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Muscles and Strings

October 29, 2018 by Cyndi Hartzell

By Cyndi

Between the grunts and groans while stretching during an exercise class, a friend and I began noticing the similarities between guitar strings and muscles. And of course, with me, God has a way of taking daily activities — like exercising — and teaching me a lesson through them.

Do you realize that muscles and strings have something in common? Their level of performance depends on how tight or loose they are. There’s a balance for being toned or tuned, respectively.

Each string on a guitar is to be a specific note. When a string is too tight, it’s not in tune. The pitch sounds too high so we say it is “sharp.” When the string is too loose, it’s not in tune either. The pitch is too low so it is called “flat.” 

The term “sharp” sometimes is used to describe things as being harsh, cutting, abrupt, or brash. Many of us tend to get sharp when we’re stressed or upset; we tighten up or say sarcastic words. That’s why we use expressions like “uptight” or “edgy/on the edge.” 

The word “flat” may be used to describe dull, lifeless, plain, or ‘off key’ things. For example, we tend to get flat when we’re uninterested or unconcerned about something; or how carbonated drinks loose their fizz if left out too long. In the case of a guitar string, if the instrument is not played often enough the strings go flat from disuse. Similarly, our muscles go flat if we don’t exercise them.

So what do we do when our muscles tighten up and we feel stiff? We stretch! This helps loosen them up. And when our muscles are flabby (another way to say flat!) what do we do? We exercise to tone them up!

And the God lesson in of all of this?

God wants us to be in tune — in perfect pitch and in harmony with Him— and in shape, toned up, ready for whatever He asks us to do. Not too tight, not too loose.

I picture myself as that string with His fingers on the guitar’s tuning pegs turning one way then the other little by little listening to the pitch, changing it ever so slightly until it’s perfect. Or lying prone on a floor mat in a gym, God in His trainer polo shirt stretching my legs a little, loosening me up. His workout routines can be a bit strenuous at times, making me exercise my faith like dumbbells when I’ve been a bit complacent or apathetic. 

And so whether it’s tightening or loosening — stretching our faith or resting in His love — this process brings us closer to Him. I believe Father God wants to have a healthy and harmonious relationship with us — flowing in His love wherever we are.

Filed Under: Father's Love, Music, Spiritual Growth

Growing Older But Not Up

October 24, 2018 by Cyndi Hartzell

By Cyndi

Jimmy Buffett has a song called “Growing Older But Not Up.” Not that I accede to all the lyrics of this song, I do like the title. Especially when it comes to the Kingdom of God.

Jesus tells us we are to become like little children if we wish to belong to the Kingdom. (Mark 10:14)  He also says that praise is perfected in children. (Matt. 21:16) And of course, the biggest child reference in the Word is that we are all called His sons and daughters — His kids.

I just recently had a birthday and my body and mind are definitely aging. Be that as it may, spiritually I’m getting younger, more child-like. Keeping things simple.

I don’t believe the Kingdom of God is complicated. He created us to be His sons and daughters, we receive that position by faith and – boom – Abba Father is that close.

Children aren’t born with prejudices, shame, or even fear, I think. We learn these things. Look at our forefathers, Adam and Eve. They walked in the garden, naked and unafraid (sorry, couldn’t resist). Eden had nothing dangerous in it they were worried about. There was no embarrassment or fault-finding in their bodies. Do you think Eve ever asked Adam, “Does this make me look fat?”

They were supposed to live forever. Forever as a son and daughter, partaking in the glorious presence of their Father. Playing, laughing, and resting in perfect love. Like a child. No worries, no fears. Dad will take care of everything.

Being involved with Shiloh Place for many years, I remember Jack Frost used to say, “I just want to be a little boy with a big Daddy.” And to this day, his wife, Trisha Frost, still claims she’s Papa God’s favorite. (Me too!) Luckily, we are all favored. We are all His children in whom He is well pleased. (Luke 3:22). 

So I have another year on this earth under my belt and my numbers are getting bigger, but I’m gonna refuse to grow up. I want to live continuously in child-like wonder of the majesty of His creation. I want to strive to see people through the simplicity of mercy and grace as a sibling. I want to relate to my Almighty Father in heaven as a gentle Daddy that allows me to climb up in His lap and play ostrich (peek-a-boo).

Yeah, I may be growing older, but I’m becoming more and more like a kid in the Kingdom. Thank you, Mr. Buffett, for reminding me of my true position in Christ.

Filed Under: Father's Love

Equal But Different

October 5, 2018 by Cyndi Hartzell

By Cyndi

As I was sitting in the Atlanta airport earlier this week, I sat amazed at the assortment of this species called the human race. Humans come in all shapes and sizes. I saw a tall blonde woman with a tennis racket, a dark-skinned man with dreadlocks skateboarding to his gate, a family of four walking with two teenagers glued to their cell phones, and a little Asian girl dragging her Hello Kitty suitcase all by herself—such a variety on display! 

Another thing revealed at an airport is that each of us carries our own opinions and views. Those who love sports don their favorite team’s fan-wear; those who complain about the tardiness of their flight speak to whomever is in line; those who come dressed in pajamas and fuzzy slippers, evidently, are all about comfort and really don’t care about public dress codes at all.

Attitudes, opinions, political views, favorite foods, you name it, all of us develop differently one from one another. 

Still, Father God created us all equal. 

We are all equal in value, worth. But we are not the same. Men remain to be different than women—physically, emotionally, and mentally. Cultures exhibit differences—depending on climate, history, religion, and traditions. Some people are more left brained, some more right-brained. The world has a need for scientists and doctors just as much as for artists and dancers. 

This is one of the reasons I love traveling to other countries. I love to see all the differences in God’s creation of mankind.

Having just returned from the Dominican Republic (hence being in the Atlanta airport), I always enjoy spending time in this Caribbean culture. Dominicans have a patience towards one another unlike what I see in the US. They generally are open hearted, naturally generous and giving, even to strangers and people they don’t know. It is a relaxed tropical culture, different from my hectic busy clock-watching one.

God made us all equal but different. He did not make us robots or machines that can be replicated and multiplied over and over again. No. Each one of us are uniquely made in His image — no one is identical (not even identical twins) — and we all have the same value in His eyes. Whether our life began in the backwoods of Mississippi, the high-rises of Chicago, or the beaches of Puerto Plata, DR, we are all the apple of His eye. (Zac. 2:8) Specifically and individually we are loved and cared for in the same way by a good good Father. 

He views each of our particular characteristics as precious. None of us have more value than another, no matter what clothes we are wearing, what skin color we have, or what education level we have achieved. Equal but different. 

Different is good. I like purple, you like blue.

The world is full of many colors. Enjoy the array of beauty. 

Filed Under: Father's Love

God Loves You Unimaginably

August 13, 2018 by Cyndi Hartzell

By Cyndi

Yesterday I saw an incredible view driving east across the bridge to my neighborhood. In my rearview mirror the evening sunset brought beautiful orange hues in the clouds with sun rays streaming out behind them. It appeared gorgeous to me.

Papa said He painted it for me. (Yes, I consider myself one of those people who like to call Father God “Papa” or “Daddy.”)  All of those beautiful colors and designs were delightfully strewn on His canvas in the sky.

This morning I held my kitty — actually he clamored onto my desk proceeding to knock things off as I tried to focus on work, then I held him.  As a result, I closely looked at his fur.  It’s fascinating how an animal’s fur looks like one color up to an imaginary “line” then changes to another. And it’s all done by tiny little strands. Each delicate fiber may have different colors on it, but when it’s all put together, very distinct markings materialize on a beautiful feline! It’s amazing!

Papa creates some wonderfully amazing things, don’t you think?

And you are one of those things.

You are a wonderfully amazing person whom He chose to create. Why? Because He loves you unimaginably.

Can you imagine every sunrise, every sunset, every furry creature, rainbow, canyon, babbling brook, ocean wave, bird and song you’ve ever seen and heard all rolled into one human being? Mankind demonstrates the epitome of His goodness! (Gen.1:31)

I believe there is nothing in this world to truly describe how much He loves us. That song Indescribable encapsulates much of this thought. However, I think His love goes beyond indescribable. His love is unimaginable — it’s more than, “we cannot describe it,” we can’t even imagine it!

It’s all of nature, its beauty and wonder; all of mathematics and science, its finite calculations and laws; all of literature, its prose, rhythm, and story; all of art and music, its depth, textures, emotions, and patterns. God’s love includes all of this and so much more! It’s beyond our imagination and comprehension!  

And to whom does He desire to bestow this love upon? You and me.

Oh, how He loves you and me! “Oh,” is the best word we humans can come up with to declare this unimaginable divine love.

Glorious sunsets. Furry kitties.    I love both of these things and Papa God knows this.

Think about all the things you love. Turn that love around towards you and go beyond it. Way beyond it. God loves you unimaginably. Receive it.

Filed Under: Father's Love

The View in the Mirror

July 25, 2018 by Cyndi Hartzell

By Cyndi

When you look in the mirror, who do you see? What do you call yourself?

If you’re a woman like me, there’s a good chance that you do a turn to the side (for the side view), or an upclose poke on the face (for wrinkles) first before anything else. Seconds later, words come into the mind: overweight, big thighs, droopy arms, crow’s feet, double chin, grey hair, etc. which quickly leads to the formal pronouncement: “I’m ________.” (Am I the only one who does this?)

I recently went through a program where you were not supposed to look at yourself in the mirror for 30 days except only to brush your hair or teeth. Boy, was that hard! I didn’t realize I was into judging my appearance that much until I couldn’t look in the mirror—it had become a habit! A bad one at that!

Stop right now, take a minute, and think of what you typically call yourself. What words to you use to describe yourself?

Did you do it? If not, stop now, and think about it.

Dear reader, what came out? Was it positive? Negative? Was it only about your physical characteristics? Your attributes? Your abilities? Your job/position?

Now here it comes…wait for it….

What do you think Father God says about you? Don’t you think we should be telling ourselves what He thinks about us? After all, He is our Creator. I think He knew exactly what He was doing when He made us.

Plus, He’s always with us. (Matt. 28:20) He’s walking side-by-side with us everyday, living life with us through the good times and the bad. He sees our struggles and our mountaintop glories. And He always has good things to say about us.  

There is a Father’s Love Letter written by Barry Adams which has some of those wonderful things He says about us. If you’ve never heard or seen this, I highly recommend you take some time and check it out. 

I also found a wonderful father/daughter routine of some daily affirmations that may uplift your spirit and give you some ideas of how to view yourself in the mirror.  

I realize our self-image can be damaged from life experiences; mine was. And there are times when I still struggle with the figure I see in the mirror, though it’s getting better. As I continue to receive how much God loves me everyday, I know I’m making progress with that view in the mirror.

 

Filed Under: Father's Love

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