Attic Spaces

One of the most beautiful things about moving whether physically or spiritually, is God never expects us to do it alone. As I write, I am nestled in the upper "attic" of my parents three-story home in Athens, Georgia. Just two weeks ago, when the kids & I stayed at my in-laws house in Richmond, I too had the spot of the "attic" on their third floor. Now when I say attic, don't picture in your mind a dusty room lined with wooden floors with storage boxes to the ceiling, but rather, I must confess, they are carpeted, cozy and for some reason the place I migrate too. I realized the other day why I love these rooms in my dear loved ones' houses more than other more convenient spaces. In 1997, more than 12 years ago, God met me in an attic space. A dear college friend's mom lived alone in Columbia, SC, where I had just finished graduate school. I had no job, no money, no home and very few local friends, maybe one or two. I thought to myself, "How can you have a great degree and have nowhere to go?" Her mother kindly offered for me to stay in one of her twin daughter's bedrooms which happened to be situated in their attic. It was a tiny, and I mean tiny space, with slanted ceilings and one small window. Only a small twin bed and little dresser filled the room. But for some reason, I loved it. In that room I cried my eyes out nearly every day for four months searching for something that I would later realize was greater than simply a degree, a job or a plan. In that space, God gave me a purpose. He tucked me into that small space, away from the world, isolated from the things that so easily distract and He introduced himself to me as my loving, heavenly Father. I will never forget that season of my life and I will never forget that room.

Though my family has been "homeless" this past month, God has done a beautiful thing. He's reminded me no matter where I've been, or where I'm going, He has always been and always will be there. I woke up a little earlier than usual this morning, was headed to the bathroom and the hum of a old song came to my mind. One I've not heard in years. I couldn't place the name of the song but the band FFH came to mind so I quickly grabbed my laptop and youtube'd FFH and found what melody God woke me with first thing this morning. It's their song "Still the Cross". http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdnFIYtN4XA&feature=related

Have an awesome day friends!
Cindy

Mission Statement

Three times in one day! This could be addictive. I promise it won't always be like this but I've got beginner's excitement and this is just too much fun. I did however, want to put an explanation or description of why I am doing this blog. I am not a naturally gifted writer and this will be quite some work - but I am up to the challenge. There are lots more people out there that have a greater propensity to write and also have more training than me. But I begin this BLOG with 2 missions in mind. One, to share with my friends and family my new experiences and adventures in England and two, more specifically to share how God's hand is moving in my families life as He has chosen this place for us for this season of our lives.

"See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared." Exodus 23:20

Have a blessed day,
Cindy

Housekeeping

I have so much to learn about the world of blogging. I must confess the only blogs I've ever read have been my best friend's from high school after the birth of her twins and several friends who have posted through the amazing Caring Bridge blog pages. I've never had the slightest idea how to do my own....so much so that after I just typed and posted my first blog, I didn't even know if I had to do anything to "send it out to my friends". Maybe somebody out there can clue me in on how it works. I did just go see the amazing film, "Julie and Julia" so if that's how it works than I am a few steps closer to blog-literacy. I guess you simply post a blog and then people just do searches for blogs that have subject material that interests them and maybe yours will match up and wha-la...someone may find you. I guess you can also cut and paste your "address" and send that out to your email "Contacts List". That's probably what I will do...but is that cheating? I'll test this with my husband and send him my link and see if he can find me. :) I love this! Cindy

p.s. Standby, for my next post..."Why in the world is she doing this in the first place?"

New Beginnings...

Hello! This is a first. Actually, a season of firsts for me. First for blogging and first for moving my family overseas. I am thrilled for both and have known both were inevitable for some time now. The Navy told us a few months ago we would be heading with my husband's job to England for a 2-3 year stint serving alongside the British RAF. What a treat for Clark! As for the blog, I have felt God's leading in some area of writing and this may just be how He spurs me on to get something going. I honestly don't know where this will lead but simply feel His call to begin this as we journey forward in this new season of my life: To Serve Him, To Follow Him, To Share the Gospel and To Change from the inside out. I believe these next couple of years are going to be nothing short of remarkable, amazing and life changing. I know the LORD has a good plan for us.

Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Welcome! This is going to be a fun ride! God is so good! :) Cindy