Thursday, November 10, 2011

"We meet our soulmates when we're on our soul path"


If you know me, you know I have an affinity for Greek mythology. I want my children to grow up learning the ancient myths and stories - I may ever go as far as giving my children middle names from Greek mythology - (Perseus, Achilles, and Pericles are my favorites...)

One of my favorite Greek myths involves the concept of soul mates. The Ancient Greeks believed the world is inhabited by people. But these people weren’t what we would consider to be “normal” - each “person” had two heads, four arms and four legs. These “people” were powerful. So powerful in fact that Zeus and the other Gods feared their strength. Trouble arose when the Gods heard that these beings that they had created were thinking about climbing to heaven to replace the gods themselves.

Of course the gods were upset. Some of them said that the easiest thing to do would be to destroy humankind. But Zeus, patient and wise, listened to their gripes and groans and malicious plans, and then came up with one of his own. He proposed that they should cut all these human beings in half. This would benefit the gods in many ways. First it would immediately double the number of people making offerings to the gods. And secondly, it would weaken the race. Effectively cutting their strength in half.

All the gods loved the idea and the humans were divided in two. The human race was confused, upset and feeling empty. Zeus, was filled with compassion and made a decision to help ease their pain and suffering. He made it so that each half was able to have sex with their opposite. And in their brief moments of love making they would be able to return to each other, becoming lost in their symbolical oneness if only for a short while. And since that day the human race has been in search for their soulmate.

Do you believe in soul mates?

I do.

I believe that I have another half out there - Someone that completes my soul. A soulmate that I am deeply compatible with in disposition, point of view, and sensitivity - someone for whom I have a deep affinity and a profound connection with. Someone that brings out the best in me and someone that I can relish the little moments with. Someone that I share an unspoken familiarity and mutuality with. 

I believe, as Richard Bach described, "A soulmate is someone who has the locks to fit our keys, and the keys to fit our locks. When we feel safe enough to open the locks, our truest selves step out and we can be completely and honestly who we are; we can be loved for who we are and for who we're pretending to be. Each of us unveils the best part of one another. No matter what else goes wrong around us, with that one person were safe in our paradise. Our soulmate is someone who shares our deepest longings, our sense of direction. When we're two balloons, and together our direction is up, chances are we've found the right person. Our soulmate is the one who make life come to life."

Granted, I don't think being in a relationship with your "soulmate" makes everything smell likes roses and leads to a relationship free of struggles or trouble. I believe that soul mates must work hard at their relationship and there are many unique challenges. If the essentials of love, respect and communication aren't present - any relation ship will fail, including one between soul mates. A soulmate relationship should lack intimidation, manipulation or abuse - should make you feel safe. 

Do you believe in soulmates?

Friday, October 14, 2011

...then fed by anyone else.

"I'd sooner be eaten by you then fed by anyone else."
- The Horse and His Boy by CS Lewis

I love the power of this quote.

How often can we say that to Jesus Christ?

That we would rather be caught up in His consuming fire than taken in by all the world's pleasures.That we would rather follow Him by faith into all the troubles of this world than live by the world's comforts...

Or in the words of the afflicted prophet Job, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him." (Job 13:15)

Are we willing to be consumed by Christ, devoured by His saving grace, and slain by His atoning blood?

Five Laws...

The law of VALUE
Your true worth is determined by how much more
you give in value than you take in payment.

The law of COMPENSATION
Your income is determined by how many people you serve and
how well you serve them.

The law of INFLUENCE
Your influence is determined by how abundantly
you place other people's interests first.

The law of AUTHENTICITY
The most valuable gift you have to offer is yourself.

The law of RECEPTIVITY
The key to effective giving is to stay open to receiving.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

My banner will be clear.

When I'm struggling in life it helps to remember who I am...

I am part of the fellowship of the unashamed.
The dye has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made.
I am a disciple of Jesus Christ.
I won't look back, let up, slow down, or be still.
My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is secure.
I'm finished and done with low living, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, worldly talking, cheap giving, and dwarfed goals.
I no longer need preeminence, positions, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded.
I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk with patience,
am uplifted by prayer, and labor with power.
My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is Heaven.
My road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions are few,
my guide is reliable, my mission is clear.
I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, divided, or delayed.
I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity,
or meander in the maze of mediocrity.
I won't give up, shut up, or let up until I have stayed up, stored up, and paid up for the cause of Christ. I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops me. And when He returns for His own, He will have no problem recognizing me.
My banner will be clear.

A Forever Family

I want a family that laughs together, learns together, and loves together.

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

"To love would be an awfully big adventure.”

A spouse, a partner, a friend, and a lover to:
  • share ideas with and discuss current events
  • to go on bike rides with
  • to scrimp and save with
  • to change the world with
  • to see the marvels of the world with, but also help me remember the drops of oil on the spoon
  • to tell me when I'm wrong and accept my apologies
  • to share my dreams and aspirations with
  • to tell me its all going to be alright after I've had a bad day
  • to watch our kids open presents on Christmas morning with, after staying up all night putting them together
  • to go camping with and watch the stars
  • get lost on road trips
  • to achieve our goals with
  • to watch movies with
  • to succeed with
  • and fail with
  • to be my partner
  • to be my best friend
  • take long talks with and lose track of time
  • to inspire me to be better than I thought I could be
  • to inspire
  • to share the rest of my life
  • to share myself
  • to travel the world with (China, Italy, France, Australia, Africa, Mexico...)
  • to grow old with
  • to ride a train to the tip of Maine and be the first people to watch the sunrise over America
  • to have an eternal family with
  • to buy our dream house with and fill it with children and pictures and books
  • to adopt with
  • be honest
  • to respect
  • that loves me
  • I'm in love with.
Is that too much to ask? I hope not...

(PS - I borrowed the title quote from Michal. Isn't it great?)

Home is Where the Heart Is

I want a home that
  • we can raise a family in...
  • we an host get togethers with my extended family...
  • is paid off...
  • my children want to hang out in...
  • that as a sense of style to it...
  • that as all the quirks that I've thought of over the years, like outlets in the cupboards and a double entry doors, and stairs that are easy to get a Christmas tree down...
  • my kids write on the walls and I'm ok with it...
  • shows the wear and tear of raising a family.