Cindie York has been a FaithWriters member for just over a year. In that year, she's posted several of her articles in the FREE REPRINT section of FaithWriters and her work can be accessed and used freely, here at FaithReaders.com. Join interviewer, Lynda Schab, as she talks to Cindie about her writing, her testimony, and her love for kids.

LYNDA SCHAB: Tell us a little about yourself and your Christian testimony.

CINDIE YORK: In July 1990, I was invited by my cousin to attend a revival at a small local church.  I had attended Sunday school since I was in Kindergarten but had never been one to go to the evening services with my parents. To oblige my cousin, I went with her on the night of the 12th. There was an anointed blind preacher who brought forth the Word that night and I listened attentively. Then, a young singer took the pulpit and started singing a song that really stirred my spirit. The invitation was given for anyone who wanted to become a Christian and I sat there in that pew a nervous wreck. At the time, I was 15 years old and I knew I would miss out on a world of experiences if I became a Christian. I knew I wanted to go to heaven but didn't think that this was the perfect time to accept Christ. The more I sat there, the faster and stronger my heart pumped. I had sweaty palms and was trying every way in the world to keep my mind off of the preacher, the singing, and everything else that was taking place. Then the preacher said, "This is the last call. If anyone wants to be saved, this is the time, right now. This could be your last chance. You don't know what tomorrow holds." I decided, then and there, that I was not going to let this chance pass by and miss out on an eternity with Christ. I bowed down in that pew and poured my heart out to God, asking for forgiveness. Five years later, I married the singer (Greg) who sang that blessed song the night I became a Christian.  Now, Greg and I, along with our lovely daughter Allonah, are very involved in our local church and in ministry.  I have been a Christian for almost 19 years and I just can't imagine a single second without God in my life. He is my Everything and all that I am and all that I have is because of His blessings. 

LYNDA: You mentioned your young daughter. Take a moment to brag on her.

CINDIE: I have a wonderful six-year-old daughter named Allonah.  The name Allonah means fair and beautiful, which couldn't be more fitting for her. I tell her that she is my special gift from God and she just lights up with a grin from ear to ear.  She has such a sweet spirit, full of love, compassion, and care. Nothing makes her happier than when she is trying to help someone.  Allonah is on our church drama team and is thrilled when she gets to minister at church. She is a drama queen and couldn't be more hilarious. She is constantly making me laugh. Although she is only six, Allonah is one of my best friends and I would rather spend time with her than anyone else in the world. She is just an all-around amazing child and I am so very thankful that God has blessed me to be her mother.

LYNDA: You clearly have a heart for kids, as your FaithWriters profile reveals that you teach sign language and drama for 3-6 year-olds, plus you volunteer as a Sunday school teacher. Tell us more about your love for children. 

CINDIE: I love being around children.  I enjoy their different personalities and talents, their innocence, their honesty, and their sense of humor.  They say the funniest things!  These children remind me to not take everything so serious and they show me how to enjoy life. I can be silly around them and they don't judge me at all.

I am very humbled and honored to be able to teach children about God's Word.  Many are hearing the stories of the Bible for the first time and they are excited about learning.  It thrills me to know that I am helping introduce Jesus and the men and women of the Bible.  At this early age, they just soak everything up like a sponge and to be a part of that is an absolute blessing. The children are our future and to be able to help mold them spiritually and morally is a huge responsibility that I take seriously.

LYNDA: When did you discover your love for writing? 

CINDIE: About five years ago, my friend and I started a prayer group at work. At first, it was just the two of us. We would take turns writing small devotionals to read and talk about. Then, a couple more people starting joining the prayer group until complete revival was birthed. Co-workers were saved, rededicated, sanctified, and delivered. Our devotionals became Bible studies for the entire group to read and discuss. It was then that I discovered I loved to write about God's Word.  To me, they weren't just words on a page, but actual emotion, testimony, witness, conviction, condemnation, etc.  I was writing to encourage and enlighten. I wanted to stir emotion, to make one think and assess their walk with Christ.

LYNDA: You only recently started sharing your writing with others. Why the hesitation? And what made you first step out and put your work out there?

CINDIE: I never felt like my writings were good enough for others to read. Sure, it was okay for a few friends to read what I had written because I believed they would accept my writings with the love and concern intended. I have never had any special writing classes or training. I just write from the heart. I was hesitant because I put so much of myself and my thoughts out there for rejection or criticism. 

My precious, anointed, friend Tonda, who has been an inspiration and true Christian encouragement, discovered FaithWriters and introduced it to me. Tonda has always been very supportive and positive and I am thankful that God placed her in my life.  She suggested that I post some of the writings from our prayer group. I prayed about it and thought, "why not?" I submitted a couple articles for the same reasons as in our little prayer group: for encouragement and enlightenment.  I wanted to plant seed, to stir emotion.  And truthfully, I was tired of letting fear or insecurity keep me from doing any work for God.  I don't hesitate now. God has given me a new boldness that, thankfully, I embrace.  I don't try to please people, or even myself.  God is the one I want to please.

LYNDA: What are all of the types of writing you enjoy?

CINDIE: Bible study, devotions, Christian topics, and recently I have begun expressing myself through poetry.
 

LYNDA: Just for fun…Name your favorite:

PAM:
Animal:  Giraffe
Ice Cream Flavor: Cherry vanilla and butter pecan
Song: How Great Is Our God, by Chris Tomlin
Flower:  Tulip
Bible Verse: "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

LYNDA: Finally, what are your hopes and dreams for your writing? Any specific goals you're striving for?

CINDIE: I would love to one day write a daily devotional. Mostly, I want to glorify Christ and be a beacon of light. I want to use any gift God gives me with reverence and wisdom.  I want to write according to His will and be pleasing unto Him and hopefully, through the process, others are inspired and blessed.

LYNDA: Well, because you are so sensitive to the Lord's will, and doing what He wants you to do, I'm sure He will use your writings to bless and inspire many. Thank you so much for allowing us to get to know you better. May God richly anoint you with everything you need to accomplish His purpose.

Cindie has many FREE REPRINT articles available. To read more of Cindie's writings, visit her FaithWriters profile: http://www.faithwriters.com/member-profile.php?id=33524