Hello friends 🙂
I’m super excited to share with you a major, surprising #plottwist in my journey. Woo Hoo!
First, some history: As you know, I’ve spent the past two years preparing, writing, teaching, and traveling to Greece for my book Live Full Walk Free: Set Apart in a Sin-Soaked World.
I’m thrilled it’s released (yay, God!) and love hearing how God is using it to change lives all over the nation. Hooray!
I began praying very specifically this past fall about what God might have next for me. Should I…
- Write a new Bible study?
- Put my story from addict to overcomer into print?
- Write a book on grief or addiction or living “fat talk free” or prayer….
The ideas have been endless, so I started to pray very specifically that God would reveal what He would have me do.
And then, on Wednesday, December 7th, I had a weird dream.
Stick with me here, friends. It’s bizarre, I know.
The dream involved the GEMS Girls’ Club MInistry. Have you heard of GEMS before? Here’s a quick minute-long video to show you a quick peek at who they are:
Warning: The video is so super cute and you may want to grab a tissue for the happy tears.
I have such huge respect for the GEMS MInistry. GEMS stands for Girls Everywhere Meeting the Savior—how awesome is that?!
They have nearly 800 clubs nationally, and 100 overseas. What an awesome Kingdom reach!
My girls have both been involved at GEMS, so as a mom, I have seen firsthand the difference this ministry makes. I’ve spoken at numerous GEMS events over the past few years, love their staff and leaders, and I’m already scheduled to be one of their keynote speakers at their 2017 Annual Summer Conference. Years ago I even met with one of their key leaders, wondering somehow, someway, would God allow our ministries to partner together. Plus, their magazines are called Sparkle and Shine Brightly. How fun!
And in my dream, I was hired to be the Executive Director of GEMS.
Crazy dream, right?
It wasn’t even on my radar to look for a job. But after praying and talking with my husband John, I inquired if GEMS was looking for a Executive Director, and before long I had a job description in my hand.
Friends, it described me perfectly!
The role requires much of the same responsibilities that I carried out when I was the Director of Children’s at a local West Michigan mega-church (just an even bigger job). I submitted a resume mid December, and have since gone through four very thorough, intense interviews, plus they checked five references at length. They did their homework!
John and I have been praying like crazy ever step of the way for God’s perfect will to be done.
Now in case you are wondering, “CIndy, this feels like a big switch. Maybe you’re just tired from writing your book.” (I’ll be honest, at first I wondered the same thing.)
But my top spiritual gift is leadership. Building teams, vision casting, equipping and empowering leaders brings me so much joy! Y’all, I seriously have prayed for decades that God would help me lead a team that would change the world. My mind whirls and twirls with fresh possibilities.
Plus, to be honest, it has been a huge struggle to be home by myself all day while my family is gone, and then leave nights and weekends when they are home. To work regular office hours will be a wonderful switch for my family, and for me.
A few weeks ago my dad asked, “Cindy, I heard you had an interview. I thought speaking and writing was your calling.”
My first, pure response was, “Oh Dad, following Jesus is my calling.”
And sometimes when we follow Jesus we just never know where He might take us.
Can I get an amen?!
This past Tuesday the GEMS Board officially offered the job as GEMS Girls’ Club Executive Director, and 24 hours later, I prayerfully and humbly accepted. I am thrilled!
What does this mean for my speaking? The GEMS Board has given me their blessing to fulfill all of my 2017 events, including going to Guatemala with Compassion International. Thankfully my 2017 events are mostly on the weekends, and since my new job is regular office hours primarily M-F 8-4:30, there shouldn’t be much overlap. Hopefully I’ll see you at an event this year!
What does this mean for my new book? Since I’m in the midst of a media tour for Live Full Walk Free, this month would be a hard time to take a new job. Thankfully GEMS is allowing me to start on February 15th. Hooray! This gives me time to complete a large number of radio/TV interviews, podcasts, visit new LFWF and Red Hot Faith Bible studies, etc.. {Canadian friends, I’ll be LIVE on 100 Huntley Street this February 6th. Will you please pray? I’m nervous. LIVE TV makes my stomach do flip flops.}
I also hope to meal plan and clean my house and buy new clothes besides yoga pants before I enter the full-time workforce. Ha!
What does this mean for you, my friend? Sweet friend, I love you. I thank God for you. I am thankful for the ways our paths have crossed—sometimes in real life, sometimes through social media. Hopefully I’ll continue to have the humble privilege of encouraging you on your journey of faith, pray for you, and remind you of the capital “T” Truth, plus the need for a good confetti-filled celebration.
Although my social media posts may be fewer (and will definitely not be during office hours) you know I am always cheering for you and believing God’s best for YOU. I’m so thankful we are on the same Kingdom team!
Lastly, how can you pray? Will you please join me in praying for a smooth transition? My kids and family all have such peace, and they are thrilled I won’t have to be gone on so many weekends! (Me too.) Prayers for oodles of wisdom and grace in my new role, and that God will help me “wrap up” my current ministry commitments, so I can focus 100% of my attention on GEMS. (I don’t need two full-time jobs. Ha!)
Thanks for being a place where I can share my joy! I would love your prayers, wisdom as I start a new role, and crockpot recipes. 🙂
When was the last time you experienced a #plottwist, friend? I’d love to hear from you!
I thank God for your encouragement and support, friend! Now let’s go change the world for Jesus’ sake!
With gratitude and love,
P.S. A huge shout to my fun friend Paulette who first responded with #plottwist when this fun journey began. Love you, Professor P! xoxo
So happy for you Cindy! And there are people who say being a Christian is boring 😉 Blessings to you!!!
God is so good and I’m praying for your journey ahead! You’ve blessed so many women like me, I can’t wait to see how God uses you in this plot twist to now share His message and bless girls worldwide!
I just LOVE this Cindy!!! What a glorious way to share your big news. I can feel your pure joy and enthusiasm in every word! While I will refrain from all confetti and glitter throwing (there is something creepy about the way it haunts you for days after ?), I will continue to pray joy and grace filled prayers along side you. We are thrilled beyond measure that God has created this #plottwist in both ministries and fully trust that His ways are good. Blessings to you and your family!
Congratulations and may God continue to bless you every step of this new journey!!
Cindy,
I have loved getting to know you over the last year via She Speaks, your blog and social media. It was nice to know of another Michigander in this space. I am so happy for your #plottwist and your heart for Jesus and His children. I’m not familiar with GEMs and can’t wait to look into it with two young girls of my own.
Your prayers for direction, your gift and passion for leadership resemble my own prayers and talents. Thank you for sharing as I’ve been eagerly awaiting to hear and your story is encouraging!
Be there.
I would love more info on the girls gems clubs my Bella is 9 and I wondered if it would be a good fit for her.
Love your Canadian friend living in Michigan 🙂
Hi Cindy! What a blessing for you!!
Email me if you are looking for meal planning ideas. I use several different services interchangeably myself!
I had my own weird little plot twist in November and December. I was looking for something to do while my kids were at school (same kind of situation as you). I became an independent Virtual Executive Assistant with Belay Solutions. I love it! Just got my client on Jan 5. Belay is a Christian company and I can help a leader “climb higher” which is one of my favorite things to do while owning my own little business at the same time!
Praying for you and your family as you transition.
Congratulations!! What an awesome God we serve! Praying for a seamless transition-seems like God has already worked that piece out too!! He is the Master Strategist!
Congratulations! SO happy for you.
For this you have been prepared!May God bless the world with His Presence through you.
God is full of wonderful surprises!!! Looking forward to seeing all that God is going to do! Praising Him for all His goodness and praying for a smooth transition for you, your family and everyone in the GEMS ministry.
Dear Cindy, my friend,
Words cannot begin to express how very excited I am for you, and for all those who will be blessed by your leadership. I remember those days of being under your leadership in Kids Ministry, and I have never loved working with others in ministry more….your enthusiasm, passion, and above all, your love for Jesus and desire to see children come to know Him kept everyone encouraged and helped motivate us even on tough days. I personally can’t wait to see how this journey all unfolds. Prayers for you, your family, and all involved as you make this transition. You are loved!
Congratulations! I echo Claudette’s remarks. I serve as a GEMS AC and counselor and we met last April at the GLT I am very excited to see you again this year. You truly leave sparkle where ever you go!You are joy!
Love in Christ,
Louise Johnston
Wonderful!!!
Oh my what a #plottwist! I’m uber excited for you and I know you will be a tremendous blessing to this ministry as you have been in your own!! God bless your obedience and your family as you move forward!!
I’m so happy for you, Cindy. A wonderful “plot twist” indeed. 🙂
I’m so happy for you, Cindy. A wonderful “plot twist” indeed. 🙂
Congrats Cindy! It sounds wonderful!!! Bring GEMS to the south! we don’t have it here!!!
Cindy,
I am so thrilled for you! You will be a fabulous inspiration to our youngsters trying to find the right path, my true faith adventurer! Let the confetti fly!
Ps Thanks so muck for the lovely note and extra goodies….those glasses have already come in handy. You may want to make some smaller versions for your new brilliant little stars. My very best wishes & prayers go out to you as you set forth on this new journey.
Cindy – You know my love for girls so I say “Yeah, yeah, yeah!” Today’s girls need to be poured into more than ever. God is so good!
Congratulations! May God bless this journey and your faithfulness!
I’m so excited! I first met you at GEMS conference a few years ago. I convinced my coffee break group to do your Red Hot Faith Study and everyone loved it! Now we’re doing your new study. You’re going to make an amazing ED! Congratulations!
Perfect ! And what a fresh encouraging word for those wondering what’s next Lord?! All in place and you are prepared and you are transitioning gracefully. Like the inauguration ! Without the dress. Go buy a dress! And a crock pot with a timer. Bless you richly.
Huge news, Cindy! And the most beautiful aspect? You’re willingness to listen to Him and follow wherever.
Bless you heaps.
God has a wonderful way of surprising us and he equips us to His work. You were such a blessing to us at the Leadership Training in April last year. Looking forward to all that God has planned for GEMS. Praying for you.
Congratulations, Cindy! Nothing is more exciting than to realize and see that God has his hand over our lives and fulfills a dream. You’ll be perfect for this new job. Praying for a smooth transition and lots of blessings.
Cindy. God is at work and I am delighted for this new opportunity for you. You will be fabulous, I know.
I’ve had several plot twists. The main one was when our son Gabe was born with multiple congenital birth defects. We had no idea and our lives changed completely. But it is one of the best things to draw me closer to the Lord and walk humbly with Him and seek justice and mercy from our Lord.
My latest plot twist came with a lay off from my job of 17 years. I know God was in it as I prayed for change. Now I seek daily for clear direction for that day’s move.
Bless you! Gems Girls is blessed to have your enthusiasm and leadership. ??❤
Congratulations, Cindy! I love how you are open to do whatever God calls you to, no matter what and when! May God bless you and your family in this transition. I know you will be a blessing to this ministry! I will be praying for you all. God is good!!
Congratulations. God bless you and your journey.
I am praising God for you and with you Cindy! This is so exciting!
Covering you in prayer dear friend,
What an exciting time for you!!! I absolutely LOVE God’s plot twists!!! I’ve experienced a couple of those in my lifetime, as well. I pray that this season is a huge blessing to you and your family along with all the people involved in the GEMS ministry. If you ever need a worship leader for any of your events, I’d love to be a part!!
Way to go Cindy! You are very busy! Encouragement and prayers sent your way!
Dear Cindy,
I am praying, praying, praying for you as you have started your “DAY JOB” with GEMS (YEA!!) and are completing your speaking engagements as well–for God to exchange any weakness on your part for HIS strength.