Hey Friends!

Happy Thankful Thursday to you!

What are you thankful for today?

I’ll be honest, I feel like I’ve been thrown a big “detour” this week. My Sarah came down with a stomach bug over the weekend, and then she shared with me. Ugh! 

As you can imagine, “my plans” for the week was thrown out the window and it’s been a bit nutty over here!

Thankfully everyone is at school today and I am on the mend (thank You, God!). Before I get back into the “hustle and bustle” of the season, today is a perfect day to pause and intentionally reflect on God’s goodness.

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

1. Red Hot Faith

OK, can I just tell you, I still can’t believe I filmed a Bible Study in Turkey in March. Only God!  (recap here)

I’ve been watching the “offline” copies of the video teachings and can I just say “Wow”. How God can work through His weak and weary servants just blows my mind! I’m so super excited for you to see them!

In the mean time, I’ve been working round the clock on finalizing the Red Hot Faith study guide. I received my first “red penned” versions from the brilliant editor at Discovery House Publishing. His comments were right on, and also crack me up! He says I tend to use “excessive celebration”. Who, me??!  Unfortunately he red-penned all the “Woo Hoo’s” I added. Oh well, we can still write them in the margins, right?! 

2. My Guy – John Bultema

John and I are in such a “sweet spot” in our marriage. I love sharing life and ministry with him. We had a blast sharing the Gospel at Grand Rapids Christian Elementary School last week. (Isn’t he a handsome detective?!).  

Also, not only did John acknowledge my “hardest, saddest day ever“ on December 10, he even brought me some “Red Hot” flowers. As my mom said, “he’s a keeper”.

(Now please know, we’ve gone through some pretty tough seasons. Like major tough. But God has answered my prayers for a marriage that would bring honor to Him. If you are in a tough season, please keep praying and working and seeking counsel, if needed. You are not alone.)

3. My firstborn Jake

Ok, although my “little birdie leaving the nest” nearly put me over the edge (recap here), I cannot stop thanking God for what He has done and is doing in Jake. And me. 

Jake is having an outstanding season as the Aquinas College goalie, but most importantly, is handling the transition to college with hard work, dedication, and responsibility. I’m so super proud of my boy!

Check out this awesome picture….

Thank You God for answering this mama’s prayers for her son and leading him to AQ! 🙂

4. My Friends

Cindy & Julie

Do you have friends in your life who know how you are doing – really – and love you anyway? (smile!)The past few months my “insecurity” and “fear of rejection” levels have been through the roof. Ugh.I’m so thankful for my sweet friends who have helped talk/speak/and pray TRUTH over me. (You know who you are!). And I’m so thankful God doesn’t intend for us to journey alone!

5. Immanuel – God With Us

I recently came across this…

“If we could condense all the truths of Christmas into only three words, these would be the words “God with us”. We tend to focus our attention at Christmas on the infancy of Christ. The greater truth of the holiday is His deity. More astonishing than a Baby in the manger is the truth that this promised Baby is the omnipotent Creator of the heavens and the earth!”

Thank You, God, that You are Immanuel, God with us….and that we are never alone!

What about for you??

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

Thanks for stopping by *She Sparkles*! I am THANKFUL for you! 🙂

P.S. Thank you too to my amazing mom and mom-in-love for your soup, smoothies, bagels and more while our family has been under the weather. We are grateful! 🙂

P.P.S. Thank You God for Mandisa and her powerful song – “He is with you”. Perfect reminder for this time of year!

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