The Beauty of the Body

Pic above: Preparing for teaching in front of the beautiful white cascade terraces of Hierapolis

Hey Friends ~

As I'm slowly coming out of my jet lag fog (it's not been easy - I am in one big daze! Just ask my mom, I managed to lose her car keys in a matter of minutes yesterday. Ugh!)

Anyway...I've been slowly reflecting on the lessons I've learned on my recent journey to Turkey (and back)!

One of the many lessons I learned first hand is the beauty of the Body of Christ!

This whole experience to Turkey is jam packed full of help, support and encouragement from women and men from all over who helped make this Red Hot Faith journey possible, like...

* my husband, John - who joyfully took on the single parent role for 8 days so I could step out in faith towards a lifelong dream...

* my kids - who prayed for me every. single. day and wrote me notes and love seeing their mom do something she is passionate about....

* my parents and in-laws (child care help extraordinaire, plus so much more!)

* friends around the world "praying down the tracks", literally...

* The Magnificent Monday Night girls who let me practice all this teaching material on them

* friends who helped pick wardrobe, let me borrow their clothes and jewelry, sent me Scripture cards, $ for Turkish coffee, made meals and orange bread while I was gone, wore Red every day as a reminder to pray, woke up in the night praying, gave my girls extra "mom" hugs, helped with all my sick issues, sent me to Turkey with pillow cases, bracelets, notes of support, special texts, & prayed more....

I could go on and on.... I am so humbled and grateful for the amazing community God has blessed me with :)

And then there is the amazing Day of Discovery team. I could not have hand picked a more Christ-centered, prayerful, Servant-hearted, patient group to serve alongside.

This amazing crew encouraged me, made me laugh, gave me helpful pointers...

...kept me cool in the sun, made sure I was drinking, prayed for me the entire time, made sure I was eating, and helped the full days of filming (which could have been horribly stressful) instead be filled with laughter, kindness and oodles of joy.

Thank you Steve, Julie, Em, Fred and Leah (plus the amazing crew in GR who prayed us through every step of the way!!)

Lastly, I'm so thankful to Fred Hollis, the Director/Producer of this project. Fred's been in TV for 30 years, and has taken the time to really coach me. What a huge blessing!

Clearly I have no training in making TV shows (this is the last thing I'd have ever thought I was doing!) ~ so to have someone with such skill, experience and willingness to teach and shape me is an absolute blessing!

Yes, the body of Christ is a BEAUTIFUL thing and I'm so grateful for the army of women and men God has gathered to help pray this project into fruition!

Would about for you? How have you experienced the body of Christ in action?? I'd love to hear from you!

Thanks for stopping by *She Sparkles*!

Sweet Blessings to you~



P.S. For the friends wondering if I enjoyed Starbucks while I was away, the answer is YES! Julie and I found a Starbucks both in Amsterdam and in Istanbul. Pic below is with Armagan, our Turkish guide in Istanbul, on the night he took us girls out shopping to celebrate the end of production. Woo Hoo!

It is Finished! Woo Hoo!

Hey Friends :)

I'm home! I'm home!

Thank you so much for your prayers and encouragement! God is so faithful and the trip/filming/Turkey adventure was amazing!

In the days to come, I'd love to share how God showed up BIG TIME! I was healthy, the weather was perfect, we were able to make it through all 7 full teachings, plus 7 intros/closings, the crew was awesome, the equipment worked perfectly, no traveling delays, etc..

I could literally sense the prayers and the Presence of God the entire time!

For today, I'm going to just leave you with a few pictures. My head is quite foggy (this jet lag is intense!) - but I couldn't wait to say THANK YOU for your prayers from the very bottom of my heart!

Here's a very brief, random photo recap.....

Pic below - opening of Bible study filmed atop Istanbul overlooking Bosphorus River

Traveling with crew on the site of Ancient Hierapolis (Best. Crew. Ever. - I never heard anyone complain during our 8 days together. Not once)

Pic below...Walking the ruins of Hierapolis

Pic below - filming in hotel room (the story of when Jake went sleepwalking in Chicago). Do you remember that scary story?? Who would have thought I'd be sharing the story before a camera 6 years later...

Pic below - standing atop the ruins of Colosse

Pic below - standing on the Syrian Road in Ancient Laodicea. Crew trying to keep me "cool" in between takes. The sun was HOT! :)

Pic below - Crew picture taken just as we were leaving Ancient Laodicea.

Only God could orchestrate something like this Red Hot Faith adventure! Thank you so very much for praying down the tracks! I am at a loss for words!

With much love and gratitude ~

A to Z Memory Verse - "G"

Hey Friends!

Welcome to the A to Z Memory Verse Challenge 2012! I'm so glad you are here! If you are new to the A to Z Challenge, you can read all about it here !

We'd love to have you join in at anytime!

I must confess I am writing this post the night before I leave for Turkey. With the change of travel plans, I'm still out of town on 3/26, but want this to post while I'm oversees.

BUT I am so excited to tell you how God has already used the "G" verse in our family!

Here's the story....

Tonight my dear in-laws Bob & Jackie Bultema came over to say goodbye and pray with me before Turkey. While we were chatting, Bob shared how he recently passed along some *She Sparkles* A to Z verse packs to a friend, and the impact the verses had already made in a friend's life. Woo Hoo!

Bob also shared how he is up to the "H" verse in his personal memorization. One of my girls ran over to get our A to Z verse book to quiz Grandpa. Sure enough - Grandpa Bob is on the ball!

Later that evening, I peeked in on my Manda. She was in her bed writing down her verses in a little book (not wanting to get outdone by her Grandpa, I'm thinking!). A few minutes later she came running downstairs and said...

"Mom, Mom, you know the book you're making with verses for when you're in Turkey?"

(While I was sick, I spent a lot of time writing verses in a spiral book to take on my travels)

Manda continued, "Mom, you just have to add the "G" verse. It's perfect for you!"

Sweet little Manda even made me a "G" verse card to bring along ....


You are right, Manda! What a perfect verse for ALL OF US to let sink into our mind and heart!

What do you think?? Will you memorize the "G" verse with us??

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

Remember, join in at anytime! (If this is your first verse - that's GREAT!) Go at your own pace - just don't give up!! :)

Giveaways ~

I am thrilled to share another GREAT GIVEAWAY with you!

Y'all know I love the Kidz Memory Verse Book! Darlene put all 26 verses we'll be memorizing this year into this fun, colorful book. I love having the verses right by our kitchen sink! And when the girls wanted to quiz their Grandpa - they knew right where the verses were kept (and they needed the book, since Grandpa is farther along than we are!).

I'd love to share the A to Z Versebook with YOU, my *She Sparkles* friend!

I'm pleased to announce I have 5 Versebooks to give away to 5 blessed winners! Woo Hoo!

To Win my Versebook Giveaway: Please sign in (name, location) and let us know one of your favorite "run to" verses (and why, if you'd like).

I'll go first -

Cindy B., Michigan, Psalm 16:8 I have set the LORD always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

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, Monday, March 26th and ends Thursday, March 29th at 9 PM. Winners will be posted on my blog during the week of April 1.

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".

If you are a blogger, please leave your blog address in the comment section. What fun to blog hop and see how you are implementing the verses. Friends, if you are able, please stop by and say hello to these fun A to Z Participants too!!!!

Thanks for stopping by *She Sparkles*. Happy Memorizing!


P.S. The A to Z verse pack that I mentioned my father-in-law has been sharing with friends is also by Darlene at Verseability. The custom A-Z Versepack contains all 26 of the verses for the year. The Versepacks are business card sized and perfect for carrying in your purse or pocket and are available for a special price of $ 5.00, plus shipping. You can order them by e-mailing: darlenedykstra@yahoo.com. Be sure to mention *She Sparkles* to get the special rate.

One Women's Bible study ordered 50 versepacks so that the whole Bible study could memorize together. What fun!

Disclosure: I was not provided with any financial compensation for this giveaway, and as always, all opinions are mine.

Praying Down the Tracks (Pretty Please??!)

Hey Friends!

You may remember one of my favorite quotes from Watchman Nee ~

"Our prayers lay the track down on which God's power can come. Like a mighty locomotive, His power is irresistible, but it cannot reach us without rails."

Isn't that an awesome visual?! I love thinking of a huge, mighty locomotive filled to overflowing with God's power and blessing...and how my part is to pray and "lay down the tracks".

It breaks my heart to think of a powerful Steam Engine, filled with Divine blessings and miracles, waiting patiently in the station, desiring to have rails on which to run.

Two years ago I first asked others to "pray down some tracks" while I worked on writing my "Red Hot" Bible Study. I could totally sense the prayers!! Some days I could barely write fast enough to keep up with the "down load" I was receiving.

After the first Red Hot Retreat, I knew God was up to something significant!

Would you believe today I'm heading with the Day of Discovery video crew to film this study in Turkey??

Only God!

As you know, this journey has not been without opposition!

Can I get an Amen?!

Although I do have my voice back (thank You, God!) - this past weekend I was back at the Med Center. I'm loaded up with a new batch of antibiotics and feel good thanks to a big steroid shot (in my bottom, no less. Youch!).

And after sitting in God's waiting room, not knowing what He was up to - He has opened the door once again. Woo Hoo!

And so today, as I prepare to head to Turkey, could I please ask you to "pray down some tracks"? I am so out of my comfort zone, and desperately need a fresh measure of God's power, presence and peace!

Here's a brief summary of what we'll be doing...

Monday & Tuesday (3/19, 3/20) - travel; arrive in Istanbul

Wed 3/21 - fly from Istanbul to Denizli; filming on site in Ancient Laodicea

Thursday 3/22 - filming in Laodicea

Friday 3/23 - filming in Hierapolis and Laodicea, fly to Istanbul

Saturday & Sunday 3/24 & 3/25 - filming in Istanbul

Monday 3/26 - travel home

I'd be so extremely humbled if you'd pray for things like the amazing Day of Discovery crew, my health, peace, recall as I seek to remember 8 teaching sessions (yikes!), good weather, that I wouldn't make the team take 60 "takes", my family while I'm away (John came down with a sore throat yesterday. ugh), technical stuff would go smoothly, divine appointments, that God's Spirit would come upon me in a powerful way (and that it would be obvious that it is God working in and through me)...

....and most importantly, that God would use this project to transform lives for His purpose and glory alone!

If you'd like to see pics while we are away, be sure to check out the Day of Discovery facebook page. The crew does a great job of sending updates (and urgent prayer requests!) as well as posting pictures during their shoot. (Check them out here).

Lastly, I hope as I share about this opportunity that it encourages YOU to step out into whatever God is asking YOU to do. You have to know that I am the least likely candidate for this amazing, God-sized task. May this story, His story, increase your faith and remind you that nothing is impossible with God!

Lord, we're asking You to show up and show off! For Your Glory Alone!!

Thanks for stopping by *She Sparkles*! Have an amazing, Truth-filled, life-giving week!!


P.S. My son Jake loaded up my iPod with a new batch of worship music for the trip. Here's what I've been singing all day....



P.P.S. Thanks again, sweet April, for sending this in the mail. What a perfect token of encouragement. You bless me!

Warriors NOT Wimps

Hey Friends!

Just a quick note to say hello to you, my dear bloggy friends, while my day is filled with packing, packing, and more packing!

Not that this weekend has been "uneventful" - but let's just say my day-long visit to the Med Center on St. Patrick's Day has me set up with a new arsenal of antibiotics and a fresh determination to seek God wholeheartedly and watch His perfect plan for this Bible Study.

I get so fired up thinking about the huge impact a group of Red Hot, passionate, powerful women could make for Kingdom purposes in this lost, hurting, and broken world! Woo Hoo!

As I've been packing, I've been filling my suitcase with sweet notes/e-mails from you!

My friend Erin gave me a special Red Hot album months ago - and it's been so fun to fill it with God's promises and words of encouragement from special friends...near and far!

If you haven't figured out I'm a "words" girl - so please don't think any Scripture, powerful reminder, or nugget of wisdom is wasted on me. I treasure them all! (And thanks, Erin, for the Red Hot album to tuck them all into!)

Anyway, I also uncovered a commissioning statement tucked away in my Bible written by Beth Moore. You may remember it! I save it for days just like this!

This morning I pulled out the commissioning statement and prayed it aloud in faith. Boy did it help! Then I prayed it for all the participants that will someday watch these "Red Hot Faith" teachings.

And now, my dear *She Sparkles* friends, I am praying it for you...

My Dear Sister/Brother,
The God of Glory
Has called you.
You have a ministry.
In Christ, you are enough for that ministry.
Never forget that showing God off is your ministry.
No matter what,
Keep your heart in your ministry.
Unveil your face
And serve others with authenticity.
Always remember
That the power is in God's Presence.
Let nothing
Come between you
And intimacy with God.
Keep moving forward
From glory to glory.
Let God thin that veil.
Remember, ministry is not about position.
It's about people.
Let name after name
Be written on your heart.
Do not seek great things for yourself,
Seek a great God.
As you leave this place,
Go in a fresh anointing.
He who turns water into wine
Turns wimps into warriors.
You have a ministry.
Go fulfill it!!

~ Beth Moore

In Christ, WE ARE WARRIORS not wimps!

In Christ, WE ARE ENOUGH!

Oh how I needed that reminder!! It's not about me having the perfect Red Hot message, a trendy outfit, a stylish haircut, whether I'm puffy or not puffy, or even a flawless presentation. As long as I seek Him and His presence, regardless of the outcome, it's going to be good!

What about for you?

What is God currently asking you to do which seems too big, too much, or like you are just not nearly qualified enough??

Do you need a fresh measure of His presence??

Do you need a reminder that in Christ, regardless of your circumstances, YOU, dear sister, ARE ENOUGH!!!

May I encourage you to print off Beth's commissioning statement and tuck it away in your Bible. You'll never know when you too might be encouraged by her powerful, Truth-filled words!

Well, I'm headed back to my packing. I'm still feeling way out of my comfort zone (think butterflies on steroids!) ~ but I'm prayed up, got my tennis shoes on, and I'm wearing lipstick. Somehow that makes me feel much better. :)

Have a fun-filled, life-giving weekend!! God's richest blessings to you~

Lucky Leprechaun Giveaway Hop

**Happy St. Patrick's Day! Let the CELEBRATING begin! Check out my fun, family-friendly fun, family-friendly ideas if you've not planned your party yet. Enjoy! **


Hey friends!

Today I am thrilled to participate in a fun book giveaway/blog hop hosted by Inspired Kathy at I am a Reader not a Writer & friends. Over 250 blogs are giving away a book, and all the blogs are linked together so you can hop from one to the next. What fun! I hope you'll join us!

The book I am excited to share with you is Ann Voskamp's book One Thousand Gifts.


If you've spent any time around *She Sparkles*, you know this book is one of my favorites! The trailer alone inspires me! Check it out....



Reading this book has encouraged, inspired, and empowered me to live with my hands wide open. I want to live a life of gratitude!

And I'd love to share a copy of Ann's book with you so you can too!

To Win my "One Thousand Gifts" Giveaway:

Leave a comment in the comment section answering this question:

Why would you like to win a copy of "One Thousand Gifts"??

RULES: Starts today, Friday, March 16th and ends Thursday, March 22nd at midnight. Winner will be contacted via e-mail after March 26th.

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@gmail.com with the subject "Giveaway".

Thanks for stopping by *She Sparkles*! God's richest blessings to you!


P.S. A huge note of thanks to Kathy and Cindy for coordinating the Lucky Leprechaun Giveaway Hop. Be sure to "hop over" and check out some of the amazing book giveaways! :)

Thankful Thursday (& Filming Update)

Looking for fun, family friendly St. Patrick's Day ideas? Here's some of my favorite ideas!

Hey Friends!

Happy Thursday to you! I hope you've been having a great week!

On this Thankful Thursday I have some good news and bad news to share with you.

First, the bad news -

I'm still sick. This stinks. Really.

Today is Day 7 of me being in my jammies for most of the day. My voice is better today (still raspy, but improving) but I feel like I've been hit by a truck. Ugh.

I'm supposed to be boarding an airplane for Turkey, but instead sitting on my couch drinking hot tea resting with my dog. Again.

The good news -

THANKFULLY, RBC's Day of Discovery team (best. crew. ever.) frantically worked with their guide in Turkey and was able to postpone the production until next week.

What a miracle - all new flight arrangements, permits to shoot, hotel accomodations, etc.. A new itinerary arrived for me today. I cried. Again.

THANK YOU, GOD!

We will leave next Monday, March 19th and return home Monday, March 26th. WOO HOO!

(If you would like to see pics or read updates while I am away - Jeanine, Senior Video Editor/Associate Producer extraordinaire, does an excellent job of updating the Day of Discovery facebook page. This will be the easiest way to see updates until I return. More info here).

THANK YOU for praying me through this crazy week. I've had such peace in the midst of the disappointing and uncertain events of the week. Although it's not been a week I've ever want to repeat, God revealed Himself in very specific, tangible ways. I am grateful.

Please know, I treasure every word, prayer and note of encouragement you shared with me.

I sure thank God for you, my sweet friends!

(And if you wouldn't mind praying I am at healthy by Monday that would be GREAT! Please?!)

How about for you? What are you thankful for this week?? I would LOVE to hear from you!

God's richest blessings to you~


P.S. The winner of the Carol Kent giveaway is Deb C, and the winner of the Seeds book giveaway is Kristi from Missouri. (Could you both send me your mailing adddresses?) Thank you to all who entered!

In God's Waiting Room

Hey Friends ~

Happy Tuesday to you! I pray you are having a Truth-filled day!

What an emotional roller coaster I have been on this week. I still don't know how everything is going to shake out - but in an effort to keep it real here on *She Sparkles* - I write to you in the midst of the waiting.

As you may remember, I've been planning to go to Turkey to film a new women's Bible study with RBC Ministries for months now. This past Friday (6 days before departure) I completely lost my voice (this has NEVER happened before). I let RBC know right away, and yesterday the Director determined it'd be too big of a risk to take a crew over when the speaker didn't have a voice (makes sense!).

Unfortunately, with the way their budget is set up, if the study isn't filmed this month, it would need to be postponed until next year, and would probably be filmed locally.

I'll admit, friends, I bawled my eyes out.

Take one painful throat, plus lack of sleep (due to night time coughing fits), 3 1/2 days of solitude on the couch (have I ever told you I don't "do sick" well?) plus this disappointing news = a recipe for a complete meltdown.

However, while the RBC Production Assistant was telling me this heart wrenching update - her boss interupted her and asked if my schedule would allow to go next week. I quickly checked with my husband John and he said yes. So RBC contacted their agent in Turkey to see about switching plane tickets, shooting permits, hotels, etc... for the whole crew.

And so I wait.

However, in the midst of this waiting period, I am asking God to give me eyes to see Him. I've been begging God to reveal Himself to me (John 14:21) so that I might know His perfect plan in this "detour".

"Those who obey my commandments are the ones who love Me. And because they love me, my Father will love them, and I will love them. And I will reveal myself to each one of them." John 14:21 NLT

Yesterday within 30 minutes of my sad phone call, He sent my neighbor Tricia to my door. She was armed with soup and song books. She asked if she could play my piano and worship God. What a gift! I sat on my couch and cried and read Scripture as my home was filled with beautiful, heart felt hymns of praise to God.

My email was quickly filled with words of Truth and encouragement from many sweet friends. Every single word brought hope and joy to my weary soul, and the Truth shared was like a healing balm. (Thanks, friends!)

My sweet mentor Mary showed up with her Bible and healing oils. I think any ailment I've ever had (and will have) was prayed out of me! (Mary, you rock!)

My refrigerator was quickly stocked with healthy foods, yummy treats, pitchers of hot tea, honey...not to mention the different natural remedies dropped off by caring friends. Blessed.

My parents and in-laws continue to help shuffle kids here and there while I sit quietly on the couch, with my scarf and warm air humidifier, seeking God and His healing touch.

And I wait.

I cling to the Truth that although I don't know the future, I do know the One who holds the future.

I rest on the promise that God has not abandoned me. He knows what He's doing.

I trust Him.

What about you, dear friends? Have you ever been, or are you now, in a season of waiting? How have you seen God show up in the midst of your challenging seasons? What have you learned in God's waiting room?? I'd love to hear from you!

Thanks for your prayers and encouragement, my dear *She Sparkles* friends! I thank God for YOU!



P.S. I did go to my ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat doc) today. After sticking a mirror down my throat (gag!), he said while my vocal cords are still inflamed, I am on the road to recovery. Yay! I'm on a steroid now too (if I make it to Turkey, I may be puffy. Just sayin')....but my ENT is confident my voice is on its way back. Woo Hoo!

P.P.S. Here's one of the songs Tricia played for me on my piano. It's now my "theme song" for this waiting time.

How I'm Doing REALLY

Hey Friends :)

Today is a hard, discouraging, disappointing day.

You know, since I've given my life to Jesus and told God I'd go wherever He sends me, I'm used to the "trials" that come along with ministry.

**When I worked at Mars Hill, John and I usually would fight right before every big event or opportunity. Ugh.

Now that John and I recognize this, we have *new* ministry challenges.

**It's not uncommon for me to get a cold or the flu or an ear infection or even an asthma flair up the week before a speaking event.

**In the midst of my huge writing deadline, mice invaded our home. (John killed 14 in one week - yuck!)

**5 days before the Red Hot Retreat, my little girl shared lice with me. Nice.

**When I was planning to go to Nashville last week, John & the kids got the stomach flu. When I got home, everyone was healthy again. Of course.

I recognize that as I prepare for filming my Bible study in Turkey and for my testimony to be aired on TV, the "attacks" may continue.

I've been super diligent about taking vitamins, getting rest, guzzling water, exercising, etc.. to maintain my physical health. I've spent hours in the Word and prayer trying to stay spiritually healthy.

When my son was in a car accident last weekend (one of my worst fears!), I continued to declare my hope and faith in God.

I will not be shaken.

When RBC's production assistant (Julie) and I went wardrobe shopping on Tuesday, she shared she'd strained her back and was very uncomfortable. Oh no!

"What if every time one of these new challenges come up we praise God???" I said.

Back pain - God, we praise You that the rest of Julie is healthy.

Driving past Jake's accident scene - Lord, I praise You for keeping Jake healthy (and for him having not even a scrape!)

Thursday night I had a "tickle" in my throat. As I ran to Target, I declared, "Lord, I praise You for being Lord of my body, for over the counter medicine, for being faithful and true!"

Imagine my horror when I woke up Friday and had no voice. AHHHH!

Saturday I felt like a truck hit me - but went to the Med Center in case I have strep or mono and needed an antibiotic.

Friends, it's not good. I have laryngitis. The doctors said it may be 7 - 14 days before I have my voice back.

NOOOOO! I am supposed to leave for Turkey this Thursday (that's 4 days!).

Yesterday I was strong. I totally believed God had this and I'd be fine.

Today I had a melt down. Big time. I still have no voice, my throat feels like it's on fire, and I'm just plain old sad. Mad. Disappointed. Discouraged.

How can I praise You God when I don't even have a voice???

I wept.

And then I remembered the sweet friends God has blessed me with and their heart for prayer.

After I sent out a plea for prayer, I suddenly realized...

I can praise God without a voice!

I've been walking around doing sign language saying "Thank You, Jesus".

I've nodded in faith and "Amened" in my heart as I've read prayers and words of encouragement that have blessed me today from my dear friends (and even my kiddos).


I put on some lip stick and watched my son Benj and his hockey team win their hockey championship today. (I promise I didn't say a word - just pumped my fist in the air a lot!)

And I've declared to God again that I want this trip to Turkey to bring Him much glory!

When my voice returns I will share with fresh passion my Red Hot Faith in Him!

And if He is desiring for us to go to Turkey at a later date, I will thank Him for His sovereignty and care. (But my hope is that we go this week - pretty please, God?!!)

I will praise God.....

Friends, what are you praising God for today???

Thanks for stopping by *She Sparkles*! I'm off to grab some hot tea and head back to bed! Would you mind keeping me (and my voice!) in your prayers? I need a miracle!

A to Z Memory Verse Challenge - "F"

If you haven't entered my Carol Kent DVD Giveaway, it's not too late! Come join the fun!

Hey Friends!

Welcome to the A to Z Memory Verse Challenge 2012! I'm so glad you are here! If you are new to the A to Z Challenge, you can read all about it here ! You can join in at anytime!

Today is the perfect day to memorize verses with us!

Here are the verses we've learned so far....

A: As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15b
B: Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved. Acts 16:31
C: Create in me a pure heart, O God and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10
D: Devote yourself to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2
E - Every good and perfect gift is from above James 1:17

And now for our "F" Verse -

F - For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, love, and of self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7

Remember, join in at anytime! Go at your own pace - just don't give up!! :)

Memorizing Ideas ~

* Don't forget the dry erase marker idea. Write the verse on mirrors in your home.

* Put it on a note card by your toothbrush. Say it aloud each morning & night when you brush your teeth.

* For families, you may want to print off a letter "F" on colored cardstock. Write the verse on the "F", and hang it on your refrigerator.

* Y'all know I love the Kidz Memory Verse Book! Darlene put all 26 verses we'll be memorizing this year into this fun, colorful book.


For more ideas of memorizing verses, check out this great list!

**Feel free to share your favorite tips, ideas, even pictures. I'd love to share your suggestions and/or link to you in the weeks to come!

Giveaways ~

I am thrilled to share another GREAT GIVEAWAY with you!



For our last few giveaways, I introduced you to Seeds Family Worship (although many of you knew and loved Seeds already!).

Seeds does an excellent job of creating amazing songs to help scripture memory simple (as my kids would say "easey, peasy...") and very kid-friendly. They also provide a number of great resources, including this book - The Well-Versed Family by Caroline Boykin.


Here's what you'll find in the book...

Part A: Nurturing a Well-Versed Family

•What's Down in the Well, Comes Up in the Bucket
•The Foundations of a Well-Versed Family
•Making a Good Impression
•Seize the Teachable Moment
•Developing a Mind for Memory
•Choosing “Hearty” Seeds
•The Compelling Case for Scripture Memory

Part B: Tips and Tools for the Well-Versed Family

•Memorable Verse Cards
•Basic Bible Memory Tips
•Simple Scripture Memory Tools
•Easy Memory Verse Games and Activities
•Fun Family “Devos” for Bible Memory
•Learning Longer Passages
•Perforated Memory Verse Cards

A huge note of thanks to the Seeds Ministry for their willingness to share this great resource with a *She Sparkles* friend! :)

To Win this week's book Giveaway: Share with us who you are, where you are from, and why you'd like to win this book.

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, Monday, March 12th and ends Wednesday, March 14th at 9 PM. Winners will be posted on my blog during the week after I get back from Turkey.

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".

If you are a blogger, please leave your blog address in the comment section. What fun to blog hop and see how you are implementing the verses. Friends, if you are able, please stop by and say hello to these fun A to Z Participants too!!!!

Thanks for stopping by *She Sparkles*. Happy Memorizing!


P.S. Verseability has also made a custom A-Z Versepack that contains all 26 of the verses for the year. The Versepacks are business card sized and perfect for carrying in your purse or pocket and are available for a special price of $ 5.00, plus shipping. You can order them by e-mailing: darlenedykstra@yahoo.com. Be sure to mention *She Sparkles* to get the special rate.


One Women's Bible study ordered 50 versepacks so that the whole Bible study could memorize together. What fun!

Disclosure: I was not provided with any financial compensation for this giveaway, and as always, all opinions are mine.

The Good News, the Bad News & the Giveaway (Carol Kent DVD series!)

Hey Friends!

Happy Weekend to you! :)

First my good news...only 5 days until I leave for Turkey. I've shed many a tear as I've been packing, praying, and preparing this week. Only God!

THANK YOU for your sweet notes of encouragement and your many prayers! Your support means more than you know. Thank you! :)

The bad news...I lost my voice. Can you believe it??! How can I teach 8 Bible lessons with no voice. AHHHH! Will you join me in praying I am restored to complete health - and quickly?!

And now the giveaway! Rather than sulk in my discomfort and get all freaked out, I'm trying to think about blessing others! I want to share one of my favorite resources with you!!!

If you've spent any time hanging out here at *She Sparkles*, you know I have a ton of respect for my friend, award winning writer & dynamic communicator, Carol Kent.

Carol's latest book, "Between A Rock and A Grace Place" has been a huge source of strength, encouragement, and inspiration to many women (and men) around the world!

If you haven't read it yet, trust me...you will LOVE it!


Last winter, I had the joy of sitting in with Carol and 20 other amazing, beautiful women, along with the Zondervan team, as Carol taped 6 powerful teachings to correspond with her best-selling book.


Introducing the "Between A Rock And A Grace Place Kit" Woo Hoo!


Here's more...

"Bestselling author Carol Kent teaches this six-session video based study of facing the challenges of life and discovering the last thing you ever expected-the sweet spot of grace.

Join Carol as she teaches the liberating truth that when we are caught between a rock and a hard place, we are given a choice: Will we place ourselves in a posture of humility and complete dependence on God, or will we just “try harder” and stumble over what could be a transforming encounter with grace?

With hope, joy and a sense of humor, Carol Kent will help you and your group see God’s “grace places” in the middle of your worst moments.

Each pack contains one soft cover participant’s guide and one six-session DVD study. Retail: $31.99

Not only are Carol's teachings awesome, the publisher sent a production team to Florida to videotape her son Jason behind the razor wire. Cameo appearances from Jason are featured in each of the six sessions of the small group study. You will find him honest, transparent, humble, and encouraging.

Trust me, you are going to love this series!!! :)

You could go here to order a kit, OR you could enter to win one here....because I have a set to giveaway to you!! Yippee!

To Win my Between A Rock and A Grace Place Giveaway: Leave a comment in the comment section answering this question:

Why would you like to win Carol Kent's Between A Rock and A Grace Place DVD Set & Study Guide??

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, Saturday, March 10th and ends Tuesday, March 13th at 9 PM. Winner will be posted on my blog during the week of March 14th.

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 powerful words shared by Carol (from 1 Peter 4).

"Be encouraged with these words: Friends when life gets really difficult, don’t jump to the conclusion that God isn’t on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner.” 1 Peter 4:12-13 (MSG)

Thanks for stopping by *She Sparkles*. Have a wonderful, grace-filled, weekend!!



P.S. Here's a little promo of the DVD's. See if you can find me too! :)



P.P.S. Carol will be hosting her amazing Speak Up Conference in Grand Rapids, MI again this June. Her conference is AWESOME! I'll also be there teaching 3 different workshops and other fun stuff. I'd love for you to join us!!!