Posts Tagged With: heaven

Enough (Anxiety-Free Monday, Wk #7)

Posted on October 22, 2012 by Sharita

“Is that enough?”

UG! Talk about a loaded question!! It doesn’t matter if we are talking about a delectable piece of dessert, our end-of-month cash flow amount, the groceries in our shopping cart or our worth/value as a person.

More often than not, even if our mouths answer yes, our heads answer no.

It’s a hard (and yucky) truth, but as consumers, Americans and HUMANS we are a greedy, selfish bunch of folks.

Sigh. Why can’t we be satisfied?

Notice I said WE. Yeah, WE, as in ME, have this problem too– We always want more, bigger, better. But WHY??

Too often, we  are trying to find life and contentment in STUFF. Overspending is the norm in our culture. The more you have, the happier you will be, right?

Uh, yeah. Negative.

In this week’s chapter of “Calm My Anxious Heart,” Linda Dillow makes a lot of profound (and difficult) points on this topic of never being satisfied or trying to find our worth or value in things of this world, specifically money.

She says that “Happiness is getting what we want; contentment is wanting what we get.”

Touche, sister!

Also, did you know that Scripture contains more references to money than to salvation? And 16 of Jesus’ 39 parables deal with the issue of wealth!

Apparently this has been an issue for a hot minute or so. And it is something we STILL battle.

I know, I know, this whole “not living for the world but finding our contentment in Christ” is great in theory, but seriously, how can we make it happen?

Here are some practical tips that we (as in, my husband and I) have started the slow process of embrace the FACT (yes, FACT) that Jesus is enough for us. (Don’t get me wrong– we still have a looonnngggg way to go. God sure knows it!)

1. Last Christmas, instead of purchasing gifts for our family, we made a donation to a cause or fund that would speak to their heart in the name of Jesus.

2. This summer, we ate only 7 foods for 30 days. (Longest 30 days of our life… but honey, you better believe it changed our hearts!)

3. In addition to our tithe, we have answered the call of doing Factor of 7, a random act of kindness/generosity movement as a part of this ministry.

Finding your ENOUGH is probably going to look  a little different. Is it hard? Uh, yeah– kind of a lot. Is it worth it? Absolutely!

Here’s some “heart” Scriptures that we can chew on today as we seek our ENOUGH in Christ:

“What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?” ~Mark 8:36

“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’” ~Hebrews 13:5 

“The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.” ~1 John 2:17

Do you struggle with your “enough?” What parts are most challenging for you? What would living a life of ENOUGH in Christ look like? I would love your feedback (um, and encouragement– because I struggle with this too!! Iron sharpens iron, my friends…) Comment below.

Before we can deal with the money-in-our-pocket (or lack thereof) issue or the abundance of stuff in our house, we must first embrace this as a heart issue. God has already promised us abundant life in Christ Jesus. And that life is more valuable than any car or house or amount that we can charge on our Visa card.

As we continue to seek contentment in Christ, perhaps someday we will confidently be able to respond to that loaded question of “Is that enough?” with “Yep. I’ve got Jesus. That’s all I need… And He’s ENOUGH!”

Content in Christ,
SGK

“And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” ~Philippians 4:19

*******
If you are “officially” doing the online Bible study with us, here is the homework for the upcoming week:

Day 1: Question 1, Memorize and meditate on Ephesians 5:  15 – 17, Question 2

Day 2: Questions 3, 4

Day 3: Question 5

Day 4: Question 6, 7

 ***Extra***

Word Study:  Ephesians 5: 15 – 17

Live

“Making the most of every opportunity” or “redeeming the time”

understand

will

Categories: Anxiety Free Monday | Tags: , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

Rocking that Heavenly Bling (FMF)

Posted on October 12, 2012 by Sharita

Hi there friends! Whooeee– I tell ya what… It sure is nice to be back to the world of wireless internet. (It makes blogging a lot more efficient too!)

Now that my Friday technology status has been established, here is what that really means– we are back to playing along with Five Minute Friday with Lisa-Jo.
Five Minute Friday

Each Friday (ok, any Friday that I have legit technology and can blog on the spot) I link up with sweet Lisa-Jo. She gives us a prompt and we write– for five minutes flat. No over thinking. No need for perfection. Just write.

It’s a grand time. And a great exercise to get in shape (that doesn’t require specific workout clothes or sweating.)

Ready to get started? Cool. Let’s get crackalackin.

Today’s Prompt: RACE

Annddd… GO!

*******

The weather is cool and the sun has just shown its face over the horizon. People are starting to gather, some relaxed, acting as if it’s just another day while other pace nervously about. Time ticks by slowly… last-minute adjustments are being made… then its go time…

Welcome to race day.

There’s nothing like a race to get your adrenaline pumping! Granted, I am not much of a competitive racer by any means– I have run a few 5Ks, but never really to win it. (Hey, the fact that this asthmatic can run 3.1 miles without stopping is a win for me. I take what I can get!)  I cheer on my lil bro at his cross-country meets when I can, I have been to the Indianapolis speedway and to Church Hill Downs.

Just something bout a race that gets us all revved up.

However, I’ve always preferred to be the cheerleader, not the participant– but in the last few years, God has invited me to run a race– with Him.

HIS RACE. Running after Him, towards that finish line.

I have to admit, some days I feel like a champ. (Bring on the roses and champagne!) Other days, I definitely rock the underdog title. (Water?! Please? ARE WE THERE YET!?!)  Regardless,  of our talents, skills or abilities, we can cling this truth: with Him as our coach, our cheerleader, our guide, our trainer, even our water boy– we can all win THIS race.

And I don’t know about you– but the concept crossing that finish line and receiving our heavenly reward (bling bling!)  in the form of “Well done, my good and faithful servant” is the most motivating race strategy EVER.

So here’s to running our race– in it to win it– and rocking that heavenly bling.

STOP!

*****

Thanks so much for stopping by today, my dear readers… How is your race with Christ going today? Are you feeling fresh and charged? Or tired and sweaty? Or perhaps needing a pit stop?  When you finish His race someday, what do you think YOUR heavenly bling will look like? I always love to hear from you all– it sweetens my day. Leave a comment below :-)

Prayers and love to you all!!

And the race is on,
SGK

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7

Categories: Five Minute Friday | Tags: , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey

Posted on September 19, 2012 by Sharita

Do you remember that movie from the 1993 called “Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey?” You know, the one with the two dogs (Shadow and Chance) and the cat (Sassy.)

Oh. You don’t? Well, google it. I will wait.

Got it? Ok. Well, it was one of my favorite movies back in the day– we owned it on VHS, and if we still had a VHS player, I would probably still watch it on occasion. That movie included my favorite things: Disney, animals and adventure.

Now my life is a little less Disney and a lot more adventure.

Living about a thousand miles from “home” provides challenges and opportunities for growth like you wouldn’t believe (unless of course, you have lived it. Then you totally get what I’m saying.)

As you read this, I am currently in the process of being homeward bound for a few days– We (as in Sweet Justus the pup, our currently-cooking-softball-sized-baby Little Patriot and myself) have made it to my sweet parents-in-love’s house in South Dakota. (Note: It is a LONG frigging drive from Fort Benning, GA to South Dakota. Just saying.)

And I think my heart is about to explode. (In a good way, of course.)

It is SO awesome to be back in the midwest… I haven’t been back since last Christmas break  and I am thrilled to get back to the land of corn (well, if the drought hadn’t burnt it all up) and cattle. In a few short days, I am southbound and down, heading to Kansas for a few precious days of family, agriculture and chaos that only our tiny little community can provide.

WHEW!!! They still fit!! (There’s no place like home, there’s no place like home…)

I addition to anticipation of seeing my family, the farm,  and friends– I also have a big-ish announcement. Ready?

I HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO PREACH. That’s right, I have been invited to bring the Sunday morning message at our local church for TWO different services.

I couldn’t be more excited. (If you happen to be in the southeast Kansas region on September 30th, come on down to the Kincaid United Methodist Church at 9am then follow us over to the Welda UMC church at 11am. I would love to share with you what God has laid on my heart!)

It is such a blessing to have a home to love and look forward to– but honestly, my friends– it doesn’t matter where you are from, if you love your “home” or not… we ALL have a home that we can look forward to.

See, we are all homeward bound– someday, we will be home. Like, with Jesus. Yeah, in heaven. And that’s gonna be so awesome that it will blow any sweet childhood memories and love of the countryside out of the water.

Our current adventure of being homeward bound might seem to be kind of long and tedious some days. (ARE WE THERE YET?!?)  There are going to be “those days” where we are at the end of our ropes. Then there are other days where we can’t imagine that things can get any better than this.

But trust me. It can. And it will. Because we are all Homeward Bound. And yes, it’s an INCREDIBLE journey.

There’s no place like home,
SGK

PS: In what place do you feel most at home? How do you feel when you think about our eventual eternal home? I always love to hear your thoughts– please leave a comment below!

“But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.” 2 Peter 3:13 (NIV)

Categories: Home | Tags: , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

The Race of a Lifetime

Posted on June 27, 2012 by Sharita

It’s early in the morning. People are gathering. Some are chatting with friends, others nervously fidgeting as they hang by themselves. Someone makes the announcement.

“Please move to the starting line.” 

Running a race is… intense. Some “professional” runners are in to win that trophy or a sweet medal. Others, like myself, simply want to run and not die. Or break our face.

I haven’t been a “runner” all my life. (Side note: the fact that I refer to myself as a runner is a HUGE breakthrough.)  I used to DREAD the “Presidential Physical Fitness Testing” in middle school and freshman year of high school. Especially the mile run. Whenever that time of year would roll around, I would head to gym class with a pit of nerves and fear in my stomach.

“Please Lord. Don’t let today be the day we run the mile. PLEASE.” 

I was embarrassed. I always finished last. I hated it. I wanted to cry.

But last Saturday, I finished my 3rd  official 5k race. Yeah, I ran 3.1 miles. ON PURPOSE. This fact alone still blows my mind. It was a great race in Americus, GA to benefit the Kisses From Katie cause.  I had been training hard and managed to shave 3 minutes and 4 seconds off my best ever race time.

Now before you think I am just writing this to write this, please know: This was the first time I ran for God. Him alone. Sure, I have been training hard, but I wasn’t running for me anymore. I prayed every day for the Lord to give me the strength and motivation to do this. Because if all thing are possible with God, then Him making me a runner ranks right up there with turning water into wine.

And guess what? I no longer hate running. I almost call myself a runner. That’s a miracle in itself.

On race day, I got up early for my quiet time. I was hoping for a fresh and inspiring word from the Lord as kind of a “race day motto,” so I flipped over to my concordance and looked under the word run. This is what it said:

“You’ve been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You’re after one that’s gold eternally.” ~1 Corinthians 9:24-25 (MSG)

I was blown away. Wow. That’s just cool.

We are all running the race of a lifetime. But God is going to be the one who decides who “wins.” If we run for Him, we can win that eternal gold medal as we cross that heavenly finish line, weary and sweaty with a smile in our heart.

So I didn’t run a 5K. I was just running after Jesus. The mileage just happened to equal 3.1 miles. I prayed on the way to the race. I prayed before the start, as I nervously fidgeted (aka pretended to stretch.) I prayed with each step. I prayed when I saw yet another freaking hill in my path.

When I finished, I was completely spent. (The paramedics who were in attendance gave me a “look” that said “If someone goes down, it might be this gal.” But I didn’t. Thankfully.) Even in my exhaustion, my mind was still on Jesus, thinking about that award that never tarnishes. As I thought about this, they announced my name and handed me this:

Yes, 2nd place for my age division. Granted, it was a pretty small race, but I didn’t take this as an award from the race organizer. I took it as encouragement from Our Father. To me this red ribbon represented much more than finally not coming in last place. It was a message from God.  “You are doing great, my sweet daughter. You aren’t there yet, but keep running.  Stay faithful and your reward shall be great.”

 You don’t have to a literal runner to enter the race for God. We can “run” together. He is waiting at the finish line, cheering us on. How do you run with God daily? How does He cheer you on? Let me hear it by leaving a comment below!

The stopwatch is poised. Grab your iPod. Lace up your shoes. We are in the race of a lifetime.

Keeping Pace with Christ,
SGK

“I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No sloppy living for me! I’m staying alert and in top condition. I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself.” ~1 Corinthians 9:26-27 (MSG) 

Categories: encouragement, God | Tags: , , , , | 27 Comments

Aftermath of our Path

Posted on June 15, 2012 by Sharita

It is Friday… It is Friday… It is Friday, Hey, Hey, Hey, HEY! <Feel free to sing this outloud to the same tune from Little Rascal Buckwheat’s rendition of “I got Two pickles.“

It IS Friday and that can only mean one thing– It’s time for our weekly Friday Flash Mob, writing style.

Here’s the deal: Each Friday, I link up with The Gypsy Mama. She gives us a prompt. Then we write. Unscripted. Unedited. For five minutes flat.

Too easy right? Well then, let’s get to cracking.

Todays prompt: Path

Ready? GO!

*****

The bags are packed. My water bottle is full. Pup is leashed up. It’s go time.

We are out to discover a new running path. We begin our walk/jog/hike in a beautiful spot. Trees surround us. Birds whistle cheerfully. The sun gently warms our neck. It’s gonna be a good day.

Off we go. This is awesome! Trotting along, I sing quietly to myself. I talk to the pup. Our new path curves a bit.

HOLY CANNOLI. That’s a big freaking hill. Um, that wasn’t in the plans.

Meh, it’s just one hill. We can do it. We trudge on. The sun is getting warmer. Beads of sweat form on my brow. My calves are screaming. We get to the top. And there in the distance, is another beast of a hill. Ugggg…

Walking on our chosen path isn’t always easy– both literally and figuratively. When Jesus called us to follow Him, He didn’t say it would be easy. But He said it would be worth it.

Our paths are going to be filled with hills, curves, broken areas, bridges that have gone out, detours, sweat and maybe even a snake or two.

But we must keep walking. One foot in front of the other, following after Christ. Because after all… Our path, no matter how hilly or sweaty or snake-infested, has a heavenly destination.

Tie on your tennis shoes, bring your water… Because the aftermath of our path is heavenly.

*****

Know what I love more than  Friday flash mob writing? Your feedback. I would love to hear about the current path you are on… Are you facing a hill? What’s around your next bend? What keeps you motivated to press onward to reach that glorious path-walking aftermath? Please leave your comments below!

And now… I must get started on my path for today! Many blessings to you… and as always, if you have any prayer requests, leave a comment, send a message to 7 Days Time Facebook page or email me at sharita{dot}knobloch{at}gmail{dot}com.

Following After Christ,
SGK

“Now you’ve got my feet on the life path, all radiant from the shining of your face. Ever since you took my hand, I’m on the right way.” ~Psalm 16:11

Categories: Christ, Five Minute Friday, God, path | Tags: , , , , , | 10 Comments

No Such Thing as Good-bye (Five-Minute Friday)

Posted on April 13, 2012 by Sharita

Oh what joy I have in my heart today! It’s Friday! (Insert happy dance here!)

One reason (among several) that I am joyous that it’s the end of the week? Because Five Minute Friday is here for us in the blogging world.

To catch you up: On Friday’s I link up with The Gypsy Mama. She gives us a prompt, then we write for five minutes flat. No over thinking. No editing. Just write.

I kind of think of it as a high intensity cardio-workout of the phalanges. (Phalanges= finger bones and personally one of the top five most hilarious words on the planet.)

So today’s prompt? Good-bye. 

Ready? Let’s do it. GO! 

****

Bon Voyage. Adios. Sianera. Sayonara. Hasta Luego. Don’t let the door hitcha where the Good Lord Splitcha. Peace out.

GOOD-BYE.

However you say it, it can hurt. Or in some cases, it might be a relief. Either way, good-bye is not the most fun thing in the world.

Now, you would think as an army wife, I would be an expert with good-byes. But that’s not entirely true. Yes, while my beloved and I have been separated by calls of duty more than I care to brag about, we have a policy. Both of us despise good-byes. So we don’t do it.

Instead, we say “See you later.” Or “See you soon.” Or simply “I love you and I will be praying for you.” Because “good-bye” just sounds so… final.

And great news… nothing in this world is final. Because of the Cross, we have the promise of reunion in heaven.

So even when he deploys, we don’t say good-bye. No matter WHAT happens, we are CONFIDENT that we will see each other again, either on this side or the next. The same goes for all of those we have lost in our lives.

Praise the Lord that we NEVER have to say good-bye. We can rejoice that whether it is a trip to get milk at the grocery store, a few month separation by duty, a life-risking deployment or even that last journey to meet Jesus…

We WILL meet again.

So in our world– there is no such thing as good-bye.

STOP!

I don’t know about you, but that was kind of an emotional (yet encouraging and interesting) roller coaster ride. And on that note– it’s time for breakfast and to celebrate the day.

Thanks for stopping by… I would L-O-V-E your feedback. Go ahead… make my day and comment here. :-)

Good-bye See you soon,
SGK

“Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let them say among the nations, “The LORD reigns!”’ 1 Chronicles 16:31

Categories: army, Christ, death, Five Minute Friday, future, promises | Tags: , , , , , , | 12 Comments

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