Saturday, December 23, 2006

Being tested

The past two weeks have been a nightmare. I took my 10 month old to Houston to get his circumcision. It had been planned before we moved, so we honored the schedule. He had complications and would not stop bleeding. He developed an inhibitor, which does not allow his clotting factor to work (he has severe hemophilia).

The nurses had to use an ultrasound machine to find his veins for an IV. It was horrible. The doctor wanted to insert a port-a-cath in his chest for easier access (my older son had one), so this kept us in the hospital for awhile.

I am the first one to say that God does not give us more than we can handle, but I definitely did begin to wonder while in Houston. Why this was happening to my sweet boy?

I felt God's love and prescence like no other time in my life at that hospital. Our church families from Houston and New Mexico were just wonderful.

I am now realizing what all has happened. It's almost like it was a really bad dream.

I think as Moms, most of us deal with the problem, find the solution, follow through and get emotional later. That's what's happening to me.

No worries, though. It all happened the way and time it was supposed to. My family is happy and healthy. What more can you ask for during the Christmas season?

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven."
Ecclesiastes 3:1

Sunday, October 29, 2006

God answered

Sometimes we ask God for things and want an answer. A particular answer and right now! We forget that God's answer may not only be "no", but "not now".

I've been feeling lonely lately, being in a new town, more secluded in where I live, and just not knowing "girlfriends" that I can get together with at a moments notice. As these thoughts were going through my head and heart on Friday evening, the phone rang. It was a woman who I've really wanted to get to know. She's just a neat person. She said, "I heard you play cards. Let's get together tomorrow night"!

It may not sound like much, but God answered a small longing in my heart.

Whenever you feel like calling someone for no reason. They are on your mind, or you're just wondering how they are doing. I have a feeling it's God wanting you to reach out. They may need you more than you know.

"Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening." 1 Samuel 3:9

Tuesday, October 10, 2006

Oozing

I have a friend in Texas, who is very special. She always has a glow around her. It took me a while to understand what it was about her that was so captivating.  I finally figured it out...it's the light of Christ that shines from her! She "oozes"' with the light of Christ!  She gives, and loves freely. The cool thing is that she does not "shove religion down your throat," which I know from experience, turns a non believer off. I believe you can share Christ's love without saying it outright. You live it. Breathe it. Show it in all of your actions. Not giving in to road rage, taking the high road during a discussion, listening to a friend who goes on and on and on ...... I want to be like her "when I grow up"! Oozing is not an easy task, but something I strive to do everyday.

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13


Oozing Everyday from Cazandra MacDonald on Vimeo.
Submission for "A Woman Inspired" Online conference

Monday, January 01, 2001

About Cazandra


Inspirational speaker, Cazandra MacDonald, inspires women to become all that God created them to be. Her relaxed style and sense of humor puts the audience at ease and they feel as if they are visiting with their best friend.

If you are looking for a powerful, effective speaker for your next women's event, Cazandra will encourage women to know they have been redeemed by the powerful word of God, which she shares with true passion.


"Fear not for I have redeemed you. I have summoned you by name, you are mine." Isaiah 43:1

Cazandra MacDonald is a graduate of Houston Baptist University with a Bachelors of Music Education degree. She has been married for 20 years to Reverend Joe MacDonald. She is the mother of two boys. Her sons are ages 16 and 7. Cazandra is a former public school educator and currently works in the healthcare industry as a patient advocate serving the bleeding disorder community.

She lives in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, where she is actively involved in church ministry. Cazandra understands the challenges women face as she constantly works to balance the roles and responsibilities of being a wife to a husband in ministry as well as a working mother to two children with bleeding disorders.

Cazandra MacDonald is a graduate of Houston Baptist University with a Bachelors of Music Education degree. She is a 2013 She Speaks Intensive Graduate of Proverbs 31 Ministries.

Friday, January 01, 1999

What Others Are Saying

"To categorize Cazandra as a speaker is to minimize her talent and message.  As Charles Spurgeon preached light through darkness, she is also able to minister to everyone in all circumstances.  Her beautiful, flowing messages make her more of an orator than mere speaker."   Betty Compton, Elephant Butte, New Mexico

"Cazandra MacDonald has a compelling personal story to tell.  She speaks to those who face similar challenges with a thoughtful and upbeat message of hope.  Cazandra quickly captures the attention of an audience with her quick wit and powerful message of perseverance.  She is truly a talented inspirational speaker."  Jim Paist, Executive Director, Hemophilia Foundation of the Minnesota/Dakotas

“Cazandra belongs to the church I attend. She also took a writing class that I presented. I knew of her musical talents but was amazed at two other assets she has. One, her writing comes straight from her heart. She’s expressive as well as informative. I was pleased to have heard her give two talks, one for a woman’s group and the second as a sermon. Wow! I think if she were a pastor at any given church, the church would have standing room only! She is a fine Christian, a wonderful friend and a loving mother. It is my pleasure to know her.” Barbara Walsh, author, Deming, NM

"Cazandra carries with her as she speaks a comfort level to share others stories so that she can make and help you feel comfortable.  Her experience is God given and He has given her the ability to help others who just might need that little bit of help along the way."  Johanna Chappelle, RN, President, Sangre de Oro, Inc., Albuquerque, New Mexico

"Cazandra MacDonald is a remarkable and captivating speaker. She has a God-given talent to convey a relevant message and immediately connect with her audience. She is able to motivate her audience, no matter if it is a small group or several hundred, as they experience her real-life stories. Cazandra inspires those around her to make a difference in their own life and to those in relationship with them. Simply stated, after hearing Cazandra I want to be a better person". Jay Bryant-Wimp, Columbia, MO

Statement of Faith

  • I believe the Bible to be the inspired Word of God.
  • I believe that we are all broken people who yearn for relationship in one greater than ourselves.
  • Prayer is communication with God. The results of our prayer lead to a relationship with Him.
  • Jesus Christ is the son of God, who died and rose again to forgive us of our sins
  • All persons have spiritual gifts that are to be used in ministry.
  • With God all things are possible.
  • Topics

    Do You "Ooze"?
    Having the light of Christ radiate from you is a gift from God. We all struggle with living a life that glorifies God. What are some things that we can feed ourselves with to have His light shine through us? Come and be renewed with truth from God as women share the things that help them keep connected with Christ everyday.

    From Doubt to Joy: Making the Most of Every Day"
    This one hour, motivational presentation will focus on living an empowered life with a bleeding disorder. Bleeding disorders are challenging and life changing, but attitude makes all the difference when living with a chronic condition. Hospitals, inhibitors, emergency rooms, and needing an extra refrigerator are all part of the bleeding disorder reality. The audience will participate in an activity that will help them to see their current situation in a new light. Connections will be made and hopefully a new attitude for those struggling with their condition will emerge.

    Are You Black and Blue?
    Do you “beat yourself up” if things are not perfect? Do you struggle with your body image because you are not a certain weight? Are you not able to “keep up with the Jones’”? Come and hear the truths about how comparisons can destroy your spirit, if you are not armed with the Word of God.

    "Forty" and Qualified!
    Do you think you are supposed to accomplish "certain things" by a "certain age"? Do you let yourself get stuck into thinking that age is the end all? God uses everyone regardless of their age. Your path in life may be changing and you may be fighting it, but come and hear how God used people throughout the Bible to do wonderful things at different stages in their lives.

    Cazandra's topics are designed to be approximately 45 minutes to an hour in length. Several topics may be woven together for conferences and retreats. Cazandra is happy to address the needs of your group and develop a specialized message.

    Speakers and Writers

    Design:


    Photo credits ~ Dreamstime

    A 2008 Graduate of

    Recommended Reading

    • Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World, Joanna Weaver
    • Praying the Names of God, Ann Spangler
    • The Shack, William P. Young
    • Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
    • Redeeming Love, Francine Rivers
    • Bad Girls of the Bible, Liz Curtis Higgs
    • The Mark of the Lion Triology, Francine Rivers
    • The Mitford Series, Jan Karon

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