I hope that you all have enjoyed this beautiful Easter Sunday. He is risen! I wanted to end the month of March in sharing a few of my favorite photos from the month. Celebrated my favorite grandsons birthday. Conner is 18 now! Our beautiful Mallory Grace all decked out for the prom. The youngest grands (sisters) were flower girls in their uncle's wedding. The oldest one was in her element of dress up. The younger one, not so much. THAT HAIR BAND ITCHED HER HEAD she said! I purchased a new pair of wedges that I love. I am always skeptical about ordering shoes or clothing but read the reviews on Amazon and went for it. Love the color and the style. The youngest grand loves to take selfies and play with the filters. Marty colored Easter eggs. He always colors at least a dozen every year. He always says he's doing it for the grands but I know he does it because of the inner child in him! LOL! I went with the little ones to Disney on Ice and we had the best time. I think I enjo
Well, I just couldn't refrain from this!
Being a Georgia Football fan this brought a smile and a grin to my face. But....I have been the one crying many times! LOL! GO DAWGS!
Speaking of football, these two grandgirls were ready for the Big Game on Saturday with Georgia-Florida.
My friend Vicky recently enjoyed a trip and brought me back some of this delicious Maple Syrup. I have already tested it in a little coffee instead of using sweetener! Oh my! So, so good.
I recently had the privilege of being asked to be a guest speaker at a luncheon for a group of sweet ladies at our local Sheriff's department.
The theme was "HOPE" as October is Breast Cancer Awareness. I prayed and asked God to give me a message. I knew I wanted to bring laughter, fun and yet a message that speaks of HOPE...the kind of HOPE that ONLY Christ can give.
The luncheon was lovely. The tables so beautifully decorated and the food was delicious. I shared the old faithful funny mammogram story that any woman that has ever had a mammogram could relate too in some way or another. Here is the thing. There is absolutely nothing funny about breast cancer. For that matter, no cancer! But...we live in a world that we deal with so much sadness, hurt and disappointment that we MUST learn to laugh and laugh when we can and we did. And no, I have never had breast cancer praise the Lord but I have had one too many scares I can assure you that required aspirations and biopsies. My mom is a breast cancer survivor and I have lost friends to cancer. No I wasn't making light of breast cancer by any means. After quiet a few aspirations and several biopsies I take it pretty serious.
The Bible says that a people without HOPE will perish. My message was plain and simple. WITHOUT HOPE in CHRIST, we have no HOPE! I am so grateful that I was given the platform to speak the NAME of JESUS loud and clear.
And what was so ironic was the day after that event a precious friend who had no clue that I was speaking on HOPE came by my office and brought me this gift! What is really cool is that the word the Lord gave to me for 2018 was the word HOPE! YEP, just another way for God to show Himself to me.
WOW...OCTOBER is almost over!
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Yep...just needed to ramble a little this week. How about you? Do you have days you just need to ramble about things? Better than venting I suppose.
I am jumping ahead of myself with holidays I guess. Had myself and a friend this shirt made! Can't wait to wear it.
Hoping you all have a great week and remember.....
Hugs and blessings, Cindy
Hey Cindy~ I have not had breast cancer myself but like you I have had knots and biopsys to check things out till we learned that the docs thought my knots were being caused probably by caffeine....although I am pretty sure it was hormonal. Not had one since 06 when I had surgery that threw me into menopause. We are the lucky ones. Loving the shirt. Totally LOVE the babies outfit! That is way to adorable! Hoping you have a great week.
ReplyDeleteYep, those grandgirl's outfits were so darling. When I first saw that shirt I knew I just had to have one for the Christmas holidays. I refuse to be a Grinch and I know lot's of Grinches! LOL! Yes, Pam, we are blessed for sure.
DeleteEnjoyed your ramblings Cindy. Oh my goodness those girls! So adorable. Well as you know I had my first scare three years ago. So grateful for HOPE and I remember how you prayed for me. How wonderful Cindy that you could share a Christ like message at your local Sheriff's department. That shirt is awesome.
ReplyDeleteConnie Royals
Thanks Connie. Yes, I remember your scare! I was thrilled to be able to share the Hope of Jesus with those ladies. We all need laughter and we did laugh but we sure all need to know we have HOPE in Christ. I was given permission to speak my heart and girl, you know I took it! LOL!
DeleteCindy, I didn’t know you were a Georgia fan, I am a Bama fan! We do love us some football. What a wonderful opportunity you had to share Jesus and the hope that only He can give! Blessings sweet friend!
ReplyDeleteYes Pam. Love those ole Georgia dawgs. Oh girl...Bama is awesome! They are just flat out a great football team for sure. Yes, He is our HOPE for sure!
DeleteOh, Cindy we were so glad for Ga. to beat Florida too! And, you just make my heart smile telling about your speaking about HOPE. I know you were such a blessing and I so want to meet you in person. We'd have too much fun, I just know it!
ReplyDeleteMe too! I was getting a little worried at first though! I would love to meet you in person too Lea. We would have lots of fun no doubt in my mind.
DeleteYour little granddaughters are adorable.
ReplyDeleteWe're in California and a Cal and family - I love seeing our 15 month old grandson in his blue and gold at games.
Thank you. Those grands just look adorable in anything don't they?
DeleteLoved your ramblings. Those sweet girls are adorable! The Vols are having a horrible year... 😔 I wish I could have heard your talk about my favorite word... HOPE! 💜
ReplyDeleteThanks Deb. I have a sister that is a Vols fan and our Pastor is too! YES HOPE!!!!
DeleteHear me roar...giggling...I.Linda Conley.do not.want.discuss.to.the.Gators. LOLOLOL
ReplyDeleteThank you for the many smiles, my friend.
LOL! You are so funny. Thinking about you dear lady and praying.
DeleteLove those pics of the grandgirls...they are adorable! Our big rivalry game will happen in a few weeks...at Thanksgiving. Alabama/Auburn is always a big deal...regardless of how the season is going. Any given Saturday anything can happen! Hope is such a great word! Without hope...we would all be lost and flailing about. While things don't always go as we plan, what would our lives be like without hope! What an honor for you to be able to speak to these women and give them such a wonderful word! Love to you!
ReplyDeleteOh I am sure that will be a big game! Just like Georgia-Florida I am sure. It was an honor to be able to speak for those sweet gals. The Lord has surely given us many opportunities in our community that I live in to speak the Name of Christ openly. We do not realize how blessed we truly are. Thanks for coming by dear lady.
DeleteI got Goose Bumps after reading your story about "Hope", (still have'em).
ReplyDeleteWhat an honor to be asked to speak. You must be one of those people who can make a room laugh and listen. Good job!
Awe Christine, laughter is such good medicine for the soul. We need more laughter in this world.
DeleteGreat minds think alike because I also talked about Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Christmas in my post this week!
ReplyDeleteI am playing catch up this week Margie but headed your way in a bit. I have several friends that cannot PREACH enough how important it is to have those yearly mammo's.
DeleteCindy, That's a great honor being asked to give a speech. You did a wonderful job from all the smiles in the picture. Loved seeing your little cutie pies. Blessings to all, xoxo, Susie
ReplyDeleteThanks Susie. Well, let's just say I am CRAZY sometimes when talking and quiet sure I told those gals more than they wanted to hear! LOL! But we did have some good laughter.
DeleteGood morning, Cindy! Our Old Mizzou is now part of the SEC so we now get to play with the big boys like your team now and then. I think we’re out of our league but we do get to watch good teams. I know your talk about Hope was inspiring and what a delightful surprise when your friend gifted you the lovely wall hanging!! I think it was a nod from God! “Good job, faithful servant!” We’re enjoying Andy for a few more days. He went on vacation with some friends and has stopped in to do a little deer hunting before heading back to Montana, I get to ride back with him! We leave Thursday and plan to stop at Mt. Rushmore and maybe Devil’s Tower, I’ll fly home Monday. Love being retired!! We’re also planning a little family get together Halloween to celebrate Jadk’s first Halloween. Hopefully I’ll find time to write some more posts. Such fun times!! Z
ReplyDeleteI bet you do love being retired now especially with that new grandbaby. How wonderful. Hope he gets a deer. I made some venison and veggie soup last week and it was so good. Enjoy that sweet grandson Zenda and make lots of memories.
DeleteWhat a wonderful, hope-filled post today! Thank you for sharing HOPE with us, and with the ladies at the luncheon. What a privilege to be able to speak to them. Very proud of you, and especially that you were free to honor and glorify our Lord Jesus Christ and share the HOPE that only HE can give. Hope seems to be the theme this week. In a week full of such sadness and sorrow for so many (Pittsburgh) our nation is in need of hope. To me it is so sad that people don't understand that without Christ in our lives there can be no true hope. He is the hope our nation needs. Love your pictures...your grand girls are so adorable! Love the little football fans! Love your T-shirt...and love your exuberant spirit. Made me smile this morning! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThanks Pam. Yes, we are a nation indeed of Hope. There is coming a day that every knee will bow and profess that He is Lord and oh for so many they will have waited too long! Breaks my heart. Not sure how much longer our Lord will tarry and put up with a nation that has basically turned their backs on God. Yes, I can't wait to wear my new shirt! I love being a Cindy Lou Who.
DeleteYou're my Cindy Lou-hoo! Love the shirt. The grandgirls are adorable in their game day attire. What a nice luncheon! October went way too quickly!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Heather Lou. YES....almost November! Mercy! I have started my Christmas shopping officially. Hope you enjoy your trip to Europe! Can't wait to hear all about it.
DeleteAwe...What a great post, and I just know that you presented your message on Hope in a way that touched hearts and glorified God.
ReplyDeletePraise God for those opportunities.
Those grand babies are adorable and certainly ready to do some cheering.
Blessings~
Thanks Debbie. Where would we be without HOPE! Hugs to you.
Deletehaha, love your little football fans! What a great idea to put maple syrup in your coffee, I've got to try that!
ReplyDeleteJenna
Thsnks Jenna . Yes that maple syrup was like dessert ! 😂
DeleteHugs and praise to you dear Cindy for your sweet message. Hope is key. The luncheon looks lovely. The littles look so cute. Cancer is so deadly. I do hope they find a cure. Hugs and blessings.
ReplyDeleteThank you Linda . Wouldn’t a cure he awesome ? I have s friend right this minute battling and her body is so weak from fighting . Praying for a cure .
DeleteYou go girl! I can definitely see you giving a fabulous message on hope and stirring up a bunch of laughter too! Looks like a wonderful time. God is good....all the time!
ReplyDeleteThanks Ann Marie. Laughter is needed for all that is for sure. A dear friend told me many years ago that when we can couple laughter and a message together then most often the people listening will leave feeling encouraged, energized, and a sense of feeling that life doesn't have to be so serious. And yet, they will leave with a message that struck a heart chord. I totally agree with that statement.
DeleteI just love it when the Lord reinforces His message in so many awesome ways...the plaque is so beautiful! Oh girl, I wish I could have been there to hear your encouraging words of hope. My mama and my sister both had breast cancer and were/are survivors. My mom was 80 years old when she was diagnosed and went on to live nearly 18 more years. My sis is working on probably 10 years or more since her cure. And oh my...I just want to pinch those adorable cheeks of those grand babies of yours! Sending much love and big hugs! ♥
ReplyDeleteThanks lady. So glad to hear that your sister is a survivor. Praise the Lord. Yes, I kiss those cheeks off every chance I get! LOL! Have a good rest of the week my friend.
DeleteWhat a God thing it was for your friend to bring you that HOPE sign when you had already decided to speak on hope at the program!! I wish I could've heard you speak, too, Cindy, as I know it would've been so inspiring.
ReplyDeleteThose grand girls of yours are too too cute. I love the funny pic of the babies, too. I hope you have a wonderful rest of the week. Love and hugs, Kitty
Yes it was a God thing Kitty. I love it when the Lord does things like that for us. I have been praying for you dear friend with loosing your precious mom. Praising the Lord that you will see her again one day. Hugs.
DeleteWhat a wonderful opportunity to share our hope is in the Lord! I bet you make a great speaker! Nancy
ReplyDeleteAny opportunity i get to give a message for Christ i really try and take it . Hope we must have hope ❤️
DeleteRambling is good and photos of the little ones is even better Cindy. But you are so right about breast cancer, I had a scare a few years back but it is no laughing matter. I am all ready for Christmas now that Halloween is over. Bring on those Christmas trees!!
ReplyDeleteI started shopping on line already ! I can’t syabd last minute prep . Makes my nerves bad 😂
DeleteWell, I just had a gazillion thoughts run through my head as I read your post. Ha! I'm so scatter-brained. First of all, how awesome that you got to speak at that event. Good for you!! I lost my grandma to breast cancer, and my SIL has it. It's such a horrible thing. :(
ReplyDeleteThat baby!!! Every time you post a picture of her, I just melt. I LOVE babies, though...I'm just baby crazy. hee!
My family has made maple syrup since I can remember, and it is SO much better than storebought. In fact, storebought tastes NOTHING like the real stuff! Enjoy that! We took a jug of it down to Phil & Kay Robertson and there is an episode on his new show where it's sitting on the table, and I was like, "Our syrup is famous!!!" lol
And Hope...Hope is my little girl's middle name. I named my Etsy shop after her--she's "Little Hope". :) Without hope, we are nothing.
I hope you're doing well, my friend!
Love the name Hope . One of grands muffle mane is Grace and one is Faith . I just love it . Yes anything homemade is better ! So glad you stopped by sweet girl .
DeleteBeautiful babies and beautiful flowers. Have a happy week. Greetings.
DeleteHi Cindy, Hope is such an inspirational word. I have had to have an aspiration too and it was so painful. I was all bruised up and they said it was deep inside and that is why I never felt anything. Luckily it turned out okay, but I still have to have them yearly and they left a marker in me. I have a few friends that are long time survivors. But I lost a friend at the beginning of the year from it. Last year I hosted a table at a tea for a group called Crystal Roses that gives blessing bags for people going through cancer treatment. You can find the page linked at my site map. I had a Minnie theme. Your newest gand daughter is so cute. I need a new grand baby! :)
ReplyDeleteYep, I know all about those markers. Got several! I bet your table was lovely. I will check it out.
DeleteCindy, You are one busy lady but what an encourager you are! I'm sure you were a great speaker at the event.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy your ramblings! Thanks for your positive attitude, sense of humor and kindness to all.
Pictures of your grads are always enjoyed.
Thanks Bonnie.
DeleteSo wonderful to visit with you, sweet friend! We don't have internet right now, so I am very limited on how much I can get on but am trying to catch up! I am so thankful you had the opportunity to bring that lesson, and I can only imagine how many of those ladies need to hear that message of hope. Sending love and hugs your way!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you could stop by dear Cheryl.
DeleteCongratulations Cindy. I bet you did well as the speaker. Thank you for sharing. Cancer is awful. I lost a friend in a Big C and I lost two brothers too because of another type of Big C. Take care and may you keep on inspiring others.
ReplyDeleteThank you sweet lady.
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