Change in the air...

Living in Florida means sunshine and green scenery 'most' of the year. Honestly, we only have about two months that you have to wear long sleeves and jackets for the entire day. Otherwise, in the Fall/Winter seasons, it's jackets in the morning and evenings and warm during the day. That's MY kind of weather!

There are times when we don't even realize the change in the air until we happen to see a few of the trees in our yard begin to change colors.

A few weeks ago, I was coming home from my regular grocery store shopping spree. As I turned my car into the driveway I recognized that the trees were a beautiful red, yellow and orange...complete opposite of their vibrant green. The weather was changing. I didn't recognize it, but the trees 'sensed' it coming.

As I walked into the house, my arms loaded with groceries, there was a soft voice that spoke to me saying, "even the trees sense changes in the atmosphere. That's how I want you to be."

My "season" verse for the past year has been Isaiah 43:18-19. In the Message version it says "Forget about what's happened. Don't keep going over old history. Be alert. Be present. I'm about to do something brand new."

There's a time of transition between our past and future. During that time, we usually find ourselves impatient, feeling things being pruned from our lives and wondering why we are where we are. But, there is such great purpose in that season of transition. Things change to prepare you for the "new things" God has for your life.

During your "now" season, be alert and be present in all that God is doing in your life. He is looking for a new generation of His people that will stand and believe regardless of the surrounding circumstances, regardless of the "climate." That we would be sensitive, in the Spirit, to the change that is taking place. Recognize it, acknowledge it and trust Him in it.

Just as the trees recognized the season for change...God has placed His spirit in us to recognize the change in the atmosphere.

In Proverbs 22:3 it says, "A prudent person sees trouble coming and ducks; a simpleton walks in blindly and is clobbered."

God is making us alert before the crisis occurs...so that we're prepared. This goes with every area of our lives. Michael Hyatt shared these questions in his recent blog:

• If you suddenly had a heart attack, what would you wish you had done to avoid it?
• If your spouse suddenly announced that he or she wanted a divorce, what would you wish you had done to avoid it?
• If you suddenly discovered your child was on drugs, what would you wish you had done to avoid it?
• If your boss announced that you were being terminated, what would you wish you had done to avoid it?

I, for one, do not want to be clobbered :)

As this new season approaches, ask the Holy Spirit to make you more alert on the things going on around you...and inside of you. God is raising up a "pink army" that is on alert supernaturally - that will not be caught off guard and be prepared for anything. (love it!)

And...He's chosen you.

"Lord, I thank you for this season that each of us are standing in. Teach us to be present in Your now. We release the things from our past and realize that what You are doing in us is part of the new thing that you're going to do through us. May we be fully aware and attentive...wide awake in the Spirit and quick to notice YOU in all things. I pray blessing and favor over each person that is reading this prayer right now...and may you cover them with your sweet and powerful presence in Jesus' name."

Love ya!

The "Who" and not the "Do"

I love Dr. Seuss. All his funny little characters with special unique characteristics. Their hats, glasses, cars, bicycles, purses, and....shoes!! And, the land of Whoville! What a city to live in! With their special designed houses, to their trees (where dogs throw parties!). Seems very safe, happy and colorful. Where it seems that people know "who" they are and where they are going...even the dogs ;) (Go! Dogs! Go!)

The other day I was thinking about my "to do" lists and it was completely overshadowing the beauty of the day ahead. I found myself seeking to get things done, without thinking about the people I would be connecting with and the reason(s) why I was doing those things.

I was focusing on the "do" and NOT the "who." It's scary because I've been down this road before and discovered that I had lost my identity in the midst of everything.

With all the advanced technology that we have today, there is a term that floats around called "identity theft." I was one of those who thought that would never affect me. But more and more I understand how easily our 'identities' such as social security numbers, bank accounts, even just your name, can be abused and stolen from you.

It can happen to you as a person, as well...

Several years ago, I stepped down from a position in ministry. It was my choice, it was the perfect timing and everything seemed to slip into place peacefully. Within a few months, I found myself looking backwards. Wondering if I had made the right decision, feeling left out, confused and isolated....then started the digging. Soul digging.

It took weeks of silence, even from God, before I cried out to Him asking Him what was going on. He spoke so clearly to my heart that even if I didn't do one more thing for Him, I was just as valuable to Him. Didn't need to serve one more person, didn't need to bless someone every day, didn't even need pray...He loved every fiber of my being just for being ME.

And I realized, my identity had been stolen.

I've seen this happen when children leave home and parents are so busy providing for their children's lives, busy running in opposite directions that when the home is empty and silent...they don't even know each other anymore.

Identity Theft.

When the mother's focus is on raising the children, they leave home and mom looks in the mirror and doesn't even recognize herself.

Identity Theft.

People in a specific job or organization and their "titles" are what define who they. One day when that 'position' is over or it's time to retire...their "identity" is gone with it and they're left without knowing who they really are.

Identity Theft.

Sometimes things around us seem to function properly and we get lost in the process. They are not always bad things! But, there is balance. Please remember to keep God and your relationship with Him in the center of it all. Sometimes, God will prune those things out of our lives. Because He wants you...to be YOU. He wants you to know THIS DAY that you are so loved and so valuable. That it's not about what you DO, but about WHO you are.

In Acts 17 it talks about how the God who made the entire world and everything in it, made time and space so that we could seek after Him. Not just wander in the dark, but actually find Him. In the Message it says,

"He doesn't play hide-and-seek with us. He's not remote; he's near. We live and move, can't get away from Him."

If you are seeking, you will find Him. And, in finding Him, find your true and beautiful identity again.

Acts 17:28 - "In Him we live and move and have our BEING."

Enjoy 'being' you today...and focus on the who and not the do!

"God, I thank you for making us originals. I pray that we would be examples of what 100% living looks like and that, in that, we would be able to make an impact in the world...just by being who you created us to be. Help us to identify any areas in our lives that need pruning or tweaking so that we can blossom in the callings you have for our lives. And, we receive the freedom you have for us! In Jesus' name...Amen!"

You are loved!

Cynda

Play in the dirt....

What is your purpose in life?

What are your core values?

Are there some areas that need pruning in your life?

What steps can you take today to reclaim your identity and be who you are called to be?

Reaching out...

REACH - verb (These are my favorites!)

To stretch out or extend, to touch or grasp something, to succeed in getting in contact with or communicating with, having an effect on, range of understanding, to extend oneself

REACH - noun (wow!)

grasp, stretch, capacity, extension, power, influence (!), sway, distance

I remember the first time I fed the homeless. What an emotional encounter. This was a different kind of place. It was a food kitchen that actually looked like a restaurant. The tables and chairs were all set up waiting for their guests and we invited them in to take a seat...and served them. Something most of them probably didn't receive much right now in their lives. As I welcomed people that were in all kinds of situations come in to a soup kitchen and gently asked them if I could serve them, their tough outer appearance seemed to slowly show me a human, gentle softness that was desperately in need. Need of physical things such as shelter, food, a smile...but in such need of the spiritual things. Knowing that there is a God that loves them and has a plan for them that far exceeds any past, any addiction, any barrier.

The question that I have heard in my head millions of times and have heard from other voices is "what can I do that will make a difference?" I could so list my uneducation, untrained-ness, words come fumbling out of my mouth, inexperience, 'drrr-ness' (are any of these real words??) and say that I can not possibly make a difference. BUT, the Creator of the Universe tells me differently. I believe that He 'has' done and 'is' doing a work IN us...to do something THROUGH us. To be an extension of His love. To be a voice that speaks life and not death. Because we have experienced it.

Every experience you have had in life can either break you or be used to build you and others around you up. Look around you. I may have never been homeless, but I have close friends of mine that have. Through hearing their stories and their experiences planted compassion. My 'common ground' sometimes is being a mother and imagining if me and my family were walking in their shoes.

But, sometimes (a lot of times!) God uses things that we have personally gone through.

Have you ever gone through some "yuckiness" in your life? Something so earth shattering that you thought "this one is going to crush me." The amazing thing is that God can use those "yucky" spots in our life for good. No....for something great.

This is the scripture that I read this morning....

In 2 Corinthians 1:3 & 4 it says,

"He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us."

What things have you gone through in your life that God can use to bring hope to someone?

You see, you are so valuable. Your life story is valuable. It's time for you to rise up, reach out and share your story of hope to someone around you and watch something super natural unfold and blossom right before your very eyes....

Get your stretch on!!! There's freedom in it :)

"Renewal"

"He has sent me to tell those who mourn that the time of the Lord's favor has come, and with it, the day of God's anger against their enemies. To all who mourn in Israel, He will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for His own glory." (Isaiah 61:2-3) NLT

As we are coming close to the end of another year...I find myself at a very familiar place. One of looking back, but also looking to see what is ahead. I can get so distracted about either that I forget to recognize where He has me NOW. Right now. That He has me in a place now because of where I've been to prepare me to step into the place of where I'm going....

Before I can step into the new things, I need to shake off the dust from the past. Shake off the things of life that have gradually made their way into (and onto) my life - that I found myself 'wearing' without even realizing...

In Isaiah 61, it says "he will give a crown of beauty for ashes" and "in their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for His own glory."

I believe that God is speaking loudly and very clearly that it is time to shake off the dust that we've become used to and trade them in for the beauty that He has created you and I to walk in. It is time to go back to the original plan that He has for our lives and step into that place, no matter how far off track you have gone...or how close. There are places that He wants to "plant" you - to position you - to shine for His glory! You will be so grounded that no storm will be able to knock you down or to tear you or your family apart. You will be light in dark places. Wherever He plants your feet...you will have the favor of the Lord and will be a person of refuge. Generational curses will be broken and those people that have been abandoned and forgotten will be re-birthed for His glory! You wonder why you have gone through the things that you did (or are going through them now?)...it's His connection of compassion. You will fight on behalf of those who are broken. You will speak on behalf of those who have no voice. And...they will listen.

"Father, I ask that you would shake off any speckle or clumps of dust that have found themselves on your daughters. I pray that every particle would be removed and that you would wash us completely clean so that we may dance again. Renew our minds. Bring renewal our hearts. I pray that, again, your joy will be our strength. Set our feet on your path so that we may fulfill the plans that you have for our lives and those around us. In Jesus' name...Amen."

"Found"

I remember when my kids were little and loved playing "hide and seek." My favorite was when I would cover my eyes and count and finally reach "10!" and they would still be sitting next to me with their eyes closed thinking that they were hidden because they couldn't see me. Then, we would move on to bigger and better places to hide...like the closets, under the bed, in the shower (which always was creepy to look in the shower and find someone hiding)!!

Now there's the world of Facebook. Where you can find your friends you haven't seen or heard from in years (yes, decades), plus keep in contact with those that might have moved away. I was always so bad at writing letters so usually once someone, or I, had moved it was "adios." Things are different now.

I believe that we are in a generation of connecting. People are wanting to be connected, enjoy being found, maybe needing to be found.

So many times I have often thought about being found. Not by an old friend, but just me finding out who I am and what my life is all about.

Yesterday, during service, we sang a song that had the following words:

"I'm found in the arms of love,

Your love - it has saved my soul.

I'll run to Your arms of love,

Your light's gonna lead me home."

The word FOUND kept repeating and ringing in my head all during the song, after service, all throughout the day yesterday. Usually when that happens, the Lord is trying to tell me something (I love it when that happens). I kept thinking of myself and people that I see on a weekly basis. Where am I found?

I want to be constantly found in His arms. Right in the middle of His will, His timing, His direction...in everything. But, life sometimes pulls and tears at us and all of a sudden...I'm found in a state of confusion. Or I'm found in a place of anxiety. Hopelessness. Identity loss.

Here are some of the words that I saw when I looked up the word FOUND and what the Lord spoke to me this morning:

Establish - That to be found in Him is to be established...planted...grounded in His arms. If you are found in a web of weariness, bondage...now is the day of your freedom and you can run to His arms of love. To be established in Him is to know that your identity is in Him. Nothing else will validate you like His love does. No man-made titles, no house, no amount of friends, no position at work or in ministry...your validation needs to only come from Him. You are His.

Launch - Get ready to be launched. Yes, it's launching season. This means that God is going to start to operate, create, build, birth something inside of you that has been dormant just for a season...but, it's time to be launched. When you hear the Holy Spirit tell you it's time to run....run with all that you have. His joy will be your strength.

FOUND - no longer lost. You have been saved....rescued. Rescued from your past, rescued from the power and consequences of sin. Rescued from whatever is trying to slow you down from the race that you were created to win. You can now walk in the freedom that has been declared over your life and dance in it.

I want you to find yourself in the place of His arms. Safe, secure, confident and ready to fulfill the purpose that He has for your life. Yes, it is your time! Focus on Him and He will guide you and prepare you for your race....His light will lead you home.

Found...and loving it,

Cynda

"A Baby Changes Everything"

With the Christmas season approaching, I've been rehearsing a particular song that we will be singing within the next couple of weeks. Faith Hill's "A Baby Changes Everything."

Wow, can that girl sing....

As I was driving in my car - I had the CD cranked and was singing away when all of a sudden a line in the song really stuck out at me...

"She has to leave, go far away. Heaven knows, she can't stay"

This particular part of the song is talking about when she left to go visit her cousin, Elizabeth. I can't imagine what Mary must have gone through at that time. Being young, unmarried, completely unprepared and knowing that her life from now on MUST change...there's no turning back.

I'm sure I'm not the only one, but to be honest with you...I have been caught "off guard/unprepared" several times in my life - not only in pregnancy, but with life in general. Even, the last few weeks I feel something stirring so much inside of me but not completely clear on what it is but knowing that things are about to change.

I imagine that Mary (like us) had plans and dreams and felt that with this "unexpected gift" - that those had all basically poofed into thin air. That her destiny was no longer in her hands....but her response was "I am the Lord's slave. May it be done to me according to your word."

She released it.

A couple of things that the Angel spoke to her were not to be afraid and that she had found favor with God. Those two things speak loud and clear to me when an unexpected turn in my life occurs!

I believe that just like in the natural, God is stirring up something inside of us that is moving, growing and getting ready to give birth in the supernatural.

In my life, I look back at the most times that God has changed my direction or caught me so off guard that I had to learn to trust Him more than I ever have before (not fear) and not lean in my own understanding...but continue to move forward.

I have to learn that God's plan(s) are so much bigger and better for me (and my family) than what I think is or understand to be.

It's when God takes us out of our own comfort zone and says, "You are not meant to stay here any longer. I'm taking you to a new place in Me, under a new anointing, so My plan for you will be fulfilled." It's part of that destiny that He has for your life. This could be a physical change in location, job, ministry but also spiritually...in your giftings, in your perspective, in your heart.

When we let go and fully understand that He is a sovereign God and completely trust Him is where freedom takes place and we realize that it's not about us, but about Him and His perfect "wow" plan.....and, yes, you will make it through to the other side.

I have been living on Romans 8:28 lately...it says "that right now, this very minute, that God is working all things out according to His purposes and His plans." That's my "paraphrase" :). In the Message translation (starting around verse 20) it says,

"All around us we observe a pregnant creation. The difficult times of pain throughout the world are simply birth pangs. But it' not only around us; it's within us. The Spirit of God is arousing us within. We're also feeling the birth pangs. These sterile and barren bodies of ours are yearning for full deliverance. That is why waiting does not diminish us, any more than waiting diminishes a pregnant mother. We are enlarged in the waiting! We, of course, don't see what is enlarginging us. But the longer we wait, the larger we become, and the more joyful our expectancy.

"Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God's Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don't know how or what to pray, it doesn't matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good."

You may not be pregnant in the natural, but be expecting in the supernatural! There's a reason and purpose that He doesn't want you to stay where you are....and experience the joy of expecting something great to soon be birthed in you!!

In great expectation,

Cynda

He's Got This

I had an epiphany yesterday. You know, one of those things that just 'pop' in your head and you have an "ahhh!" moment. Sometimes I'm afraid to admit those moments because usually I get them and everyone around me has already had theirs!

Lately, I have been praying for CLARITY. Can anyone else relate??!! Seems that there is so much going on around us that instead of being just busy, I've found myself in the middle of another dust storm. Not being able to see clearly affects my judgement and, honestly...I find myself overwhelmed sometimes. Well, to be honest...a lot of the times.

But, here's the amazing "ahhh" moment....

It was like the Holy Spirit whispered in my ear...."you walk by faith now, Cynda. Not always by sight." It seems that I'm spending a LOT more time in this "faith walk" than ever before. Don't know if it's just my 'season' or if it's this season in time for all of us. I talk to a lot of people who are finding themselves in the same boat. The boat named "Unclear."

I'm reminded of the story of Jesus and His disciples. Out in the middle of the sea and a storm decides to come out of no where and stir things up a little. I imagine that where they were going was no longer visible. Maybe they thought they were lost...took the wrong turn? Things got rough and they were probably confused on whether or not they should have even stepped foot on the boat!

And now...I find myself in storms just as freaky and where is Jesus? Just like as in the story...He's right here with me.

At total peace.

He is here reminding me... There IS "the other side." God has something planned for us (for you) and when we take that step of obedience to 'step into the boat' we can be guaranteed that things are gonna get stirred up. But we're not in charge of the ship, He is. He knows where we've been, where we are now, and where we're going.

He's in the boat. God has promised that He would never leave us. Whether or not you always sense Him right there...He is. That's where our faith must increase...KNOWING He is there regardless of what we see or feel.

Get ready for snuggling. Just as Jesus was in the bottom of the boat (in the middle of the storm, I might add!), imagine yourself resting in His arms. Yep, right smack dab in the middle of the storm. Just release everything going on in your life that may seem unclear and give it to Him and rest in Him. Boy...it sure makes a difference and before you know it....

The stirring starts to settle, things fall into HIS place, clouds and dust disappear and you are able to see clearer than ever before.

Right now, our hope is in Him. In knowing that He has called you by name and will never, ever leave you. In Isaiah 41:12-13 it says,

"I pulled you in from all over the world,
called you in from every dark corner of the earth,
Telling you, 'You're my servant, serving on my side.
I've picked you. I haven't dropped you.'
Don't panic. I'm with you.
There's no need to fear for I'm your God.
I'll give you strength. I'll help you.
I'll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you." (The Message)

Father, we thank you that You are calling us to a new level of trust and of faith. Thank you for picking us and loving us - no matter our shortcomings, our doubt(s!) at times....We recognize that You are with us constantly. When I wake up in the morning, I bless Your name. When I lie down in the evening, I bless Your name. You are faithful always and forever. I receive Your strength to endure and I speak peace over every life that reads this and receives it. In Jesus' name...Amen.

If you get a chance, feel free to "comment". Would love to hear from you!

S-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g............... :)

Cynda