I am blessed to be married to a kind, generous, compassionate, handsome man, named Tony, and to be raising five great kids (two sons, Kyle, 18 and Sam, 16, and three daughters, Sarah, 14, Anna, 13 and Megan, 10) and six pets that seem to arrive in pairs (prompting me to feel a little bit like Mrs. Noah!): two cats (Shadow and Tiger, rescued from the hunting land), two Shichon pups (Kyra and Emma), and two Sugar Gliders (“What exactly,” you ask, “are Sugar Gliders?” Good question! They are essentially exotic flying squirrels.) affectionately named Toby and Archer.
We live on the outskirts of a small town about 40 minutes west of Milwaukee, Wisconsin on a big lot bordered by beautiful pines, sugar maples and a sprawling white oak shading the top of the hill, space to run, two zip lines, a climbing tower, and a sled hill. Deer, a growing gaggle of wild turkeys, red fox and an occasional coyote wander the yard, and a symphony of songbirds call it home.
I began writing for publication in November, 2007, and was published monthly in North Shore Church News until June, 2011. Since then I’ve written for Rest Ministries, Journezine, and The High Calling, am a contributing writer for We Used to Be You, and participate monthly with a great group of writers in the Christian Writers’ Blog Chain.
My hope is that the words of Psalm 19:14, “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer,” clearly shine through my writing, drawing others to God.
Megan, Anna, Sarah, Kyle and Sam
I enjoy homeschooling our kids, writing, hiking, good friends, good books, quiet evenings, long walks, yard work, and good, strong, black tea all day long — hot, iced or luke-warm, prompting my husband to nickname me his “tea-infused wife.”
My life verse, inscribed on my wedding band, is Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.”
I know without question that we won’t always understand all that God allows in our lives, but I also know that if we’ll let Him, He’ll use it all for His great glory. That is what I long to share with you in words — God in the moment, grace rain falling, soaking deep, faith’s tender blossom unfurling one precious, petal at a time.
Blessings, Grace and Peace,
Cindee
I love the web site! Thank you so much for sharing your gift with us!
Cindee was blessed to be a blessing, and this website will be used of our Lord to continue the streams of blessings He has already begun, not only for Cindee and her family, but for us as well. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Cindee-whenever I have bad days and I question why certain things are happening to us, your writings remind me to try and learn from every opportunity. They allow me to know there can be growth from every situation, and to remember all the good things we have to be thankful for. It is nice to know that my thoughts and feelings are not alone. I look forward to the next writing. They always seem to come at the right time, to inspire me and get me through the challenges that I am dealing with. I thank you for that!
Heidi, you’re so very welcome. We pray for you guys daily. Our hearts are with you as you walk this hard path, and we’re just across the street whenever you need anything — absolutely ANYTHING!
Cindee
One thing did lead to another and here I am discovering your wonderful blog posts…they were a fresh air to breathe indeed for me!
I am so thankful to know you:-)
Lumi
Cindee (aka Tea infused mom),
I’m so glad to have stumbled on to your blog this day sister. Your words are beautiful and heart warming. We truly serve an awesome God.
I look forward to reading more. God bless you and your family. I will share your words with my other family members.
Thank you, Jany
Jany,
Your comment just made my day!
I’m so glad you stumbled across my site too.
Cindee, I just found you on SheWrites… and am up late with a tummy ache… and just read through most of your blog entries. I feel like I have just dipped my head into a cool stream. I feel God’s love and adoration for you and your family – and, hence, for me and all of us! What a blessing He has bestowed upon us by having you write down your devotions and life stories. I’m a new stepmom, new wife, new Christian, for that matter, and I would love to keep in touch. Your writing is profound and touched with the Grace that only the Lord can infuse.
Thank you for the kind and encouraging note in the mail! Here is more about us! Please visit http://sikmaarchives.wordpress.com. Would like to meet you all sometime!
I came across your site by “Accident” and after reading several of your post feel really blessed. Your writing is profound and touches the heart.
Cassie, wow! Thank you! Your words are such a blessing.
I am so glad I clicked a link and clicked another until I landed here.
You have made my day. I am sure I will be returning often.
Cindee – You come to my mind at the most random times. Funny thing, that. I’m guessing it means it would be a good time to pray for you. Certainly a good time to thank God for you.
Debbie
Debbie, thank you for praying. Today has been hard, deeply, heart-wrenching hard. A dear friend’s husband (53) collapsed at work and is fighting for his life. Same hospital, similar heart issue to my brother’s 10 year ago. My brother was 32 and didn’t survive. Today brought back so much I’ve hidden away. My friend just kept saying, “I don’t know what to do.” “Just breathe,” I said as I held her. “That’s all I have to do?” she whispered. “That’s it,” I answered through tears too deep to breathe. “Just breathe.” So thank you, sweet writing friend for unexpected prayers and words like balm on open wounds. I am thankful for both your words and you!
Great Photos…Great Poetry
Cindee – God works in very wonderful ways!! Thanks for writing your life…I can relate to so much of what you say…and thank you , God, for bringing you into mine!
Good Morning Cindee,
Your words and writings are so powerful, insightful and just beautiful. May you have a blessed day!
Many Blessings,
Stephanie