faith Archives - Page 8 of 30

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!

***

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…]

Like what you see? Share it!

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

When that Loving Feeling is MIA (Wives Of Faith)

February 9, 2015 by Sharita

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…]

Like what you see? Share it!

Filed Under: Wives of Faith Tagged With: encouragement, faith, marriage, military, Valentine's Day

In Darkest Hours #WilcoWednesday

February 4, 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. Please help me welcome a passionate follower of Jesus, dear Sammie, as she shares a beautiful poem she wrote in 1980.
***

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)

***

Think back on your darkest hours… How do the words above encourage you? Leave a comment and join the conversation.

Suzanne (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.

***

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!

Like what you see? Share it!

Filed Under: Wilco Wednesday Tagged With: #WilcoWednesday, dark, encouragement, faith, trials

God-Sized Dreams: The Next Chapter #EverydayJesus

January 29, 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!

***

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…]

Like what you see? Share it!

Filed Under: Everyday Jesus Tagged With: #EverydayJesus, dreams, encouragement, faith, goals

The Knight #WilcoWednesday

January 28, 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.
***

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 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:

Research different scriptures about obedience and disobedience (Leviticus 26)

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?
Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you any areas where you are “avoiding” his voice or not obeying him.
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

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.

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.

***

Like what you see? Share it!

Filed Under: Wilco Wednesday Tagged With: #WilcoWednesday, Character, encouragement, faith, obedience, peace

Stop feeding the Snake (#EverydayJesus Linkup)

January 15, 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!

***

Not-so-newsflash: Satan is a big, dumb jerkface.

It is no secret that the enemy of our soul is not only a jerkface, but is a jerkface that DOES NOT FIGHT FAIR.

How do I know this? Because I have recently lived through round eleventy billion fighting this punk. [Read more…]

Like what you see? Share it!

Filed Under: Everyday Jesus Tagged With: #EverydayJesus, dream, enemy, faith, fear, mice, sleep, snake

A New Thing (Printable)

January 12, 2015 by Sharita

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…]

Like what you see? Share it!

Filed Under: Wives of Faith Tagged With: faith, new year, one word, Renewal, Wives of Faith

The Great But Reversal (#EverydayJesus Link-Up)

December 18, 2014 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!

***

If you made it past the title of this post, congratulations.

Now, take courage and keep reading.

“The Great But Reversal.” No friends, it isn’t some new snazzy dance move where we back that thang up. Nor is it the next Charlie Brown movie. However, it is a very powerful and influential concept that can change our thinking in a matter of seconds.

Consider how many times we use that sneaky preposition “but” in a single day.

I really should go for a run… but it is cold outside.

I need to go to the grocery store… but this couch is so comfy.

Yeah, yeah, I should apologize… but she started it.

You see what I am getting at? It is a great excuse maker. A lot of power in that little three-letter word. [Read more…]

Like what you see? Share it!

Filed Under: Everyday Jesus Tagged With: #EverydayJesus, faith, perspective, The Great But Reversal

He Forgave You– Now Forgive Yourself Too.

December 17, 2014 by Sharita

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.

***

“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…]

Like what you see? Share it!

Filed Under: forgiveness Tagged With: Cross, faith, forgive yourself, God, hope, Jesus, sin

A Lifestyle Fashion Statement

December 10, 2014 by Sharita

***

Hmmm… Ok… Should I wear my favorite blue shirt? Or maybe the one with pink stripes? If I do, maybe I could go with the hoop earrings? Or should I be dressier? Ok, let’s do the blue shirt with silver dangly earrings and my cross necklace. There. Decision made.

Oh wait. My blue shirt is in the dirty laundry. Sigh. Let’s try this again.

I am certainly not the most fashionable person on the planet—far from it, actually. I dress decent enough to get by, and if I really need to, can groom and clean up reasonably well. I’m not a girl who has to wear make up every time I leave the house and if you see me at the gym wearing mascara, you can assume that it is leftover from an event earlier in the day. [Read more…]

Like what you see? Share it!