The Struggle is Real (But So Is God)

Ah yes. Mondays.

I’ve written on numerous occasions about all things Mondays. Fortunately, in the almost seven (WHAT?!?) years that I’ve blogging and engaging in online ministry, I’ve come to loathe Mondays a whole lot less.

Aw. I think I’m growing up.  [Read more…]

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Because of Jesus: Photo Series #4

Well readers, ’tis time to continue our current photo blog series, “Because of Jesus.” If you are just joining us, check out our previous blogs on this very topic:

Because of Jesus Photo Series #1
Because of Jesus Photo Series #2
Because of Jesus Photo Series #3

And now, our latest installment. For God’s glory… Because of Jesus!
[Read more…]

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Because of Jesus: Photo Series #3

It’s no secret that God’s creation is beautiful. That concept coupled with the incredible things He has done for us can give us the boost we need to get through even our hardest days.  [Read more…]

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Because of Jesus: Photo Series #2

You might recall that we are mixing things up a little here at 7 Days Time. We are doing a little bit of photo-blogging AND audience participation.

Why? Because sometimes pictures ARE worth a thousand words– and maybe it is just me, but I *occasionally* need a reminder of what Christ has done (and is doing) in my life. [Read more…]

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The Broken Leg

As of this writing, my husband has been a soldier in the United States Army Infantry for just shy of 13 years.

Of those 13 years, he has endured three combat deployments totaling 45 months, as well as numerous other intense and potentially dangerous missions/assignments.

We count ourselves incredibly blessed that the Lord has protected him from injury all that time. Because we have many, many friends and battle buddies that cannot say the same.

Well, about a week and a half ago, that injury-free dynamic changed a bit in our family.

Long story short: My husband recently fractured his fibula (the small bone in his leg) when he landed after executing a required jump into Florida with his current job as a Ranger Instructor.

Let’s just say that this turn of events was NOT part of our no-plan-plan. (But are things like this ever on our radar?)  [Read more…]

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Leap (Year) of Faith

Over the years, God has changed me in dramatic ways.

He has called me out of the corporate world working for “real people” dollars to working for “Jesus Dollars.”

He has brought me to my knees, face-to-face with my own sin and slowly been transforming my heart for His glory. (That’s been a “fun” process.)

He is (gradually) softening my heart and tongue. He is showing me how to set healthy boundaries with my emotions and work.

But one thing He has yet to change? My fear of heights. [Read more…]

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Too Close to See the Fruit

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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In Community: Strength for the Fight #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 a very Godly, loving woman, my friend Bobbie. 
***

Life can be tough.

My husband doesn’t help me.  He is not present or available to the kids.  We are better off without him during deployments.  If He’s not here, we can’t expect anything of him. Work and friends have a higher priority than his family. Financially, his decisions are ruining us.  I don’t feel secure in his love for us.

In the raging battle for stable families, what happens in the home affects all of us. Single with married friends, active duty single parent, married with or without children, divorced with or without children: we have a bird’s eye view, a front row seat, or are in the battle ourselves.  The struggles are real, and the outcomes are significant. As individuals and as a community of faith, what is our response to the deep and wide heartbreak that surrounds us?  Believers are empowered to do good works, which God ordained for us before the world began (Ephesians 2:10).  How are we wielding our power? [Read more…]

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I Could Be… If Only… #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 a very Godly, loving woman, my friend Bobbie. 
***

The answer was always in front of them. They missed it.

What about you?

Do you suppose that getting married, reviving health, winning the lottery, having a more supportive husband, or raising perfectly behaved children will bring you greater joy or more contentment?

Many women of Scripture struggled to trust God in the difficult places of life. Their fears and hopelessness led them to do things and act in ways that sabotaged their own happiness. [Read more…]

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A Poetic Tribute: Dear Army Wife

Dedicated to all current, former and future army wives. We appreciate you. And hang in there, sister. You can do this.

Dear Army Wife,
I see you standing there,
Know this little tribute,
Is just something to say, “We care!”

It is no secret that you’ve been called,
To quite the daunting goal,
To love and support your soldier,
No matter the effort or toll. [Read more…]

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