Only God Pt 3 (& my desperate plea for prayer!)

My dear friends ~

Have you ever been a part of something that you know ONLY GOD could orchestrate?

You may remember, last month I went to my home town of Kokomo, Indiana to begin filming my testimony with RBC Ministries (recap: Part 1 & Part 2)

Being in front of a camera (and then having to talk into the camera!) is 200% out of my comfort zone.

Thankfully, with family and friends "praying down the tracks", I made it through the filming in one piece (and with minimal tears). Whew! :)

This week, the production continues...and I am once again desperate for prayer!

In addition to a number of fun scenes, I'll be sharing the hardest day of my life (and I am dreading it!).

First the fun part....

It's my husband John's turn! :)

The amazing "Day of Discovery crew" will be capturing John doing all the things that were so helpful to me while I was a grieving single mom....mowing my lawn, fixing my car, helping glue gummy worms on a board for the 100th day of school. Our son Benj is going to play "little Jake".

They'll also be filming John writing out a paycheck for me (that's how we met - John wrote the paychecks for Mars Hill Bible Church when I first joined the staff). Fun!!

However, they are also recreating the scene when I get scolded by a police officer after my cocaine overdose. Ugh.

I'll also be in the studio reading at a lot of my testimony for the parts when they will be sharing photographs (sorry I don't know the technical terms)....the "voice over". Hopefully I'll be able to talk slowly (easier said than done for me!)

On Wednesday, we'll be recreating December 10, 1998 ~ my hardest saddest day ever. :(

That's the tragic day my fiance David was killed.

I still vividly remember being in my parent's home when I received the shocking phone call. I also recall clearing the grief counselors, church friends, and family out of the way ~ as I sat with my friend/pastor Rob Bell weeping and begging him to explain David's death.

"Why Rob, why??? Why would God allow this???" I shouted as I sobbed into my trembling hands.

I don't remember everything Rob said that horrific night, except that one day God would use this all for His purpose.

Fast forward 13 years, and we'll be re-creating this "Christmas scene" in my parents home. (A huge thank you to my parents and girls for decorating early for Christmas!)

I will be looking directly into the camera as I reflect on this painful night. I can't even imagine how I'm going to do this. It'll take a miracle.

I would be so humbled and honored if you would pray.

Upon completetion, RBC will be airing my testimony on their Day of Discovery television show. My stomach hurts just thinking about it all.

ONLY GOD.

I am so out of my comfort zone that I can hardly think straight. Thankfully, one friend reminded me...."Cindy, It might be over your head, but under His feet!!!!"

(Thanks, Becky Turner. I needed that!)

Have you ever been a part of something that you know ONLY GOD could orchestrate? How did you make it through? Were there Scripture verses that helped? I'd love to hear from you!!

I would also be grateful for any prayers you might offer on this project's behalf!! I cling to the hope that one day someone would share they were in a hard place, but then they turned on the TV (or watched a Day of Discovery DVD) with some redheaded girl, and he/she thought..."If God could get her out of that mess, there's hope for me too!" :)

I'm so thankful that God can take our insecurities, our ugliest moments, our hardest days and transform them all into something He can use for His purposes. You too?? :)

Thanks so much for stopping by *She Sparkles*! I thank God for you!!!

Sweet blessings~

P.S. I'm linking up today with Jen and friends at Soli Deo Gloria. Be sure to check out this amazing sisterhood of women! :)

Reflections from a Hockey Mom (& must see video!)

Me and my handsome hockey playing son Jake (aka # 33)

Hey Friends! I'm just getting home from the Indiana retreat. It was absolutely unbelievable! God showed up BIG TIME! I hope to post pics soon (but would you believe I didn't take one picture. I was so busy talking with these beautiful women!) The coordinator is going to send some photos...and I'll try to put into words what we experienced. THANK YOU for your prayers!

I made it home just in time to attend my son's hockey game. Being at the rink made me think of this former post. Enjoy! I'm off to take a nap... :)

Hey Friends!

I hope you are having a GREAT week! :)

So you all know that I love being a hockey mom! Both of my boys play this exciting sport, so I get to spend lots of time cheering them on at the ice rink.

Recently during the "Red Hot Retreat" we talked about being women of passion. I mentioned how I can get a little "Red Hot" as a hockey mom (shocking, I know). In case anyone thinks I was exaggerating ~ I've got new proof...on video, no less!

So here's the context...

My son Jake is the Varsity goalie for the Grand Rapid's Christian High Eagles. Last night was the 2nd play-off game for his team. Truth be told, I didn't think they would win on the first play-off game, so for them to win Game 1 and advance to play their rival school (East Grand Rapids) was exciting (and nerve-wracking for me, the goalie mom!)

Imagine my SHOCK and HORROR when the refs announced during the second period of last night's Play-off Game # 2 that the other team's star player would be able to take a penalty shot against my Jake. AHHH!

Thankfully, I know Jake does well under pressure, but not me!.

One dad from our team said, "Wow, this could really change the whole game." We were currently down 0-2, and the penalty shot would be taken in front of the other team's huge student section (who kept yelling not nice things at my son!). My stomach sank!!

I pulled out my camera and recorded the big play. Here's a replay (remember Jake is the goalie).



I know I got so excited that you can't tell what happened (oops!), but Jake did stop the shot!! Woo Hoo! And although we lost the game, Jake learned that he made the city's All-Conference team. Way to go, Jake! :)

I'm not sure what life stuff is coming full speed at you these days, but I imagine Jake's not the only one trying to block off "flying pucks" from the opposing team.

In fact, e-mails that I have received this week from dear friends included words like emergency at the hospital, unemployment $ running out, depression, divorce, cancer, and alcoholism (and these were all from Christian friends).

Life is just plain hard sometimes, isn't it?

Thankfully we serve a God who knows what we are going through. He has not left us alone. He has equipped us and empowered us with EVERYTHING we need to face our challenges head on. And in Him, not only will we make it through, but we are VICTORIOUS too!

(Remember ~ we are Warriors not Wimps, girlfriend!)

Years ago, when I was in the midst of a full-blown eating/thinking disorder, here was my daily song that I would sing and declare all throughout my day....

Victory is mine, Victory is mine, Victory TODAY is mine....

I told Satan to "Get thee, behind!"

Victory today is Mine!!

Friend, VICTORY is YOURS today!! Somedays it means we stand "in the net", while others are shouting at us and our opponent is coming at us FULL STRENGTH....but in Him, we Win!!

We Win!! We Win!!!

May we not grow weary in doing good....Victory today is OURS!!!!

Thanking God for YOU and asking Him to give you the strength, courage, faith, and perseverance you need to STAND and FIGHT! :) It's going to be good, sister, it's going to be good!!!

Can I get a Woo Hoo??? :)

Sweet blessings ~

Surprise!

Hey Friends!

I'm packing up and getting ready to head to Indiana for the weekend, but I had to log on and tell you about a FUN SURPRISE I received this week!

First, can I just tell you, my week has been nuts.

Anyone else??

Just plain old crazy.

Between Halloween, a sick boy, football playoff practices, helping at school 3 times this week (which I love, by the way!)...not too mention gearing up for the weekend retreat (so excited!), feeding my family, and a huge filming commitment for next week (I'll be sure to fill you in soon!)....I'm ready for a nap!

PLUS some exciting opportunities are being planned/prayed over for next year. They are so big and crazy that # 1) I can't believe anyone would ask me to be a part of this, # 2) only God could dream up something so big, # 3) I can't believe my husband said YES because it would involve me and a video camera and a Bible study and another part of the world.

Can you see why I feel nutty this week?!

Good thing I just taught a series on Balanced Living (I think know the Lord wanted me to learn about this subject!). So yes, I did spend time resting today and sitting still before the Lord.

Anyhoo ~ imagine my surprise when a big package was stuffed in my mailbox yesterday. I was intrigued. When I saw the return address was from Texas, I was even more curious. Hmmm....

Then I noticed it was from Connie in Austin, Texas.

I remember Connie! She is a sweet, dear woman I met at the Camp Buckner Retreat. She had on an adorable sparkly jacket I loved! (Finally on Saturday night I had to confess to Connie I was totally coveting her sparkly jacket. Connie, being the sweet Texas woman that she is, said, "Well here, try mine on. Let's see what size you need".)

Connie shared that they sold these jackets at her church store. She offered to order one for me, but when she told me the price, I thought I'd better wait and check with my husband John.

Imagine my delight when I opened my package from Connie this week. It was a sparkly jacket! Woo Hoo!!


(In the midst of my crazy week, I just slipped it on so my Benj could take a quick picture for y'all. Pardon my sloppy t-shirt, messed up hair and lack of lipstick!)

Connie said the ladies from Redeemer Lutheran Church all chipped in to get me the sparkly jacket. Awww!

They wanted me to "keep sparkling" :)

To My Sweet friends at Redeemer Lutheran Church,

You blessed this Michigan girl more than you know! Thank you for your generosity, thoughtfulness, and grace. I am humbled and grateful, and will wear the jacket with love! :)

And yes, I will keep sparkling!

-Cindy

How about for you?? I'd love to hear your stories of unexpected surprises! Or maybe there is someone you could surprise this weekend! Either way...I would love to hear from you!!!!

Have an amazing weekend filled with God's richest blessings!!



P.S. My son Jake's varsity football team (Grand Rapids Christian Eagles) has a huge playoff football game tomorrow night. I'm bummed to miss it, so hopefully it won't be the last game of the season. Go Eagles! :)

Thanksgiving Family Fun ~ A to Z style! :)

"There shall be "a day of public Thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God...." --1789 Congressional Proclamation

Hey Friends!

Happy November to you!!

Can I just tell you ~ I love THANKSGIVING! :)

I love the focus on gratitude and blessings, the rich traditions that have been passed down (and the new ones we've created), the opportunity to connect with family and friends, and yes, the wonderful food. :)

I am pleased to share some of our favorite family Thanksgiving activities, plus other simple, inexpensive ways for you to make the most of your month of November ~ A to Z style!!

*Thanksgiving Family Fun ideas from A to Z*....

A - Attitude of Gratitude Calendar (Ask each family member to share one thing they are grateful for each day during the month of November. Write it on a calendar. Be sure to bring out the calendar again next year, and start again!); OR Activity sheets here and here and here OR Activity sheets for Grown-ups here

B- Bingo (here) (Thanksgiving bingo w/ autumn color M&M's ~ always a favorite); OR Baking (great Thanksgiving recipes here or here) OR start a Blessing Book (here)

C - Crafts ~ Such cute Thanksgiving crafts here or here or here OR Conversation Coasters (what a great hostess gift too!) OR Conversation Starters

D - Decorate together (Check out April's great decorating ideas)

E - Educate (Spend time learning/re-learning the true meaning of Thanksgiving. One of my favorite teacher resources for verses, worksheets, stories, history & more ~ here)

F- Family Night: Attitude of Gratitude (here) OR Football (of course!)

G - Gratitude Journals (here) ; OR Give thanks (go around and share 5 things each family member is thankful for)

H - Hidden Pictures OR Turkey Hats (just for fun!)

I - Ice Cream Sundaes~ yes, we have Thanksgiving sundaes! I've included a picture at the end of this blog post! :)

J - Jokes (here) (Have fun sharing these great Thanksgiving kids' jokes and riddles with your family and friends)

K - Kids Table ~ If you're not planning on having a kids table for Thanksgiving, after you check out these amazing kids table ideas, you will want to!

L - Leaves (We have a family tradition where we each write on a paper leaf what we are thankful for, and then I save the leaves each year...although I may need to make this adorable Thanksgiving table tree); You can also print leaves here

M - Mazes OR Math sheets (yes, Thanksgiving style Math!) OR Minibooks OR Memorize Thanksgiving verses

N - Native American history and Activities here

O - Outdoor Games to celebrate Thanksgiving (lots of game ideas here)

P - Pilgrims here OR Pumpkins Baking OR Parades

Q - Quiet time ~ Enjoy Thanksgiving Reading at home (Great Thanksgiving resource list here) OR Quiz your guests on Thanksgiving Trivia

R - Read together Family Life's Thanksgiving: A Time to Remember

Mrs. Rainey wrote this book for her family, "Thanksgiving was not going to be just eating, hours of TV football, naps and leftover turkey sandwiches-followed by a stress-filled Friday of frantic Christmas shopping at the mall." Instead, she seeks to educate her children-and others, through this book about the heritage of faith and freedom that is celebrated in the national holiday of Thanksgiving. The book revisits the schoolchild version of the Pilgrims' first festival of plenty, and is meant to be read aloud by families on Thanksgiving Day (preferably before small stomachs start to grumble). A half-hour-long CD of Thanksgiving music rounds out the package.

We love this book! It also includes a spot to record your blessings every year! Woo Hoo! :)

S - Sing some fun Thanksgiving carols (thanks, Knox clan) such as...

Here Comes Thanksgiving (to the tune of Here Comes Santa Claus)
Here comes Thanksgiving
Here comes Thanksgiving
Long before Christmas Day
No jingle bells, no Christmas trees
No songs about a sleigh
We will eat and we will sleep
We’ll watch some football games
Cause it is almost Thanksgiving
And it’s long before Christmas Day

T - Tablecloth of Thanks OR start a new Tradition (lots of great ideas here & here)

U - Ugly Turkey ~ A Play (adapted from "The Ugly Duckling" by Hans Christian Andersen)

V - Volunteer. Nothing will remind us more of how much we have to be thankful for than spending your day at your local homeless shelter or food kitchen serving Thanksgiving dinner.

W - Watch A Charlie Brown's Thanksgiving. (Our kids still love to watch it every year!)

X - eXercise. Head outside to the nearest park and enjoy the beautiful fall colors.

Y - YMCA. Go to the YMCA or another local gym. Many will let you try their facility for free for the day.

Z - Zzzzzz's! ~ Sneak in a nap! :)

Woo Hoo!! I'm so excited for Thanksgiving!

As one article I read recently shares, "This year, take advantage of the Thanksgiving season and use it as a chance to nurture a sense of real gratitude in your family. The Bible tells us to "give thanks to the Lord for he is good" (Ps. 107:1) and to "enter his gates with thanksgiving" (Ps. 100:4). That attitude is often lost in our "I want more" culture, and encouraging thankfulness in children is no small task. But when children understand what it means to be grateful, they begin to develop an awareness of all that God has given them...."

Sounds good to me!! You too?! :)

What special family traditions do you have planned for this Thanskgiving?? I'd love to hear from you!

Thanks for stopping by *She Sparkles*! May your November be filled with much joy, laughter, and fun, family moments!!


P.S. A special thanks to Tip Junkie, Family Fun, Parents Magazine, Kaboose, & more for letting me share some of your fun Thanksgiving ideas! :)

P.S.S. I'm linking up today with friends at Women Living Well. :)