Encouragement Archives - Walking in Grace and Beauty

Hiding Scripture In Your Heart

November 10, 2011 By Cyndi 4 Comments

Good Morning Ladies!

I wanted to share with you a challenge I have decide to be a part of. It’s called:

Over 100 women have decided to try and memorize Romans 8 over the next five months.

Psalm 119:11 says, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin

against you.” I know what you’re thinking, I can’t memorize scripture! Well, I’m not

great at it either but I think it’s an important spiritual discipline and the more we

practice it, the easier it will become. Even if you don’t memorize it, you can meditate on the

scripture each week. I’m going to place the scripture on my bathroom mirror and as I get

ready every morning that will remind me to work on my memorization.

You are welcome to join me just click here to find out more information. I want more than

anything to grow closer to Christ and this is just one way to hold me accountable.

Also, I have someone working on some changes to my blog so if you have trouble with it

over the next few days, that’s the reason. It shouldn’t be very long so thanks for your patience!

Do you ever try to memorize scripture?

Filed Under: Beauty For The Heart, Encouragement Tagged With: memorization, Romans 8, scripture

5 Ways to Embrace the Holidays after the Loss of a Loved One

November 9, 2011 By Cyndi 5 Comments

It’s hard to believe two weeks from tomorrow is Thanksgiving! I feel like we just celebrated the 4th of July. Whew!

One of our local radio stations has already started playing Christmas music, the stores are decorated and Christmas commercials are everywhere. The next seven weeks will be filled with families getting together, lots of eating, decorating, shopping, gift wrapping, caroling and the list goes on.

For many, including myself, if you’ve lost a loved one the holidays can be difficult. I miss my Mom everyday but during this time of the year I miss her even more. Mom made the holidays special!

The day after Thanksgiving is especially hard because we always went shopping together. We would play Christmas music, shop, laugh and drink hot chocolate.

The holidays have changed for me since Mom passed away but I’m trying to find blessings in the changes.

Here are 5 Ways to Embrace the Holidays after the Loss of a Loved One:

1. Reminisce about your past holidays.

I love remembering all the fun we had with Mom at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Mom did some hillarious things during the holidays, and we laugh all the time when we think about them.

2. Don’t expect things to be exactly the same.

After losing a loved one things will change. But I have learned to embrace the change and realize that we can still enjoy this time of the year.

3. Make new memories!

We all love family traditions but sometimes we have to create new ones. We have had to do that since we lost Mom but we are making and creating some wonderful new memories.

4. Do for others.

This time of the year offers lots of ways to help people in need. Look for ways to help and give to others and you’ll be blessed.

5. Remember you will get through this with God’s help.

I would not have gotten through Mom’s death without Jesus! Cling to Him and His word.

“I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber.” Psalm 121:1-3

If this is going to be a difficult holiday for you I would love to pray for you. Email me at cyndispivey(at)gmail(dot)com.

Have a blessed day!

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Filed Under: Encouragement, Grief Tagged With: christmas, grief, holidays, jesus, memories, Thanksgiving, traditions

Simply Sunday…..All I Ever Have To Be

November 6, 2011 By Cyndi 2 Comments

Years ago I was going through a difficult time in my young life.

I was in college and would wake up very early in the morning and study.

I would play one song over and over (I think it was a cassette tape,

does anyone remember those??).

The song was All I Ever Have To Be by Amy Grant. The words spoke to

me because I knew in the midst of my struggles God had a plan for me.

And now twenty some years later I still love this song and I’m reminded,

“All I ever have to be is what you’ve made me,

Any more or less would be a step out of your plan”

Take a few moments and know that He made you and He loves you!

httpv://youtu.be/LgtSXPdxsLU

Have a blessed Sunday!

Walking in His Grace,

Filed Under: Encouragement, Simply Sunday Tagged With: Amy Grant, faith, jesus, love

Can You Mix Fashion and Jesus?

November 3, 2011 By Cyndi 45 Comments

Well, The Relevant weekend had some of this…………...

snow in October. Uggh! Thankfully we were nice and toasty inside and I don’t think we missed a beat!

In case you don’t know, The Relevant Conference, is a women’s conference for bloggers who have a heart for Jesus. Not all of them blog about Him specifically but we all have Him as our common thread.

We eat lots of chocolate and drink lots of coffee…...heaven! All of the speakers were amazing but Tish from Simple Mom said some things that probably spoke to my heart the most. Tish shared 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.

Most of you know, who read my blog regularly, that I’m a pastor’s wife. I love ministry and I love sharing what God is doing in my life. I will always share about Jesus on my blog and encourage women to grow closer to Him.

But something you may not know is I love talking about make up and fashion, great hair products, moisturizers etc. I shop bargains and of course I shop for things that Moms can wear and use in everyday life.

I have always dreamed of doing make-up on women and then sharing with them the most important beauty is on the inside and it begins with Jesus. How cool would that be??

I can’t tell you how many times my Mom let me do her hair and make-up over the years. While she was sick and dying with cancer I would do her make-up and hair for her on the days she felt like it. Such sweet memories!

Truthfully, I kind of feel like an oxymoron…….Pastor’s wife who loves fashion. But Tish reminded us this weekend that God made us and he love us! We all have different passions and hobbies. My sister, Traci loves DIY and she is in the process of adding on to her house, and she just tore her kitchen cabinets down…..she’s in a mess but she loves it! It’s her passion but so is Jesus.

I definitely want to share about Jesus but some people may not come to my blog if they think I only talk about Jesus. But they might come if I share about my favorite moisturizer and then find Jesus on my blog. Does that make sense to anyone?

I’m still doing some soul searching and praying but you might see some changes in the next few months. We’ll see!

I would love to hear from you! What do you think? (I have to admit, I’m a little scared of this question)

Have a great day!!

Filed Under: Encouragement, Fashion Tagged With: beauty, fashion, jesus, Relevant Conference

Encouraging Words Wednesday–11 Ways To Overcome A Downcast Spirit

October 26, 2011 By Cyndi 4 Comments

I often get emails from women who are struggling. Sometimes from a difficult marriage,

or children who’ve made bad decisions. Many are finding it hard to see anything positive in life.

Recently my husband preached on depression and I thought it was definitely blog worthy.

If you are seeing the glass half empty instead of half full (and we all have at some time )

then these tips are for you!!

1. Rejoice and be glad.

“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalms 118:24

2. Focus on the positive and count your blessings.

I talk about this a lot but even in the midst of difficulty, try to find blessings.

3. Get proper rest.

Our bodies need sleep and if you’re not getting enough of it, you’re going to suffer.

So try to get some sleep……..you’ll feel better!!

4. Do something for someone else.

When we do something good for someone else, our spirits are lifted!

5. Listen to upbeat, happy music.

I’m a firm believer in what goes in our mind is what comes out! So fill

your mind with positive music. If I’m feeling down, playing some christian

music sure helps my spirit.

6. Exercise

Not only is exercise good for your heart but it’s also good for your brain

which releases endorphins when you exercise and that lifts your spirit.

7. Make up your mind to be happy and enthusiastic.

Abraham Lincoln once said, “A man is about as happy as he makes his mind up to be.”

8. Take a little break and do something for yourself.

Taking time to take care of yourself is important!

This can be as simple as taking a relaxing hot bath, reading a book, or just doing

something you enjoy.

9. Claim the promises of God.

The Bible is full of the promises of God.

The book of Psalms is a great place to start!!

10. Cast your troubles on the Lord.

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7

We all have difficult days, even months but the best thing to do is lay

those problems at the foot of the cross.

11. Immerse yourself in the word of God.

Many times when I feel blah or downcast, I realize I haven’t been

spending enough time in God’s word. We need to be in God’s word!

Thanks for stopping by and I pray you start seeing the glass half full!