start living today!!

 

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   Can you believe that we're at the end of September already? Wow! It feels like just yesterday I was talking about expanding your lane and pursuing your passions. That was Sept 2nd. Now, we're at the culminating day of one of the best months of my life. It was life-changing and soul-stirring; filled with triumphs & setbacks and I needed each one. One of my New Year's resolutions was to leave US soil and visit other countries. This was the month that I was able to experience three; three unique countries that opened my eyes, heart, and mind to how different the world is for every individual based on what decisions they choose to make. 

   This was also the month that I was able to experience God in a way I've never experienced before. My church led a two week campaign promoting Christ entitled Lifted. 113 souls dedicated their lives to Christ through baptism. God allowed me a front row seat. He showed me how much people REALLY need the Lord and how badly the world is waiting on people like me, who know God, to share my knowledge and experience of Him. 

   This month was also the first month that I really committed to blogging in a long time. I've been blogging since 2008 and it's something I really enjoy. I am a girl who loves to create editorial content (I was a Journalism major for crying out loud) and have always been excited about so many projects that I've never made the time to do. That stopped this month.

   I'm not sure if you noticed but I've mentioned the phrase "this month" quite a few times. When I say "this month", I'm talking about the present. Are you actively seizing the day and becoming the person who you've always wanted to be NOW? If not, why not? What are you waiting for? As the picture clearly (and beautifully) states, "tomorrow isn't guaranteed".   In my opinion, one of the thought patterns that messes so many of us up is the "I've got to get it done on my own". We think that so much to the point that we totally miss the point. Not clear? Okay, I'm reminded of one of my friends. I love him dearly but we rarely talk. Mind you, the lack of communication isn't because of a falling out. The reason is because his phone is always dead. Everytime I call, there's no ringtone. It just goes straight to voicemail. He'll joke around about it but the fact that it's taken a toll on our friendship is no laughing matter. Why work hard for a paycheck, pay the phone bill only to never use the phone because it's never charged up? It's not like it's something out of his control. HE can do it. He just doesn't take the time to make that extra step that would make a world of difference for his now dwindling circle of friends. I sometimes get frustrated at the thought of him and his cell phone woes and then it hit me. How many times do we do that with God?

    He's given us diverse gifts, talents, interests, and quirks. That desire to travel the world or open your own business; who do you think could've planted that seed within you? We try to work so hard in our strength and then we don't truly plug into the source of it all: Jesus Christ.  So by the time we're done working and paying our "dues", we don't have the mental capacity to even remember to plug ourselves up to the source. So our works end up being TOTALLY in vain and we miss out on going from  emotional/spiritual death to emotional/spiritual abundant life, stamina, power, and fulfillment. Why try to do everything in your own strength when there is someone who want to help you? John 10:10 (New Living Translation) says that "[His] purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life." Now, how do you plug into the source? Let's start with three steps: 

1. Talk to God- When you wake up in the morning, say hi! Thank Him for another day of life. Talk to Him about what's on your heart. You can do this through writing a letter to Him. A lot of people do this and call them prayer journals. You don't have to mail these letters though. He actually has seen the words before you wrote them down. Cool, uh? Or you can whisper to Him or just have a mental dialogue with Him. 

2. Learn about God- When you have a friendship, it's important to get to know the other person right? Well, He already knows about you so it's your turn to get to know Him. How do you get to know Him? Read the Bible. Now before you say "it's boring and I don't want to", hear me out. Even if it's just a verse or a couple chapters, read a little about Him every day. Or listen to a devotional thought talking about Him to get to know Him. Our Daily Bread and My Utmost for His Highest are some of my favorites. 

3. Trust God- This is one a lot of people struggle with but it's the key to living freely. When you really trust someone, that eliminates fear, doubt, worry and stress. God is the ultimate One to trust. For many, it's a work in progress but it's definitely worthwhile for all. 

(Steps 1 & 2 should be done in the morning but can be repeated at bedtime. 

It's always nice to sleep with Him on your mind)

   There's a saying that we teach what we need to learn. That saying is applicable in this situation. I love God. I love learning about God. I love talking to God. I love being able to trust God. I just need to do all three a whole lot more. We'll grow together but actively pursue God now! Don't spend your life waiting for your life to start. After all, tomorrow isn't guaranteed.