Beyond Colossians #WilcoWednesday

February 11, 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 a very humble, wise woman, our Titus II advisor, Sharon Bridwell! 
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What do we know about these believers at Colossae and what do they have to do with us? We think those at Colosse were mostly Gentiles that Epaphras reached with the Gospel. The “Big Issue” at Colossae was Gnosticism. Without getting too bogged down, Gnosticism cries out that Christ alone is NOT enough in one’s life, which sounds an awful lot like what we hear today, especially from those who don’t value Christ as you or I might.

Let’s focus on Colossians 1:3-6 and take a hard look at who we are in Christ and who Christ should be to us who claim to believe in Him. [Read more…]

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When that Loving Feeling is MIA (Wives Of Faith)

February 9, 2015 by

High school was kind of a weird season of life for me.

I came from a teeny-tiny town (we are talking population 323, folks) and so our high school reflected our population. I graduated with a whopping 18 people in my class.

For the most part, I liked high school. I was involved in all things academic, a good student, did the leadership thing, and avoided anything related to sports since flying objects were mysteriously attracted to my face. (Seriously. I once split my lip open playing ping-pong. #TrueStory)

In general, I didn’t mind high school. Except for that one day a year.

I always knew it was coming. Once a year, I woke with a pit in my stomach coupled with a minuscule bulb of hope in my heart. [Read more…]

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In Darkest Hours #WilcoWednesday

February 4, 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. 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

February 2, 2015 by

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

January 29, 2015 by

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

January 28, 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. 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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If, Then, Therefore #WilcoWednesday

January 14, 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.  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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Everyday Miracles (#EverydayJesus LinkUp)

October 23, 2014 by

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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Have you ever witnessed a miracle?

Think really, really hard.

Hopefully you said, “Absolutely.”

If not, keep reading. (If so, keep reading anyways.)

Our thought process surrounding “miracle” makes us think that miracles have to be big. You know, like profound-went-down-in-Biblical-history sized miracles. [Read more…]

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iPad Art for the Heart: Walking on Clouds

June 4, 2014 by

Hi friends… For the next several weeks, Wednesdays will be dedicated to re-sharing some of my favorite posts. I am so blessed to be working on some “big rocks” and pretty awesome God-sized dreams, but I need time to make that happen. So after much prayer, here we are. I pray you enjoy these words… And thanks for extending me Christ-like grace. Oh. And everything is still business as usual for our Thursday #EverydayJesus link-up, so don’t miss it!

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My iPad is the bomb diggity. (Yes, I’m bringing that phrase back. Excited for it to catch on.)

Honestly, I probably don’t use my trusty iPad to the extreme that some hardcore Appladdicts do. (That’s my new name for people who love Apple products.) But I L-O-V-E the convenience and entertainment it brings to my life. Plus, it was a gift, so that’s a total bonus.

When I still worked at Christ Community before our PCS, we would all have the chance to do staff devotional during our staff meetings every so often. This blog is what happened when it was my turn. And while it was initially unexpected, I managed to integrate some iPad art into the heart message. Here’s how things went down… [Read more…]

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Speak Life (Video Blog)

May 20, 2014 by

How often do we really stop and think about the words we are saying?

I know it is a habit I need to do more… And not just the words, but the tone. You might recall that my Lent experience this year was to give up grumbling and complaining. However, I realized quick, fast and in a hurry that it was going to take more than 40ish days to kick that habit.

So I continue to press forward in watching my words. And today’s video blog is all about encouraging others and truly speaking life. Take a look.

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

So… what are your thoughts? How do you feel when someone speaks life to you? How often do you do that to others? I would love to hear from you… speak up and join the conversation by leaving a comment.

Friends, our words have SUCH power. The Bible addresses this in several different places and context. And apparently this is still something I need to work on because Great Grandma Thrasher’s day-by-day calendar that sits on the kitchen window ledge said this today: “Be careful how you handle your words, for they have more power than an atom bomb.”

(OK, Jesus. You have my attention.)

Take this challenge to intentionally speak life to those around you. Because when we speak life, we gain life.

And there is nothing greater to gain than life in Christ.

Speaking Life from Him,

Initials Signature Blog

“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” ~Proverbs 12:18

PS: Click here to listen to the legit TobyMac version of “Speak Life.” It is much, much better than my rendition, I promise.

Linking up today with Jen at Soli Deo Gloria Sisterhood, Hazel via  Tell Me a Story and Jennifer Dukes Lee over at #TellHisStory. Be sure to join our #EverydayJesus link-up  community right here at 7 Days Time every Thursday!

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