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