The Stretch

Books stores have always aroused mixed emotions for me. It’s sort of a love hate relationship. Part of me is fascinated by the opportunities to discover something new. The other part is discouraged by all of things that I have yet to learn. Anyhoo, I’ve resigned myself to delving into one book at a time.

Recently after seeing Lisa Harper at a conference, I knew I wanted to hear more of what she had to say. The title of her book immediately caught my attention,mostly because I'm all too familiar with being Overextended. But even more so, I wanted to understand how to love and embrace life with a plate that’s full and often overflowing.

I thought I had a busy schedule until, Lisa gave me a peek into her world. She is stretched like Elastigirl from the Incredibles. In comparison, I might as well be lying on a beach in the Caribbean sipping fruit smoothies. oh Lord let it be soon

Throughout the pages of Overextended, Lisa has masterfully managed to combine a good dose of theology, engaging transparent stories and laugh out loud humor.

But, it’s not just your ordinary feel good read. Lisa challenges you to experience everything God has for you by jumping into His will with both feet. Often times it requires so much more than you think you have to give.

Are you operating on fumes? Do you feel as though life's challenges are pulling you in several directions at the same time? Grab a copy of Lisa Harper’s Overextended and Loving Most of It! I believe you’ll discover that in the midst of the stretch, there’s a beautiful testimony that God is unfolding.

Your Sister Friend,

Sandra

Your Mic is Hot

It wasn’t the first time. Actually, it was a common occurrence. My coworker, we’ll just call him Barry, would claim that I failed to complete a commercial production work order according to specifications. Strangely enough, I would have the proof of my compliance in his handwriting on my desk. In spite of the evidence, the scenario would always play out the same. I would have to stay after work to revise a commercial. Barry would get what he wanted. And then, we would start the process all over again. yeah I was looking for another job

Usually this exchange would take place in my office or my supervisor's area. But on one occasion it happened in a rather centralized location. other folks were around

Barry begin his normal routine and this time started yelling...furious side eye

Now let me just say, when I start a sentence off with, "Who are you talking to?" things start spiraling pretty fast. pray my strength in the Lord

After I told him what was and was not going to happen, I walked back to my office.....fuming.

That night we had revival. I couldn't wait to get into God's presence and pour my heart out. Feeling completely justified, I knelt down to pray, but before I could get the words out I heard, “Don’t pray!”Go apologize to Barry in the same place, in front of the same people and then come back.” chile, you could have bought me for a penny

While Barry was wrong, I had jumped over in the ‘won’t do right’ basket with him. God handed me the mic to be an example of Christ. But I missed it. you can say ouch or amen

By now you know God was teaching me something through this exchange. So, keep reading.

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God Is My Defender

After way too long, it hit me. I was completely missing the point. It wasn’t about Barry or me. All along the enemy was after my witness. You know his job is to discredit us “Kingdom Girls". - Rev. 12: 9 -11

But more importantly, God was trying to form his character in me. And since I was not cooperating, God was gracious enough to keep giving me the same test over and over again. sigh

Does it mean that you have to be a doormat? No ma'am! But there's a right way and a wrong way to do everything. did your mama ever tell you that?

Psalm 66:18 declares, "If a man’s ways please the Lord, He will make even his enemies be at peace with him." Notice that our only responsibility is to please God. That's it! We don't have to strive to make our own way. God is our defender! He knows how and when to make crooked places straight. Plus, he's already gone before us and he is with us! - Deuteronomy 31:8

I get it. Relying on God to fight your battles takes a ton of faith, especially when you're accustomed to handling things on your own. But, he’s able to work things out far better than you could ever imagine. Just take a deep breath, relax and let God be God.

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So did I apologize? Girl yes! Now, I felt about as big as a baby ant, but I did it. And this time when my mic was hot, my behavior matched my confession as a believer. Obeying God gave me the stage to share the gospel with the other folks in the room. And the second night of prayer you know who was at the altar.

Oh and let me just say that the next time I had an issue with Barry, I stepped aside and let God handle it. I was as quiet as a mouse, except for a little snickering on the inside. That day I went home on time. spinning and twirling

Not long afterwards, I received a call from another company asking if I would come in for an interview. The manager said that he had been hearing about me for three years... which was the same length of time I had been on my job. well just bless my soul

Are you being treated unfairly? Are you loosing ground trying to change or fix your circumstances on your own? Maybe God wants you to give the situation over to him.

Somewhere in the midst of your adversity there‘s a mic. Will you have your say or will you let God have his?

Your Sister Friend,

Sandra

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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