In His Likeness w/ AntTBri

“But the precious possession of a [wise] man is diligence [because he recognizes opportunities and seizes them] Prov. 12:27b AMP

 

Two of my very close friends asked me to be in their wedding, so for the last two years I’ve been inundated with wedding planning and preparation. Both ladies, (love them immensely) prefer grandeur and are a little extra (over the top, of course we’re friends) so our time together included fine tuning the details of their vision of the perfect wedding day. With one I previewed all the flowers, center pieces, name plates, invitations, table and chair linens, sashes, aisle decor ordered or hand made by her and the other I accompanied to every venue Southern California offered (not really but it felt like it)determining what shade of gold and cream accentuated the dessert pink dresses via, picture books, IPad and the different packages offered. Can I tell you witnessing these ladies creatingthe perfect day for their unions was an education all its own? It was enlightening, fine tuning the details proved to be imperative. Both weddings were beautiful and turned out to be exactly what the brides wanted, so that was time and energy well spent. I’m glad I was given the opportunity to share in their happiness and be a part of their perfect day.

 

Some years ago, Hallmark Channel started including “Love is in the details” in its commercials. Catchy right?  The implication is that if we’re not mindful we could miss the opportunity to experience or receive gestures, gifts, exhibited effort as love. I wonder if the grooms left their weddings thinking or feeling wow she really loves me, look how much effort she put into our day and night for that matter (insider) chile you better get you a Brina Bri (lol) .  While I’m not suggesting grandeur, or the amount of money spent is an indicator of love it is my intent to suggest the amount of effort exhibited could be an indicator of what the heart feels.  For instance, when I host family dinner, cookouts, and birthday parties included in the menu is every ones favorite something. My mother likes peach pie, one of my brothers doesn’t really care for cake so he gets brownies or apple pie, my sister doesn’t eat pork, the other meat and I’m not even going to list the things my nieces and nephews don’t eat or the personalized items my siblings spouses get if they don’t share the same liking.  My point is I take them (and those that matter to them) into consideration and make it all, the way they like it because it’s my way of letting them know I’m paying attention, remembering the details and reinforcing they matter and I love them.  I’m extra, over the top, in that way… in a personal just for you go all out intention. Details matter, they allow us to personalize expressions and experiences.

 

 

Are we graced to bring specialness, significance, splendor to the experience of life and love?  Is that the intent of co-laboring and co-authoring the assignment of life and love?  It’s unfortunate that many of us choose to study, support and share scenes from love stories that are not our own. We have little to no excitement, energy or expectation for what God desires to do for and with us. It’s time to live and love within the role God designed, desires and defined just for you. You were made for love…to love and be loved. You can do this and do this well in and through the Spirit’s leading. Inquire, invest, interact and remain involved as you co-star in the role you’ve been groomed to live and love out.  PAY ATTENTION to the details, specifics…there is the opportunity to show forth the heart of God. Don’t let no one or thing rob you of the opportunity to create, cultivate and cherish the love story the Holy Spirit is penning and giving you the guidance and grace to depict and display while living and loving. 

May your favorite love story be the one the Holy Spirit is penning, directing and producing right before your very eyes. Life and love as you display it could very well be someone’s favorite but what good is that if you’re not interested, invested, intrigued and inquiring of the Lord and believing for great?Guess what? God is in to the details as well, we come to discover that while praying, listening and taking in the entire experience of exchange. Now that’s an opportunity!!!

His story of love through me is my favorite, is fantastic and absolutely fabulous. Sometimes you have to be your own fan and decide I’m going to enjoy every gift given to me! I’m going to make the most of every opportunity. There’s a whole lot of life and love in us this isn’t the end of our story…Get your excitement, energy and expectation back. Believe again and bring your brand of flavor to life and loves scene…you haven’t seen or shown your best self yet…seize this opportunity. Maybe you’re like my friend Mrs. Walker (a creative) who enjoys DIY projects and you’re going to make everything by hand to make sure it’s made to your liking or you prefer to communicate the vision and have others carry it out like Mrs. Saleh. Or you may be a combination of the two (like me) and you decide as you’re shown. It all works when the motive of doing stems in love. Head and heart up my love…you’re going todo the dog on thing in the up and coming scenes. You got who and what it takes to live and love out well done thy good and faithful servant. Living and loving as unto the Lord is the opportunity of a lifetime ~AntTBri