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Living with Intent #WilcoWednesday

April 15, 2015 by Sharita

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.
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“He who gathers crops in summer is prudent, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgrace.”
~Proverbs 10:5

What would compel a farmer to “sleep” during harvest time? Given serious consideration, one may be able to discover a few reasons. Sickness, depression over a recent loss, commitment to an urgent need elsewhere, or inadequate help or resources.

These reasons are serious and heartrending and don’t seem to capture the Scripture’s assessment of the one who sleeps. The person who has not made provision for crops to be brought in can be characterized as foolish, unwise, a poor steward, excessively wasteful, even contemptuous in her own plenty. Looked at another way, that sleeper is unaware, uninvolved, detached from the important matters at hand, lacking in foresight, and simply inattentive. [Read more…]

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Filed Under: Wilco Wednesday Tagged With: #WilcoWednesday, encouragement, intentional, marriage, military

True Rest

April 13, 2015 by Sharita

When I first started blogging nearly four years ago (WHAT?!? 4 years already!?) I really didn’t know what I was getting into.

I thought I would just be sharing a few Jesus-y thoughts and encouraging others.

Which I do. And for that I am grateful. But this online ministry gig is so much more.

See friends, it is a ministry to myself.

Not only do reading my words at a later date realign my heart focus and challenge me to find Jesus in my everyday, but I have also met some incredible friends here. [Read more…]

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Filed Under: One Word Tagged With: encouragement, friends, one word, rest

While We Wait #WilcoWednesday

April 8, 2015 by Sharita

Last week seemed bleak and hopeless in the lives of several women and marriages I care about. Another several women I know were dealing with life-altering or threatening health issues and others with the darkness of depression.

Hope is the lifeline for women in each of these situations, but in what is our hope placed? If we are hoping for a miraculous turn-around for our marriages, or a healing that confounds the doctors, or an enlightened truth that frees us from sad feelings and dark thoughts- for many that lifeline is tenuous and unstable. It cannot be depended on.

The hope that stabilizes and cements us is founded in the unchanging, all-powerful Maker of the universe and Lover of our souls.

He declares who He is, so that we can be calm in the middle of every storm. “The Lord your God is in your midst – a warrior bringing victory. He will create calm with his love; he will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17 CEB

He declares who we are, so we can know where we stand despite the hardship or storm. “God destined us to be his adopted children through Jesus Christ because of his love.” Ephesians 1:5 CEB

He declares what is coming, so we don’t get stuck believing that life and death hinge on this moment in time. “So we’re not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without His unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There is far more than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forever.” 2 Corinthians4:16-18, The Message

This week I visited with several of the ladies I referenced earlier, and I found some guarded optimism, a bit of light at the end of the tunnel, and even unbridled hope. God is at work in the lives of his children, but what do we do while we wait for the breakthrough? The answers are as varied as the obstacles we face, but we begin by redirecting our focus away from the problem and toward our loving Lord.

Consider these:

If what I’m looking at or listening to terrifies me, I close my eyes and listen to the Father’s words: Beloved, Mighty Warrior, Daughter, Chosen One…

If my husband does not show me love the way I desire – I remember the first ring I wore. Christ is my husband. Rehearse his vows to me: I love you with an everlasting love. I will never forsake you…

Replay key victories in my life, the lives of those I know, or the lives of Bible figures. David slew Goliath. Five loaves and two fish fed 5,000… Declare victory again. Write it out.

Call on your solid, praying, faith-filled friends (one, two or 10). Ecc 4:12 and James 5:13-16

Put on the whole armor of God in the morning (Ephesians 6:10-18). Check it at noon. Look again at evening.

In this world God’s daughters will face many trials, but we don’t have to let the fight consume our lives. While we wait, we must live fully each day regardless of our circumstances. While we wait for God to move the mountain – we love, laugh, serve others, give, give more, and hope. This is what God wants: Completely surrender yourself into His capable, gentle care. You know who He is. You know who you are. You know what awaits you. Get Ready to Celebrate!

So friends… what are your thoughts? Join the conversation and leave a comment. http://wp.me/p2bz2E-1ye

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Writer, Editor, Consultant, and Conference Speaker, Bobbie Simpson is a seasoned high school English teacher, women’s Bible study teacher, parent of three adult children and grandparent of three.

Married 36 years to her husband Larry, a 27 year Air Force Officer , she credits the success of her marriage to the “cord of three, which is not easily broken.” Faith in Jesus Christ is the foundation that drives her passion for marriages that thrive, singleness with satisfaction, and parenting with purpose.

For the past seven years Bobbie has written and facilitated spouses’ and couples’ conferences for Spiritually Smart Family Conferences, a ministry that she and her husband founded under the auspices of Officer’s Christian Fellowship. Bobbie is ardent about the health and success of military marriages and homes.

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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Filed Under: Wilco Wednesday Tagged With: #WilcoWednesday, encouragement, marriage, military

My Eulogy– In Advance #EverydayJesus LinkUp

April 2, 2015 by Sharita

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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Kick the bucket. Pushing up daisies. Worm food. Gone to the other side. Passed on. In a better place.

= Dead.

There is something of a stigma surrounding death. Which I get. Sort of. (Don’t freak out. This post isn’t going to be exceptionally morbid. Just hang with me.)

Thanks to Adam and Eve’s forbidden fruit fiasco in the garden, ALL of us will eventually die. Our world is all about living life to the fullest, counting our days, treasuring our moments. And rightly so. Because our time on earth is fleeting. As it says in James, we are just a vapor and our life is but a mist. [Read more…]

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Filed Under: Everyday Jesus Tagged With: #EverydayJesus, encouragement, eternity, eulogy, future, reflection

Beyond Colossians, Part 2 #WilcoWednesday

April 1, 2015 by Sharita

“You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, and who also told us of your love in the Spirit. For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God…” ~Colossians 1:7-10

In Colossians 1:7-8, we find exciting truths about how we all need to share our faith in Christ and pray for each other. As Paul mentions the faithful work of Epaphras for the cause of Christ, I remember all those people who encouraged me to make Christ my Lord and Savior, which I did at 13. Yet, I didn’t fully understand Lordship until I was in college. Why the gap? Where was my pointed little head? Maybe I just didn’t understand my need to be daily in the Word, seeking discernment from the Holy Spirit.

By the time I was 18 or 19, something just clicked and I wanted all of God all the time, not just some of Him when it was convenient. Lots of people were praying for me back home in my little church, and I am so thankful for their faithfulness on my part. [Read more…]

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Filed Under: Wilco Wednesday Tagged With: #WilcoWednesday, Colossae, encouragement, Paul

The Palm of His Hand #EverydayJesus

March 26, 2015 by Sharita

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 don’t know about you, but sometimes in this hurried, stressful world, I feel a bit forgotten.

Especially during a storm or trial.

But today’s #EverydayJesus moment shares some really great news… We are NOT forgotten. The Lord ALWAYS remembers us.

We are engraved on the palm of His hands.

If you are reading via email, click here to view the video.

Friends, that is the truth. The Lord has engraved you the palm of His hands and He will NOT forget you. How does that make you feel? What can we do to affirm that we do in fact belong to Jesus everyday? Chime in and leave a comment.

Next time that you are all alone, I encourage you to grab a pen and take some notes– maybe on the palm of your hand– declaring that you are permanently, eternally, beloved by our Lord.

The palm of His nail-scarred hand is irrefutable truth.

Engraved in Him,

“See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.” ~Isaiah 49:16 NIV

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Filed Under: Everyday Jesus Tagged With: #EverydayJesus, beloved, encouragement, pledged, remembered

The Right Path #WilcoWednesday

March 11, 2015 by Sharita

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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I love trails. I just love being surrounded by God’s beautiful creation, no matter if I walk, hike, or run them. Last week, I went for a trail run and while I was running God reminded me how my life’s path is similar to a trail. When I am on the trail, I am only able to see the things that are a short distance in front of me. Before long, the path takes a turn and I lose sight of what comes next, like a steep incline or maybe a fallen tree.

Life is the same way. I think I am on the right path, I have it all figured out, I know where I am going and then the path takes an unexpected turn. I must be careful to keep my footing, so I do not stumble.

Life is unexpected. We can only see what is before us and it takes a steady foot to keep us going on an uneven path. How can we avoid tripping? As a trail runner, I have learned that I need to strengthen my core as well as leg muscles, especially my hips so I do not lose my balance easily on roots or stones.

In our spiritual walk, we need to strengthen our footing as well. We do this by strengthening our faith muscles and seeking God’s guidance/direction in every aspect of our lives. Deuteronomy 4:29-31 says “But from there you will seek the LORD your God, and you will find Him if you search for Him with all your heart and all your soul. When we are in distress and all these things have come upon us, in the latter days we will return to the LORD our God and listen to His voice. For the LORD our God is a compassionate God; He will not fail us nor destroy us nor forget the covenant with our fathers which He swore to them”.

How can we know that we are on the right path when we are not able to see the finish line ahead of us? Paul writes in his letter to the Church of Corinth:

“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.” ~1 Corinthians 9:24-27

In addition, we should “lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV).

Paul states in the race of life we should discipline our bodies and be submissive to God’s word and His path for us, making our “fleshly desires” our slaves through discipline and self-control. Furthermore, when we are willing to listen to God’s word and obey His commandments, He will make sure that we stay on the right path He has chosen for us.

I encourage you to examine your path and answer one or more of the following questions in the comments below.

Are you walking on the path God has intended for you?
Are you walking in your own path or are you taking a detour through the woods?
What action plan can you develop to get back onto the path God has chosen for you?

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” ~Psalm 119:105

Katharina is a military spouse and a stay at home mom of a 7 year old and a 5 year 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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Filed Under: Wilco Wednesday Tagged With: #WilcoWednesday, encouragement, focus, God, path, running

H.O.P.E ~ He Offers Peace Everyday

March 9, 2015 by Sharita

Our society throws words around. I remember when I was a blossoming student leader in college, my advisor once called me out because I said “Awesome” as a response to ev-ery-thinnnnggg.

She had a great point. “Sharita, when you say that everything is ‘awesome,’ eventually you overuse it and nothing is awesome. You cheapen the word.”

Oh snap. #IKnowRight?

Ever since that time, I have tried to watch my words and use them accordingly. But unfortunately, the world in which we live doesn’t exactly ascribe to that philosophy.

Don’t believe me? Let’s think about some powerful faith-filled words that get tossed around like a rubber dodge ball at recess. [Read more…]

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Filed Under: Wives of Faith Tagged With: encouragement, hope, revelation, Wives of Faith

Be Still: Too Easy? RIGHT. #WilcoWednesday

February 18, 2015 by Sharita

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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I was on my weekly run when I was “writing” a mental to-do-list of all the projects and chores that I needed to accomplish this week. Unexpectedly, I had a small panic attack. My heart started to beat fast and I was not able to breathe. I tried to calm myself down by walking and taking deep breaths when I heard God’s voice saying, “Be still, my daughter, and know that I am God. Be still in me for I am walking beside you, holding your right hand in mine. I am always with you and I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be still in me.”

His words washed over me like a cool and gentle rain shower in the spring time. I was getting calmer and calmer with every step I took, until I was back home.

Today, I am thankful for this small panic attack. It showed me who is really in control in my life and I do not need to be involved in so many projects just to feel accepted and recognized. It is easier for me to stay busy than to be still and relax in God’s presence. “Though I constantly take my life in my hands, I will not forget your law.” ~Psalm 119:109

Be still, be still and know that I am God.

How well do you know your spouse, your children, your parents, your co-workers or your friends? How well do we know God? Psalm 103:3 says “Know that the LORD is God. It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture.”

Sadly, I do not know God as my Father as well enough as He knows me as His daughter. He created me in my mother’s womb. He wrote my whole life, every little moment, in the book of life, even the moment when I was running and thinking about all my projects. He knew about it as well as what I needed at that moment – to hear His sweet and gentle voice.

How can we develop a closer relationship with our heavenly Father and learn more about Him? Here are some suggestions:

First, study the bible and see what His word says about His character and who He is as our heavenly Father. Here are some examples of God’s name and His character:

The Lord My Rock – Yahweh Tsuri (Psalm 18:2)
The God who Sees – El Roi (Genesis 16:13)
Father, Abba (2 Corinthians 6:18)
The Giver of Good Gifts (James 1:17)

Secondly, ask the Holy Spirit to help you highlight passages that describe God’s character and personality to you.

Lastly, how do you develop a relationship with your spouse, your friends, and your children? Perhaps your answers include things like spending quality time with each other, getting to know them, talking, having fun, etc. This is same way God your heavenly Father wants to spend time with you!

How can we learn to be still from the inside, even when our world spins? I am learning to be still and it is an everyday struggle. Sometimes, I even need to drop everything and go into my prayer closet to be still for just five minutes and to listen to His voice.

How do you find stillness in your life? Join the conversation and leave a comment below.

“The quieter you become, the more you can hear.” ~Ram Dass

Katharina 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.

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Filed Under: Wilco Wednesday Tagged With: #WilcoWednesday, encouragement, faith, peace, rest, still

We Need. God Delivers. #EverydayJesus

February 12, 2015 by Sharita

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 wouldn’t say that I am an overly needed person.

Yeah, I “need” basic things like food, water, shelter, clothing (because trust me– nobody wants to see otherwise) but for the most part, I am pretty simple.

Although, I have to admit– I need other things in life– not physical needs, but heart needs.

And fortunately, Jesus in my everyday supplies what I need. He delivers– physically, spiritually, emotionally, the whole shebang. [Read more…]

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Filed Under: Everyday Jesus Tagged With: #EverydayJesus, army, encouragement, faith, needs, ranger school