Monthly Archives: July 2012

Factor of 7: How Sweet It Is

Posted on July 31, 2012 by Sharita

I’ve always heard that the quickest way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.

Honestly, I think that is only half correct for a couple of reasons. First of all, I am woman and I love food– so someone can sure win my heart via something deep-fried and covered in chocolate. (Although I try to avoid that… most of the time. Something about healthy foods and maintaining a healthy weight. Sigh.)

The second reason that I believe that old saying is only partially correct is due to the fact that while I don’t know how easy it is to reach someone’s heart with food, I do know that if you show them unexpected kindness (especially in the form of a sweet treat) they sure do open up their heart in a hurry.

Just such was the case last week with our latest Factor of 7. For those of you just joining us here at 7 Days Time, Factor of 7 is a once-a-month act of kindness that my husband and I do in the name of Jesus per the leading of the Holy Spirit. Then we document the outcome and share with you wonderful folks. (For more details and past Factor  of 7 experiences, click here.)

Here’s how things went down: My wonderful mother-in-love Lex and I spent a few hours on Thursday cooking up a storm in our kitchen. (This is an act of love in itself since cookies are not necessarily our speciality. Cupcakes, yes. Cookies, not so much.) We made several dozen cookies, including chocolate chip, sugar, snickerdoodles, and a couple pans of brownies.

Then we packaged up our goodies for delivery the next morning.

Three words: Om. Nom. Nom. (PS: Thanks for this opportunity, Jesus!)

Friday was go time. We spent the day loving on the people that are typically forgotten or taken for granted in our neighborhood… You know, those service people that we usually only talk to when there’s a problem, but yet without them, we would be in deep trouble.

Our first sweet Jesus bless-ees? Our faithful garbage men. On Friday morning, I was plastered to the window, waiting for the rumble of that big green truck to come down our street. (Can you say: Creeper?) Finally, they rounded the corner and I ran outside barefooted in my workout clothes, plate of cookies and notebook in hand.

Needless to say… They were kind of surprised. I had to yell to be heard over the roar of the rumbly truck. After they picked their jaw off the ground from the plate of cookies being thrust into their cab, they responded to my out of breath request of “How can we pray for you today?” with a laugh and sparkle in their eyes.

Oscar the truck driver said he needed God to bring him a wife. Leo wanted a truck. I laughed and encouraged them that those were both great prayer requests. (God cares about all our hearts desires!)

It. Was. Awesome. (And I’m sure quite a sight for my neighbors.)

The next person to bless was our mail carrier. We recently received a notice that the mail route was changing and time of delivery would differ daily, but would arrive sometime before 5 pm. So to avoid sitting around the house all day, I put a bag of cookies in the mailbox with an ink pen and  sticky note  that asked how we could pray for him. He took the cookies– and wrote us a note back. Too stinkin’ cool.

Other Factor of 7 folks that day included the gals at our housing office who keep families moving in and out of our army neighborhood. One of the girls’ prayer requests involved a custody battle over her step son. (See, I told you people pour out their hearts when you care!) We also stopped by two of our Fort Benning entrance security gates to deliver cookies and take prayer requests. They were surprised. And moved.

It’s simply incredible how a few cookies on a plate from a total stranger can move hearts in such profound ways.

Today, we encourage you to think about the ways that you can share the love of Jesus with others around you… Have you ever done anything like this before? Share your experience and leave a comment below!

How sweet it is to be loved by Jesus… and share that love with others, even if it comes in the form of a plate of sugary snacks– baked with love.

Sweetened by Christ,
SGK

“How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” ~Psalm 119:103

Categories: Factor of 7 | Tags: , , , , , | 14 Comments

A Gracious Recipient

Posted on July 30, 2012 by Sharita

“Will this be together or separate?”

<Insert cricket sounds here.>

Ahh, can’t beat that wonderful awkward moment at a restaurant or cash register as that fateful question hangs in the air.

We’ve probably all been there– dining with a friend, co-worker, or acquaintance, and then the awkwardness of that question throws us off. “Crud, we didn’t talk about this beforehand. I don’t have the cash to cover us both unless I have to, but I don’t want them to pay for me either.”

I personally don’t really ever want to be the person to break the silence and answer that question, unless I had planned to pay for them in advance… I mean, I don’t want to make them feel awkward by stepping on their toes, and I sure don’t wanna look like a self-serving person by saying “Separate” too quickly.

I’ve seen many-a dinners turn into a duel for the check. Half-hearted arguments about who is going to pick up the tab can really throw off the vibe of a great experience. There’s a super fine line between being a self-serving heifer, a mooch and an ungrateful recipient.

But sometimes, we need to suck it up and let the other party treat us, especially when they insist.

Now, don’t get me wrong– there is a HUGE and important place for generosity. I mean shoot, a big premise of this entire ministry is based on our Factor of 7 experiences when we share God’s love through being generous.

But occasionally, we need to let go of our pride and simply be a gracious recipient.

In today’s culture, many people (aka especially women) refuse to receive… well, anything. A gift from a friend? We have the awkward response of “Oh well, you didn’t have to do that” all while thinking “Now I should to do something for them in return.” Sometime tells you that your hair looks super cute? “Yeah, well my face is broken out/pants don’t fit/blah blah blah.”

What is our deal with not being able to simply be a gracious recipient??

I’ve had a crash course with this lesson over the last week. My sweet and wonderful Mother-In-Love Lex was here from South Dakota. And she treated me to several meals out on the town, a wonderful manicure and pedicure, and a few other blessed moments… Early on, I felt guilty for all of the sweet things she was doing for me. Then suddenly, I heard God speak into my heart:

“Do not be ungracious, daughter. This woman loves you and wants to spend a few days blessing you for what you have done as a wife of her son and a daughter of Mine. Be gracious and accept what she is offering you. Her motives are pure and it is from my love that she gives to you.” 

Gulp. Ok. Heard ya, Jesus.

Gifts from God… They just keep on giving.

So today’s simple (yet semi-profoundish) challenge: When someone extends to us a gift of love, a kind gesture or a sweet compliment… Instead of making excuses… Be a gracious recipient and JUST. SAY. THANK YOU.

This also applies to our relationship with Christ. God has given us SO many gifts, and the last thing I want to be known as is a girl who won’t receive it. His grace? Thank you, Jesus. The gorgeous sunrise. I appreciate that God– thank you. A moment of peace and quiet in a normally chaotic house? Lord, thank you, this means so much to me.

Do you struggle with receiving gifts in your life, whether from people or the Lord? What is so hard about it? How does it feel when you simply smile and say THANK YOU? Share you ideas and comments below!

Open your hands and receive what He has to offer. Take it all in, knowing there are no strings attached. God is a gracious gift-giver– so let’s be gracious recipients in return.

Graciously receiving it all,
SGK

“So roll up your sleeves, put your mind in gear, be totally ready to receive the gift that’s coming when Jesus arrives.” ~1 Peter 1:13 (MSG) 

Categories: blessings, God | Tags: , , , , , | 13 Comments

I Choose Option B (Five Minute Friday)

Posted on July 27, 2012 by Sharita

After a 3 week hiatus, Five Minute Friday is BACK over here at 7 Days Time.

I will give you a moment to compose yourself. :-)

Five Minute Friday is simple. And fun. It’s like a writing flash mob. Each Friday, I pop over and link up with The Gypsy Mama Lisa-Jo Baker. She gives us a prompt. Then we write. For five minutes flat.

No over thinking. No editing. Pure, word-flowing, Jesus inspired writing.

Five Minute Friday

And very appropriate for a Friday.

So now… Let’s get this party started!

Todays prompt: BEYOND

GO!

****

“ARE WE THERE YET?” I have to admit that this question is not utter from the mouths of babes in the backseat on a road trip… Instead, it oftentimes seems to involve my heart and a conversation with God.

I am a forward thinker. And by forward thinker, I really mean that I have a tendency to be impatient. (Great way to sugarcoat it, right? Thought so.)

We all have to be very careful not to fall in the trap of “Beyond.” Now, don’t get me wrong– beyond is a B-E-A-uitful thing. It’s exciting. It’s refreshing. It’s hope-inducing. But if we focus on too much on the beyond… we miss The Now.

“I will be happy when the house is clean…” 

“When I get my blog post written, then I can relax.” 

“I just have to make it through this ridiculous season of army insanity.” 

I am looking beyond. Yes, it keeps me moving forward… But sometimes, we just need to chill out and live in The Now.

Because God is in The Now AND the Beyond.

He’s in the clutter in my house.

He’s in the words of my blog posts.

He’s in the trials that the army throw at us.

God is in The Now. And also gives us a sweet hope in our heart of the beyond…

So we can choose:
A) To experience heaven only in the beyond, sludging through our day-to-day lives
B) To experience heaven in today AND beyond, by enjoying The Now but rejoice in The Later

I don’t know about you… but I choose option B.

STOP!

****

Five Minute Friday is always fun… mainly because I’m always surprised at what ends up from my head and heart into the scribbly words of my post. Jesus is at work… And I’m glad we can experience it.

May your weekend be filled with hope of the now… and beyond.

Beyond Blessed,
SGK

“Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great…” 1 Timothy 3:16 (NIV) 

Categories: Five Minute Friday, God | Tags: , , , , | 16 Comments

My iPod & God

Posted on July 26, 2012 by Sharita

“SIGGGGHHHH… Where in the name of all things covered in chocolate is my iPod?!?”

I have to be honest with you, dear readers. Usually I am pretty on top of things. Although my personality (sanguine) tends to be easily distracted by the bright and shiny, one of my spiritual gifts is administration, which helps me to be super organized. (Thanks for that divine, life-saving combo, Jesus!)

But occasionally, especially when I am tired or overly squirrelly, my sanguine brain reigns (say that five times fast) and I misplace things.

One of the most regularly misplaced items? My little iPod nano. Don’t get me wrong– three cheers to Apple for making such a tiny device that does so many cool things– but sometimes small + squirrel brain = misplaced iPod.

Such was the case yesterday as I was headed to the gym with my sweet mother-in-love Lex. (She is here to visit for the week– HI MAMA LEX!) Due to my SheSpeaks adventures, I hadn’t worked out for a few days with my iPod, but I was ready to get my sweat back on at the gym.

Time to gather my supplies, iPod included. I looked in my little gym bag. No iPod. Then I remembered: I took it with me to SheSpeaks on the off-chance that I would have time/energy/motivation to actually work out. (What can I say? I am sometimes a delusional optimist.) Suddenly, I remembered putting my iPod in purse… Dug through there– no luck.

My motivation to work out was quickly waning, so I gave up for the time being and headed to the gym with Lex iPod-less. (I survived, FYI.) As I was nearing the end of my workout, I starting thinking about my iPod situation again. I also started praying for God to direct me what to blog about for today. (My brain is still a little slow and foggy from the sleep deprivation/SheSpeaks adventures…)

Suddenly, He answered both my prayers at once. He reminded me that while in my hotel room at SheSpeaks, I had cleaned out my purse of all unnecessary things that didn’t need to be hauled around every day. An image of the bright yellow-gold gift bag from my friend Amy  flashed through my mind, and I realized that when I cleaned out my purse, all of my “unnecessary” items went into that bag. Then God spoke to my heart saying “I care about even the smallest things, my sweet daughter. Thanks for turning to me… You have the answer,  now go share this story.” 

Ok, Lord. You have my attention. I returned home, checked that yellow bag on my table and there it was– my iPod nestled under the lint roller, between an extra pack of gum, camera charger and Laffy Taffy.

So yes, my iPod was in this golden gift bag… Talk about the gift that keeps on giving!

So yes, my friends– God cares about the little things in our life– even if in the big picture it seems minor. The Lord knew how much that iPod meant to me as I listen to reflective Christian songs to relax, pump up songs to work out and Christian audio books to learn. (Plus I think He recognizes that I am working for Jesus dollars, so funds for a new iPod nano aren’t excessively abundant.)

What little things do you talk to God about in your everyday life? I love the wonderful conversations we have at this page– don’t be shy… Share your heart and leave a comment below!

God really does care about all of our “little” things in life… From the laundry and dishes, to grocery shopping, to locating your car keys. Today, let’s rejoice in the fact that we can listen to both an iPod AND God.

“Tuning” into Jesus,
SGK

“…God cares, cares right down to the last detail.” ~James 5:11 (MSG) 

Categories: life | Tags: , , , , , , | 18 Comments

Heavy Lifting

Posted on July 25, 2012 by Sharita

“Ready? Go!! Come on, lift with your legs, not with your back. A little to the left… Watch the corner… Your end needs to swing my way… WATCH YOUR FINGERS!!” 

Moving a couch is a lot of work. I personally have moved many times over the years and moving the couch is oftentimes one of the most logistically challenging parts of the experience. (It ranks right up with there with “Gee, I hope I packed those fragile dishes good enough.”)

Now before I continue, it’s important to understand that I am stubborn. (Like you didn’t already know that.) But yes, I am stubborn… So whenever it came to the point in the process of moving the couch, I always thought I was bigger, badder and stronger than I really was.

In fact, I once helped my dad move my big ol’ honking couch out of my apartment after of college graduation– and severely pulled a muscle in my back.

Not fun. But I digress.

The last time we moved our huge couch was from our apt in KS to our home in GA… It was so huge the movers couldn’t figure out how to get it out of the apartment door… So they lowered it down over the balcony. True story.

Sometimes our daily lives are like moving a couch: heavy, sweaty and exhausting. And, if you are anything like me, sometimes we think we need to do it ourselves (or with very minimal help.) God calls each of us to individual fulfill a variety of purposes in our lives.

But we aren’t called to do the heavy lifting alone. (Can I get an amen?!?!)

Think to yourself for a moment about the “heavy lifting” required in your life? Perhaps it is ministry, writing, parenthood, marriage, your career, you fill in the blank. It can get overwhelming and we simply can’t do it alone.

But we aren’t SUPPOSED to do it alone. (WHEW.)

This last weekend at SheSpeaks, I attended a breakout session by Micca Campbell entitled “Fear Not.” Her entire session was entertaining and moving… However, one illustration in her message really stood out and spoke to my heart. She recalled a time that she attended one of her first bigger speaking events. She was excited to address 400 women, but as she was waiting, the hostess and pastor’s wife began to tell her about a “big name” speaker that had been there the year before.

Micca said she was terrified to speak. She ran to her hotel room, sobbing. She dropped to her knees and started praying. “Lord… If you don’t show up tonight, I have nothing to give these women!” Then her voice got very quiet and tender (Fun Fact: They call that a “Holy Hush” in the Christian women’s speakers realm) and said that God answered her plea with words that she never forgot…

Micca: “Lord… If you don’t show up tonight, I have nothing to give these women!” 
God: “Well… DUH.” 

Isn’t that great?!?! WELL DUH!! If God doesn’t show up to help us with whatever we are trying to accomplish for Him each day, of course we have nothing to give.

Praise Jesus we don’t have to do the heavy lifting by ourselves.

When in your life have you thought you had to “do it yourself?” How did it turn out? When have you let God help and do His thing? What was the difference? Share your experience and join the conversation below.

Personally, I am beyond thankful and relieved that I DON’T have to do any of this by myself. If I did, I would end up with much more than pulled muscles and a sore back. But instead, God’s presence in my life gives me a strong heart to press forward knowing that HE is the one that is going to shine… He’s the one that will do our heavy lifting.

Lifting with a heart of a God, not my own strength,
SGK

“God’s strong name is our help, the same God who made heaven and earth.” ~Psalm 124:8

Categories: God, surrender | Tags: , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

When God Shows Up

Posted on July 24, 2012 by Sharita

When God shows up… Incredible things happen.

My sweet friends, I am back from SheSpeaks 2012. It. Was. Awesome. My brain/soul/heart will be reeling from this experience for MONTHS to come… But before I get into the details, I seriously just want to say THANK YOU for giving me grace not blogging for three days. I really love our “daily conversations” here and I was only able to step away to be with Him because I knew that you all are sweet and faithful– and would be waiting for me when I got back.

So thank you for your support and prayers. We certainly felt them.

SheSpeaks 2012 was intense, exhausting and simply remarkable. I could literally write a month’s worth of blog posts recounting the experience… But today, I will try to hit the really, REALLY high points.

First thing to know about SheSpeaks? God showed up. In some big ways.

And when God shows up… Hearts are stirred.

When God shows up… You best have the kleenexes handy.

When God shows up… Friendships will blossom.

When God shows up… Groups of women praying in the hall of a hotel will come as no surprise.

When God shows up… You will realize that 650 women singing “Amazing Grace” is the most beautiful sound in the world.

When God shows up… You can bet there will be chocolate nearby.

When God shows up… Miracles happen.

When God shows up… You will laugh until you cry.

When God shows up… Sleep will be minimal.

When God shows up… Jesus adrenaline will keep you going longer than you ever thought possible.

When God shows up… Lessons will be learned.

When God shows up… Prayers will be answered.

When God shows up… Your life will be transformed.

Forever.

Night 1 of SheSpeaks… Kelli, Amy and I ready for God to show up (Good thing we were sitting down or we would have been knocked off our feet!)

I wish I could put into words what my heart is feeling right now… But honestly, for a girl who has been blogging for nearly a year, it’s almost impossible. We experienced God at SheSpeaks 2012. In fact, HE spoke at SheSpeaks… And left us nearly speechless.

My heart is overflowing with gratitude for the opportunity to attend, learn, grow and be showered in the love of the Lord with so many other sweet women.

But guess what? We don’t have to travel to North Carolina to attend a big conference to experience God like this… God shows up EVERY DAY. What does it look like in your life when God shows up? How do you feel and what do you experience? I have missed your sweet words and interactions, so please leave a comment below :-)

Sweet friends, this is just the beginning. I honestly have no idea what God is going to specifically do with this experience… But I have no doubt it’s probably gonna knock our socks off. (He is pretty awesome like that!)

I look forward to sharing with you some of the fresh insights and experiences from SheSpeaks… There are a few little surprises coming for us and I am stoked that you have chosen to come along for the ride.

Thank you for being so loving, supportive and enthusiastic about this ministry. Remember… We all have 7 Days Time each week to live… Let’s spend it wisely and live for God…

Get ready for all of those beautiful lil moments when God shows up… Because He is waiting for you!

Speechless from SheSpeaks,
SGK

“When Christ (your real life, remember) shows up again on this earth, you’ll show up, too—the real you, the glorious you.” ~Colossians 3:3 (MSG) 

Categories: God | Tags: , , , , , , | 29 Comments

SheSpeaks Bound

Posted on July 18, 2012 by Sharita

My dear sweet readers… Something BIG is brewing.

And no, I don’t mean a Starbucks Venti Caramel Macchiato.

This time tomorrow, my sweet boss/coach/mentor/friend Kelli and I will be bound for Concord, North Carolina for the Proverbs 31 SheSpeaks Conference.

That’s right… we are going to gather with 650 of our soon-to-be girlfriends in the name of Jesus to learn even more about writing, speaking and the like.

So, that said… I ask for your prayers. Kelli and I are both on the Speakers Track, where we are to deliver a 3 minute and 5 minute message to a small group of our peers. We receive feedback/critique and do the same for the others in our group.

I’ve been praying about SheSpeaks for months– and wondered if God wanted me to get all motivated and stuff to write some blog posts ahead of time to prep for my absence on Thursday and Friday.

He said no. (GASP!) I know it sounds slightly ridiculous, but the last time I didn’t blog 5 days a week was… um… practically never. (I’ve missed 3 days in nearly my entire year-long career of blogging. I would say I need a hobby– but this IS my hobby.) So I am unplugging from the pressure of blogging for the rest of the week (two whole days– I know :-) ) and going to focus on the journey that God has laid before us.

Instead of freaking out about last minute details today (because I totally could– it’s in my nature), here are my current plans on this last day before SheSpeaks, given to me by God:

~Sleep until I wake up
~Pray
~Pack
~Pray
~Trim/polish my nails
~Pray
~Nap
~Pray

So as you can see, I have a full day ahead of me. (Wink!)

If you have a few spare moments over the next several days, please send prayers our direction– for God to move, for us to listen and to connect with the other sweet ladies in attendance.

Thanks so much for understanding my need to recharge and focus… I miss you already! Can’t wait to tell you all about this upon our return.

Hope you have a STELLAR rest of the week… In the meantime, be fully blessed!

With a heart of anticipation,
SGK

Categories: God | Tags: , , , , , , | 18 Comments

P.A.R.K it!

Posted on July 17, 2012 by Sharita

(Insert obnoxious/festive cell phone ring here) 

“Hey beloved! How are ya? When will you be home tonight?  Oh… So… You won’t be coming home at all? A private did WHAT?!? Sigh… (Gulp.) Ok, honey. Yeah, I miss you too… Love you… See you when I see you.” 

As a drill sergeant spouse, this phone (and/or text) conversation happens more often than I would like.

In life, things happen. Plans change. Circumstances shift.  This doesn’t just apply to drill sergeant spouses. All of us are faced with life experiences that shake up our daily plans, from changes of schedule to a flat tire to a kid who just won’t take a nap.

We ALL have a choice on how to react… And reacting appropriately can be HARD.

For me, there is a fine line on how to react when I get news that totally jacks up my plans and/or hurts my heart. On one hand, I could go off the deep end, tears abundant, spewing words I don’t mean, tearing up a box of kleenex. (See: Last year when we first started our duty as drill sergeant.) OR I can just be complacent and not care. (See: When I am in a “mood” or when Satan has a grasp on me.)

Neither of these are healthy. SIGH.

A couple of months ago, I was again struggling with this. I had a lot of emotions churning in my heart during the aftermath of our miscarriage, and the army life/schedule wasn’t helping much. I bounced back and forth between the crazy-lady-off-the-deep-end reaction and the blatant, mean “I-don’t-give-a-poo” bad attitude.

Satan loved it. But God didn’t. And it broke my heart. I was desperate and turned to God, begging for guidance to help me find a “happy medium” of reacting lovingly with compassion, but not being a spineless, complacent jellyfish.

He told me to P.A.R.K it… Literally…

P~ Pause and take a deep breath (or twelve… whatever it takes.) Then close your eyes (easier to keep the tears at bay) and begin to Pray.

A~  Ask the Lord what He wants you to do in this situation, what He wants you to learn and how He wants you to react.

R~ Respond and React appropriately. This step is important… following through with what He has told you to do is vital for rectifying the situation.

K~  Keep praying and Keep in touch with God. Reacting in the moment isn’t the only part of this process. For me, I must keep asking God for guidance and strength as well as continuous reminders that my sweet husband and the army are two separate entities… 

Then repeat as necessary.

I have held this acronym close to my heart for the last couple of months, and as we prepare to pick up another basic training cycle in a matter of days, I am ready to engage it again. Even after we are off the trail as a drill sergeant couple, I know that we will continually be faced with life decisions and changes that require a reaction. P.A.R.K has proven successful for us and I would encourage you to try it out!

What circumstances do you struggle to react appropriately to? How do you cope? Would “Parking it” work  or do you have your own method in place? I would love to hear from you– don’t be shy, leave a comment below.

Today, let’s be encouraged that God is the One who instigates the changes and circumstances in our lives. And we have a choice: We can drive on, plowing through it without a second thought and reacting out of raw emotion… or we can PARK IT. Which will you choose?

Parking it and setting the emergency brake,
SGK

“When life is heavy and hard to take, go off by yourself. Enter the silence. Bow in prayer. Don’t ask questions: Wait for hope to appear. Don’t run from trouble. Take it full-face. The “worst” is never the worst.” ~Lamentations 3:28-30 MSG

Categories: attitude, God | Tags: , , , , , | 16 Comments

Working Overtime

Posted on July 16, 2012 by Sharita

Sundays are said to be a day of rest. I fully believe this. However, it can be a little challenging if you are in ministry.

Oh, and before you count yourself out of this, ALL of us are ministers. If you go to church, serve at church (on Sunday or any other day of the week), serve in your community, or are an active Christian listen up.

Most Sundays, I am up by 6am to get ready for my day. I might serve/work anywhere from 3 to 14 hours at church on any given Sunday. (True story.) But here’s the confession: Sometimes I don’t wanna.

I will give you a second to pick your jaw up off the ground.

Don’t get me wrong– I love my Lord and I love my job. But it can be HARD and EXHAUSTING job sometimes. (Side note: It’s super important to take a Sabbath another day of the week to recover and prevent burn out.)

It’s also important to know that His followers aren’t the only ones working overtime… The Enemy is clocked in, working against us, trying to keep us from bringing glory to God.

I think that is why it is such a battle for so many to roll out of bed and actually GO to church, regardless if it is to serve or worship. See, we not only have our flesh working against us thinking “Just five more minutes” which soon turns into “It’s OK if I skip church today– I will pray extra hard this week,” Satan is helping that process along as well.

This isn’t a post to condemn or cause guilt. I mean seriously, there have been more days than I would like to admit when I have to literally say out loud on a Sunday morning “Get behind me Satan! Help me Jesus to get motivated to serve YOU!”

I really just want to make you aware that Satan is working overtime, trying to prevent the great work that God has in store for us to accomplish for Him.

Unfortunately, The Enemy is pretty stinkin’ good at his job. Sigh. (Won’t somebody fire that guy, already?)

Sometimes, that jerkface starts working overtime on me the night before. Saturday evening can bring ridiculous thoughts of “Oh man, I have to get up at _ o’clock tomorrow” or “I really don’t want to meet with _____, I want to just chill.”

Ludicrous thoughts, I tell you. Fortunately, God always comes through for me. And once I get to church and “clock in” (figuratively speaking of course– we are all on duty, all the time of course!) the power, love and motivation I feel are simply unexplainable.

When we take a step of faith, whether it is volunteering at church or sharing our faith, we have a big, fat, red target on our back. And Satan takes aim. However, if we listen to The One, He is ALWAYS victorious. He gives us the weapons and tools we need to fight. To serve. To win.

Time Card

Source: M Sullivan via Flickr

When do you struggle most to find motivation? What gets you going? How does God equip you to work overtime when Satan is in hot pursuit? I would love to hear about it… Leave a comment below, my sweet reader!

It’s a new week. Time to start fresh. Keep in mind that being a Christian isn’t easy. But it’s worth it. Satan isn’t the only one working overtime. So is Christ. And I don’t know about you, but I couldn’t ask for a better boss, defender and lover.

Be faithful and our eternal paycheck will reflect our efforts of working overtime in the name of Christ.

Clocking In,
SGK

“My counsel is this: Live freely, animated and motivated by God’s Spirit.” ~Galatians 5:16 MSG

Categories: attitude | Tags: , , , , , , | 8 Comments

What Really Matters (5 Minute Friday, Modified)

Posted on July 13, 2012 by Sharita

Good morning, sweet readers. So, fun fact. Summers get crazy for us in the blogging world. Between conferences, family time and vacations where places have no reception, our blogging sched gets a wee bit jacked up.

Today, our typical Five Minute Friday is a little different. The leader of this weekly link-up, Lisa-Jo is disconnected for vacay. (Interesting how I wrote about being “Unplugged” yesterday and I myself was away from all things technology a few days ago.)  She left us a former blog post, and since I had nothing prepared to share this morning (can you say post-vacation-brain-mush) as I was planning for Five Minute Friday… I have decided create my own Five Minute writing fiasco.

I’m picking my own prompt based on her blog article today. Little different, but welcome to the world of blog improvisation and brain-mush syndrome :-)

So today’s self-prompt: What Really Matters 

Ready? GO! 

***

Does it really matter?

The little tuffs of dog hair on the kitchen floor. The dishes in the sink. Technical glitches with the blog post. The hilarious oxymoronic concept of army-logic.

Does it really matter?

Sometimes, I let myself think it does. Yeah, the little every day life stuff sure exists– but sometimes, my perspective gets so jacked up, I think it’s the end of the world if there is one unfolded sock in the living room floor.

Seriously… Does it really matter?

Honestly, the answer is no. Now this post is not justification to let your house fall to shambles and be the next star of the show “Hoarders. But in the big picture, what really matters?

The few extra moments with Jesus before I face my day. Changing my schedule to see my sweet husband and hug his neck when his job as a drill sergeant keeps him away from home. Playing with the pup in the living room floor when he drops a toy on my stomach as I roll around trying to do my crunches. Stopping to watch it rain. Calling an old friend because you want to, not because you have to.

Fixing our eyes on Christ, knowing that in the big picture, HE is what really matters.

He doesn’t need our dishes to always be done and vacation bags unpacked and supper on the table every night. He simply wants us. To love Him. Seek Him. Follow Him.

That my friends, is what really matters.

STOP! 

Good morning, Lord. Thanks for reminding me that I matter to you!!

***

Well that was cool. (Thanks for turning my early morning-brain mush into real words and sentences, God. I guess ALL things ARE possible with You, huh??)

And thanks, dear readers, for bearing with me and being flexible. The world of Jesus writing can be a bit unpredictable sometimes… But rumor has it that variety is the spice of life. (Or was it that variety makes me break out in hives? Whatever.)

I best stop writing before my brain-mush returns and I start to embarrass myself. I would love to hear your feedback. What REALLY matters to you? Leave a comment below.

OH, and I almost forgot… Just wanted to let you know– that YOU matter to me. Yep, every single on of you. Thanks for being SUCH a blessing in my life!!

In Christ,
SGK

“What matters most to me is to finish what God started: the job the Master Jesus gave me of letting everyone I meet know all about this incredibly extravagant generosity of God.” Acts 20:24 (MSG) 

Categories: Five Minute Friday | Tags: , , , , , | 14 Comments

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