I'll be honest, since Pandora has come along, I don't listen to CD's like I used to (so sorry, Tom Brown!). But when I saw the list of songs on this new Chris Tomlin CD, I couldn't resist. I recognized every one! Take a look at this CD song list .....
1. How Great Is Our God (World Edition) 2. Our God 3. Forever 4. The Wonderful Cross 5. Famous One 6. We Fall Down 7. Indescribable 8. Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) 9. I Will Rise 10. How Great is Our God 11. Enough 12. Made To Worship 13. Jesus Messiah 14. God Of This City
See what I mean?? Woo Hoo! Powerful stuff!
Now that I've listened to the CD (non stop!), I am confident you will love it too!
Here's a quick word from Chris sharing his heart about this new project...
How Great Is Our God: The Essential Collection is what I'm loving this week (and the timing is perfect with Christmas!). I'm sharing the love with others too!
Because now, dear bloggy friend, I would love to share this CD with one blessed She Sparkles reader!! To Win my"Chris Tomlin" CD Giveaway: Leave a comment in the comment section answering this question:
What is your favorite Chris Tomlin song? Extra Entries:
•Follow *She Sparkles* •Subscribe to *She Sparkles* •Add my *She Sparkles* button to your blog •Tweet about this giveaway including a link to this post
Please be sure to leave me a comment to let me know your extra entries.
RULES: Starts today, Thursday, December 15th and ends Monday, December 19th at 9 PM. Winner will be posted on my blog during the week of December 19th.
If your email address is not connected to your ID, please leave your email address with your comment or email it to me at cindy.bultema@gmail.com with the subject "Giveaway".
Thanks for stopping by *She Sparkles*. Have a worship-filled, day!!
Disclosure: I was provided with a copy of this CD for review, but as always, all opinions are mine.
As I've shared in the past, Carol & Jennie have had a huge impact in my life. I've had the opportunity to get to know these ladies both professionally and personally ~ and let me tell you, they are the real deal! I love every minute that I spend with them!
(Picture below: the Afman sisters ~ Jennie Dimkoff, me, Carol Kent, and Bonnie Emmorey)
I've been looking forward to their latest book, "Miracle on Hope Hill" since I first heard about it almost 2 years ago! If you haven't read it yet, trust me...you will LOVE it! :)
Miracle on Hope Hill is a collection of true, inspiring stories that show God’s love and affirmation intervening in the lives of ordinary people. It includes stories of romance, heartache, tragedy, and celebration, but all with the common thread of "God moments" that show his love, intervention, and blessing....
If you enjoy hearing true stories of "God Moments" in the everyday lives of real people ~ you'll want to check "Miracle on Hope Hill" out!
When I first opened "Miracle on Hope Hill" book, I was pretty confident I would enjoy it. (I've not yet read a book of Carol & Jennie's that I didn't enjoy. In fact, did you know that the VERY FIRST book I bought as a Christian was Carol's book, "Becoming A Women of Influence". I still reference it today!).
Also, two dear friends' stories (April & Tanya) are both are featured in "Miracle on Hope Hill". Knowing their powerful, personal journeys ~ I sensed I was in for a real treat.
I was not prepared, however, to NOT BE ABLE TO PUT THE BOOK DOWN! What an amazing work. All 39 of the stories are powerful! I laughed. I cried. I was amazed by God! I was encouraged by the uplifting quotes sprinkled throughout the book, and the life-changing Truths referenced in each story. Great stuff!
I immediately bought 2 more copies (one for my mom, and one for my sweet TX friend Donna), and plan to give many as gifts this Christmas!
One friend shared, "I would suggest this book for anyone who needs encouragement, a little pick me up, or a big reminder of the never failing character of God. What a beautiful gift idea for someone who finds themselves in need of a little hope or even a gift of thanks to someone who has been a hope lifter".
I totally agree! :)
And now, dear bloggy friend, I would love, love, love to share this book with you!! In fact, Jennie was over for lunch a few weeks ago and personally signed 4 copies for me to share with my *She Sparkles* friends. Woo Hoo!
To Win my"Miracle on Hope Hill"book Giveaway: Leave a comment in the comment section answering this question:
Why would you like to win Carol & Jennie's book Miracle on Hope Hill??
Extra Entries:
•Follow *She Sparkles* •Subscribe to *She Sparkles* •Add my *She Sparkles* button to your blog •Tweet about this giveaway including a link to this post
Please be sure to leave me a comment to let me know your extra entries.
RULES: Starts today, Thursday, November 17th and ends Monday, November 21st at 9 PM. Winner will be posted on my blog during the week of November 22nd.
If your email address is not connected to your ID, please leave your email address with your comment or email it to me at cindy.bultema@gmail.com with the subject "Giveaway".
Thanks for stopping by *She Sparkles*. Have a hope-filled, day!!
P.S. For more Things I Love Thursday ideas, hop on over and visit my real-life neighbor, the brilliant and hilarious Jill at the Diaper Diaries. :)
Disclosure: I was not compensated in any way for this "Miracle on Hope Hill" review, and, as always, all opinions expressed in this post are fully my own.
As a mom of 4 kids (2 boys, 2 girls) ~ I have learned first hand that boys and girls are VERY different. (Can I get an Amen?).
As much as I love my two daughters (aren't they cute?!)....
...I was not prepared for the social, emotional, and physical differences between my boys and girls!
(After starting with two boys, I thought I had this mothering thing down. Then came my girls and I realized I was clueless!!)
I am always on the lookout for great new resources to encourage, challenge and teach me on the rewarding (and exhausting!) task of mothering. When I was contacted about reading Help Wanted: Moms Raising Daughters, I was thrilled! :)
Here's more about the book...
Be Inspired. Be Challenged. Be Ready and Willing to Take the Job! (No experience necessary.)
Flavored with honesty, humor, compelling stories, and creative solutions, Help Wanted navigates the 13 jobs moms must accomplish in the dynamic, often challenging mother-daughter relationship to make the maximum difference in their girl's life: Coach, Creative Counselor, Time Manager, Media Director, Academic Advocate, Professor of Gender Studies, Relationship Counselor, Sex Ed Teacher, Financial Consultant, Bodyguard, Communications Specialist, In-Home Demonstrator, Military Strategist.
The action guide every mom needs to raise confident, healthy, self-fulfilled daughters....
And about the author....
Darlene Brock is a motivated self-starter who, while raising her two daughters, found time to produce award-winning music videos, manage recording artists, promote concerts throughout the US, and serve as the Chief Operating Officer of ForeFront Records. Yet, when reviewing her varied accomplishments and successful career, she proclaims her most important and fulfilling job is Mom.
You can also check out this fun video introducing this new book ~
I really enjoyed this book! My favorite part was all of the stores Darlene shares about her mothering journey with her two daughters. Darlene shares not as a "know it all expert" ~ but as a woman who has sought to be the very best mom she can be, and learned many lessons along the way. By the end of the book, I felt as if I had just shared coffee with Darlene, and was now ready to try some of her new tips and techniques at home! :)
But don't just take my word for it! Here's what others are saying...
**“I love this book, and I’d recommend it to anyone at any stage of parenthood. It has a very broad range of application. It also fills a gaping need for mothers to be encouraged and given wise counsel (before we learn the hard way).” – HollywoodJesus.com
**“This book has GREAT tips for anyone who is a parent-she is the mother of two and wanted to share her experience of being a mom with the world.” – Empowering Mommy
**“Help Wanted is a page turner! I found it to be fun, engaging and one that will make you look at your own mom in a whole different way. I’ve always appreciated my mom and also my wife for what they do on a daily basis, but as a father, this book opened my eyes even further. As I get ready for Mother’s Day I have to say that this book is a must read for any mother or anyone who has a mom. You will definitely appreciate what is shared and will want to share Help Wanted with others!” – Dad of Divas
And guess what??? I have a copy of "Help Wanted: Moms Raising Daughters" to give to a blessed *She Sparkles* friend! Woo Hoo!
To Win my Giveaway: Please answer the question,
Why would you like to win the Help Wanted: Moms Raising Daughters?
Extra Entries:
•Follow *She Sparkles* •Subscribe to *She Sparkles* •Add my *She Sparkles* button to your blog •Tweet about this giveaway including a link to this post
Please be sure to leave me a comment to let me know your extra entries.
RULES: Starts today, Thursday, June 16th and ends Monday, June 20th at 9 PM. Winner will be posted on my blog during the week of June 21st.
If your email address is not connected to your ID, please leave your email address with your comment or email it to me at cindy.bultema@gmail.com with the subject "Giveaway".
So that's what I'm loving this Thursday!! How about you??? I'd love to hear from you!! :)
May you have a wonderful, thrilling, Thankful Thursday filled with all the things you love!!
Disclosure: I was provided with two copies of Darlene Brock's book, "Help Wanted: Moms Raising Daughters" (one to read, one to giveaway). I was not compensated in any other way for the review and, as always, all opinions expressed in this post are fully my own.
Hi Friends! I'm curious...so what is it you are most afraid of??
For me, I join the millions of people in the world with a fear of public speaking.
When I was little, I wet my pants at school often because I was too afraid to raise my hand in class. The thought of everyone looking at me was just too much for this shy, insecure, red haired little girl.
After I came to know Jesus, I sensed the Lord wanted me to share my testimony for His Kingdom purposes.
I was terrified.
In 2003, I heard for the first time about Carol Kent'sSpeak Up with Confidence Seminar. I knew I should go (if I was going to speak in front of people, I should at least have the tools to do so more effectively).
However, the thought of going to this seminar TERRIFIED me, and I chickened out.
Finally in 2007, I knew I must face my fears and insecurities and attend Speak Up.
Can I just tell you....Speak Up with Confidence changed my life. Literally.
I vowed I'd never allow FEAR to hold me back from what God is calling me to do.
From the messages Carol and her team share, to the empowering workshops, the opportunity to meet gracious women from around the country, and the encouragement received in a small group setting ~ God has used Speak Up in very significant, transformational ways.
Most importantly, Speak Up with Confidence has given me tools not only to help me grow as a speaker, but to develop as the woman that God desires for me to be.
If I had all of the resources in the world, I would fund every single woman I know to attend Speak Up with Confidence in Grand Rapids this June 22 -25!
Whether you sit in PTO meetings, share at your MOPS group, attend a Bible study, or simply want to be more comfortable talking in front of others ~ I think everyone can benefit from the prinicples Carol and her team share at this amazing conference.
You can learn more about the details of Speak Up with Confidence here. You will LOVE it! (And please don't allow expenses to hold you back ~ there are scholarship dollars available to help ~ contact Bonniefor more information.)
I'll be there again this year, this time as a facilitator and workshop presenter. Woo Hoo! I would love to see you there! :)
Also, for any *She Sparkles* friend that signs up, please write *She Sparkles* in the memo line, and Carol will present you with a personally autographed copy of her book Speak Up with Confidence.
And now, dear bloggy friends, whether you are able to attend the conference or not ~ I would love to give you a personally signed, autographed copy of this resourceful book!
To Win mySpeak Up with Confidencebook Giveaway: Leave a comment in the comment section answering this question:
Why would you like to win Carol Kent's book Speak Up with Confidence?? Extra Entries: •Follow *She Sparkles* •Subscribe to *She Sparkles* •Add my *She Sparkles* button to your blog •Tweet about this giveaway including a link to this post
Please be sure to leave me a comment to let me know your extra entries.
RULES: Starts today, Thursday, May 26th and ends Monday, May 30th at 9 PM. Winner will be posted on my blog during the week of June 1st.
If your email address is not connected to your ID, please leave your email address with your comment or email it to me at cindy.bultema@gmail.com with the subject "Giveaway".
I'll close with these fun words shared by Carol Kent....
"(At the Speak Up Seminar) we won't remove your butterflies entirely; we'll just get them to fly in formation."
Thanks for stopping by *She Sparkles*. Have a wonderful, fearless, power-filled, day!!
Disclosure: I was not compensated in any way for this review (I just love the Speak Up Seminar!) and, as always, all opinions expressed in this post are fully my own.
Happy "Things I Love Thursday" to you! I hope you are having a GREAT week!!
A few weeks ago, I taught a Bible lesson on "Gold Refined in the Fire". Soon after, a special Bible Study friend sent me a link to 30God.com. I had never heard of this ministry before, but my friend thought I'd enjoy watching this short, creative teaching on God's refining fire. (And she was right!)
Here's the quick thought-provoking video if you'd like to take a peek.....
I've definitely felt like I was on God's grill before (maybe even right now!). You too?! :)
Anyway....after watching this video, I wanted to learn more about 30God.com! I soon discovered that their website is full of short, mini teachings on a variety of subjects ~ all very insightful and Truth-based. Here's more about30God.com:
For decades people have read daily devotionals. Now, for the first time a daily devotional video is available, designed into a Christian blog.
30God.com is designed to inspire people with thoughts of God each day in the simplest way. The format for delivery is a video. People are moving away from printed devotionals to internet devotional blogs. 30God.com represents the next step by delivering the devotion in video as opposed to text. We believe people will be eager to connect daily to 30God.com because it gives them an easy quick thirty second video message from one of seven gifted speakers each day.
30God is also an online retailer, providing a variety of items designed to trigger people to think of God during the day through their shop thinkgodshop.com.
I'm thrilled to announce the amazing leaders of 30God.com are offering $25 worth of free merchandise from their ThinkGod shop to one blessed *She Sparkles* reader!! Woo Hoo!
To Win my 30God.com/ThinkGod $25 Giveaway:
Click over to thinkgodshop.com, then leave a comment in the comment section answering this question:
RULES: Starts today, Thursday, April 21st and ends Sunday, April 24th at 9 PM. Winner will be announced on *She Sparkles* during the week of April 25th.
Extra Entries:
•Follow *She Sparkles* •Subscribe to *She Sparkles* •Add my *She Sparkles* button to your blog •Tweet about this giveaway including a link to this post •Post this Giveaway on FB
Please be sure to leave me a comment to let me know your extra entries.
If your email address is not connected to your ID please leave your email address with your comment or email it to me at cindy.bultema@comcast.net with the subject "Giveaway".
I'll leave you with one more quick video, from 30god.com's founder, Coleman Moore.
What do you love this week?? I'd "love" to hear from you!! :)
Thanks for stopping by *She Sparkles*! Have a wonderful, joy-filled, purposeful week!!
I'm so excited to share something I love, love, love with you ~ Mandisa's new album, "What If We Were Real". It is amazing!!! :)
You may remember, a few weeks ago I shared a clip of Mandisa's new song, "Stronger". Her song came out during a time when it felt like my world was caving in, and I would sing Stronger at the top of my lungs over and over again!
Just in case you've not heard Stronger, check it out....
Thankfully today, after making it through the crazy challenges of February 2011~ I'm pleased to share I AM STRONGER and my circumstances did not destroy me! Woo Hoo!
Imagine my delight, when I was asked to review Mandisa's new album, "What If We Were Real", containing, "Stronger". Of course, my answer was yes!
Can I just tell you that it is POWERFUL, AMAZING, and A MUST HAVE FOR EVERY WOMAN?!
I thought I would like it...but my goodness, every song on the album so identifies with a woman's heart. I don't just like it ~ I love it! I said to my friend Julie this week, "If I had all the money in the world, I would buy a copy for every single woman I know."
It's that good, friends. Promise.
Here's more about Mandisa's new album....
"The concept of the album came to Mandisa as she bared her soul to her more than 20,000 followers on Twitter (@mandisaofficial).
“I was really amazed at the responses I’d get when I’d Tweet that I was struggling, or needed prayer with something, or having a bad day,” she explains. “People said, ‘I’m glad to know I’m not the only one.’ Or ‘I need prayer for that too.’ It surprised me that people thought I had it all together. The truth of the matter is I have bad days too.”
That learning curve is evident on the vulnerable but empowering What If We Were Real.
“I will always struggle with my weight,” Mandisa says, recalling how a disappointing morning on the scale prompted her startling online confession that things are not always rosy. “I had gained weight and was so frustrated at that moment that I said so on Twitter. I said, ‘I’m fed-up and over it.’ I was feeling embarrassed and ashamed. I realized that I had only talked about how great things were. I never let people in when they were not. It was then that I decided I’d talk about the bad things too—that I’d be real.”
And so she is, through 11 songs of struggle, worship, and redemption.....
I would love, love, love to share this new CD with you!!
To Win my Mandisa Giveaway: Leave a comment in the comment section answering this question:
Why would you like to win Mandisa's new CD, "What If We Were Real"??
Extra Entries:
•Follow *She Sparkles*
•Subscribe to *She Sparkles*
•Add my *She Sparkles* button to your blog
•Tweet about this giveaway including a link to this post
Please be sure to leave me a comment to let me know your extra entries.
RULES: Starts today, Thursday, April 14th and ends Sunday, April 17th at 9 PM.
Winner will be posted on my blog during the week of April 18th. If your email address is not connected to your ID, please leave your email address with your comment or email it to me at cindy.bultema@gmail.com with the subject "Giveaway".
I'll close with one more quote from the beautiful, gifted Mandisa....
“A struggle is a struggle, and Jesus is there through it all. He is there in compassion and grace. I have found that what He has spoken to me through these songs has been encouraging and I think that’ll be true for other people who are going through their own hard times...”
Amen, Mandisa, Amen! :)
Thanks for stopping by *She Sparkles*. Have a wonderful, strength-filled, empowered day!!
Disclosure: I was provided with one copy of Mandisa's new CD, "What If We Were Real". I was not compensated in any other way for the review and, as always, all opinions expressed in this post are fully my own.
If you've spent anytime around *She Sparkles*, you know I am passionate about living Fat Talk Free.
Please know....I am so NOT perfect in this area nor have I somehow "arrived".
Truth be told, my friends still call me out on this occassionally. If I let even one "Do these pants make my butt look big?" comment slip...they are on me like fleas (as they should be)!
After years of struggling with an eating disorder, stinkin' thinkin', nearly losing my life, and most recently having to take my young daughter to the doctordue to her "not wanting to be fat" ....I have made a personal promise to be part of the SOLUTION to the epidemic of Fat Talk.
I also get fired up when I meet other women who have committed to living a life of freedom, wholeness, and Truth in the whole body image/food area.
A few months ago, I came across a spacious place, an inspiring, authentic blog written by Kendal. I love it! I soon learned Kendal has been set free from anorexia, and shares her amazing journey in her book Full.
Kendal shares "Full" is "about losing myself to anorexia and filling up again with Jesus and health. My deepest desire is that this book will help someone understand the eating disordered mind."
Here's an excerpt from "Full" by Kendal Privette
(ED refers to "Eating Disorder", and the numbers are her weight)
ED Speaks 127 It's too much. Ed speaks. I didn't know listening was a pact.
Page 2 127 ed sidles up, hissing in my ear. sweet talking, two pounds, he whispers...
Page 4 Psalm 139:14 126 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made Your works are wonderful I know that full well total crap I am ugly I have a lumpy waist stringy hair uneven complexion beady eyes I am a mistake
And on and on the book goes, as we watch this 127 pound mother of two, spiral down to 98 pounds....and then....., well, I'll let you read the book :)
Or listen to Kendal reading from her book "Full". Powerful stuff! :)
When I first received "Full", I could absolutely not put it down! Every girlfriend that came to visit sat with me as we read from Kendal's personal journey. If you know anyone who has been impacted by anorexia/eating disorders, I would highly recommend this book. It paints a picture of the trapped mind, as well as fills the reader with hope (as we watch Kendal come back to health and victory!) Woo Hoo!!
At my request, Kendal has graciously offered to share her book "Full" with a blessed *She Sparkles* friend! (Thank you, dear Kendal!)
To Win my Giveaway: Please answer the question,
Why would you like to win the book "Full"?
Extra Entries: •Post this giveaway on FB •Follow *She Sparkles* via Google Friends Connect •Subscribe to *She Sparkles* •Add my *She Sparkles* button to your blog •Follow *She Sparkles* on twitter •Tweet about this giveaway including a link to this post
Please be sure to leave me a comment to let me know your extra entries.
RULES: Starts today, Thursday, March 24th and ends Sunday, March 27th at 9 PM. Winner will be posted on my blog soon after March 28th.
If your email address is not connected to your ID, please leave your email address with your comment or email it to me at cindy.bultema@comcast.net with the subject "Giveaway".
For information about ordering Kendal's book, click here.
To stop by Kendal's blog and say hello, click here.
How has your life been impacted by stinkin' thinkin'/eating disorders/body image stuff?? What have you found to be key in walking in *victory* in this area?? I'd love to hear from you!
Thank you for stopping by *She Sparkles*. Have a wonderful, freedom-filled day!!
P.S. If you've not seen this powerful video on "Fat Talk", please take just a few minutes and watch it. (Job well done, Tri Delta!)
