Finding My Place to Be Still

I’m sitting in front of the fire at one of my favorite places on earth. The Cove is a unique place, filled with the best people, and the coziest spaces. 

My writing friends and I come every year in February for a writing conference. This is our place to retreat from the world and focus on the written word. We share our hopes, plans, struggles, successes, and of course good food and conversation. The Cove is known for their delicious meals, and this year is no exception.

This place has a spiritual presence that I haven’t found anywhere else. God’s word is spoken here daily, His name is lifted high in praise as well. It’s as if this is but a glimpse of what awaits us in heaven. It’s a place to meet like-minded believers with a common goal of sharing the gospel through books, devotionals, music, articles, and social media posts.

 

I come to this mountain expecting to hear from God, and He never disappoints. His word says, “Be still and know that I am God…” and this place is the soil where I plant my vision for future words. When I’m finally still, I feel His presence and know He is with me, and has given me a message to share, whether through a book, poetry, devotionals, or blog posts.

 

I pray you have a place where you can be still and know that He is God. You will be filled with such joy and peace that your soul will want you to return year after year. And that, my friends, is something money can’t buy.

Rest, Writing, and Thoughts About Aging

A recent afternoon spent at The Cove, in Asheville, North Carolina was nearly perfect. Is there such a thing as perfection? There is, but not in human form. This came mighty close.

 

I’m referring to an afternoon of rest, writing, conversations with friends, and a roaring fire. This doesn’t happen often, but when it does, you stop and take notice. My life is full and fully lived, a fete difficult to achieve. 

 

Growing older is not for the faint of heart, yet it’s also allowed me the opportunity to seize these moments and treasure them. Everyone needs time away for deep thoughts, uninterrupted time with God, and time to ponder life. I’ve been able to reflect on these things and have a few thoughts for those in my stage of life:

 

1.     Enjoy every day; the sun rises and sets the same for everyone. Make sure you spend your time doing something you love.

2.     Stop and play with the grands, they’ll grow too fast and you’ll regret time not spent with them. 

3.     Surround yourself with music. There’s a tune for every mood. Allow yourself walks down memory lane with your favorite oldies.

4.     Never stop learning. Knowledge is as close as your fingertips, and there’s a subject for everyone.

5.     Begin a new hobby, or hone the skills on a hobby you’ve enjoyed in the past.

6.     Nourish your friendships. Make time for those you love through scheduled dates; Lunch, coffee, a visit to a local garden, etc.

7.     Celebrate big. Every birthday, anniversary, and holiday is an opportunity to make memories. 

8.     Invest in a good study Bible, and use it. 

9.     Eat well, and exercise in whatever way your body can endure. Moving keeps you young. 

10.  Serve others. 

11.  Establish a routine that allows you to nourish your soul, body, and mind. Prioritize important things first in your day.

12.  Read, read, and read some more.

I am thankful and blessed to reach this stage of life. Only God knows the truth of this statement. He is my rock, my strength, and the song that I sing, and without Him, I am a weak, frightened little girl. He is the lifter of my head, and healer of my soul. To Him be all praise, now and forever.

Worship, the Heart of Christmas

The writing life can be a rollercoaster life. One day words are streaming from your brain to your paper and the exhilaration is a free flowing release of emotion. The next day, nothing. I journal my thoughts and prayers almost every day, but there is a difference in the words I write for publication.

However, the release of my words has an enemy. He would like to silence my words and me altogether. Since I've been writing publicly my life circumstances have been even harder than before. I have to believe these two things are directly related.

I was reminded of this as I read this in a devotion:

"If we learn to worship God in the trying circumstances, He will alter them in two seconds when He chooses."

Oswald Chambers

I just finished a study on the book of Daniel in the Bible. Daniel was such a man as this. He was taken captive into Babylon (present day Turkey), as a teenager and no matter what they did to him, he never forsook God. They tried every means possible to provoke him into denying the one true God of heaven and earth. God saw his humility and faithful heart and used him to prophecy the rise and fall of world empires and the final kingdom of Jesus Christ. Daniel was highly favored and it began because he loved God more than he loved himself. He trusted God and was faithful to Him no matter what. Oh, to be a Daniel. That is my heart's desire.

So, back to my original point. The enemy doesn't want me to write. I don't say this because I'm better than, or less than another writer. He just knows how to attack me. He knows how to steal my joy and this is my personal demon. We all have them if we claim Christ. This is one of the ways I've found to share my faith openly, words of hope to a world who needs to know a Savior who loves them.

My prayer for you this Christmas is for you to be a Daniel in the coming year.

May you find joy that causes you to worship from a heart of love, as Daniel did. He was stripped of everything he knew, his people, his culture, even his identity, and yet, he never forgot His God.

People will come and go. They will disappoint and fail us. It is human nature. But God will never fail. It's not in His nature. He cannot. He is faithful and will never leave us.

Christmas is a time of nostalgia for many. As adults, we try to emulate our childhood Christmases and give our children the best of everything. We have images of snow covered villages and sleigh bells ringing, sweet families going together to cut trees, hot cocoa by a roaring fire. But, it may not be like this for everyone. Christmas can also be time of sadness if we get lost in the trappings of the world's version of Christmas. Jesus is Christmas and He is the only reason I celebrate.

Our present will never be able to compete with our past so let it go. Let the memories stay enshrined where they are. Pay tribute to them, share them during family celebrations so they will not be forgotten, but don't worship them.

We have a Savior who came for the purpose of redemption. He's waiting, not under a tree, or in a manger...not even on a cross. He's risen, and waiting for a glance from His father. Let's worship Him this Christmas and sing from a heart of gratitude. Your joy for Christmas, and all things hoped for will be found in Him!

Merry Christmas!
Cindy

This One's For You, Katy

I love the idea of taking the thing you fear most and turning it upside down. One of my greatest fears was in writing. The thought of anyone reading my words, my innermost questions and opinions, well, that was too much for me to grasp.

But, as I shared in a recent post, I pushed past the voices in my mind and just did it.

I wanted to give this fear its own space, for its given me so much joy the past two years. This month is an anniversary for my blog. A world of possibilities opened up for me when I conquered this particular fear monster and hit "publish" that first time.

I have someone special I'd like to thank publicly, and give a few reasons why I love her so much.

Meet Katy...

Katy at The Cove in 2013

She is a writer, friend, confidant, mother, wife, daughter, sister, aunt, Christian, teacher, musician, gardener, and lover of Hershey, her chocolate lab.

She is smart, beautiful, loyal, outrageously funny (with a bit of sarcasm), talented, and an excellent writer. And she has a green thumb, with a beautiful yard to prove it.

She is the reason I have a blog and I wanted share our story. Everyone needs a "Katy" in their corner.

My husband was walking with Katy, and David(her husband), one Wednesday night at church and he said something to her about writing, and that I liked to write. She said she had no idea I was a writer. We've played handbells together for several years, but never talked about writing.

As soon as she got to the handbell room that night, she brought up the subject of writing. I told her I was a closet writer. I said I was too afraid to let anyone read anything I'd written.

A few days later she sent me a link for a writers conference in Asheville, NC. She asked me to please go with her. She said she'd never gone to anything like that and it would be so much fun to go together.

I went online and checked out the conference and decided it was safe enough. I told myself, and Katy, I would go as her cheerleader.

As most females do, we planned our trip, coordinated our outfits...the important stuff. We were excited to be going to The Cove in Asheville. If the conference was a bust, at least the scenery was beautiful and the food would be excellent.

Katy and I both love the written word, but let's just say the spoken word was overflowing the cup many times over that weekend.

We both felt like we had arrived at our Mecca. We were with our people. We soaked up every drop of information, every resource, and every ounce of inspiration our writerly minds could absorb.

It was at this place I heard God say in the quiet of my mind, "I didn't bring you here just to be Katy's cheerleader. I want you to write for me."

When we got back to our room that night, I let Katy read something I'd written. Never before had I allowed anyone to read my words. It was too risky. They might reject me, and I couldn't take that. I'd faced too many rejections in my life.

Attempt at a selfie at our favorite hangout...Starbucks

She read it and gave me positive feedback. I still didn't call myself a writer though. But, it was a start. Something was birthed inside of me.

My friend gave me courage.

When I came home from The Cove in February of 2013, I published My Little Corner. That name has significance since I live on a corner and my office is in a far corner of my home. I wanted to share from my little corner of the world. Katy encouraged me from the first time I published, and she continues to this day.

We meet for coffee and talk for hours, about writing and life. She's listened and let me talk out my fears. Sometimes that's all it takes, that person in human flesh who will listen and allow you to talk without fear of judgment. As you talk it out, your fears become smaller and you gain control over them.

Katy is not one who puts herself above others. She is selfless and always ready with a smile.

I am a writer today because of her encouragement. I hope I'm a better person because of her friendship.

We share a lot of things...our love of writing, gardening, music, chocolate labs, but the most important one of all is Jesus. He is the one who binds us together. I believe He is the one who whispered in her ear the thought to invite me to The Cove to set His plan in motion, and she obeyed.

So Katy, thank you for listening and obeying. Love you girl.

Cindy

p.s. Katy writes at http://www.katybrownglymph.blogspot.com. Go over and visit her blog, you'll love her as much as I do.

A Life Is Worth a Thousand Gifts

I took this picture while texting my daughter on a recent beach trip. They tease me about my eating habits and I was reassuring her I was making myself a decent breakfast.

As I looked at the photo, I realized it was a snapshot of a life. It's also been a year since I was in this same condo and took a similar picture while working on my book. A lot can happen in a year.

Back to the photo...

We surround ourselves with the things we love. My reservation was for a week so I took books, chocolate, tea, coffee, Bible, devotion books, my pillow, and a new favorite blanket given to me at Christmas. I had notepads to record all the thoughts swimming around in my head. And what would I do without my Mac Air? It faithfully stores all my words and spits out most anything I want to know.

I did get lonely though, by the end of the week. We were made for human connection, for relationship. It's in our DNA.

I was able to focus on a few things I want to do better for the new year. I watched a series from Ann Voskamp, based on her book, "One Thousand Gifts." I'd read the book and have been keeping a "Thankful Journal" for awhile. I thought the DVD's would be repetitious of the book, but I was wrong. Ann brought so much of herself into the production. Each session was meaningful, but the last part of the last session caught my attention. She was talking about service and said,

"Your life could be the gift."

As I looked at the photo that morning, I thought to myself, "Is this a picture of my life? Am I being a gift?"

I want my writing to be a gift to Him. I want my service at church to be a gift to Him, and I want my relationships with people to be a gift. I want to be more intentional with the ones God brings into my path.

How about you? What's in the snapshot of your life? If you were to take a photo of your immediate surroundings, what would be in it?

Some of the clutter will be put aside as the seasons change and winter fades into spring. The books will change as I devour them and move on to the next. The one constant in my life is the one thing that matters most and it can't be found in the picture. That thing is the condition of my heart. I can't be a gift if my heart isn't in it. The only way I can be a gift is to stay connected to the giver of all good gifts, Jesus Christ.

Then, and only then, do I have a gift to give.

Cindy

My Love of Words and the New Year

It's no secret I love words, both spoken and written, but especially written. I love writing words and reading words. My favorite genre is biographies/memoirs. People fascinate me.

A recent Oswald Chambers' devotion was on the topic of words. He quoted Jesus, from John 6:63,

"The words I speak to you are spirit and they are life."

Oswald goes on to say, "God speaks to us, not by visions and dreams, but by words."

In the Bible, the book of John begins with Jesus being introduced as "The Word." He was with God in the beginning, the Word was God.

We have a responsibility to share our words, to communicate with people about, "The Word."

Words are powerful, they can heal and forgive. Words can teach and cause a heart to turn toward home. Words can hurt as well, and I've spoken my share. 

I've been looking back on the past year, but also looking ahead to the new year. I still don't have my "one word" for 2015. I'm a little slow. I do know I want to use this space to communicate my love for the One who spoke the stars into the sky, the One who prayed for me and all who would believe in Him in John 17, and the One who spoke words of salvation to a thief hanging next to Him as they both died on crosses. His words have the power to heal, save, forgive, and transform. My words can only point you to Him.

I hope though, I can encourage you in some way as I share a small part of my life, the good, and the not-so-good. And I hope my words have ministered to you this past year.

As always, thank you for reading. You bless me with your words.

Blessings in 2015,
Cindy

A Blog Hop: My Writing Process

I'm participating in a blog hop this week thanks to my friend Kendra, whom I met at She Speaks last summer. Kendra is a sweet soul that you'd love the instant you met her. She has an inviting spirit that welcomes you into her world and makes you feel loved.

Blogging has been around for several years but gained in popularity in 2006-2008. Many of the trailblazers have moved on to establish themselves in the national spotlight earning six and seven figure yearly incomes. Their books have been published and some have found themselves in front of a television camera…and it all began when they hit "publish."

Each of us has a different purpose for writing our blog posts. Through this fun blog hop, maybe I can answer some of my own questions about why I blog.

1) What am I working on?
Currently, I'm working on a book about grief and forgiveness. The basis of the book is my life story but I'm not going year by year. I have a co-writer who is helping me with the early years. As I began the process of writing, those years were too painful to capture through the written word and I found it easier to speak the words. The later years, after forgiveness and healing had occurred, were much easier to write. My co-writer is translating my spoken words while I'm working on the process of how forgiveness and grief are tied together.

My part has been laid aside for now due to the planning of my daughter's wedding. I'll resume writing in September. Keeping up with my blog is all I have time for at the moment.

2)How does my work differ?
There have been many books written on grief or forgiveness. I'm not sure if there have been any written with both subjects linked together. The ingredient that makes mine unique is the time element. I didn't grieve until thirty eight years after my mother's death. I have an experience to share that differs from most people. Also, losing a parent as a teenager, then being separated from the second parent on a daily basis gives me a voice that speaks to another group of people.

3)Why do I write what I do?
I love what Kendra said in her blog hop post, "My writing is an extension of who I am and how I think…" That really spoke to me.

I believe that's why I write. I have something to say. Since I was a little girl, I've been an observer of people, all kinds of people. Most of the time I'm quiet, but on the inside I'm having dialogue and writing stories constantly. As I work in my garden, wash dishes, or iron, stories or parables come to mind to illustrate a biblical principle. I love sharing stories from my childhood or my children's growing-up years. There is a wealth of wisdom in the passing of time. I write to share what I've learned through this life journey to help those coming along behind me…and if I can share it in a way that promotes family or leads someone into a deeper walk with God, then even better.

4)How does my writing process work?
As I said above, writing for me comes through normal, every day activities. My ideas come through life experiences. I will write a complete post in my head. Most of the time, I try to stop what I'm doing and write down a few key sentences, then go back to whatever I was doing. The key sentences will be enough to jog my memory to fill in the gaps and write the post. The blog posts that have had the most page views have taken the least amount of time to write…thirty minutes or less. The post with the most page views took fifteen minutes to write. This doesn't include editing, but I get the general concept on paper and it's just a matter of adding commas and paragraphs.

I've found writing to be fulfilling and healing. Whether I'm blogging, writing on my book or gathering material by people watching, I'm excited to see where God leads in this new chapter in my life.

Visit Kendra's blog, Tending the Garden at http://www.kendraburrows.com.
#mywritingprocess

Writing Retreat at The Cove

Have you ever returned from a weekend adventure and you were full, but it had nothing to do with the food? That was my experience this past weekend.

I spent three glorious days at the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove. I've never left that mountain without leaving a part of me behind. My soul, however, was full to the brim.

There is something special when you drive through the gates just after you get off I-40 in Asheville, North Carolina. Wildlife such as deer and turkey are there to greet you from the edge of the forest. The nearby creeks and grassy areas are perfect places for hungry animals to graze, and be right at home in their natural habitat.

Beautiful hardwoods and evergreens line the forest as you snake your way up the mountain. Simply breathtaking. Signs point to Chatlos Memorial Chapel, Pilgrim's Inn, Shepherd's Inn and the Training Center. Cedar and stone lodges await you at your destination.

What sets this facility apart from any other place I've been though, are the people and their attitude.

I've been there with my church, and this weekend, I was attending a writer's conference. The multiple times I've passed through the gate and made my way up the mountain, it never changes; the people are outstanding, from the shuttle bus drivers to the wait staff, to the door greeters, to the desk clerks. They are there to serve.

They make you feel as if they've welcomed you into their home for an overnight stay while they offer you all the comforts of home. Smiles and hugs are shared, yet they're not intrusive.

Katy and Mrs. June

I was having coffee with my meal on Saturday evening and the table hostess June, said, "Can I fill your cup from the main pot? That coffee is hotter than the coffee on the table." She didn't have to do that for me.

She's been working at The Cove for many years. I've seen her every time I've been–always smiling. Our conversations are peppered with our love of family, The Lord, and ministry.

She isn't the only one. All the staff has the attitude of June.

Can you imagine what our world would be like if we all had the servant's heart she and her fellow workers have? How different all our work places would be. What if we thought of others more highly than ourselves?

Oswald Chambers says, "If our devotion is to the cause of humanity, we will be quickly defeated and broken-hearted, since we will often be confronted with a great deal of ingratitude from other people. But if we are motivated by our love for God, no amount of ingratitude will be able to hinder us from serving one another."

And so, while The Cove is a beautiful place to go, it's the people that make it special. The Presence of God is felt and experienced while there. He is there in the midst of His people. He is on their faces...in every cup of coffee they fill, every bus they drive, and every story they share about bears. He lives on that mountain because He lives in the hearts of the people who work for Him through The Cove.

Where can you plant yourself? What mountain can you invest your life in that will transform the lives of people through the God you serve? Whose cup can you fill today?

Blessings from My Little Corner,
Cindy

Friends...Then and Now

There are several writers whose words I love to read. They write from the heart and speak directly to my soul. Sharon Randall, is one of those writers. She has a syndicated column in the Monday edition of my local newspaper each week. I read her words with my tea before I head out for the morning.

A couple of weeks ago, she wrote a story about friendship that made me think. She said this in the article, "Best friendship is like grace...a gift, free and clear. And every day is your birthday."

Nancy-Bottom Right; Me-Right Standing

I've been blessed with wonderful friends in my life from the time I was a little girl. I can remember spending the night with Nancy and giggling until our sides ached. We're still friends and she still makes me laugh. Though miles separate us, we pick up right where we left off when we get together. She is a forever friend from my childhood.

When I moved away from home, I made other lasting friendships. Early in my marriage, there was Mary Beth and Debbie. Each of them taught me valuable lessons and we remain friends. They were there for me through years of infertility. Living in my husband's hometown was difficult in the beginning and yet, they made me feel welcome. Seeing them is like seeing a long lost sister. And of course, my sister-in-law Judy, has and always will be my dearest friend.

There are certain qualities in a friend that come to mind and I thought I'd share those with you. Hopefully, you're as blessed as I have been.

1. A friend will listen first, ask questions only when you're ready to talk.

2. A friend will pray for you and send you scripture text messages.

3. A friend remembers the important days in your life.

4. A friend knows the things about you that trigger sadness...and joy.

5. A friend loves you through every season of your life. She understands your "crankiness from not enough sleep due to being up with babies" through the season of "no sleep due to worry over your children as adults."

6. A friend will tell you you're beautiful, even when you look like yesterday's leftovers.

7. A true friend won't turn their back on you when you disagree on something. They will talk it out, and if forgiveness is needed, they are eager to restore the friendship.

8. A friend knows your favorite foods and brings them when you're sick or sad or just had a very bad day.

9. A true friend cheers your successes...and is there to pick you up in your failures.

10. A friend will let you cry on her shoulder.

11. A friend will always want to do the right thing for you.

12. A forever friend is one you can pick up your conversation with like you just chatted yesterday.

I'm so thankful for my friends, both then and now. God has blessed me with lovely women whom I can trust and who love me for who I am. They encourage me and support me through word and deed. I also love how He's given women of all ages, some older, some younger, to walk this journey with me...what wisdom they've shared and the fun we've had.

Someone told me once, "if you find one good friend, you've found a treasure." I'd say I have a treasure chest of gold, if that statement is true.

The friends I now share my daily life with are the truest kind. They know how to make me laugh till my sides ache. They pray for me and my family and love me unconditionally. They know I'm addicted to chocolate and lattes. They know I love cats and hot tea and flowers. They know this has been the most difficult year of my life and the best year of my life at the same time. They cry with me and have coffee with me and go to writing conferences with me. They send me text messages at the precise time I need them most. Can you tell I have the BEST friends on the planet?

I can't possibly list their names because I would leave someone out and that would break her heart and mine. They know who they are and how much I love them.

I hope you have one friend who loves you unconditionally. My husband always told our children, "to have a friend, you must be a friend." Life would be so lonely without the companionship of female friends.

Me and Nancy-2012

Find someone who shares the same interests as you. He or she may be as lonely as you. Their family may have just moved to the area, as we did many years ago. Your best friend may be sitting in Chick Fil A while her child plays in the play area or on a park bench and all it takes is, "Hey, my name is..."

Friendship...it really is like grace...a gift. Most of us don't deserve the friends we have but we have them anyway. Treasure them and through the fires of life they will become refined. My friendships have become like pure gold to me...more precious as the years have passed.

Who came to mind as you read this post today? Give them a call and let them know you value your relationship.

To my friends then...and now...you are always in my heart!

Blessings from My Little Corner,
Cindy

When the Ocean Becomes a River of Inspiration

I spent last week at the beach in a condo, with only my memories, my laptop and chocolate...and I guess you could add coffee to that list.

I was working on my book and needed seclusion and quiet to complete it. I needed to be able to escape the daily activities that require my attention like laundry, cooking and cleaning, a high maintenance dog, and my own busyness.

Going away to someone else's place freed me to concentrate on the task in front of me, and remove any chance of doing business as usual.

On Sunday after church, following a busy weekend, I got in my car and drove five hours, arriving just in time for Downton Abbey. I settled in and savored every moment. The television wasn't turned on the remainder of the week.

Sleep came easily as I allowed exhaustion to take over.

Monday morning arrived at 5:30 a.m., and with no sugar in the house, tea would have to wait. Since no one knew me, I didn't care that my hair wasn't brushed and the mascara had worn off. I don't wear any other makeup so that wasn't an issue. I slipped on jeans and a sweatshirt and off to the grocery store I went. I didn't even brush my teeth–must be the rebel in me.

After tea was made, I had a few other writing tasks that needed to be accomplished before I could begin work on the book.

Have you ever had to do something and it took you forever to get started? That's what happened to me.

One of my friends texted me to ask how it was going, and I told her, "I've done everything but fix the garbage disposal. I just can't get started on the book." She's a writer friend, so she knew exactly what I was talking about.

I finally sat down down at 3 p.m. after everything else was done. I read a little of the "back story" and the words came. They began to flow like a river. I wrote well into the evening. I didn't want to stop because I was afraid the river would dry up, but it didn't. I finished what I set out  to do on Friday afternoon.

Sometimes, God has to do His greatest work in us, and for us when He has us all to Himself...no distractions.

My time alone in that condo is one of the most sacred weeks of my life. I found I need very little to truly be happy. I also found that even when I'm alone, I'm never really alone. My constant companion was there the whole time.

There was something peaceful about staring at the beauty of the waves crashing to the shore. The serenity of that place kept my mind focused and the solitude allowed the One who knows my story better than me to write it through me as He helped me remember.

He may even need a byline...if my story ever gets published. If not, He and I had the most beautiful week together...my Creator and me.

Blessings from My Little Corner,
Cindy

Ain't Got Time For That Rut

I reread old blog posts from time to time...sometimes it's to see how my writing has changed over time, but most of the time it's because I second-guess myself. I've noticed I use certain words or word patterns repeatedly. My first thought was, "how boring." Then I realized that's just the way the brain works. It's much like slipping on your favorite pair of jeans and old sweatshirt. We do or say what is comfortable for us.

It's a new day

Sometimes though we can get into a rut with our lives. We get buried so deeply in our routine and habits that the joys of life end up passing us by because they were out of reach. We couldn't see them for we were too distracted or focused on staying in our self-imposed rut.

I'm the bookkeeper for our family business and a new year causes me to organize the finances from the previous year and start fresh for the upcoming year...make new folders...clean out the old...start with a clean slate. As I said in my last post, I don't make resolutions, but the beginning of a new calendar is a good time to break old habits and think about a new course or a new direction.

Maybe it's time to make a new rut...slip into a new pair of jeans...toss out the old. There may be a wonderful new opportunity waiting for you just around the bend if you'll climb high enough to see it.

Forget the former things;

do not dwell on the past.

See I am doing a new thing!

Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?

I am making a way in the desert

and streams in the wasteland.

Isaiah 43:18-19

This is the "pot calling the kettle black" because I am the queen of ruts. I'm talking to myself more than anyone else, I hope you know that. Won't you join me in getting out of old habits and make new beginnings that bring joy to you and those around you? 

Open your eyes to a new year to all God has in store for you. He is making a way and joy cometh!

Blessings from My Little Corner,

Cindy

A Look Back...My Year of Grace

Laura, Katy and me at The Cove

I'm not a girl who makes New Year's resolutions or picks a word for the year. I'm a simple person. I love deeply, get my feelings hurt easily, try to live joyfully and love Jesus with all my heart.

I've changed in so many ways through the last several years...the result of physical and emotional changes in my life. Lost friendships and relationships cause pain and eventually take a toll. My feelings haven't always been so tender.

God began a work in me in the summer of 2012, actually it began in 2006 but I couldn't see the big picture till now. In the summer of 2012 something began stirring in my soul. His presence was felt like never before. This past year has been the most significant year of my adult life as He reminded me of who He is and what He wants from me.

In February, 2013 I went to a writers' conference at The Cove - The Billy Graham Training Center in Asheville, North Carolina. Little did I know, God had a plan for my life that would include my dream of writing and ultimately, my healing of childhood issues.

It couldn't possibly be anyone but God Himself as the source. If I could open the pages of my daily journal you would stand in awe, as I have. Its pages are stained with tears, not always from sadness, but humility and grace...a sense of why me?!!

Finding peace

This year I've experienced the highest highs and the lowest lows, but He was with me every step of the way.

"Because of the tender mercy of our God,

by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven

to shine on those living in darkness

and in the shadow of death,

to guide our feet into the path of peace."

Luke 1:78-79

And so...I've chosen a few pictures that capture the highlights of my year...an amazing year, one I'll never forget.

 My Year of Grace.

What kind of year have you had? Please share in the comments. Don't be shy...

Happy New Year from My Little Corner,
Cindy

Proverbs 31 Writers' Conference

High school/college friend reunion

A treasure returned after 40 years

Weddings...

Birthdays...

Special friends of the heart

Graduations...

Special Christmas tradition with
The Roh Family



The Unexpected Gift...The Sequel

After I post my blog each week, I usually go back sometime during the day and read it again, for the umpteenth time, for errors. No matter how many times I proof it before I hit publish, I miss something. Most of the time it's minor...but when I got to the end of last week's post I said out loud to myself, and the cat, "Cindy, you missed it. You missed a great message to share."

My heart was sad...

As I read the end of my post, "My gift is priceless, and one I'll remember for years to come, as well as the giver," it hit me...I didn't finish the thought.

I missed it...

If I were finishing the same post this week I might go on with something like this: In human terms, the Bible returned to me was priceless and unexpected, but the greatest gift ever given to mankind was Jesus.

He was the long awaited Messiah for the Hebrew people in biblical days, but He was the unexpected servant king, the upside down Savior of the world. He was not what they were looking for. His birth and entry into the world broke four hundred years of silence from a holy God who had never forgotten His people. His birth ushered in the missing link from the Old testament to the New, prophecy fulfilled.

God was waiting...waiting for time to reveal His plan of redemption. His own son, Jesus, would be the redeemer, the adopted son in the lineage of King David.

The shepherds were tending sheep out in the fields. Do you think they expected to see a heavenly host of angels singing about the birth of their Savior? Probably not.

If the kings of the east had expected this miraculous birth they would have left two years prior to be present for this spectacular event. They had the financial means and the power to make it happen.

Instead...

Jesus was given the lowliest of births as He quietly burst into human form...a baby, meek and mild. Unexpected, even by His birth mother. But oh, how she loved Him. She accepted all that was happening to her with grace and wonder. The Bible says she pondered all these things in her heart. Luke 2:19

As He grew, He found favor with God and man.

He did the unexpected. He healed diseases, turned water into wine, and washed feet.

He spoke to multitudes, not from a palace, but a hillside by the shores of the Galilee.

He wept with those who wept and mourned with those who mourned.

He proclaimed freedom for those in bondage.

When His days on earth were coming to a close, He chose to obey His Father...to be the ultimate sacrifice. He allowed Himself to be stripped, beaten, mocked, and humiliated, then hung on a tree to atone for my sin and your sin. He finally cried, "It is finished." And He died. At thirty three years old, He accomplished what He came to earth to do.

From the manger to the cross, His work was almost complete.

But that's not the end of the story because no one expected Him to come out of the tomb after He was dead. But He did. His Father in heaven raised Him from the dead on the third day. Over five hundred people saw Him alive and it's recorded for us to read today.

And just as I missed it last week when I wrote about my gift, many people in that day missed it too! They didn't believe until Jesus was raised from the dead and ascended to heaven after forty days. Even his half brother, James, missed it until after Jesus' ascension.

Some people are still looking for a savior. We look for it in material things, people, money, power, or fame. We can even look for it in ourselves. But the only Savior who was nailed to a cross for me, has come...Emmanuel...God with us!

And so...that's why the Bible my friend returned to me is so important. It's a reminder that God has been with me in the forty years we've been apart, even when I didn't realize it, He was there.

I'm so thankful for parents who were faithful to take me to church and teach me about Jesus. Because of my foundation, I came back after wandering away from my faith. He also reminded me that just as God did not forget His people in the four hundred years between the Old and New testament in the Bible, He did not forget me either. He has given complete healing from childhood wounds this past year, and for that I'm thankful.

Don't miss Him this Christmas...

O come let us adore Him...at Christmas and every day after!

But because of our sins He was wounded, beaten because of the evil we did.

We are healed by the punishment He suffered, made whole by the blows He received.

All of us were like sheep that were lost, each of us going his own way. 

But the Lord made the punishment fall on Him, the punishment all of us deserve.

Isaiah 53:5-6 GNT

Christmas Blessings from My Little Corner,
Cindy

Giving Thanks...To An Unseen Guest

Thanksgiving. A time of giving thanks...of humbling ourselves before Almighty God and acknowledging His provision in our lives.

I have wonderful childhood memories of packing up the family car, making our way north, through snow and ice to my aunt's house in Ohio. It was tradition. My mom was big on tradition, and for several years we gathered around the table with cousins, aunts, uncles and delicious food. There wasn't a lot of talk about God's provision, but in my family, it was an unspoken truth.

We began our own traditions and they have changed some through the years as our family has changed. We've had to let some things go as family members have passed on into eternity. Whenever we celebrate in our home, one practice remains–each person seated around the table must share something for which they're thankful. Not a bite of turkey can be eaten until each voice is heard. It causes us to stop and focus our attention on our provider, the giver of all good gifts.

Sometimes I forget though and stumble through life. I struggle and lose my way. My heart becomes heavy and I ask, "Lord, where are you?"

As He always does, He leads me beside quiet waters to words.

Since I was a young girl, words have been my solace, my balm, my healing salve.

This morning I was reading "Jesus Calling," preparing this post, this is part of what I read:

"A life of praise and thankfulness becomes a life filled with miracles. Instead of trying to be in control, you focus on Me and what I am doing. This is the power of praise: centering your entire being in Me. This is how I created you to live, for I made you in My own image. Enjoy abundant life by overflowing with praise and thankfulness."

Words. Powerful, life-giving words that tell us how to live with joy.

Are you looking for a miracle? Maybe you're just looking for an abundant life. The answer lies in a life of praise and thankfulness to the One who made you; the One who created you in His own image.

I'm reminding myself of these truths as much, or even more than anyone else. Give thanks, not only today, but every day for his bounty.

Look around you to see what He is doing and you'll find Him. He will be the unseen guest at your table tomorrow. You'll see Him in the faces of your loved ones as you gather. You'll lift His name as you recall the many ways He has carried your family this past year. As you name your blessings one by one, your spirit will be lifted and your burden will be lightened.

Enter His gates with thanksgiving

and His courts with praise:

give thanks to Him and praise His name.

For the Lord is good and His love endures forever:

His faithfulness continues through all generations.

Psalm 100:4-5 NIV

As I gather with my family tomorrow, I'll be thankful for many things this year; one of them, the blessing of writing My Little Corner. I truly appreciate those of you who read each week and comment whether it's on the blog or on Facebook. You lift my spirit with encouragement and for that I'm thankful!

Happy Thanksgiving,

Cindy

"A Million Little Ways - uncover the art you were made to live" - A Review

Every once in a while a book comes along that touches, not only your heart but, your soul. That's what this book did for me.

I'm participating in the Revell Blog Book Tour for "A Million Little Ways," written by Emily P. Freeman. This book was much anticipated by Yours Truly after meeting her at She Speaks in July. Emily is warm, friendly, and writes from her soul about faith, family, and life in general. Her blog, "Chatting at the Sky," is read daily by thousands and gives us a glimpse into her deep, thoughtful personality. This book is the result of several years of study, observation and wonder of a holy, creative God.

She had me captivated in the first couple of pages and I couldn't put it down.

We often want to put God in a box, limiting Him in what He can do with an ordinary person. One of the beautiful messages of this book is the picture she paints of the creativity of God. He comes alive for me in a completely new way as I see myself designed in His image.

The perfect combination

She debunks the notion that art is reserved for a chosen few. We all have the ability to make art with our lives because we ALL are created in the image of the original Artist, who was intrinsically creative. We may be writers or teachers, construction workers or cashiers...our lives can be art if we allow Him to live through us and be who He designed us to be. If we are a mom taking care of babies at home, we can care for these little masterpieces and be fully artistic.

In a recent "Jesus Calling" devotional it said, "I view you as the one I created you to be, the one you will be in actuality when heaven becomes your home." My thoughts immediately went to Emily's book, "A Million Little Ways." This is one of the ways it spoke to me...God has ordained each of us and uniquely gifted us for a purpose. We won't fully be complete until heaven, but He sees the potential He created in us. He desperately wants us to see ourselves the way He sees us so we can reveal His glory through our lives. Ultimately, that should be the most important thing in our lives... to reveal His glory. That's what will make life worth living.

One of my favorite chapters is entitled, "Listen." As some of you may know, this past year has been a journey for me. It's been a time of being still before the Lord...of listening. This chapter caught my attention. It did not disappoint.

Listen to Your Tears.

Listen to Your Questions.

Listen to Your Heartbreak.

"I don't believe we have to have pain to make beautiful art - but when the pain comes, an artist knows she must face it. Grief does deep, important, sacred work. We have to pay attention to what grieves us and be willing to be fully human, both in what makes us come alive and in what has the capacity to shut us down. What breaks our hearts reminds us what is deeply important to us."

Is that not beautiful?!! Sometimes we have to uncover our pain and find healing before we can make art with our lives. Once the process is complete, the Creator can live through me freely, crafting the art He designed me to be.

This book has become one I will treasure. The author is a deep soul for her young age. She allowed the Divine Creator to write through her a profound work that, I believe, has the potential to live on and become a Christian classic for it has a timeless message.

May we all seek to uncover the art we were made to live, in whatever corner of the world you've been planted.

Blessings from My Little Corner,
Cindy

*I was given a free copy of the book for my honest review by Revell Books.

Enjoy the Fall, There's Beauty in the Waiting

Isn't this a beautiful time of year? A season of thanksgiving, change, a season of waiting. We rush past the fall holidays to get to Christmas and then complain about where time went. I love the fall and would stay in this season, but then after awhile it would become mundane and unappreciated. God knew what He was doing when He gave us brief periods to enjoy the unfolding and wonder of His creation.

You could say I'm in the "Fall" of my life ... a time of change, a time of waiting.

When you're raising your family you think they'll be little forever, the laundry will never be caught up and the sports events on your calendar will never end. They do. There was always a project to be done and field trips to drive for and spelling words to call out ... oh, the spelling words, would they ever end? They did.

Then they go to high school and the subjects get more difficult and relationships get more complicated and you think to yourself, "parenting is so hard sometimes." But, you look at the children God gave you, and you know you're blessed beyond belief.

While they were "littles" you made friends in the carpool line and class parties, never dreaming they'd be lifelong friends. Now you share with them over dinner and talk about grandchildren and weddings, jobs and relationships. But your life is still wrapped up in the ones you hold dear to your heart.

God has been good in the waiting ... in the fall of my life. As my babies have launched and are making a life away from me, there's still time left for me as the leaves change.

My neighbor and I, at my previous house, would chat as we watered our flowers. Andy and Bailey were preschoolers at the time. She was a precious woman, but she would fuss about "little old ladies" and their driving habits. She could not understand why they drove the way they did ... and did I mention she was 75 years of age at the time?!!

As I was walking recently I saw this beautiful tree. The leaves on the inside were still bright green, vibrant, while the leaves on the outside had turned red. It won't be long before they'll be on the ground or swept in a pile.  It reminded me of my neighbor. She saw herself as young on the inside ... much the way I feel. Winter had already arrived for her, but inside, she still felt young and vibrant, not ready to let go of life.

Whatever season of life you're in is a season to live fully. Embrace the gifts you've been given and share with those around you. There's beauty in the changing of the seasons.

The month of November is a perfect time to begin to practice loving with a thankful heart. Embrace your children, regardless of age, and seize the moments.

Change is coming. You can't slow it down, but you can make memories they'll take with them when they go that last a lifetime.

As for me, I'll continue writing in the waiting...

Have a blessed November,
Cindy