An ANCHOR of All Things EDEN. REVIEWS, COMMENTARIES and PREVIEWS of SPIRITUALLY-BASED ITEMS: ARTISTS in DVD, FILM, TV, MUSIC and INTERNET .
, is Lillian, 53 - Rosetta, 62 - Bonetha, 43 and on the Front Row is EDEN, 49 - Mother, Ida Mae, 81 and Jacquelyn, 40. Not in photo are my brother James, Jr. and father, James, Sr., both deceased in '92 and '99, respectively.
The cornucopia (Latin Cornu Copiae), also known as the Horn of Plenty or Harvest Cone, is a symbol of food and plenty dating back to the 5th century BC.
In Greek mythology, Amalthea raised Zeus on the milk of a goat. In return Zeus gave Amalthea the goat's horn. It had the power to give to the person in possession of it whatever he or she wished for. This gave rise to the legend of the cornucopia. The original depictions were of the goat's horn filled with fruits and flowers: deities, especially Fortuna, would be depicted with the horn of plenty.
In modern depiction, the cornucopia is a hollow, horn-shaped wicker basket typically filled with various kinds of festive fruit and vegetables. The cornucopia has come to be associated with Thanksgiving.
Webster's dictionary also defines Cornucopia as "an overflowing store; an abundance".
Lately, I've been meditating on what it means to be a BLESSING. Having recently been the recipient of many blessings from so many for reasons beyond my personal requests or expectations, I've been wondering if I have, in turn, been a Blessing to others in equal or greater measure? Not in the way of comparisons, mind you, but in direct measure to how much I am 'able and capable' of being, as oppose to what's 'easy and simple and less stressful'. Often throughout this year, I've caught myself complaining about one thing or the other. Seemingly in my 'honest assessment' of the situations I openly disccussed, I've behaved as if I had a God-given right to voice my opinion about the honest efforts of another. How foolish I've been, passing judgement on another child of God efforts!! I'm convicted to the point of apology to any that I've offended or challenged in ways that were unnecessary or unwelcomed, as I made my way in and out of others soul-work with my callous examinations of their efforts. As I continue to learn what it really means to be a BLESSING to others, I'm given to also note that if we are, first, a BLESSING to ourselves, we will have the ability and capacity to really BLESS another, coming from a full and whole heart, as oppose to attempting to fill those fractured places in our own hearts with vainty blessings to another. I've come to realize that often things are done for others that make 'us' feel good and rarely are truly from the intention of meeting another's 'true' needs.
BLESSING:
Something promoting or contributing to happiness, well-being, or prosperity.
Just note the use of the words, promoting and contributing, in that definition. All acts of 'giving', not receiving.
My prayer for myself, this THANKSgiving, is to become a Living Cornucopia... being filled to overflowing with Grace, Love, Kindness, Peace, Generousity, Mercy, Compassion... and to share those true Fruits of The Spirit with all that I come into the presence of...
Help me Lord, to Be a Blessing more than I pray to BeBlessed, in the remainder of this year and the years to come. Amen.
THANK You ALL of you talented souls for all that you are and will become.
I'm honored to share in just a little of those journeys in word and deed and I BLESS you, one and all.
PEACE, Dear Friends.
`E D E N
When a change comes, some species feel the urge to migrate.
They call it 'sookunra', a pull of the soul to a far off place following a scent in the wind, a star in the sky.
The ancient message comes, calling the kindred to take flight and gather together.
Only then can they hope to survive the cruel season to come.
MOHINDER
I'm back from my sabbatical in The Greater World Earthship Community of New Mexico.
KEEGAN did a stellar job on his recordings and I encourage you to visit his pages and listen to cuts from the forthcoming, "WELL KNOWN SECRET" and follow his journey to completion of "STRINGS ATTACHED", two EP's you're going to want in your collection.., trust me. As a disclaimer, I do have a few co-written tunes there and some backing vocals.., but believe me when I tell you that my greatest experiences with him weren't in the studio as I learned much from this young man about simple faith. As a lyricist, KEEGAN has few equals and his tunes reflect a depth of life experience that betrays his 24 years, and watching him grow as a vocalist will forever be a precious memory that I'll cherish for years to come. Remember this blog told you to 'pay attention' to KEEGAN. His contribution to his genre will be significant.
So, as I returned to NYC, I knew that my time here would be brief. I can't begin to compare the two places. Nothing I could write would do Taos and it's surrounding areas justice. But, it's apparent how polar opposite these places are in contrast to the busyness of NYC. I'm pleased with my time and commitment, here and I'm equally at peace that it's just 'time' for me to move along, a little further down the road on my journey. The strange thing about preparing to leave is that for the first time in my life, I'm not moving because of work, or love.., or fear. I'm simply going to establish a 'home' for myself, first, and for those friends that I believe are also in need of a respite from their hurried lives. I'm not ready to address the business of being in New Mexico, whether or not I'll establish a formal entity called EdenDust, there.., if EdenDust is anything, at it's foundation, it's simply 'my home'. But, be forewarned that I don't believe for one second that even as I might be the one that will undoubtedly get the most use of it.., I will never fully be it's sole occupant. I know that if I'm able to establish a sense of home for the first time in my life, it's creation at this stage would have to be more communal than private. My plans at this writing are to be established at the beginning of the year which gives me just a little over a month to truly make the transition of my life. I covet your prayers, honest discourse and divine support as I continue to listen beyond my own sense of what I will need to discover and uncover for this ultimate destination.
By the way, I'm looking to establish my home in Tres Piedras, New Mexico. I'll share much more about my choice of location in another blog. For now, just know that the name translates, Three Rocks, and it's elevation is 8200 feet above sea level.
PEACE, Dear Friends.
`E D E N
The Value of Hard Places
by Os Hillman, November 7, 2006
So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you. - 2 Corinthians 4:12
Being forced into hard places gives us a whole new perspective on life. Things we once valued no longer hold the same value. Small things become big things, and what we once thought big no longer holds such importance.
These hard places allow us to identify with the sufferings of others. It keeps us from having a shallow view of the hardships of others and allows us to truly identify with them. Those who speak of such trials from no experience often judge others who have had such hardship. It is a superficiality of Christian experience that often permeates shallow believers.
Those who have walked in hard places immediately have a kinship with others who have walked there also. They do not need to explain; they merely look at one another with mutual respect and admiration for their common experience. They know that death has worked a special thing in them. This death leads to life in others because of the hard places God has taken them through.
It is impossible to appreciate any valley experience while you are in it. However, once you have reached the top of the mountain, you are able to appreciate what terrain you have passed through. You marvel at what you were able to walk through. The valley of the shadow of death has yielded more than you ever thought possible. You are able to appreciate the beauty of the experience and lay aside the sorrow and pain it may have produced.
Death works in you for a greater purpose.
If you are there today, be assured that God is producing something of much greater value than you will ever know.
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My journey in Taos, New Mexico and The Greater World Earthship Community is nearing an end...
I wish I could tell you in vivid detail all that I've learned, but most of it is far too personal. Suffice it all to say, I did come to a greater understanding of what my 'perceived' fears are, and how they have been orchestrating all that I've requested of them for many years now. They've done an excellent job providing me with excuses for being less than courageous on many fronts and overly aggressive on others. I understand that I've been the warden of my private hell all along, as I suspected but wasn't quite ready to spring me from those 'tight places' that I'd grown so accustomed to. I know that I have talents and gifts that are certainly capable of feeding any vision that I can conceive. The journey for me, this time around, is to take my time, building yet another monument unto myself. This time around, I want to know I'm pleasing my Heavenly Father. In order to fully do that, however, I have to KNOW HIM.., not assume His Character, or His Desires.., but to really stay still long enough to fully comprehend all I feel 'called' to accomplish. I'll write more upon my return, as this journey is still in full swing. I just mainly wanted to stop by today and acknowledge the love and support I've been given from so many 'strangers' and 'friends' alike. Thank you for listening to the music, and reading these blogs.., and for being supportive in your comments.
I read them and receive them, one and all.
BePEACE,
'E D E N
In becoming an enlightened being, this does not destroy the living being, or take it away, or lose it; nevertheless, it does mean having shed it.
Dogen, "Rational Zen"
