Author & Editor Cynthia Hilston

Category: contentment

  • The Trap of Comparison

    The Trap of Comparison

    “Comparison is the thief of joy.” -Theodore Roosevelt When I write a story, my characters face an obstacle they must overcome if they are to find their joy, peace, happiness, fulfillment, whatever. Fill in the blank. Oftentimes, our source of misery comes from comparing ourselves to others. Like Theodore Roosevelt’s quote says, the comparison game […]

  • When God Shows Up

    “I need You; oh, I need You.”  I tried to stop the lyrics from playing in my head. I didn’t want to hear them. “Every hour I need you.” Yet they persisted. “My one Defense, my Righteousness. Oh, God, how I need You.” (“Lord, I Need You,” Matt Maher) But I didn’t want to need […]

  • It’s Okay to Crash

    It’s Okay to Crash

    You might crash sometimes, and it might hurt. But you don’t have to burn. Maybe you’ve been burning the wick at both ends for too long, but don’t worry–you won’t use up all your fuel. What’s fuelling you? Motivation? Inspiration? Obligation? A few weeks ago, I wrote that it was okay to breathe. I shared […]

  • It’s Okay to Breathe

    It’s Okay to Breathe

    …In fact, it’s good for you. Yes. Breathing is essential, a very basic need for survival. But I’m talking about breathing in more than the physical, life-giving sense. Do you ever feel like you just can’t catch up in your own race? Or that you’re running that marathon in circles, ever-doomed to repeat the same […]

  • Reflection: Have I Seen Heaven?

    If you ask me if I’ve seen Heaven, I’ll tell you yes. Yes. Glimpses. But yes, oh, yes. My friends and I playing in the shade of 100-year-old trees in my backyard in 1985, that summer seems endless–laughter, swinging, sliding, playing in the water, clapping games. Even though she’s been gone twenty-five years, Grandma’s voice […]

  • Excerpt from Rocks and Flowers in a Box (Unpublished Book)

    The first snow made its greeting just in time for Christmas. I stood on a stool, trying to place the star on top of the tree. Tristan sat in my dad’s old armchair, his nose buried in a book. Nearly toppling, I regained my balance and huffed, then pushed my hair out of my face. […]

  • Blogmas 2018 – Day 13 #christmas #blogmas #blogmas2018 #christmas2018

    Today I am singing “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” Only 12 days till Christmas! https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fcyndi.hilston%2Fvideos%2F10152956060905030%2F&show_text=0&width=634

  • Blogmas 2018 – Day 3 #christmas #blogmas #blogmas2018 #christmas2018

    The soft glow of candlelight illuminates the sanctuary while we sing “Silent Night.” A reverent awe flows through the atmosphere, seeming to carry everyone present to a higher, deeper level. After the service ends, stepping outside into the chill of the air as snow gently falls adds to that magical quality. It’s dark and the […]

  • Poetry Tuesday – Good Morning

    Dawn’s soft light Moves across the room, Melting away the night’s shadows On her sleeping face. The beams cascade Their cleansing warmth Upon her scented skin, Rejuvenating  the senses beneath. One slow, steady intake Of precious air And then exhale. As the wind blows gently Through the half-open window, Playing melodies with her free hair, […]

  • Excerpt from A Laughing Matter of Pain (Chapter 25)

      “Can you believe it? We’re married.” Her eyes dance in the low light from the bedside lamp. I lean in and kiss her. “I’m the luckiest guy alive.” The smile falters on her lips. Her eyes go glassy. A tear slips past, trailing down her left cheek. “What’s wrong, doll?” I cup that cheek […]