Saturday, April 28, 2012

Guest Post: Eternal Values by Cynthia Simmons


Today I have Cynthia L Simmons as my guest. Cynthia is a fellow member of ACFW , and we were introduced through Jennifer Slattery.



Eternal Values: Receiving God’s commendation for setting the right priorities
Isaiah 40:8 The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.

My friend and I prepare floral arrangements for church. One Saturday we placed miniature sunflowers in a huge blue pitcher and attached a floppy yellow bow. It was stunning. After placing them in front of the pulpit, I went home quite smug. To my horror, I found limp noodles hanging out of the container the next morning. I snatched them out of the sanctuary and disappeared with them. Even though I added fresh water, they didn’t revive.
Now I know that a flower with a heavy stem needs a lot more moisture than the oasis we used. The sunflowers might have performed well in large container with lots of water, but we never tried that variety again. Instead we’ve mastered all sorts of techniques to make our floral designs last. We’ve learned roses survive longer if immersed in cold water for a couple of hours.  Floral preservative increases blossom life while heat and sunshine shorten it. I’m thankful none of our other creations croaked before the service.
Regardless of what I do, however, cut flowers die. As I pull apart the crisp remnants, I remind myself of I Corinthians 4:18  “while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” Just like those droopy sunflowers, the latest cell phones, a snazzy outfit, or a new purse won’t matter fifty years from now, much less eternity. I share God’s beauty with the congregation knowing my work won’t last, but I hope the visual reminder focuses hearts on the creator. Because Christ died for me, I have an inheritance in heaven that won’t ever fade.
So how do I keep a long term perspective? It’s a constant battle for me because temporal things can appear important and even glitzy. I have to keep my heart close to God with constant Bible study. When I’m faithful in prayer, the Holy Spirit points out my attitudes, so I can adjust my goals.  Spending time with other believers and mediating on Scripture helps too.
My sunflowers embarrassed me, and I took steps to prevent that. On the other hand, I don’t want to get to the end of life and realize I spent too much time on temporal things. I’d rather receive God’s commendation for setting the right priorities. I encourage you to join me. In eternity you’ll be glad you did.
Cynthia Simmons

Read Cynthia's latest book:

What’s wrong with our world? Shouldn’t a God who claims to be all powerful and flawless prevent suffering? How can we continue to believe when storms rage on in our lives? If you’ve ever had tough questions like these Struggles and Triumphs Study Guide is the book for you. Author Cynthia L. Simmons will guide you toward answers with her unique and enlightening approach. Her twelve-week Bible study for ladies comes from stories of real women as told in Struggles and Triumphs: Women in History Who Overcame. As you study, you’ll come to understand God’s perspective on timeless issues that impact your life. The carefully chosen Scriptures combined with interesting historical information will challenge and encourage you.
Watch the trailer at: http://youtu.be/HOP9HY7xTXU
Purchase the book at: http://www.lulu.com/shop/cynthia-simmons/struggles-and-triumphs-workbook/paperback/product-20038687.html

If you've never read her book, Struggles and Triumphs, you can get a copy on Amazon. See how women of faith hundreds of years ago triumphed through difficult circumstances, women such as Kateryn, queen of England-who finds herself about to be arrested by her husband, Henry VIII, because she spoke to him too freely about her faith in Christ.

 





About Cynthia:

Cynthia L Simmons and her husband, Ray, have five children and reside in Atlanta. She has taught for over twenty years as a homeschool mother and Bible teacher. Active in Christian Authors Guild (CAG), she conducts writing workshops and has served as president, vice president, and conference director. In December 2009 the membership granted her Life Time Membership for her numerous contributions to writers.  “Cindy” is fond of history and writes both historical fiction and nonfiction. Her writing appeared in CAG publications, NATHHAN NEWS, Chattanooga Regional Historical Magazine, Georgia Right to Life Newsletter, Chattanooga Times Free Press, Catholic Exchange, and Christian Devotions.us. Her first book, Struggles and Triumphs, came out in 2008. While promoting her book, she had interviews on radio and TV across the nation and was nominated for 2008 Georgia Author of the year. She also conducts monthly podcasts called CAG Spotlight in which she interviews authors and VIPs in the writing industry. At present she is completing a twelve week Bible study using the stories in Struggles and Triumphs.


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