Serious About Faith. Light-Hearted About Life.
This year, 2017, will mark the sixth year that I have been doing the OneWord Challenge.
Considering this will also be my sixth year of blogging for Jesus here at 7 Days Time, you can imagine I have a variety of posts on the subject.
But, in case you are new to this faith-based party, let me catch you up… [Read more…]
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, and a very wise woman, Sammie– as she shares one of my favorite faith-based illustrations.
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Have you ever heard a sermon that just impressed you so much it stayed with you for a long time? You know the kind I mean, where the Pastor waxes bold on the efficacy of following The Shepherd – “I am the Shepherd and my sheep know my voice.” (John 10:27)
That’s an interesting concept; One that catches our imagination on Sunday mornings and provokes our minds to aspirations of walking the walk as well as talking the talk. But if you are like me, as well intended as I may be, my week gets busy, the days fly by – there’s so much to do. I’m stressed about this and/or that and before I know it my devotions are off schedule. The Wheels of my Spiritual Life seem to roll along with one side a little flat. Or worse, I become stalled altogether. I ponder… “Now, what did the Pastor say about the Shepherd and His sheep? Wish I could remember the details!”
One morning, during a busy season of my life, my Pastor gave us a wonderful story that has stayed with me 35 years!! It has helped me stop and pray through many a “flat wheel moments” or when I can’t seem to hear My Shepherd’s Voice. It has helped me part the veil of confusion reigning in my heart and see with clarity the spiritual battle that is happening at those times. (Eph. 6:10-18)
I’d like to share that story with you, with the prayer that you too will be helped by its simplicity but great message.
There once was a small congregation in England who had a wonderful Pastor who guided and nurtured them. He taught them well from God’s word. One day, as a congregation, they all decided to visit Israel. While flying to their destination, their Pastor encouraged them to pay particular attention when they saw a Shepherd, with staff in hand and guiding his flock; how the sheep would docilely follow him here and there – bleating softly – happily following him wherever he would lead. This, of course, is an example of how our personal walk should be with our Shepherd.
One day, outside a small village, they saw a man with his sheep. However, the sheep were stressed, frantic in behavior, running here and there, panting and scurrying as he drove them from behind, prodding unkindly with his staff.
The little congregation was confused! They went to their pastor and said… “We thought you said the sheep were calm and happy and willingly followed their Shepherd!? Why was he behind them? Why were they frantic and stressed?” The Pastor was just as perplexed, so he asked their guide for clarification, as this was contrary to all he had read of how shepherd’s herded their flocks.
The Pastor approached the guide and posed the question: “Why, after all we have learned and been taught about shepherding here in Israel, is the flock of sheep so harried and discontented when interacting with their shepherd?”
Without miss a beat, the guide replied: “Oh, that’s NOT the Shepherd… That is the BUTCHER!”
(1. Peter 5:8)
Beloved sisters in Christ, when you are feeling harried, stressed, frantic, depressed, anxious, fearful, undone, scattered, or unsure which direction to go: ask yourself this question… Am I following the Shepherd who leads me OR… Am I being driven forward by The Butcher?!
I pray this little sermonette stays with you for years to come too. Be blessed, know His voice, and stay close to THE SHEPHERD.
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Dear, sweet readers– take a quick peek at your heart today… Are you being driven forward by the Shepherd or the Butcher? Join the conversation and leave a comment.
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.
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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.
My eyes are a little blurry and my throat feels tight. I feel my pulse quicken. The urge of feeling overwhelmed is slowly growing.
So many things on my list. So. Many. Things.
I am a sanguine. (No, that isn’t a personal insult.) My personality as a sanguine means I love interacting with people.
It also means that I sometimes suffer from what I like to call “Shiny Squirrel Syndrome.” [Read more…]
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 love water.
Specifically, bodies of water. Maybe it is because living in Kansas I didn’t grow up around much water. Or my affinity for exploring the life teeming beneath the surface. Or perhaps I just really like eating fish.
Either way, it is on my bucket list that sometime in the next 20-70 years we shall live by a body of water and own a small boat. (Oh. And ice fishing. Never been– need to go.)
When I was a teenager, I had the opportunity to live in work in Minnesota for two summers. The Land of 10,000 Lakes? Uh, yes please.
I worked on a hog farm (that’s a story for another time) and lived with my Uncle Billy and Aunt Cindy. Uncle Billy was a professional fun-haver. Although our hog farm work schedule was quite demanding for my teenage self, Billy always made sure to fill our off hours with adventures. [Read more…]
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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In a past life, I used to get bent out of shape pretty easy. And by past life, I mean like 36 seconds ago.
Yes, I admit it– I am what many would deem “high-strung.” I don’t know if it my achieving nature (sometimes dangerous) or my perfectionist tendencies (always dangerous) but it doesn’t take much to send me reeling.
One minute I can be basking in a metaphorical tub of peace and the next I am gasping for breath as the waters of worry attempt to overtake me.
Fortunately, God has brought me a long way in this journey. And because I love you, I want to share my latest tool that has helped me freak out less and rest more. [Read more…]
My two-year-old daughter loves to play games. And unfortunately for this mama-with-places-to-be-at-a-certain-time, that game is not something calm, cooperative and peaceful.
My girl loves to be chased.
I blame her Daddy. Because yeah, it is super fun to play “Chase around the table in our pajamas” when we have nowhere to be on a Saturday morning. Her peals of laughter make it almost worth it.
Almost. [Read more…]
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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“Why can’t you just let it go?!”
I saw exasperation and frustration on her face. I knew she was ready to blow – her raised voice was a fair indication. I understood what her emotion was, I just didn’t understand why talking was so aggravating. I was about 11 years old, and I knew I should let it go …but, of course, I did not. An answer was not what my mouth got me that day, but I was learning something.
“Why can’t you just let it go?!”
I saw anger and irritation on his face. He was about to flip his lid, thanks to my questioning.
I asked: “Where did you hear that? Are you sure that’s true?”
He heard: “You are lying.” “That’s dumb. You’re dumb.” “I don’t respect you.”
I was about 20 years old, and I understood how he was feeling, but again, why he felt it was a mystery.
A new question replaced the others: “Why can’t I just let it go?” Why does getting it right matter so much to me?
This week, I found myself asking this again. [Read more…]
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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My daughter, being the apparent (hereditary) overachiever that she is, hit the Terrible Twos early.
Several months before her second birthday, it was like a switch was flipped and she learned the power of a tantrum.
We went from moderately peaceful breakfasts to complete, total, utter meltdowns because she wanted a different color of cheese. (Like I am supposed to know THAT?)
In all honesty, her tantrums really aren’t terrible… But if you ever stop by during one of these meltdowns, you will probably witness me talking to the ceiling, sighing heavily, rolling my eyes and muttering something like, “Lord in heaven… Are you serious right now?” [Read more…]
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:
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.
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!
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…]
It's been awhile since we have posted a fresh Factor of 7 here at 7 Days Time. We've done a few small ones over the last several months, but we wanted to share one of most recent random acts of kindness with you. Because it was fun. And hey, who … Interested? Read on...
So... let's get serious. (Well, not TOO serious.) Here at 7 Days Time, we have four coaching packages to choose from. As we work through your initial consultation call, together we can determine what package will best suit your coaching needs. … Interested? Read On...
