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Updated: May 16, 2020




When we finally met, our conversation wasn’t what you would consider cordial. Now, it’s just my opinion but, I think “....I was tired of you calling me.” fits nicely in the rude category.

Honestly, I can’t say that I blame her. let’s call her Agnes

She told me to call at 1:00pm, I called at 12:30 until I:15 ish and left more than a few messages. Agnes said, “Call next Tuesday.” I might or might not have called everyday until I reached her. This went on for more than 3 months. I would have been tired to me too.


 

After two years of searching and applying for summer interns, I was coming up short. By the time I saw the CNN opportunity, I was already in my third year of college. Everything about the intern seemed perfect, except for the fact that it was only offered during winter quarter.

Have you ever met those girls that prefer the nice straight neat lines? Well, I was an active member of their club. So, taking a quarter out of school and graduating past the anticipated date created curvy chaotic lines that made me dizzy. My counselor put things in perspective when he asked, “Who cares if you graduate in 4 years or 4 years and a quarter?” Before I could respond he said, “Nobody! Take the internship, come back and finish your degree.” His wisdom forced me outside of my comfort zone. But, I was determined not to let the opportunity slip away. So I after applying for the position, I prayed, called, left way too many messages, sent letters and repeated the process over and over again.


 

Some things come easy. It’s as if the Lord simply places them in our laps. While others require that we throw our whole selves at them. Jesus gives us a clear word picture in Luke 11:5-10. He introduces us to a man that knocks repeatedly on his friend’s door with “shameless audacity”. In essence, the man was willing to take a bold risk and get on his friend’s nerves in order to get what he needed.


The goal of the parable was to teach the disciples about the importance of being persistent in prayer. Sooo....since we’re on the topic, how is your prayer life? Is it vibrant and fulfilling? Or are you discouraged because,you haven’t seen any changes in your circumstances? Do you feel like your prayers are bouncing off the ceiling and falling flat on the floor? If you do, it’s ok to admit it. God already knows anyway.

For just a moment, let’s consider the goal of prayer. After all, it’s not really about getting the things we desire. The main purpose of prayer is to have fellowship with the Father. Spending time with God quiets the noise of the world and helps us become acquainted with His voice. Prayer brings us in alignment with His plan and purpose. My friend, it‘s so much more about Him and a lot less about us.

 

Yeah I got the internship at CNN ( that’s me the second from the left )but, it took a lot to get there. As it turns out, it wasn’t so much about me getting the intern. It was more about what I needed to learn in the process. that’s a story for another time






 

I can’t promise that the Lord will answer your prayers exactly the way you want. But, I am certain that if you consistently show up, He will meet you. And if you continue to knock and knock again, you’ll discover that you have a faithful and loving father. I believe that’s far greater than anything we can ask for. Don’t you agree?


Your Sister Friend,

Sandra



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Photo credit Mark Strozier

I made sure the registration form was filled out thoroughly. Partly because, I’m still believing God to deliver me from perfectionism. pray for me

The other reason? Let’s just say I was more than a little concerned about our pre-schooler going to a Summer Camp. Well it wasn't really a camp. It was Vacation Bible School at a local church. But, you can’t be too careful, right?


I prayed for Bayley all morning and even though her class ended at noon, I was early. I hopped in the long pick up line and when I got to the counter, the lady, let's call her Sophie, couldn't find my paperwork.


Sophie: “Did you receive a confirmation email?”


Me: “No, I didn’t but,I registered online and signed Bayley in this morning.”


Sophie: I’m sorry Mrs. Franklin but, I can‘t find your information. I will need to see your driver‘s license. Lord Jesus what is going on?????


Me: I left my purse in the car so, I don’t have it with me.


Sophie: Well .... we can bring Bayley down to ask her if you're her Mom. ok great...no worries


I stood there confidently as Bayley came out holding one of the counselor's hand.


Sophie: "Is this your Mom?"


To my surprise, my sweet little girl just stood there... aaannnd stood there.... with a blank look on her face. She didn’t say a word. After more than an uncomfortable period of time, she gave a slight uncertain head nod. Right away the counselor and Bayley did an about-face and disappeared around the corner.


Sophie: Mrs. Franklin you’re going to have to get your driver’s license so we can verify that you are Bayley’s Mom.

The walk up the two flights of stairs and across the parking lot was a long one. I vacillated

from shock to anger and then....my heart slid down to my stomach and sadness came along for the ride.


Why would my child act as if she didn’t know me?



 

By the time we were heading to the car, I was mad all over again. I asked Bayley why she didn’t say that I was her Mommy. Her answer wasn’t anything my mind told me it would be.

“I wanted to play longer and you came too early.” what in the world!?


I was gaining momentum in my how "you shouldn’t deny knowing the people you love" rant . And then, God reminded me of the multiple times I’ve denied him. well... let me shut my mouth.


 


I suspect Peter has gotten more than a couple of side eyes for denying Jesus.

- Matthew 26: 69-75

True, it wasn’t one of his finest moments. But, his denial didn't surface because of a lack of love. A volcanic eruption of fear pushed the denial out of his mouth, not once but, three times.


Maybe you’ve never said it out loud. But, have you ever down played your relationship with the Lord so you wouldn’t be the odd ball in the group? Have you gone along with something that your spirit was clearly rejecting in order to gain approval or prestige? Either way, you and I have something in common with Peter.




Perhaps tangling with fear isn’t a part of your testimony. But, could it be that you’ve grown accustomed to mapping out your own path? Do you place your desires before the Lord or just do things your way? Oh trust me, I get it. Our plans always seem easier and definitely don’t take nearly as long. But when we do it our way, we reject God’s Sovereignty. We remove him from the throne of our lives and we occupy the seat.

If you’ve found yourself in either one of these scenarios don’t loose heart. Your human frailties haven’t disqualified you from the love of God. Just as Jesus met Peter on the seashore - John 21: 1 -19

and my heart was wide open to receive Bayley, God is ready to forgive you. Just ask. Ask for boldness to declare the truth of the gospel. Ask for God’s will to take precedent over yours.


God is ready to forgive you


For the remainder of camp, I arrived at noon. And unlike the first day, Bayley and I walked hand in hand up the stairs and across the parking lot with the sweet assurance that I am yours and you’re mine.


Your Sister Friend,

Sandra













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Updated: Feb 4, 2020


Photo by Ethan McArthur on Unsplash


“I’ve read through the entire Bible twelve times.” is what our friend said after returning home from incarceration. His words stung a lot.... and forced me to do a self check.


I was privileged to come and go leisurely and not once had I used that liberty to delve into God's Word from cover to cover. Oh, I studied. I knew and quoted scriptures, but hadn’t made the decision to read the Bible from beginning to end. So, I decided to take the plunge and purchased the One Year Bible NLT .


The entire process took about a year in a half. I decided not to be bound by the dates which helped make the journey more enjoyable. Somewhere along the way, Numbers 27 took center stage. The passage challenged me to strive for goals that fear normally prohibited.


 

According to unclaimed.com , "Government custodians are holding over $58 billion of unclaimed money owed to 80 million missing owners and heirs." Sadly, we as believers are experiencing the same fate. We aren't aware of the promises neatly tucked away in the scriptures largely because, we haven't read them. But, Zelophehad's daughters refused to let what was rightfully theirs slip away.


If you flip back to Numbers 26, you'll discover a census was taken of all of the males aged 20 years and older. They were allotted land based on their tribal size. Did you notice that? It didn't mention anything about women. In essence, no man...no land. But Mahlah, Noa, Hoglah, Milcah and Tirzah decided it was no longer business as usual.


 

It seemed that the odds were against them. They were unmarried, with no brothers and their father was deceased. And if that wasn't enough, the culture didn't value "Girl Power". But instead of being paralyzed by their circumstances, they took a completely different approach. They came into agreement and decided to go to Moses and challenge the law. It was a pretty bold move but, they stepped outside of the box. My friend, human restraints are no match for our holy God. Just because it hasn’t been done doesn’t mean it can’t be done.




Moses and the other authorities assembled in the center of the camp at the Tent of Meeting. In order to express their concerns, Zelophehad’s daughters had to leave what was familiar and walk pass naysayers that didn’t have their need or vision.


Is there something that God is calling you to walk pass? Do you sense that he's asking you to give up an unhealthy habit or leave a relationship behind?


 

Now, James 4:2-3 doesn’t leave any room for misunderstanding. “You have not because you ask not.” is about as blunt as you can get. I’m sure you've heard this scripture more times than you can shake a stick at it. Yet, in spite of knowing this truth, we tend to drift over into worrying about things that God clearly promised to supply. Lord help us do better


But, not Zelophehad’s daughters. They asked for what was rightfully theirs. And after Moses brought the case to the Lord, God made it clear that the land belonged to them. - Numbers 27: 6-8


 

So what are you believing God for? I’d like to encourage you to make the decision to agree with God’s word. Leave everything behind that hinders you. And, boldly ask the Lord for your heart’s desire. Girl it’s already yours!

Remember Zelophehad’s daughters and go get it.


Your Sister Friend,

Sandra









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