Does a soulmate exist?

A while back I went looking for a little understanding on the idea of a soulmate. Did they exist? So I asked my mom. Before I repeat what she said, this is what I thought. I think, and still do think, that our hearts have a great capacity to love more and more. That just loving one person in a lifetime is not possible when our hearts are called to such great love of all in humanity. I looked up the definition too and this is what came up, that absolutely resonated with me: soulmate. This urbandictionary.com definition was totally beautiful for a meaning if you ever looked for one. I've loved deeply a couple of times and this one really hit a mark. But then my mom said something a little different. She said that she always loved my dad but he became her soulmate. So that idea of one becoming a soulmate is viable also. I always go right back to Christ on these things because He is the one who can truly know another soul. And the first one who has loved you is the Savior. The value of knowing the Savior loves you in this way and so deeply, is better than an Earthly soulmate. That doesn't mean that an Earthly companion in this life isn't super great too, it just means that to love Christ as much as you would a spouse is possible and achievable. The cool thing is, is that Christ will not hurt you, He will only love you deeply because your soul calls out to accept the great mercy He has for you. It would be great to find a special love in this lifetime, but if not, it is better to have loved. And Christ has died trying to save our souls, accept that love and pass it on.

Mountain Climbing for the Spiritually Minded

If personal standards were a mountain, then some would climb Everest and some might wade through a swamp.  Measuring up to God’s standards is easier said than done.  The greatest obstacle is measuring up to our own standards. 

But for those who seek God, one of the hardest things to do is accept his mercy and live with joy.  The words of saints can testify to this in their desire to seek perfection.  I prefer to think of it in a more easily understood way. 

Consider the actions of a beloved pet dog.  The dog learns that he/she has done something bad through trial and error.  The dog knows when you are displeased with it.   After that discipline and punishment is given, your pet does not dwell in sorrow and mortification.  He comes to run, play, eat and poo again.

A priest I spoke with recently clarified the worst sins well when he said that ‘of course sin in all its forms is bad, but for each person the sin that offends Christ the most is one that keeps him from charity’. 

God’s standards are pretty clearly written in the Scripture and attested by the Traditions set forth by Jesus Christ himself.  It is vital to accept Christ’s saving grace in the absolution of confession and proceed with joy and charity.  Spiritual mountain climbing then depends on your gear. 

Vocation Poster

This is what I came up with for my parish.  I have some other ideas, but this is the teen/young adult fun poster.  We'll see if they like it in the office.  After years of working with priests, you get used to them sometimes not liking something to bright!  But I love the church and I love to work on vocation committees.  Roman Catholic Priests have studied theology and they know a lot more than me about reasons behind why they do things.

Discern Your Vocation in the Holy Catholic Church!!

I am working on a vocations poster for my parish today.  I came across an old graphic I made for a friend's blog, before I made a blog.  It came about because I love fish sandwiches from McDonalds.

Here is the link:
http://www.aliveandyoung.net/2008/03/fish-filet-fridays-fast-food-for-soul.html