I wanted to share with you a little about my blogging journey. Some of you know I lost my Mom the first year I started to blog. My Mom was the one who introduced me to blogging.
She had no idea what a gift she was giving me before she passed away. God had a plan!
Honestly, when I started blogging I didn’t know where God wanted me to go with it? Should I write a blog for pastor’s wives, a blog for women, a blog about family??
I began praying about it. I went to a blogging conference in 2010 and one of the speakers talked about being in your element – that place where your passions and gifts meet on your blog.
It doesn’t always mean that we shout Jesus but as christian bloggers His light will shine.
I knew that weekend what I wanted to do and Walking in Grace & Beauty began shortly after. My desire was to share fashion and makeup tips and hopefully I could shine His light.
Here it is 2015 and I can hardly believe all that God has done. I’ve recently quit my job as a dental hygienist and I’m now a full time blogger. I get emotional even typing those words.
I wish I could tell Mom. She would be ecstatic! Mom is the inspiration behind my blog. She taught me that beauty begins on the inside and I will be forever grateful for her example.
Lastly, I want you to know, I am grateful for YOU!
You are what keeps my blog going! Thank you for your comments and for you encouragement! Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to stop by here!
God has a plan and a purpose for each of us. Let’s be faithful to His plan.
How is God working in your life?
Cyndi,
I recently stumbled across your blog and now subscribe to your daily e:mail message. I so appreciate all you share with your followers.
I love the fashion and beauty tips as well as your inspirational messages.
I’m excited to see the changes you are planning for your blog!
So glad you are able to follow your passion!
Thank you Sue for following along!!
Blessings,
Cyndi
Cyndi,
What a wonderful path you’ve followed! Just catching up this week after suffering from the Ohio Valley crud. I look forward to your posts and always enjoy them.
May God continue to bless you,
Kim
Hi Cyndi, I have followed your blog for about a year now. I love fashion and keeping it age appropriate is important to me. I love your style girlfriend. I have been blogging for about 2 years now and am still trying to find my sweet spot in it all. Thanks for your Christian light 🙂
I have just joined the team of subscribers and I love your fashion style and all the tips. Look forward to reading the blog everyday.
Cyndi, After following you on Pinterest for a while, I’m a new subscriber to your blog! I love your sense of fashion, and your gift for weaving your faith into your posts!
Good morning-I’m new to blogging and am trying to figure out how to join the bloggers Can you help?
Thank you-Teresa
Cyndi, wow all these wonderful comments. I think you are loved. I too have a career in Dentistry. God used your mom to help you find your plan. Thanks for all you you do. I love your blog!!
Congratulations! I have been reading your blog for about year and always enjoy it.
Hi Cyndi ~ thank you for reminding me that God as a plan and purpose for me, as my job doesn’t always feel fulfilling. I just keep telling my daughter who will be graduating this year, to do something she loves and the rewards will come. Glad you have found that blessing.
I found your blog recently through Pinterest and your fashion for women over 40 caught my eye. I was so surprised to hear that you too are a dental hygienist who was less than excited about the career. After being a hygienist for over 15 years I’m really asking myself what my passion really is and your blog is giving me the encouragement I needed to think outside the dental office. Thank you for your daily words of light and love. You definitely have a ministry here!
Thank you Cindi for what you do and say- you’re like sunshine in my in box! God bless you!
I’m thankful for your blog. You are a blessing and an encouragement to me!
I do love your blog. You are a beautiful lady and very talented. Thanks so much for a top rate blog. I look forward every evening to visiting with you. I almost feel like we are long time friends. Lol
Just wanted to drop a note y our way to say you are doing a wonderful job blogging and give a big “Thank you” to your mom(in Heaven) for teaching you! You are an inspiration to me and I want to thank you for all the time you put into every blog and every picture. You are a Blessing to the Lord and will reap many rewards in Heaven! God bless you daily and keep you in His care.
My mom also passed away… March will be 19 years that she has been in Heaven serving and worshiping with our Lord Jesus Christ. She was totally a country girl and didn’t have a computer or cell phone and knowing her like I did, she wouldn’t have one today, but she taught us girls how to live for the Lord and be a good wife and mother and that is what I loved and appreciated about my mother. Mother’s are precious role models when saved and serving the Lord!
I know by your blogs that you are this type of mother also, Cyndi
!
Thank you so much for sharing Kerri!
Blessings,
Cyndi
Cindi; I really love your blog; you give me so much inspiration. I see JESUS shinning thru you .How do I join your free spring challenge ?
I so enjoy your blog. It gives me the courage to think outside the box and try new ways of wearing my clothes. As we age we sometimes get caught in the “I’ve worn this style forever” syndrome that it is hard to know how to break free from it. You open us to all sorts of possibilities. I’m sure you Mom is looking down from heaven with a smile on her face knowing that you have become the person she would want for you!
You do a wonderful job blogging. There is always something uplifting in your blogs and encourages me the rest of the day. Nice to see someone who is what I call a down-to-earth person who dresses like the rest of us. Keep it up!!
Thank you Jeanne!
Blessings,
Cyndi
I just wanted to say you and your blog are such a blessing to me. I recently started to follow and you have given me such fashion courage. I no longer work do to a disability and at fifty I didn’t know how to style casual clothes. It was jeans and a t-shirt… really!! My style with work was easy with dress clothes. I now dress much more casual stylishly. I deal with chronic pain everyday and am praying God will lead me to something else because I am so bored. I am a bit of a plus size (18) gal and when I found your blog I realized there are not any plus size blogs with my style so maybe this will be an option?
When I saw today’s post I was hoping you were not stopping, I will pray for direction and guidance and many to be blessed.
Thank you again, I am blessed to have found you have fun!
I love it!!
Tammy
Beautiful tribute to your mom… I know the pain of losing someone you love. I lost my husband in a car accident after 20 years of marriage in 1997, then my dad in 2000, and mom in 2001. But God in all His glory always has a plan and brought to me another husband who was a widow and his late wife’s mom who is now a mom to me. Amazing how God works. Thank you so much for your blog, it is amazing and your mom would be so proud…
Thanks you so much for sharing Robin.
Blessings,
Cyndi
Thank you, Cyndi! This is exactly the verse God wanted me to see today! I have been working part time for a wonderful Christian missions organization and my desire, ever since my husband and I went on our first mission trip to Haiti in 2010, was to make a career out of growing God’s Kingdom while sharing my gifts as a marketing & develop professional. Well … today is my first day as a full time employee for this wonderful organization! I am blessed each day by your fun fashion tips and your heart for Jesus. I am grateful!
Congratulations!
Blessings,
Cyndi
Hi Cyndi,
I truly believe that your mom is looking down upon you and is happy with the person you have become. I just recently started following you on Pinterest and facebook. I enjoy your blog and inspirations so much. I lost my mother-in-law November 2009 of cancer. It was a stressful time for my family. My prayers are with you and your family. God is good!
Congratulations Cyndi!!! I have enjoyed your blog for a long time and am so happy for you that God has led you to this point!
Cyndi, I just recently found you. I was so excited that I had to share with my friends on Facebook. You are an inspiration to me not just fashion wise, but with my daily walk. I’m thankful for your Mother introducing you to blogging. I look forward to reading many, many, more of your blogs!!
Joyfully,
Penny
Hi Cyndi: I’m new to your blog and found you when you and Jo-Lynne partnered on fashion advice a while back. I really enjoy getting your messages in my email and look forward to your fashion and beauty tips. I also enjoy the daily devotional, too. Keep up the good work, and know that you are shining His light and blessing many!
I, too, recently found you. I love the combo of fashion and the Word…a light in my daily net surf!
Thanks for all you do, and for the inspiration!
Welcome along Thea! So glad you’re following the blog!
Blessings,
Cyndi
I can just see Wanda rejoicing with the angels over your following God’s direction and starting to blog full time. What an encouragement Wanda was to everyone she met! She would certainly be proud of you but would give all the glory to God. That’s just how she rolled!
Cyndi, you are blessed and a blessing to others, in all age ranges. I love your faith, fashion, and friendliness and look forward to reading every day. After leaving your job as a dental hygienist, would you say blogging is a full time job? Working from home is something I always wanted to do! Blessings to you!
I saw a pin on Pinterest a couple months ago. I think it was labeled something about dressing over 40. Well, I recently turned 40 in December and thought I better follow that pin and see what I should now be wearing! Lol! I can’t tell you how relieved I was to find that your blog was not boring, matronly, or drab. It is refreshing to read your daily posts for women who still want to look put together in an age appropriate way. Along with your fashion/beauty tips, I look forward to your family and faith posts too. Your blog is my favorite one out there! Keep on letting your Light shine 🙂
Hahaha glad the pin brought you right here to where fashion over 40 is a common topic up for discussion!
Blessings,
Cyndi
that is so awesome…. You are so inspirational..I love your fashion ideas and your blog and your verses…makes my day…
Your mom knows.
ive recently began following you and love your blog! I believe the Holy Spirit encourages us and if we are listening we can use our gifts for the purpose of helping others. Through your blog you inspire with the word of God, which is truly a gift! Leap of Faith, wish everyone had the courage!
You are indeed a blessing……….and I am thrilled that you are so happy doing what you love……your an inspiration to us all.
Cyndi, I can certainly relate to not loving hygiene, and I’m so glad you are able to blog full time. Keep up the good work! You inspire me to be a better person!
Your mom is watching and is proud of you. I love your website and style. Have a great week!
I could repeat all that has been said so far. I enjoy your blog very much. I tend to read blogs that are not over the top and real. I get that from you with the added bonus of what and how to wear affordable clothes. What more can a girl ask for! lol 🙂
Have a great week!
I found you on Pintrest and love your fashion sense… I dress myself out of my closet most days based on fashion inspired via Pintrest and mainly your posts due to being in my 40s and wanting to look hip yet age appropriate, I have recently started reading your blog and your faith and fashion now inspire me more.. I look forward to your emails daily 🙂
Good Morning Cindi…I am new to your blog…I get up early in the mornings and I check my email just to see your post…found you through Pinterest..please keep writing…enjoy your words of encouragement …Blessings to you and yours from North Carolina..
Hi Tracy!! So nice to meet you thank you for following my blog. I’m going to keep writing and I hope He shines!
Have a wonderful week!
Blessings,
Cyndi
I am always inspired by your posts. Yes, I love fashion (always have) but I love your spiritual nuggets. I clicked over to your mom’s blog and I can just feel her humbleness and love for Jesus. I’m glad that you are following in her footsteps and carrying Jesus forward. The old hymn “Precious Memories” comes to my mind. Keep blogging, you are a blessing to so many.
Oh Trena thank you! Mom did start a blog and I know she would still be blogging if she were here. I’m so thankful she shared blogging with me!
I’m following Mom because she followed Jesus!
Blessings,
Cyndi
Happy Monday! I have recently been following you on Pinterest and now through your website. It’s refreshing to be able to read about positive ideas and be in touch with down to earth people. My question for you is how did you start blogging? It’s something I am very interested in but am not sure how to start. Bless you.
Hi Teresa!! I just started writing. In 2009 there wasn’t as much information and it took forever to figure out the smallest things. But now there’s help everywhere. Amy Lynn Andrews is a friend and has the best site to help you start a blog. You can find it here>>http://amylynnandrews.com/
Take a leap of faith!
Blessings
Cyndi
I am thankful to have come across your blog. Your messages always seem to be the inspiration I need. My daughter and I were just talking yesterday about passion in our lives and/or our jobs. I am glad you found yours. I lost my Mom 3 years ago and my Dad has dementia …….it’s one of the many cruel diseases. Please know that your kind thoughts and inspirations make a difference for me every day. Bless you
Hi Betsy, I’m so sorry about the loss of your Mom and now with your Dad’s illness. You are right, dementia is a cruel disease.
Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by here and thank your for your comment.
Keep your eyes on Him,
Cyndi
I’m so thankful for you and your sister both sharing your faith and your hearts for your mom. The stories have touched me in so many ways! I’d never even understood what a blog was until a friend shared one with me and through that I found Traci and then you! (I’d just lost my mom when I found Traci’s blog!!) I’m also a hygienist who has been praying that God would help me to find my true sweet spot…though hygiene has been a wonderful way to help financially working very part time while my kids have grown up. I’m so happy for you and all that God has provided. You are truly an inspiration…thank you for living your faith out loud!
Hi Laura!! Ha! I didn’t know what a blog was when I started writing one. It was crazy!
I totally understand about being a dental hygienist. It has been a blessing for my family but it was never my passion. I’ve prayed for years for God to help me find my passion. Although I wish I could have done this years ago, it was all God’s timing. I had to be patient which isn’t always easy for me.
Now I’m taking a leap of faith and I’m a little scared but trusting Him.
Thank you for stopping by!!
Blessings,
Cyndi
I greatly enjoy your website. When you say you recently resigned your job as a dental hygienist, could you elaborate?
Hmmm, what do you want me to tell you? I’d be happy to share. I basically gave my 2 weeks notice and I’m working now as a full time blogger.
Blessings,
Cyndi
Your blog is one of my favs and I can relate to what you are saying. I am about to join the blogosphere myself and feel like it’s something I am being nudged to do. You are great inspiration.
Hi Lisa-I’m also starting to blog and am still researching. Any good tips?
Thank you Lisa! and yay so glad you’re joining the blogosphere.
Blessings,
Cyndi
I’m always amazed at how God uses people and their talents, in all walks of life, to shine for Him like stars in the universe! God is using your faithfulness Cindi and your God-given passions to reach the hearts of others, as evidenced in your reader’s replies today! To God be the glory, great things He has done! It’s obvious your Mama shined for Jesus too and her legacy is still sparkeling!
Nancy, Yes! To God be the glory. It’s all Him! I never want to take credit for all He does.
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Blessings,
Cyndi
There are so many blogs now. I am happy to say yours is still my favorite as I feel you keep it sincere, real and fun. I may not like big hair but not always agreeing is part of what makes friendships real. I consider you my “blog friend”. You are beautiful inside and out. I started going to a new church today and went to a missions circle meeting there yesterday. You have helped reconnect with my Christian walk while looking stylish, too!
Oh Lorraine, I’m jumping up and down. 🙂 So thankful you are reconnecting with your walk with the Lord. There’s nothing I would rather here than that.
You are absolutely right, we can be friends and not agree on everything. God is too creative to make us all just a like!!
Thank you for stopping by here.
Blessings,
Cyndi
Thank you for shining his light!
Thank you for stopping by Sarah!
Blessings,
Cyndi
Cyndi, God is using you in an amazing way! I am so thankful for you and your blog, You are a light in so many of our lives, I truly admire you! You are the epitome of Grace and Beauty! Your mom was a beautiful woman, obviously inside and out, what a blessing she was. You mentioned in an earlier post you and your sister are traveling to Nashville this week, have a wonderful time!
Debbie thank you for your kind words. I am a work in progress!! But I hope I shine His light because He is so worthy.
Yes, Traci and I are headed to Nashville Thursday and can’t wait!
Blessings,
Cyndi
Thank you for your wonderful, inspirational blog! You are real
Thank you Therese!! Have a wonderful week!
Blessings,
Cyndi
Cyndi, you are an inspiration! You have been blessed and you always put God first! Congratulations on quitting your job to blog full time. I always look forward to reading your posts! I hope 2015 continues to bless you! 🙂
Thank you Ann, you’re sweet!! Have a wonderful week!
Blessings,
Cyndi
I thank you for your daily inspiration through your blog. It is so refreshing to read about someone walking with our Lord and encouraging others. I live fashion, beauty and fitness and I am so happy I found you! God Bless!
Hi Janis!! Thank you so much!! I’m so glad to have a place to share all my passions!
Have a wonderful week.
Blessings,
Cyndi
You have a gift Cyndi and I appreciate you sharing that gift with us daily.
Hi Sharon,
I don’t feel I have a gift. Just a crazy desire to share fashion and my faith! 🙂
Thanks for stopping by!
Blessings,
Cyndi
Cyndi, thanks to you for your constant inspiration. How awesome that blogging has led to so much than you ever expected.
Hi Stacey,
It is awesome and I still can’t believe it!! I’m taking this leap of faith and I’m a little scared. 🙂
Thanks for stopping by!
Blessings,
Cyndi
Awwhhhh Cyndi, God bless your heart. Your momma would be so proud of you. You are always so gracious to everyone, even those who may not be always kind. You are a great example for all of us and you make Jesus smile 🙂 I’m happy for you that you were able to quit your job and blog full time. You do a great job sharing fashion and Beauty. And your love for the Lord always shines through! May you feel Gods presence every step of the way and be blessed by Him for following your calling 🙂
Lisa thank you so much for being a faithful reader of my blog. I pray the Lord always shines through here! If it doesn’t, you better tell me. 🙂
Blessings,
Cyndi
you’re too sweet ! love that you have a sense of humor too!! Laughter is good for the soul!! 🙂
Love your Blog! You inspire my fashion for over sixty! LOL!
Thank you Linda!! Have a wonderful week!
Blessings,
Cyndi
Cyndi, I am so glad I wandered into your blog just this past December. I have so enjoyed it. My husband and I are starting our yearly fast tomorrow. (Forget January 1st, out year starts after the Super Bowl LOL.). I am believing for a huge breakthrough on some things in my life that I need to let go of in order to get more of God in 2015. WOOOOHOOOOOO! Here I go!
Hi Amy! Thank you for following my blog!
Yay for believing and for more of God in 2015!!! Be blessed.
Cyndi
I am so thankful for your blog. You are an inspiration!
Thank you Karen and thank you for stopping by here!
Have a wonderful week!
Blessings,
Cyndi
I am happy for you Cyndi! I can see God working in my life too. I am serving in the women’s ministry and next step ministry. God has also given me the opportunity to help a Pastor and write for his blog. It is all way more than I could have ever hoped, imagined or even dared to ask Him for. I am so grateful and I sense that He is encouraging me the whole way. God bless you and your ministry and blog too! God is truly amazing.
Beth I’m so happy for you!! God is working in your life and how exciting! He is cheering you on the whole way.
Have a wonderful week!
Blessings,
Cyndi
Thank you Cyndi. I hope you have a wonderful week too! Beth