Are you REALLY okay...

    We are constantly bombarded with  magazine covers with skinny girls and television shows where everyone is a size 2....what I want to know is are you really okay with yourself?  If you could change 1 thing about yourself what would it be and why?
    I have very few women that are completely happy with themselves; me included.....what shape would the world be in mentally if we were all pleased with ourselves and had more self confidence - well....we wouldn't have as many therapists and the drug companies might go under......Fact:  8 out of 10 people have issues with anxiety and stress - I am one of these!!!  Ashamed; not at all; but I've learned to rely more on physical fitness as my means of replacing medication....and it's doing my heart good too! -CiCi-

What Do You Remember...

    I have currently been teaching the study by Jennifer Rothschild, "Me, Myself & Lies" and we are working on cleaning out our thought closets.  This past week there was an interesting part where we had to rate ourselves from 1 to 10 on what we remember......below are the questions:

1.  Rate your Memory - 1 being poor, 10 being excellent...

2.  When it comes to criticism or past failures, rate your ability to remember...

3.  When it comes to successes, compliments, or God's benefits, how good is your memory?...

    If you're like the majority of the class we had poor memory for #1 but we had almost 10's when it came to remembering our mistakes and failures.  WOW!!!  Why do we do this to ourselves?  We should really be more aware of the forgiveness of Christ and the Love that other's have given us.  Not dwell on the negatives and definitely not dwell on our past.  Leave it all behind and press on to what lies ahead.  Happy Monday -CiCi -

Yes You Are...

    Happy Friday and to all my Girls out there - in case you were wondering....

YES YOU ARE!!!  and don't let anyone lead you to believe otherwise!!!  We are all Beautiful inside and out - God doesn't make ugly and unworthy - He makes Beautiful Daughter's of the King!! -CiCi-

Love is Sustained Action...

    We so often hear that love is a feeling....people fall out of love as easily as they fall in love.  Christ tells us love is a choice; we must choose to love other's; even when they fail us.  I am an avid reader and love Nicholas Sparks.  Below is a quote from his book "The Wedding".  It may not be spiritual; but it really hit me as important enough to share with you.
   

"But love, I've come to understand, is more than three words mumbled before bedtime.  Love is sustained by action, a pattern of devotion in the things we do for each other every day."

    When your children fail you, do you fall out of love with them?  No, as it should be with your spouse as well.  Friends will fail you, loved one's will fail you; but when you have Christ in your heart, He will show you what it means to love with a lifetime of true devotion!  Love on.....CiCi

Wacky Wednesday...

    Today is just a day to say we've made it once again half way through another week!!!  Yeah!!!  Have a Wonderful Wacky Wednesday and may you enjoy this beautiful weather and stop at some point today and thank God for the blessings you do have - you'd be surprised at how many more of those you have than you realize. -CiCi-

Test Time...

    Well it looks like the much anticipated STAAR tests are here this week and as with any test, kid's are dreading them.  There has been a lot of hype about this new test; some say it's hard and other's say there's really no way to tell yet since this is the first go round.  Either way, I don't like tests in the least.
    With most tests you can study ahead of time, prepare mentally and get a good nights rest ahead of time.  What about when God tests you?  Can you prepare?  I would say sometimes; yes.  Were we prepared for the tests that were brought to us in the last couple of years?  In some ways we were, in other's our true faith was put to the test.  In 2010 when my husband was laid off for a year; we weren't prepared for that; but we had been real good at budgeting our money; so we were able to live off a really tight budget.  As well as trust Christ to provide for us and bring the right job to Jason.
    In 2011 we were hit with one of our children being diagnosed with cancer.  Prepared?  Not for what lied ahead; but spiritually I was prepared.  I had been spending much personal time with Him and in His word - so my faith was strong and my courage in knowing and understanding that His will was in motion; no matter what the outcome!  This does not mean that I didn't need prayer for strength though; that was an everyday battle and sometimes still is.
    Just like school gives tests in order to see where children are academically; God gives us tests to see where we are spiritually.  So do you think you would pass or fail a test God hands you?  Believe me; no matter how much faith you think you have; all you need is the amount of a mustard seed for God to do mighty things. -CiCi-

Inward Renewal...

    As each day goes by our bodies are becoming older and older; but inwardly we can be renewing ourselves with Christ.  The more time we spend with Him and understanding His design for our lives; we are aging in wisdom, courage and faith!  It's a beautiful picture if you try to imagine it.

   

"Therefore we do not lose heart.  Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.  For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all."

2 Corinthians 4:16-17 NIV

    As you know I work out quit a bit and truly believe in being fit and healthy.  But....in the end my body is still going to get old and my skin is still eventually going to wrinkle.  On this earth I can take care of myself to the best of my ability; but what my heart says about my Eternal place in this world far outweighs anything else!

10 Commandments in Being Fit & Healthy...

    In the last couple of years I have changed my eating habits and really began focusing on my health and what it means to be fit.  Above is a good thing for you to have and put on your fridge or in your office as a reminder of some of the necessities to a better "Healthstyle".  If you are just starting out, begin with at least numbers 1, 3 & 4.  If you can make smaller portions and eat just that it's a great start.  If you still make normal portions; try and leave at least one bite to begin with; for say about a week and then up it to 2 bites and so on.

    What have you got to lose?  Some body fat!  Just because someone looks 'thin' does not mean the inside of their body is healthy.  When I began I was 140lbs. with 32% body fat!!!  That was very unhealthy fat around my heart.  Today I am keeping steady at 115 and 17% body fat.  Also remember that muscle replaces fat so you can't always watch your scale.  I have gained a lot of muscle because I do body building as part of my workouts; not just cardio.  You will actually burn more fat lifting weights and exchanging the fat for muscle than you will doing lots of cardio.  The cardio is good for your heart and endurance; so it's good to do both!

    If you would like more information regarding the right things you should and should not be eating feel free to contact me at kingsdaughtercc@aol.com or on FB @ Cindy Leach Cañas.

    Good luck with making the effort for a "Healthstyle" change, not a "Fad Diet". -CiCi-

Almost There...

 
  Well, it's almost the end to another week!!  YEAH!  I can't believe it's already mid April; can you?  As summer is approaching; what plans do you have to enjoy it?  I'm a planner and I've already been working on ways to keep the kid's entertained over the summer months.  I'm planning a trip to Brenham to visit the Blue Bell factory and of course a trip to the zoo and some fishing trips/picnics as well.  And let's not forget lots of trips to the beach and community pool!! 
    So, what ideas do you have for getting through this summer?  I can always use some more!! -CiCi-

To Fear the Lord...

    "You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name."

Exodus 20:17

    Do you know what it means to not misuse the Lord's name?  It is discussed in the bible to have a healthy fear of the Lord.  To fear the Lord means to revere Him and show deference and respect.  RESPECT!!  We should see that God's position is a high position.  His knowledge and truth is in higher regard than our own.

    Did you know that a Jew never uttered the name of God when reading Scripture aloud out of fear of the Lord?  That is some healthy respect right there.  Can you imagine if our children or even ourselves had that kind of respect for one another?  The world wouldn't be fighting for peace all the time that's for sure.

    This is where some interaction on your part comes in - what does a healthy fear of the Lord look like to you?  I look forward to seeing your posts! -CiCi-



Unpleasant Mornings....

    Is this a Monday?  Today has already gone as if it's a Monday!  How a 6 yr. old girl could fuss so much over what she's going to wear is beyond me - there's not too many options for school these days with having to wear mainly solids; but she can sure put up a fight none the less.
    Then there's the dog.....the dog does not want to poop outside for some reason and I've had it.  We are in our new home and the children are just still not wanting to take the responsibility for her that they claimed they would.  They want to play with her and snuggle with her; but cleaning up after her and walking her is not on their list of "fun" things.
    As each day goes by things sometimes feel they get easier; but there's many times when they feel like they get harder.  With a husband that works out of town a majority of the time; being a single parent is really tough.  I'm the main one disciplining and so they hate me most of the time.  Everyday I'm told by at least one of the children that they hate me and that I'm mean.  I know their just kid's; but over time this too can wear you down.
    So, chin up and press on is what us mother's have to do. -CiCi-

   

Worldly Fit vs. Spiritually Fit...

“You shall have no other God’s before me”

Exodus 20:3

 

Is there something you really, really enjoy doing?  Maybe scrap-booking or playing on-line games.  If any of these replace quality time with Christ then you have put Him second.  He says put no other God’s before Him!  I love to work out; had lately been in the gym for about two hours at least five days a week.  That’s great for my health; but not good for my relationship with Christ.  I had replaced my time with him with a desire to be “fit”.  Once we do this, many things in our life start to decline.  (I still feel the need to be fit and healthy; but I just needed to get my priorities in order).A favorite show that you might watch on Wednesday instead of taping it and going to church; or how about turning on your computer any chance you have spare time instead of picking up God’s word?

          We are all guilty of putting something else before God; but realizing it and making even small changes to put Him first in our day or on our priority list will do wonders for your intimacy with your Heavenly Father.
          So, tomorrow morning when you reach to turn on your computer as soon as you step out of bed, stop and sit for five minutes and thank God for the day ahead and the blessings he bestowed on you the day before.  You'll be amazed how much better your day can go when God is first on your list! -CiCi-

Grumble is Mumble...

“Who are we?  You are not grumbling against us, but against the LORD”

Exodus 16:8b

 

                 Have you ever found yourself complaining about the time of your bible study changing or possibly the location where it’s usually held?  What about when someone forgets the snacks or sits in “your” seat?  These seem to me to be luxuries we take for granted yet we must realize that we’re grumbling against God not just within ourselves.  He provided us these things but never said they were required for worship.  All that is required is an open heart and selflessness! 

                When Moses was in the desert he had to listen to so much grumbling because the Israelites weren’t happy with the provisions they were given; yet they weren’t willing to completely surrender to God’s calling.  They wanted more than they were willing to give.  When Christ gave up his life for us he did so without complaints or grumbling but with a complete servant’s attitude and this is our example.
                So next time a luxury turns into a source of complaint; especially in God’s house; remember just that; it’s a luxury; not a requirement in serving our King! -CiCi-

Wait on the Lord...

God heard their groaning and he remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac and with Jacob.  So God looked on the Israelites and was concerned about them.

 Exodus 2:24-25

Did you hear that?  God was concerned.  The Israelites were in captivity and slavery and they were crying out to God to rescue them.  They knew the covenant God had made and knew there would be a day of freedom; they just didn’t know when.  We learn many times in the bible that God’s timing is the most important thing.  He has a reason for answering prayer right away or for making us wait. 

            You might be waiting on God right now for an answer and feel like you must have an answer soon; but please be patient.  God is working out all the fine details and He is deeply concerned about our matters and desires and pain.  There was a time my husband and I were in a wilderness and we had to learn to just sit and wait for God.  My husband was laid off and I was working a part time job that didn't bring in much money.  With four children we just continued to pray our bills were met and food was on the table.  God was faithful to us and we did not worry.  Not for once did I think God was not listening to our plea for a job;  I had complete faith that He was concerned about us and that’s why He continued to meet our needs and sustain us day to day. 
          I don’t want to be a groaner for the Lord; but someone who cries out with Praise and Thanksgiving! -CiCi-

A Ray of Color...

I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth.

Genesis 9:13

                Have you ever really stopped to marvel at a rainbow after the rains have come?  My children and I like to point out all the colors.  Of course I have had one of my little ones ask me if there is a pot of gold at the other end.  Oh, to share the story of the rainbow and to tell them how it is evidence of God’s promise to us!  The promise to never flood the earth again like he did in Genesis.  The famous story of Noah and the ark. 
                Can you believe that this is only one covenant God made with us?  There are over 200 in the bible!  The beauty of God’s power is amazing.  The beauty of the rainbow and to know what purpose it serves.  So next time it rains, search for God’s glory in the midst of the clouds. -CiCi-

Get Up & Get God...

If you do what is right, will you not be accepted?  But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it.

Genesis 4:7

 

                Think back to high school; for some of you it might be more recent than others of us.  Were you accepted back then?  Were you someone who played by the rules or were you the rebel that was just trying to fit in with a specific crowd?  I really didn’t have a certain crowd I hung with.  I wasn’t popular and I surely didn’t think I was that pretty.  What I didn’t realize back then was that I was already accepted by God.  He wasn’t concerned with my popularity status; he just wanted me to have a personal relationship with him.  I was saved at an early age; but I was far from living a life that honored Christ.  So as anyone trying to fit in; I found ways that I thought were attracting the right people.  As my senior year rolled around and after graduation; sin was totally at my door – it didn’t even have to knock anymore.

                I had begun drinking before the legal age of 21 and when I did, I felt so in control and more accepted by the world around me.  I was getting the attention of boys and that made me feel pretty.  As a child of God I’m supposed to lean only on Him to satisfy my every desire and it’s only He that can make me feel complete.  You see girls; doing what is right is what makes us accepted in God’s kingdom; the only place we should want to be accepted.  It’s our eternal life with Christ that is important; not the things of this earth that are full of sin and heartache.  Our sin, if we let it, will master us and mine has for many years. 
                I’m not going to beat around the bush; get up, get God, and get your life on the right path for acceptance in the Kingdom of your heavenly father that loves and adores you just as you are! -CiCi-

Time For Change...

  
 Today is just a small post but a personal one.  Have you ever had to make changes that effect many but over the long run will benefit everyone?  Well, this week this is one of my challenges.  Since moving into our new home a couple of week's ago I have been driving the kid's to their old school's.  (This is my brood in the photo above) This was mainly because of Maddison's situation and her school knowing her cancer history.  Well - the decision has finally been made that the best thing would be to move them closer to home.  I drive about 100 miles a day just to take them back and forth to school!  By the end of the day I'm exhausted and in the mornings the twins are hard to get up and going.  This then puts strain on me and "mean mommy" comes forth.
    In the long run this decision will benefit all of us.  Along with this decision though; I'm sadden to say that I am giving up my volunteering position at the church since I am moving the kid's.  I need to be on this side of town if something happens and with the gas prices my beast is taking a couple hundred dollars a week to run!!
    So, change is in the air and I hope we transition smoothly from it and that in the end the kid's are happier as well!
    Happy Post Easter and may you all have a Beautiful Day! -CiCi-

Just Breathe...

    Up before 6am, get twins ready for school, drive 25 miles to take them to school - drive 25 miles back home to pick up Maddison, head to The Medical Center for a couple appointments for her - one stop being on Fannin, the other stop being on Holcombe.  On this drive the car makes funny sounds and tells me to service my brakes - GREAT!  Get done, go pick up the twins from school and then drive about 35-40 miles to pick up Justin and then drive an hour to get back home; stopping for a brief bite to eat.  Kid's were so bad the grocery store was out and we headed home.
    Once home.......I cried some.  Overwhelmed didn't even begin to describe my day; most of my days.  I sit here now and am just reminding you to 'Just Breathe'.  When it gets to be too much; take a step back and breathe deeply.  Tomorrow is a new day with new challenges and sometimes I'm not ready to face them.  For the past year we've had nothing but challenges and I do wonder when some rest will come.  I guess God believes I can handle it and if I can't he wants to make sure I rely on Him.

    So...as we come to the end of another week - sit back in your chair and take a HUGE breath!!!  See, wasn't that nice.....Happy Easter Everyone! - CiCi-
   

The Stand...

    This morning as I was putting on my 'stand up to cancer' shirt I thought about what many of us do to support different things.  We have decals on our cars of our favorite teams or different shirts we wear that portray different things we support.  As I thought more about this I realized I don't have ANY shirts that shout out my love for Christ.  Do you? 
    How is it we are loud and proud to show the world what university or professional team we love; but we don't represent Christ?  Are we ashamed?  Do we not want someone to know we're a Christian in case we're bad drivers and like to cut people off?  Or are we just the silent Christian - we worship on Sunday and proudly display our finest suit or dress and carry our bible; but then it's put away on a book shelf until the next week.
    I Love my Lord and am even disappointed in myself for realizing I have many things that show my support or awareness of cancer; but very little for my King!
     What do you stand for and does it show? -CiCi-

On Our Knees...

    In the most recent bible study I took it was based on prayer; "Oh God, please!" The heart cry of a burdened soul.  Throughout this study we looked at many lives that were changed by the power of prayer as well as why some prayers are answered and other's are not.  I won't go into depth; but the main outcome as we closed today that I want to share is our POSITION of prayer.
    We all go through out our day and say little prayers here and there; we might have our quiet time in the morning that has prayer in it; but where is your prayer?  Is it behind a desk over your bible?  Is it always sitting in your car and on the go?  How often is your prayers down on bended knee before the throne of God? 

    For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name.  I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being

Ephesians 3:14-16

Ladies - we should be down on our knees in total reverence and out of respect to the Ultimate King of Kings!!  They bow to the Queen of England as they bowed to King's everywhere back at some point.  How much more should we be bowing to the Highest King of all where when we bow with prayer; He listens?  He can actually move mountains; physically and within our hearts. 

    I am going to begin to change my prayer habits to make sure I am kneeling in Holy reverence to my mighty Father - King of the Heaven, King of my life and King of Kings!  Don't get me wrong; he listens to our heart cries no matter where we give them; but I think He would love to see us show him a little more respect than we give Him credit for.  Are you going to be one with me that shows Christ a little more reverence when we are asking things of Him?  Let's not just give him a to-do list; let's give Him our hearts and cries with a deep commitment of faith that He deserves!-CiCi-

Defiance...

    How would you label defiance?  Websters defines it as "a daring or bold resistance to authority or an opposing force; open disregard.  Does this sound like anyone you know?  For me it sounds A LOT like my 6 year old twin boy.  He laughs at the face of my wrath.  Literally!  If I spank him because he's been defiant he just laughs most of the time.  He acts like it's a game and he continues in the same manner as to which he got in trouble for.  As a parent this is extremely frustrating and sometimes it's hurtful that he doesn't deem me serious enough.
    This is the same case with believers and Christ.  When we go against His teachings and His commands we too are being defiant.  We are basically telling Him we don't see Him as someone of authority; someone we are to take serious.  My friends; this is just so wrong!  As you'll find in many places in scripture; God did punish and did pass out consequences to those that disobeyed.  He "spanked" many.  As we do with our children; out of Love - so does Christ with us.  When we are disobedient there is punishment.  We can't expect to change our behaviour if we don't know it's wrong in the first place.  We correct our children as does Christ correct us.
    Do you think God gets frustrated with us at times?  I do.  I completely know He loves me and takes me with faults and all; but I do think that when I am continually disobedient he just wants to get his wooden spoon out and say "don't you get it yet?"  There is much humor to God and as he teaches us how to live, we in the same manner handle our children accordingly.  Next time your children disobey, ask yourself how many times in a day do we "not listen" to God's instruction as adults. - CiCi-