Search Results for: Everyday Jesus

Web of Perseverance

December 23, 2015 by

A few months ago, Husband, Tiny Human and I returned from a cross-country trip.

It was something of a debacle. What should have taken like 8 hours to get from New Jersey back to Washington State took more than 36.

Needless to say– I was frustrated.

But I was also rather surprised, because even with hours of delays, missed flights and the fact that I was literally wearing my last pair of clean underwear from my carry-on, I managed not to freak out on my husband. (I know it wasn’t his fault. But the poor man is often on the receiving end of my frustrations for all the things. I am working on this… Claiming a victory in that moment.)

Anywho, I was tired. Hangry (Hungry + angry.) Ready to get home. [Read more…]

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A Holiday Perspective & Abundantly More #WilcoWednesday

December 16, 2015 by

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. And let’s respond to God’s call with  a hearty “Wilco, Lord!” Welcome today one of the most insightful, humorous writer-y friends I have ever met, Lindsey. 

***

I’ve been struggling a lot with time crunches and stress this month, which is disappointing. This month was supposed to be set aside for calm. I had plans to shop for my loved ones slowly and with intention. I was going to sit at my kitchen table with tea and watch the rain. I was going to read short Christmas devotionals to my kids every night leading up to the 25th. I even took time off work to enjoy the season.

Has any of that happened?

Ha! Replace “slow” with “rushed.” Replace “tea” with “3rd cup of coffee.” Take out “read short devotionals” to “try to get a bath in once a week.” Did work leave me alone? Nope—last minute deadlines that my smooth-talkin’ boss talked me in to are piled on my desk. [Read more…]

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Because Postage is Expensive (Holiday Recap 2015)

December 14, 2015 by

Is it just me, or is postage mucho expensive-o these days? (I’ve been working on my Spanish…)

At the risk of sounding ancient, I remember when buying a book of stamps didn’t cost the equivalent to a first-born child.

Well, now I just sound ungrateful. I’m not. Really. I am so glad that we live in a country where we have such infrastructure to send things across the country for a handful of cash in just a few days.

(Super Random Side Note: I recently discovered how the term “Going Postal” was created. I stood in line in the post office during a lunch hour on a Monday. I had to pray REALLY hard to keep from going cray-cray. I am to be like Jesus, deep breaths, what would Jesus do?… Well, there I go, sounding all ungrateful again. My bad.) [Read more…]

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As A Sanctuary #WilcoWednesday

December 9, 2015 by
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, encourager, and wise counselor, Carriann. 
***

I watched aid workers receive refugees on the shores of a dark, icy sea.  Huge, hot, tears streamed down my cheeks as I took the scene into my heart. Tears of joy, tears of sorrow.

Many worked to wrap blankets around the injured, the cold, the very young and the very old. Mothers and fathers with resigned brown eyes fed their children, drank water, gathered them up after a rest and walked out. What compelled them to move away from rest so quickly?

Terror. People who know there is a difference between leaving and escaping move with haste. When a million miles is not enough distance between you and evil that hunts you, haunts you—you keep moving.

On my knees, I sought God’s will for our part in his plan to rescue them. [Read more…]

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Oh Mercy!

December 7, 2015 by

There are some people in this world that I just want to be like.

Well. Not completely. But some of their specific attributes.

It’s not usually to the level of envy (at least I don’t think it is) but I do aspire to learn from and emulate a few folks in my circle. [Read more…]

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The Value of Friendship #WilcoWednesday

December 2, 2015 by

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. And let’s respond to God’s call with  a hearty “Wilco, Lord!”  Welcome today my wise and loving friend, Katharina as she shares her heart with us. 

***

Last week, I met with one of my friends. We met eight years ago at our last duty station. It is great to be stationed together again and to reconnect. One of the great things about our friendship is that our children are the same age and they love playing together. While this season of reconnection has been great, it is coming to an end as they are moving to another continent in a few weeks.

You might think, “And? So you’ll stay in touch with all the great social media forums out there”. That might be true, but for me it is hard to stay connected that way, since my love language is quality time and physical touch (from the book The Five Love Languages by Gary D. Chapman). I always miss the one-on-one time, as well as the hugs.

In my life coaching business, I discovered that one area many of my clients feel the most stuck in, besides balancing their life, is friendships/relationships. Some of us get hurt or burned by our friends to the point that it is really hard to make new friendships. Or others are longing so much to be loved and accepted by others that they forget to protect their hearts against false friendships. [Read more…]

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The Purple People Pleaser

November 30, 2015 by

I sure sang some weird songs growing up.

Well, I mean they didn’t SEEM weird at the time. But now as a grown-uppish kind of person, I have started to learn about the “background” info of some childhood tunes.

“London Bridge” is rumored to be about a viking siege, child prisoners or a colossal architectural disaster.

“Ring around the Rosie” is based on a song created about a plague. Yeah. The “ring” was a rash. The “posey” was something an afflicted person carried in their pocket to ward off the symptoms of the disease. And I bet you can figure out what “Ashes, ashes, we all fall down!” was referring to. #UmYikes

Can’t I just be five years old and naive again?

Recently, I was thinking about another song that we sang in elementary music class…  The One-Eyed, One-horned, Flying Purple People Eater.

Did I ever actually LISTEN to the lyrics? How am I not scarred for life?

Admittedly, this song was meant to be silly and light-hearted. But the insinuation of eating humans seems like something of a nightmare.

And for some reason, I realized with just a slight name-tweak of that “monster,” I get a result that scares me even now as an adult.

The Purple People PLEASER.  [Read more…]

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The Holiday Switch: From Stressed to Blessed (Army Wife Network)

November 23, 2015 by

I eyed the calendar suspiciously.

I blinked. That can’t be right. Didn’t we just do this like five minutes ago?!?

But as I looked again, I realized it to be true. The holidays are upon us.

Sure, that sounds a bit cliche, but seriously– it seems the older I get, the faster the pages of the calendar turn.

Don’t get me wrong– I am not stunt double for the Grinch that Stole Christmas. I like the holidays. I really do. The fun, the family time (when applicable– hey, it’s the army!) and the festivities make that little spot in my heart get all warm and fuzzy.

Holiday SwitchWhat I DON’T appreciate is the stress that seems to come with the holidays.

Because really, if I am wound up about the holiday season and stressed to the max, I fail to enjoy it. I spend more time worried about all the things instead of reveling in the blessing that comes with all the things.

So this year, I am going on strike regarding holiday stress. Starting NOW, I am making a holiday switch from stressed to blessed. And I wanted to share with you some of my proactive techniques and expectations I am setting in advance. 

  1. Sharing my expectations– then sticking to my guns. That’s right. Talk with your people and determine what you want to get out of this holiday season. My Beloved Soldier has had a very busy year… And my job has also kept me on my toes. Oh. And we chase a toddler too. And I trained for my first marathon. And, and, and…. So we have already set the expectation that this holiday will be low key because we need to recharge more than have the banister decorated with organic, hand-braided pine boughs.  My in-laws are coming for Christmas this year (don’t worry– I love them to death– they are awesome!) so we have already told them to bring comfy clothes and prepare to eat, sleep and be pseudo-hermit-like. We have never been so excited to be this boring.

Keep on reading about my switcheroo techniques over at Army Wife Network. 

Dear reader, which of these tips resonates with you the most? What would you add to the list? I always love to hear feedback. Chime in and leave a comment.

And may you have a beautiful holiday season as you make the switch from stressed to blessed!

So Blessed,

Initials Signature Blog

“May you be blessed by the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” ~Psalm 115:15

Linking up today with Kelly,   Laura at Playdates with God,  Joan’s  Beauty in His Grip,  Jen over at Soli Deo Gloria Sisterhood,  and Hazel via  Tell Me a Story. Be sure to join our #EverydayJesus link-up community right here at 7 Days Time every Thursday! 

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Our Pants… And Our Purpose #WilcoWednesday

November 18, 2015 by

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. And let’s respond to God’s call with  a hearty “Wilco, Lord!” Welcome today one of the most insightful, humorous writer-y friends I have ever met, Lindsey. 

***

By Sunday night, I was a wreck. I curled up into a ball on my side of the bed and stared at the wall, contemplating life’s meaninglessness and ultimate inevitably. Tears ran down my cheeks as I tried (unsuccessfully) to quiet the deep snortles coming from my tantrum-caused stuffy nose. Dust in the Wind played monotonously in my head… “all we are is dust in the wiiiinnnddd….” and I nodded. How right you are, Kansas, how right you are.

My husband came in and lightly touched my shoulder, startling me out of my pout-fest with Kansas. He asked me if I needed a hug. I venomously snarked that a hug wouldn’t solve my despair! Wouldn’t give me purpose! Wouldn’t stop my one-way ticket to becoming dust in the wind! He put his hands up as surrender and slowly backed out of the room. [Read more…]

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Too Close to See the Fruit

November 16, 2015 by

Sometimes reminiscing is one of my favorite things to do.

Especially on days when the present is just a little much for my heart/brain/everything to handle.

I loved the days when we were young, growing up in rural Kansas. The days when my biggest worry was how angry Mom was going to get from our muddy clothes or if a horse drinking a bucket of tadpoles was actually dangerous.

Those were the days.

As I recently sat pondering about my current roles involving marriage, motherhood and ministry, my mind drifted back to another of our favorite past times.

Climbing trees. [Read more…]

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