Temptation 101

This morning, I read Matthew 4:1-11, the scripture that accompanied my devotional reading for today. You know the passage where Satan tempts Jesus in the wilderness. I’ve read this multiple times throughout my life. This time it hit me differently. No doubt Jesus and Satan knew each other well. They had been adversaries for Millenia since the fall of the angels from heaven’s glory. In this context, Jesus is God/man, and no longer in heaven’s realm. He is fasting and praying in the wilderness for forty days. His enemy is watching and waiting for his moment to strike. He approaches Jesus three times, and three times, Jesus quotes scripture to defend Himself. 

My role as Gigi gives me opportunity and
responsibility to protect, encourage, and teach

Satan recognizes His physical weaknesses and challenges Jesus to betray what He knows is right and follow him. But Jesus responds to this evil being with the power that comes from God Himself.

How much more should we, as humans, respond likewise? Our enemy will take advantage of the weakest place in our personality, physical makeup, family situation, emotional condition, and social standing. His one goal is to destroy you. The Bible says in 1Peter 5:8– “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” NIV

It also says in Job 1:7 – Satan answered the Lord, “I have been patrolling the earth, watching everything that’s going on.”NLT

Those are sobering words. In his arrogance, he spoke to the God of the universe with disrespect and contempt. We have a saying in our family, “don’t poke the bear.” Satan was not only poking the bear, he was challenging the only true God who created the very earth he claimed to be patrolling. 

If he will do that to the God of the universe, we mortals are mere toys for him to bat around, confuse, and destroy. He has all the tools he needs to succeed, except One.

The Bible tells us to put on the full armor of God so we may be able to defeat the evil one. 

 

Belt of Truth: Protects from lies and deceptions

Breastplate of Righteousness: Protects our heart

Shoes of Peace: Ready for battle, based on the gospel

Shield of Faith: Extinguishes the fiery darts of the enemy

Helmut of Salvation: Guards the mind with the assurance of faith

Sword of the Spirit: The Word of God – used offensively to combat spiritual attacks

Also with these two cuties

In a world where we will be tempted in every way possible just as Jesus was, we have the solution for battle. He will come at us when we’re weary, when we have family issues, when we’re hungry, when we’re lonely, when we’re scared, when we’re bored, when we think no one is looking, and when we think we’re on top of the world. The blessed peace in knowing all this is that I have a Savior who loves me and wants the best for me.

One of the most tender things about the passage in Matthew 4:1-11 comes in verse 11: 

And these two little loves

“Then the devil went away, and angels came and took care of Jesus.”

The angels ministered to Jesus at the conclusion of his temptations. That spoke volumes to me because I’ve been there—exhausted with fighting an unseen enemy, broken by family dysfunction, sorrowful because of loss (too many losses for one person), and one regret piled on top of the other. But God…. He knows my every need and broken place. He not only sent His angels—at times I felt like it was His very own hand comforting me when all looked hopeless.

That’s what He did for me, and that’s what He’ll do for you. We are targets for the enemy when we’re not protected. Your mind, heart, and body are too important to leave exposed. Guard them wisely. 

And as a closing reminder, if your children are too young to understand the schemes of the evil one, it’s your responsibility to protect them at all cost. The consequences may exact a high cost to you, but God is there to minister to your need, and He will never leave you or forsake you.

2025, You Were A Good Year

 Before we press into a new year, I love looking back at the previous year. I don’t want to miss an opportunity to reflect on God’s goodness before saying goodbye to the memories of 2025.

 

It was a good year for me overall. There were heartbreaking moments, but that’s just part of living in a fallen world with broken people. I’m thankful for good health, a loving family, friends that love and support me, and a church where I serve and grow in my relationship with Christ.

 

Cindy, Katy, Laura
- The Cove

I was able to attend the Asheville Christian Writer’s Conference again in February with my dear friends, Katy and Laura. That weekend in February is sacred time for me. It helps me reset and redefine my goals for writing and gives me time to actually write uninterrupted. This year, I met with Andrea Merrell, who agreed to edit my book. She was excellent to work with and also provided great resources to complete my book for publication.

 

We traveled to Breckenridge, Colorado in March with Andy and his family. We played in the snow, skied, visited a train museum, climbed to the top of Red Rocks Amphitheatre, ate yummy food, and spent quality time as a family. Leaving my luggage at the car rental place didn’t even put a damper on our vacation.

In Colorado

 

Earl and I traveled to Ohio to visit my Aunt Lorse, my mom’s younger sister. I hadn’t seen her in fourteen years. I also visited with her son, Bobby, who I hadn’t seen in nearly 50 years. We had a wonderful time of catching up and reminiscing on memories long forgotten. We left her home and traveled north to Lake Eerie where we spent a few days sitting by the water enjoying sunshine and cooler temps.

 

Life wouldn’t be normal without a few heartaches. In October, Andy’s thirteen-year-old dog, Beau, had to be put to sleep after a few months of failing health. Beau was a special dog – tenderhearted and sensitive. For the first few years of his life, he came to stay with me during the day while Andy worked. He comforted me during some of my darkest days, gently licking my tears as they fell down my cheeks. He’d sit beside me while I lay on the sofa and place a paw across my arm. Once, he even crawled on the sofa covering me with his body. I will never forget him for the way he knew when I needed him most. He will forever be missed when I pull into Andy and Morgan's driveway and silence greets me at the door.

Beau

 

2026 will probably be the year my sixteen-year-old cat, Livvy, meets the same fate as Beau. She's now blind and spends most days circling the house from room to room in a stupor. She allows me to hold her like a baby, which she never did before. I will cherish the time I have left with her remembering all her little quirks and the way she prefers me over anyone else.

 

 

The Broken Road, A Journey to Healing was published in October and is one of the greatest blessings of my life. I will never get over God’s goodness and faithfulness in guiding me in the process. The highlight of my year was the book signing/celebration Andy and Morgan hosted at my church in November. Everything was perfect from the food and flowers, to the tiniest detail in decorations and special touches. I felt loved and celebrated.

 

And to round out the ending of 2025, my husband sold our family business of thirty-seven years and officially retired. He’s already making plans though for the days he’ll go in and work for the new owner, Josh, who’s been an employee for twenty-two years. He also has big plans for fishing trips, woodworking projects, and time with me.

 

As I age, I see the circle of life unfold before me. I’m thankful for my precious grandchildren who bring so much joy, laughter, and love to our lives. God is good and faithful and whatever is ahead of us in 2026, we know He will already be there. His love is better than life and we’re secure in the future He’s planned for us.

 

Many blessing to you and your family in 2026! 

Thanksgiving 2025—Traditions New and Old

 The day before Thanksgiving—I’m reminiscing about long-ago holidays and celebrations with my children when they were still at home. It’s bittersweet, this remembering.

When I was a child, my parents picked us up from school on Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving, and we headed north to my Aunt Lorse and Uncle Sherman’s house in Ohio. Many times the roads were packed with snow and ice as we traveled the four-hour drive with excitement and worry of getting there safely. Mom and her sister went to work in the kitchen preparing dressing and fruit salad for the next day. Everything was homemade and the aromas from the kitchen had my mouth watering. They laughed and talked and it became a treasured tradition through the years. I played with my cousins without a care in the world.

After my husband and I were married, we ate dinner with his family including aunts and uncles, grandparents and anyone else who needed a hot meal and warm fellowship. Our Thanksgiving tradition changed again after we moved to South Carolina in the mid 80’s. Our pastor and his family invited us to join them on more than one occasion. Andy took his first steps while in their home.

Bailey and Andy - 1991

The memories wash over me as I continue through time. We moved to Anderson, South Carolina in the summer of 1989. We bought a little brick house that sat under a canopy of massive oak trees. Thanksgiving Day became the perfect time for raking thousands of leaves. Earl made huge piles of leaves for Andy and Bailey to jump in while I cooked our Thanksgiving feast in the kitchen. The joy on their faces still brings a smile as I recall their rosy cheeks and clothes plastered with leaves and dirt. Those are treasured memories I ponder when life is hard.

By the time Andy and Bailey were in late elementary school, we built our dream home on Plum Lane. I prepared a festive table in our formal dining room, every chair filled with family and friends. We loved hosting those special holidays, the more the merrier. My dad usually came from West Virginia, and one year, Earl’s parents and sister joined us. There was always room for one more. After Andy graduated from college and began working in the corporate world, he invited his boss, fiancé, and her daughter. A neighbor across the street also sat at our table. The conversation was lively–filled with different voices and cultures.

We make a huge fuss over the food, but ultimately, Thanksgiving is about the people you love and the overflow of a grateful heart. The seats around our table have changed to include my precious grandchildren, the spouses of my children, and family not related by blood, yet just as important. The bond we share is grounded in our relationship with Christ and the love He gives us to set one more place at the table. 

I have much to thank Him for this year, as we all do. When you look around your table this Thanksgiving, don’t be shy in expressing how you feel about those seated around you. Don’t miss an opportunity to say, “I love you, and I’m thankful for you.”

Our tables change every year. Children grow up and begin their own traditions, and you will take a back seat, allowing them the gift of setting their own table. Thanksgiving of 2025 will only happen once, use it wisely and joyfully. One day it will be a memory someone else treasures in their heart.

Happy Thanksgiving to you from My Little Corner!

My Journey Down The Broken Road

 The book God destined for me to write finally became available on Amazon last week. I'm still waiting on my author copies to arrive, but I'm excited about all God is doing with The Broken Road as I wait. 

As I reflect on the journey of the last twelve years, a few things come to mind. If you are struggling with any kind of delayed healing from past trauma, these are the steps I undertook and would highly encourage you to begin your own journey.

1. Don't run from your trauma. Face it head on.

2. Find a qualified, Christian counselor. Don't be afraid to share your junk. They are equipped to handle your pain.

3. Allow yourself to grieve the trauma.

4. Allow the words of scripture to speak into your pain and change your mindset.

5. Find margin in your life. This is not the time to load your schedule with activities. A sabbatical may be necessary. You are worth it.

6. Surround yourself with family and friends who will pray for you, and with you, during this pivotal time in your life. It's hard work and you can't do it alone.

7. Remove anyone from your life who doesn't support your journey. You will recognize who they are by the way they communicate with you.

8. Do something tangible along the way to encourage the healing process. I made a photo album of my mom's life. It's a visual reminder of what an incredible woman she was, and helps me remember how much she loved me, A part of me grieved with every photo and memory.

We are all uniquely made by God and each of our journeys will look different. These are a few suggestions that helped me finally heal after thirty-eight plus years of carrying the burden of trauma, grief, and unforgiveness. 

You can do this. A life of freedom in Christ is waiting. Just one phone call, email, or text will open the door to abundant life. What are you waiting for? 

  

Light at the End of The Broken Road

Sitting outside in our new living space is the perfect place to reflect. I need days like this–days of catching up on minor chores, crossing off long-needed repairs on my to-do list, and time for pondering. Most of my inspiration for writing comes when there’s time for my mind to wander. The flutter of a bird or the rhythm of wind chimes triggers a memory and down the rabbit hole I fall. Next thing I know I’m searching for a photo or date on a calendar trying to piece together the details of my story.

 

It's all good though. I’m not triggered by bad images any longer and memories aren’t as painful as they once were. I’ve worked through mountains of grief and trauma and come out the other side a different person.

 

I’m thankful for every bump in the road, every detour, but especially the broken road I’ve traveled to get to where I am today. 

 

I’m in the final phase of my book, The Broken Road, and I can’t wait to share how God healed me of childhood trauma. It’s really His story of redeeming the broken child inside a grown woman.

 

You may be thinking, “Oh great, another memoir about somebody’s abuse and all the people she blames.”

 

That’s not the goal for this writer or this book. I believe there’s power in telling our stories so it can help someone else find healing. As an introvert who protects her privacy, I have no desire to just be another voice saying, “Me too.” I want to point people to the only true source of genuine healing—and that’s Jesus Christ. If not for Him, and the people He placed in my life, I would be six feet under.

 

For now, I am going to treasure these days of pondering and listen for the sweet nuggets of inspiration. Writing from a healed heart and mind gives me so much joy, but I had to travel the broken road to get here. And because of that, it’s all worth it.