladies please remember “Your harvest is just beginning!”

This has been a great study. I am so glad that God used Kelly in a mighty way!
It has been a pleasure digging into God's Word with you!

Love you all!
Cynthia

We interupt this program...

2008-08-18T07:38:00.005-05:00

I just had to share something other than the Bible study right now.
Last night we dedicated the new Edge building to God for our youth.
I was challenged personally and for the women's ministry as I listened to Lee and some of the youth share what God has taught them over the summer and how to pray
for them this school year. Some shared about unity, reaching others and how it is their desire that the film of their lives doesn't end up in the deleted scene sections of the Kingdom's movie.

One of the most powerful challenge was through a song. I want to share this with you and
pray that you will also be challenged that great things are yet to come for the women in this city.

Greater things are yet to come in this city!

Love,

Cynthia

NOGS Week 7

2008-08-12T08:42:00.002-05:00

Can you believe it? Here we are completing week 7 of this study. Summer can sometimes be hard to dig into the Word but that is why we are doing this in the first place. We sure didn't want to take a break and slide into a pit because we vacationed from His Word. Psalm 119:162 says, "I rejoice in your word like one who discovers a great treasure." For those of you that were at the simulcast remember...treasure the wonder. Let's stay the course together as we travel the road ahead.

Here's our discussion for the week.

On the bottom of p.148 and in the context of promised blessing, Kelly writes, “Sometimes the Lord immediately replaces what we have left [as in, said good-bye to], and other times we are left feeling empty for a time.” At several very important seasons of my own life I believe God deliberately let me feel that empty space for a while before He filled it…even with Himself. If you’ve had a similar experience, share it and discuss what purpose God might have had in it.

Friends this has been so much fun! One week left so stay strong and stick with it to the end.

Cynthia

NOGS Week 6

2008-08-06T20:44:00.002-05:00

Summers getting close to the end and so are we to the end of this study. I want to encourage you to keep pressing onward, you will be rewarded with you diligent work.

Here's our discussion for this week. Please feel free to include any other thoughts from the week.

Turn to p.125 and reread the excerpt Kelly included by Charles Spurgeon. What are a few things we often try to do rather than refer our doubts straight to God?

Then, read John 2:1-5 and note how Mary approached the pressing problem.

Take time right now to pray out loud simply stating your need or problem to God in one statement, something like this: “Lord, there is no more _____________________.” Or, “Lord, I am ____________________________.” Then simply tell Him that you’re trusting Him to do something about it. Try to resist fretting over it this week but keep watching for Him to turn some water into wine.

Trusting!

Cynthia

NOGS Week 5

2008-07-30T15:55:00.003-05:00

Wow are you just loving this study? I am for sure!

This week we looked at "Saying Goodbye". Boy I needed that! I have never liked saying good bye. Too much hurt and sadness so I could really relate to Kelly's story regarding her trips home.

We didn't have to wait long to dig into some meat. Day 1 showed us that false memories can be a stumbling block for making room. Can anyone else relate here? I mean sometimes I can go fast through the coulda, shoulda, woulda's. Sometimes I think my memory is shot when I start longing for something that is from my past that wasn't good for me. I am so thankful when God reminds me. Ok, whether it be gently or not, I am still thankful in due time.

So here's our discussion question for the week:

Take a look at the top of p.108 under “Personal Reflection.” I loved this line of discussion starting with this question: “Have you ever tasted or brought back fruit from a future promise that had not been fully realized?”

Also what is your thoughts from the "Your Take" section?

Oh my friends I am so glad you are going through this study with me. I know that some have gotten a little behind due to summer vacations and stuff but I applaud everyone of you for staying with it.

I think we need to have a time to meet together in person. Are you ready to enjoy a few of the recipes and discuss some of the study in person? I'll get the plans in motion!

Love you all! It's a joy to study God's Word with you!

Cynthia

NOGS Week 4

2008-07-22T10:29:00.003-05:00

Hey Bible Study friends,

Can you believe it? We are halfway through this study. I pray that you are letting God do a work in you and you are making room for God in your life. I agree with one comment that it is like Kelly is sitting in my house and writing based on what she has observed.

The definition of idolatry on page 81 was an eye opener. It's taking a good thing and making it an ultimate thing. The phrase that it is attached to everything really made me think. Is God my ultimate thing? Sadly there are times that my words say yes but my thoughts, actions and preoccupations say no. I so don't want to be like Rachel "grasping for gods near the end of her life."

Here's some discussion items for this week. Can't wait to hear your thoughts.

Reread the first couple of paragraphs from Kelly’s intro to Week Four on p.76 concerning people-gods. Then, look up Phil. 1:9-10. How can these two Scriptures become a huge help to us in finding the balance between loving people and idolizing them?

Lastly, review p.87 and reflect on the whole Leah and Rachel madness. Reread the bold-print section at the top of the page. What are a few costs of desperation that you yourself have paid? And what is the solution?

Pat yourself on the back! You've been working hard and sticking with the study!
Keep it up. A blessing is waiting for you as you make room!!!

You are a treasure!
Cynthia

NOGS Week 3

2008-07-15T13:53:00.002-05:00

Here we are in Week 3. I gets so amused that there is one day each week that really speaks to me. The amusing part is that it is always the same day each week.

So many are letting me know that the study is really meaning a lot to them. I am so glad because it is really touching me and getting my attention in so many areas.

Here's this weeks discussion questions.

1. On p.62, Kelly quoted Michael Wells: “Satan will tell us what’s true, but he never tells us the truth.” Let’s have some examples of that. How has Satan ever told you something that was true but wasn’t the truth?

2. Kelly’s discussion about King Hezekiah and the attack on his faith on p.66
A quote from the devotional classic, Streams in the Desert. “Genuine faith puts its letter in the mailbox and lets go. Distrust, however, holds on to a corner of the envelope and then wonders why the answer never arrives.” (p.168) What envelope have you been most prone to hold the edge of?

Stay strong with the study and keep His Word in the fore front of your mind.

You are doing great!!!

Cynthia

No Other Gods Week 2

2008-07-08T06:00:00.002-05:00

Wow...the comments for week 1 are great. Isn't it an eye opening experience to realize that we have idols in our lives even though we don't know who or what they are. Let's keep up the great commenting and feel free to visit back to read others comments and reply to them. We can keep some type of discussion and encouragement going.

Following are our discussion points for week 2. Feel free to throw in some other things that were important to you throughout the week.

1. Turn to p.39 of your workbook. Kelly had us read 1 Peter 2:9-12 and reminded us that we were meant to be peculiar people. Reread her words.

Let's see if we can do an acrostic of the word "peculiar" based on various ways Christ has set us apart. In other words, come up with one word that begins with a "p," then another that begins with an "e," "c," and so on.

2. Turn to p. 41. Recall our reading out of Genesis 21:1-6. Listen to verse 6. I especially love the New English Translation: "God has made me laugh." Share something with the group that God has done for you that brought you such joy or such a turnaround that it was laughable.

3. Lastly, turn to p. 49 for what I thought was one of the most powerful moments of the entire second week. Kelly said "Fear protects our idols"! How? Let's discuss that!

Ladies, I am having a blast with God this summer, I hope you are too! Stay in His Word, seek Him until He rains righteousness down on you!

Can't wait to hear from all of you.

Cynthia

No Other Gods Week 1

2008-07-01T07:22:00.006-05:00

Oh Ladies, there is nothing like jumping right into the meat of the study with week one.

I heard joking regarding what this study would convict us of or how we would have to change from our chosen lifestyle. Little did I know that words would jump off the page and apply to my life so quickly. I think the author of the study, Kelly Minter, was so wise in defining our terms so quickly in day one. Please reread the definition on page 13 by Ken Sande.

What new thoughts did this definition bring to your understanding of a false god or idol?

I personally never thought of an idol being anything other than a material object, well maybe I did but just didn't want to admit it. It really hit hard when the definition stated "something other than God that we set our heart on." I never thought of it even being a relationship or the lack of one. That is an area in my life that can master or motivate me. I never entertained the notion that that could be an idol in my life.

What did you find regarding a functional God in your life?

How did you compare the difference between a professed god versus a functional god?

Ladies I can't wait to dig deeper with you as we learn together. Please make a big effort to participate in this way of studying together. That's the only way this will work.

Love you all!

Cynthia

eBible Study Kick off

2008-06-23T14:34:00.002-05:00

Hi Ladies,

I am so excited about this Bible study. The books are in and ready to be picked up if we ordered one for you. Please be ready to start our discussion of homework for week 1 on July 1st.

Before we get started I would like to find out how we can lift each other up in prayer. You may feel free to answer this question anonymously, we will pray for each other with full assurance that God knows the author of the comment. So, Please share what you perceive to be your biggest challenge toward walking victoriously with God this summer. House full of children? Heavy work load? Difficult season emotionally? Just had your heart broken? Just feel far from God?

Again I can't wait to jump into the study and see what God has in store for each of us.

Cynthia

One of Those Days

2008-06-17T16:17:00.004-05:00

Have you ever had one of those days? You know where it seems nothing goes well.

Well today was one of those days for me. It started out well enough, got son #2 off to church camp without incident, but when I got home things went crazy. The phone rang and as I picked it up something went haywire. I couldn't hear a thing but LOUD static. Since I had caller id I could tell who called so I tried to call them back on my cell phone all the while they were calling me. It took several minutes to finally connect with each other. Once the phone conversation was concluded, I started trying to figure out the phone and wound up calling the company. They walked me through some trouble shooting steps and after unplugging all my phones I could finally make a call. As I started plugging the phones back in the problem started again. I finally quit working on them for a while and started my work on the computer. (Haven't tried again yet)

After I logged onto the system where I do my work and something called me away from my desk. After a few minutes of sitting idle the system then disconnects the user, which is exactly what happened to me. This isn't usually a problem I just log back on but I simply couldn't remember the password. I get three attempts before it locks me out. Guess what? I used all three attempts and was locked out of the system for 5 minutes. That really wasn't so bad but I did it 3 more times. Yes I locked myself out 3 times within 20 minutes. I had to swallow my pride and call for the password. I was ready to pull my hair out.

On top of all of this I have just had one of those sad days. I am sure that you women can relate to that, at least I hope I am not the only one that just has sad days. Our God is so cool! He gave me a word right here on this blog. You may have noticed the Snippets from the Word on the side bar, well today's simply hit the spot!

Job 8:21 "He will yet fill your mouth with laughing and your lips with rejoicing."

Don't you just love Him! He is always so faithful to give you what you need when you need it!

Getting ready to laugh with God!

Cynthia

Worth the Fight!

2008-06-12T08:47:00.006-05:00

Proverbs 28:4

If you desert God's law, you're free to embrace depravity;

If you love God's law, you fight for it tooth and nail.

(The Message)

In what ways did you fight for what was right this week?

Where did you see Christ going ahead and fighting for you?

It is my prayer that you will fall deeply in love with God's word and fight for it daily.

Enjoy a special time in the Word today, I promise you won't regret it.

Cynthia

These are the days!

2008-06-09T10:33:00.006-05:00

Yesterday Bro. Ronnie preached a sermon entitled "Finding Real Food in a Fast Food World".
We were reminded that our Bible is a precious source of truth, power and growth. He also outlined ways to use the Bible in our lives. We should embrace God's Word by hearing, reading, studying, memorizing, meditating and applying it.

Not only did we get taught great Bible truths, we also worshipped God with wonderful songs. I was so excited when the instruments began playing "Days Of Elijah". This is one of my all time favorite songs!!! So this morning, as I was having my quiet time, I wanted to hear the words again but I ran into a slight problem. I couldn't remember the words. (hint hint Bro Tom, we need to sing it more!) So I did what anyone would do...I googled them. So excited I began singing, however in a low volume so not to set the dog to howlin' and wake the kids. Then it happened, I got to one line and I stopped. Intrigued, I set out searching the meaning of the phrase. I started reading material about the subject and as I sat with my chin hitting the floor, I craved more. As I dug deeper, the more interested I became. Then wouldn't you know it, my son rounded the corner with a "Hi Mom, what's for breakfast?" so I sat my reading aside, hugged and fed my growing young man. Although I had to be taken away from my studying, believe me I will be returning to that subject. I am consumed by it. Once I have a better handle on my topic of study, I'll try to post something.

God has placed me on a new journey learning about Him and His Word, care to join me?

Behold He comes, riding on the clouds!
Shining like the sun! At the trumpet call
Lift your voice! It's the year of Jubilee
and out of Zion's hill salvation comes!

Today, God whetted my appetite for His Word by using a line in a song so what are some ways that God intrigues you to study and search His Word?

Diggin' for more today!

Cynthia

Gonna be His hands, Gonna be His feet

2008-06-06T09:23:00.005-05:00

Tomorrow morning a group from our church will leave the comforts of home to join another group from church in Nicaragua. I want to encourage you to pray for them as they make a journey to another country and share the love of Jesus. Please pray for their travel safety, their health, and their families they leave at home. Mission work is so exciting and I pray that each person on the team experiences God in a fresh new way and have the opportunity to plant seeds of hope to everyone they meet.

Here's a list of those that are either currently there or heading out tomorrow.
Erin, Rachel, Rae, Elizabeth, Mary, Amber, John, Daniel,
Jane, Joshua, Greg, Christa, Aubren, Amanda, Cody, Rachel,
Vicky, Brooke, Trena, Raye, Bobby John, Todd

Thank you team for answering the call to be an Acts 1:8 team. May you be clothed with Jesus and know those at home are lifting you up in prayer.

Magnificent Reputations

2008-06-05T07:02:00.003-05:00

We all have a reputation whether we want it or not.

According to Webster's Dictionary the word reputation means the overall quality or character as seen or judged by people in general. Reputations are placed upon us by the choices we make or even reflect the paths we've walked down through life. They can be acquired by one act or by a series of actions or attitudes. Many people work hard to obtain a certain reputation while others work just as hard to change the one they have.

The best reputation that we as a Christian woman can obtain is that of "she glorifies God!"
What a wonderful thing to be said about us for that is what we are created for. According to Isaiah 26:8 this should be our heart's desire.

What about you? Is this your heart's desire? To have a reputation of glorifying God?
If you are on the path of gaining this reputation, I want to encourage you to keep up the good work. If you have found that you have somehow gotten on to a detoured path, it is never to late! Seek the Lord and let Him direct you back to the right path.

As said earlier, we all have a reputation. Even God has one. In the 63rd chapter of the Book of Isaiah, we find the Israelites remembering what God had done for them. They remembered how He brought them out of Egypt, across the Red sea, across the desert and into a peaceful valley for rest. I love how the New Living Translation reads at the end of verse 14, "You led your people, LORD, and gained a magnificent reputation."

So here's what I would like to hear from you. How has the LORD led you and gained a magnificent reputation in your life?

Can't wait to hear from you!

Cynthia
Hosea 6:3

Because we sing...

2008-06-03T09:57:00.002-05:00

Because we sing...ok it would be better to say "Because we blog".

Why are we starting a blog? That's a great question. This blog is primarily to link the women
of Greenwood's First Baptist church together online. The name of the site is "Desiring the Rain".
No not the physical rain (it would seem we've had a full abundance of that) but rather this was chosen based on Hosea 10:12. The more we seek the LORD, share our lives and encourage each other, the further we will live our part in advancing the Kingdom of our LORD and enjoy the rain of righteousness only He can shower on us.

On this blog you will find devotions, encouragement, upcoming announcements, reflections on events and of course lots of fun. Who knows you might even find a recipe every now and then.

You are invited to join our online community where it is our prayer that we will not only be a blog but an added reason to sing! Even if you are not a member of Greenwood FBC you are welcome to join us on our daily walk with Jesus and each other.

Look forward to meeting you here again soon,

Desiring the Rain
Cynthia