Make Room

Somewhere in the midst of night surrendering to day, we make our pilgrimage to the beach. The air is usually filled with a stillness that surrounds us like a warm blanket. Without exchanging words, we find our own little prayer closet and wait for the miracle of sunrise.

Now it’s not so much that any of us are early risers. We're just hungry. As a matter of fact, we're desperate to hear from God concerning our lives, our children and careers. And some of us...well...we're simply asking God for the strength to endure what he has allowed.

The sounds and rhythm of the waves create a magnificent setting for us to experience the presence of God. And our ever faithful God never disappoints.

This day was slightly different. As soon as my feet hit the pier, I felt the presence of the Lord. oohhhh thank you Jesus

Right away I asked,"God, why haven’t you spoken to me like this before?" I’m not sure what type of response I was expecting. But, in one sentence I got an ear full. “You're too busy to hear." crickets....tears

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I was doing things for God but, not spending enough time with God. Allowing them to crowd my schedule and my life had become the norm. I was snacking....eating on the go instead of sitting down for a full course meal with the Lord. Can you relate? Thankfully the morning at the beach quieted my world. It gave me the space to focus on who really matters.

If your schedule is anything like mine, your to do list is as long as your arm. But trust me. You’ll never loose or waste time waiting in God’s presence. Somehow when we put Him first, God supernaturally causes everything to be accomplished at just the right time. Matthew 6:33 AMP - “But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.”

Maybe a trip to the beach is not on the horizon. But, how about taking a moment to listen to Jonathan McReynold’s song "Make Room". The lyrics will hopefully encourage you to do a little re-prioritizing. I’m sure the Lord has something to say that you’ve been longing to hear.

Let’s worship!

Your Sister Friend,

Sandra

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Twelve Minus One

The day had finally arrived. I was heading to the University of Georgia. My emotions were scattered all over the place like an unfinished puzzle. Joy, doubt and anxiousness were all fighting for center stage.

My parents helped me settle in my dorm. And after we said our goodbyes, I decided to get acquainted with my surroundings. The first person I met was Pamela. She had a big smile, was super friendly and our rooms were only a few doors down from each other.

Right away we realized that we had quite a bit in common and became fast friends. Finding friends at my new home away from home was a big concern over the summer. God was showing off by answering that prayer on the first day.

Whether we admit it or not, we all desire friends... real friends that stand with us in the midst of successes and failures. Quite naturally, we wouldn’t intentionally allow anyone in our inner circle that would harm or betray us. But strangely enough, when Jesus chose the twelve apostles, he included Judas. - Luke 6:12-16

Judas?! Yes ma'am. Judas was hand picked by the Messiah. He was called to be a world changer and at the same time he wrestled with unrighteousness...sound familiar?

Now you might be thinking, since Jesus was a man, he didn't know who Judas really was. Wrong. John 2:23 says that "Jesus knew what was in man." He knew what was in Judas. Sooo...now the question is why? Why would Jesus invite and welcome an enemy to join him in Kingdom work? Why does he allow backstabbers masquerading as friends to waltz into our lives? I don't have all the answers. I wish I did

But, if we allow ourselves to look beyond the pain of betrayal, we might discover a few hidden blessings.

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Opportunities

Take a look at what James 1:2-4 says about difficulties - NLT "... when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So, let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing." I know, that’s a little hard to swallow so, I'll give you a moment to digest it.

We view trouble as something to be avoided. But according to James, resisting trouble means that we are rejecting joy. We're refusing to grow. And, we're in a serious kick boxing match with endurance. Now, I don't mean that you should break out in the happy dance when someone violates your confidence. Instead, remind yourself that God is giving you a special invitation to put his love on display. You have the opportunity to extend the same grace that you've been given and become more like him.

New Perspective

Often times, when we experience hurt we make generalizations. You know, if we have a bad encounter at church, we say “Christians are nothing but a bunch of hypocrites”. Or if our family member, friend or husband is untruthful, we say “you can’t trust anybody”. The truth of the matter is, it’s not everybody. Judas was the only one .... the only apostle that thought Jesus was worth a mere thirty pieces of silver - Matthew 26:15

Your significance isn’t diminished because one person is blind to your value. Don’t give your pain power. Change your focus. Refuse to allow your world view to be distorted by the missteps of one individual, one company or one church.

Bridges not Burdens

Judas' actions produced devasting results. It was an excruciating and humiliating way for our Savior to die. But, it was a part of God’s salvation plan. The chief priests thought they were putting an end to Jesus’s teachings. They had no idea they were helping to spread the good news that has continued for more than two thousand years. betcha they didn’t see that coming

What you’re going through might seem like a heavy burden. But, give it to God. He can use it as a bridge to take you to the places that he has destined for you.

I’ll be honest, I’ve had friendships that crumbled like five day old cornbread. But not all of them. After all of these years, my friendship with Pamela has remained constant. (Hey Pam!)

If you‘re walking through the pain of betrayal take a moment to write down all of your blessings. I pray that you’ll find that the goodness of the Lord is much greater than the betrayal of one.

Your Sister Friend,

Sandra

Just Us Two

My supervisor was aware that I was searching for a safe budget friendly place to call home and highly recommended Mrs. Robertson. From the outside we appeared to be an unlikely pair. I was fresh out of college in a new city. She was a spunky almost eighty year old that knew the area like the back of her hand.

Our age difference could have been the great divide that separated us but, it didn’t. Mrs. Robertson was surprisingly young at heart and I was sort of an old soul. We were a great match. And, it didn’t hurt that she was a fabulous cook and had completely missed her calling as a comedian. she cracked me up

Just about every evening when I came home from work, Mrs. Robertson had already whipped up some deliciousness for dinner. One day she made meatloaf. Now, I’ve had an on going love affair with food ....yes my Frank knows about it .... however, meatloaf and I never hit it off. But when I tasted Mrs. Robertson meatloaf patties, I was sold at first bite. For over a year, we shared, ate, laughed and did life together....just us two.

At least once a month when I'm mixing up the dish for dinner, I smile. I’m reminded that the Lord prompted Mrs. Robertson to not only open her home but, her heart. He caused our paths to do more than cross, they connected and intertwined. God gave me a friend that I would have never sought out at just the right time. Has God given you any sweet surprises lately? I would love for you to share.

I’ve provided the meat loaf patty recipe below. You'll notice that some of the measurements are not precise. That’s because Mrs. Robertson would add a little here and there until it was just right.

Feel free to leave a recipe in the comments that reminds you of a family member or friend that has a special place in your heart.

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Mrs. Robertson's Meatloaf Patties

Ground Beef (or Ground Turkey)

*Onions

*Celery

*Green Peppers

1 cup of Oatmeal

Ketchup

1 8oz Can of Tomatoes

1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce

2 tsp Salt

*Optional

Mix all of the ingredients and form patties. Place in an oven safe dish, cover and cook at 350 degrees for 30 - 35 minutes. Leave uncovered for an additional 5- 10 minutes or until brown. Done!

Let's eat!

Your Sister Friend,

Sandra