Written on 9/30/21
Today was wild! This morning I read the book of Haggai, I went to a Raga group and met some real nice people, I wrote Literal Hope, spent an hour on a Zoom meeting with a nutritionist of sorts, then spent a wonderful evening with my cousin and her daughter at Cal Skate. I loved every minute of today living it to the fullest!
Now that I’m reading the Bible daily, I have to say there’s always some balance checks that enter the brain. Did I follow the rules? Is He happy with my choices? Did I sin? It’s hard to be self aware of every minute of every moment without relapsing into old ways, completely carefree and ignorant. Regardless, I showed up with love to every appointment and above all... LOVE, right?.
Things I could’ve curbed to reach my future goals: I could’ve eaten healthier and spent less money on frivolous things, other than that, I think I did ok. The fact that I’m self reflecting to begin with is always a plus. I heard the Lord our God's voice only twice in my life that I can recall and I believe with all my heart I’ll hear him again on Sunday. Ah, that’s coming up! The first time he said “Everyone”, after three weeks I deciphered that he was calling me by His name for me. There’s a post about it somewhere on my page.
The second time he yelled repeatedly “Choose the Present!”. I sit here after I’ve showered, took some time to reorganize my dresser, and I keep eyeing this little daily devotional my mother gave me in the corner of my room. It’s small, brown, imprinted leather, little notes with verses to validate - Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. I rarely check it mainly so it will last longer than a year. Today was something special, maybe that’s why my eye was fixated on it.
“I am perpetually with you, taking care of you.” The first line hits the heart as I was calling on Jesus through the birds at the Raga group in moments I was tense about the nature of the chants. Honestly, the group is harmless, I just love him so much I want to make sure I’m honoring him in everything I do. “That is the most important fact of your existence. I am not limited by time or space; My Presence with you is a forever-promise. You need not fear the future, for I am already there.”
Okay, now tears. I love these perfect timing love notes as he sets us up on our paths for a perfect relationship with him. “When you make that quantum leap into eternity, you will find Me awaiting you in heaven. Your future is in My hands; I release it to you day by day, moment by moment. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow.” I’ve been telling everybody how I feel I am a bride in training. I know my Carrot is around the corner, I know my baby carrots are soon to follow, I remember the literal moment when he shot the download to my head to wake up, to get ready, this adventurous carrot is coming.
My name is written on his heart.
“I want you to live this day abundantly, seeing all there is to see, doing all there is to do. Don’t be distracted by future concerns. Leave them to Me! Each day of life is a glorious gift, but so few people know how to live within the confines of today. Much of their energy for abundant living spills over the timeline into tomorrow’s worries or past regrets. Their remaining energy is sufficient only for limping through the day, not for living it to the full.”
Right? I can’t begin to tell you how hard it’s been to live by iCal or plan the business months out in advance, it sucks my life away. I understand we have moments where we have to do that for work or for our family, but can you return to the moment? To the present? I have to say that time management is my focus on this break from work because I don’t see myself returning to work without a firm grip on being able to return to the present. I let my life go with so many bad decisions to drown out the fact that I was letting my youth go all for quotas or agendas. At this moment I don't feel it was worth the sacrifice.
“I am training you to keep your focus on My Presence in the present. This is how to receive abundant Life, which flows freely from My throne of grace.” I told you I was in training. Like in Wedding Crashers, I am a stage 11… a whole 6 stages past the red head. Never been able to help myself, I simply just have so much love to offer. That very vibe is what had them running to the hills and others taking it for granted. I discipline myself everyday to focus on the present and know that it still may be a year or two before this carrot is ready to find me. That’s the other fun part: He has to come to me. No more chasing or scheming.
To my future Carrot, you get one note and then I must return to the present: I want chickens, cows, pigs, goats, cats, and how do you feel about adoption along with our litter? I prefer mountains over beaches, I want to travel the world, we live where my family lives, but I will have to follow you because of Exodus 23:21-22, but having yogurt and granola in stock is a non-negotiable. Man, are you going to be one blessed cookie. Morning will be sacred, love will be abundant, we will live in the moments, and we will praise YHWH at every chance! May our cup runneth over.
I just read Matthew 6:4 by accident and then thought, was that an accident? I’ve always said I was spoiled on this earth so I could return the favor and spoil others. I plan to keep on spoiling as many people as I can for as long as I’m here. Yep, I’m a giver!
For more romance to this story, check out Matthew 6:34, John 10:10, and James 4:13-15.
His Will be done. Friends, he made you by his will and he loves you by his will. Live each day like it’s your only day to make a difference. Joy is a choice and above all… LOVE!
Everyone, Choose the Present - YHWH (8/4 & 9/3)
Photo Taken: 9/18/21 @11:04pm inside the Paris Las Vegas Hotel
"From Paris, With Love" read the neon lights above the floral mural
Young, Sarah. Jesus Calling.
Nashville, TN, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc 2004