Perfect Timing #EverydayJesus Link-up

Welcome to another week of our Everyday Jesus link-up. Be sure to link-up below this post, comment on your neighbor’s blog and share with your friends… Because Jesus is everywhere, every day! 

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I adore moments of perfect timing.

Perhaps it is just my OCD nature. Maybe it is because I just love it when things flow seamlessly.

But really, I think it is because each little moment of “perfect timing” helps me to see Jesus in my everyday.

After all– God IS kind of the big bopper of time-keeping.

One example of “perfect timing” sticks in my brain…

A while back, I was finishing up a tough run. I was at the point of no return with just a few more minutes to go. I had been running hard and (as usual) was battling my brain that kept telling me to slow down to a walk.

As I huffed, puffed, sweated and groaned, I prayed. Please God, send me some encouragement. I want to finish this strong, at my steady pace. Please Lord– just get me there. [Read more…]

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In Darkest Hours #WilcoWednesday

7 Days Time

Welcome to Wilco Wednesday! If you are a new around these parts, “Wilco” is Army-speak for “Will Comply.” Think of it as saying “Roger, God. Got it. Will do.”  So that is what Wednesday here at 7 Days Time is all about– exploring his decrees and seeking guidance for what complying with Him looks like in everyday life. The best part? He loves us for who we are, not what we do.  Remember: He doesn’t want perfection, just obedience. Share. Enjoy. Interact. Please help me welcome a passionate follower of Jesus, dear Sammie, as she shares a beautiful poem she wrote in 1980.
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In Darkest Hours

In darkest hours, when light doth fade,
And life’s paths lead only to the shade

I find myself midst turmoil and doubt,
And lamenting sorely, I cry out! (Psalm 143:4)

To Him, My Maker, Potter,  Lord!
As I languish here, upon His Board.

Was this the future set for me? (Romans 9:19)
To lay in crumbled agony? (Psalm 25:16)

I cannot bear the thought or pain, (Hebrews 5:7)
To be reworked or taste the flame.

When other vessels seem to escape,
While I observe so cruel a fate (Romans 9:20) 

But then, in dark despair I hear (John 10:4)
His Gentle Voice, so tender, near (Romans 9:21)

“Your eyes do search the shelves in vain, (2 Corinthians 4:6)
For on Me only, they must train (Hebrews 12:2)

For you I have a special task, (2 Corinthians 4:7)
Another vessel I could not ask. (2 Timothy 2:21)

But first My precious, yielding clay (Romans 9:23)
Your unwavering trust in My Hands must lay (Philippians 4:6)

For I have loved you before your time (Psalm 139)
Do you think I’d hurt that which is mine?

I am neither capricious, nor am I cruel (2 Chronicles 16:9)
And the man that thinks so is more the fool.

I know the waiting and the flame,
Appear to you as inhumane.

But look deeper child and comprehend, (Psalm 37:18)
It is in tender love this trial I send (Hebrews 12:6)

For in the reworking and molding play (Romans 12:2)
As on My potter’s board you lay,

I bring you nearer to the goal,
You chose in me not long ago. (Romans 8:29)

Trust Me, My precious, uncertain will,
And you will see your dreams fulfilled. (Psalm 37:3-4)

As you yield to this potter’s touch (Zechariah 2:8)
To My perfect timing you must clutch.

And when the time of molding is done (2 Corinthians 1:4-5)
There’s deeper meaning, as I call you son (Hebrews 12:7)

For My Heart’s desire is for your best (Romans 8:15)
Your part is to trust and in Me rest.” (Psalm 37:7)

His voice was gentle, warm and kind (2 Corinthians 10:1)
And put to shame thoughts in my mind.

Oh Lord, and Master, Potter Grand,
I will remain in your Loving Hand! (Psalm 36:7)

Test me, cleanse me, do Thy will (Psalm 139:23)
That in my Life the Spirit Fills (Ephesians 5:18)

To say thought He slay me, if He must
Yet in Him, in all things, I will trust! (Job 13:15) 

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Think back on your darkest hours… How do the words above encourage you? Leave a comment and join the conversation.

Sammie headshotSuzanne (Sammie) Gray has been a Bible Study leader with PWOC,  International  Women’s Club, and  Campus Crusade for Christ ministries for over 42 years.   Her passion is teaching women how to walk in victory in their knowledge of our Jesus Christ.  Her hearts calling and personal ministry Scripture is Is. 61; 1-3 helping women to discover Christ’s Divine Design and calling on their lives.

She has two children, three grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.  She spent 15 years in the Corporate  world,  has owned/operated three  businesses, and traveled the world extensively.  Her hobbies are gardening, music, and studying Paleo-Biblical Hebrew interpretation of Scripture.  

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Linking up today with my friend Kristin over at Three-word Wednesday and having a little Coffee for your Heart with Holley.  Oh! And be sure to join our #EverydayJesus link-up community right here at 7 Days Time every Thursday!

 

 

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P.E.A.C.E: Pause Expectantly At the Cross Everyday

I am grateful for technology.

Sure, this wired world of ours has some drawbacks– the temptation to be constantly distracted, being “not present,” or additional frustration when the technology we are relying on fails us.  But overall, technology is primarily a blessing.

Especially since a lot of my ministry is online. And because I have a toddler.

Being a work-at-home-mom is a challenge. I am so thankful that I have flexibility to do God’s work mostly in our home, but the pull of parenting/all-the-other-Jesusy-things causes me to constantly question my priorities. [Read more…]

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God-Sized Dreams: The Next Chapter #EverydayJesus

Welcome to another week of our Everyday Jesus link-up. Be sure to link-up below this post, comment on your neighbor’s blog and share with your friends… Because Jesus is everywhere, every day! 

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If you have been around here for a few moments, you probably already know a few things about me.

I pretend to run. I love chocolate, reading, new journals and inky pens.

And I am a dreamer. Not the kind of dreamer that my husband regularly makes fun of my for like the weird stuff that comes into my head when I am sleeping (“Ok, so there I was with Abe Lincoln, a beaver and a giraffe…”) I mean the kind of dreamer who loves imagining the “What’s Next?” that God has for me.

Every year for as long as I can remember, I have always had new goals/resolutions/etc for the New Year. But 2014 was the first year that I literally mapped out some “God-sized Dreams,” per the inspiration of my URL friend Holley Gerth.  [Read more…]

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The Knight #WilcoWednesday

7 Days Time

Welcome to Wilco Wednesday! If you are a new around these parts, “Wilco” is Army-speak for “Will Comply.” Think of it as saying “Roger, God. Got it. Will do.”  So that is what Wednesday here at 7 Days Time is all about– exploring his decrees and seeking guidance for what complying with Him looks like in everyday life. The best part? He loves us for who we are, not what we do.  Remember: He doesn’t want perfection, just obedience. Share. Enjoy. Interact. Let’s welcome this strong, creative woman of God, Katharina as she shares her heart this week. 
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Once upon a time, there was a beautiful princess. She lived in a kingdom where every subject of the King of kings lived in peace, prosperity, and love with each other. The King, her father, was a righteous King, who knew everybody’s thoughts and desires before they were spoken.

One day, the beautiful princess looked out of her window and saw something glittering beyond the castle’s walls in the Forest of Dark Shadows. She was very curious and despite her better judgment and her conscience telling her not to go, she went. Soon, she found herself stuck in the Forest of Dark Shadows. She was lost.

The KnightThe night started to come upon her followed by feelings of fear and despair. She wished she would have obeyed her Father’s command not to go to the Forest of Dark Shadows and listen to her inner voice as well. Now she was scared and too ashamed to call her Father for help.

Suddenly, there was a movement coming from one side of the forest. She tried to hide, but it was too late…she looked up and there on a horse was her best friend Jesus, her knight in shining armor. He comforted her and set her high upon his horse. Together they rode to her father’s house. The King of kings waited for them at the gate and when he saw his daughter he came running to her with his arms wide open…- The End.

How does this story reflect your relationship with your heavenly Father?

We love to listen and watch love stories and fairytales. However, our lives do not seem like a fairytale at all. Instead, our lives seem like the Forest of Dark Shadows, filled with our fears, disappointments, abuse, loneliness, etc.

For instance, I hide in my “Forest of Dark Shadows” when I am afraid to step out in faith or I am not trusting my heavenly Father to guide me in my daily life and tasks. In Proverbs 3:5-6 New International Version, we read “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. But in all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your paths”.

How can I trust the Lord with all my heart when I am too afraid to let go of control and my strong will? A couple weeks ago, during my time with the Lord, he spoke to my heart to give up sweets and coffee. It was before the holiday season of cake, pies and cookies. You might guess how excited I was when I heard his command to give up sweets and coffee – I was not. And I failed a couple times, especially during Thanksgiving and Christmas.

However, the beauty of a new day is a fresh start, (Lamentation 3:22-23). I repented and ask God for his forgiveness. In addition, I asked him to give me strength to withstand the temptation of sweets and the smell of coffee. Sometimes it is hard to listen to our heavenly Father’s voice when our flesh’s longings are stronger than our will to obey.

How can you stay firm in your faith and obedience? Leave a comment below… Or consider these  suggestions:

  1. Research different scriptures about obedience and disobedience (Leviticus 26)
  1. Look at a scripture verse and ask yourself the following questions:
    1. What does this verse mean to me?
    2. What does it say about God’s character?
    3. How can I apply this verse in my daily life?
    4. What is the best way to memorize this verse?
  2. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you any areas where you are “avoiding” his voice or not obeying him.
  3. Share your experience and what the Lord is asking you to do with a friend, spouse, family member, co-worker, or someone that will keep you accountable

In the end, God promises us that he will bless us when we follow his commandments and obey his voice.

If you follow my decrees and are careful to obey my commands, I will send you rain in its season, and the ground will yield its crops and the trees their fruit.” ~Leviticus 26:3-4 NIV

KatharinaKatharina is a military spouse and a stay at home mom of a 7year old and a 5year old. She homeschools her two children and she is a life coach with www.well-springs-lifecoaching.com. She coaches women in life balance, relationships, health and fitness, and personal goal setting.

In addition, Katharina volunteers her time with www.VetREST.org, an organization that is passionate about helping Veterans and their families experience peace from the inner battle with PTS. Furthermore, Katharina is being trained in inner healing prayer with Aurora Worldwide. In her free time, Katharina loves to run, bike, hike, and swim (anything outdoors). She loves to read and spend time with her family.

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Linking up today with my friend Kristin over at Three-word Wednesday and having a little Coffee for your Heart with Holley.  Oh! And be sure to join our #EverydayJesus link-up community right here at 7 Days Time every Thursday!

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Celebrating Everyday Army Miracle Moments

Army Celebrate_FotorIf you have been an army wife for more than 35 seconds, you have probably already discovered that this crazy ride is, well, crazy.

Somedays it makes us happier than a five-year-old at Christmas… then a few moments later, we crumble into big, smoldering pile of ugly-crying heartbreak.

It can be exhausting, I tell you. In my personal journey as a wife of my beloved infantry man, my emotions have stretched enthusiastic optimistic to Debbie-Downer pessimistic of epic proportions. [Read more…]

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One Word 2015: Rest #EverydayJesus

Welcome to another week of our Everyday Jesus link-up. Be sure to link-up below this post, comment on your neighbor’s blog and share with your friends… Because Jesus is everywhere, every day! 

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This is the fourth consecutive year that God has called me to choose a “One Word” to focus on for 12 whole months.

And while this word totally makes sense for me, this very well could be the most challenging yet.

In 2012, He called me to TRUST.

2013, I needed to STAND.

Last year in 2014, was all about GROW.

And now, a seasonal culmination of all my One Word journey in 2015: REST. [Read more…]

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The Secret Place #WilcoWednesday

7 Days Time

Welcome to Wilco Wednesday! If you are a new around these parts, “Wilco” is Army-speak for “Will Comply.” Think of it as saying “Roger, God. Got it. Will do.”  So that is what Wednesday here at 7 Days Time is all about– exploring his decrees and seeking guidance for what complying with Him looks like in everyday life. The best part? He loves us for who we are, not what we do.  Remember: He doesn’t want perfection, just obedience. Share. Enjoy. Interact. Welcome today’s guest blogger, my dear friend and our courageous PWOC president, Carriann Lane. 
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There is a nest outside my window as I touch the stacks of books I’m preparing for bible study. It seems like a good nest. In His Word, I hold hope in my hands, and my heart travels back to a nest that was not a good nest at all.

My children were 6, 11, and 13. A bird made a nest of mud on the tiny ledge of our front door. The children discovered her beautiful little eggs, to their great delight. Every day, they rushed to check the eggs. I prayed these little birds would survive, and I believed they might. I smiled and reminded my own not to touch the nest or the eggs. [Read more…]

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The Prayer Closet

If you have ever lived with someone else, you know what it is to share space.

Growing up, perhaps it was a sibling. (Mom! She is on MY SIDE of the car! Her toys are in MY part of the room! She is breathing MY air!) 

During our young-ish adult years, perhaps it was a roommate. And perhaps said roommate was such a space invader that a duct tape line had to be placed on the carpet and any stray items that crossed the line were fair game for the trash can. #AskMeHowIKnow

Then maybe it was marriage. Lord in heaven– why does my beloved ALWAYS lay his wet towel out to dry on my half of the bed?

Now? Kids. Space to myself has reached a new level of precious. No longer is taking a bath solo any time of day an option. It is a strategically calculated action of relaxation. And don’t even get me started on actually going to the bathroom alone.

So yeah. A place for legit space can be a high commodity in this world of all things family– especially as we follow Jesus.  [Read more…]

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Stop feeding the Snake (#EverydayJesus Linkup)

Welcome to another week of our Everyday Jesus link-up. Be sure to link-up below this post, comment on your neighbor’s blog and share with your friends… Because Jesus is everywhere, every day! 

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Not-so-newsflash: Satan is a big, dumb jerkface.

It is no secret that the enemy of our soul is not only a jerkface, but is a jerkface that DOES NOT FIGHT FAIR.

How do I know this? Because I have recently lived through round eleventy billion fighting this punk. [Read more…]

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