Look Inside

Up. Down. Then up again. Excitement and nervousness took turns flinging me around.

I guess it was understandable since I was about to make my first big purchase. I was saving for a new car and my heart was set on a silver two door Toyota Tercel.

A few nights before picking up the car, I had an unusual dream. I was at a car lot as the sun was setting and even though I’d researched a lot of cars, I wasn’t familiar with the one in front of me. And to top things off, it was the only car on the lot.

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When we arrived at the dealership, what was supposed have been a simple transaction completely unraveled. The salesman assured me earlier that the car payments were within my budget. When I got there, well....let's just say it was a lot different.

The day was almost over when we found the only car I could afford...a dark grey Chevrolet Nova Hatchback. It was actually under my budget but, it wasn’t what I wanted. I didn’t like it. Reluctantly....I bought it.

If gratefulness was on one end of the spectrum, I was running hard in the opposite direction.

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The next day the guys at work started making jokes. It made things worst.

One of them asked me to lift the hood so he could look inside. I was surprised when he said, “This is a Toyota!” What??!!! Even though the outside was a Chevrolet, it was a Toyota on the inside.

In that moment, the dream replayed in my mind and it's meaning became oh so clear. God lovingly showed me ahead of time what he was reserving just for me. But I rejected the gift because, I didn't like the outside. If only I had taken the time to look inside, I wouldn't have cried and complained on the drive home. I would have been thankful...a lot more thankful.

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Seeing but not seeing. It isn't uncommon. We have the tendency to be captivated by the outside but, oblivious to what’s inside. The prophet Samuel had the same struggle. Since Eliab was tall and handsome, Samuel thought surely he was the next king. “But the LORD said to Samuel, The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." - I Samuel 16:7

Being willing to see takes us beyond the outside glitter and shine. And, relinquishing what we want gives us the opportunity to embrace what God desires.

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My Nova was more spacious than the Tercel, which was perfect for road trips. I drove her to my college graduation, she carried my friends and I to my first speaking engagement and we made several trips to my happy place. the beach

Who knew that purchasing a car would be the catalyst for transforming my prayers? I shifted from “Lord I want..." to "Lord, I want this but, I want what you want more. So, if I’m asking for something that's not right for me, change my heart. And, redirect my desires so they become one with yours."

Maybe this can be your prayer as well.

Your Sister Friend,

Because He Said So

It was a wonderful invitation. The owner of a major Christian Company opened her doors to our mentoring group so we could glean and grow.

I admired the simplistic beauty of Glory Haus. So yes! Most definitely yes! I was looking forward to soaking up every word Molly had to say.

When we arrived the team was gathered in worship. Hands were extended and the presence of the Lord was literally resting in our midst. Oh yeah you heard right. They scheduled time for worship during the work day. Automatically I knew these were my people.

During the tour, Molly shared how the Lord guided her in developing the Glory Haus team. He gave her the names of friends that would take the journey with her but, there was a catch. She couldn’t ask them to join. She had to wait until they suggested the idea to her. And even though it took a while, one by one the team was formed. Throughout our visit, there were several stories with a consistent theme. God spoke. Molly obeyed. Her business grew.

As I reflected on the day, I was reminded of Jesus' earthly father, Joseph. We don’t talk about him a lot but, I believe his life beautifully exemplifies obedience.

I’ll give you the short version of Matthew 1:18-25 but, when you have a moment grab your favorite drink, a quiet corner and sit down with this text.

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Here’s the skinny. Joesph was in the midst of what I would call a hot mess. He was engaged to Mary when he found out she was pregnant. And to make matters even worse, Joseph wasn't the father.

Now because of the circumstances, Joseph decided to break off the engagement with Mary. But, he didn't want to expose her shame or harm. So Joseph planned to put Mary away "quietly" v. 19

When he went to sleep, an angel visited him in a dream. Joseph was given specific instructions. v 20-23. And, as soon as he woke up, Joseph did exactly want the angel of the Lord told him to do.

Now mind you, this wasn't just an isolated incident. Joseph had this obedience thing down to a science. Again in Matthew 2:13 -14 and v.19-21, the angel of the Lord gave him instructions. And just like before, as soon as Joseph woke up, he responded with obedience.

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How many times has God spoken to us but, we question or procrastinate? We say things like, "It's too hard.", "What will people say?" or "I'm not qualified". But honestly, these are just dressed up excuses for disobedience. Did that just grab you?

Transparency alert! Right now I feel like I should be writing "I will obey" 25 times on somebody's chalk board. I'll share my chalk if you'd like.

Ok, so where are you on the obedience scale? Are you rocking and rolling with Joseph and Molly? Or are you like me and need some improvement in this area? Well, here are a few practical steps I believe we can take to help us walk out a life of obedience.

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Go to sleep. Yep! Get some rest. - Did you notice it? Every time the angel came to deliver the Word of the Lord, Joseph was asleep. Ask God to calm you down so you

can rest not just physically but, mentally and emotionally. My friend, it's so difficult to think clearly or be in a position to hear from God when we're exhausted. - Psalm 127: 2

Open wide. Pray that the Lord will open your eyes so you can see what he wants you to see. Allow him to penetrate your heart and your mind. And, be receptive to whatever the Lord has to say.

Move now. Not tomorrow. Not next week or next year. But, whenever God speaks, challenge yourself to move right then. Don't give yourself the option of later.

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Joseph's obedience gave him the opportunity to shepherd the heart of our Saviour. Molly's obedience has created lovely home decor and jewelry that shares the good news of Jesus around the world.

So the next time God speaks, obey not because it makes sense or fits into your life plan. But do it, just because He said so, and watch the beauty of obedience unfold.

Your Sister Friend,

Sandra

God Remembers

The goal was to write and produce shows that were full of discovery and warmed the heart. And traveling the world....well that was the ice cream on top of the cake.

As a teenager that was my dream, until reality set in. All too soon I found out those opportunities were reserved for journalists with loads of experience ... which I didn’t have.

So I put the dream on the shelf and started a different yet similar path. Years passed. And life, as it does, piled in. I’m not sure when it happened but, somewhere along the way I forgot about what was once my heart's desire.

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Not too long ago, one of my clients asked if I’d be interested in working on a new project. They needed someone to write and produce content for an uplifting informative thirty minute talk show. I asked her to give me a few days to pray about it.

During my prayer time, the Lord’s response was “Isn’t this what you asked me for?” At first I was a little confused and then he reminded me of what I’d asked for seemingly a life time ago. I’d forgotten, but He remembered.

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"God remembered..." I absolutely love this little phrase.

Like a treasure hidden in plain sight, these two words introduce us to Rachel's miraculous news in Genesis 30:22 and they activate the long awaited deliverance for Noah in Genesis 8:1.

Interesting enough, when the scripture tells us that God remembered, it has nothing to do with forgetting. God doesn't have to be reminded of our existence, our pain or our struggles. He's aware of it all.

According to compelling truth.org, "When the Bible says God "remembered," the original Hebrew verb is zakar. Zakar does mean "to remember," but it also means "to bring someone to mind and then act upon that person's behalf." The Hebrew idea of remembering always includes acting on behalf of the one brought to mind."

You might want to read this again .... "remembering always includes acting on behalf of the one brought to mind." Now, if this doesn't make you want to break out in a dance, I don't know what will.

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I'm not sure how long you've prayed for your unsaved loved ones. I don't know how many times you've asked God to give you a child or end your financial struggles? And only you know the years you've begged God to heal your body, fill your life with love or restore a relationship. But I do know that God remembers. He remembered Noah, Abraham, Rachel and Hannah. And, I'm trusting that he will remember you.

As I'm writing I'm thinking of you. I'm praying that God will act on your behalf. I'm praying that he will give you beauty for ashes and joy instead of sorrow. - Isaiah 61: 3

Would you join me? Just drop your first name in the comment section. I will pray for you. And, I'm asking you to pray for the sister friend whose name is directly above yours. Let’s do this together and trust the God who remembers.

Your Sister Friend,