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Writer's pictureSandra Franklin

Updated: May 23, 2020



Meet our son Blu. Well actually he's our 7 year old, 60lb Pitbull who thinks that he's a little boy. Every time November 21st rolls around his birthday we contemplate telling him that he's not human but, ultimately decide against it. We don’t think he would take the news very well. Boy or canine Blu is loved more than he could ever imagine. But, it didn't start out that way.


My husband called and said that he was going to pick up Bayley from school so considerate. My schedule was overloaded like a suitcase packed an hour before a red eye flight. I had no idea this good deed was actually a setup. Frank and his 8 year old co-conspirator were about to completely traumatize me.


 

When they finally came home after dark side eye. Frank burst in the door with a dog crate, food and a myriad of other things confused side eye. Then Bayley came in with a black and white creature that had one brown eye and one bright blue eye. Enthusiastically she held him out to me saying "Look what we got Mommy. His name is Blu, Here hold him." crazy wide eyed mama


 


 

Now I would like to say that my sanctified self said, "Praise God, we get the opportunity to care for one of God's wonderful creations." But, since I know that lying makes me a prime candidate for hell you can read it for yourself - Revelations 21:8

"Get that mutant dog away from me!" were my exact words as I walked away. Now if you're wondering if I'm Cruella Deville’s long lost sister, I am not. But I was a worn out wife, Pastor's wife, Mom, business owner and daughter who had been traipsing up and down I-75 from Building A to C at Emory meeting with my parents' oncologists.


That night I could tell that Blu wanted my affection. But, I was conducting a serious “no pet protest“ and being sweet to him was not a part of the plan. I went to bed only to be awakened by high pitched nonstop yapping and wimpering sleepy eyed mama.


The next day it was just the two of us. He was so little. I had to pick him up to help navigate the stairs. It was cold outside, so I held him close. Somewhere in the midst of going to the potty countless times, we developed a bond. And then I knew that God was teaching me something I didn’t even realize I needed to learn.


 

There’s more room - I just knew that I couldn’t add anything or anyone else to my plate. Do you ever feel that way? It was already overflowing. And, I was positive that my reasons for not wanting a dog were more than valid...until I allowed myself to see things differently. Blu was a little eight week old puppy separated from his Mama in a strange place. He was the runt of a large litter and now he didn't even know where any of his brothers and sisters were. Whew! that grabbed me

He needed to feel loved not abandoned...accepted not forsaken. He needed all the things God so generously provides for me every day. - Lamentations 3:22-23

I had the capacity to care for Blu and God knew it. I had room to love more.



Blessings are often disguised

Blu’s unexpected arrival could be accurately described as an inconvenience. It stretched me and completely rearranged my schedule. But at the same time, he made Bayley’s face light up when she came home from her new school.

And I’ll admit that watching him scamper around with his toys was the cutest thing. I was rejecting what God was using to bless me. What I thought I didn’t want or need brought loads of happiness to our home. He came at the right time.

Loving Blu made our family complete and honestly I wouldn’t have it any other way.


 


 

Are you rejecting what God is using to mature, push or bless you? Ask God to give you his perspective. You might find that you are missing out on something really precious.


Your Sister Friend,

Sandra







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Writer's pictureSandra Franklin



Ahh! The joy of time travel and skipping across continents without leaving the coziness of your favorite chair. I think that’s what ignites my passion for reading. You can literally be any where in the world minus the frantic sprints through the airport.


My most recent literary delight is Charles Swindoll’s book David: A Man of Passion and Destiny. In spite of The Bible being full of heros and sheros, I’ve taken a special liking to King David. I mean, besides being a fierce warrior and an all out worshipper, God calls him “a man after his own heart” - Acts 13:22


So when I stumbled upon this jewel in Swindoll's Great Lives Series, I scooped it up and dove in. It's a perfect balance of history and biblical truths that are intriguing yet relevant.


If you’re looking for a read that’s hard to put down, grab a copy of David: A Man of Passion and Destiny. Leave your favorite quotes in the comments below. I hope you love it as much as I did.


Your Sister Friend,

Sandra


 


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Writer's pictureSandra Franklin



I’m amazed at how time and life experiences transform our desires and values. More and more it becomes apparent that my real treasures are unable to be confined to a neatly wrapped package. It’s the moments and memories that matter.


So naturally when my friends invited me to join them on a road trip to the Joyce Meyer Conference on my birthday, I knew God was showing me a special kind of love.



I was familiar with everyone on the ministry team for the weekend except for Natalie Grant. But oooh let me tell ya, after she sang Isn't He ... I knew we were worship friends.


The second time Natalie took the stage, she shared that God was leading her to change what she had planned on singing. I will trust You here was the verse that God used to water my dry places. What a powerful confession and comforting reminder.


In spite of my “here”, I can depend on the Faithful God, and so can you. I’ve had the song on repeat since the conference. Take a listen and worship with me. Leave a comment if it blesses you too.





Your Sister Friend,

Sandra





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