Thankful Thursday ~ Blessed in the Mess

by Cindy Bultema | Feb 25, 2010 | Uncategorized | 27 comments

Hello dear Friends!

It’s Thankful Thursday and Iris from Grace Alone is our host! 🙂

I’ll be honest ~ I am intentionally choosing “gratitude” today. It’s been a long week filled with sickness, challenges, struggles, long to-do lists, cancelled appointments (due to sick kids), and more!

But today, I will choose gratitude. I will choose joy. I will thank God for the new load of laundry. I will thank God that my son made it to the bucket rather than the carpet. I will choose peace in the midst of our chaos. I have a choice….and I choose to thank Him! 🙂

I’ve been sitting on the couch watching Olympics with my sick little guy, naming my blessings one by one. So many. Not doubt about it ~ even in the midst of our struggles ~ I am blessed.

Here is my Top 5 Thankful Thursday list for today….

1. My Family ~ John, Jake, Benj, Manda & Sarah

What would I do without my gang?! 🙂 Boy do they fill my life with JOY! 🙂
2. Magnificent Monday Bible Study ~

I shared last week that our new Winter Bible study is AMAZING!! God has put such a special love in my heart for each and every woman that attends on Monday nights (all 90+)! They are committed to “do the thing” and not just show up at a social gathering for snacks and giggles.

These women inspire me, teach me, make me laugh, make me cry. Monday’s are a highlight of my week! To give you a glimpse…here is a sweet note I received just this week….

… Cindy, once again you have picked a study that is pushing me to look at myself in the light of God’s truth and it’s forcing me out of some comfortable but destructive places.

I have so much respect for you and I want you to know that whenever I look at you on Monday night the prayer in my heart is that someday I will be as free as you are.

That someday I will finally know deep in my heart who I really am in Christ and be able to live out of that….

See what I mean?? God is doing a powerful work in our midst, and I’m so grateful to watch Him in action! 🙂

3. My 40th Birthday is coming….

And you know me, I love to celebrate!! My dear friends Nick and Julie came over last night to go the party plan rolling!!

Mark your calendars….May 8, 2010 ~ fun! fun! fun! 🙂

Want to guess what we’ll be doing for my 40th Birthday???? (And I’m so thankful for my mom to be willing to underwrite the cost ~ you are so generous, Mom!! 🙂 )

4. My dear Mentor ~ Mary Swierenga

For years and years I prayed very specifically that God would bring a Godly mentor into my life. God is so faithful ~ over the years, not only did He supply me one ~ He has blessed me with MANY! 🙂

God has brought leadership mentors, mom mentors, mentors in prayer and marriage and public speaking into my life. And then, a few years ago, the Lord graciously introduced me to Mary Swierenga. Although we go to different churches, our paths crossed. Mary is an amazing, seasoned Bible teacher, prayer warrior, and woman of the Lord. I cherish our times together. Here we are studying in her office last week…

Mary always reminds me to point others to the Scripture “since the power is in the Word!” (“Give ’em the meat, Cindy” ~ she always says!) I am so thankful for her presence and mentoring in my life!

5. My kids’ school ~ Grand Rapids Christian Schools

John and I prayed and prayed for the right teachers for our kids. This week we had conferences for our 3 youngest. Boy are we blessed! Each teacher is the exact right fit for our kids’ unique personalities. Thank you Mrs. Minnema, Ms. Rozendal, and Mrs. Malefyt. We thank God for you! 🙂

And our son Jake is having a fabulous year at the high school. We are so grateful! 🙂

Whew!! I’m feeling better already! Isn’t gratitude a beautiful thing?! 🙂

I also am thankful for my parents, in-laws, and friends for all of their help this week. Wouldn’t have made it without the extra support! Thank you so very much!!

What about for you?? On this Thankful Thursday, what are you thankful for today?? I’d love to hear from you!!

Many blessings to you!

P.S. Be sure to stop by tomorrow ~ I have a new great book GIVEAWAY! I’ll give you a clue…it’s written by the author of my favorite book of 2009.

27 Comments

Holly on February 25, 2010 at 8:37 pm

Cindy,Such a beautiful SMILE!I can hear your personality in your writing……What a list of blessing! My first visit but truly enjoyed……Yes… I to chose to be joyful.Hugs,Holly
Reply
DeniseLynn on February 25, 2010 at 10:14 pm

Such a good reminder for all of us to see the joy in the little things – even in the things that could be viewed as only negative.
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Denise on February 25, 2010 at 10:40 pm

Beautiful blessings.
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Andrea on February 25, 2010 at 11:08 pm

Hoping your little one is feeling better. It is always great to have a godly mentor. Blessings, andrea
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Sandy on February 25, 2010 at 11:11 pm

Cindy,Thank you for choosing Gratitude and choosing to share this post!
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Dimes2Vines on February 25, 2010 at 11:58 pm

Beautiful!Stopping by from Fri Follows – I'm a new follower! Love to have you stop by:http://dimes2vines.com
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LeAnn * ~ See Great Things on February 26, 2010 at 12:50 am

What a wonderful list. I love to hear how your study is going well! That makes me smile. 🙂
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Cop Mama on February 26, 2010 at 5:31 am

Beautiful family!Happy Friday Follow! Nice to meet you 🙂
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lovemylevi on February 26, 2010 at 5:33 am

Following from the Friday Follow! Hope to see you at http://luvsjurn3.blogspot.com/2010/02/friday-follow_19.html soon!
Reply
Sara on February 26, 2010 at 5:52 am

You have such a beautiful family and what a great post!Have a wonderful Friday
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Mc Allen on February 26, 2010 at 6:10 am

aww, what wonderful blessings! a super sweet post! xoxo LA
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Joyeful on February 26, 2010 at 6:11 am

Cindy– it's lovely to meet you! And you do sparkle! : ) I loved reading everything you're thankful for–it reminds me of ALL that I have to thank my Jesus for as well!!
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Amanda T on February 26, 2010 at 6:37 am

Hey There Im a new follower from Friday Follow #7! Hope to see you around my blog sometime! 🙂
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HeartsMakeFamilies on February 26, 2010 at 7:03 am

Hi just stopping in to say Hi from Friday Follow!Happy Friday!Tamiwww.heartsmakefamilies.com
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Kimberly on February 26, 2010 at 7:05 am

I like your Thankful Thursday. Very nice idea.I am a new follower from Friday follow. Hope you come by and follow me too.
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Sarah on February 26, 2010 at 7:54 am

I found your great blog from Follow Friday Blog hop. Now following!http://bloggerchixdesigns.blogspot.com
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A New Mom on February 26, 2010 at 1:06 pm

You have a beautiful family! New Follower from Friday Follow! Hmmm intrigued now, wonder whats happening on your birthday…
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Julie@comehaveapeace on February 26, 2010 at 1:42 pm

Since "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine" I am sure your little guy is feeling better after his time on the couch with you. 🙂 The Lord is so good. Today I am thankful to see sunshine, to have quiet, to see love between family members, to have the privilege of serving God, and for His precious Word that lights my path. Yes, gratitude is SUCH a good thing!
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~SHANNON~ on February 26, 2010 at 1:58 pm

What a great list, and a wonderful family!Happy Friday! Thank Goodness it's almost the weekend, huh? I'm here from Friday Follow, and I'm your newest follower!I'd love if you's check out my blog too!Thanks!Shannonhttp://www.milkandcuddles.com/
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A Mom After God's Own Heart on February 26, 2010 at 2:08 pm

Great blog! I am a new follower from Friday Follow! Please come check out my blog too sometimes!
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Felissa Hadas on February 26, 2010 at 5:55 pm

Stopping by with Friday Follow. Hope you had a fantastic week. Felissahttp://www.twolittlecavaliers.blogspot.comhttp://www.felissahadas.blogspot.com
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giggling kids on February 26, 2010 at 6:25 pm

Hello, I am your newest follower through Friday Follow! Feel free to follow me also! http://gigglingkids.blogspot.com/
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Help! Mama Remote... on February 26, 2010 at 7:13 pm

Beautiful family. I'm following fromFF
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casey aubut on February 26, 2010 at 11:16 pm

Happy Friday Follow from Aubut Family! Hope to see you over at my blog too! 🙂 cassandra
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Hil'Lesha on February 27, 2010 at 5:20 am

Happy Follow Friday!Please check out my blog at http://www.tothemotherhood.com.
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Debbie on February 28, 2010 at 10:28 pm

What a lovely post this is! We have a lot to be thankful for, and you put it in such wonderful perspective!
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Kelly at Home on March 2, 2010 at 6:56 pm

What a gorgeous family photo, Cindy! God has blessed you richly!Have a wonderful week!Kelly
Reply

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I’m Cindy—wife, mom, ministry leader, speaker, author & overcomer.

I love coffee, celebrations, & all things sparkly, and believe being real is the only way to live. Once upon a time I was a hopeless addict, but God…
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What Others Are Saying

Cindy Bultema is a breath of fresh air!

"Cindy Bultema is a breath of fresh air! With vulnerable openness, gut-level honesty, down-home humor, and timeless biblical truth, her spoken and written words will inspire you to take an action step toward fresh faith and renewed hope.

Cindy ministers on and off the platform with personal warmth and genuine compassion. As a speaker, author, and mentor to many, Cindy has my highest recommendation!"

Carol Kent, Speaker and Author
President, Speak Up Ministries

Cindy Bultema

2015-03-04T13:50:57-05:00

Carol Kent, Speaker and Author
President, Speak Up Ministries

"Cindy Bultema is a breath of fresh air! With vulnerable openness, gut-level honesty, down-home humor, and timeless biblical truth, her spoken and written words will inspire you to take an action step toward fresh faith and renewed hope. Cindy ministers on and off the platform with personal warmth and genuine compassion. As a speaker, author, and mentor to many, Cindy has my highest recommendation!"

https://www.cindybultema.com/testimonials/cindy-bultema-is-a-breath-of-fresh-air/

Cindy mentioned each woman at least once by name throughout her sessions.

"As women's ministry leaders know, finding a speaker who is Right AND Relevant is quite a task.

God led us to Cindy last spring as a speaker for our fall retreat at Mackinac Island. Even then, I did not realize what a gifted messenger she would be.

With almost 70 women present, Cindy mentioned each woman at least once by name throughout her sessions. She did not shrink back from telling her testimony, as difficult as it must have been. And she opened the book of Revelation to our ladies with insight and application like few women I have ever heard.

Thank you, Cindy for marking this retreat as a milestone in women's ministries at Woodside Bible Church. Praying we will never be the same."

Shari Hulcy, Women's Ministries Director
Woodside Bible Church, White Lake, MI

Cindy Bultema

2015-03-04T15:14:15-05:00

Shari Hulcy, Women's Ministries Director
Woodside Bible Church, White Lake, MI

"As women's ministry leaders know, finding a speaker who is Right AND Relevant is quite a task. God led us to Cindy last spring as a speaker for our fall retreat at Mackinac Island. Even then, I did not realize what a gifted messenger she would be. With almost 70 women present, Cindy mentioned each woman at least once by name throughout her sessions. She did not shrink back from telling her testimony, as difficult as it must have been. And she opened the book of Revelation to our ladies with insight and application like few women I have ever heard. Thank you, Cindy for marking this retreat as a milestone in women's ministries at Woodside Bible Church. Praying we will never be the same."

https://www.cindybultema.com/testimonials/cindy-mentioned-each-woman-at-least-once-by-name-throughout-her-sessions/

Experiencing Cindy speak will awaken you…

"Experiencing Cindy speak will awaken you to timeless truths of scripture made relevant to your life today.

Her amazing story of transformation, coupled with her solid biblical teaching -- not to mention her contagious smile -- will find you walking away in love with her perfect Savior."

Karen Ehman, Director of Speakers for Proverbs 31 Ministries; Author

Cindy Bultema

2015-03-04T15:15:47-05:00

Karen Ehman, Director of Speakers for Proverbs 31 Ministries; Author

"Experiencing Cindy speak will awaken you to timeless truths of scripture made relevant to your life today. Her amazing story of transformation, coupled with her solid biblical teaching -- not to mention her contagious smile -- will find you walking away in love with her perfect Savior."

https://www.cindybultema.com/testimonials/experiencing-cindy-speak-will-awaken-you/

Cindy’s enthusiasm for the Lord is contagious…

"You will find no one more highly motivated to see lives changed by God’s love and grace than Cindy. Cindy’s enthusiasm for the Lord is contagious and many women have testified that she has ministered to them from the message she delivered.

Cindy’s personal testimony has been one of transformation for God’s Glory. She continues be used by God through her testimony for the many women who have had similar life circumstances and for others who can see what God can do!"

Suzanne Reinink, Director of Adult Ministries
Sunshine Community Church, Grand Rapids, MI

Cindy Bultema

2015-03-04T15:18:34-05:00

Suzanne Reinink, Director of Adult Ministries
Sunshine Community Church, Grand Rapids, MI

"You will find no one more highly motivated to see lives changed by God’s love and grace than Cindy. Cindy’s enthusiasm for the Lord is contagious and many women have testified that she has ministered to them from the message she delivered. Cindy’s personal testimony has been one of transformation for God’s Glory. She continues be used by God through her testimony for the many women who have had similar life circumstances and for others who can see what God can do!"

https://www.cindybultema.com/testimonials/cindys-enthusiasm-for-the-lord-is-contagious/

Several attendees have continued to comment on how great she was months after the event.

"Cindy came to Texas and lead three sessions during our overnight Fall Women’s Retreat. Each Biblically based session was well thought out and touched each of us as she dove into finding balance in our unbalanced world. She made sure to tailor the message to our audience of multi-generational women in all stages and phases of life. However, it was in the ‘down time’ that Cindy deeply connected to several of the ladies who were so moved by her messages that they later were able to share private tears together. It was lovely to see God’s hand of healing being brought to the ladies of our church through Cindy’s powerful words and gentle spirit. Several attendees have continued to comment on how great she was months after the event. Cindy will be a great addition to your event/retreat too."

Andrea Sellers, Director Women’s Ministry, Redeemer Lutheran Church, Austin, TX

Cindy Bultema

2015-03-04T15:23:46-05:00

Andrea Sellers, Director Women’s Ministry, Redeemer Lutheran Church, Austin, TX

https://www.cindybultema.com/testimonials/several-attendees-have-continued-to-comment-on-how-great-she-was-months-after-the-event/

Cindy Bultema

Thankful Thursday ~ Blessed in the Mess

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