How to Find Your Soulmate Without Losing Your Soul

I recently read a book written by a husband and wife whose names are Jason and Crystalina Evert. The book is entitled, "How to Find Your Soulmate Without Losing Your Soul." Do not be fooled by this cheesy title. Does the title not appeal to you more than a typical magazine cover? ("How to Impress Your Dream Man this Valentine's Day" or "What A Guy Really Wants From You"). Women probably do not analyze these titles upon reading their Vogue or Cosmopolitan articles. These titles highlight only the "needs" of men, and what women could "do better" as far as pleasing them. Jason and Crystalina's book emphasizes that what a woman really needs to do for a man is hold him to a standard. This standard is all about the glorification of a woman's purity and ability to love a man through God. This purity can be original or newly found. In other words, it is never too late to align your heart with God's will, and practice chastity.

This book offers clarity on several aspects of love, chastity, forgiveness, and hope. You will not find bullet points of how a woman can improve for a man. A woman's eyes can be opened to the idea that she does not need to fix herself for a man, but rather glorify and treasure the precious gifts that her Father has given her. Look to the gospel for assistance here with the words of Matthew, "Do not give what is holy to dogs, or throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them underfoot, and turn and tear you to pieces. Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you" (Matthew 7: 6-7). A woman and her soul is divine, because she was composed by He who is divine. I think that that is what this book is all about.

I absolutely loved this couple's book, and I have already lent it to a close girlfriend of mine. Every woman needs to read this book, and it would certainly not hurt a man to read it. I have included below a few quotes from their writings that I enjoyed.

"Your body is capable of expressing the love of the Blessed Trinity. This is quite a calling. But you're worthy of nothing less."

"The fact remains that it's counterproductive to dress in a provocative way while expecting reverent behavior from men."

"But if you hope to find real love, look for a guy who has morals, not one who simply tolerates them."

"Stay true to your standards, because it is far better to be disappointed in men than to be disappointed in yourself."

Read this book! Pass it on to your daughters, best friends, nieces, youth group members, etc. With all of the trash that is published, our society would do well to let our eyes, hearts, and minds be saturated in not only beautiful words, but beautiful and true messages as well. 

A soulmate is not a fantasy. A soulmate is a person who God has designed specifically and especially for another. After all, God is the true divine author of marriage.

P.S. All of the pictures included within this blog are of beautiful marriages between close friends whom I know and love. May God continue to bless and flourish your marriages with love and mercy: Mom and Dad, Chad and Erin, Dave and Michele, Kerri and Joe, and Kristine and Scott. <3

"It Is Finished" Poem

Throughout this spring semester, my World Literature class has focused a lot of our readings on poems that carry Biblical or religious themes within them. These readings include "Death Be Not Proud", "The Dream of the Rood", "Easter Wings" etc. I wrote a religious poem a little over a month ago, and by studying these famous poems, I have become inspired to share it with you all.

This poem was inspired by a painting of Christ, artfully depicted by child prodigy artist known as Akiane Kramarik. This girl is absolutely beautiful, and her paintings are beyond alluring. I have shared a photo of the painting I chose to write about. Akiane painted this at the young age of nine.
I hope you all enjoy her painting, and my poem about it.

“It Is Finished ”

Hands calloused

I reach to you Father.

To hold

my children above the writhing earth.

To hoist

myself with all creations upon a rood.

I look through the abyss

which causes them to blunder.

I feel blood spill from my pores.

They sleep while I stand in this garden voicing desperate pleas.

I beg for strength.

Veins bulge on the backs of my hands

as I raise them to gates of pure pearl.

I do not condemn

the whips they lash across my back.

The keys of sin

and death under my control.

These leeches and parasites of sin can no longer sidle within their souls, because

I say to you Father

your will has been fulfilled.