Moving on Up

Top Five Things on my List that Make me Happy: 

1. Jesus

2. Husband hugs

3. A great workout

4. A hot bath

5. Chocolate

You might notice that "moving" is not on that list. As an army wife, this is rather ironic. 

(Actually, I tolerate moving with the army because I am not required to pack our stuff. Otherwise, I break a lot of dishes, and require massive amounts of all of the things on my top 5 list.) 

Don't get me wrong, I love the new places and adventure of the whole experience. I just can't sit still at our new home until things are unpacked and everything is in place. It's a bit exhausting. And stressful. 

On that note... God has called me to move. 

Wait, wait, wait... I don't mean physical locations. Let's be honest. While Georgia isn't exactly my favorite of the lower 48 states, I have a wonderful hubby, house and puppy here. 

I mean move my blog. That's right. We are moving on up... Or at least over. 

So. What does this mean for you dear readers? 

First of all, don't panic. That's my job. (Just kidding. But seriously.) I ask for you to pray for me. Because technology and I are not BFFs. And I am trying to make this move on my own. I've learned more about CODEX and SEO and PHP today than I never wanted to know. 

But stay tuned the next couple of days. God has something huge planned, and I am taking a leap of faith. I am going to need your help to get this new site up, running and known by others so we can spread this awesome message of God. 

So yes, I'm moving to a different locale in cyber land. I'm changing the name. I am expanding to make this into a literal ministry movement. 

But don't worry. I won't be changing my writing style or content. You will still get plenty of sarcastic, off-the-wall, flat-out-in-love-with-Jesus messages from me. 

Are you intrigued? Well, you should be... we are moving up and making things happen. 

Walking by faith and not by sight (or blog coding,) 

SGK 

"On your way now. Get moving..." --Deuteronomy 1:7 (MSG)

On an Adventure

(Insert intense sounding music here) 

"From the African deserts of the Sahara... To the Jungles of the Amazon... Across the desolate prairie.... Through the frozen tundra of the Arctic... Around your own living room... IT'S AN ADVENTURE!!" 

Did you start singing in your head "One of these things is not like the other?" If so, don't feel bad. I woke up the other day singing "This is the song that never ends" from Lambchop for absolutely no reason AT ALL. (This is the song that never ends... it just goes on and on my friend... some people, started singing it not knowing what it was, but we'll continue singing it forever just because this is the song that never ends...) 

Whoops. There I go again. 

Anywho, back to the point at hand. You might have noticed that those first few adventurous locations all fit together-- minus the whole living room part. We are a world who (typically) loves excitement and adventure, especially when it comes to watching others attempt to "utilize resources" to survive. I mean, look at all of the shows on TV right now... Man Vs. Wild, Survivorman, Man Tracker, Man-Woman-Wild, Dual Survival, oh, and I feel like there was some reality show actually called "Survivor" if I remember correctly. 

I have no desire to go on any of those shows to try my hand at surviving strictly for an adventure or entertainment purposes. While I do enjoy eating raw rattlesnake and drinking my own urine every now and then (kidding! Totally kidding... Did I go too far?) I will remain in the comfort of my living room if given the choice. 

But great news. We can still have an adventure in our everyday lives. 

We can have an adventure with God. 

I am a planner and organizer. I love nothing more to have my battle plan lined out for the day and for it to exactly as planned. 

But that has happened probably twice in my 26 years on earth. 

Yes, I do have a general idea about some of the "big rocks" I would like to accomplish each day, but my Jesus Calling devotional the other day reminded me to leave room and flexibility  to allow the Lord to take me on an adventure all His own. 

I did. And He delivered. I was still able to "do" a majority of the things I needed to get done, but he also put a lot of fun and unexpected things into my day that really strengthened my heart. 

He allowed me to have an unexpected phone conversation with one of my best friends. He charged me to cook a meal for a fellow drill sergeant wife and serve their family. He even took my husband and I on a very spontaneous adventure to the PBR (professional bull riding, for all of you non-rodeo-ish people out there.) 

It was one of the best days I have had in quite a while. All because I leaned and focused on God all day... He took me on a fulfilling adventure, that started in my living room. 

Leave room in your life to go on adventures with God. He has called us to follow Him. And we are going to be in for an awesome, rewarding adventure. 

No raw rattlesnake or Arctic tundra required. 

With an adventurous heart, 

SGK 

"Just think—you don't need a thing, you've got it all! All God's gifts are right in front of you as you wait expectantly for our Master Jesus to arrive on the scene for the Finale. And not only that, but God himself is right alongside to keep you steady and on track until things are all wrapped up by Jesus. God, who got you started in this spiritual adventure, shares with us the life of his Son and our Master Jesus. He will never give up on you. Never forget that." 1 Corinthians 1:6-8 (MSG)

Army of God: "AMERICA!"

Today's army word of the day should come as no surprise to those of you who know me...

AMERICA!!!

Yes, I am an army wife... But I started saying this before I became a wife... I think Brandon got me started on it early during our dating relationship. And here we are, almost three years (seriously?!?) later. I also started saying it before that movie "The Other Guys" with Will Ferrell came out (he says it after he guns the gas petal... it was grand.) 

But wait... Before I get to far into this post, I would like to make an announcement...

WE HAVE A WINNER!!!! (AMERICA!) <sorry, I'm getting carried away in my excitement>

The winner of our Happy Dance Celebration "Glad-Sharita-finished-her-masters-and-survived-to-post-her-100th-blog-today" Giveaway contest is...

Mr. Ryan Wilkerson!! 

Congratulations Ryan... I will be in touch with you ASAP to arrange delivery of your super-awesome prize package of 3 books (Share Jesus without Fear, Winning with People and Wild at Heart) and two "buttons" for office/desk/home entertainment (Easy Button and Panic button.) Thanks to all who entered. God blessed me with a fantastic turn out, which just makes my heart swell with joy and holler AMERICA!!

Let me chillax for just a second so I can explain the whole thing with "America."  (Breathe... in through the nose, out through the mouth.) Ahhhh... Ok, now I am focused. Ish. 

The word "America" in this context doesn't necessarily mean anything patriotic (although it certainly can.) Rather, it can be an expression of excitement, which you probably already picked up on earlier in this post. It can also be used somewhat in the form of a sarcastic question (but yet obedience), like when I get some slightly jumbled info from the Army. 

"So we have to do what when? Ok... <sigh> America." 

Oh, and there is a diction piece of this I should address-- I don't annunciate the word fully. I don't mean any disrespect, but usually I say the word with such fervor it comes out 'Mericah! I know I am not the only person that uses this phrase, but it is certainly one of my favorites. 

So what does this phrase have to do with God? Well, it's a sign or expression of joy. It is exciting. Even in times of question, I use the word "America" as a form of agreement (obedience.) When God does something awesome in my life (aka, masters, 100th blog, awesome husband, upcoming holiday block leave) I have a flurry of thoughts going through my head, usually in the form of "Praise the Lord!" "That's awesome!" "Mericah!" 

This last week of doing the giveaway and really focusing more on my blog has blown me out of the water. (Or, in this case... off the map.) It is amazing to watch God accomplish His will and to rejoice-- we are a part of that will!! Here's an example of "America" coupled with joy and obedience. 

Yesterday I had a huge to do list to try and hammer out. After my morning work out and breakfast, I had my quiet time with the Lord... Then proceeded to "officially" start my 1000 Gift List (inspired by Ann Voskamp) 

While that sounds like it took a while (I wrote down 100 simple gifts that God had given me) I ROCKED through the rest of my day's list. I gave my first fruits (time) to God, and He gave it right back in ways I couldn't imagine. WHOO! AMERICA! 

What moments has God planted in your life lately that have excited your heart so much that you can't help but get a rush from it? We are celebrating together... God's gifts... blessings... and love... with an awesome expression... Praise the Lord... 

AMERICA! 

With a Full and Joyful Heart, 

SGK 

"The quiver rattles against his side, along with the flashing spear and lance. In frenzied excitement he eats up the ground; he cannot stand still when the trumpet sounds. At the blast of the trumpet he snorts, ‘Aha!’ He catches the scent of battle from afar, the shout of commanders and the battle cry." Job 39:23-25


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Here's to Kicking the Bucket... list (Part 2)

We have all heard that with God, all things are possible. 

And while he certainly can do ANYTHING and achieve great miracles, sometimes we can rejoice in the small things... Like having faith to accomplish the potentially goofy things on our "Bucket List." 

If you missed yesterday's entry, you might want to get caught up and read "Part 1" of this mini-series at Kicking the Bucket... List (Part 1) to avoid any confusion. :-)

As promised, today I am sharing with you things that I have yet to accomplish on my Bucket List... Just writing down some these words fills me with such passion and excitement that I can't describe it! Praising God for the "little things!" 

One more thing to know-- there isn't a limit to how many things you can have... I still periodically add things as they come to me! 

Sharita Lo-Quita-Jo-Mama's Bucket list... Still "To do." 

• Go to Mardis Gras
• Write a "real" book
• Experience a Minnesota Winter
• Go to Alaska
• Donate a scholarship
• Speak at an important event
• Send my parents to Australia
• Take little brother Dal to Disney World
• Visit all 50 states
• Visit all 7 continents
• Own a house
• Get a masters (In progress) 
• Get a Ph D?? 
• Ice Fish
• Sing somewhere "Famous"
• Visit a tropical rainforest
• Invent/discover something 
• Do a Pull Up
• Have a personal library (in progress) 
• Go SCUBA diving/Snorkeling
• Be Certified in CPR
• Learn another language... fluently
• See the Northern Lights
• Host a Benefit event
• Ride a motorcycle
• Swim with dolphins
• Own a boat
• Pay off college (in progress... slowly) 
• Live in a foreign country
• Visit 7 wonders of the world (1 down, 6 to go) 
• Put handprints/initials in wet cement (Tried twice... and failed. I got caught and they erased it) 
• Write a song
• Go on a cruise
• Skydive
• Surf
• Learn to ice skate-- well
• Learn to juggle-- also well
• Go on a hot air balloon ride
• Whitewater rafting
• Be hynotized
• Drive coast to coast form Portland, Maine to Portland, Oregon
• Break glass with a hammer (why? Because I can) 
• Give a homeless person all my cash
• Truly love someone who persecutes me
• Visit the Black Hills
• Be in a musical
• Run a 5K in under 30 minutes (in progress) 

Again, this list is not exhaustive-- I just picked some random ones off my list. 

I hope that after reading/marinating over this, that you might be motivated to start a bucket list too. It keeps me grounded and focused on the great gifts that God gives us an opportunity to experience. He empowers us to do these things.... So why not do it and Kick the bucket... list!!

One thing at a time, Sweet Jesus. 

SGK 

"He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights." --Psalm 18:33

The Spirit Through Sprite

"This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!!" --Psalm 118:24

What an awesome Scripture to describe my heart today! I would say that today is the final day I will be talking about God's gifts, but let's be honest, I am not really driving this boat. He might tell me that I need to keep up with the giftiness that is His love. But for now, I would like to share with you why this day is shaping up to be an extra special gift. 

1. I had a great workout/run this morning. 4 miles, which is pretty good considering my legs are less than cooperative thanks to the crazy workout I had with my trainer on Wednesday.  Hurt so good, right? 

2. On the running note, I found a new running training plan that I am "officially" kicking off on Monday. Now that I have determined that it might actually someday be possible for me transition from a non-runner to pseudo-runner to legit-runner, this next three month training plan is to help me improve my 5K running time to under 30 min. (For all you runners out there, that doesn't seem like much, but for this girl who couldn't legitimately run an eighth of a mile 9 months ago, I say Hallelujah!!) So needless to say, I am pumping myself up for THAT intense training experience. GET SOME!

3. We are leaving for CCC Women's retreat in about 2 hrs from the time of this writing. I have been privileged to serve on planning team for women's ministry, so the final culmination to "Come Away" is going to be an amazing gift. Nothing like a two night slumber party to bring women together with God!

4. My old journal is 11 pages shy of being filled up. Which means I get start a new journal very soon. And as a writing geek, that makes my heart flutter. My new journal is SUH-WEET... PLUS I purchased a new black inky pen to go with it yesterday. Totally stoked. 

5. By the grace of God, I was able to  consciously choose prayer over panic this morning probably for one of the first times ever. Which was an AMAZING GIFT. Here's what happened: Justus and I got back from our run this morning around 8:00am. I had a text on my phone from a friend/fellow Drill Sgt wife saying that she had food poisoning, wondering if I could watch her kids for a while today. My immediate response was "Gah, I can't I have so much to do before leaving on retreat in a few hours." But after I sent her a text saying I couldn't take care of the kids but would bring her Sprite, God spoke to me and said "You can do both. I will make it happen." 

So I texted her back and said when I delivered the Sprite I would bring her two oldest kids ages 4 and 2 over to my house to babysit until I had to leave for retreat so she and her newborn could rest. My head was saying that I was crazy and fighting panic, but my heart told me that God had this and he would help me get everything done I needed to before departure (note: I had not packed at all for this retreat... and as part of the planning committee, I was bringing other "stuff" in addition to my own personal items.) 

I initially sent my beloved husband after some Sprite before he went to work this morning, but he called 10 minutes later and said he wouldn't be able to make it back in time before needing to go to work thanks to awesome on-post Friday morning traffic. "Ok God, it's just you and me." I sped groomed, got in the car to go get some Sprite for my friend-- and I found my heart praying to let traffic move smoothly and for God to enable me to get everything done I needed. Oh, and to keep me calm. Minor detail. 

Obviously, prayer over panic worked out wonderfully. Traffic was smooth, I delivered the Sprite, picked up the kids, finished grooming, packed in record time, started updating the Family Readiness Group roster and even had time to blog (hence this post!) This IS the day the Lord has made... And lemme tell you what folks, I am rejoicing and finding myself VERY glad in it!! So thankful that I found the Spirit... In a bottle of Sprite. 

With a carbonated, bubbly heart, 

SGK 

"We pray that you'll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul—not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for us." Colossians 1:9-10 (MSG)

Excited & Can't Hide It

 When was the last time you were excited? 

I am not talking about the "Oooo Monday is over" kind of excitement or "Yay a new season of my favorite show starts tonight." I mean the "brain-churning, stomach-fluttering, pulse-pounding, heart-gonna-burst-outta-my-chest, can't-wait-to-tell-my-boss/spouse/family/friend about it" kind of excitement. I love that feeling. WHOOT!

Some of you out there might be saying <scoff> "Sharita, nothing profoundly exciting ever happens to me." But before you get stuck on that thought, let me clarify something. The type of excitement I am addressing isn't "I won the lottery" or "WE ARE GOING TO DISNEY WORLD" excitement. Instead it includes the little things in life that help us get through each day. It could be a new opportunity, a new project that capitalizes on using your strengths, a favorite meal, someone telling you that your ministering really helped them, a short upcoming vacation, reunion with family etc. 

I have had a few moments that so far today. One is a new project for work writing some speechy-workshoppy curriculum (I know, I am nerd), another was finding out that I might get to take a mini anniversary vacay with my beloved and the final one includes a potential future ministry opportunity next summer. Tell you what-- my brain was definitely churning and heart pounding as I drove home today. 

While these small things add excitement to my life, I can't help but think of a greater promise that we can all be excited about all the time... Our future glory. Yes, I admit it thinking about heaven and glorious things of the future are kind of challenging to grasp in the busyness of life. But just as I mentioned a couple of days ago in my "Lifted by Being Gifted" post, many of these little things that God gives us in life are reminders of His love... all of which will someday be reflected via our future glory we will experience. 

The reality of being an adult/big kid seems to distract us from being excited, especially when it comes to getting and staying excited for Christ. Remember when you were a little kid and there were events that you were SO EXCITED you could barely sleep? Maybe it was Christmas Eve... Or a birthday... For me, it was the night before we left for the Missouri State Fair. I also remember from my freshman year of high school being so excited to "skip" class the next day to decorate for homecoming as a member of student council. I long to rediscover that level of awesome excitement from my "youth" and reapply it to my love of Christ. 

Are you excited for Christ? In what ways can you show it? What small things in live via gifts from God get you pumped up. Do you accept the challenge to find new ways to get excited for Him? 

After all of the awesome things he has put into my life, I have to admit that I am excited for Christ... and as you might have noticed on this blog, I just can't hide it!

Excited for Future Glory, 

SGK 

"He quivers with excitement, and at the trumpet blast races off at a gallop. At the sound of the trumpet he neighs mightily, smelling the excitement of battle from a long way off, catching the rolling thunder of the war cries." --Job 39:24-25