thanks

When Giving Thanks Is Hard

Posted on November 21, 2012 by Sharita

The smell of turkey wafts through the house… family piles into the kitchen, clamoring for their “special” chair and debating on which slice of pie will be most worth the calories.

Thanksgiving. A beautiful time of year. A time for family. A time for food. A time for giving thanks.

But sometimes, that’s easier said than done.

Sure, we probably do a pretty good job of giving thanks each year on the 4th Thursday in November. And perhaps you have been like many of my Facebook friends who have used November as a “thankful” month, stating one thing they are thankful for each day.

That’s awesome. But why do we only do it for one month of the year? 1/12th of our time out of 365 days.

I am a huge advocate for ALWAYS giving thanks, year-round. We give thanks for our house, our food, our family… but what happens when we are in the midst of a less-than-thankful circumstance?

One of my favorite Scriptures of all times comes from 1 Thessalonians 5:18~

“…Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Great theory. But seriously, how in the name of turkey gravy are we supposed to give thanks when we are in the midst of a storm?!?

One major thing that I want to note about our Scripture for today is a revelation that God gave to me a couple of years ago. Notice that it says “Give thanks IN all circumstances…” Not necessarily give thanks FOR all circumstances. God knows that some stuff is going to be hard for us, cause us pain and confusion. I believe He doesn’t expect us to say things like “Thank you God, for letting me suffer through <the death of a loved one/a broken relationship/financial failure/etc>.”

He DOES, however, desire (and expect!) us to give thanks IN all circumstances.  It’s all about perspective. “Father, thank you for being with me in this time of <insert hard experience here.> I praise you that you are sovereign, and Emmanuel, God with us. I rejoice in your never-failing love as you draw me closer with each tear I cry.”

Ann Voskamp, author of 1000 gifts, speaks directly to this idea of giving thanks through the “hard stuff.”

“It is in the dark that God is passing by. The bridge and our lives shake not because God has abandoned, but the exact opposite: God is passing by. God is in the tremors. Dark is the holiest ground, the glory passing by. In the blackest, God is closest, at work, forging His perfect and right will. Though it is black and we can’t see and our world seems to be free-falling and we feel utterly alone, Christ is most present to us…”

Giving thanks in the hard stuff isn’t easy… it is, in fact, HARD. But God makes it worthwhile, because we can trust Him. He always loves us. He doesn’t get upset when we come to Him with our heartache or questions… as long as we still rejoice in everything that He is, IN all circumstances.

Today, I challenge us to think of those hard moments… And how we can be thankful IN them. Perhaps you are in the middle of a storm right now, where giving thanks is the last thing on your mind. Or perhaps 2012 has been a year of turmoil. Or maybe it’s been great. Think a little deeper than the “typical thanksgivings.” I would love to hear your thoughts. Comment below.

Here are some of my hard thanksgivings from 2012…

“God, thank you for never leaving us or forsaking us through the loss of our first baby back in March. I rejoice that you have drawn us closer to you than we could have ever imagined through that experience. You continually to reveal the path to us, in miraculous and rewarding ways. Thank you. “

“Oh Father, thank you for the challenges that come with being an army family– you have shifted our eyes to focus not on today, but on eternity. We acknowledge that you are sovereign above all and we are so incredibly thankful for the strength you have infused into our marriage because of our career path.”

“Yahweh, I give you thanks in the ministry experiences over the last year that have pulled at my heart– I am constantly reminded me of your grace, your love and your plans for us. It keeps me yearning for you and reminds me of how much I desperately need you in my life.”

This week, no matter how you are celebrating Thanksgiving– whether it’s with dozens of people, food and football, or pizza and a movie with your spouse, or punching that time card at work, or sitting at God’s feet– Let’s remember to give thanks for the “hard stuff.”

Because when we are able to give thanks in the hard stuff… that is when we are closest to Christ.

Giving thanks through the storms,
SGK

“But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57

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A January Thanksgiving

Posted on January 26, 2012 by Sharita

It came no surprise to me that I needed a drastic perspective shift yesterday. After all, I had written a ra-ra-shish-koom-ba post  and no doubt The Enemy saw it… and wanted to derail it.

But great news. He didn’t win.

Here’s the very general back story: I posted “Your Personal Cheerleader” talking about how awesome God was, how we all need a pick me up sometimes etc. Well, between army stuff, normal life stuff, army stuff (oh wait, did I already mention that?), hormones, and general marriage stuff, I myself needed a pick-me-up. Things were wearing on me. Oh, and it’s prayer week at Christ Community, which is great– except God is (fortunately) using some of that time to create revelations in my heart, which makes my emotions vulnerable. (He know’s what he is doing… but its never easy.)Needless to say: I was in a pretty rotten mood yesterday. SIGH. I despise being in a funk. It stinks.

The mopey-grumbly feeling didn’t show up til about noon yesterday. Due to some brief miscommunication with my beloved and/or the army, my optimistic cheerleader apparently decided to hibernate. Fantastic.

For the next couple of hours, I grumbled to myself around the house, slamming cabinet doors, stomp, stomp, stomping, ignoring the whispers from God about what He was trying to reinforce in me about patience, self-sacrifice, forgiveness, being slow to anger etc. Yeah, all those super-sweet subjects.

I made it to about 2:30pm. I had already done one workout at the gym totaling 10 miles (2 on the elliptical, 8 on the bike… it is my low impact day) I sat down to blog… and nada. Zippo. I couldn’t get inspired to write anything positive.

Suddenly, as I was staring at the computer screen, fighting back tears for the second (or was it third?) time that day, I had a revelation… A feeling of thanksgiving swelled over me. I was sick of moping, and I knew that if I sat here, letting things stew and boil before I could discuss them with my beloved when I see him next (which wasn’t going to be until the next evening) things would not go well. I would be a mess.

I slammed my computer shut and told (yelled towards?) Baby Dog Justus, “Screw this. We are going for a walk. And I WILL be thankful for today and smile if kills me!” (Can you say “Screw” on a Christian blog? Hope so. Cuz I just did.)

I slapped on my tennis shoes, grabbed my purse, keys, pen and pencil. Our normal walk around the neighborhood wouldn’t suffice. I needed some nature. With God. Where I could give thanks.

We stormed out of the house. (Sidenote: Is it really storming out of the house if no one is there to see it? Kind of like if a tree falls in the woods and no one is around does it still make a sound?) Justus and I hopped in the car, and off we went.

I drove for a few minutes across post to a little pond nature-y trail area. We took off.

We had thanksgiving in January. As I walked, I was intentional to breathe deeply and keep my eyes open to the gifts God had placed in my life. (That was what the pen and pencil was for.)

Three miles later, I had captured the following Thanksgiving gifts for my 1000 gifts list. (Based on the book by Ann Voskamp.)  Not all of these things actually happened, but I was reminded of them on our walk. My mind drifted to thoughts of God instead of thoughts of annoyance and this world.

347. Reading by the water
348. Warm wind blowing through my hair
349. Gazebos
350. January days that are warm enough to wear shorts
351. Puppy “smiles” that show white teeth and pink tongue
352. Seeing fish swim in a pond
353. The distant sound of rifle/gunshots at a range on post (I’m an army spouse. Don’t judge me for this one. I think it is really sexy cool.)
354. Wet musty cool dirt smell
355. Ivy winding up a tree
356. The sound of a tractor
357. Eating fresh honeycomb
358. Hollow trees
359. Magnolia blossoms as big as your face
360. Leaves covering a path
361. My bucket list
362. Butterflies
363. Big backyards
364. Patio furniture
365. War memorials
366. Soldiers working crossing guard duty
367. The Infantryman’s Creed
368. Being up high looking down
369. Laying on your back outside looking up
370. Random conversations with an awkward middle school boy on a bike about your “weird dog”

By the time Ladybug (our red Pontiac Vibe) was back in view, I felt great. Honestly, I felt like a new woman. My perspective shifted from incredibly ticked to incredibly thankful. I went from “poor, poor, pitiful me” to “blessed, thankful, God loves me.” We don’t have to wait til next November to be thankful. Start today. Right where you are. Even in the midst of a pending storm.

I didn’t have to have turkey, gravy and pumpkin pie to have my Thanksgiving in January. I just needed Jesus. And I don’t know about you… but I am STUFFED.

Enjoying His Gifts,
SGK

“Do you see what we’ve got? An unshakable kingdom! And do you see how thankful we must be? Not only thankful, but brimming with worship, deeply reverent before God. For God is not an indifferent bystander. He’s actively cleaning house, torching all that needs to burn, and he won’t quit until it’s all cleansed. God himself is Fire!” –Hebrews 12:28-29 (MSG)

Categories: army, frustration, God, patience, spiritual food, thanks | Leave a comment

Drive On

Posted on January 11, 2012 by Sharita

I am writing this blog from Interstate 185 in Columbus, GA.

And yes. I am driving. But before you start sending me videos of distracted drivers, let me rephrase that.

Our ever-faithful Ladybug.

I do not text and drive, let along blog and drive. (Insert safety PSA here) However, I AM sitting in the drivers seat on Interstate 185.  Why, you ask? Well,  it rained today. And side effects of a rainy day in Georgia not only include watered grass, wet pavement, and some rather grumpy attitudes of some, but rain apparently also erases safe driving skills in a majority of people.

Sigh.

But as I drive, er, I mean sit, I have started to think. (Uh-oh.)

Isn’t there something in the bible about giving thanks in all circumstances? Yeah. Pretty sure I’ve read that before. (Perhaps 1 Thessalonians 5:18?)

So, in order to shift my perspective from what could be stressed, annoyed and remarkably impatient, this “live” blog post will now feature my “right now thankful” list.

  • I’m thankful I’m not the one in 10 car pile up wreck.
  • I’m thankful for the ability to sit here and pray for those in the wreck.
  • I’m thankful I have a car to drive.
  • I’m thankful I WILL get home… eventually.
  • I’m thankful I have a home to go home TO.
  • I’m thankful for the rain… in general.
  • I’m thankful for quiet time with God in the car.
  • I’m thankful for a few moments to breathe.
  • I’m thankful God equipped me with patience so I don’t have to be like some of the other reckless drivers who are currently doing illegal to “avoid” waiting.
  • I’m thankful for law enforcement personnel to take care of the situation.
  • I’m thankful for technology that allows me to write this blog in the car while I’m sitting in traffic.
Whew. I feel better. Don’t you?
Next time a wrench (or wreck) gets thrown in your trip (or day) take some time to give thanks. Yes, I said it. Give thanks in ALL circumstances. God has a plan for you. It won’t be backed up. It might take awhile. But you will eventually get “home.” Drive on.

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On the Road Again,

SGK

“…give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” –1 Thessalonians 5:18

Categories: God, patience, thanks, travel | 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

Dream Team

Posted on November 9, 2011 by Sharita

Confession: I didn’t intend for this week’s blogposts to turn into a stream of thankfulness focused stuff. But hey, it’s where the Spirit has lead… and I am not gonna question it.

You saw yesterday my extensive list of “Thanksvember.” Apparently, that experience has reignited an attitude of gratitude within my heart.

At the time of this posting, we are nearing the end of our Christ Community Church Staff Retreat. God showed up and met us here. And he’s made it awesome. For that, I am thankful.

Honestly, I don’t really have a “right” to be here, since I’m not exactly on the payroll and my joining the staff involved me begging Kelli to put me to work and let me serve (ok, maybe it was a little more complicated than that, but I digress.)

Anywho, the wonderful staff members here at CCC officially adopted me into their staff family and invited for me to attend this three-day retreat. While I have enjoyed interacting with the remarkable leaders of this church, it is equally impressive and empowering to watch us all work together.

This group never loses focus on God. Every decision, idea, “spirit storming session” (it’s like brainstorming, only more with the heart/spirit) is focused on the glory of God. We pray a lot, especially as ideas develop. It is so rewarding to sit back and watch our church vision develop into something even deeper and god-glorifying with each passing moment.

So today, I am specifically thankful that I am a part of this team… but even more so, I’m thankful that God had allowed me to be on HIS team. He picked me. He has picked you too. And he doesn’t pick us last (no awkward moments there!) He knows we are GOOD and lovely, and gives us the tools and coaching we need to succeed both as individuals as well as members of a team within Christ.

Even when we mess up, God doesn’t permanently “bench” us… He might call us to “sit one out” but typically that involves an opportunity to hush-up and listen. Take just a small, short second to sit back and think about being on God’s team. What does it represent to you? It it leadership focused? What “position” are you playing? Are you practicing daily to serve on His team by spending time with the ultimate coach?

God’s blessings are raining down on me right now… I simply want to fall on my knees and thank Him for the sweet (and yet challenging) season that He has bestowed upon me. Today, it is specifically in the form of being a member of such a strong and remarkable team here at Christ Community Church. But even more so… I thank Him for giving me a chance (through Christ) to be apart of His incredible, ever-loving, constantly-growing DREAM TEAM.

The kick is up and it is GOOD,

SGK

“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”  Ecclesiastes 4:9-12


Categories: CCC, Church, leadership, staff, team, thanks | Leave a comment

ThanksVember

Posted on November 8, 2011 by Sharita

It is the 8th day of November. You might have noticed the massive amount of folks on Facebook and Twitter taking time each day to remember what they are thankful for… Today, I roll my entire month of “ThankVember” into one post.

Honestly, I try to keep an attitude of gratitude a majority of the time. But we all need a reality check. As motivated and focused as we are, sometimes the crazy drivers, endless TO DO lists, kids/spouse/pets driving you bonkers, sore throats, etc really distract from all of the incredible things we have in our lives for which to be thankful. (I did a modified version of this about amazing gifts in our live a while back… Click Lifted By Being Gifted to check it out.)

Here’s my “month” list. It is a reverse countdown with the things I am most thankful for towards the “lower” numbers. Sort of… (a few are a little out of order, but you get the point) Keep in mind, these are all gifts given to me from God… He is so awesome!

30. I am thankful for the “sweet” things in life… Open to interpretation (think: chocolate, great foods, amazing friends etc… more specific to follow.)

29. I am thankful technology– of all kinds (medical equipment, phones, computer etc.)

28. I am thankful my health.

27. I am thankful for a marriage based on Christ (more on this… see #2)

26. I am thankful for the ability and heart to give.

25. I am thankful for smiles.

24. I am thankful for hugs.

23. I am thankful for an optimistic heart.

22. I am thankful for the ability to read and write.

21. I am thankful a full stomach, a warm/cool (depending on the season) house, dry clothes, shoes and a vehicle.

20. I am thankful for God giving me a courageous heart to face more and work harder for things that seem impossible.

19. I am thankful for a love of traveling and discovery.

18. I am thankful to get an education… from my high school diploma, to bachelors and (almost) my masters.

17. I am thankful for the members of our armed forces… especially my husband (See #2 below) God bless America! (Tune in Friday for a post honoring Veteran’s day!)

16. I am thankful to live int he United States of America… our freedoms are such a blessing!

15. I am thankful for God’s continual provision… He always provides and comes through… even when we don’t expect it!!

14. I am thankful  for growing up in an agricultural community– it gives me such a deep appreciation for those produce our food.

13. I am thankful for God calling me to blog daily… it has been a challenge, but the rewards and support from my loyal readers (like you!) have made this ministry remarkable.

12. I am thankful to work at such an awesome church with incredible Christian leaders. I learn something every day. (As I write this, we are at a three-day long overnight staff retreat… that’s dedication.)

11. I am thankful for my faith– without it, I would be so lost. But I am found and do have hope! Praise the Lord!

10. I am thankful for laughter. In general.

9. I am thankful that God has given me the ability to work out, strive to be in shape, enjoy it (most of the time) and find success!

8. I am thankful for my motivation. (Open to interpretation)

7. I am thankful for my personality that God has given that lends to coaching, pep-talking and ministering to others.

6. I am thankful for my call to ministry. It was completely unexpected, but has already been so rewarding, challenging and rejuvenating all at once.

5. I am thankful for our baby dog Sweet Justus– his demeanor and personality can bring a smile to my face anytime. Plus, who doesn’t love puppy cuddles?

4. I am thankful for my siblings and friends who always support me… no matter what hairbrained idea I have thought up. (Or they speak the truth in love and tell me to go ahead and rethink my crazy plans)

3. I am thankful for my parents who raised me to be a strong and independent woman.

2. I am thankful for God giving me a husband who is so patient with my moments of emotional roller-coasterness and that he is so dedicated to his job as a soldier, drill sergeant, infantryman and to myself and our marriage that is based on Christ.

1. I am thankful for a God who loves me SO MUCH He gave His son for me… No matter what I do, how bad I screw up, He is always there ready to pick me up and love on me. He never leaves me and His love NEVER runs out. He’s never disappointed in me.  So thankful for my salvation!

I challenge you just take a few moments today (or each day) this month to think about and thank God for the blessings in your life. I can guarantee that if you keep it up, you will experience an amazing transformation within your heart. And you never know… you might even carry over this tradition of Thanksgiving into other months of the year. Embrace an attitude of gratitude this “ThanksVember.”

With a Thankful Heart,

SGK

“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” –Colossians 2:6-7


Categories: attitude, gifts, God, gratitude, thanks | Leave a comment

The Perfect Cheer

Posted on November 7, 2011 by Sharita

Sometimes you just gotta have FUN.

This past Saturday, we had the opportunity to host our 2nd Annual Christ Community Church SERVE Banquet. It was a remarkable opportunity for all of us to get together and say THANK YOU to all of our amazing volunteers who serve within our church.

As an added bonus to some great brunch food  served by our staff, our volunteers got another surprise. A chance to laugh. Hysterically.

Kelli (my boss– you remember me mentioning her before– she’s kinda cool) and our admin guru Brad had created a “little skit” for the entertainment AND encouragement for our volunteers. It. Was. Hilarious.

I was privileged to serve as choreographer/drama coach. My comments during rehearsal included “Kelli, be a little ditzier” and “Brad, don’t break your face when you do a pretend cartwheel.” (I’m sure these comments were REAL constructive. HA)

Oh, did I mention that this skit was based off of the Will Ferrell and Cheri O’Teri Spartan Cheerleaders skit from Saturday night live?

In one word: EPIC.

Brad & Kelli… Cheering on those who serve and volunteer within God’s
Kingdom… Let’s just say, they were pretty enthusiastic.

Kelli and Brad did the whole bit– changing R-O-W-D-I-E cheer to “S-E-R-V-I-N, that’s the way we spell servin’, servin’, hey hey servin’, HUH!” Kelli asked about her hair (don’t worry, Brad spoke the truth in love and told her she had split ends.) They even did a satirical tribute in the form of song by singing the chorus/changing the words and tune a bit of “Thank You for Giving to the Lord.” Yes, it was complete with the ribbon dance similar to the gymnastics competition on Will Ferrell’s movie “Old School.”

I was back in the sound booth, helping run the slides and holding up a long-stemmed lighter during the song. At one point I looked over at a choir member sitting in the audience and she had her hands over her face she was laughing so hard. I looked at our Senior Pastor Keith, and his face was beet red from laughing.

Did I mention this skit was epic?

Believe it or not, there is a point to this story, other than to simply reminisce about a hilarious ministry experience. While the skit was somewhat unorthodox, it was an amazing way to THANK our volunteers.  The staff wouldn’t be able to do what we do without the numerous volunteers pouring countless hours to serving God’s kingdom for His glory.

If you are a volunteer at CCC, at another church or serve in any other capacity in His kingdom anywhere in the world, I want to thank you. If you work with volunteers, then take some time to sincerely  THANK them for all they do. Because they are “AWESOME, SO HOT, VOLUNTEERS GONNA ROCK IT TO THE TOP…”

Brad and Kelli ended the skit with “THE PERFECT CHEER,” which was a choreographed dance to the music of M.C. Hammer’s “Can’t Touch This.” To all of the servant leaders out there: keep in mind that YOUR volunteering doesn’t go unseen by our Father… Someday, when you get to heaven, He will greet you at the gate, say “Well done, my good and faithful servant!” And lemme tell you what… there isn’t gonna be a more PERFECT CHEER than that!

In gratitude,

SGK

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”   

–Colossians 3:23-24

Categories: cheering, God, kingdom, serving, thanks, volunteer | Leave a comment

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