Monthly Archives: November 2011

We have… Memory Loss

Posted on November 30, 2011 by Sharita

Think about your most prominent memory. Where were you? What time of year was it? Was it a good memory? A challenging experience? What type of details do you remember about it?

Reminiscing can be a lot of fun. It might also be a little painful. Personally, my memories can be triggered by a location, sound, song, smell, person or experience. Some memories are so prominent that I literally get goosebumps– it feels like I am traveling back in time, experiencing the specific event all over again.

I don’t want to brag, but I have a memory like a steel trap (much to my husbands occasional dismay: “How or WHY do you remember that, Sharita?!?)” I remember the most ridiculous things from kindergarten experiences, weird and random facts from some of my college classes and even  direct quotes of conversations I have had years ago. But even with this amazing memory, I still have memory loss… and often forget some of God’s promises.

Let’s think about this for a second. We almost NEVER forget promises made by other people, especially when they don’t come through for us. How many times (especially as children) do you remember saying “Heeeeyyyyy… YOU PROMISED?!?!”

We don’t forget the promises made by people in this world. But I always find myself saying “Whoops, sorry God… I forgot you already promised me that.” God often says to me “Heeeyyyyy, Sharita… I PROMISED?!? Remember?”

Oh. Yeah. All those things I worry about or am uncertain about… yep. He already promised to help me out with it. God’s multiple and never-failing promises can be found in His word.  His amazing promises are found in the Bible, in every book, every chapter.

Concerned about your path? Check out Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

Don’t know if God is involved in your life and knows what He is doing? Look at Jeremiah 29:11. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Unsure if all things that come from God are legit? Take a peek at Romans 8:28– “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

God never promised it would be easy. But He said he will never stop loving. Never leave. Never forsake. His love never fails. It never runs out. It endures forever.  “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever.” (Psalm 136:1) He PROMISED us this!!

I vividly remember when and where I was the moment I began remembering parts of His word. I was parked outside of the Schnucks grocery store in Jefferson City, Mo in the winter of 2009, around 10:30pm. I did NOT want to go to work that night at midnight. I had brought my Bible with me and needed a reminder from God about His promises because I was in the middle of what would eventually become my recovery testimony. (Check out No Bologna Testimony Part 2 for the full story.) I forgot that God was in control and had a plan.

I grabbed my Bible, trusting God to give me the reminder I needed.  I didn’t have the verses memorized, but from the last few months of spending time in the word, I had a general recollection of where to look in the Bible. I (guided by the hand of God) narrowed it down to a book… then chapter… then read through and BOOM. Found the verse. “Ohhhh… NOW I remember. Thanks for that promise, God.”  Memory: restored.

Spend time in the word. Relish His promises. Overcome that memory loss. You never have to say “HEY GOD, YOU PROMISED.” Instead, He says to us, “Hey you… I promised! TRUST ME.” He ALWAYS comes through. And boom. No. More. Memory loss.

Remembering fondly,

SGK

“O LORD, you are God! You have promised these good things to your servant.” 1 Chronicles 17:26

Categories: future, God, hope, life, memory, plans, promises | Leave a comment

We have… Ego Issues

Posted on November 29, 2011 by Sharita

“I got this. I am smart. I’m in control. I am too legit to quit.”

“All that an a bag of potato chips… yep, that’s me!”

“A-double-you-E-S-O-M-E, I’m awesome, awesome… TOTALLY!”

Hopefully I don’t come across this way to the general public… not this ditzy (although I was a cheerleader for a few years of my life) OR this cocky. Two unlegit qualities, if I do say so myself.

Yesterday we talked about power… something I struggle with. The daily submitting to the Lord, denying myself and taking up the cross can be a challenge for me. But today, we are talking about a different type of “symptom” of being a human. We have… Ego Issues.

Now before you get your feathers all ruffled with me calling you (and myself) cocky, overconfident or stuck up, let me explain. I try to be humble in my earthly life. But humility is a fine line between being an egomaniac and self-depreciating.

Hopefully (again, I emphasis HOPEFULLY) I come across as confident yet leading with a servant’s heart based on humility when it comes to my peers. (You be the judge of that one.) I am sinner. I fall flat on my face regularly. I want to do it MYSELF with nobody’s help. So I would guess that in God’s eyes, I still have ego issues.

It directly relates to the power challenge of yesterday… We determined that having a power shortage wasn’t necessarily a BAD thing… but when I get hung up on trying to control things or take on the attitude that I AM awesome, awesome, TOTALLY, my ego issues surface from God’s point of view.

This isn’t a depressing post, I promise. I still struggle with yearning for control and reveling in my gifts, talents and abilities… but see, that’s the thing- they are GIFTS. I didn’t create myself to have the ability to write, sing, minister, box or auctioneer (betcha never thought you would see those things all in the same sentence huh?) God loves you and me SO MUCH He gave us gifts and talents to share with others. HE made us awesome.

We can be excited about that. But the key to rejoicing in those gifts and not stepping over the line of ego-crazed is to remember that He gave us those gifts so that we in turn would give them away. I ask daily for God to allow me to surrender completely to Him. Sometimes my ego gets in the way, but He loves me through it all.

God’s love is what makes us awesome. And THAT in itself is awesome, awesome… Totally.

Humbly trying to check the ego at the door,

SGK

“He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.” –Psalm 25:9

Categories: God, humility, image, planning, surrender | Leave a comment

We have… A Power Shortage

Posted on November 28, 2011 by Sharita

The house was pitch black. Dad woke me for school, but I was less than excited to get out of bed… Our house was freezing! It was a the winter of my sophomore year of high school… and after experiencing an ice storm that produced over three inches of ice the previous week, we were going on day ten without power. Pitch black. Cold. Awesome.

I stumbled out of bed and quickly pulled on my costume. Yes, I said costume. I was part of the one-act play “Anybody for Tea” and had to be dressed and ready to perform upon arrival at school. My character was an old quirky woman, so apparently I played the part well… I pulled on my fuzzy socks, grabbed some breakfast and ran out the door.

Keep in mind I got dressed in the dark. I arrived at school and everyone started laughing– fortunately not in a mean way, but more in an excited way. “Hey Sharita! You changed up your costume– that looks great!”

“What are they talking about?” I thought… I looked down at my feet to determine what they meant by costume change… I still had on my fuzzy socks, which was planned… but one was green. And one was blue. Yeah, I didn’t exactly plan it like that– but I played it off well. Here’s to getting dressed in the dark.

Different colored socks is just one “side effect” of a power shortage. Being cold, in the dark, and stubbed toes are among some of the others. Fortunately, we can have all the power we need… Through Christ.

Quick side note: We are going to take some time this week to look at some of “symptoms” we have when it comes to being a human… and maybe some of those things we still struggle with as humans. I pray that as we walk through our struggles together that the Holy Spirit will move in our lives and provide us a cure.

So today’s “symptom” is that we all have a power shortage. Which is the way it should be. God has the ultimate and supreme power… we can invite that power into our lives. But in order to do so, we have to surrender our control. I don’t know about you… but I REALLY struggle with this sometimes. I like to be in control. But God has given me a power shortage in my life so that I will need and rely on Him. All we have to do is to unclench our hands, fall on our knees and invite that power into our lives.

God will flip the switch… and we will all be walking in the light… and no longer have a concern about wearing different colored fuzzy socks to school.  Praise the Lord! Maybe a power shortage isn’t such a bad thing after all?

He’s my generator,

SGK

 

“But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” –Exodus 9:16


Categories: God, power | Leave a comment

Not-So-Black Friday

Posted on November 25, 2011 by Sharita

I am not a Black Friday shopper. If you are, that’s great. But if you do fall into that category of super-dedicated deal hunters, I am going to assume you are probably reading this at 2pm because you were up at 0300 ready to run and throw some punches for that new TV and needed a nap afterwards. Hope you were successful. My time sleeping this morning was much enjoyed :-)

Today is my last day at home in Kansas with my family. Even though I am leaving tomorrow to head back to Georgia, my Friday is not-so-black… but it is very bright. Maybe even yellow brick road bright.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in Kansas (and the surrounding areas.) Catching up with my family and various friends including Kally, Becky, Emily, Darla, Kyle, John, Ryan, Erin, Shawn, Kady, Whitney, Rodney has proven to make my time here very bright. God has blessed my time here!

As much as I love the Midwest and Kansas, I am looking forward to returning to Georgia. (There is a very handsome drill sergeant with the same last name waiting for me there!) I am excited to sleep in my own bed, run my own schedule (ish,) go into super-duper homework mode to finish my masters, get back to my church/work and of course, hug on my husband!

Sometimes life is all about perspective. I could certainly wallow and mope about leaving Kansas… but God has designed my life such that I have homes in multiple places, with people who love me wherever I go. My heart is excited and so warm at that thought!

While many of you might be checking things of your Christmas list or sleeping off your early morning Black Friday shenanigans, I am going to simply relax and revel in the awesomeness of God’s glory today. This time back in the Midwest has been blessed… I have gotten to see friends that I literally haven’t hung out with anywhere from 6 months to 2 years… I got to go coon hunting with my Dad and brother. I had the chance to hang out with my Mom while wae watched Tangled in the living room.

I showed my family how to do yoga (or at least how to watch me do yoga.) I introduced baby dog Justus to “farm life.” I talked with God, worked out, spent time with family,  ate great food, recharged my heart and had the opportunity to lead my Dad to Christ (See Christ In A Cow Pasture for the full story.)

Georgia is on my mind. My heart is refreshed. My stay has been bright. Yep… I would stay today is definitely a Not-So-Black Friday.

On the road again,

SGK

“The priest answered them, ‘Go in peace. Your journey has the Lord’s approval.’”  — Judges 18:6

 

Categories: God, hope | Leave a comment

A Family Tradition

Posted on November 24, 2011 by Sharita

“Pass the green bean casserole.”

“White or dark meat?”

“Bahhaaahaa! Look at Dad… He’s snoring on the couch!!”

“Hey, who took a bite out of my pumpkin pie?!?”

“Let’s pray…”

In case you didn’t get the memo, it’s Thanksgiving. I know that folks have been blogging, talking and preparing for this festive holiday for days, ready to discuss of overeating, conversation, football, worship and in my family’s case, activities that involve shooting rifles and/or hunting.

Just like the quotes above, families throughout the world have a variety of traditions. Some do the turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes route. Others order a pizza and watch football until their eyes go googly. Others are busy mapping out their Black Friday shopping domination strategy. Some gatherings have dozens of people present (high blood pressure anyone?) and others might just have a wife and husband with their new baby, or some due to circumstances or choice, fly solo.  My family here in Kansas has a few traditions as well…

We usually have the staple Thanksgiving foods listed above, but add things like cornbread stuffing (Grandma Neva’s recipe) and fried okra. We usually dine early afternoon and then our tryptophan-induced activities post-gorge include lounging, TV (maybe football… eh) and maybe even doing some target practice in the front yard. Then, after a light supper of leftovers (since we are typically still reeling from the afternoon feasting activities) we bundle up, strap on our headlamps and head to the trees for a round of coon hunting with our hounds. (But that’s whole ‘nother post…)

Regardless of your personal family traditions, there is one that we all can share together. If you are member in the family of Christ, we can worship Him for the sacrifice of The Son. No matter how you slice it, I firmly believe He is the reason we are here, with the ability to give thanks today.

I’m thankful for my faith. And that, my darling family of Christ, is a family tradition we can all share.

Thankful for Jesus,

SGK

“These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go with the multitude, leading the procession to the house of God, with shouts of joy and thanksgiving among the festive throng.” -Psalm 42:4

Categories: Christ, Family, food, sacrifice, thanks, tradition | Leave a comment

Christ in a Cow Pasture

Posted on November 23, 2011 by Sharita

Bless the Lord, O my soul! My Dad came to Christ yesterday… In the middle of a cow pasture!

As I write this, I am still in awe of how the Holy Spirit works… He really does show up anywhere, anytime, even in the cab of a work truck in the middle of a cow pasture in southeast Kansas. Ever since I completed an evangelism class for my masters program, I have had a new outlook about sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I realized it was something that I could do—and that I didn’t have to do much, other than have the courage to bring up the subject and allow the Holy Spirit to move.
Praise the Lord for such a wonderful earthly father
AND heavenly father!

A little background on my Dad… He has always been very supportive of my Christian walk, from the time I was saved and baptized at age 11 to present day. I had a feeling he was potentially open to the idea of salvation through Christ, but no one had ever asked him that question. Side Fact: Did you know that 95% of Christians remain silent about their faith and never evangelize another person their entire life? Until yesterday, I was essentially part of that statistic.

Anyways, after my evangelism class, I started to pray for those friends and family (and even acquaintances) that I thought didn’t know Christ.  My Dad was on that list. I felt the Holy Spirit nudging me, encouraging me to bring up the topic over my time at home in November… Yesterday I went to work with my Dad, riding in the truck, opening gates, helping check cattle. The whole time, I prayed for an opportunity to bring it up.

I could almost feel a mini-battle going on my heart between the Holy Spirit to tell my Dad about Jesus, that we are sinners, He loved us so much He died for us and we have hope versus the Enemy trying to induce nerves and talk me out of it.

Finally, as we bounced across a pasture and put out a hay bale for yet another herd of cattle… I finally just told Satan to shut his mouth. I blurted out… “Dad… I have a question for you.”

I would love to give you play-by-play of our conversation… but I have no idea what I said (primarily because it wasn’t MY voice but the Holy Spirit doing the work.) I do remember it involved statements surrounding The Cross, Jesus’ love for us, forgiveness, sin, hope and how to pray to ask Him to come into Dad’s heart. After I stated whatever I said, I remembered one of the best tips from my class… “THOU SHALT KEEP THY MOUTH SHUT.” (Ok, it wasn’t exactly in those words, but you get my point.)

I knew I had to keep my mouth shut and allow the Holy Spirit to do the work. I sat. Silently prayed. And sat. Prayed. Watched. And sat. The truck rumbled. My Dad’s eyes started to water… Then the Holy Spirit broke through and Dad began to sob. I somehow managed to keep it together, mainly because I knew I had to help him through a prayer to ask for forgiveness and invited Jesus into his life.

I got out of the truck and went around to the driver’s side door. I opened the door, Dad got out and right there in the middle of that cold, muddy cow pasture, we got down on our knees and prayed for Jesus to enter his heart.

Holy Cow. (Literally.)  Talk about “pastoring” in a pasture!

That was the first time I had led anyone to Christ. And now we can all be assured that no matter what happens tomorrow, next year or 20 years from now, someday we will all be reunited and I will be able to dance with my Dad (and Jesus!) in heaven!

Dancing with my Daddy on the day of my
wedding.

We are all called to “Go and make disciples throughout the world.” It’s the Great Commission, which is another word for command. It’s not the “Great Suggestion” to do if you feel bold… If you are unsure about how to go about sharing your faith, check out William Fay’s book “Share Jesus Without Fear.” It helped me to rely on the Holy Spirit… And my Dad has a hope and future in Jesus Christ because of it! PRAISE THE LORD!

Keep your eyes open. Pray, pray, pray. Trust the Holy Spirit to help you to share the gospel with others… You never know when you will have a chance to change another person’s eternal fate. It can happen anytime, anyplace… someone might even find Christ in a cow pasture.

Soli Deo Gloria,

SGK

PS: Please pray for my Dad, a new baby Christian born again yesterday, that he may be discipled and grow as he lives in the footsteps of Jesus!

“But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.” –Psalm 13:5

Categories: agriculture, Christ, evangelism, hope, Salvation | 6 Comments

My Kind of GPS

Posted on November 22, 2011 by Sharita

The tires are humming on the highway. The radio on just enough to provide some background noise but soft enough to avoid drowning out the conversation going on between the driver and passenger.

“When do I turn?”

“Um, let me look. I feel like it is coming up.”

“Come ON, babe, its rush hour… I need to know if I need to exit anytime soon. Can I get over?”

“NO, don’t merge you are blocked in… This paper map is terrible. Our GPS says it is coming up soon.  What exit number is this?”

“122B.”

“TURN NOW!!!”

The next thing you hear in the car is the driver shouting words not appropriate for a Christian blog, which barely masks the dreaded sound of the GPS uttering the words “Recalculating… recalculating… please make a legal U-turn at the next available intersection.”

Aren’t you glad we aren’t supposed to create (and drive) our own path in life alone? I know that if I were driving the “bus” that is my life, I would be shouting at the GPS constantly, lost in a shady part of town, bumping into other vehicles and maybe even broken down on the side of the road. So glad that God is my kind of GPS.

The kind of GPS I’m talking about is a “Godly Path-directing Service.” God has it figured out. Thankfully. And while his GPS methods don’t always seem the most “direct” route or even the smoothest, He always, always, ALWAYS gets us to where we need to be… usually in better condition than when we left.

I was having a conversation with the Agricultural Education teacher/FFA Advisor at my old High School the other day. As Erin and I were chatting about our backgrounds, we couldn’t help but stand there in that ag class and essentially revel at the craziness that has been our path to where we are now. But now, where we are… it ALL… MAKES… SENSE. Good work, Lord.

My “GPS” experience has been what I like to call “squiggly.” I had all of these grand plans of driving my own “bus” in life…Graduate high school, get bachelor’s degree at K-state,  go to vet school, work with people, work for a corporation, retire there and make lots of money, work for a non-profit organization, stay single for as long as possible while enjoying dating around, meet future husband upon college graduation, dominate the world by doing my own thing, become an army wife, remain satisfied with bachelor’s degree, go back to school to get master’s degree, live in a foreign country, move to Georgia, work on post at Fort Benning full time, be called into ministry… Arrived. Current Destination.

Confused? Probably. Now do you understand what I mean by a “squiggly” path. I personally think it is almost FUNNY how ridiculous I was thinking I had a plan figured out. Apparently, I didn’t check my map or refer to the correct GPS. And it is AWESOME that God scratched through my plans, threw in a few U-turns, breakdowns, and speed bumps all the while directing a new path and creating the perfect map for my life. I have learned that I don’t have to fear the word “recalculating” because God IS my map. He never let’s me miss my exit or turn. Rejoice that we have our own “Godly Path-Directing Service.”  He is MY kind of GPS!

Always ask Him for directions,

SGK

“Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths…” –Psalm 25:4

Categories: direction, God, guidance, path, plan God power knowledge | Leave a comment

A Taste Test: Bitter to sweet

Posted on November 21, 2011 by Sharita

It was the summer before my 5th grade year. We had just moved to southeast Kansas a couple months ago. It was blazing hot July in our little trailer house that we had just “planted” in the middle of a bean field. (Literally.) I was bored. Which made me hungry. Which made me curious.

I decided that Mom had to have something interesting to snack on in our pantry or cabinet. I was a short kid (still am at 5′ 2″) so I enlisted the help of a kitchen chair. I scooted it across the floor and parked it in front of the pantry. I climbed up and peered onto the top shelf… JACKPOT.

I had discovered something I was not expecting to find… a Country Crock Butter container. I picked it up and shook. It was heavy. I climbed down, excited to see what was hidden in this precious yet odd storage device. I popped open the lid and…

“Well poo,” I thought to myself. I peered into the container to find a grainy white crystal-like substance. “Now why would Mom store sugar hidden on the top shelf in a butter container?” I wondered. My 10 year old mind deduced that it had to be SPECIAL sugar. Being the curious (and hungry) kid I was, I shoved my face in the bowl, stuck out my tongue with anticipation, ready for sweet, sugary goodness to flood my taste buds.

“Phhhhhsssssssssssssfffffffffffffffttttttttttttt!” I spat out my “treasure” so fast that I swirled backwards and nearly tripped over the kitchen chair. “GAH! WHAT IS THAT STUFF?!?!”

I found out later that it was not, in fact, some special magical sugar that my Mom was hiding… it was picking salt.

Talk about a curiosity fail, huh? Apparently there was a REASON why it was hidden… so people wouldn’t mistake it for sugar. It was not only a surprise, but it was nasty– very bitter. (Don’t believe me? Try it. I dare you.)

Sixteen years later, I have learned my lesson not to stick my tongue into an unlabeled Country Crock butter container (not to mention that I have improved my etiquette skills… gross!) However, I have also noticed that I still sometimes approach life situations the same way I did with that pickling salt.

There are a lot of things in life that can really frustrate a person. I personally try to chill out and lean on Christ when I can… but hey, I am still a sinner. Sometimes I really struggle with bitterness. Let me explain.

When something (or someone) upsets me, occasionally instead of being slow to anger and quick to forgive, I treat the situation like the pickling salt. I go after it, convinced that my zeal or focus on the other person (or thing) will make me feel sweet inside and satisfy a “need” through revenge or vengeance. “I will show them,” I think.

But here’s the thing. I am always surprised when my hope of something sugary turns out to be a nasty, bitter experience that I wasn’t expecting. Instead of solving the issue and addressing it right away, I tend to take things into my own hands and allow the negative thoughts to churn in my heart (Thanks a lot, Satan. What a jerk. SIGH.)

After awhile, I realize there is ZERO, zippo, nada sweetness in my frustration. It tastes bitter. And bitterness does nothing to the other thing/person… I read a quote once that I have since internalized to help me release the bitterness and frustration I might be inclined to harbor: “Being bitter is like drinking a bottle of poison and waiting for the other person (or thing) to die.”

Christ is at work on my heart.  He is making me see things in a different light and telling me to HOLD UP before sticking my tongue into the figurative “butter container” that is that tough situation in my life.  He helps me to step back and think about the consequences of my actions and what it is going to do to ME internally. I don’t like the taste of pickling salt on my tongue… and I REALLY don’t like the hurting, self-induced feeling of bitterness in my heart.

Are you harboring any deep bitterness against anyone (or anything) in your life? Do you continue to stick your tongue into the pickling salt with negative results every time? Let go of the anger, resentment and bitterness. It isn’t hurting anyone but yourself. Allow the love of Christ to teach you how to turn FIRST to HIM in those situations of trial  and frustration for a bit of a “taste test…” and He will turn that taste from bitter to sweet!

A new kind of bitter-sweet,

SGK

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” 

–Ephesians 4:31-32

Categories: anger, forgiveness, help, Love | Leave a comment

The Best is Yet to Come

Posted on November 18, 2011 by Sharita

So yeah. Yesterday was my birthday. (It was awesome, by the way. Thanks to everyone who shared the love with me!)

But as I welcomed this new year of my life, I spent some time reflecting, where I have been, where I am now, where I am going. God has directed my path, and I couldn’t help but think of one of my favorite poems. You might have heard of it: It’s called “The Dash” by Linda Ellis. I have read it and/or watched it many times, but every time it still gives me goosebumps.

To get the true impact of this fantastic poem, check out the following video link:

 

Simple Truths: The Dash Movie

 

 

Awesome huh? I will give you a moment to collect yourself.

I have also heard a few different versions of the following story, which is great perspective shifter when it comes to living our lives with all we have for Christ.


A woman was diagnosed with a terminal illness and given three months to live. She asked her Pastor to come to her home to discuss her final wishes. She told him which songs she wanted sung at her funeral, and what scriptures she wanted read, and which outfit she wanted to be buried in. Then she said, “One more thing… I want to be buried with a fork in my hand.” The pastor was surprised.


The woman explained, “In all my years of attending church socials and potluck dinners, I always remember that when the dishes of the main course were being cleared, someone would inevitably say to everyone, ‘Keep your fork.’ It was my favorite time of the dinner, because I knew something better was coming, like velvety chocolate cake or deep dish apple pie – something wonderful. So, I want people to see me there in that casket with a fork in my hand and wonder, “What’s with the fork?” Then, I want you to tell them, “Keep your fork, because the best is yet to come.”


The pastor’s eyes welled up with tears of joy as he bid the woman goodbye. He realized she had a better grasp of heaven than he did, and knew something better was coming. At the funeral, when people asked him why she was holding a fork, the pastor told them of the conversation he had with the woman before she died. He said he could not stop thinking about the fork, and knew they probably would not be able to stop thinking about it either. He was right. 

“Keep Your Fork. The best is yet to come.”

 

This post isn’t meant to be a Debbie Downer. For me, it’s uplifting and exciting! Life is short and that’s ok! We will someday get to be WITH HIM!! God gives us a limited time on this earth to fulfill His purpose. Live for Him. He won’t let you down and will empower you to make the most of your DASH. And make sure you keep your fork… Because the best IS yet to come.

Doing the Dash with a fork in my hand,

SGK

“Show me, O LORD, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life. You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each man’s life is but a breath.” Psalm 39:4-5

 

 

 

Categories: future, heaven, life. God, perspective | Leave a comment

You can’t out-give THAT!

Posted on November 17, 2011 by Sharita

It was November 17, 1985. The blistering cold north wind whipped through the trees in a small northwest Kansas County. A redheaded Kansas rancher lovingly helped his petite yet round little wife to the truck.  Their life changing moment was creeping closer with each passing second.

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, that was the day I was born. I would say that it changed my life, but to be more accurate, it BEGAN my life. Several hours after arriving at Phillips County Hospital and some pretty intense tugs of the forceps later, I made my entrance in the world.  (Don’t believe me about the forceps part? I still have the bald spot on the right side of my head to prove it. Don’t worry. The doctor said it would grow back in a few weeks. 26 years later, I’m still waiting…)

Anyway… I don’t tell you the story of my birthday to dig up showers of birthday wishes and glory. (Although, if anyone is so inclined, I enjoy things that involve chocolate, books, God and shiny stuff. Kidding.) But I share this with you because 26 years later, I am very thankful for my time on this earth.  And believe it or not, it’s not about me receiving birthday stuff… but this is about giving. (Hang tight—I’m getting there.)

I wasn’t really “supposed” to be here. My parents tried for two years to have a baby and had given up. Then, surprise! Wish granted. Shortly after they announced the excitement of their first baby, Mama was put on bed rest for the remainder of the pregnancy because it was such a high-risk pregnancy. Nature sure is complicated, huh?

But as it turns out, God had a plan—and His plan was to give my parents a 7 lbs, 14 oz little girl named Sharita Gwen Lacey. And he had plans for this little girl… most of which have really taken off (in somewhat of a crazy manner) this last year.

God is a giver. He gave me life.  Hence, He is a giver of life. He has given me friends and family who loves me. He has given me a husband who constantly supports me and puts up with what deem “the emotional roller-coaster that is being a woman.” He has gifted me to write and minister to others. God continues to give and provide for us daily: financially, emotionally, spiritually. It BLOWS MY MIND. Seriously.

I think there is a reason that it is called “giving birth.” It’s a painful experience (so I’ve heard) and yet daddies and mommies throughout the world continue to create families to experience the joy of giving life to another. Awesome parents (like mine) give their heart to raise their little girl (or boy) to be a potentially successful and happy adult. Then, if it is in God’s plan, they eventually give that baby-now adult over to someone to love and cherish, just as Christ loved the church.

And just maybe that baby just might grow into a woman who, on her 26th birthday, is a writer, army wife, leader, lover of life and minister of the Lord Jesus Christ. I wonder if they knew THAT was going to be the result of their efforts as they cleaned up my messes and dealt with my childish (not to mention outrageous teenage) antics?

My walk with Christ has taught me to give until it hurts. I have also learned that you can’t out-give God. He has proven time and time again that each time I give ANYTHING, he “pays” it back to me ten-fold. I have experienced that on about four different occasions in the last week. Each time He so generously gives to me, it brings me to my knees.

Moms everywhere literally give until it hurts when it comes to bringing a child into this world. Dads give until it hurts when they watch their daughter walk down the aisle into the arms of her new husband. And God gave until it hurt, in the form of His son… on the cross.

Today, on my 26th birthday, I am filled with gratitude for the people who have given so much to me throughout my life. I am so grateful to worship a God who gave his son for ME. And for YOU. Talk about giving until it hurts. And we definitely can’t out-give THAT.

To give is to receive,

SGK

“We give thanks to you, O God, we give thanks, for your Name is near; men tell of your wonderful deeds.” –Psalm 75:1

Categories: faith, Family, growth | 3 Comments

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