Five Things You Might Not Know About Me…

Recently, my new friend Allison began a journey through her blog of sharing her heart and inviting those who read to follow along on her journey as the wife of a Christian music artist and more importantly, her life of surrender to Jesus.  It’s been a fun way to get to know her!  Yesterday, Allison shared five things readers might not know about her and invited us to reciprocate with an email to her. I did just that without giving it a second thought.  I blurted out the top five things that came to my mind and it was invigorating!

This spontaneity got me to thinking…it might not be such a bad idea to begin to slowly but surely easing my way into transparency with those who read my blog.  After all, we’re becoming friends, right? 

And so, here are the five things I shared with Allison – five things you might not know about me.  

1. I gave my life to Jesus when I was five years old at Los Gatos Christian Church. My Papa baptized me at the evening service. I remember looking up at him and saying, “I sure do” when he asked if I’d taken the Lord to be my Savior.  The smile on his handsome face is forever etched in my mind’s eye.  What a treat!

2. I struggle with anxiety daily.   I hate it, but its real.  I fight the heart fluttering feeling when I wake up by asking my sweet husband to pray and cry out to Jesus with me.  (That’s a beautiful treat because for 7 years I simply cried out to Jesus by myself.)

3. I’m passionate about being a mom who follows after Gods will for my kids. I’ve prayed almost every single day that they would “follow Jesus all the days of their lives”.  Sometimes its with tears, my hands raised or simply in a whisper. No matter the way, I plead with the Lord to pursue their hearts and that they would pursue His will for their lives.

4. I grew up listening to Amy Grant’s, “My Fathers Eyes” cassette tape. Over and over, I’d rewind and sing like I thought I was Amy herself. “I MAY NOT BE EVERY MOTHER’S DREAM FOR HER LITTLE GIRL …..” Stop. Rewind. Play. Stop. Rewind. Play.

5. I dream of someday sharing my story to hurting (and happy) women. I don’t know why I can’t shake this dream, but I see myself standing before thousands of people and pleading with stubborn, aching hearts to fall on their knees and meet Jesus for themselves.  He saved me.  Plain and simple – my story is etched with heartache and pain and redemption like only Jesus can bring.

Now, will you do what I did and share five things that I may not know about you?  I’d love to share our stories!  You can comment below or keep it between us and email me cyndi.guidry@yahoo.com

sharing my life with you – socialcyndi

Shopping on a Budget: Part 1 – The Basics & Beyond

I like fashionable clothes,  I really do.  I may not reflect that during football season when I’m daily donning jeans and a hoodie, but I do like to dress up and feel pretty.  With four kids involved in multiple activities, life and general household expenses (and two college bound in the next 18 months) we don’t have the extra in our budget to spend on personal shoppers and full priced clothing.  (if you can afford that luxury, good for you!!)   I’ve had to learn over the past 17 years how to look somewhat fashionable on a modest shopping budget and no one has seemed the wiser.  At least I don’t think they were…

Over the next few weeks (and maybe months depending on your feedback) I’m going to share some of the ways I’ve learned to shop on a budget.  We’ll cover things like;  What to shop for.  Where to shop.  How to wait for that perfect item to add to your wardrobe.  What to get rid of (we’re going to empty my closet together) and more. Today, let’s begin with part one.  The Basics and Beyond…

 

The Basics

First things first – no matter your shape or size (truly – size 2 or size 24) there are 10 things that your wardrobe “must” have.  (Don’t take it from me, check with the experts for full explanations)

1. Black and colorful heels (yes, two pair!)
2. The perfect pant suit
3. The Little Black Dress
4. Cute Blazer
5. Pencil Skirt
6. White Blouse
7. Trendy Coat
8. Jeans
9. Purse
10. Scarves

I haven’t always had the “10 staples” – as a matter of fact, it wasn’t until recently that I’ve acquired all 10.  It’s OK if it takes time – you’ll get there.  I’ve learned to find these staples in the places you’d least expect! Just don’t be like me and acquire TOO MUCH.  It becomes overwhelming.  More on this later.

Beyond

Here are a few ways to add some personal sass and flair to your style with some simple, yet practical changes.

• Nail Color - take an evening (or morning if that works for you) to paint your nails.  Short and stubby?  No problem! A light coat of a neutral tone with dress up any hand.  I’ve learned the hard way that buying the dollar store polish is a waste of a dollar.  Invest a few dollars into a top coat (key) and one good color that is a quality brand (Essie, OPI, China Glaze or Sally Hansen to name a few).  It will last longer and you’ll keep a fresh look for more than 4 hours.  (2 if you have toddlers)  My average manicure lasts 7-12 days and I work with my hands all day long.
• Polish your shoes - WHAT?  Yes.  I have learned that my $100 investment into a pair of quality shoes need to be cared for.  Head to your local drug store, plop down $5 and buy some Kiwi shoe polish.  Grab a rag, wipe it on and spit shine your way to a new luster on your tired leather shoes or boots.
• Accessories - These do not have to be expensive, but add a priceless touch to any outfit.  There are plenty of shops like Claires or Forever 21 that have a plethora of earrings, necklaces and  bracelets.   Here are my staples:  Watch: for those who aren’t sure, it’s absolutely OK to put bracelets and your watch on the same wrist!  Pearls: find a great set to accompany that little black dress.  Diamond or cubic studs: don’t leave your ears bare, diamond studs go with everything.
• Hair – Cut & Color - Keeping a fresh, vibrant look is important.  I’m here to tell you that if you cannot afford your hair to be professionally colored, you’re not alone.  My husband Alex and I recently revamped our budget and opted to cut out professional coloring of my hair.  During a cut, I asked my stylist about color and she was kind enough to recommend a good store-bought option.   (Click HERE to see her recommendation).

Next time,  we’re going to get really personal because I’m going to walk you through my personal closet.  Like I said a bit ago, I acquired too much so I’m going to show you before and after photos of what my closet looks like.  I’m going to dive into what I can live without and what will add flair to my 10 staples.  Because if I’m truthful, I’ve added FAR TOO MUCH and its time to purge.

What are your staple pieces?  What can’t you live without in your wardrobe?  I’d love to know!

as frugal as they come – socialcyndi

Be Still and Be Quiet…

Today, my thoughts are madly dashing from point A and skipping to point Q before I’ve had time to really ponder A.  Does that make sense?  A multitude of things R-A-C-I-N-G through this mind of mine and filling trusted ears.  (You know, “external processing”…)

When I was a little girl, my Mom used to lean over in church and squeeze my thigh and give me the look that said, “young lady, eyes ahead and mouth shut.”   My Grammy used to look me square in the eye and say one word.   “Settle”.  My Papa used to reach his hand over to mine as I was inhaling food and talking a mile a minute and whisper the word,  ”relax”.  Teachers used to ask me to remove my desk from the classroom to allow my classmates to focus.  There’s a theme here.  (Confession, I hate themes like this).

Lately, I’ve been six (yes, six) steps ahead of what’s actually taking place in my life, and talking about it to those I hold dear.   Have you ever wanted something to work out so bad that you have the whole thing all mapped out the way you want it to go?  That’s me.  I get so ahead of myself; planning things that have yet to be determined and getting excited about things that aren’t yet confirmed.  My thoughts and my mouth overpower the small voice whispering in my ear.  ”Be still. Be quiet.”

Truth is – I don’t want to be still OR be quiet.  I want to race ahead with MY plans at full steam and tell those who know me best, all about it.    I’m a huge dreamer – I have huge hopes and desires that I believe with my whole heart have been given to me by God.  I’m passionate about life and all it has to offer!  And yet, I’m supposed to be still AND quiet about it?  COME ON!

As is the case 9 out of 10 times in my life, there’s a lesson that I know God is teaching me.

Four areas I need to work on:

1. When I want to blurt out the MOST AMAZING information and news – I need to be quiet.

2. When I want to say I have a new idea and plan – I don’t have to say it.

3. When I want to tell someone the better or more innovative way of doing things – I need to listen.

4. When I want to blurt out the future plans that are currently nested in my brain and have not yet come to fruition – I need to shut my mouth and wait on God’s timing.

Solutions to the four areas I need to work on:

1. Be quiet.

2. Keeping my mouth shut.

3. Listening (mouth shut).

4. Shutting my mouth.

OH SNAP!   This seems like such an elementary lesson to just “shut my mouth”,  but things are so exciting and interesting and HUGE that I just want to shout it out and share with reckless abandon!   The thing is, recklessness = foolishness.   Proverbs 17:28 says “Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.”   Capturing all of my thoughts and emotions and allowing God to work on me INSIDE is what I know I must do.  I’m certain that in due time there will be a story to share of God-sized magnitude.  When that day comes and I have the green light, I promise I’ll share.  Until then, I’m going to be still AND be quiet.

reeling myself in – socialcyndi

“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:14

Third Times a Charm…

I’m a firm believer that every Mom needs to hear and know she’s loved as often as possible…

I’ve seen two kids express their adoration for their Mom through different social media outlets today.  I’m struck by these young adults expressions of love for their Mom – so much so, that I had tears streaming down my cheeks. (no shock to some that know me).  Just as those tears were drying, I received a “Heyyy mommy I love you” text from my girl.  What a priceless message to my heart!

You know what they say about third times a charm, right?

I thought I’d give you all a courtesy reminder to tell your Mama that you love her.  And, if not your Mama than someone that stepped in and filled the role of Mom in your life.  She’ll lock it in her heart and soul – I promise.  

Off to send my own Mama a message reminding her again that she’s been invaluable in my life.

having a mommy moment – socialcyndi

I Can’t Do It Anymore, I Give Up…

My friend, Allison Vesterfelt is a gifted writer.   At least a couple times a week, I’ll wake up to an email in my Yahoo inbox with Ally’s name on it and regardless of whether I’m running late, I’ll open it and read.  Ninety-nine percent of the time, I’ll have a fresh, new perspective or outlook thanks to this woman!   Today’s issue was so ridiculously fitting for my life and the space in which I’m growing, I asked her for permission to share it.  She graciously agreed.  

Confessions of A Tired Victim

I have a confession to make: I’m tired.

This isn’t new. I’ve been tired for awhile now. It’s just that, in the past twelve months or so, I’ve started to see how the reason I’m tired is I’m fighting a battle that’s impossible to win. I don’t think I was ever intended to fight it in the first place.

I’m giving up.

But it’s not what you think.

 I wish I could have richer relationships, but people are just so broken…

I wish I could have a more fulfilling career, but I have to pay the bills…

I wish I could have more freedom in my life, but I have responsibilities…

I wish I could be more mature, but growth takes time…

To continuing reading the rest of Allison’s post, click HERE….

happy to not be the victim – socialcyndi

A shift in our Legacy…

There’s something about sitting down with your teenage kids and having them pour out their hearts.    

As a young Mom, I envisioned hearing the joy, sadness, fears, hopes and dreams of my kids – all of their emotions and ideas each unique to their drastically different personalities.  It’s now a reality in our family.  We talk high school, friendship, college, future spouses, career tracks.  We discuss the role that the Lord plays in each of our lives and where He’s brought us.  We openly discuss sex, drinking, drugs and building reputations founded on  the integrity and the character of Christ.

Recently, a Mom of teenagers said to me,  “I’m not going to tell my kids where I messed up, they’ll learn for themselves.  If they knew what I did, they would use it as a free pass to screw up.”  My heart  sank.

In the midst of our incredible family discussions, our kids have been asking Alex and I a lot of questions – TOUGH ONES – and seeking our perspectives on certain areas of life.  You know what we found?  Neither one of us liked answering some of the questions – but we NEEDED to.   The insight and answers I gave weren’t necessarily what I wanted to say.  I wanted to  have “good girl” responses - I didn’t have them to give.  I wanted to say I hadn’t tried this or done that – no chance, I did try this and do that.  I wanted to say that in the face of sexual temptation I turned and ran – that would be a lie.  Alex found himself telling his boys the consequences of his past and the vacancy it left in his heart.  He urged his daughter to find refuge in his  love and affection for her rather than searching for it from other guys.  Tough stuff – but good stuff.

Often, I’ll say to the kids: Rather than throw you into adulthood with no vantage point of the future; Dad and I are going to lift you up, share our life experiences (good or bad) and offer you a new perspective.  Imagine yourselves standing on our shoulders far above us – see the potential roadblocks and traps?  Gain insight from our mistakes.  Allow us to  help you navigate through the curves a little bit wiser and a lot more aware of what’s out there.

I’m certain it’s because of these discussions, that our  kids have recently revealed to us that they want to create a shift in our legacy.  Rather than be parents who have to painfully admit their sometimes shame-filled past transgressions to their kids, they desire to be parents who decided they will heed the warnings presented to them.  They want to do things differently than we’ve done them.  They get up early and spend a few minutes reading their Bibles/devotionals pursuing Jesus.  They each desire to remain sexually pure and spend their lives with that ONE special someone.  They strive for academic excellence and want to pave the way for a successful college experience. They want to finish college with limited distractions.  They’re establishing healthy eating habits early on, exercising regularly.  They all desire to refrain from substance abuse….can you see where we messed up?

I’m not naive enough to think that they won’t come across their own pitfalls and struggles, they certainly will.  (Truth is, I  still do!)  It’s how they handle those pitfalls that I’m most concerned about.  Will they recall an honest answer and heed our warnings?  Will they envision the real-life scenarios that I’ve presented where I fell short?  Will they call out to Jesus rather than shove Him aside?  Will they consider the future consequences? They might not.  But what if they did?  Wouldn’t we rather give them the tools to succeed than throw them into this world and hope they don’t fail? 

welcoming a shift in our lives – socialcyndi

What can Jesus do for me?

Reblogged from The Lipstick Gospel:

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My roommate Kacie and I both love to write. We often send each other half finished blogs that need some editing, some direction or just a word of encouragement. Kacie sent this to me last week and I begged her to let me post it. She captured something that I've been feeling for the last several weeks absolutely perfectly. I hope that you find encouragement and freedom in her wisdom.

Read more… 1,095 more words

Blessed me to my core!

Continue reading

Showing my nerdiness…

A little something about Cyndi:  I’m a nerd.  I love history, interesting facts &  useless knowledge.  I love information of all sorts.  I’m one of the 10 people in the US who watch “How its Made” with reckless abandon.   Today, I ran across some interesting facts from century’s past and was probably more excited than I should be to share.  Here goes…

- They used to use urine to tan animal skins, so families used to all pee in a pot.  And then once it was full it was taken and sold to the tannery… if you had to do this to survive you were “Piss Poor”.  But worse than that were the really poor folk who couldn’t even afford to buy a pot… they “didn’t have a pot to piss in” and were the lowest of the low.  

- Most people got married in June because they took their yearly bath in May and they still smelled pretty good, by June.  However, since they were starting to smell, brides carried a bouquet of flowers to hide the body odor.  Hence the custom today of carrying a bouquet when getting married.

- Baths consisted of a big tub filled with hot water. The man of the house had the privilege of the nice clean water, Then all the other sons and men, then the women and finally the children.  Last of all the babies. By then the water was so dirty you could actually lose someone in it.  Hence the saying, “Don’t throw the baby out with the bath water!”  

- Houses had thatched roofs-thick straw-piled high, with no wood underneath. It was the only place for animals to get warm, so all the cats and other small animals (mice, bugs) lived in the roof.  When it rained it became slippery and sometimes the animals would slip and fall off the roof.  Hence the saying, “It’s raining cats and dogs.”

- There was nothing to stop things from falling into the house.  This posed a real problem in the bedroom where bugs and other droppings could mess up your nice clean bed.  Hence, a bed with big posts and a sheet hung over the top afforded some protection.  That’s how canopy beds came into existence.  

- The floor was dirt. Only the wealthy had something other than dirt. Hence the saying, “Dirt poor.” The wealthy had slate floors that would get slippery In the winter when wet, so they spread thresh (straw) on the floor to help keep their footing.  As the winter wore on, they added more thresh until, when you opened the door, It would all start slipping outside. A piece of wood was placed in the entrance-way. Hence: a thresh hold. 

- In those old days, they cooked in the kitchen with a big kettle that always hung over the fire. Every day they lit the fire and added things to the pot. They ate mostly vegetables and did not get much meat. They would eat the stew for dinner, leaving leftovers in the pot to get cold overnight and then start over the next day.  Sometimes stew had food in it that had been there for quite a while. Hence the rhyme:  “Peas porridge hot, peas porridge cold, peas porridge in the pot nine days old.”

- Sometimes they could obtain pork, which made them feel quite special. When visitors came over, they would hang up their bacon to show off. It was a sign of wealth that a man could, “bring home the bacon.” They would cut off a little to share with guests and would all sit around and chew the fat.

- Those with money had plates made of pewter.  Food with high acid content caused some of the lead to leach onto the food, causing lead poisoning death.  This happened most often with tomatoes, so for the next 400 years or so, tomatoes were considered poisonous.

- Bread was divided according to status.  Workers got the burnt bottom of the loaf, the family got the middle, and guests got the top, or the “upper crust”.

- Lead cups were used to drink ale or whiskey. The combination would sometimes knock the imbibers out for a couple of days. Someone walking along the road would take them for dead and prepare them for burial.  They were laid out on the kitchen table for a couple of days and the family would gather around and eat and drink and wait and see if they would wake up.  Hence the custom; “holding a wake.”

- England is old and small and the local folks started running out of places to bury people. So they would dig up coffins and would take the bones to a bone-house, and reuse the grave.  When reopening these coffins, 1 out of 25 coffins were found to have scratch marks on the inside and they realized they had been burying people alive. So they would tie a string on the wrist of the corpse, lead it through the coffin and up through the ground and tie it to a bell. Someone would have to sit out in the graveyard all night (the graveyard shift) to listen for the bell; thus, someone could be, “saved by the bell” or was “considered a dead ringer.” 

Fascinating, right?

showing my nerdiness – socialcyndi

 

Christmas Traditions through the eyes of a 10-year old

Tonight, Ethan shared a paper that he was assigned to write  in his 5th grade class, outlining some of our Christmas traditions.  After reading it, there was no question that there was an invitation I needed to extend.  He graciously accepted my invite to be my Guest Blogger.  (he thinks this is a seriously HUGE deal…poor guy, I think I have something like 5 followers?)

There’s quite a back story with E’s writing and academics overall.  He’s overcome mountains that we’ve walked over with him.  Knowing where he’s come from….this is a great indication to where he’s headed.  Thanks for taking a minute to read, it means more to me then you’ll ever know!

The Christmas Holiday by Ethan Guidry

TRADITIONS

My family and I have many traditions.  One that I love over all of the others is we go to the same Noble tree farm every year.  Tyler and I go in one direction with a radio.  Lauren and Jon go the opposite direction also with a radio.  Mom and Dad walk around and if they find a tree and I mean a really good tree, they’ll call on their phones.  After three or four hours, one of the groups finds a good-looking tree that stands over all the rest.  We all come over to that particular spot and look at it like we’re dealing with heart surgery.  Then if it passes all of our standards, we cut it down and say, “TIMBER!”

LIGHTS

Two days after we get our tree, we put lights up on our tree and our house.  Jonathon typically puts the house lights up with Tyler and me tweaking here and there.  This year, I got to climb up in a tree and spiral lights down the trunk.  I had to be really careful because it had poured last night and I mean a blizzard of rain.  I was so nervous.  Then I just realized that I was touching a tree that was freezing.  My foot slipped but I regained my balance and climbed down fearing that the branch under me would shatter.  I do not ever want to do that again.  Despite that, it was a really fun doing lights with my family.

GAMES

Around Christmas time, my family plays a lot of games.  We play board games, acting games and a lot of guessing games.  One that I just started this year was “I spy on the tree”.  We all go in the family room and sit.  There are two chairs and a sofa. We all gather around and each take a turn naming an ornament.  Whoever finds it, makes it their turn.  This game started when I was looking at the tree one day and Mom walked in the room and I said, “can you find an ice cream ornament?”  She looked for about a minute and pointed it out.  Then, it was her turn.  Now we play that game whenever we can.

These are some of the traditions that my family and I do every year.

sharing my son with you – socialcyndi

A letter for Men (young and old)….just in time for Christmas

A letter for Men young & old….just in time for Christmas (click to read)

My friend Diane writes an incredible blog.  I mean it ladies & gents, INCREDIBLE!

When I first began reading her “Letters” series, I was awe-struck that while she wrote these letters to her 20-year-old son on what to look for in his future wife, I was gaining invaluable insight into being a wife….a GENUINELY GOOD wife.

In the spirit of Christmas, being a wife, a Mom, a lady….I’m sharing this letter today with Husbands, Dads of daughters, Sons, Fiances, Boyfriends….

fondly – socialcyndi

P.S. Just yesterday, Alex walked through the door with a beautiful, wintry mix of flowers for me – for no reason.  Knowing I was on his mind…was a precious, treasured feeling.  I know the ladies in your lives would echo my sentiments. Happy giving!