Since our last relocation of life and ministry back in 2004, Facebook and social media happened. When uprooting your life to move cross-country, you uncover unexpected blessings. Despite the fact we moved to new state and time zone this year, I didn’t have to leave all of my friends behind. We are still able to stay in touch through technology. Some of my contacts via social media and blogging have become “real” friends. Last January Kathy Howard introduced me to Carla McDougal when we kicked on the year with the New Start challenge. The internet provides a virtual bridge of friendship to others who love teaching God’s word like I do. When Carla told me about her new book SOLD OUT, I knew I would be glad to share it. Listen in to this interview about the message behind SOLD OUT.
SOLD OUT by Carla McDougal
What is the purpose behind the name of your book––SOLD OUT Live for Jesus?
Carla ––God desires for us to live each day with purpose. From the moment we wake up, God waits for us to connect with Him. His voice calls, but do we listen? SOLD OUT encourages readers to find purpose in life by drawing nearer to Jesus in real and practical ways. The heartfelt messages and analogies bring laughter, tears and understanding to God’s Word. Be inspired to live in victory and sold out to Jesus through your thoughts, words, and actions. SOLD OUT not only nourishes the soul but also ignites a purpose for living!
What inspired you to write SOLD OUT Live for Jesus?
Carla ––At age 40, I heard a phrase that rocked my world. Changed my perspective. Moved me to tears. These nine words opened my eyes to view God’s purpose for me in a whole new way… “Life is not about me, but all about Him.” Under the umbrella of God’s Word, my focus changed from what I can do for Jesus to surrendering it all to Him. Over the past 12 years, God has used this statement to shape and mold my writing. The front cover of SOLD OUT is symbolic of what I want my life to be. Just like the sign covers the woman’s face, I desire for others to see Jesus working in my life. SOLD OUT focuses on living out God’s Truths in every conversation, action, and thought.
Share with us your favorite entry from SOLD OUT Live for Jesus.
Carla ––Wow, this is a tough question. But, the entry PRAY 911, from Chapter 1, pops into my mind. In the midst of an oppressive time, or should I say a spiritual attack from the enemy, I was scheduled to speak at a women’s retreat. The oppression was so heavy and burdensome. Doubt plagued my mind. The morning of the event, I was sitting in my prayer chair and opened my Bible to Psalm 91. The first verse seemed to jump off the page, He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Peace washed over me. God’s Word strengthened me for the event that evening. The next day I shared my experience with a close friend who said, “Next time text me to pray for you.” Her words continued to linger in my heart and mind. Later in the day, I read Psalm 91:1 again, and this is what I saw––911. My heart pounded with excitement! Immediately, I decided when oppression comes my way I will text PRAY 911 to my prayer team. I jumped up and started praising God. A smile emerges when I think of how God used this real life situation to teach me His spiritual life lesson.
Besides SOLD OUT Live for Jesus, have you written any other books?
Carla ––SOLD OUT is my 3rd book. The 1st book I wrote is a 10-week Bible study called Reflecting Him. Like Jesus’ parables, Reflecting Him uses familiar objects to identify the connection between our physical and spiritual lives. God wants to be part of everything we do, and this study is designed to help you become aware of His life lessons twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. My 2nd book is called My Prayer Chair, which focuses on encouraging the reader to engage in ongoing conversations with God – 24/7. My grandmamma is the inspiration behind My Prayer Chair. Her love, trust, and ongoing communication with Jesus played an important role in molding my prayer life. My Prayer Chair won multiple awards in 2013 and is now available in Spanish and as an audiobook through Audible, ITunes, and the RLM website. Find SOLD OUT here on Amazon or here at Barnes & Noble.
Just for fun… How do you deal with writer’s block?
Carla ––Prayer. Waiting. Listening. For me, prayer is the key to writer’s block. Communicating wit
h God opens the door to the waiting room. In the stillness, I listen and anticipate His voice behind me saying, Whether you turn to the right or the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, “This is the way, walk in it.” Isaiah 30:20
Thanks to Carla for sharing how her own desire to be sold out in living for Jesus has grown into a book to challenge and help others. Find out more at Reflective Life Ministries.
