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

Lean a Little More

Photo credit Ruth D. VanLowe Smith

The curves and roundabouts (British term for traffic circles) seemed endless. All throughout the day we were led from one beauty to the next. Bermuda proved to be amazingly breathtaking. By far, it was more than I imagined. The flowers, the beaches, the turquoise water and the hospitality it surpasses Southern Hospitality, if you can imagine that were just the right combination for a spectacular vacation.

Frank and I had only been married 4 years and it was our first trip out of the country as a couple. Of course, we were the typical tourists....taking in the island on scooters. It was the perfect way to sightsee. But since my scooter skills were not up to par that's putting it lightly, Frank was the designated driver. He braved driving on the left side of the roads for the most part with ease. But those roundabouts posed a problem. Once we came out of the turn, Frank would make his way to the right side of the road ... which would have been fine if we were in the States. But, we were actually supposed to be on the left side. All the while, I was being quite the back seat driver, saying, "Left!" in a not so calm voice. If that wasn't enough, there was the issue of making the curves. As we went into the curves, the back wheel sort of struggled and when it did, Frank would encourage me to lean a little more. It never failed, when I leaned with the same intensity as he did, we zoomed around the island with zero problems. While we were having the time of our lives....the Lord was teaching me lessons on marriage that I've never forgotten and want to share with you. So here you go!

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Life is full of curves, problems, situations and tragedies, so travel through them together. Let's face it. You can love God, be filled with the Spirit...don't smoke or chew or hang with those that do and still have trouble. None of us are exempt. The scripture reminds us in John 16:33 that we will have trouble. But, in the same passage, Jesus offers us some good news, "I have over come the world." Think about it, if Jesus has already overcome and He lives in you ... that makes you an overcomer. So, instead of allowing situations to drive you apart, cling to God and each other. You'll reach the straight away if you keep moving forward.

Lean with the same intensity. Now, that doesn't mean that you always agree. I mean...who does that?! But, you can make the commitment to find common ground as long as it's not sin but, you already knew that and once you do, give it your all. Take a few moments and mediate on Colossians 3:23 - "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord and not for people." - Good News Translation

Did you hear that? You are working and serving the Lord, not just your husband. Taking this scripture to heart really gives you a healthy perspective on your marriage.

God uses curves to lead us to beautiful places. It might not look like it but, God is weaving something wonderful in your life. In Psalm 119:71, David said that it was good that he had been afflicted. Now, I don't know about you but, I wouldn't call running from a King that was trying to kill me good. But, what came out of it was good. - 2 Samuel 5:4

Do you feel like your life, your marriage, or your career is in a major curve? Whatever your circumstances are right now, God knows. Really he does! And he will be faithful to work it out for your good. So, trust God in the curves and lean a little more.

Your Sister Friend,

Sandra