Today I decided that it’s time start blogging again in earnest! I have so much in my heart that has been stored over the years and so many experiences that could encourage and bless others. I should share what’s in there, and who knows…it might be the very thing that helps someone else find freedom and peace in their situation. I pray that anything I post will be for the edification and exhortation of those who read.
Six months ago, I wrote a 40-day devotional book based on my journal entries from my separation and early divorce years. That period of time in my life was the hardest emotional, spiritual and physical trial I have ever experienced.
I felt prompted to write the devotional after I shared at a Women’s Conference at our church about that time in my life. Not only were the ladies in shock and awe about how God carried me through the unfaithfulness of my spouse and the rejection and pain of the marriage collapse, but also by how I journaled almost every step of my walk with Jesus during that time. As I spoke, I hoisted the heavy pile of journals high so that they could gaze upon the written installation of my history with God during those excruciating years.
What a joy it was to have women approach me after the event as say, How did you ever get past that? and Could you teach me journal like that? I was more than happy to share, teach and encourage. But as the weeks went on, I realized that I should write a devotional. That way I could help the women in my church in the process of allowing God to heal their heart when the most precious dreams have died but also learn how to journal that process. Journaling during those years and every year since, has been my lifeline, the way I hear the Lord teach me and speak to me, and where I pour out my most intimate thoughts to the One who can handle them.
In these blog posts, I intend to share portions from that devotional and I look forward to your feedback. I hope and pray that my journey, for better or worse, can inspire you, help you, encourage you and, most importantly, turn your heart to Jesus. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. He is One who heals all of our hurts and restores our soul!
Cecily is a mother to one daughter and three sons and a step mother to two daughters. She is a native New Englander, who, while fairly-well traveled, has never lived anywhere outside of New England. She loves the beach, the mountains, good food, and football (she’s been a BIG Patriot’s fan before it was cool to be one!). She loves to cook and you will most likely find her scanning PaleoOMG.com or Pinterest for her next recipe challenge. She is an avid fitness freak, indulging in Spin, Kickboxing, and Insanity classes along with running and working out at home.
But Cecily’s greatest passion is finding hidden treasures and bold Truth in God’s Word and teaching it in such a way that everyone can understand and remember what they heard. Nothing thrills her more than when someone comes up to her and says that they have been changed by something she taught (especially when they remember the message better than she does!). Cecily is a late bloomer in the blogosphere as she was very busy raising 6 children, volunteering in their schools, starting her career as an Executive Assistant, being the Worship and Arts director at her church and then recently taking the directorship of the Women’s Ministry. Life with 6 kids in a blended family posed more challenges than the Apollo 13 team had to face, and has given Cecily endless messages and potential blog posts! Cecily speaks at Women’s Conferences and at her church as a guest minister from time to time. Her husband John is a stalwart supporter of everything she does and is her greatest cheerleader. Now that the children are grown (they keep coming home, though!), Cecily has more time to write and speak about these wonderful life lessons regarding faith, blended family life, financial and marital challenges and the joys of watching God show off His faithfulness.
Women identify with Cecily because she has survived divorce, single-motherhood, being in the trenches blending a family, loving an addict, the stresses of ministry and marketplace jobs, and the life change of children growing up and becoming adults. Cecily has not only survived but thrived as a result of every difficult and unforeseen circumstance. She loves to boast about God’s faithfulness and the importance that her day-to-day, intimate relationship with Jesus has made through it all. She shares keys and practical steps that encourage women (and men!) to pursue the Lord for themselves and not sell their ability to hear from God short. Cecily’s favorite topics to talk and write about are Hearing God’s voice, Journaling for life, and Myth-busting.
I’m looking forward to reading your posts! Your journal experiences will change people’s lives.