Posts Tagged With: Christ

From Seed to Orchard

Posted on April 10, 2013 by Sharita

When I was growing up, I loved field trips.

I mean, what kid doesn’t? It was an excuse to get out of the classroom, explore something new, educational (ish) and exciting (ish.) Plus we got to pack a lunch in a classic paper bag or cool metal (or plastic) lunchbox.

Some of my favorite field trips were trips to local orchards.

It probably stemmed for my love of agriculture… and also my love of food. (Rarely did these trip ever not include free samples of juice, fruit, candy, etc.) Plus, orchards weren’t a super popular deal in Kansas– wheat and beef, yes. Orchards? Not so much.

I am still love visiting orchards and down-homey-agricultural commodities. (And no, not only for the free samples. That’s just a perk.) Each time I visit or drive by one of these super cool businesses, I can’t help but to be impressed. I mean, planting and growing one of these bad boys is no small commitment.

It takes YEARS. Like, a long time before the owners see fruit from their rewards. Apples, if planted from a seed, can take from six to ten years before they bear good fruit. Peaches range from three to five, pecans need up to six years and oranges start bearing minimal fruit at around three years, but don’t reach full production strength and maturity til 27 years.

Good grief. That IS a commitment.

orange tree

As I pondered this truth, I (as usual) was drawn back to thinking about our walk with Christ.

It’s not an overnight process. I mean, seriously, we aren’t growing a Chia Pet here people… This kind of thing takes TIME.

And apparently, lots of it.

In fact, our walk with Christ is going to be a lifelong experience. We will never reach “full maturity” and truly see all of our fruit until we reach heaven’s gate.

But don’t be discouraged… The growth process is very rewarding too!

Just like the orchard owner starts out small, perhaps with just a few seeds or some baby seedlings, God does the same with us. He plants a tiny “Jesus seed” in our heart…. and then events, circumstances and people we encounter over the coming years cultivate us, growing our faith from a leedle-bitty seed into an orchard that anyone would be proud to explore!

God plants us on solid ground– rooted in Christ… Encouraging us to reach for good soil in His Word. He sends sunshine to encourage us to grow upwards… Sometimes comes rain because we need it to grow. Every now and then He will prune back the “unproductive” branches of our lives to ensure we are reaching our fruit-bearing potential. And yes, He even sends the “fertilizer” events in our life– things that kind of stink, but make us grow stronger and healthier.

Then, after much tender care, protection, and nurturing– we bear fruit. As that fruit falls around us, new little baby trees sprout up from our seeds– and the orchard that is our earthly life continues to grow.

Kind of a cool thought, huh? At what rate would you say your current “faith orchard” is growing? What type of Christian fruit do you see in your life? What encourages you to keep growing?

I love the power of God… How He can take empty vessels like you and me… and with one tiny seed (and lots of love!) grow us into a sweet, fruit-bearing orchard!

Growing with God,
SGK

“Earth produced green seed-bearing plants, all varieties, And fruit-bearing trees of all sorts. God saw that it was good.” ~Genesis 1:12 MSG

Categories: growth | Tags: , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

This is the Stuff…

Posted on April 3, 2013 by Sharita

Ever have one of… THOSE DAYS?

You know exactly what I’m talking about. Things just seem to fall apart, one thing right after the other.

We’ve all been there.

In case you are there today (or were yesterday. Or might be tomorrow) let’s shift our perspective.

Here is one of my fav songs of all time– a great perspective shifter. It’s “This is the Stuff” by Francesca Battistelli.

Pay close attention to the lyrics… and just see if it doesn’t give your frustrated brain (and/or heart) a quick Jesus switcheroo!

What kind of “stuff” does God use to shape you into the person He has called you to be? How do you deal? Spill your guts (well, at least your thoughts) and leave a comment. :-)

Hope your day is less messed and more blessed– By Him!

Beyond blessed even in the mess,
SGK

“And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.” ~Colossians 3:17 MSG

Categories: perspective | Tags: , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Everyday Jesus: More Than an April Fool

Posted on April 1, 2013 by Sharita

Guess what? I am really becoming a huge fan of Mondays here at 7 Days Time– not because it’s Monday (hey, I sometimes still have the attitude of Garfield the Cat in that regard) but I just absolutely LOVE the profound, awesome and talented guest bloggers we feature each Monday with our “Everyday Jesus” series. Today is no exception– meet Shannon. She’s super legit, authentic and an inspirational follower of Christ– and with today’s blog, even though it’s April Fools Day, she ain’t fooling around… 

Filled by Him, 
SGK 

****

“But God chose the foolish and weak things of the world.” ~1 Corinthians 1:27

Angry didn’t even begin to describe the emotions swirling within me. Confused. Betrayed. Despondent. That was more like it.

I stared at the ceiling and dared myself to get out of bed. I summoned the tiny reserve of hope deep within, reminded myself I was all my two girls have and stumbled into a new life that seemed more daunting than exciting.

A year ago I was white-picket-fence married with two adorable daughters. Today I would start a new job at which I checked the box divorced.

The ink was still fresh on my updated W-4 when his daily visits started. My lonely coworker wore a Rolex, high-end suits and hopelessness. After a month of visitation, I heard the office gossip. He too was going through a divorce.

Shannon guest post graphic

One ordinary day with his mouth full of stimulating questions like how my pencils were holding up, I felt the nudge of God in my heart to witness to this guy. Faster than you can say unemployment, I silently recounted all the reasons that would be ridiculous.

1)   I wasn’t really on speaking terms with God myself since I blamed Him for my misery.
2)   I’m fairly certain they fire people for getting too “Jesus-y” at work and I was a single mom. Not exactly risk-taking material.

I still don’t why I let God win that day but I did. I gathered courage from the miniscule well of hope that allowed me to face each day and said, “Look I’m not trying to pry into your personal life but I want you to know I’m going through the same thing you are. And even though these are the hardest, darkest days of my whole I still have hope. If you’re interested in finding hope, I’m interested in telling you where you can get some.”

He jumped on my offer like it was a winning lottery ticket.

What I didn’t know is that he spent long, dark nights in a big home, devoid of furniture and faith. He would sit in his sole recliner, finger his weapons and consider his options. One night he stumbled across the Bible his grandparents had given him as a little boy. He cracked the pristine spine to no place in particular and cried out to God.

God sent help.

God sent me.

Six months after I offered him hope, he accepted Jesus’ offer of forgiveness. Six months later… he offered me a diamond ring.

I was foolish, small and unqualified. I brought nothing to the table but a weak voice strong enough to say “yes” to God. But when we listen to God in small things, He in turn does big things in our lives.

And that’s no April Fool’s Day joke.

****

Shannon HeadshotShannon is a morning runner, an afternoon carpooler and all-day lover of Jesus.

She is the author of Jesus & My Orange Juice, a fresh-squeezed oasis for ordinary living. Shannon finds joy among piles of laundry and miles of carpools and delights in leading others to this place of contentment in life. She presents the gift of prayer in her free 30 day prayer guide PrePrayed: Preparing for Life’s Events. She is a frequently published author. Most recently, she was a contributing author to Always There: Reflections for Mom’s on God’s Presence.

As a speaker, Shannon is straight forward about her own struggles. She is a compassionate advocate fighting for victory in the life of her audience with a message of hope and encouragement.

When not writing or speaking, she enjoys her favorite job of wife to Scott and mom to four daughters from kindergarten to high school.

Connect with her online at ShannonMilholland.com or on Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest.

Categories: Everyday Jesus | Tags: , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

The Exception

Posted on March 27, 2013 by Sharita

What is your first thought when you think of the word “exception?”

Do you think it is something special? Something unattainable? A person, place or thing that is out of the ordinary?

If so, then you would be right. Sorta. Ish.

Webster defines exception as “an instance or case not conforming to the general rule.” That makes sense, right?

But what about being an exception in the world? Or even more so… In our walk with Christ??

As I was strategerizing (man I love that word!) about this post, a quote from the movie “He’s Just Not That Into You” came to mind . It’s been forever since I watched that movie and it sure as heck isn’t Christian-based them. (Few chick-flicky romances are, let’s be honest.) But this is what came to mind…

In short, the whole movie is about a girl (Gigi) who is trying to find “the one.” She’s desperate and clingy and starts getting relationship advice from a dude acquaintance. (If you’ve ever seen any kind of chick flick, you already know where this is going.) Her dude friend Alex tells her that if a guy is into her, he will make it happen. He says that she needs to essentially stop living in pretendland, thinking that every guy who blows her off is going to miraculously change her mind and spontaneously propose just because her cousin’s friend’s neighbor did that and they lived happily ever after. Bottom line: She is the RULE… NOT the exception.

Well, here’s how things end up. (FYI spoiler alert to follow.) At the very end of the movie, Alex and Gigi have a final scene where she realizes that he is into her. He plants a kiss on her and ends with saying “You are MY exception.” (Then you hear my beloved husband making his gagging/retching/vomit noise in the background.)

So what in the heck does being the exception mean for us as Christians?

You, Beloved One, are the exception... Not the rule!

You, Beloved One, are the exception… Not the rule!

If we were all perfectly honest with ourselves, we might admit that we are completely ok with simply being THE RULE. Not coloring out of the lines, not drawing attention to ourselves. Flying under the Jesus radar. Going to church (if we are motivated) and not doing much else.

But God has called us (yes, as in you, me, your family, and your Christian neighbor) to be the exception for Him.

And before you freak out… it’s a good thing. Kind of a difficult thing sometimes, but a good thing. I promise. (And so does He!)

Being the exception for Christ can be found throughout Scripture. It can be present in the big and the little things in life, from loving our enemies to having child-like trust. It can be a boldness found in praying for the cashier or buying a stranger’s lunch just because Jesus nudged you to do it.

Oh, and don’t let the enemy convince you that being the exception is a bad thing. Sure, it is a fine line between embracing your God-given gifts and talents while remaining humble, resisting the urge to be prideful. As long as we know that God gave us this privilege, chose us for this calling to be His and the glory is all for Him… THEN we can be the exception.

In what ways you do feel God has called YOU to be the exception? Is it in your home and family? Or community or workplace? Does being the exception intimidate you or excite you? Be the exception to the rule– and leave a comment below.

I would like to challenge you to do something “exceptional” for Christ in the next 7 days. And it doesn’t have to be “exceptional” by the world’s standards as in big, profound and/or expensive. But exceptional in the love for Christ.

After all… He has called YOU (yes, you!) to be the exception. Let’s make it happen!

Exceptionally blessed,
SGK

“And these God-chosen lives all around— what splendid friends they make!” ~Psalm 16:3 (MSG) 

Categories: God | Tags: , , , , , | 2 Comments

Not-so-lonely Road

Posted on March 13, 2013 by Sharita

We’ve all experienced it at some point in our lives.

That moment of heart-heaviness. It feels like we are surrounded by darkness. We might be by ourselves or in a crowd of people.

Either way… we just feel straight up lonely.

Lonely, at least in my personal opinion, is one of the most un-fun places to be. Now, true loneliness is a heart issue and is very different from intentional solitude. We all need some “alone time” every now and then, whether it is to rest, recharge, reflect or just  BE.

But being lonely, especially in our hearts, can be a painful and scary place.

Honestly, as a Christian and army wife, I sometimes feel a bit alone in my walk.

Sure it looks long and lonely... but it's not. He promises.

Sure it looks long and lonely… but it’s not. He promises.

This happens frequently when we move to a new place or my husband is gone for an extended amount of time. When we first moved to Georgia, the first several months were some definite lonely-heart moments. Just me, the dog… and the enemy, duking it out in our living room.

Lemme tell ya what… It was exhausting. And way not fun.

Now before you get all up in my Kool-aid about Jesus always being with us, I know that is true. And I drew a lot of strength from Him in those moments. But He has also designed us to be in community.

Recently, I was having a conversation around this topic with great friend and fellow army wife, Sam, while we hung out on an impromptu Sonic date. (Sometimes the best revelations come over milkshakes and cherry limeades.) We talked about the struggle we face when battling this lonely feeling… because while God calls us to live in community, we have to be careful where we plant ourselves.

After all, we are called to be IN the world but not OF the world. (John 15:19) Great theory, super hard to live out. It’s a fine freaking line, one that I have yet to completely figure out. Sometimes, especially in the military realm of life, some of the things aren’t exactly productive for our Christian hearts or minds. Instead, we are exposed to negative seeds that try to take root. (And let’s be honest– the same thing can be said for ALL areas of the world… it’s a fallen world. We have to deal with it. SIGH.)

So whats a gal (or guy) to do in those lonely moments?

First of all, we can pray. Like, a lot. We can beg for Jesus’ presence to fill us up, to be the light in darkness as we battle the heart-lonely feeling. Also, we can recognize when the enemy is trying to attack. (More than likely, he’s lurking– so watch out!) We can surround ourselves with others who build us up– Christians who are genuine in their walk with words, love AND deeds, so that when we are called to go out into the world and walk a new path (military or otherwise) we can be IN the world and not OF it… We can cling to our strong, solid roots in Christ.

Oh, and we can take heart knowing that we aren’t alone in our struggle. So many people, just like you (and me) struggle with this lonely-heart feeling that rears its ugly stinkin’ head from time to time.

Christ understands our struggles. After all, He was alone on that cross when He took His final breath for you and me.

Take heart, dear friends. Christians before and after you have felt the same thing you might be feeling right now. While it might seem like a long path, remember that with Christ and fellow Christians, our path is a not-so-lonely road.

Hand in Hand with Him,
SGK

“If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.” ~John 15:19 NIV

PS: Where or when do you find yourself most lonely? How does Christ show up in those moments? Let us know– comment below.

Categories: heart | Tags: , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Ordinary? Yeah, not so much… (Five Minute Friday)

Posted on March 1, 2013 by Sharita

Hello, hello, dearest readers. It’s once again Friday (I see a pattern developing here or something ;-) ) so it is time for Five Minute Friday… Each week, I pop over to Lisa-Jo’s place, link up with her and then we write (for 5 minutes) based on the prompt that she gives us.

It’s pretty easy. And fun. And a great way to get adrenaline pumping (and braincells firing) early in the morning.

Today’s prompt: Ordinary

AND GO!

****

I am not ordinary.

Now, I don’t say that because I’m “special…” I’m really not. I’m just not ordinary. Not normal. Not typical.

And it’s a fun/challenging/neverboring way to live life. (Whoever created the idea of “ordinary” anyways? Seriously. Ordinary is so overrated.)

We all have our lil things that make us less than ordinary. For me? Let’s see… I am not ordinary because…

I am a certified auctioneer. (And have the diploma from Missouri Auction School to prove it.)

I created my Senior prom outfit out of duct tape. (That crap is sweaty, FYI– but economical. Only $32 to go to prom. Yes, please!)

I went to Citizen’s Police Academy during my 5th Senior year at K-State– just because I could.

I am a wife who is ok  with picking up and moving every few years to follow my beloved husband. (Thanks, army.)

But most of all– I’m not ordinary because I’m a follower of Jesus in a world that says “Me, me, me, it’s all about me!!”

And let’s be honest– Jesus Himself was far from ordinary. People scoffed at Him, hated Him, accused Him of being self-righteous, worshipped Him, slandered Him, loved Him… and yes, they even crucified Him.

Do you fit any of those not-so-ordinary descriptors? If so… Embrace it… Because Jesus calls us all to be extraordinary for Him. He digs it. Seriously. We can be not-so-ordinary for Christ even in our most ordinary daily tasks.

Being a Christian in both word and deed isn’t easy… But I tell you what friend– it sure it worth it.

So next time someone says to “Ug, why can’t you just be NORMAL?!?” Remember: It’s overrated. Ordinary living? Yeah, not so much. Jesus living is much more fulfilling.

STOP

****

In what ways are you not-so-much ordinary? Do you embrace it or struggle with it? How has God called you to live for Him? I would love to hear from you! Leave your thoughts below in our faithful comment section.

Blessings of the not-so-ordinary kind,
SGK

“So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering.” ~Romans 12:1 MSG

Categories: Five Minute Friday | Tags: , , , , , | 10 Comments

Everyday Jesus: Unexpected

Posted on February 25, 2013 by Sharita

Welcome to the beginning of our guest blogging series called “Everyday Jesus.” (Are you excited?? I SURE AM!!) To kick things off, today we feature an inspiring and wise friend of mine, Susan. She has incredible insight when it comes to walking with Christ and always has her eyes open, looking for Jesus in everyday life. I pray that her sweet and genuine words touch your heart and inspire your life– she is quite a gal and I am blessed to introduce you to her today.

Looking for Him Daily, 
SGK 

PS: Be sure to show Susan the love by leaving a response/comment below! 

****

I’ve worked since I was 16.  Always made good money, received excellent evaluations, consistent promotions, loved to offer solution and innovation . . . a “model employee” of sorts.  I was bulletproof.

Recently in my professional role of seven years, I started feeling itchy . . . not quite fulfilled in my work.  I played with thoughts of what I might do next . . . and wondered if God was calling me to something new.  Then the unexpected happened . . . half the staff was laid off…  including ME!  I was propelled from what I might do next and into what will I do now.

Sadly, the circumstance stole my confidence and what I know to be true about myself.  I forgot that I am loveable, capable, smart, an encourager, strategic, creative, a good problem solver, blah, blah, blah . . . yeah I got talents. The layoff translated into depression and isolation.  I’m upbeat, high energy, not someone trapped in despair.  During that time, I not only forgot who I am, but also Whose I am!

How is it that God can get through our muddiest pity-party sitting-in-the-dark eatin-worms times?!?

One Saturday morning I received an e-devotional that said, “It is to your advantage not only to be doing what you began and were desiring a year ago;  but now you also must complete the doing of it.” (II Corinthians 8:10-11)  God jolted my heart with this reminder that I had a desire to pursue something new in an area of my greatest passion, and now was the time.

Sunday in church the pastor said, “God told me to speak to some of you about ashes. What are the ashes in your life?  A lost job?   A lost love?  God wants you to finish your grieving and rise out of the ashes.  He wants to give you beauty for ashes.”

And there was a rose.

rose

The next day I met with a woman who asked if I would teach at a retreat for her leadership team.  Teaching topic:  How God speaks to us.  Ha!  Could this really be happening?

On the way to the retreat, the group stopped in a little mountain town for lunch.  I found myself in the same restaurant, sitting in the same room, in the same seat where only months prior I had been for my ex-employer’s planning retreat.  Coincidence?  In the middle of the table sat a huge gorgeous rose.  Again God jolted my heart and said almost audibly, “Nothing has been lost. This is my timing. I will give you beauty for ashes.”

At the retreat, I presented my teaching on how God speaks using my fresh examples.  What a blessing to see the Holy Spirit minister to those in attendance! Their positive feedback was good for my soul and a nice reminder of God’s gifting and call on my life.

Another presenter at the retreat handed me a little slip of paper as we were leaving.  She said “God prompted me to give this to you.”  She was a woman I had just met. She had no knowledge of my life or current circumstance.  That little slip of paper simply said Ezekiel 36:26.  “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone, and give you a heart of flesh.  I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees . . . you will be my people and I will be your God.”

JOLT!  This was the same scripture God placed on my heart 20+ years ago when I launched Insights, my first consulting firm.  It was the Biblical foundation of my business and life calling.  God assigned me to gently tap on the hard-hearted to bring them closer to God. The Lord reminded me in such a powerful way that His call on my life has never changed, and that we still had work to do!  Time to get going.

REFLECTION: When is the last time God got your attention in an UNEXPECTED way? How did you respond?

****

Susan Headshot.jpgSusan Parks is a coach and consultant for Christ  as founder of her first consulting firm “Insights” that she launched 20+ years ago. She specializes in ministry and leader development, values-based strategic planning and hiring, ministry multiplication and marketing/community outreach. If you are interested in being coached by or experiencing Susan’s services firsthand, contact her via email at susanpark1214 {at} gmail {dot} com.

Categories: Everyday Jesus | Tags: , , , , , , , | 21 Comments

Workplace Warfare

Posted on February 11, 2013 by Sharita

Most of us have been there.

After a weekend of relaxation fun (or, if you are like me and a few other folks I know, a weekend filled with catching up on your to do list outside of the working world,) the alarm sounds at whatever-o’clock in the morning.

It’s Monday. Time to go to work.

Which thought below typically pops into your head first?

A) YESSS!! Another day at an awesome job that I love! (in a non-sarcastic tone)
B) YESSS. Another day at an awesome job that I love.  (in a sarcastic tone)
C) Morning ALREADY? For serious??
D) Must. Wake. Up. Bills. Need. To. Be. Paid.

So which one did you choose? Does it depend on the day or what’s on your schedule? I know it does for me. Although I haven’t had to officially “clock in” daily at a paying gig for a little while, I have already had my share of workplace experience. From getting up at 0400 am to make the 45 minute drive to the hog barn when it was 16 years old, to working in the pizza-making section at a gas station during one summer of high school, to writing for a local newspaper, to various internships throughout the nation, to working HR for a corporation (all shifts of the day– that was icky!) to non-profit work… I’ve been around the block a time or two.

And yes, I have had ALL of those thoughts before. But really, I love to work. It makes me feel fulfilled. I like enjoying a job and doing it well. Hopefully you are the same way. (Ish?) It can give a great satisfaction.

Time Card

Another day. Another dollar. Another battle. Another blessing.
(Image courtesy of M Sullivan via Flickr)

But as I was thinking about this job/workforce experience, I couldn’t help but think about those around us who might make facing our Mondays (or any other day of the week) harder or easier.

They could be an awesome boss (or not) or great co-workers (or not) or other factors…

Such as the enemy himself. Yeppers, I’m talking about Satan and all of his stinkin’ minions.

Unfortunately, the enemy is REALLY good at his job. Like, really good. If there was an award like “Employee of Eternity” in the category of causing chaos, distraction, pain and havoc, the enemy would likely be a very viable candidate.

SIGH. So what’s a girl (or guy) supposed to do?

Well, we can fight him. Both inside and outside of the workplace.

Because no matter who your earthly boss is, whether you work in a school, office, on a construction site, in a restaurant, in the armed forces, whatever… The person you ultimately report to is Christ.

And He is one legit boss. For reals.

Christ is willing able to provide all of the training, tools, instructions and encouragement we need to overcome those schemes of the devil… and make his job to kill, steal, and destroy much, much more difficult.

Think about it… How many times during the day at your place of employment do you stop to pray? (Even if it’s for 30 seconds at your desk or at the water cooler or yes, even during a bathroom break.) What about reading His word over your lunch break? Or sneak-attack witnessing with your actions and mannerisms to a co-worker? Or casually bringing up your weekend plans and tossing Jesus into a conversation? How do you work for Him daily? Comment below!

We can always be working for Him no matter where we are or who we are employed by. And when we do so, we really throw off the enemy’s plans of doing his evil work as efficiently or effective.

It’s workplace warfare, folks. We are all engaged in it. And yes, Satan is really stinkin’ good at his job. But honestly– Christ is our boss… so who will you be clocking in for today?

Working for the Big Man,
SGK

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men…” ~Colossians 3:23 NIV

Categories: work | Tags: , , , , , , | 10 Comments

When a Dive Attempt… Bellyflops (Five Minute Friday)

Posted on January 11, 2013 by Sharita

5…6…7… and 8…

Oh hey. Sorry, didn’t see ya there. I was just doing my finger calisthenics and warming up for my weekly Five Minute Friday Finger Sprint with our friend Lisa Jo.

Five Minute Friday

Here’s how it works. Lisa Jo gives us a prompt. Then we write for five minutes whatever profound (or not-so-profound) thoughts comes to mind. No excessive editing or overthinking. Just going with the flow, writing then linking up in our FMF community.

Enough chit chat. Let’s get started.

Todays prompt: DIVE

And GO!

*****

I’ve always admired them. Their rehearsed, graceful form… The simple, smooth way they slice through the water… It didn’t matter if it was at our local pool growing up or on TV at the Olympics– I’ve always wanted to learn to dive. Gracefully.

That’s the kicker– gracefully. Now, if you have known me for more than 14 seconds, you will know there is nothing graceful about me. Entertaining, perhaps. Graceful? Not so much.

I remember those early days of my youth at swim lessons where the lifeguards would instruct me on proper form– where my hands should go, how close to stand to the water… Then (allegedly) how to just dive right in with all of the elegance and grace of an Olympian.

Alas, I have never been able to achieve that feat. Sure, it’s been a hot minute since I have even tried to dive and I know it’s possible… but most often, I end up belly flopping.

When it comes to our walk with Christ, we might not get it perfectly right the first time. Or the second time. Or the 5o0th time.

But just like diving, we can keep on trying.

I personally believe that God is pleased that we are striving to be obedient– even on the days when we fall short and belly flop. I wholeheartedly believe that He is pleased we are even getting in the water.

Our form might not be perfect. We might never be at level of a high-flying Olympic diver when it comes to following Christ. But don’t stop getting in the water, even when your well-intentioned dive bellyflops. Because for whatever grace we lack in our walk… His grace is enough.

STOP!

***

129271488378213728

That might perhaps be me… Before I “graduated” to bellyflopping in the big pool…

So… are you a diver or bellyflopper? In what Jesus situations do you find yourself bellyflopping most often? How can we stay motivated to keep getting in the water– no matter what? I always LOVE to hear from you– feel free to comment below!

Oh, one more thing– Regardless of your dive/bellyflop status– let me know how I could pray for you today.

Blessings in our Bellyfloppiness,

SGK

“But you continue boldly in my Name; you never once denied my Name, even when the pressure was worst…” ~Revelation 2:13 (MSG) 

Categories: Five Minute Friday | Tags: , , , , , | 8 Comments

Christ-mas, Christ-More (Just in case you forgot)

Posted on December 26, 2012 by Sharita

We hear it all the time– we need to celebrate the real reason for the season. It’s true, but really, I think we hear it so much that it  doesn’t quite have the meaning that is used to… (Sad, I know… but alas…)

So this year, I want to share with you a little reminder and share with you what we did for our families this year for Christmas. Its edited and updated from a similar post this time last year… Hope it makes you think– and I would love your feedback. Comment below.

Ready? Let’s do this…

*******

It’s 5:45 am… I throw back the covers and my eyes pop open. It’s go time.

I swing my feet over the side of the bed. Oh, that floor is cold! I creep out of bed, down the hall, and take a deep breath. The moment of truth…

There, in the gentle glow of Christmas lights are piles of presents. Santa showed up and he did not disappoint. I grab the nearest gift with my name on it and violently shake it. Nothing. Dang. It’s probably clothes. Socks. Maybe even underwear. Sigh.

Apparently Grandma Helen is more thrilled with the boxes that don't rattle than I ever was...

Apparently Grandma Helen is more thrilled with the boxes that don’t rattle than I ever was…

Admittedly, I have grown up and matured over the lasts couple of decades. I still love receiving the gifts, but now I love the family time even more… Especially since I am married to a soldier and our family is in a different time zone a thousand miles away. Yeah, we no longer take “family time” for granted!

God designed my heart to give. I love giving presents and showering people with love, sometimes in the form of “stuff.” In the past at Christmas, I would go all out thinking, marinating, pondering strategerizing, and planning what I deemed were “perfect gifts.” And would typically make it happen- no matter how it impacted my Visa card.

Two years ago for Christmas, my beloved suggested that we do something different and forego the hoopla of dropping wads of cash and buying presents. He suggested we give something perhaps more thoughtful like donating our money to a good cause.

I flat-out told him NO. Absolutely not. Negative. Nada. So we went with the “traditional” gift giving. It was ok.

Then last year, things changed. Apparently God wanted to do a little bit of work on my heart… We put my hubby’s suggestion into action and gave gifts to our family in the form of a donation to a charity/cause that would mean something special to them with an accompanying letter explaining what we did.

This year, things are even tighter, with me now working full-time for Jesus dollars and a new baby on the way. (Yay-yikes!) So we changed things up again this year… We spent some time praying for our family and listening to God– then gave them a framed message of what God spoke to us during that time.

In one word? Awesome.

Today I want to encourage you that just because Christmas has passed for another year, doesn’t mean our Jesus heart of giving has to stop… God gave His son on the cross and that never runs out or expires. So as we approach 2013, how can you make it a year more about Christ through giving, prayer, love or small acts of kindness? Dear friends,  Christmas is one day… But we can celebrate Christ-more all year long.

Never stop giving,
SGK

“But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you —see that you also excel in this grace of giving.” 2 Corinthians 8:7

Categories: giving | Tags: , , , , , , | 5 Comments

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