Happy Sunday ladies!
I hope you’ve had a good weekend. We have been busy getting some things done around our house. Wayne added some shelves to our master closet for all my shoes and it looks so much better.
We are also going to work on getting my jewelry organized. So many of you ask how I organize and I don’t have a good system. We moved into this house last May and it’s been on my to-do list but it hasn’t gotten done.
Anyway, I wanted to share about what has been going on in our life lately. I had mentioned in my email that a lot has been happening behind the blog.
Many of you know that my husband is a pastor. He has been in ministry for over 33 years and we have been blessed to be a part of some wonderful churches!
Over the last few years we have felt God wanting us to do something else but we weren’t sure what that would look like and to be truthful we were both a little scared.
We decided to take a leap of faith and Wayne resigned from his current position as pastor. This is a new season for us and we are excited to see what God has planned.
Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God” is the verse we are clinging to. We are in a season of waiting and listening and we both believe God has something he wants us to do but we don’t know what that looks like yet.
Wayne is my photographer and he has wanted to be more involved with my business. Could Grace & Beauty be what God wants us to focus on at this time?
While we don’t have all the answers, we know the one who does and He is faithful!
This story is far from over and we are watching for a glorious unfolding!
Have a blessed day!
For More Beauty For the Heart posts go here.
How long have you & Wayne been married?
You are a blessing, and bless so many women with your life. I love your heart. I tell my husband ” oh I got this top, my friend in KY was wearing this” he laughs and says the friend that doesn’t know you. LOL. I say “yes” my blogger friend. I have never written before, but I am so touched by how you share about things in your life. Just waiting to see what the Lord is going to do in your lives.
Thank you so much for allowing the Lord to shine through in all you do. May He continue to bless you.
Somehow I missed this post too! Praying for you as you listen and move according to the His will. You have inspired me in the short time I have been reading your blog. So much so that I joined YL through you. I’m so glad I did, too! Thank you for sharing your heart and soul here. You are impacting the Kingdom, seriously! May He bless you and your family abundantly! -Rebecca
Somehow I missed this post as well. My prayers are with you and Wayne as you “be still and know” what He has planned for you. This I do know, after having lived nearly 62 years, His will for you and timing are perfect.! –Sending a {HUG} your way….😊💕🙏🏼
I can’t believe I missed this post! I read them all (I thought)!!! and according to your sister I am “my Teresa”. She cracked me up saying that on the class you all did on Young Living. Any way, my husband was a full time pastor for many years and in 1993 we felt God asking us to take a leap of faith to leave full time ministry. We had 4 small children age 7 and under and I was just a stay at home mom, lived in a parsonage, etc. It is scary, but very exciting at the same time. While that has been many years ago and with 6 children, 3 are married, 4 grandchildren and 1 on the way; I can look back now and say WOW – the Lord truly had a plan. So my encouragement to you all is take one day at a time, you haven’t left ministry it just looks different, “church” is just loving people with Jesus everyday, seek Him in all the possibilities right now, and relax – He knows your needs, heart desires and He has a plan. Blessing to you all.
Knowing that your husband is a pastor makes me love you and your blog even more. I’m a new follower! Great to see people taking a leap of faith and truly doing what they feel God leading them to do!!
Thank you for stopping by Sharon!
Cyndi
Pray Big!! When we strive for things that we can basically do ourselves where is God in that? So Pray Big!
Many Blessings
Thank you for sharing your journey with us
Isn’t change scary?! We get so used to our routines that we dread change, even if it’s for the better! I’m in a similar situation, I just bought a house across town and have been praying over whether or not to move to a different church. I know it could be a good thing that challenges me and helps me grow spiritually but it’s scary too. I think leaving a church (whether you’re a pastor or just an active member) is one of the most emotional changes in life. It’s so hard to leave your area of ministry, and church families are so close it’s hard to fathom not seeing them every week. I will definitely keep you and Wayne in my prayers. It’s definitely a leap of faith to leave without a plan but as you said God is faithful and He has a perfect plan. Your blog has always been a place of spiritual encouragement for me, I can definitely see your heart for ministry. No matter where God leads y’all, I know He will use y’all in a mighty way. In the meantime I hope you find peace in the journey! God bless you and Wayne! Keep us posted!
Yes it is scary! Thank you for your sweet words of encouragement and I pray God will lead you to the right church.
Blessings,
Cyndi
I have been on a leap of faith for the past 7 years. Following my husband’s stroke at age 46 our lives changed but my faith strengthened. I clung to God like never before as many decisions needed to be made as “our plan” was no longer in place. God has healed in a miraculous way and provided during this time and transition. My husband’s desire was to return to work full-time and as of a month ago, God opened that door. Now the next leap of faith – it is a job out of town, away from my kids and friends, leaving my job in ministry that I love..much change! I “discussed” with God all the reasons why we shouldn’t do this and He replied with “trust me”. This will be a new season for us, as we will be approaching being empty nesters in a new town when this all falls in place. God has been encouraging me that I need a rest and that this opportunity will provide that as well as a time to be husband and wife again, not just parents. I still have mixed emotions but will trust and obey. Bless you both for taking this leap of faith and being obedient, what a great example for all of us!
I’m new to your blog, but I feel so blessed to have found it. I find I admire so much about you as I read your posts each day. Love the fashion and the Inspiration. I also appreciate that your words are measured – that is to say it seems your shared thoughts with your readers are made with intention and thought (not a rambling of randomness that one might see elsewhere)
I was so encouraged as I read through all the replies to the changes you are making in your personal life. So many comments of support for you AND readers supportive comments to each other. All these elements combined are my definition of a true ‘ministry’.
Hi Jenny,
So glad you stopped by! I have some amazing women who read my blog and they make my job fun. 🙂
Blessings,
Cyndi
I’m sure he will be missed! I wish I had the courage to take a leap of faith such as this. Best Wishes in this new chapter.
Believe in Him, you will see and hear what is next!
I will be praying for you both and just maybe,
Wayne will start fashioning clothes and you will
be his photographer, wouldn’t that be awesome!!!!!!!!
Wow. This is exciting and scary at the same time. I’m proud of you both. You’ll be in my prayers as you wait to hear the steps God has for you! Thank you for sharing.
I am feeling like I need to take a leap of faith, a risk, and move to another city. I’m by myself and feel overwhelmed at times with all that needs to be happen- selling my house, having enough money, finding the right job, etc. Plus, I’m applying for jobs where I “feel” like I am supposed to live but not one opportunity has come along!
The the fear and second guessing yourself creeps in. But, this morning I read Job 33 and the end verses say – pay attention, listen, be silent, and God will speak and teach us wisdom.
It would be so nice to sit down and have a coffee with women/people who have done some leaps of faith and taken risks to hear how they walked step by step in the journey.
God bless you!
Teri 🙂
Praying Teri that you will hear God clearly as you make your decisions.
Blessings,
Cyndi
What a journey of faith. I will be praying for both of you. Thank you for your sweet spirit / heart and words of encouragement each day. I have been following your blog for a year or so (and now I follow your sweet daughter) — I look forward to reading them. You give me so much encouragement. I know God has an amazing plan for you. Here is a big HUG from NC.
What a wonderful testament of faith. We see God lead us and care for us, yet again and again we dare to doubt! I am at a similar point in my life having lost my beloved husband unexpectedly a year ago. Psalm 46:10 is a verse very near and dear to my heart.
I am so excited to see and hear the plans God has for you! I am believing and staying in faith about a new direction in my life as well! God Bless!😍
Excited for you both. I know, no matter what Wayne decides to do, he will bless others and you will be by his side. Thanks for sharing your life with us, so we can pray. I look forward to your blog every morning. It has blessed me for a year now, and I hope for many more to come. Blessings on your new journey. Ecclesiastes 3:1-9.
Cyndi- thank you for always being so vulnerable and open with your readers. Your blog is so refreshing and I look forward to checking in with you every morning. Sometimes it’s even before my feet hit the floor. I have a quick question, I loved the black jeans outfit your had on the other day. At what age do you think I should hang up my destructed jeans? I am almost 46 and I think I look pretty darn cute in them. My adult kids have made comments but I would expect that. If did however get me to thinking maybe they were right. What do you think? Have a blessed day.
Amy,
I am almost 50 and I still wear destructed jeans. I LOVE them. I feel like if they don’t have huge (inappropriate) holes in them, and they make me happy. WEAR them proudly. I have 3 grown boys and they always make comments (you better wear a camisole under that, or your not wearing that, too much cleavage) but I am still young at heart and until I see a picture of myself and I think ohmygoodness I look totally ridiculous. I will keep on wearing what makes me happy, without looking like I am trying to be a 20 year old. Post a picture if your not sure.
I’m going to be 54 in May and i wear those jeans. It don’t matter to me what peopke think. As long as my husband is happy how i look and as long i feel comfortable wearing them. Take a picture of your self. And look at the picture. What do you see? That is what maater the most. What do you and how do you see at yourself. May God guide you on all your decisions, including this one.
I look forward to hearing what God works out for you. We have some changes coming in our lives soon and it is scary to not know what will happen, but we know that God knows what is going on.
Prayers go out to you both, I know change can be scary God bless you both. Thank you for sharing today. Love the quote be still and know I’em God.
Wishing you both the very best!
Cyndi,
Thank you for sharing this much needed post. It was a blessing and affirming to me as it pertains to a current situation of mine. I so appreciate your openness. For a few years I have prayed and asked God to place it on my heart if He felt I would glorify Him better elsewhere. I have been blessed to work part time at a hospital for 40 years with a good pay and great benefits. I always have loved and appreciated my job but for some reason I kept asking the same question. Where do you want me Lord? Is it somewhere different and what would that look like? Would it be ministry without an income? Or could I find a good paying part time job in a strong Christian environment? Well, I believe He answered me at a time I really wasn’t expecting. On Ash Wednesday, after 40 years working for the same employer my job was impacted by the much needed reductions. They have been reducing staff and outsourcing jobs for a while now. This time happened to be my turn. Even though I was blindsided I knew God was carrying me. It was so fitting that it happened on Ash Wednesday as it was my time for a desert experience, a time to concentrate on His will and draw closer to Him. It would allow me, if I chose, to have very limited distractions. So I too am in a season of waiting and listening. I pray for discernment to know what He wants or where He wants me. I trust Him as I know He is faithful. I still feel much sadness with this loss and know it is a grieving process. He doesn’t always eliminate our suffering but He always carries us. I look back on the tremendous blessings He has graced my husband and I within our 35 years of marriage. We are no strangers to challenges as 25 years ago my husband, due to a common virus that settled in his heart, was knocking on death’s door. But the Lord had different plans and Rob was given a second chance at life. Due to his health he was placed first on a national list for a heart transplant. I am so grateful to say that this year will be his 20th anniversary. He has defied the odds. There have been many ups and downs but both have had great blessings. And he will be alive to see our first grandchildren born! TWINS this summer! A shock, as there is no history of twins on either side and they were conceived naturally, so God has a plan. It may be a bit overwhelming but another incredible blessing. I will keep you, your husband, and your family in my prayers and I thank you for your incredible blog!
Love,
Donna
Donna, I am shaking and crying as I read your response. I am sitting here in ARH counting my blessings as my DH received a new heart this past Ash Wednesday 2017 and is just beginning his journey. Your post has given me such hope with all the setbacks we’ve encountered. Through it all we’ve prayed for the donor and their family whose heart and love enabled them to make this gift in such a time of grief. Thank you.
Oh Teresa………..I am sending the biggest online hug to you. I am blessed and overwhelmed at your response. God is so amazing……who would have thought there would be someone on this blog that would be touched by this particular journey. You bring me back to day1. There is so much to this road, as you now know. The 5 years it took to get to transplant and now the past 20 years. It can be most challenging as so much is affected but through the valleys we have been so blessed. I remember seeing the cooler with the donated heart be delivered via helicopter. It was such a difficult time. Your hopeful for your loved one but hurting so much for a person or family you know nothing of. One of a multitude of blessings was developing a relationship with our donors Mom. The moment she met my husband she buried her face in his chest. It is a difficult, challenging, overwhelming, wonderful, miraculous, full of blessings experience. When they say “take one day at a time” it is more like “take one hour at a time” My heart goes out to you as the caregiver. It is equally difficult for you in other ways. Be good to yourself. Trust and let God carry you. You will be very near to my heart and in my daily prayers. If you ever need someone to talk to I am here anytime. Last year my husband chose a song for the 2 of us. I think you will appreciate it “Together” by Steven Curtis Chapman.
Many sincere thoughts and prayers for you and Wayne during this time of trusting in your faith. My husband knows of Wayne from Cynthiana and I am a new and thankful follower of your blog. May many many more people continue to be blessed by your and Wayne’s courage to trust in Him. Can’t wait to see what is in store. Peace.
I’m sure this decision did not come easily but if it is led of God then it is the right decision. I think you and Wayne have a wonderful opportunity to use the blog to reach so many people.
You both will be in my prayers and I look forward to amazing things from you.
Blessings…
Cyndi , so happy for you and Wayne !! I know the Lord has something wonderful for you guys . Your blog is definitely a ministry to me , I look so forward everyday when I get home from work to open my email and see your blog in my inbox . You have also been such an inspiration for me in fashion, Good Luck in your venture and I look forward to be a part of it thru your blog . Thank you !!!!
Diana
Wow! I’m so happy for you both! God is up to something good here. I’m so glad I found your blog a few years ago – I cannot tell you what a daily blessing you have been to me. Congratulations Spivey’s! I’m excited to share your adventure with you
Happy Sunday Cyndi…..my husband and I took a leap of faith and we “stepped out of the boat” and went full time with our own business in 1993, the best thing we could have done! We give God all the glory and he’s always been faithful. I will keep you and Wayne in my prayers as you “wait upon the Lord” for his direction.
I love getting your daily blog/posts/fashion you share with us ladies! You have such a sweet spirit …….and even though we’ve never met……I know we would be very good friends.
Love in Christ,
Holly
Cyndi- I’ve been a avid reader of your blog for several years and shared it with friends as well. Thank you for sharing your life with us- being authentic and vulnerable – on how God has led you and Wayne. This is amazing, and, of course, God’s plans will be unfolding as you continue to trust and obey Him!
I took a leap of faith last year and moved from Southern CA to Southwest VA to be closer to my family. It has been a faith-stretcher for sure!
I’m excited for y’all (yes, I did that!) and will follow along with faith and prayer!
Jen
i know that change can sometimes be scary …. but i am hoping that you and Wayne are EXCITED about a new chapter…I am so excited for you!!!!
I, too, am a pastor’s wife and have been through the uncertainty of change several times. When a pastor leaves a church, he not only leaves a job, but the support of a church family, friends, fellowship. My heart is with you and I’ll be praying for you. But God is indeed faithful and he will lead you to what’s next. After a season of unemployment my husband took the position of chaplain at one of our denomination’s retirement communities. It’s the most fulfilled he’s ever been and he says all his experience in ministry prepared him for what he’s doing now. He’s turning 65 in a few weeks, but he’s not planning on retiring any time soon. I’m so grateful that when he does retire from full time employment it will be on a high note. Be patient, trust, God will provide everything you need. It will be an adventure!
Prayers for you and Wayne as you explore a new chapter of ministry together! I so enjoy the ministry you provide for us on your blog!
Welcome Wayne!
I don’t know if you recall me (along with hundreds of others) sharing that my hubby, pastor (church planter) for 29 years resigned his position last
May. The year has flown by and we are still figuring it all out, but we do not doubt that God was leading us. My husband now has a 3 pronged ministry
that involves one of our daughter churches, a thriving campus ministry (Campus Outreach) and church planting. I will pray for you as I can so relate to the
call away from pastoral ministry and yet the uncertainty of what the future holds. I am now going through the same thing with my own job situation. God
is faithful and He will honor your obedience and He will provide for you.
Sally I do remember you sharing this with me and I’m thankful for your testimony. God has a plan!!
Blessings,
cyndi
You are an inspiration. Prayers for you both.
Thank you for sharing ! I love how God is right on time with words of encouragement from our friends exactly at the perfect time. God is also working in my life im not sure what he is doing. Im glad to know that you and wayne are in this boat w me. I will be pray for guidance n discernment, please pray for me as well
Blessings
Nicki
God truly knows His plans and they are much bigger than ours. Much success and I can’t wait to see where He leads you. Peace, love, joy, blessings and grace to you in this journey!
Thank you for sharing this with us. It can be so difficult to follow God’s plan for our lives because change can be both hard and a little scary. It strengthens my faith to see the willing obedience that the two of you are displaying in your lives. Praying for many wonderful opportunities coming your way in your obedience and faithfulness to the Lord.
Good Sunday afternoon, Cyndi– What a wonderful blessing to see the growth of your business and faith in God’s guidance in your life. You & Wayne are an inspiration to so many and truly “walk the talk” by following God in all you that you do. Your blog is like a warm hug to me and my best friend, Linda R., who shared your online blog with me recently. I love reading, learning and following along with your life journey this way. I send you my prayers and best wishes for the next God-led transition in your life. What a beautiful family and testimony you have and graciously share with all of us. Thanking God for you from Colorado Springs, Annie
Prayers for you both! This blog has definitely been a ministry for me!! Thanks for all you do! Enjoying your daughter’s blog also!
What an exciting time for you two! I admire your leap of faith and openness to God’s will for you. Thank you for sharing with us!
I cannot imagine the faith that must take to resign one job without knowing where God is going to lead! I know you will be missed as you were at CBC. I am excited to follow your path of faith through the blog!!
Our pastor of 25 years retired last year. He based his retirement on the verse Numbers 8:24-25: 24 “This applies to the Levites: Men twenty-five years old or more shall come to take part in the work at the tent of meeting, 25 but at the age of fifty, they must retire from their regular service and work no longer.
We miss him dearly, but he is ministering in other ways in our community and overseas.
May God lead you & Wayne on your new journey.
We must go to the same church in San Antonio Wanda!!
CBC Gold Canyon?
Yes!
That’s exciting and scary at the same time!! Will be praying with you guys 🙂
God Bless you as you step out in faith! As I am in transition too with taking a very early retirement, I understand the anxiety and the excitement. Thank a God He is in control.
I appreciate your ministry here.
Julie
Knowing you and Wayne, I know this was a decision that was taken only after much prayer and soul searching. I can remember when you left CBC, and just like then, I know there are some heartbroken parishioners, but I know too if they really know the two of you, that they respect and understand that you are following God’s leading.
Good luck Wayne and Cyndi! I look forward to seeing what great things God has for you!
Both scary and exciting but you have each other. May god bless you on your next journey.
God leads, we follow, for we are His sheep. He will lead you both where you are to be. What faith yall have! Thank you for your ministry. Dont know you but love ya. 😊
Recently we made a similar decision, moving from a state we both were born & raised to something new.
It took a while but looking back we understand why.
Keep the faith & good luck.
Such a leap of faith in the Lord but when you know that something is going on this is what you have to do. I am not sure yet that I understand this feeling that you are exactly talking about but I have been feeling this uneasiness feeling its strange. I know God but sometimes I loose faith. I had lost my husband after only 4 months of marriage and 9 months totally of being together. It was so hard i lost a lot of faith. I just have a hard time of trust a lot of people also. I know that’s not good with. I feel like it’s the devil for sure. I didn’t want to turn this into a pity party for myself sorry. I am so happy for you guys. You are a blessed family and I enjoy reading your blog. Thank you.
May God bless you in this new journey together.
This is big news, Cyndi! Best of luck to you both in this new venture together!
We have done this exact same thing a couple of times during our 40 years of ministry. It is an exciting time! When God wants you to move on, he works in our hearts to let go of the immediate and look forward to the new thing he has. I will be praying for you as you seek the Lord for his guidance.
Sometimes you need to open up a block of time to see what’s next 🙂
The Lord will show you the way as you sincerely seek Him! Perhaps your blog could be even more of a ministry than it is now! You clearly proclaim Jesus in your blog! Love and prayers
wow. even though our ministry with the homeless was not a paid one , I can completely empathize with the trust you are experiencing in the Lord. It is sort of like seeing a door slightly ajar with His bright light shining and beckoning to one. Prayers for both of you and the members of the church. I know what a trauma it was to folks we had worked with for 17 yrs so one can only imagine 33 yrs of experience.
Love Blessings and Prayers for all of you.
I will be praying for you both as you walk this journey! I understand the scariness, I would feel the same way! Obedience can be very difficult, but it’s what He requires of us.
Praying for you both Cyndi, my husband was a pastor too and now is a manager at a local ice cream shop! God is always faithful and good. I so appreciate all of your encouragement, you are truly an example of faith and love. Hugs.
Cyndi, God will surely lead you! He led me to your website, and actually, as a mom a year away from 60 (!) while I can’t always “style” what you do SO well, you are my go-to each day as a faithful guidance (straight to “Beauty for the Heart”!) and as well for your style and fashion wisdom. You are a joy, and I wish you blessings as you and Wayne are guided on your journey! I truly hope it will be more “Grace & Beauty”! Blessings!
Wow! How exciting! I can’t wait to hear where God leads next!
Cyndi, I have no doubt that God has something special lined up for you and Wayne! Both of you are such great examples of what it means to be a faithful servant. I look forward to learning what He shows you is your next purpose. Peace be with you! And thank you for allowing your online family to be a part of your lives.
Cyndi, its always exciting when God opens another door. Although I don’t know you personally I follow your blog and Instagram. Will be praying for you and Wayne as you watch and wait for what God has for you . You know it will be good!!! Stay focused on Him . The scripture you posted is perfect.
God Bless you both on your new Journey sweetie. I know you would like to be close to your daughter and grandchild. Best to you both. B
God puts us where he wants us.
All the best!
My husband and I have been pastors in small churches for more than13 years. We felt God leading us in a new direction also, so we resigned after 8.5 years in our little church. We are now ministering to the small church pastors in our state. While it has been hard at times leaving our church and community that we love, God has exploded this new ministry beyond our wildest dreams. I will be praying for you guys during this new season.
Best wishes for you in your endeavors. God is faithful, and He will show you in time what he wants you to do.
Sending you good wishes on your new journey.
I took a leap of faith when I sold my dental practice years before I had planned to. I had told my husband that I was at peace with my decision, so that made it concrete for him!!
In a way, your blog is like a ministry, so it’s almost the same thing only on a different level.
I can’t wait to see how it progresses!!
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Prayers are heading your way from here. May God bless you both, give you peace and wisdom, and uphold you with his strength. It’ll be exciting to see where this leads!
What a journey of faith for you both. It is both inspiring and humbling to witness your beautiful journey unfolding; thank you for sharing how you ask and wait with patience for guidance. Many Blessings!
Thank you Tricia!
Cyndi