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

You’re Mine

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?

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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.

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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