Category: The Blogging Writer In Me

“It Only Takes a Spark”

While at Family Camp, a conversation came up about old camp songs. “Kumbaya” was at the top of everyone’s list, but at the top of mine was a little song I learned when I was in elementary school. A friend of mine, who had just returned from camp, was singing it and I asked her to teach me the song. I loved the easy lyrics and melody and I began singing it all the time, even though I didn’t really understand what it meant. I didn’t come to know the Lord until I was an adult, but that little song was like a seed planted in my heart. So, when this song came up at Family Camp, I sang the little tune. A couple of my grandkids were sitting there listening and simply gave me a nod when I was done. “That’s really cute.” my granddaughter said with a little grin. We just giggled and moved on to some other old camp songs.

But I keep thinking about that little song. For me, the sweetest part of this hymn are the words, “It only takes a spark to get a fire going.” and maybe that’s why I found it so endearing at such a young age. Even then, I always believed that my purpose in life was to be a spark in this world; to spark inspiration and encouragement into the people in my little piece of the world.

My tidbits of encouragement are always about hope and silver linings, but I do that with one foot on the ground and lots of experience with life’s ups and downs. While I’ve always had a positive attitude about life, I do know that sometimes being a “spark” isn’t easy when faced with life’s challenges. Life isn’t perfect and sometimes it’s hard to see our way out of the forest. Happiness isn’t a constant state of being and worry can’t be wished away with optimistic quips and quotes. Change can be earth-shaking and filled with worry and doubt.

But I also know that even in our darkest moments, God will help us find our “spark” and will remind us that all things – not some things, many things, or most things – I repeat, ALL things, are possible through Him who gives us strength.

It only takes a spark to get a fire going
And soon all those around can warm up to its glowing
That’s how it is with God’s love
Once you’ve experienced it
You spread His love, to everyone
You want to pass it on.

It was such a simple little campfire song with such a powerful message and now, as a mature follower of Christ, I know it’s full meaning. We are called, as believers, to share our faith. We should have so much hope in Christ that we want to pass it on! We know full well, especially living here in California, that it only takes a spark to set a blazing and destructive fire. But the spark that we, as believers, must share is positive and life-giving. We should be intentional and prayerful in how we use this God-given spark. Whether it’s to share the gospel message to someone who doesn’t know Jesus, or to bring that hope and light back into someone who’s faith has been shaken, pray that we see this spark come ablaze in those that God puts in our circle of influence.

What spark has God lit in you…or is trying to light in you?
What is He compelling you to do?
Do you see that someone’s spark is fizzling?
Who is He telling you to reach out to?

Friends, a spark is a smile, an encouraging word or text message, an invitation for coffee, a powerful verse, a hug, your attention and time, a meal, a prayer, a conversation on the phone or in person, an encouraging note in the mail, or a link to a song that just seems so perfect.

Some sparks seem so small, while others seem huge. But both types of sparks are of vital use for God’s glory. One of the greatest disservices we do to ourselves, in our life with Christ, is feel that what we do is too little and not very important. But one little spark spreads faith, encouragement, and hope. Just one little spark! It’s important that we listen for His calling and that we share and serve however small or big that might seem. He leads us and will take our little spark to get the fire going.

I will make you a LIGHT for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.
Isaiah 49:6

I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13


Simply, Cindy

Just a Bloglovin’ Fool

Please bear with me while I take this little commercial break.

Are you a bloglovin’ fool? Well…I am! So, I was really excited when I came across an article today about this new site. It’s like Pinterest for Blog Writers – and Blog Readers! One place to categorize all of the blogs that you LOVE to follow!

And speaking of blogging…

Coming in September – I’ve been tweaking my site and working on a new schedule for daily topics to chat about. So keep an eye out.

You can read more about this Bloglovin’ site on this article from The Daily Post.
Happy Blogging, friends.

PS: Be sure to look for me on the Bloglovin site.

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<a href=”http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/12772723/?claim=be72zgdqcvy”>Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>

Learning As I Go

Like many writers out here, this world of blogging is all very new to me. I mean, I do have profiles on Facebook and Instagram, and I’m known to post my little CindyLu-isms about everything and nothing, as well as the occasional “look what I’m eating” picture. But I’ve never really opened up the personal pages of my “life journal” to share the internal ramblings of my heart.

While I am a complete and utter optimist, I do write all over the place, because I just go as my emotions lead. I don’t know about you, but I often stop for a moment, before hitting “Publish” and think to myself, “Is this really worth it? Does this even make sense?” My mind sometimes tells me, “Don’t do it,” but usually my heart overrides and says, “Let it go…send it.”

So I’m venturing out into this unchartered territory and I’m beginning to see a little bit more of what calls out to others. I’m a people watcher and find it very interesting that I even “see” people here. I’ve read blogging articles that say over, and over, and OVER again…”Just be real.” I seriously need to print that and put it on the wall in my little study, because that’s what keeps ringing out to me in that moment of panic before I push that button.

I must say that I am truly humbled by the support I receive from fellow writers, as well as my little circle of friends. When I find out that someone “likes” what I wrote, my heart does a little dance knowing that they “got it.” And when I get a notification that someone new has jumped on board to follow along, well…I am just in awe by such an act.

Because of my optimistic, the-sun-will-come-out-tomorrow, attitude I often put things out there that have that same cheery tone and bounce to them. And then there are the other ramblings I write, where I pull back some layers of myself and reveal something very deep, very real, even painful…and I see the difference in the response.

I’m beginning to understand how much people love and appreciate it when we get to the very core of our hearts. It’s hard, sometimes, for me to be so vulnerable and expose myself in that manner. I come from a time where you swept your problems under the carpet. Where you move forward and you keep that smile on your face.

I suppose, in some ways, that’s what has helped direct the heart that I have. I stop and wonder…am I optimistic because I was taught to sweep things away and rise above? Or have I been able to sweep things and rise above because I’ve always been optimistic? Hmmm…now that’s deep!

Whatever the case…while I am good at rising above and seeing the good in things, there are times when, even I, need to vomit out of me the frustrations and disappointments of life. And I’m learning the value of both, as I go along this journey.

As an encourager, I know that others need to hear words of love, faith and hope…lots and lots of hope…but, I also see the true value of letting down my guard and just being real while I do that.

It’s amazing to me…we write because we feel this need to get it out of us…to share with others and maybe help someone along their journey. But the truth of the matter is, as we write, we also learn so much more about ourselves. The therapy seems to go both ways.

 

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My Thoughtful Spot

If you were to take a glimpse inside my window, you’d see me sitting here.

This may look like a pitiful little corner, but it’s actually my favorite place to sit.

It’s where I chat with friends, write my little ramblings, and dream of things big and small.

I could sit here all day long – and sometimes I do!

My great-grandmother had an amazing gift for writing…this is her chair. 

My great-grandfather had an amazing gift for carpentry…this is his desk.

The two of them together…created My Thoughtful Spot.

 

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Embracing the Artist

As I’m becoming more comfortable with writing for other eyes to see, it’s as if I’m looking at things about life more clearly. I’m becoming more attentive to everyone and everything around me – and not necessarily because I want to write down everything I see and hear; good grief, my friends would shudder at that thought. It’s just that my wheels are always turning, waiting for that little nudge, where my heart says, “Oh…that is good.”

I’ve always been one to watch the world around me, but it’s as if I am really watching with a brand new perspective. At times I feel like I’m too keyed into my surroundings – like I’ve become super tuned in…but most of the time, I find it comforting; like I’ve tapped into this side of me that I’ve always, sort of, held down.

One of the coolest things of all, though, is how it’s helping me to see the artist in others around me. It’s giving me an opportunity to encourage and nudge them to embrace their own unique gifts.

I have a friend who is an amazing photographer. She can capture a moment – something that I would just pass right by – and without even giving it words, it just speaks. Another friend has taken up painting, something she always longed to do. It’s amazing how she can express a sunset or the way the ocean looks at night with the moon shining down on it. I’ve got friends who are artists through their music; who can play a song with such passion that you feel it in the depths of your heart. Many others are like me…people who have words flowing inside that they need to put on paper and share.

I cannot encourage you enough to follow your dreams..allow that side of you, that you keep tucked away, to come out and embrace whatever it is you feel led to do. There’s a huge gift in doing what your heart was always meant to do. You find big pieces of who you are. For me, I’ve also found big pieces of who God is because I believe He created me with all of these dreams and the gifts and skills to do them.

My writing won’t look like the next person, so I do my best to not compare myself to anyone else. What flows out of me belongs to me and I’m happy with that.

Whatever your art is…don’t compare it to others. Just be who you are and let it flow out. Because your gifts are unique and won’t look like anyone else.

I’m learning that this isn’t about writing the next best seller (however, that would be really cool)…it’s not about earning a single dime. It’s about embracing me.

I always have words in me. My brain and heart are always turning and seeking and my hands want to take all of that and flow it out onto paper. It’s who I am.

So be who you are. Whether it’s words, pictures, art, music, you name it…
lay down your fears and embrace the artist in you.

 
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Abandoned…But Not Forgotten

Back in September, HB and I took a day trip to Old Sacramento. This area, is one of the oldest in town. During the Gold Rush, it was the hub for commercial business. The streets have been built up so much, that there still exists remnants of the underground city. (Definitely something I need to see on a future day trip.) I have lived here in Sacramento my entire life, but realize there’s still a lot to learn about this city I love.

We were there to enjoy the weather, a great lunch and walk through the shops. As we were heading down one of the wooden walkways, we turned the corner and came across steps that led us down to a lower street level…that is, a section of the older city street. So, we decided to explore this area I had never walked through before.

The streets that are more traveled have cobbled roads and wooden walkways outside the stores, but I found this little hidden area to be absolutely beautiful. Trees grow along the broken up earth, like it’s just allowed to “be.” We walked through an alleyway and saw the back side of some of the old buildings. I thought it was breathtaking.

I took photos along the alley and in a section I came across where the old iron works building used stand. In December of 1898, the Union Iron Works building caught fire and was destroyed. It’s said that the fire started in the coal in the engine rooms and only one wall was left standing. Encased in the ground, along this lower level alley, are the remnants of the old Iron Works pillars. The walk through is beautiful but leaves a weird nostalgic feel of yesterdays.

Here are a few shots of this abandoned, but not forgotten area.

Why Am I Even Doing This?

I attended a meeting this morning where we were asked to examine the questions, “Why am I doing what I’m doing? What outcome am I looking for?” It was specifically about our weight loss journey and to be used as an inspirational exercise to help us see and achieve our goals. It was about taking the negative talk and turning it into positive.

HB and I have made a big lifestyle change in healthier eating and we’re experiencing success in these changes. I am feeling better than I have in years – mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually – and I’m losing weight, so I didn’t struggle much with the answers to these questions in this particular area. I’m understanding more and more, each day, why I’m doing what I’m doing and beginning to experience the positive outcomes of my choices.

However, as everyone was sitting there talking and sharing, my brain began to take off on one of its rabbit trails. (Seriously…if people could view the inside of my brain, I think they’d be amazed…or maybe concerned; the wheels are always in motion. Always!)

I could have laughed out loud (but I didn’t) because I already ask myself these questions more often than I care to admit and when asked, the questions usually have a condescending tone. I began to think about other areas of my life where these questions have come into play, like; work, writing, my role as a wife, a mom, a friend…

Sometimes I feel so confident in what I’m doing, but other times, it’s as if I have this critical voice inside of me that is always waiting…and watching…ready to pounce at any given moment.

Because we have eyes in our heads, we’re always looking outward. While my eyes are pretty good at staying focused on the beauty around me, they can sometimes get caught in the trap of looking at everyone else and playing the comparison game. I have facilitated women’s groups for years, and I see it all the time; these amazing women, who have amazing qualities…comparing themselves to someone else that they see as being so much better than they are. Instead of accepting who they are – and are not – they fall into this negative little world. As a wife and mom of four strapping young men, I know that this is true for men as well.

But again, even as an extreme optimist, I can fall prey to this type of attack on myself – and this is what I hear in those moments…

“Why are you even doing this?”
“You look and sound ridiculous.”
“You are not as good as you think you are.”
“People think you are weird.”
“You are not qualified for this.”

…and I’m guilty of allowing these words to hold me back from doing things that I feel passionate about; things that I know my heart is calling for me to move forward on. But, I hear these words and I freeze.

So how should I respond to these attacks that try to control me? How do I stop giving in and retreating back to my little comfort place where I feel safe? I know who I am at the very depth of my heart…what is true – and these lies keep me from venturing down the path I’m supposed to be on.

I respond by saying…

“Because I want to be the very best that I can be with all that I have been given. I want to live life to its very fullest – my life! – and embrace my own unique set of skills and gifts, as well as, my quirks and flaws. I have wisdom from all of the paths I’ve wandered down and I’m passionate about encouraging others on theirs. Because I have longings at the very depths of my heart that are meant for me to accomplish – no one else but me – regardless of what anyone else says or thinks. Because no one can compare to me – or, I to them – so I will live in the freedom of being me. Because God doesn’t call the qualified…He qualifies the called.”

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. ~Psalms 139:14

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. ~Ephesians 2:10

Friends – there’s a life for you to be living out there…
That only you can live.
Believe it.

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Trailblazin’

Today marks a new trail to be blazed. I’m taking my heartfelt ramblings to a new level…sorting through years worth of journals and putting them out here for real eyes to see.

I’m…

A girl who loves Jesus…
A girl who loves coffee…
A girl who loves the sound of a typewriter…
A girl who loves to write!

~CindyLu

 

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