Being Still Before The King

Hello my blog Friends,
I pray you are all blessed and doing well. I have felt led to share on something the Lord has been shareing with me over last few months about Friendships and the most important one being that with the Lord Himself. I have recently had a conversation with a sister in Christ she shared with me that she was feeling isolated and not really being called much by her friends and feeling lonely.......... I shared with her that I have felt this way often and in fact alot of us do and until now I have not really been able to put my finger on it then the Lord spoke to my heart so this is what I have shared :
I came across a devotion one day in which the Lord used to spell it out to me it's title was this: "HAVE YOU EVER FELT GOD CALLING YOU TO BE STILL BEFORE HIM"? Well as I have prayed about this myself in the times I have struggled with this I have learned a few things the first one being that in these times I have needed to connect with the Lord in such a personal and deep way as He gently called me unto Him to deepen my relationship with Him and if I was busy with friends and relying on friends to fill the gap He cant work we cant get that deep personal relationship He wants for us. See in these times He calls us in silence to BE STILL TO HEAR HIS STILL SMALL VOICE this is when He takes us to a place of just being Him and I as He beckons me to step into a deeper level of intimacy and trust in Him alone and not relying on those friends to answer my every need. During these quiet times before the Lord we need to hear his still small voice not that of others and in these times He matures us in our faith, broadens our trust in Him alone, and He reveals intimate treasures from His heart to our's. It is an awesome time as we sit just before Him and hear only from Him. The Lord has recently showed me that in these times He was trying to speak to me and unless I was all alone and not keeping busy with friendships I may not have heard His still small voice and He was tenderly lifting my head so I may fix my eyes upon Him alone . Now dont get me wrong I do still go to hubby for counsel and my sister's in the Lord to pray on my behalf and I am very thankful for my hubby and my friend's however I know now that as God calls me to be still before Him and I have those queit weeks with no people calling and no lunch dates with the gals that I still need to choose to step forward to seek after Him to go hang out with Jesus cause no one can do that for me not hubby or friends He then reminds me to look to HIM ALONE , AND NOT TO PEOPLE TO FILL MY NEEDS !!! He also has shown me that when I spend that one on one friend time with Him alone I am more likely to face my pride and secret sins then with hubby and friends, we tend to argue these things away and look great and appear joyful even when not but when we are alone with Jesus we face ourselves and the cleaning and purification will take place. I think we tend to place to much of our thoughts on what our friends are thinking and over thinking what we have done wrong or are they even really our friends when we do go thru the quiet times not realizing that the Lord has us in those still moments for a reason so I pray when we find ourselves in those seasons of being still we would not listen to the enemy however go to our prayer closets and seek what the Lord would have us to hear from Him at that time. Now those of you who know me know my circle of friends are VERY IMPORTANT TO ME and I am blessed they are in my life however the Lord has been teaching me this last year in a half especially that He alone is my first friend , my best friend the one and only one who is 100% faithful, 100% trustworthy, 100% flawless, 100% selfless,
and 100% loving and 100% will NEVER LET US DOWN we wont find that in anyone else, thank you Jesus for your amazing love and friendship. I now welcome these still QUIET times and try to remember how precious these seasons are in my walk with Him as He matures me in my faith and reveals more of Himself to me and He wants to do that with us all so the Next time you find yourself in this season welcome it and allow Him to be your bestest friend ever......................

Dear Father above I love you Lord I lift this up to you now I pray as people read this blog YOU have placed on my heart it may bless someone as this being revealed to me has blessed me , I pray we welcome these times of silence and truly seek what you are trying to speak to us I pray we will treasure the times you do allow us to spend with our sister's in the Lord and be thankful for those times I pray we only try to meet our needs thru you and not thru are friends because we know that
we will let each other down we are all sinners saved by grace and are all still works in progress I pray we may all realize this so that we may not be hindered in our relationships you have placed before us Lord thank you for the insight you give us and may you continue to chizel away at all of us purifying us and making us more Christ like and less flesh like it is in YOUR NAME I PRAY AMEN
Until next time may the Lord richly Bless each one of you,
Love,Cindy

Thank Friend's

Hello friends,
Thank you all so much for your kind words and thoughts concerning my last post on blog it means alot as I said this has been a journey for me and I am blessed to be able to be transparent and share feelings with the people who care about me. I pray your weekends are blessed beyond measure and I hope to see you all real soon!!!
In His Grip,
Cindy

"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses,let us lay aside EVERY weight, and sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus , the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross"............ Heb. 12:1-2a



"Pursue peace with all people,and holiness, without which no one will see the LORD" Heb.12:14

My Journey to Weight Loss

Good morning friends!! The Lord has pressed on my heart to share on a topic that is very hard for me however I wish to obey my King so here it goes!!!
I have felt led to share this journey I have been on concerning my weight and feel since I have been the topic of alot of conversations lately I need to share. This is out of my comfort zone so bare with me please. I have been over weight for some time after having seven children that tends to happen and because I was anorexic for so long the weight really packed on fast. This last year in a half when many months of praying my hubby and I are 100% positive there will be no more Bolt kiddo's being born (please Lord) so at that time I decided it is now time for me to take care of this temple the Lord has blessed me with. I was tired all the time, very uncomfortable, out of breath often, clothes didn't fit and physically I just felt yicky so after much prayer I found a program called "PRISM" it is a biblical based weight loss program however it is not a diet so to speak it is a change of eating habits that are suppose to stick with you for life although that to me is between you and the Lord however I did follow to the T while on the duration of the program. I needed to lose the weight that was not my normal weight you have all only seen me over weight thus is why I believe for some it has looked as if I have had a drastic change I assure you all it has been done in a healthy way. I have always struggled with this area of my life "the battle of the bulge" it is a battle I have been waging for most of my life . My earliest memories that related to my weight were back in Jr. High I was known as the to tall and to skinny girl and was liked for that so I didn't want to gain weight.
I was offered modeling jobs and instantly became anorexic thinking I would not be liked or offered any more jobs if I gained a pound. This sickness is powerful and took over my life I struggled with this all the way thru my teens and early 20's and
when I first met my husband he didn't understand at all. The thing that brought me thru was having my kiddo's and a hubby that loved me no matter what my weight was and soon after that the Lord brought me through the rest of it and I learned that true beauty and my identity is not defined by the weight on the scale.
It is defined by my relationship with my maker! Now in my early 30's I knew I wanted to be back in shape however I want to be healthy I didnt want those old sins to creep in there and cause me to stumble thus is why I chose this plan to lose weight in a healthy way one that would cause me to have accountability partners
as well as to the Lord My Maker. I have been on Prism for 2 years now only 100%
faithful on the program over the last year as well as working out 5 days a week for last year in a half now. I am now maintaining this weight and am not losing anymore and have not lost for over a month or so now (my Hubby checks daily)
just toning and wearing clothes that now fit instead of being baggy not a good look for me lol!! No in all seriousness though I am very healthy I eat three meals a day
I am just eating less portions and better food choices thats all. I feel great I have the energy I need and physically I feel much better and I have accomplished this through Prayer, eating healthy, exercise, The Lord, hubby, and a few who have held me accountable along the way. My goal was not to "GET SKINNY" MY GOAL is to be healthy to have energy to keep up with my seven kiddo's to not feel yicky everyday no matter what I was eating my goal was to take control of my eating habits so I can have the healthy temple the Lord has blessed me with and intended it to be for me which is different for EACH PERSON it is between you and your Maker. My goal to is that I can be free in this area so it doesn't trip me up anymore. I do thank you all for your interest in my life ,for your love, concern,
friendships, sisterhood, for just listening to me at times you are all a blessing .
Here are some of the scriptures that I found helpful as I was going thru my journey and will still be going thru I think our body image as women is something we will struggle with until we get our glorified bodies I cant wait Praise you Lord:

1Cor.10:13
3John v.2
Psalm 139:14
Proverbs3:5-8
2Tim.1:7
Matt.6:25
Psalm 29:11
Psalm 139:23-24
1Cor.10:31
1Tim.4:15-16
Proverbs 4:25-27
these are just a few of the scriptures I hold to in this area of my walk through this journey the Lord has allowed me through obedience to let the past pass away to celebrate the new me through a life of freedom ,self-control, and positive actions
and food choices. I must say however this is my journey and everyone has a different one we all have different body types and heights and in order for us to know what is right for us I think we need to start with our Creator: Psalm 32:8
"I will instruct YOU and Teach you in the way YOU should go;I will guide you with MY eye"
Please allow the Lord to guide you in this area if you feel it is a time for you to lose weight do it because HE is leading not because others are doing the same thing.
I have to say that is where my success has been is doing it When HE has led not my
flesh.
Lord I pray if anyone is thinking about going on a diet or weight loss program or is already doing one that it would be for health reasons or obedience to YOU and not because of any other reason Father may it be a plan you call them to and may you allow them to find that healthy plan and weight for their temples you have blessed them with. Father I pray you would allow the enemy to not get into any of these women's minds and trip them up I know our body image is one most of us will struggle with until the day of YOUR return so just allow us to meditate on the fact that we truly are "FEARFULLY AND WONDERFULLY MADE" Father I thank you for this journey you have had me on may I stay focused and never go to old habits
I pray this in Jesus name Amen!!!!!
Ladies I thank you again for your concern and I pray that I have helped ease anyone's minds who may have been worried!
Until next time:
Love,
Cindy

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY

Hello my friends I am wishing you all a safe and Happy 4th of July may God bless your entire weekend I pray for safe travels for any of you whom are going out of town and just in general!
see you all real soon God bless!!!
Until next time,
Cindy

Scrapping Fun With a Friend

Good evening ladies,
I have missed you all and have so much to blog however I will do it in pieces so I do not overwhelm you all . For today I am going to share just a little and then share some layouts I was sooooo blessed to have done with a sweet friend today thanks for hanging out with me my friend
I was truly blessed by your company and kindness.

Ok before I show you pictures I would like to share some things I have been asked by many about my time and how I do what I do so here it goes:
I have to get up at 6:00 a.m. everyday if I want to or not because if I dont I do not get my alone time with God this is my me and God time so I can hear from Him I read my thru the Word and pray I also pray thru out the day not always private yet still am able while cooking or doing dishes or over the Washing Machine or whatever with a big family you have to take what you can get as Susan Wesley did by putting her apron over her head lol. I also do not go to bed until 12:00 a.m. for most of the week some nights I get to retire a little earlier however not the majority of the time. So six hours of sleep is a norm for me and relying on the Lord's strength to get me through and He does. He does really give each family what works best for them it is hard to understand unless you have been in a big family or any family for that matter what is good for one may not be good for another He gives each of us what we can handle. Yes I am a busy momma however over many trials and many lessons to be learned I have learned to PRAY before I say yes to any service outside of home and submit to hubby when he tells me my plate has become to full if my family suffers I am not to do it I do know my FIRST MINISTRY LIES AT HOME THAT IS MY MISSION FIELD NOT THE BUSYNESS OF LIFE. This is a challenge for me and do need to stay bathed in prayer to make sure the things I do are Lord Led and not people led. I also am very blessed to have a loving involved husband with our kiddo's and one who stresses the importance of some mommy time as well so that helps. I also have children who realize being in a big family takes effort and at times sacrifice which is awesome. As I said earlier every family works in a different way and what works for us may not work at all for someone else and that is ok it isnt how the Lord intended it to be so no worries you can find what works best for your family by seeking the Lord. If we find ourselves to BUSY we must seek the King to see if we are in His PERFECT WILL because if we are not careful this is a trap from the enemy to keep us from the very things God has intended for us God's divine order is
1) to put God at forefront of everyday
2)Husband
3)Children
4)work/ministry
and so on and if this is not the order of any of our lives big or small families then we really aren't in God's perfect will. When these things take the backseat to anything even serving in church we are not in His perfect will but permissive will and even sin. So to answer any questions about
us and me being busy I say not any more busy than your average family and I do pray before I
take on any new project and I ask these questions as our Bible Study said this last week to ask:
1)Does it build my family or tear it down if I take this on? Proverbs 14:1
2)Can I do it in Jesus name for His glory? 1Cor.10:31 Col.3:17
3)Does your husband approve of this activity? Eph.5:22 Col.3:18
4)Will my relationship with God, Husband ,or Children suffer if I do this project?
if I can answer the right way to these all and I seek the Lord for answer than I will do it. Am I
perfect everytime ...........uh no however it is a huge struggle when I am in my will and not the Lord's and I rather be in His will and serve unto HIM then in my will and serve my flesh yuck.
well I pray I have answered some of your questions to those who were wondering how I do it I actually dont do it the Lord does it all Not THY WILL BE DONE HOWEVER THE LORD'S WILL BE DONE. GOD BLESS UNTIL NEXT TIME.
LOVE,
Cindy
.

When Life Doesn't Make Sense

Please forgive me it is a long one it has been awhile!! Ok ready to share it didn't take to long for me to obey and allow the Lord to work seemed like forever as I was going thru it however it was no time at all really. So as you all know by now we had planned a weekend getaway for this past weekend we just both needed some R-n-R . Well MY plans were to go to the Beach (Huntington to be exact) that was my hearts desire I guess I was coveting and was in sin. Well we learned at the beginning of June that was going to be an impossible trip due to financial things you know renting car and gas and blah, blah, blah,. I will be honest I was devastated that we were not going to have a romantic get away to my favorite place. So I come to grips with it however instead of seeking God for why we were unable to go I had an attitude and said well fine let's see WHAT I CAN PLAN NEXT??? not taking it to God and seeing the blessed weekend He had planned out which would include our 7 blessings. So now I was planning to go to Lake Las Vegas or Laughlin or both whatever was good just as long as I was doing what I wanted to be doing wow.
Well by the end of week I was tired and ready to do something and Friday was tough then Saturday rolls around and nothing Husband said he didnt feel like going to Lake or Laughlin so I was again very upset and was thinking are you KIDDING ME LORD???? So then we decide at 11:oo a.m. to take all the kids to the
Black Mountain Recreation Pool (which was fun dont get me wrong and we did NEED some family time) it was great to have all of us together for some actual fun and not a have to thing however my whole thought was to be ALONE with my husband. well by now I am feeling abit fleshly and thinking why God it doesnt make sense I prayed and the dates worked and husband had confirmed in beginning so what is wrong??? Well God has shown me yesterday and today that He makes sense and life doesnt have to, say what I am thinking??? See He has shown me that He is majestic and holy and Sovereign and He owes me no explanation and I was demanding one YIKES He is not accountable to me however I am to Him. He also ever so gracefully showed me that He is not a genie who pops out of a bottle to satisfy our whims you see His plans for me are for a hope and a future so how can I not of trusted Him with the simply plan of my weekend and go with it. You see if you notice I said "I" a whole bunch the trip was all about me not my hubby or anyone for that matter I was selfish thinking only of my needs
not going deeper or praying yes even for the simple plans of a family vacation the Lord wanted our children involved HE had a great weekend PLANNED with them and the looks of excitement on all thier faces was so PRICELESS and I am thankful to have been there for that. The Lord is not a genie and He is not our servant but we are His and the very reason we exist is to glorify Him and bring Him glory Amen EVEN IN THE PLANS WE MAKE AND THAT WAS NOT ON MY MIND PLEASE FORGIVE ME LORD!!!!
He was simply trying to tell me to trust HIM 100% with even my plans for our weekend and I know had I of the weekend even could have been more amazing even if it were shared with the kiddo's. I am as we all are to "rejoice in the Lord always" (when always even when plans go arie ) "Do not be anxious about ANYTHING but in EVERYTHING with prayer and petition with thanksgiving present your requests to God and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will Guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Phil.4:4-7
my point is that we need to really take every thing to God in prayer even the little things like our schedules(actually big for me) and seek what He would truly have for us and be ready to change plans. I do believe the phrase blessed are the flexable I was just in the dark in this paticular situation. Please dont get me wrong I am not saying to Never make a schedule or plan a trip I am simply saying just remember that the Lord may change your destination at the last minute and we need to be obedient in what He may have in place of our plans cause we know deep down He has our best interest at heart so how much more awesome are His plans for us ??? well there the best plans the perfect ones!!!! Prayer is so important and staying bathed in it is even more important even with the little things the enemy is Always lurking to ruin even our time away together and if we are bathed in prayer we can fight off those attacks so much easier here are some scriptures on prayer to look up in THE WORD :
JAMES 5:16
MATT.7:7
1CHRON.16:11
PROVERBS 15:8
LUKE 18:1
ROMANS 8:26
PHIL.4:6
COL.4:2
1 THESS.5:17&18
1 TIMOTHY 2:8
AND MY FAv "Pray without ceasing" oh and my scripture HE gave me last couple of days all I kept hearing was Cindy; Not your will ,but my will shall be done. He has shown me alot last few days and for sure one of them is I still have alot of work to be done yet ever so graciously He also allowed me to see what has already been done as well so that was awesome. I pray you are all blessed this week I am so thankful for all your friendships and concerns for our family and I am doing super I just needed to bathe myself in the word and sit in my Father's lap for a few days.
until next time God Bless you all
In His Grip,
Cindy

It's Been Awhile

I know the plans I have for you says; The Lord :
well my weekend getaway was not at all what I expected in fact we didnt get away at all we stayed home and chilled with the kiddo's. We spent Saturday at the outdoor fun rec. pool it was a blast the kids were so excited to all be out on a fun day and with everyone together so we will do more of that when the Lord leads. We just needed some family time and the Lord made it happen for us it was awesome. I now plan on getting back to work and hope to up date this with more as soon as Lord leads me to do so until then may GOD richly bless each one of you and give you peace and comfort this week! I love you all
In His Grip,
cindy