Search Results for: Everyday Jesus

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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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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If, Then, Therefore #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.  Joining us today is my dear, wonderful, beautiful and encouraging friend Kristen. Share. Enjoy. Interact. And let’s respond to God’s call with  a hearty “Wilco, Lord!” 
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I am a detail oriented, perfectionist, worrier, planner, general control freak, and penultimate spaghetti-minded woman. I must know before I act.

So, I make God small. I put Him in human sized boxes defining His capabilities on worldly measures. [Read more…]

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A New Thing (Printable)

Renew WoF

I love new things.

The smell that wafts through the pages of a new book.

The swish of a new dress that hangs perfectly from my ever-changing frame.

The first stroke of a new inky pen on the first page of a new journal.

The joy that wells as I master a new skill.

I love new everything.

As Christ followers, we have the opportunity to experience that newness within our hearts every single day. No new outfit, haircut or notebook required. [Read more…]

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The Vision #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. And let’s respond to God’s call with  a hearty “Wilco, Lord!”
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A bit of background for this first Wilco Wednesday Post: God has recently called me to fill the role at Spiritual Life 1st Vice President in our local Protestant Women of the Chapel (PWOC.) This was a message he placed on my heart for the vision of our organization. Not surprisingly, it applies to much more than our local PWOC– perhaps it applies to our personal walk with Christ! 

I do not have a green thumb. I have tried all my life to grow various vegetation and the results were less than impressive. It was all I could do to keep Enrique the Spider Plant alive through college and Chloe the Peace Lily semi-sustained in the early years of army wife life. Fortunately, God hasn’t called me to a life of horticulture.

He has called me to a life of Jesus-culture, one that comes alongside other seekers and believers to encourage, build up and teach them as they find Him in their everyday. All my life, I have loved people, and in the last three and a half years in ministry, He has gradually cultivated a deep passion for the women who love Him. [Read more…]

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F.R.E.S.H Prints of Faith (Printable)

Ah friends. This is the third new year that our ministry has rang in while serving at the feet of Jesus.

It’s awesome. It’s exciting. And even after several years, we are still seeking to keep it F.R.E.S.H by finding the fingerprints of God on our everyday.

Get it? F.R.E.S.H Prints? You are welcome. #SoPunny

As you face this new year, perhaps with new God-sized dreams or a stirring from the Lord for your walk with Him, start off strong, then follow these steps to keep things F.R.E.S.H all year long.

Ready? Time to look for some F.R.E.S.H Prints in our faith. [Read more…]

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Thank you for your Son’s Breath…

You might have noticed that in this current season,  Wednesdays are my days to work toward some super-awesome God-sized dreams. So here is a blast from the past straight from the archives. Enjoy, dear friends… and thanks for the grace. 

Today I am re-sharing a pinnable pic just because. I pray is speaks to your heart. 

Oh. And Merry Christmas, you dear ones! 

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Love,

Initials Signature Blog

 

 

Linking up today with my sweet friend Kristin over at Three-word Wednesday and having a little Coffee for your Heart with Holley.  

PS: No #EverydayJesus link up this week. Merry Christmas, friends!

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Bad things. Good People. Great God.

In lieu of the holiday season, I am taking a quick breather (for a couple of weeks) from cranking out lots of fresh material. There will still be blogs posted, some new, some reposts. Like this one. I pray it speaks to your heart today!

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I have heard this phrase in many conversations. I have witnessed it on Facebook statuses. I have even seen it on a billboard.

“Why do bad things happen to good people?”

That is a good question. And a tough one at that. I’m not gonna get all theological on you today (my brain isn’t quite up for that level of discussion) but I think that “Bad things” happen to “Good people” due to sin. [Read more…]

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He Forgave You– Now Forgive Yourself Too.

You might have noticed that in this current season,  Wednesdays are my days to work toward some super-awesome God-sized dreams. So here is a blast from the past straight from the archives. Enjoy, dear friends… and thanks for the grace. 

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“If only I hadn’t… I wish I didn’t… Why can’t I go back… It’s all my fault.”

Regrets. Mistakes. We all have ’em. We’ve all made ’em.

So what are we supposed to do?

[Read more…]

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