Sparkle Stories Blog
A home for Sparkle audio stories, crafts, recipes, and kind words!
Storybox Playlist: Stories of Trust
For most people, trust is a delicate thing. We don't easily trust others and yet we know that a lack of trust is a regular trigger for stress and upset. So what to do? This collection of stories about trust and faith might help!
Friday's Kind Words: "Copyright 2014"
We've been loving your stories since this past March when our second was born. You guys are helping to educate my husband through the podcast and inspiring all of us with activities. ~Amy
Tips for Creating Your Own Family Day of Rest
Start your own family day of rest for the new year! The main idea is to create a special day to slow down, spend time together, and recharge.
Sparkle Kitchen: Ginger Snow Track Cookies
Good gingerbread cookies typically use a combination of brown sugar and a liquid sugar, and all the molecular-level water those attract is what makes them so deliciously chewy.
SparkleCast Episode 9 – Developing Inner Guidance with Leo Sofer
In this episode, Leo, David, and Rebecca discuss the story “Listening to the Story Whispers” and delve into the intrinsic and practical value of learning both how to hear stories, and how to tell our own.
Storybox Playlist: Stories for Following Your Intuition
Here are some stories that will help you find your inner guidance!
Friday's Kind Words: Nature and Her Magical Creatures
Thanks for what you do. I feel such a kindred spirit with you. Your work definitely has reach and value in our world. ~Tiffanie
Sparkle Kitchen: French Toast
You can easily make French toast by merely cleaning out your refrigerator. A few slices of stale bread, an egg or two, a splash of milk—voila!—you have French toast. For the holidays, however, we like to make a more intentional version. Find out more in this Sparkle Kitchen Recipe!
Why Twelve Days of Christmas?
Looking for a 12 days of Christmas story? Read about the inspiration and traditions behind our original audio stories created for this season.
Storybox Playlist: Stories of Sabbath
Want a great New Year's Resolution? Institute a real day of rest. One day out of seven dedicated to not working, not stressing, not rushing and instead ... slowing down and being still. Sounds great, right? Here are some stories to help.
Junkyard Tales Audio Advent Calendar Printable Coloring Page: Day 25 The Warden
The Warden is so important to the animals that when he finally returns to the Junkyard, they all want to jump out of hiding and wish him a Merry Christmas — but they can’t. They aren’t supposed to show themselves — it is a rule. But Christmas magic brings a solution that leaves all the animals marveling and feeling deeply grateful.
Martin & Sylvia's Audio Advent Calendar – Day 25: "Christmas Morning - Advent Memories"
In this Martin & Sylvia's Audio Advent Calendar story, "Christmas Morning - Advent Memories," brother and sister lay in bed early Christmas morning and wait until it is time to go downstairs. As they wait, they chat quietly about the 24 days that have led to this morning...
Junkyard Tales Audio Advent Calendar Printable Coloring Page: Day 24 Winnie
While the Warden is away attending to some sudden business, Mike tells Winnie the Puppy a story about himself and the Warden and then about the Junkyard animals. Winnie is surprised and curious at first, but then simply delights in the story and its warming message.
Martin & Sylvia's Audio Advent Calendar – Day 24: "Christmas Eve for Animals"
In this Martin & Sylvia's Audio Advent Calendar story, "Christmas Eve for Animals," the day before Christmas is a quiet one – all their gifts are prepared and the house is decorated and ready for the special day. But Momma reminds them that there is one group that has yet to be celebrated: the birds and animals in their back yard!
Junkyard Tales Audio Advent Calendar Printable Coloring Page: Day 23- Mike Steps In
The Junkyard animals are ready for the Warden to discover their hard work. They have everything ready, and on the morning of Christmas Eve, they are excited for the Warden to enjoy his gifts. But right off the bat, things do not go to plan. Luckily one of the Junkyard workers steps in at just the right time.
Martin & Sylvia's Audio Advent Calendar – Day 23: "A Cleaning Party"
In this Martin & Sylvia's Audio Advent Calendar story, "A Cleaning Party," it is the morning of their annual Advent Spiral Walk Party and brother and sister are excited about everything except one thing: cleaning. But Advent magic has a solution to that!
Friday's Kind Words: Always Just Right
We read a lot, and when picking up a new book, it can be a challenge to know if the story is just right for a 4-year-old, a 9-year-old and a new baby. Your stories are always just right. ~ Jennifer
Junkyard Tales Audio Advent Calendar Printable Coloring Page: Day 22- Beavers
Merryweather Mole wants to return the things she took and become a part of the Junkyard community — but she can’t! The ground is too frozen. The Junkyard animals all try to break through, but it is too hard. Finally some superheroes arrive and together they are able to save the day.
Martin & Sylvia's Audio Advent Calendar – Day 22: "Caroling"
In this Martin & Sylvia's Audio Advent Calendar story, "Caroling," Martin is hesitant about caroling, when he learns that they will be going to a senior living home to sing to the residents. But when they arrive, he is surprised and delighted by what he discovers.
Sparkle Kitchen: Polenta
A warm bowl of polenta—for breakfast, lunch, or dinner—is the coziest thing on a cold day. It's hearty and thick and even it's golden color gently whispers, “I'm warm!”
