* Comfort

*I wrote the first paragraph of this post this past summer before all the recent health events I’ve been through. It reminded me of how we have both good and bad times in our life and that there’s always a way to find comfort even in the worst of life’s circumstances.

Comfort; it comes at the most unexpected times and usually when you need it most. Today I found comfort in a morning yoga class on a dock over the water. The instructor encouraged us to ground ourselves to the dock with our bare feet and extend our roots all the way down to the core of the Earth. I felt tall, proud, and comforted. After lunch, I came out to the beach and dug my toes in the surf and sand. I found comfort in that shifting stability.

Now I am writing in my journal and releasing my thoughts. I have found comfort today and it allows me to be open to the peace I long for that only God can provide. Where do you find comfort? Search for it and embrace it every chance you get. It is what sustains you on the days when there seems to be no comfort in sight. I’m having a lot of those days right now but I look back at what I wrote this summer and realize I always have the power within to borrow from that strength and find my comfort for today!

Blessings, Cindy J

* The Struggle Bus

In exercise class one day, I shared that I was on the struggle bus and having a hard time. A fellow class participant piped up and said, “Well just be glad you’re on it and not under it.” I found humor in her logic and was grateful that at least I was indeed on the bus. Lately, I’ve felt like that struggle bus has completely run over me and left me on the side of the road. It’s been hard picking myself up and climbing back onto the bus. But I’m trying!

Here’s the thing about the struggle bus; other people are on there with you. Their struggle may not be the same as yours but nonetheless they are dealing with something that causes them anxiety, grief, or pain. It’s important to acknowledge that you’re on the struggle bus and dealing with something hard but it’s equally important to acknowledge the people riding along with you. By reaching out to them, it makes the journey seem a little less scary and stressful.

As I’ve quoted before from Robin Roberts, she says “everybody’s got something.” My something may seem harder than yours right now but it doesn’t matter. What does matter is that we reach out to each other, be kind to one another and give each other a hand to help them stay on the bus until they reach their destination. No one can predict when we’ll get off this struggle bus and back into a quieter journey. But I bet you’ll be stronger if you just hang on for the ride and learn from the experience.

Blessings, Cindy J

* The Good Stuff

I live in a small, rural community and go to my local Dollar General for well, everything except groceries! The other day I was standing at the cash register checking out and this tiny little older lady dressed in leggings, boots and a Christmas sweater came bursting through the front door. She was smiling at everyone she encountered, greeting them, and wishing them a Merry Christmas. The cashier obviously knew her and said, “Ms. So & So (sorry, I can’t remember her name), what are you up to today?” She said without hesitation, “Oh, I’m just passing out the good stuff.” I looked at her and she said, “you know the good stuff like smiles, laughter, Have a nice day, Merry Christmas.” I told her that I liked her philosophy to which she replied, “You never know what kind of ice you might break with your good words.”

I thought about what she said all the way back to my car and I’m still thinking about it. In this holiday season when things can get a little hectic at times, family gatherings a bit tense and depression easily sets in just remember, we can all pass out the good stuff of love, joy and peace. Merry Christmas Y’all!

Blessings, Cindy J

* Darkness

Darkness is consuming. In total darkness, you cannot see and you cannot be seen. It’s a safe place to hide away. You can sit in darkness for a while; sometimes it’s even necessary for healing. BUT eventually you need to stand up and walk towards light so the darkness does not destroy you.

Trust me; I understand darkness and the overwhelming feeling of just wanting to disappear. The trials of life can at times be so overwhelming that all you can do is exist from day to day. Hiding away in the darkness keeps you from having to deal with things that are just too hard to bear. It can be pain, sickness, grief, or any kind of life upheaval that shakes you to your core. Darkness though can keep you from coming to terms with the very thing you must face.

If you must hide in the darkness for a season, please don’t do so alone. Make sure you have a family member or friend who can sit beside you and help you hold on. Seek professional counseling or talk to your pastor. It’s okay to need someone. Don’t lose your way in the midst of this darkness. Most importantly, don’t forget to look for the light. Remember that God sees you in the darkness. He is your eternal light.

Blessings, Cindy J

*Do It Yourself – Not!

*Note: I actually wrote this post just days before I fell and broke my shoulder. Divine intervention of what was to come, maybe?

Yes, I admit that I am a do-it-yourself kind of girl. I know WHAT I want done and HOW I want it done. My Daddy even told my husband before he married me that I was very independent and liked to take care of things myself. He was warned! But you know what, that’s not the way it’s supposed to work in God’s world.

Yes, He wants us to be productive, to work hard and to serve Him. The good news is that we don’t have to do it alone. Jesus died on the cross so that my sin would be paid for. He died so that I don’t have to do anything all by myself, ever again.

I am forever in need of learning that lesson. Having cancer and facing all the struggles with the aftermath of this disease has definitely taught me I cannot do it all by myself. It doesn’t mean I’m weak because I need help; it just means I’ve learned to share the burden with those who love me and want to help.

Slowly but surely, I’m making progress. If I tell you I don’t need help, be patient with me until I figure out that things would be a lot easier if I just said yes. Remember that God does the same thing with us and He thinks we are worth the wait. He waits for me to say, “Let’s do this together.”

Blessings, Cindy J

* What Starts with B?

It seems like a lot of my favorite things in life start with the letter B. I’ve written before about things at the beach that start with B but when I started thinking about it, there are many other B words that are important to me. Here’s my list:

Bible – God’s Holy Word; I read it every day. My favorite book hands down. It’s the best instruction book for life plus it’s full of adventure, romance and so much more.

Hubbie – Yes, I know this doesn’t start with a B but my list wouldn’t be complete without him. We’ve been together for over 40 years and have shared so many life events. I am grateful for our season of togetherness now.

Boys – They are grown men but they will always be my boys. They are my heart.

Babies – That would be my grandbabies.I don’t have enough room or time in this blog to tell you how much I love them. They are my heart, too.

Beach – My happy place. It’s where I reconnect with God and nature, refocus, gain energy, and breathe.

Books – Where would life be without a good book to read? Books give us words, knowledge, information, power and so much more.

Blessed – That’s what I am to be alive and living this life now as a cancer survivor/thriver. Every single day is a gift.

What makes you happy? Make your list and give thanks to God for the BEAUTIFUL things in your life!

Blessings, Cindy J

* Perspective

Have you ever seen one of those pictures where when you look at it one way it’s an old woman and then look at it another way and it is a young girl? It’s kind of cool how they both seem to exist in the same picture and it really boils down to your perspective when viewing the picture. I am notorious for dropping my medicine on our hardwood kitchen floor and the pill is hard to find because it blends in with the wood. If I only look from the perspective of where I’m standing when I drop the pill, I rarely find it. But if I turn a different way and look, I will typically find it right away. Again, it’s all a matter of perspective and in the case of trying to locate the pill, I have to change mine.

Aren’t major life events like that as well? When we hear the word cancer, death, divorce, or any word most of us feel comes with a negative connotation, we automatically want it to change or go away because we think only bad things will happen. And it’s true, many times bad things do happen when we experience life changing events. But not always. What if we changed our perspective and looked at the things these adverse events can teach us? Here’s a warning though, it’s not always easy.

Cancer has been one of the hardest challenges I’ve ever faced in my life but it’s taught me to cherish EVERY day, to love with all my heart, to give to others who need my time & resources, to say yes more to make plans with friends and family and to speak up about what’s right for me. These are all positive changes because I decided to change my perspective. Yes, it is hard sometimes, but it’s oh so worth it!

Changing your perspective is hard because we all want to view things as we see them in our own little world. Guess what? It’s a big world out there with lots of things to see and learn. God can use our pain and heartbreak to help others. He can use it to change our heart… for good.

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

Blessings, Cindy J

* Life’s Chapters

I do love a good chapter book. When I’m reading one, I always want to get to the end of the chapter before I put in my bookmark and leave it. It’s a good stopping point and it gives me closure for that reading session but I know I’m not done with the whole story yet.

I recently heard an interview with Christian music artist Amy Grant and she was talking about the chapters in her life. She said that each chapter does not define us but works together to create the story of our life. Some chapters are good and some are bad but the total is what makes our story. What very wise words.

When I think about some of the chapters of my life, I wish I could go back and change a few events or decisions that I made. However, if I did, would I appreciate the chapter I’m living right now? Each chapter has made me the person God designed me to be, flaws and all. In fact, some of the hardest and saddest chapters have been the ones where I grew the most as a person.

I hope I have a few more chapters to live and write. I want to travel some more and spend time with my children and grandchildren. The beautiful thing though is that when I get to the end of my story, the last chapter, I already know how it ends. No, I don’t know exactly how my life will end but I do know when it does, I will be in heaven with Jesus. Now that my friend, is the perfect ending.

Blessings, Cindy J

* What’s In Your Toolbox?

When a construction worker heads out to a job site, they always carry their toolbox with them because they never know what situation might arise and what tool they may need to fix the problem. In short, they are prepared for the task at hand. Wouldn’t it be nice in life if we had a toolbox full of what we need that could take care of everything we encounter? If we could pull out just the right actions or words to help us through each circumstance?

Here’s a challenge for you, start filling your toolbox with things that will help you get through life. The most important thing we can carry in our toolbox is God’s Word. Even if that was the only tool you had, I promise there is advice in the Bible to deal with every circumstance you might come across. Trusting in Jesus and letting His words speak to you in your daily life is the most powerful tool you can possess.

Another tool you might consider is surrounding yourself with people who truly care about you. There are lots of people we see at work, church, our neighborhood and even our family sometimes who know us but don’t take the time to be a part of our lives. You can change that. Get to know people better and spend time with them. It helps you want to be there for them in times of need and in turn, they are there for you.

Lastly, take time to care for yourself daily. Pray, meditate, practice yoga, go for a walk; whatever it is, just spend some time unwinding and letting go. Do something that brings you joy! Preparing yourself mentally will help you be ready for the challenges you will face.

A good toolbox is all about organizing the right tools. Get your toolbox out today, examine it and then fill it with the things you need for the life you live. Remember to be prepared for emergencies, for they will come, and understand that the better we plan, the more we are able to deal with our problems. So, what will you put in your toolbox?

Blessings, Cindy J

* Only Leave Footprints

One day as I was leaving the beach, I saw a sign that read only leave footprints. The purpose of the message was to remind you to take everything back with you that you brought out to the beach. It should remain clean and beautiful for the next people who come to visit and safe for the wildlife that lives there. Your footprints should be the only reminder that you were there.

As you walk along the beach, you can look back to see your footprints in the sand and know where you’ve been. You can see the footprints of others as you walk knowing that you are not alone in the world. Take comfort in that knowledge and understand others will pass along in your footprints.

What if we made a point to leave things as we find them in this world? To respect the Earth and its’ beauty. Sometimes we have to fix the mess that others left behind but that’s okay, too. It shows we care and that we’re responsible. Go spend time in nature whether it be the beach, mountain or trail. Enjoy the beauty God has given us and then, only leave footprints.

Blessings, Cindy J