If you knew that the Creator wanted you to know what your future is, how will you live today?
Throughout the ages and around the world, people have gone to great lengths to find out the future. Why do we have this need to know what's ahead in tomorrow? Why don't we simply do what we know to be right today and let tomorrow come?
Perhaps it is because we are hard wired (i.e. created like this) to live a life with a clear sense of direction, knowing the outcome of our actions and choices. We are not meant to be ignorant about the future at all. But we seem to have lost the connection with the one who created us and who knows what our future holds. In reality, we have disconnected with the future maker.
But does this mean that God, the Creator and future maker -- I like this new title- is not interested to let us know what's in our future? The core feature of the Create Your Garden of Eden book is that we are meant to create a life that is consistent with His plans and intentions for us. We are supposed to and expected to know what our future.
Now, I am not suggesting that we are to know the finest details of what we will be doing, say at a specific time in three or five years--at 11:00 am in 2015, I will be in this city, with X, doing Y and wearing Z, while.... This will take away the fun and excitement of life.
But the general direction of our life should not be a secret. The path we are taking is leading us somewhere, and we are expected to know this so that we can make decisions that are sound and supportive. And the details will unravel as we move one step at a time.
And we need to be listening and acutely aware of the signs, the tips and the guidance the Creator provides for us. Again, it is not always right in our face, completely obvious. It may be intuition. It may be a sense, an awareness we get when we stop the outward activity and quiet ourselves to really hear the message from the Creator to our spirit. It won't come in the mail from God; but it may be a letter or correspondence from someone else that resonates with something deep within.
We need to trust these internal traffic signals. We need to look for them. Actively. Ask. What is the Creator saying to me today about my future? You will know when it is Him. And then the next step is: what does this require that I do today, or who must I become for this to occur?
We are not meant to live a meandering life; totally at the mercies of the winds of time and chance. No. We are to interact with our Creator and FutureMaker and walk smartly and confidently in the direction of our destiny.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
The sequel has started; Maintaining Focus in the Garden of Eden.
So you're going along, carefully planting your footsteps in the pathway that you believe had been designed for you- expressing the Purpose for which you were created, and seeking to acknowledge God, the Creator, in everything.
And then, BAM! Something knocks you down, or throws you off the path, derails or detracts you. And you wonder....how did I let this happen? Why didn't I see it coming? Maintaining Your Focus as you Create your Garden of Eden - this is the follow-up, the sequel to Create Your Garden of Eden.
What I plan to do is to introduce the chapters right here on this blog. While the first book was written in solitude, hashing thoughts in my own spirit, and rewriting and editing as I saw fit, this sequel will be different. I'm opening it for you to read the rough draft. And then, perhaps in a few months, we will have the book ready for publication.
The first point we need to know is that God, the Creator, is all knowing and all powerful. He is Sovereign over everything. After all, he created everything.
Nothing comes our way by luck or chance. Just as we were created by his deliberate intentions, so too all the circumstances or our life are not chaotic or random.
Here's a fundamental point that I believe. God knows everything that is about to happen to us. Even when these events are the result of our wrong choices, reckless disregard of his standards, our own folly and shortsightedness, He is still guiding the ship. Nothing comes into our path as a surprise to Him. In fact, just as we saw in the first book, He is the one who planned and orchestrated the circumstances of our lives.
And the Creator's ultimate goal is that we live fulfilled and abundant lives, as a showcase of his nature. So if something goes awry as we are walking the path when we know that we doing the right thing and assessing each day's action to see whether it was "good" (as used in the first book), we need to be assured that it is part of His plan for us. And ultimately, it will all work out for our best.
Our responsibility is to maintain our focus on what we have been asked to do.
And then, BAM! Something knocks you down, or throws you off the path, derails or detracts you. And you wonder....how did I let this happen? Why didn't I see it coming? Maintaining Your Focus as you Create your Garden of Eden - this is the follow-up, the sequel to Create Your Garden of Eden.
What I plan to do is to introduce the chapters right here on this blog. While the first book was written in solitude, hashing thoughts in my own spirit, and rewriting and editing as I saw fit, this sequel will be different. I'm opening it for you to read the rough draft. And then, perhaps in a few months, we will have the book ready for publication.
The first point we need to know is that God, the Creator, is all knowing and all powerful. He is Sovereign over everything. After all, he created everything.
Nothing comes our way by luck or chance. Just as we were created by his deliberate intentions, so too all the circumstances or our life are not chaotic or random.
Here's a fundamental point that I believe. God knows everything that is about to happen to us. Even when these events are the result of our wrong choices, reckless disregard of his standards, our own folly and shortsightedness, He is still guiding the ship. Nothing comes into our path as a surprise to Him. In fact, just as we saw in the first book, He is the one who planned and orchestrated the circumstances of our lives.
And the Creator's ultimate goal is that we live fulfilled and abundant lives, as a showcase of his nature. So if something goes awry as we are walking the path when we know that we doing the right thing and assessing each day's action to see whether it was "good" (as used in the first book), we need to be assured that it is part of His plan for us. And ultimately, it will all work out for our best.
Our responsibility is to maintain our focus on what we have been asked to do.
Friday, August 27, 2010
There was no anxiety in the Garden of Eden
If you read the depiction of the Creation in Genesis, there is no sense of anxiety, uncertainty or doubt. The Creator went from Day 1 to Day 2 in a very measured and certain manner. As I stated in the book, it is all so well-organized that I believe he knew the end even before he started.
Now, consider this for your own life and your own creative process. You must not be anxious about anything. Take a step back or pause if you are unsure. And do not think you have to rush or be hasty to take any action. Anxiety is not part of the Create Your GOE process. If ever you find yourself in a situation and you feel yourself become anxious - usually because things are not going the way you like or at the pace you want - step back and pause.
Remember when we started. We conceived of the end, and developed a plan. We sought the help of the Creator in developing the plan to fulfill his purpose. We expect and believe that if we are going astray, he will guide us back on the right track. We continue to assess each step and each day to ensure what we do is consistent with his values and standards. We ensure each day is good.
So if we started with this momentum, let us not decline into anxiety and wondering how things will turn out, and what will happen in the future. We are creating our life based on the Creator's pattern. We need to be certain that this process will give us the desired result. And we need to silence any doubts or anxiety as they arise.
Now, consider this for your own life and your own creative process. You must not be anxious about anything. Take a step back or pause if you are unsure. And do not think you have to rush or be hasty to take any action. Anxiety is not part of the Create Your GOE process. If ever you find yourself in a situation and you feel yourself become anxious - usually because things are not going the way you like or at the pace you want - step back and pause.
Remember when we started. We conceived of the end, and developed a plan. We sought the help of the Creator in developing the plan to fulfill his purpose. We expect and believe that if we are going astray, he will guide us back on the right track. We continue to assess each step and each day to ensure what we do is consistent with his values and standards. We ensure each day is good.
So if we started with this momentum, let us not decline into anxiety and wondering how things will turn out, and what will happen in the future. We are creating our life based on the Creator's pattern. We need to be certain that this process will give us the desired result. And we need to silence any doubts or anxiety as they arise.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Sometimes you need to remain silent
Sometimes when you're creating your ideal life, the framework for your purpose to be expressed, or just following your dream, you need to remain silent and not share too much with others who may not understand what you are doing.
In the original Garden of Eden during the creation process, we see the three aspects of the Godhead; the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. We do not see any other beings -heavenly creatures that we know (later of course) existed at the time.
God, the creator shared the vision with his co-partners (to use a term that is imperfect). This is quite clear when he said "Let us" when he began to create his masterpiece, the human.
While he may have spoken and the results of his declared word and his actions became visible to all, we do not see conversation, discussion, explanation or negotiation with others.
While you do have to enlist support, be certain that those to whom you turn for advice or even just for a listening ear understand the importance of following the godly principles and the pattern created by the Creator.
Others may seek to discourage or distract. Remain focused on creating your Garden of Eden and, if necessary, remain silent.
In the original Garden of Eden during the creation process, we see the three aspects of the Godhead; the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. We do not see any other beings -heavenly creatures that we know (later of course) existed at the time.
God, the creator shared the vision with his co-partners (to use a term that is imperfect). This is quite clear when he said "Let us" when he began to create his masterpiece, the human.
While he may have spoken and the results of his declared word and his actions became visible to all, we do not see conversation, discussion, explanation or negotiation with others.
While you do have to enlist support, be certain that those to whom you turn for advice or even just for a listening ear understand the importance of following the godly principles and the pattern created by the Creator.
Others may seek to discourage or distract. Remain focused on creating your Garden of Eden and, if necessary, remain silent.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Stop. Assess. Modify. Keep Creating.
Ever so often, we need to regularly assess where we are as against the larger overall plan that will culminate in our masterpiece; our a reflection of who we are meant to be in this world.
Is what we're doing taking us in the right direction? Have we been sidetracked, misdirected, or simply going around in a circle? Has the momentum slowed? Are we tired and in need of rejuvenation?
Or, perhaps we are simply not seeing the results we expected or know we can achieve. What's the solution? At the end of each day/stage of creation in Genesis, see that the Creator assessed his work. He determined that it was good. As we know from the Create Your Garden book, this means that the created work was suitable for its purpose and consistent with the values that defined the Creator.
So too, we must assess. Is it good? Is what I have created (even if it is still unfolding) taking me to the place of fulfilling my purpose and destiny in the earth? Is the created consistent with my values? Does it reflect me?
There is no indication that the Creator in the midst of any one day said "Yikes, I made a mistake. Let's start over." But we do know from other metaphors of creativity that when a potter is creating a specific item of clay, if it is not developing as he wishes, he starts over to get it right completely. I'd like to bring in this particular lesson here.
If you need to stop and restart because you can tell something is not quite right, or maybe you have new information...definitely do this. Remember our 'day' is not a 24hour day. One day may be weeks, months, or years. And we have to continuously seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit as we create our Garden of Eden and seek to change our world in 7 days like he did.. So it is expected that we may have to modify our strategy, actions, decisions and creative work. If this were a clear perfect path, we would not have the confusion and lack of fulfillment that we see all around, even with those seeking to follow the Creator's way.
But key is that we access the help available, as outlined in the preliminary assessment stage of the book; these resources are always with us throughout our seven step process. We simply need to be alert and aware of the guidance, and continue to progress and advance each day, one day at a time, and we will get there and achieve the life we desire.
Is what we're doing taking us in the right direction? Have we been sidetracked, misdirected, or simply going around in a circle? Has the momentum slowed? Are we tired and in need of rejuvenation?
Or, perhaps we are simply not seeing the results we expected or know we can achieve. What's the solution? At the end of each day/stage of creation in Genesis, see that the Creator assessed his work. He determined that it was good. As we know from the Create Your Garden book, this means that the created work was suitable for its purpose and consistent with the values that defined the Creator.
So too, we must assess. Is it good? Is what I have created (even if it is still unfolding) taking me to the place of fulfilling my purpose and destiny in the earth? Is the created consistent with my values? Does it reflect me?
There is no indication that the Creator in the midst of any one day said "Yikes, I made a mistake. Let's start over." But we do know from other metaphors of creativity that when a potter is creating a specific item of clay, if it is not developing as he wishes, he starts over to get it right completely. I'd like to bring in this particular lesson here.
If you need to stop and restart because you can tell something is not quite right, or maybe you have new information...definitely do this. Remember our 'day' is not a 24hour day. One day may be weeks, months, or years. And we have to continuously seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit as we create our Garden of Eden and seek to change our world in 7 days like he did.. So it is expected that we may have to modify our strategy, actions, decisions and creative work. If this were a clear perfect path, we would not have the confusion and lack of fulfillment that we see all around, even with those seeking to follow the Creator's way.
But key is that we access the help available, as outlined in the preliminary assessment stage of the book; these resources are always with us throughout our seven step process. We simply need to be alert and aware of the guidance, and continue to progress and advance each day, one day at a time, and we will get there and achieve the life we desire.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
The Best Help in the World.
As we see in the Garden of Eden, the Holy Spirit hovers in the background, awaiting our call, our request for help or our initiated action.
In reaching for our goals and dreams as we create our ideal life, a major flaw will be to think we have to do it alone, or that we have to do it all ourselves. This was not the Creator's intention for humans in the Earth.
As I outline in the book, (Pre-Creation Assessment 2: page 18), from the start, before any creative work began, we are introduced to the Holy Spirit. And when the Creator said, "Let us..," the 'us' he was referring to included the Holy Spirit.
It is the Holy Spirit who enables you to live according to God's standards and values, even when this may be difficult or against our tendencies. He ensures that we follow the purpose for which we were created and sent to this Earth. He is our Helper, Comforter and Guide...each and every day.
Why languish in your situation feeling hopeless? Why think that there is so much to do and so little time and become overwhelmed? Why follow your own short sightedness and confused mind on a path that does not seem right for you?
Ask the Holy Spirit for his help in any of these situations. Ask for his charge, if your battery is feeling a bit run down. Ask for his push, if you need some leverage to get over a hurdle. Ask for his hand, if the road seems a bit rocky. Embrace his direction, if some doors seem closed. Others will open.
It is the Creator's desire that we all live fulfilled, abundant, meaningful lives. This is his original design. And he gave us all the resources needed for this to occur. The main resource is the one who understands exactly who are to be on the earth and can help us Create our Garden of Eden: He is the Holy Spirit.
In reaching for our goals and dreams as we create our ideal life, a major flaw will be to think we have to do it alone, or that we have to do it all ourselves. This was not the Creator's intention for humans in the Earth.
As I outline in the book, (Pre-Creation Assessment 2: page 18), from the start, before any creative work began, we are introduced to the Holy Spirit. And when the Creator said, "Let us..," the 'us' he was referring to included the Holy Spirit.
It is the Holy Spirit who enables you to live according to God's standards and values, even when this may be difficult or against our tendencies. He ensures that we follow the purpose for which we were created and sent to this Earth. He is our Helper, Comforter and Guide...each and every day.
Why languish in your situation feeling hopeless? Why think that there is so much to do and so little time and become overwhelmed? Why follow your own short sightedness and confused mind on a path that does not seem right for you?
Ask the Holy Spirit for his help in any of these situations. Ask for his charge, if your battery is feeling a bit run down. Ask for his push, if you need some leverage to get over a hurdle. Ask for his hand, if the road seems a bit rocky. Embrace his direction, if some doors seem closed. Others will open.
It is the Creator's desire that we all live fulfilled, abundant, meaningful lives. This is his original design. And he gave us all the resources needed for this to occur. The main resource is the one who understands exactly who are to be on the earth and can help us Create our Garden of Eden: He is the Holy Spirit.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
season of spring
It's Spring in the US;this means showers and flowers. Some days are cool. Others are hot. But we all enjoy the freshness in the air.
I always listen to the weather report to know how to dress these days, or whether to pack an umbrella if I'm heading out. It's called preparation. Most everyone does it...for the natural weather and seasons.
So now onto creating your ideal life; your Garden of Eden.
Is it springtime for you? I've decided that this is a season where some days are warm, where things are happening and I can see the results quickly. Then other days are cool, when there is less outward activity. I use those days to continue my long term planning and to ensure the systems of my business are in order for the heavy hot busy days of Summer. Don't fret if every day is not bursting with productive outward activity. Recognize that this may be the season of fluctuating weather.
We also need to pay attention to the signs of things that are blooming and springing up in our lives. Those that are healthy and enhancing should be encouraged. I'm still working on getting into a rhythm in my exercise routine, but each week is better than the one before. Something is blooming here. I want to encourage this. Congratulate yourself if you are succeeding in some small way in your life, in any area of focus. And if there are little negative habits creeping in, nip them in the bud in this season. Do not allow them to take root. No more watching late night talk shows for me. They're actually quite useless. But for a time I was devoting the last hour of my day to the senseless jokes of late night comics. Not any more.
Enjoy the freshness of the air. The newness of spring. Appreciate the new doors that are opening, the new experiences, the new friends and the new life that is unfolding for you. I am certain in some area of your life there is something new unfolding. Take a deep breath and enjoy the newness, just like a lovely spring day.
Not everything may be going as you planned, but in creating your ideal life, you have to look for the good in every day and every endeavor and be thankful and appreciative to the Creator.
I always listen to the weather report to know how to dress these days, or whether to pack an umbrella if I'm heading out. It's called preparation. Most everyone does it...for the natural weather and seasons.
So now onto creating your ideal life; your Garden of Eden.
Is it springtime for you? I've decided that this is a season where some days are warm, where things are happening and I can see the results quickly. Then other days are cool, when there is less outward activity. I use those days to continue my long term planning and to ensure the systems of my business are in order for the heavy hot busy days of Summer. Don't fret if every day is not bursting with productive outward activity. Recognize that this may be the season of fluctuating weather.
We also need to pay attention to the signs of things that are blooming and springing up in our lives. Those that are healthy and enhancing should be encouraged. I'm still working on getting into a rhythm in my exercise routine, but each week is better than the one before. Something is blooming here. I want to encourage this. Congratulate yourself if you are succeeding in some small way in your life, in any area of focus. And if there are little negative habits creeping in, nip them in the bud in this season. Do not allow them to take root. No more watching late night talk shows for me. They're actually quite useless. But for a time I was devoting the last hour of my day to the senseless jokes of late night comics. Not any more.
Enjoy the freshness of the air. The newness of spring. Appreciate the new doors that are opening, the new experiences, the new friends and the new life that is unfolding for you. I am certain in some area of your life there is something new unfolding. Take a deep breath and enjoy the newness, just like a lovely spring day.
Not everything may be going as you planned, but in creating your ideal life, you have to look for the good in every day and every endeavor and be thankful and appreciative to the Creator.
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