Anxiety, Hope and (finally) Asking for Help

August 3, 2018 by

It was a year ago this week that I finally had the courage to say something.

I will never forget it. My battle with anxiety was at an all-time high. Our then-five-month-old son had just been diagnosed with bronchitis, my infantryman husband had to have surgery on a torn ligament in his wrist and I had just started working on my doctorate two months earlier.

That night, after listening to our little son cough and snot his (eventual) way to sleep, I stood over my husband’s recliner. As he looked up at me, I started to sob. My breathing increased and I started to shake.

I had my first (and thankfully only) true panic attack. [Read more…]

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The God-Mother Complex

May 10, 2017 by

It’s no secret that being a mother is one cool gig.

It’s also no secret that it is sometimes the hardest job on the planet.

As you (probably) know, we welcomed a new Tiny Human into the world almost three months ago. Time has flown– and honestly, I’m not really sad about it. (I will pause as you gasp and say, “Oh, treasure these days, for they go so fast,” etc.)

Nope. I like it when my kids start getting a little bit older and more “stable,” i.e., I don’t feel like I am going to break him every time I touch him. And the better sleeping habits too. Let’s not forget that.

During the last three months of night-feedings, I have had a lot of time to think. And pray.

And I’m sure it’s just me, but if I think too much, it can quickly turn into worry. [Read more…]

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Do You Like Scary Movies?

March 16, 2015 by

I have never liked scary movies. Ever.

Maybe you are a theatrical thrill seeker and nothing makes you happier than a racing pulse as you watch a movie from your couch.

You can go ahead and invite me over to your house for a movie night, but just know that I will be in the kitchen raiding your fridge and eating all the popcorn reading a book.

I guess I just don’t understand the excitement of scary movies. Because their level of realism is about zero. “Oh hey, let me  walk into this dark house by myself. Pay no attention to the crescendo of intense music in the background. And is that a trail of blood on the ground? I think I will follow it. Only good things can come from this, right?” [Read more…]

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Video Blog: Pray Scared

July 15, 2014 by

Being scared is not on my top 10 list of fun things to do.

Actually, I don’t think it makes the top 1000.

But encountering fearful situations are part of our existence and how we handle them can say a lot about our relationship with God. Plus, it is a great opportunity to grow closer to Him in Christ.

Which is what today’s video blog is all about… Having the courage to pray scared.

Reading via email? Click here —> Pray Scared Video blog to view the clip

Where in your life do you need to pray scared? How do you think God wants to grow you in those situations? You know I always welcome feedback. Leave a comment before you go.

Don’t fear, my friends… God is with you as you grow. Have the courage to pray scared.

Praying Scared with Faith,

Initials Signature Blog

 “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” ~2 Timothy 1:7 NIV

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Just GO

May 29, 2012 by

As I child, I didn’t get out much. (Hey, we lived on a farm. In the country. At least 15-25 miles from a legitimate restaurant. In fact, the first 10 years of my life found us 90 miles from the nearest Wal-Mart. Seriously.) So when we did get the chance to go ANYWHERE as a family, I wanted to know WHERE we were going… Immediately.

“HEY! WHERE ARE WE GOING!?!” (Imagine this forceful statement in your best childlike slightly whiny/curious voice.)

For those of you who haven’t met my beloved Daddy, he is something of a smart aleck. (Good thing that’s not hereditary, right?) Whenever I asked this oh-so-vital question, it was met with one of the following answers: [Read more…]

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Unblock Your Heart

May 7, 2012 by

I will never forget that phone call. It was March, my senior year of high school. I was “supposed” to be in English class, but of course was spending my time ever-so-wisely in the library. The secretary tracked down my location and transferred the call to the library. It was announced: “Sharita… You have a phone call.”

The chorus of “Oooooooo, I wonder if she’s in trouble?” echoed in the room from my schoolmates as I rolled my eyes and made my way over to the phone.

“Hello?”

“Sharita.” My mom’s voice sounded… weird. “Um, your Daddy is sick.” [Read more…]

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No More Cornflakes (Repost)

March 22, 2012 by

Hey there faithful readers! I am taking a one day chillout break from creating new blog material. After the events of the last week, my brain is a bit tired. However, since many of you are new readers/followers (thanks for that!) I wanted to share with you one of my all-time favorite posts.

What did you have for breakfast? I hope it wasn’t this kind of cornflakes… Let’s chow down and enjoy! [Read more…]

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Peace by Piece

March 8, 2012 by

Sometimes you have to be knocked down to get your balance. Or perhaps you need to be broken into pieces before you experience real peace.

I love it when God reveals concepts in a new and fresh way… which is exactly what happened to me last week.

My emotions, fears, hopes, feelings have been all over the board in the last couple of weeks. But during my quiet time last Thursday, God gave me a revelation that literally changed my life.

The amount of peace in your life is directly proportionate to the extent in which you trust God. [Read more…]

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Removal of the Worrywart

February 28, 2012 by

I’ve always been something of a worrywart.

Yep, I was that kid in middle and high school that would always bring “extra” books to class “just in case.” I was terrified that my world would crumble to pieces should I forget to bring my ruler to math class.

For most of my life, I have lived in a bubbles of “what ifs.” As I have gotten older and my relationship with Christ has grown so much deeper, those constant worries have diminished. [Read more…]

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Ohhhh Baby…

February 27, 2012 by

Here are my top five reasons why I know that A) God is always in and control and B) Has a remarkable sense of humor.

  1. He made the Platypus. A mammal, with a bill, that lays eggs. That’s hilarious.
  2. He allows us to use phrases like “army logic” and “productive Monday” and “jumbo shrimp.”
  3. He somehow distorts how long two minutes is depending on which side of the bathroom door you are on.
  4. Kansas Jayhawks. (Sorry, KU fans… Just kidding. But seriously.)
  5. He thought it would be legit to send my husband to Ranger school right about the time we found out we are going to have a baby. [Read more…]
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