Souls

Today I woke up with little rest, was thinking about the upcoming funeral, and was otherwise feeling heavy in my heart.  It is in these times that I remember how much overcoming I have attained. 

I was reminded of the verse, "Luke 21:19  In your patience possess ye your souls." (KJV).   This verse intrigued me, because it had never occurred to me that our soul could be a possession.  To review further, here are some parallel translations:

·         New International Version (©1984)
By standing firm you will gain life.

·         New Living Translation (©2007)
By standing firm, you will win your souls.

·         English Standard Version (©2001)
By your endurance you will gain your lives.

·         New American Standard Bible (©1995)
"By your endurance you will gain your lives.

·         International Standard Version (©2008)
By your endurance you will protect your lives."

·         GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995)
By your endurance you will save your life.

·         King James Bible
In your patience possess ye your souls

The concept of possessing our own soul, links back to the understanding that "perseverance builds character (probation, experience), and character builds hope", Romans 5:4.   It is the hope from ALL OF THAT travailing that is the “hope that does not disappoint”.

In other words, “quick hope” and “enduring hope” are fundamentally achieved and applied separately.  For example, I can have a quick hope to win the lottery or a quick hope that the man I just saw is eligible, kind, and interesting.  But those hopes fade as quickly as they appear, because they are often without substance or proof.

On the other hand, enduring hope is built laboriously through work in my mind, heart, and will.  For instance, if that same eligible, kind, and interesting man were to introduce himself, pursue me, and get to know me, then those efforts would bear a different (and often more realistic), hope.

What is interesting in these analogies is that enduring hope represents an entrenched reality.  A fleeting hope represents idealization or unreality.

Oooo…discuss….

Blog by E.D. Lewis

Kings Who Walk The Earth

I have journeyed to several countries, slept in strange places, and had adventures on mountains.  Ever so often, I meet someone who is incredible, indelible, and moves the ground they walk on.  Oskar Schendel was such a man.

Oskar benefitted all he knew and all that he applied himself to.  He was a walking inspiration.

They have asked me to sing at his funeral.  I pray for strength of vocals.  More importantly, I want to honour him as I felt he honoured me: grace, strength, clarity, generosity, and laughter.  I hope that my singing can bring some of that to his family.

http://www.legacy.com/can-edmonton/Obituaries.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonID=145534436

Blog by E.D. Lewis

Dreams of a Website

Over the past few years, I have undergone a personal transformation.  During this time of change, I have met people who have inspired me to grow and to think beyond my current self and framework.  This includes: mystics, authors, writers, inventors, philosophers, game-changers, politicians (yes, even a few of them), business leaders and more.

I have it in my heart to create a blog (and soon a website) that features such great people and ideas and writings.  My goal is to see you inspired, just as I have been inspired.

This blog is now a project.  One day, this blog may even be a comprehensive website.  We will laugh, cry, and tell our life's stories.

UPDATE (2012): Click "Like" on my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/Elizabeths.Inbox

Cheers!