Believe

I started this project with such commitment.  I believed in it.  I believed in myself.  I wanted answers.

Reality; I quickly became self conscience, embarrassed, and discouraged.  I thought this would give me invaluable insight to finding my Soul's Purpose. I started asking the question, What is your soul's purpose?"  People were uncomfortable which made me uncomfortable.  So I would quit and then start again.  And quit and you know...  I considered revamping the site changing my question.  The truth is I need to have more faith in me.  It is OK to ask this question.  I got a big vote of confidence and faith this morning.  I checked my email for the first time in a month for Soulful Answers.  Truthfully, there usually isn't anything there.  Until today...  I found this!

Hi Brooke -

We are working on a show with Rick Warren and saw some interesting  entries in your blog.

We are looking for some possible skypers for an upcoming show.

Can you please give me a call? And I can tell you more about it.

Thanks!

Cathena Evans

This came from OWN Oprah's Network!! It just goes to show you never know who is reading this.  I am inspired to get back on track.  To find the answer, "What is your Soul's Purpose?"  I dare you to answer it.  I am not going to take no for an answer!

Amy

Soul 15:

Amy and Soren

Hey Brooke,

I've been thinking on this a lot.  As you noted, it's a rather heavy question.  But I think I have a reasonable answer.

I believe my soul's purpose is to be the best "me" that I can.  To be dependable, hardworking, and patient (I struggle most with the patience thing).  To be a good mom to my kids, a good wife to my husband, a good writer to all my employers, a good citizen in the community, and a good me to me!  I think being good to yourself is often the hardest to do and the easiest to let go by the wayside.  But to be the best me, I have to take that time for myself or everything starts falling apart.  

I feel very lucky that I am naturally an optimistic, lighthearted, silly person.  Considering that life can be very challenging, having a positive outlook certainly helps me go through life and meet those challenges with a sense of humor.  

So, since my soul is me and I am my soul, my soul's purpose is to fulfill its destiny of being me.

I hope that makes sense!

Amy

DC, Jack Johnson, & Bieber Fever

I have been a terrible blogger lately.  No consistency.  So sorry!

Today is Fresh Friday! A place for me to keep myself accountable.  A time to let loose and hopefully express with excitement anything new I have tried, accomplished or brought to my life.  I have actually done lots of new and exciting things lately, but since I haven't been writing I have just kept it to myself or possibly just put it on Facebook.  So here it is I will give you the top 3 most exciting things that have happened to me since I last blogged...

First: I visited Washington DC for the first time! My husband and I had the chance to go for business, and decided it would be a great time to see as much of the city as possible.  No Obama sightings.  Which is probably for the best.  I think my husband may have had some choice words for him.  Although maybe that would have been cool to see! (By the way did you catch the presidential debate?)  We did see every monument and most of The Smithsonian. We took a Red Bus tour which I highly recommend.  They are an awesome way to see any city.  We especially liked the tour after stuffing our bellies at The Old Ebbit Grill and having Sweet Carolina cocktails.  I had no idea sweet tea vodka existed.  That is one dangerous drink!

The White House

Second: I met Jack Johnson! I am just in love with his music.  Not a day goes by that I don't listen and sing along to it.  We were at Disneyland.  He was there with his family.  I actually recognized him from the back of his head.  He was delightful and so sweet.  I did totally interrupt his family time, and he could have been pist.  He wasn't which makes me an even bigger fan.  Living in LA we see people in the industry all the time.  I usually try not to say anything and respect their privacy.  Seeing one of my favorites busted that philosophy to shreds.  I couldn't let the opportunity be passed up.  I think I may have to start doing that more often.  We saw Jane Fonda in the airport on our way to DC.  I should have bugged her too.  Why not, I mean the opportunity may never present itself again.  You only live once right! 

Jack with my kids!

Third: I took my daughter to see Justin Bieber.  It was actually really fun.  Lots of little girls all decked out to worship their teen idol.  He was a great performer.  The coolest part for me was that my daughter wasn't at all embarrassed to go to a concert with her mom.  We had a great time together, and she was so happy.  It was awesome.

Bieber Fever

I will be a more consistent blogger. I pinky promise! Have a great weekend!

Annie

Soul 14:
Alrighty, here it is:

I believe my soul's purpose is to be a caretaker. To care for my children, my friends, my family, my clients, my pets, my garden and whatever life presents to me. Whether it is cooking a meal, watering my plants, nursing my animals when they are sick, or photographing a wedding... I'm fulfilling my soul's purpose.  I even believe that my artwork is a fulfillment of being a caretaker. When I make art, I'm taking care of myself by expressing my creativity. And sometimes, it results in bringing joy to others. When I photograph a baby, a family, a couple getting married and even a boudoir session, I capturing their memories, I'm the guardian of those memories. I take that very seriously and I give myself over to them, emotionally and psychically. It took me a very long time to come to this realization, and honestly, this is the first time I've actually pinpointed it. But unconsciously, I've been following this path for the past 6 years I would say.  I am not perfect, but all I can do is try my best. 

xo~ Annie

http://www.myannie.com/

http://www.skyartdesign.com/

First Book

What did I do this week that was new? Well it was actually a pretty low-key week.  My kids were sick.  So I was home a lot.  No trips to the zoo to feed giraffes,  just a normal week.  So how can I fulfill this promise to myself to keep things Fresh this week?

Well, I finished my first book! Yes I wrote a fricken book! Granted anyone can write a book and publish it through Shutterfly or Apple. I know whatever. Here me out... I got this total spur of the moment desire to write a children's book.  I talked my sister-in-law into illustrating it.  Now I have just combined the pictures with the writing.  It looks so awesome.  I haven't told anyone I have been doing this. (My hubby knows! Duh!)  Probably for fear people would laugh! Just because I like to write most certainly does not make me a writer.

Here is the illustration for the cover!

Next is trying to get it published.  I owe it to my sister-in-law because her drawings are so beautiful! So their ya have it.  I wrote my first book! "Yea me", as Phoebe from Friends would say.

More about what this little nugget is about later... Wish me luck! Do you know any publishers?

Gene

Soul 12:

I finally have found more brave soul's to shed some more light as to what various people believe to be their soul's purpose! Today is Gene's turn... 

"What is your soul's Purpose?", I asked. Gene responded with,  I understand the question to mean “What is your life’s purpose?”

Gene said, "My answer is referenced to scripture, which is the foundation of my beliefs…"

Ephesians 2:2-5, 10

…in time past you walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience… fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.  But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us (made alive) together with Christ…(and we become)…his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Romans 12:2

(now our life takes on a new purpose/direction)  …be not conformed to this world: but be you transformed by the renewing of your mind that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Gene said, "Brooke, this only scratches the surface.  I hope it is of some help."

So exciting to hear others thoughts!  It does help.   

Friendships Blossom

Do you ever get social anxiety?  I do.  Which is weird because as a kid I didn't at all.  So why now?  I am a grown up after all.  I have nothing to be afraid of.  I know their are no monsters in the closets or under my bed. Right?  Please tell me I'm right! Still that voice in my head,  the one who likes to nag whispers things like; they aren't gonna like you! Icky I hate that voice!

We had new friends over for dinner last night.  The beginning of a new school year brought us all together.  It was an effort to bring our children together and form long and lasting friendships.  It is an added bonus for us grown up kids to make new friends!

I moved to my new house 2 years ago.  I had lived in the same city for most of my life.  So to come to a new place and start over was a bit of a growing experience for me.  I had a 2 yr old at the time.  My mom was having difficulty excepting my move, and I was lonely.

It is amazing how in 2 years everything could be so different now.  We have lots of new friends.  We know many in our neighborhood.  The friendships are new, but they are growing.  My kids are blossoming in their new surroundings.  I have been more of a late bloomer.  It has been the case my whole life.  With the exception of being boy crazy at way too young of an age!  I am feeling blessed to have these new friendships starting to grow.  Although I get very anxiety filled having new people to my home, I am always happy that I did it.  I know people who don't get social anxiety are probably saying huh? If you get nervous around people like me then you understand.  I have to nudge myself to stay in the social game.  I am an introvert at heart, who desperately pushes myself and family to be more extroverted.

Coincidentally at church this was that very subject last week.  I am thankful for my new friends, and my children's new friends.  It makes me smile and feel very blessed.

Ecclesiastes 5:3
The Value Of a Friend
9 Two is better than one,
    Because they have a good reward for their labor.
10 For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.
    But woe to him who is alone when he falls.
    For he has no one to help him up.
11Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm;
    But how can one be warm alone?
12 Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him.
    And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Above was what the pastor based his sermon on last week.  It touched my soul and spoke to me.  I like that! I can't believe I am quoting the Bible! My mother in law would be so proud. Seriously.