As I follow the road to the final destination.
Anuk
A vision of knowledge,
Influenced by elder wisdom
Humbly arrogant,
Silently boisterous,
An oxymoron personified,
Organized chaos
Anuk
Environmentally conscience,
Wasting today
Carpe diem, but only after procrastination.
EV
My thoughts on shadows.
In prayers and writings I would always ask that God kept me on his illuminated path-ordering my steps along the way. With this in mind, I imagine seeing God as a light source coming over a horizon. The light source also casts a particular shadow connected to me yet stretching in the opposite direction of the path I am pursuing. If it were possible to obtain snapshot of this moment, there are three things depicted.
The path is my promised and promising future, I stand/ walk as my present day self that is diligently moving toward the light source, and the shadow depicts my past. Shadows are interesting, for it is impossible to rid yourself of them, just as many aspects of our past. The shadow acts a constant reminder of the darkness that is connected to you. It is always there and mimicking your every movement. You cannot run from it, cannot hide from it, or cut it away. But there is hope! Remember that God has illuminated your path and is providing direction and safe ground to walk upon. Not and understand that it is a choice to walk this path or to walk in areas not Yet touched by the Sun/Son and where darkness rests. Take on this scene: As you began your walk, the Sun/Son is just coming upon the horizon (new walk with God). As you continue your day and journey, it seems as if your light source is getting larger and illuminating more of what you did not even see when the journey started (your spiritual cultivation process). At this point, you may actually pick up speed in your walk! But what of the shadow? As the source becomes larger in your view, the shadow becomes denser, darker and maybe even larger. It holds as a constant reminder of your past with its never ending nagging. “You will never get rid of me!” Brothas and Sistas, remember your past is just that and at your resurrection from the water it was never again to be a conquerer of your life. The old will not be in the present nor will it be the future. Stay diligent on the path that God has placed in front of you and watch what happens. Your steadfastness will be rewarded. You will come to a point in the journey where the light source is directly above you, brighter and more glorious than ever. At this point you are aligned with the Sun/Son, which in the spiritual cultivation process is main our goal! Note that this is also the moment where the intense heat may cause some to give up. I implore you to press and keep your promise and as he has kept his. Oh, remember that dense, dark shadow of your past? You will notice now that it is now beneath you, for you have conquered it and placed it to be constantly stomped with every step of progress!
My friends have heard me say that we should “Live on Purpose, but also live On Purpose!” Follow the will of the Son and the blessings will be bestowed. I pray that God continues to illuminate your path all your days.
Be blessed on today,
EV
4/11/08
It’s amazing what God moves and says. I have always had a fear of being incompetent in my professional career as some of you have felt maybe as well, but what about being incompetent in your total life? One of the items you are given before the start of any professional position is a job description. Job descriptions describe the essential functions, core competencies, the assigned supervisor, etc so that you know exactly what is expected of you in that particular position.
Most of us are evaluated on our performance by measuring the progress/impact / accomplishment of each bullet point listed on the job description within a certain time period in what is called a work performance review (WPR). Thereafter the WPR comes a performance rating given to you by the supervisor. In my experience the WPR ratings may vary from “exceed expectations” to “unsatisfactory”.
At this point there would be termination papers, corrective action, more training required, or recognition with a possible increase in pay/benefits.
As a Disciple of Christ where would you stand if God conducted work performance review on you today? Would he say that you display the core competencies and/or living a competent life? At this point, you may ask yourself, “What are the core competencies of a Disciple?” We have at least ten bullet points that everyone should have as their minimum qualification on their review and even more in the New Testament. Between that leather or hardback binding is your employee handbook, training manual, and WPR form, and the many job functions of living a competent life.
Be introspective and complete your own WPR or “Works & Prayer Review.” I look at my professional life and understand that the skills and expertise did not come by divine osmosis. I had to study. I had to work. I had to learn some aspects from just being with my mentors. I even had to test my theories to assure their effectiveness!
Remember we should strive not only to be competent in our professions, but in out total lives as well. The same principals apply in living a competent life as in being a competent professional. You must study and meditate on the word. You must conduct good works toward everyone and everything. You must build a personal relationship with Your mentor Jesus Christ. You must pray with faith in your heart and believe those things that are of pure heart will come to pass.
But the Bible has even more for your specialize training and edification. Ever wanted to know how to become a competent father? A competent mother? A competent servant? A competent wife? A competent husband? A competent neighbor?
Remember that this is your manual, your handbook, your guide... your sword and shield.
I write this to implore you to assess yourself before the Father decides and here We find the essentials functions rated at satisfactory or below, pick up your Basic Instructions and prescribe your own corrective action, and your “continuing education classes.” What’s awesome is that you can even suck up to this boss more and not have to worry about it being scene negatively amongst your peers. J As a matter of fact, they may even draw closer to You so that they can begin to receive the favor and treatment that you receive! (An ol’ preacher would have you all shouting right there!)
Praises to the great “I am”!
May you be blessed in the city and in the field.
Peace, Love, and Blessings in Jesus’ name.
Amen
