Hello! Thanks for coming to The Mentor's Anvil. This site is designed to be a source for Christian Men who are looking to get sharpened much like a sword. Have you ever seen a sword made before? In the beginning, metal (representing us) is melted so it can become pliable. Once put into the fire (representing our tests for us) it can then be transformed.
As men, we are tested daily... by our marriages, our children, our finances, our friends, family of origin, the workplace and by many other influences. A great sword is "folded" several times in order for it to become strong. The artist bends and hammers the steel until eventually it becomes a piece of work that is designed for battle. This work is done on an anvil (representing God's word and truth).
When a great sword is wielded by a Mighty Warrior, enemies tremble in fear as they know their destiny before them. You too can become the sword that God can use for His glory. Just understand that this is a process that requires patience, consistency, flexibility and strength. Like steel, before it becomes a sword, we can be defiant and try to remain hard, but once we allow the blacksmith (God) to mold us, can we then be transformed.
HISTORY
I'd like to take a moment to give you some background for my inspiration. As I begin this blog, I am a 40 year old man. I've been influenced by many men in my life. I was blessed to have a father that loved his children dearly, that worked hard and instilled trust with me at a very young age. While my father had many great qualities, he did not teach me the Word of God and lived a lifestyle that was far from "living" the word. At 12 years old, I was introduced to martial arts. My first 2 instructors were great martial artists related to their specific disciplines, but they were not the kind of men I respect today. Later I was able to be mentored and trained by other great men and martial artists. I am truly great full for the time they spent with me to teach me their styles and make me a better man. While my father and these other warriors had qualities that I honor today, there was still someone missing.
After going through a major trial with someone very close to me, I stepped foot in Celebration Covenant Church, now Elevate Life Church (located in Frisco, TX). It was November 2005 that I was born again and realized there were other men that I wanted to allow to mentor me. Our lead Pastor, Keith Craft, has become the man that I continually allow to mentor me and lead me with God's Word. Under Pastor Keith are other men that I choose to align myself with to "do battle." Sometimes, these men are the anvil I need to be molded and sharpened and other times, I get to return the favor.
My hope with this blog is to be the anvil for some of my readers. For others, I may simply be a source for quotes, articles, etc. I can only pray that you receive wisdom, knowledge and understanding on how to live a better Christian life. Just know that I am still a work in progress and I am not perfect. As a member of this blog, I welcome your thoughts and encouragement. I hope to learn as much as I lead and inspire.
Well, it's time to move from introduction to inspiration! If you find a particular page or post that might be helpful to other men, I welcome you to post of Facebook, LinkedIn or tweet on Twitter.
Believing God's Best for You!
Sincerely,
John R. Vakidis
PS - Follow me on Twitter, connect with me through LinkedIn and become a member of this blog.
PS - Follow me on Twitter, connect with me through LinkedIn and become a member of this blog.
