Focus Please

Matching dates, places and people was at the bottom of my priority list. However as time passes, I’m becoming more of a history lover. who knew?

So the opportunity to produce videos for historical landmarks around our city was right on so many levels.

Thirty one. That was the total number of videos that we needed to complete. As we were wrapping up number 29, I stepped on what I thought was pavement. But actually, my foot landed in a break in the sidewalk. And yeah, that crackling sound had nothing to do with the pebbled surface. It was my right ankle.

Within 90 minutes, I had an X-ray, was fitted for a boot not the cute kind and was at home in the bed in a lot of pain. Did I mention that it was painful?

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We all have those hurry and get it done kind of days...right? And this particular day was definitely one of them. I checked the gym off my to do list and was heading to an appointment for Daddy.

As my friend and I were making our way down the stairs, I missed a step. When I landed, my ankle twisted and all of a sudden I felt something painfully familiar.

And just like a re-enactment from the Groundhog Day Movie, there I was again ... getting X-rays, being fitted for a boot it was still ugly and in bed with nauseating pain.

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Why was I repeating painful experiences? Well, it didn’t take long for the Lord to reveal that both times I was distracted. I wasn’t paying attention. I was juggling too many things. And, the main thing was no longer the main thing.

Proverbs 4:25 - 27 gives us really clear directions. “Set your gaze on the path before you. With fixed purpose, looking straight ahead, ignore life’s distractions.[a] Watch where you’re going! Stick to the path of truth, and the road will be safe and smooth before you.”- The Passion Translation

I know life screams and demands that we pay attention. And even though our motives are right, too many “Yes’s” coupled with unhealthy boundaries cause us to stumble and fall.

While I was recovering I had a lot of time to reprioritize and refocus. And to make sure I remembered what God was teaching me, He gave me an acroymn that you might want to keep in mind as well.

F - Don’t allow fear to paralyze you

O - Organize

C - Keep Christ at the center

U - Don’t under estimate yourself or your God

S - Remain steady

Sometimes life becomes a little too much. And just maybe .... you’re trying to be everything to everybody. But remember, you have the power to choose who and what receives your attention. So take a moment to breathe, redirect your gaze and .....focus.

Your Sister Friend,

Sandra

Run on Sentences

I hated those red marks on my paper. You know the ones the teacher used to point out mistakes on your writing assignment. Vibrant lines decorated your paper if you failed to add punctuation and especially if you had a run on sentence.

Your Dictionary, I didn't know there was such a thing, describes run on sentences as "sentences that contain too many ideas without proper punctuation".

This reminds me of the thoughts and memories that the enemy throws at our minds. It goes something like this....somebody says or does something that is offensive or painful. Or, it may even be something that you've done. Then, the enemy captures those moments and begins to rehearse them like a jackhammer working over time in your mind.

Thoughts creep in when you least expect it. They appear when you're settling down after an exhausting day or when life is at it's best. It's a perfectly timed ambush. And don't think these thoughts come alone. They bring fear, torment, anger and shame to the party. Yeah, it’s a package deal.

No one even knows you're being assaulted. Your family, friends and co-workers have no idea that you're suffering an unmerciful beating in your mind.

So, what do you do? Is it possible to put a stop to the enemy's chatter? Here are a few strategies you might consider implementing.

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Verify the source. My professors always required that we provide credible sources to support our essays. And of course, the word of God fits into this category. It is infallible, faithful and true. (Psalm 18: 30)

So, if what you’re hearing doesn’t align itself with the Bible, it can’t be trusted. Which means, there are just two other options. You’re either hearing your voice and you know how fickle we can be or it’s the devil.

John 8:44 tells us in no uncertain terms that he's a liar - ... “When he lies,he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” - NIV.

Basically everything that comes from satan is wrong and unfounded. Yes, he mixes in a few facts but, they're lies just the same. So, don‘t even give the enemy one moment of your mental space. Not one iota.

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Use a period. Don't you just wish you could delete or erase all of the undesirables out of your life? Trust me, my delete button would be working over time if that were possible. But since that’s not an option, try using a period or in the spiritual realm - forgive it.

And, while you’re at it, forgive yourself. You see, forgiveness puts an end to the whole blaming scenario and redirects your focus to the one who heals. I know its not easy to forgive girl I'm right there with you.

I remember being in tears telling my Grandmama how someone had severely wounded me and betrayed my trust. I think her words will forever be ingrained in my mind. "We can't hate nobody and see Jesus. Forgive them and put it under the blood so you can see Jesus!" Her words struck me at my core. It made me realize that holding someone hostage was not worth being out of fellowship with God.

❤️ my Grandmama

Are you struggling with unforgiveness? Remember that according to John 14:16, the Holy Spirit is our helper. He will help you forgive. Just ask.

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Write a new sentence. There's no rule that says you have to receive all of the thoughts that knock on the door of your mind. You have the right and even more so, the authority to kick out every negative or accusing thought. Now it will take a lot of discipline as if you need to add something else to your plate but, you can resist the temptation to be passive.

As a matter of fact, you can take it a few steps further and create an entirely new conversation using the word of God. Here's an example from joycemeyer.org - "I have been set free. I am free to love, to worship, to trust with no fear of rejection or of being hurt." - John 8:36; Romans 8:1

I encourage you to develop a habit of regularly decreeing and declaring God's truth and promises. There are thousands of promises in the Bible. Write the scriptures down and place them in your car, on the refrigerator, your mirror and anywhere else you can think of. Try one promise per week and see what happens. Before you know it, you'll put those run on sentences on the run.

Your Sister Friend,

Knock Again

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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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