When was the last time you felt unappreciated? Take a moment to discern why you feel this way. The courage it takes to face a hard truth may root out how to react (or not) the next time that feeling visits. You may hold the key to the door that locks you inside a room of unnappreciation. You matter. Much gratitude, Cindy
8 days ago • 1 min read
How long is a typical tough season? Too long. Staying positive can be a minute by minute choice. The times in our lives that happen when we least expect them and take us on an unwanted journey are the worst and best teachers we will ever have. We are in survival mode and do well to remember that we can and should take extra care of oursleves during this time. Click on the link below to open a free 5-Day devotional from me to you as gift for help in tough times. Five-Day Devotional Hope.pdf...
15 days ago • 1 min read
Overwhelmed can feel like a tunnel with no end in sight How do we stop the process before it gets too far? How do we apply some logic and self-care to slow it down? Perfectionism is Overwhelmed’s best friend. Procrastination is a close second. Shame is Overwhelmed’s food and nourishment. Self-care is the remedy. Check out a great way to combine fiction and Friendsgiving this year with my book Everybody Lies. Share with a book club friend. I am offering discounts on the book price and an...
22 days ago • 1 min read
Walking with a stone in your shoe can: produce pain increase annoyance feed anger One small stone can cause a ton of damage when ignored. What are you ignoring? I had a vendor table at my church Fall Festival on Saturday. I met some amazing people and sold and signed some books. But the best part of my day was meeting my daughter, granddaughters, great-granddaughter, and my mom for breakfast before the event. Five generations around the table. You matter. Much gratitude, Cindy
29 days ago • 1 min read
When I worry, I move away from my faith. When I release the worry, I move closer to my faith. When I ask for help, I practice trusting Jesus no matter what happens. This week, I challenge you to try for a day, a week, a month- you choose- to give yourself a break from worry. It may be difficult, not gonna lie. You may feel like giving up. Persevere and see what happens. Stay the course and see what God will do. My writing world update... Here's the opening to my second novel as I move into...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
The many faces of pride. False Pride Self-righteous Pride Pride for a job well done Seeking validation Pride with judging Genuine Pride Too Proud to ask for Help What more can you add to this complex topic? The vendor show on a stunning fall evening included a golden-hour sunset with a full moon rising, a dear friend from Georgia and her sister, and the surprise of 7 family members (adding 2 on the way). I had some book sales, conversations about faith, and gave away 4 children’s books about...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Appreciation for worst-case-scenario people is possible. When I am too focused on the idea to consider the risks and consequences, I need the vision of the naysayer. When I need an encourager, not so much. I have the ability to choose wisely. So do you! I attended ny writer's critique group meeting on Saturday and heard some exquisite writing from my peers. I am deep in the revision of cutting out too much back story. It's like chopping off all of my hair on one side knowing it will grow back...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
We all have regrets. Some pester us like buzzing flies. Some haunt us like ghosts from the past that have moved in to stay. What do we do with all of this? If you did not have time to fill out the survey from last week, here is a link to access. I sincerely hope to meet you where you are and to help you stay positive, feel encouraged, and know that you are heard. Thank you for your time. Click here to access the short survey You matter. Much gratitude, Cindy
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Plans are elastic. Where do you need to loosen up? Where do you need to hold fast? Where do you need to stretch and contract? Elastic has to be one of those small life-changing inventions. Think for a moment how clothing would have fit without elastic. Think of all the ways we use that stretchy piece of life to add convenience to everyday usage. How are our plans improved if we consider them in light of elastic? You matter. Much gratitude, Cindy
3 months ago • 1 min read