What is the meaning of "life the universe and everything"..... The answer is not 42 (for Hitchhikers Guide To The Galaxy fans). This is my look at Minimalism and the reason behind living MY LIFE without the physical and mental clutter. Losing the shackles of a material world. Free yourself !!
Friday, 28 June 2013
Smile This Weekend...
The work week is nearly over and I don't have anything much to say, so I will share instead. The excerpts below are again from the Marc and Angel hack life website, fantastic words and something to aspire to this weekend. Note the last sentence, what a powerful statement and fantastic challenge!!
"4. Compliment others and help them smile.
The best part of life is not just surviving, but thriving with passion, compassion, humor, generosity and kindness, and using these tools to make the world a happier place. When we think negatively about ourselves, we typically project these feelings on to others in the form of insults, gossip and incidental neglect. To break this cycle of negativity, get in the habit of praising other people. If someone looks nice, tell them. If someone does a good job, applaud them. Refuse to engage in backstabbing gossip and make an effort to compliment those around you. In the process, you’ll help these people smile, which will help you feel good about yourself. By looking for the best in others, you indirectly bring out the best in yourself.
6. Ignore what most people think of you.
How would your life be different if you stopped allowing people who don’t matter to poison your mind with their opinions? Do you have 5K Facebook friends and 20K Twitter follows? Good for you. Do you have a professional and personal social network of hundreds or even thousands? That’s great. Just don’t forget that this massive network of acquaintances pales in comparison to the importance of earning and maintaining the trust and respect of the few people in your life who actually matter – your close family members and real friends. When you earn the trust and respect of these special people, no matter where you go or what you attempt to do, you will do it with a sense of confidence, because you will know the people who truly matter are truly behind you. Let today be the day you stand strong in the limelight of your own truth, without seeking needless external validation. Accept no one’s definition of your life except your own, and seek approval only from the people who truly matter in your life." - Marc Chernoff
Freecycle, Your Weekend Clean out.
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Clean out the rubbish. |
I would like to throw you a challenge for the weekend, I do the same thing on a regular basis.
Take some time either Saturday or Sunday and pick one or two rooms in your house.
In each room collect any old rubbish and take it to the dump.
After you have cleaned out any worthless rubbish go back to the same rooms and identify anything you have that has not been used in the last three years. If the items are non essential and you feel comfortable parting with them you should give them the BOOT. Last time I did this I ended up selling my boat, sure I love boating but it had been three years since my last fishing trip, just didn't seem worth keeping it anymore, plus the $7000 I got for it helped me through a tight financial time. I don't even miss the boat now. Sometimes we hold onto things simply because we can, adding to our clutter and distraction levels.
If you are not quite at the point where you want to take this step, just begin with items you identify as rubbish. Remember however if you do want to have a serious clean out the items you don't or can't sell will be happily received by charity organisations or on Freecycle. The link below is to my local Freecycle network, I can not recommend this site more highly, good people giving away perfectly good items. If you have not signed up already make sure you do, it's all free and offers a great community service.
Thursday, 27 June 2013
Show Love Don't Just Take It.
Here I go again, putting my head on the chopping block. I don't care if I am being politically incorrect, I don't care if I am being sexist, and I care even less if every single person in the world does not agree with me.... Men you have an obligation to your wives and Ladies you have an obligation to your Husbands..... If you don't totally agree you should not be married. Full stop.
We choose our life partners out of love and we must allow this same emotion to guide us on a daily basis. It's your obligation to support, encourage and love your wife or husband, isn't that why we get married. In this crazy dystopian world, love can create a Utopian haven for your family. If I can't have Utopia on a world wide scale I am going to make damn sure that my family experience it within our home. The only way I know how to do this is to give of myself, every single day, to the ones I love. The amazing thing is that when I do this my cup always "overfloweth" and I become a better person towards everyone I deal with. It's like the snow ball I referred to in a previous post, the more you live this life the bigger your resolve to continue becomes and the greater the intrinsic and extrinsic rewards. I always get back twice the love I give, how can this be anything other than my Utopia here on earth.
We choose our life partners out of love and we must allow this same emotion to guide us on a daily basis. It's your obligation to support, encourage and love your wife or husband, isn't that why we get married. In this crazy dystopian world, love can create a Utopian haven for your family. If I can't have Utopia on a world wide scale I am going to make damn sure that my family experience it within our home. The only way I know how to do this is to give of myself, every single day, to the ones I love. The amazing thing is that when I do this my cup always "overfloweth" and I become a better person towards everyone I deal with. It's like the snow ball I referred to in a previous post, the more you live this life the bigger your resolve to continue becomes and the greater the intrinsic and extrinsic rewards. I always get back twice the love I give, how can this be anything other than my Utopia here on earth.
I have to be totally honest, I have in the past been very remiss in this regard. It was not that I didn't express my love, but rather that I didn't back my words up with actions. Sure, I made a fuss over birthdays and anniversaries but I often let the little things slip my attention. When I became a minimalist I very quickly began to appreciate the small things in life, in fact I realised that it is the small things that are actually the most important. Obviously I had heard this before in the form of a cliche, but now I was able to see just how important it actually is. As family and relationship focused minimalism became more of a life style and less of an ethereal concept I understood that showing love daily in as many ways as you can creatively think of is far more important than infrequent singular displays of affection. As minimalism stripped the rubbish and distractions from my life, the importance of doing this came to light.
It was a win / win for me, I wanted to be closer and more connected to my beautiful wife and the simple process of "thinking up" new ways to show I love her meant she was at the forefront of my mind every single day. In the end I became addicted to doing this and for me the rewards were worth more than anything I had ever done in my life. I love my wife and I will do my best to let her know this every single day of my life. Minimalism taught me it is the little things that matter the most, but living my convictions proved to me that words should always be backed by action.
"Love without action is dead" - James Miller
Love without action only ticks half the boxes on your template to an awesome relationship, and action without love does the same. Love and actions are synergistic and must go hand in hand. You love with your heart and you cement this by the things you do, it's that simple!!
Below is an excerpt from an article that has some great ideas on spicing up your relationships. You can see the entire article by clicking the link. Please have a read, leave the author some comments, I found it very interesting reading and got some great ideas.
"Show your love through thoughtful actions. They can be simple things, like drawing a bath, giving a massage, doing the dishes, or writing a poem. Choose an action that you know your partner will appreciate. Remember, denying yourself never means doing things begrudgingly. If you show affection, but drag your feet along the way, you may as well not be doing it.
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Breakfast In Bed. |
- Buy something for him/her when you know that they specifically want it. If he wants a Craftsman set of tools, or she wants a Fendi handbag, they might be upset at your well-meaning attempts to get them or make them something similar.
- Make something for them when you're trying to show effort. It doesn't take much effort to buy your spouse what you know they want, but it sure takes effort thinking of a poem, writing it down, and setting it in a frame. This shows real commitment.
- Numerous small gestures are easier than one big one. In case you thought you could wing it and make up for all your normal neglect, sorry: It's much easier to do small things for your spouse at regular intervals than it is busting out a grand gesture every blue moon. Practice small and steady."
Wednesday, 26 June 2013
Don't Be Afraid.....
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Love |
“I used to desire many, many things,
but now I have just one desire,
and that's to get rid of all my other desires.”
but now I have just one desire,
and that's to get rid of all my other desires.”
- John Cleese.
“Being deeply loved by someone
gives you strength,
while loving someone deeply
gives you courage.”
- Lao Tzu
“At least three times every day
take a moment and ask yourself
what is really important.
Have the wisdom and the courage
to build your life around your answer.”
take a moment and ask yourself
what is really important.
Have the wisdom and the courage
to build your life around your answer.”
- Lee Jampolsky
How many times in your life have you wanted to just give up? The task seemed too big or too technically/physically overwhelming. Sometimes turning the page and starting a new chapter in life is the best thing you could do for yourself. So when should I persevere and when should I quit. This question really boils down to a matter of personal priorities, the answer will therefore be different for everyone. When I am faced with a challenge or situation that I am not handling well and I want to quit I ask myself a few simple questions.
- Am I thinking of quitting because I am inexperienced and still learning? Can I get help or guidance ?
- Do I have the support to continue, is the endeavour in accordance with my personal credo?
- Am I enjoying what I am doing, do my actions impact others?
- Am I doing this for selfish reasons ?
- Am I achieving my goals or just treading water?
As usual I have included a couple of pertinent quotes, they encapsulate my thoughts on this subject perfectly. Basically I interpret them in this way, if you limit your personal desires and keep your goals sensible, if you do everything based on love, and if you constantly remind yourself of what's important in your life - then the goals you choose will be enjoyable, jointly important, and for the most part achievable. Sure life may toss you a curve ball from time to time but with collective focus comes collective strength.
~~~ Brett Tulk ~~~
Monday, 24 June 2013
Minimalism & Seeing Past The Superficial.
"Since discovering minimalism, my life has changed significantly. The process of promoting values and removing distractions has forced new intentionality in life. As a result, many of my habits have changed. I spend money differently. I spend time more efficiently. I exercise more. I wake earlier." -- Joshua Becker
~~~~~
"In an era of public booty-bouncing and other ubiquitous in-your-face expressions of sensuality, it’s about time we had a new standard of sexy.
Real sexiness is so much more than physical shape and form. It’s more than style and wardrobe, attitude and visible swag. And it’s certainly more than the lopsided exposed skin to covered skin ratio depicted on today’s popular media channels.
We are increasingly in desperate need of a more enduring standard, one that includes more than face and body – one that includes the shape and form of internal qualities, those that add joy and passion to life, those of heart, mind and soul." - Ken Wert
"In an era of public booty-bouncing and other ubiquitous in-your-face expressions of sensuality, it’s about time we had a new standard of sexy.
Real sexiness is so much more than physical shape and form. It’s more than style and wardrobe, attitude and visible swag. And it’s certainly more than the lopsided exposed skin to covered skin ratio depicted on today’s popular media channels.
We are increasingly in desperate need of a more enduring standard, one that includes more than face and body – one that includes the shape and form of internal qualities, those that add joy and passion to life, those of heart, mind and soul." - Ken Wert
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Real love |
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres...... Love never fails." - 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
You might be wondering what the first two excerpts above have in common, both written by expert writers and both very concise and germane, however both are different topics... or are they ?? Why did I also quote the platitude from Corinthians? Everyone has heard this quote, just about every wedding and funeral service these days uses it. I refer to it as a platitude not because I feel the verse is fallacious (I actually believe it's perfect), but rather because it has become so overused and misunderstood in today's society. Increasing moral decline and focus on worldly pleasures mean people have forgotten this is actually how love was meant to be, yet they still toss the quote around in an banal fashion as if they embrace it's essence. Divorce, abortion, failed relationships, homeless children, debt, drugs, and the like all prove to me that the world is slowly but surely forgetting how to LOVE.
It was no mistake that I placed Joshua's quote before Ken's, I am not saying that one article is better than the other, or one writer more relevant, I am saying however that one process enhances the next. Joshua Becker in his article talks about how minimalism promotes values and removes distractions (what a fantastic concise sentence), and Ken talks about the superficial ubiquitous promotion of sexuality minus the heart, mind and soul. God help our children and their future relationships if they are allowed to succumb to this form of indoctrination.
Let's merge the two.
"Minimalism has changed my life and enriched my relationships. I have found new direction and intentionality in all I do and think. The process of promoting values and removing distractions has allowed me to shun indoctrination and peer pressure and find freedom in my life. My relationship with my spouse has never been deeper or more meaningful. I have learned to see the book, when before all I saw was it's cover. In an era of public booty-bouncing and other ubiquitous in-your-face expressions of sensuality, it’s about time we had a new standard of sexy.
Real sexiness is so much more than physical shape and form. It’s more than style and wardrobe, attitude and visible swag. And it’s certainly more than the lopsided exposed skin to covered skin ratio depicted on today’s popular media channels.
We are increasingly in desperate need of a more enduring standard, one that includes more than face and body – one that includes the shape and form of internal qualities, those that add joy and passion to life, those of heart, mind and soul.
Minimalism has given me a new way to see myself, the world, and other people. Once I saw the superficial now I look for the meaningful, once I looked only for "sexy" now I seek inner beauty, once I sought self pleasure now I seek to please. " - Brett Tulk et alii.
Many of the problems that relationships face today result from an increasing trend of Independence within the relationship. It's no longer savvy to be in a co-dependant relationship, couples should be able to stand on their own two feet and thus be free to bail when the going gets tough. While a level of independence is healthy, isn't a relationship about caring for each other and being co-dependant? I just don't see the point in being in a relationship where you live more like bed sharing flat mates. We all know the term for this increasing trend, F... Buddies, which by it's own definition infers that the priority focus is physical with as few strings attached as possible.
In the English vocabulary we use the single word "love" to describe many types of feelings, it's interesting to note that biblical Greek had more than one definition for our singular umbrella word "love". I Have a another quote below for you to peruse, it explains five different Greek meanings for love. The problem today is we focus more on the selfish demarcations of the word when we should be, at the least, more holistic and the best totally selfless. Minimalism has helped me to see love in all it's forms and to experience the same in return. Don't be put off by the biblical content, this post is not about religion, I used it only as a reference to explain the different forms of love.
"Think about this: the word ‘LOVE’ is a loosely used term in the English language. I love God, I love my wife, I love my Dad, I love spicy curry, I love writing, I love cooking and I love football. Surely these are not all the same type and degree of love yet we use the same word to describe all.
Do I love spicy curry in the same way that I love football? Do I love Dad in the same way that I love writing or cooking? Do I love my wife in the same way that I love God?
To begin to better understand LOVE let us consult the Greek and C.S. Lewis‘ book The Four Loves, Harcourt, Brace 1960.
The Ancient & Modern Greek languages have many different words for love. Here are four (4) that I know of, that describe different aspects of LOVE.
NOTE: There are five (5) words below but we cannot include the first as akin to love for obvious reasons.
1. PATHOS (Strong’s G3806)
This may also be called “lust”. This is a depraved vile passion that includes inordinate sexual appetites. It is described as ‘inordinate affection‘ in Colossians 3 and Christians are urged to KILL it.
“Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:” (v.5 KJV)
Many people mistake this for love and are held captive by it’s enticing grasp. PATHOS is an affection but it is NOT love.
2. EROS
This may also be called “romance”. It is a passionate emotion, with a major focus on sensual connection and a minor focus on sexual desire and longing. This Greek word is not found in the Holy Bible but is described by Lewis. He says:
“A man in this state really hasn’t leisure to think of sex. He is too busy thinking of a person. The fact that she is a woman is far less important than the fact that she is herself. He is full of desire, but the desire may not be sexually toned. If you asked him what he wanted, the true reply would often be, “To go on thinking of her.”" [pg. 133]
While EROS may not focus on sex it does not exclude sex. Lewis himself admits that “at a later stage the explicitly sexual awakens” in this type of man. EROS is an emotion but is not true love.
3. STORGE
This may also be called “affection”. According to Lewis, it is the most natural, sensitive, and wide spread type of ‘love’. He says:
“The Greeks called this love storge (two syllables and the g is “hard”). I shall here call it simply Affection. My Greek Lexicon defines storge as “affection, especially of parents to offspring”; but also of offspring to parents. And that, I have no doubt, is the original form of the thing as well as the central meaning of the word. The image we must start with is that of a mother nursing a baby…” [pg. 53]
Lewis explains:
“The importance of this image is that it presents us at the very outset with a certain paradox. The Need and Need-love of the young is obvious; so is the Gift-love of the mother. She gives birth, gives suck, gives protection. On the other hand, she must give birth or die. She must give suck or suffer. That way, her Affection too is a Need-love. There is the paradox. It is a Need-love but what it needs is to give. It is a Gift-love
but it needs to be needed.” [pg. 54]
Even though STORGE exists without coercion it exhibits a GIFT-NEED / NEED-NEED relationship. For it to become true love NEED must be eliminated and another element added. STORGE is affection but it is not true love in and of itself.
4. PHILOS (Strong’s G5384)
This may also be called “friendship”. According to Lewis this expression of love, or true friendship, is the same as the love that David and Jonathan shared and is almost non-existent now.
“…the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.” (1 Samuel 18:1 KJV)
“I am distressed for thee, my brother Jonathan: very pleasant hast thou been unto me: thy love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women.” (2 Samuel 1:26 KJV)
Lewis says very few modern people equate this type of friendship with love. Is it that mankind has grown so cold that the ability to love in this way has diminished? Has PATHOS become prevalent and in it’s prevalence corrupted PHILOS?
PHILOS is used throughout the New testament. One such example is the conversation Jesus had with Peter in John 21:15-17.
Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved Him. The first two times, in verses 15 and 16 Jesus used the word AGAPAO, which refers to that LOVE which Christ himself has for mankind. Peter used the word PHILEO in his response to Jesus. PHILEO derives from PHILOS and refers simply to friendship. The third time Jesus asked the question, verse 17, Jesus used the word PHILEO and Peter felt sorrowful.
“He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee.”
Twice Jesus asked: Peter, do you love me the way that I love you? Peter’s answer was: I love you as a friend. Then the third time Jesus asked: Peter, do you love me as a friend? Peter was hurt and sorrowful because it was the truth, he only loved Jesus as a friend and not unconditionally. This may explain why he eventually went on to deny Jesus three times.
How many of us love in this way and need to examine ourselves? PHILOS is a lovely affection but it is not unconditional love.
5. AGAPE (Strong’s G26)
This may also be called “charity” or “unconditional love“. It is described in the Holy Bible as the greatest virtue.
“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.” (1 Corinthians 13:1-3 KJV)
The word charity is translated from the Greek word AGAPE, pronounced ä-gä’-pā. It is very different from our modern word charity, which refers merely to kindness.
Biblical CHARITY (true love) denotes affection, good will, love, benevolence and brotherly love. Most importantly, TRUE LOVE: suffers long, is kind, does not envy, is not boastful, and is not prideful (v.4). TRUE LOVE does not behave disgracefully, is not self-seeking, is not provoked easily and does not calculate evil (v.5). TRUE LOVE does not rejoice in acts of injustice or unrighteousness but rejoices in truth (v.6). TRUE LOVE protects from imminent danger, has confidence in truth, hopefully trusts, and endures until rewarded (v.7). TRUE LOVE is never without power or effect (v.8).
We see here that AGAPE is the epitome of LOVE and that GOD is love’s ultimate personification since He IS love. Anyone who does not love does not know God.
“He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” (1 John 4:8 KJV)
It stands to reason that once we FIND GOD, we find true love and become vessels of LOVE (God). We can expect that vessels of this true LOVE will automatically demonstrate LOVE and will gravitate towards each other. The search for anything other than AGAPE is futile.
Be LOVE (agape) and be LOVED!" - http://epignosisministries.com/category/5-greek-words-for-love/
Many of the problems that relationships face today result from an increasing trend of Independence within the relationship. It's no longer savvy to be in a co-dependant relationship, couples should be able to stand on their own two feet and thus be free to bail when the going gets tough. While a level of independence is healthy, isn't a relationship about caring for each other and being co-dependant? I just don't see the point in being in a relationship where you live more like bed sharing flat mates. We all know the term for this increasing trend, F... Buddies, which by it's own definition infers that the priority focus is physical with as few strings attached as possible.
In the English vocabulary we use the single word "love" to describe many types of feelings, it's interesting to note that biblical Greek had more than one definition for our singular umbrella word "love". I Have a another quote below for you to peruse, it explains five different Greek meanings for love. The problem today is we focus more on the selfish demarcations of the word when we should be, at the least, more holistic and the best totally selfless. Minimalism has helped me to see love in all it's forms and to experience the same in return. Don't be put off by the biblical content, this post is not about religion, I used it only as a reference to explain the different forms of love.
"Think about this: the word ‘LOVE’ is a loosely used term in the English language. I love God, I love my wife, I love my Dad, I love spicy curry, I love writing, I love cooking and I love football. Surely these are not all the same type and degree of love yet we use the same word to describe all.
Do I love spicy curry in the same way that I love football? Do I love Dad in the same way that I love writing or cooking? Do I love my wife in the same way that I love God?
To begin to better understand LOVE let us consult the Greek and C.S. Lewis‘ book The Four Loves, Harcourt, Brace 1960.

NOTE: There are five (5) words below but we cannot include the first as akin to love for obvious reasons.
1. PATHOS (Strong’s G3806)
This may also be called “lust”. This is a depraved vile passion that includes inordinate sexual appetites. It is described as ‘inordinate affection‘ in Colossians 3 and Christians are urged to KILL it.
“Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:” (v.5 KJV)
Many people mistake this for love and are held captive by it’s enticing grasp. PATHOS is an affection but it is NOT love.
2. EROS
This may also be called “romance”. It is a passionate emotion, with a major focus on sensual connection and a minor focus on sexual desire and longing. This Greek word is not found in the Holy Bible but is described by Lewis. He says:
“A man in this state really hasn’t leisure to think of sex. He is too busy thinking of a person. The fact that she is a woman is far less important than the fact that she is herself. He is full of desire, but the desire may not be sexually toned. If you asked him what he wanted, the true reply would often be, “To go on thinking of her.”" [pg. 133]
While EROS may not focus on sex it does not exclude sex. Lewis himself admits that “at a later stage the explicitly sexual awakens” in this type of man. EROS is an emotion but is not true love.
3. STORGE
This may also be called “affection”. According to Lewis, it is the most natural, sensitive, and wide spread type of ‘love’. He says:
“The Greeks called this love storge (two syllables and the g is “hard”). I shall here call it simply Affection. My Greek Lexicon defines storge as “affection, especially of parents to offspring”; but also of offspring to parents. And that, I have no doubt, is the original form of the thing as well as the central meaning of the word. The image we must start with is that of a mother nursing a baby…” [pg. 53]
Lewis explains:
“The importance of this image is that it presents us at the very outset with a certain paradox. The Need and Need-love of the young is obvious; so is the Gift-love of the mother. She gives birth, gives suck, gives protection. On the other hand, she must give birth or die. She must give suck or suffer. That way, her Affection too is a Need-love. There is the paradox. It is a Need-love but what it needs is to give. It is a Gift-love
but it needs to be needed.” [pg. 54]
Even though STORGE exists without coercion it exhibits a GIFT-NEED / NEED-NEED relationship. For it to become true love NEED must be eliminated and another element added. STORGE is affection but it is not true love in and of itself.
4. PHILOS (Strong’s G5384)
This may also be called “friendship”. According to Lewis this expression of love, or true friendship, is the same as the love that David and Jonathan shared and is almost non-existent now.
“…the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.” (1 Samuel 18:1 KJV)
“I am distressed for thee, my brother Jonathan: very pleasant hast thou been unto me: thy love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women.” (2 Samuel 1:26 KJV)
Lewis says very few modern people equate this type of friendship with love. Is it that mankind has grown so cold that the ability to love in this way has diminished? Has PATHOS become prevalent and in it’s prevalence corrupted PHILOS?
PHILOS is used throughout the New testament. One such example is the conversation Jesus had with Peter in John 21:15-17.
Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved Him. The first two times, in verses 15 and 16 Jesus used the word AGAPAO, which refers to that LOVE which Christ himself has for mankind. Peter used the word PHILEO in his response to Jesus. PHILEO derives from PHILOS and refers simply to friendship. The third time Jesus asked the question, verse 17, Jesus used the word PHILEO and Peter felt sorrowful.
“He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee.”
Twice Jesus asked: Peter, do you love me the way that I love you? Peter’s answer was: I love you as a friend. Then the third time Jesus asked: Peter, do you love me as a friend? Peter was hurt and sorrowful because it was the truth, he only loved Jesus as a friend and not unconditionally. This may explain why he eventually went on to deny Jesus three times.
How many of us love in this way and need to examine ourselves? PHILOS is a lovely affection but it is not unconditional love.
5. AGAPE (Strong’s G26)
This may also be called “charity” or “unconditional love“. It is described in the Holy Bible as the greatest virtue.
“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.” (1 Corinthians 13:1-3 KJV)
The word charity is translated from the Greek word AGAPE, pronounced ä-gä’-pā. It is very different from our modern word charity, which refers merely to kindness.
Biblical CHARITY (true love) denotes affection, good will, love, benevolence and brotherly love. Most importantly, TRUE LOVE: suffers long, is kind, does not envy, is not boastful, and is not prideful (v.4). TRUE LOVE does not behave disgracefully, is not self-seeking, is not provoked easily and does not calculate evil (v.5). TRUE LOVE does not rejoice in acts of injustice or unrighteousness but rejoices in truth (v.6). TRUE LOVE protects from imminent danger, has confidence in truth, hopefully trusts, and endures until rewarded (v.7). TRUE LOVE is never without power or effect (v.8).
We see here that AGAPE is the epitome of LOVE and that GOD is love’s ultimate personification since He IS love. Anyone who does not love does not know God.
“He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” (1 John 4:8 KJV)
It stands to reason that once we FIND GOD, we find true love and become vessels of LOVE (God). We can expect that vessels of this true LOVE will automatically demonstrate LOVE and will gravitate towards each other. The search for anything other than AGAPE is futile.
Be LOVE (agape) and be LOVED!" - http://epignosisministries.com/category/5-greek-words-for-love/
To conclude can I encourage you to ponder the above article then in light of what you read have a look at Marc and Angels link, check it through and see how many boxes you can tick. Take this opportunity to ask yourself if you see past the superficial and appreciate inner true beauty.
~~~ Brett Tulk ~~~
Saving Money - The Money Tin Challenge.
The Money Tin Challenge.
Today's challenge is to begin making your savings grow. I understand that putting a few coins into a tin probably does not enliven you like the thought of a lotto win, but with a little patience you can save a considerable amount of money.Previously I mentioned how I was able to save $8000 doing this and install a solar power system on the roof of my house, thus lowering my power bill by around 70 percent (summer).
You can view the entire article here MONEY SAVING IDEAS >>
Today I would like to challenge you to do the same thing. Find yourself a money tin and begin the process, I know it may not sound all that inspiring but over time you will save enough money to undertake something fairly significant. I set the rule that only 50 cents and above were to go into the tin, so here in Australia that meant $0.50, $1.00, $2.00 coins, plus I poked in the occasional $5 note when I had a spare one. During the day while away from home I stash my coins in the ash tray of my car and when I get home into the tin they went. Everyone in the house can add to the tin for joint projects or have your own tin for personal savings. This method is slow, but it works and after 12 months of doing it you will be amazed how much money you have saved. I know another minimalist family who all contribute to what they call their "Holiday Tin". Every family member adds to the tin and then during the summer holidays they tally their savings and jointly decide on a small vacation together. The more they save the greater the scope for holiday destinations. This works perfect for them as they have basically no debt and can use the money to enjoy time together without it having been a time robbing exercise to save.
Getting your life and your finances back on track is your responsibility, small steps like this one can really help you become debt free much faster, but don't waste the money you save!!
~~~ Brett Tulk ~~~
Friday, 21 June 2013
Stress and Minimalism
One of the greatest benefits of Minimalism is stress reduction. Stress is a silent killer, responsible for a variety of illnesses..... I know that sounds really cliche, but it is the total truth. When I get really stressed it's not long before I start to get sick, usually this manifests as a cold / flu or more often an inability to stomach food. I get head aches, tense sore muscles and generally feel like I have lost my Fizz, but the worst thing is how stress impacts my mental focus and decision making. When I get stressed I seem to make all the wrong decisions, I am grumpy, and reactive rather than proactive. Stress also turns me into the pessimist from hell, everything becomes doom and gloom and someone switches off that bloody light at the end of my tunnel.
Of course practising minimalism won't guarantee you a completely stress free existence, sometimes shit just happens, but living this way certainly reduces it significantly. More importantly for me minimalism has offered the tools to cope better and the focus to see things optimistically. I do on occasion revert to Mr Hyde (that's human - we all melt down from time to time in our own way), but for the most part the way I live now is peaceful and purpose driven, bumps on the road are now just that, bumps not mountains like they once were. I have another article to share with you, I am a great one for not re-inventing the wheel plus I like to direct you to other minimalist blogs as I feel a broad opinion base will help you find your niche in minimalism. Check out the link below, I think point 4 is one that will make the men out there smile, I certainly mentioned to my wife that point 4 seemed to be the most interesting of them all :-)
Living a life with a minimalistic foundation, and a focus on relationships and family, has got me as close to stress free as I have ever been. Minimalist families share life's burdens and draw strength and unity from their common focus. Years ago I would never have believed that living like this could be So freeing, but here I am now and so you could be too - Take the step!!
Below is an article on stress from WebMD, you can view the entire article by clicking the link below. It is an American article so don't hold their bad spelling against me :-) Take your time and read the link on how music can help with stress, I truly believe my instruments saved my life at one point. There have been times in my past where stress and depression had me on the verge of suicide, if it were not for the times when I could retreat and play I doubt I would be writing this article now.
The
first step to controlling stress is to know the symptoms of stress. But
recognizing stress symptoms may be harder than you think. Most of us are so
used to being stressed, we often don't know we are stressed until we are at the
breaking point.
Recommended Related to Stress Management
When
she needs relief from the grind of delivering major proposals, Dana Marlowe,
33, of Washington, D.C., makes some noise. "I cruise right into my
toddler’s playroom, and I just jam out with his toys -- the xylophone, the baby
piano. I almost have 'Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star' down," says Marlowe,
a technology accessibility consultant. This kind of casual music-making can
short-circuit the stress response, research shows, and keep it from becoming
chronic. Stress starts in the brain and then...
What Is Stress?
Stress
is the body's reaction to harmful situations -- whether they’re real or
perceived. When you feel threatened, a chemical reaction occurs in your body
that allows you to act in a way to prevent injury. This reaction is known as
"fight-or-flight,” or the stress response. During stress response, your heart begins to race,
breathing quickens, muscles tighten, and blood pressure
rises. You’ve gotten ready to act. It is how you protect yourself.
Stress
means different things to different people. What causes stress in one person
may be of little concern to another. Some people are better able to handle
stress than others. And, not all stress is bad. In small doses, stress can help
you accomplish tasks and prevent you from getting hurt. For example, stress is
what gets you to slam on the breaks to avoid hitting the car in front of you.
That's a good thing.
Our
bodies are designed to handle small doses of stress. But, we are not equipped
to handle long-term, chronic stress without ill consequences.
What
Are the Symptoms of Stress?
Stress
can affect all aspects of your life, including your emotions, behaviors,
thinking ability, and physical health. No part of the body is immune. But,
because people handle stress differently, symptoms of stress can vary. Symptoms
can be vague and may be the same as those caused by medical conditions. So it
is important to discuss them with your doctor. You may experience any of the
following symptoms of stress.
Emotional
symptoms of stress include:
·
Becoming easily
agitated, frustrated, and moody
·
Feeling
overwhelmed, like you are losing control or need to take control
·
Having difficulty
relaxing and quieting your mind
·
Feeling bad about
yourself (low self-esteem), lonely, worthless, and depressed
·
Avoiding others
Physical
symptoms of stress include:
·
Low energy
·
Headaches
·
Upset stomach,
including diarrhea
constipation,
and nausea
·
Aches, pains, and
tense muscles
·
Chest pain and rapid
heartbeat
·
Insomnia
·
Frequent colds and
infections
·
Loss of sexual
desire and/or ability
·
Nervousness and
shaking, ringing in the ear,
cold or sweaty hands and feet
·
Dry mouth and
difficulty swallowing
·
Clenched jaw and
grinding teeth
Cognitive
symptoms of stress include:
·
Constant worrying
·
Racing thoughts
·
Forgetfulness and
disorganization
·
Inability to focus
·
Poor judgment
·
Being pessimistic
or seeing only the negative side
Behavioral
symptoms of stress include:
·
Changes in
appetite -- either not eating or eating too much
·
Procrastinating
and avoiding responsibilities
·
Increased use of
alcohol, drugs, or cigarettes
·
Exhibiting more
nervous behaviors, such as nail biting,
fidgeting, and pacing
What
Are the Consequences of Long-Term Stress?
A
little stress every now and then is not something to be concerned about.
Ongoing, chronic stress, however, can cause or exacerbate many serious health
problems, including:
·
Mental health problems,
such as hepression,
anxiety,
and personality disorders
·
Cardiovascular
disease, including heart disease,
high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms, heart attacks,
and stroke
·
Obesity and other
eating disorders
·
Menstrual problems
·
Sexual
dysfunction, such as impotence
and premature
ejaculation in men and loss of sexual desire in both men and women
·
Skin and hair problems,
such as acne,
psoriasis,
and eczema,
and permanent hair
loss
·
Gastrointestinal
problems, such as GERD,
gastritis,
ulcerative
colitis, and irritable colon
Help
Is Available for Stress
Stress
is a part of life. What matters most is how you handle it. The best thing you
can do to prevent stress overload and the health consequences that come with it
is to know your stress symptoms.
If
you or a loved one is feeling overwhelmed by stress, talk to your doctor. Many
symptoms of stress can also be signs of other health problems. Your doctor can
evaluate your symptoms and rule out other conditions. If stress is to blame,
your doctor can recommend a therapist or counselor to help you better handle
your stress."
~~~ Brett Tulk ~~~
Thursday, 20 June 2013
Money Saver Ideas.
Today lets examine some very basic money saving ideas. Try these simple techniques and you WILL see your savings grow.
1. Give Up Bad Habits.

2. The Piggy Bank.

3. Direct Debit - Money You Don't See You Can't Spend.

4. Build Your Savings Account.

5. Reduce Your Debt.

6. Live Below Your Means.
Try and live below your means a little, this really helps when those unexpected bills happen. For us it seems like a daily event that something will break or need replacing, if you live a little below your means it is easier to assimilate these costs without significant impact on your life. Don't put things on credit, be happy with what you have and live a modest existence.
7. Shopping Online.

8. Coupons, Frequent Shopper and Flyer cards, Any Type of Voucher.

9. Re-evaluate EVERYTHING.
Most of us have outgoing expenses for home insurance, health, life insurance, income protection and so on. These industries are becoming more and more competitive and will often equal or better a competitors quote. Re-evaluate all your out going expenses to firstly see if they are necessary and secondly to see if you can get a better price from a competitor. Recently I saved $60 per month on my life insurance simply by submitting my current policy to an online middle man. They pointed me in the direction of a better provider and wham, for five minutes work I saved $720 every year. Redirect any such savings into debt repayment or term deposit savings. Cut things like cable TV and Internet usage. Make sure you are not paying for an Internet plan with 50GB download when you are only using 10GB, downsize where possible don't up size. Basically anytime we get a bill we have a look at how we can make savings on that bill, be it changing a provider or simply being more efficient around the home. Let your bills become the trigger point to begin a process of investigating a cheaper/better way to do things, analyse each individual bill and see if savings can be made somewhere. An example is your power bill, can you run electrical appliances (like cloths dryers) at night when the tariff is lower. Phone bills are another, call your provider and ask if a plan can be tailored based on your current usage data, or maybe you could change to a cheaper provider. Most of the bills we have can be reduced if you sit down and analyse them.10. Watch Power Consumption.

~~ Brett Tulk ~~
Monday, 17 June 2013
Muffin Tin Omelets - Low carbohydrate snacks.
Low carb, fast, inexpensive and Healthy.
Today I just have to share one of the best low carb / high protein snacks you can make. If you are like me (over 40) then you probably watch your weight a little. I try to avoid meals high in simple carbs and processed sugars, so these little treats fit the bill perfectly for me. They cost bugger all to make and a batch of 12 last me 6 days. I take one for morning tea and one for afternoon tea, and because they don't have added sugar or simple carbs you don't get that sleepy "sugar" feeling after you eat them. Basically you can add anything you like, just like a regular omelet so put your thinking cap on, but try and keep it healthy. The main cost really is the meat and eggs, my recipe calls for a dozen eggs and 200 grams of bacon. Add whatever meat you decide, a little diced tomato, some low fat cheese, mushrooms and some chopped spinach. Easy, simple, cheap and you have snacks on the run for a week.
So all I do is preheat the oven to 180 Celsius and spray a bit of olive oil spray into each muffin cup. The next step is to pan fry the bacon and mushroom till nice and yummy looking (that's a cooking term). I then roughly beat 12 eggs and add some salt and pepper. The next step is to combine the bacon and mushroom in a bowl with some chopped spinach, diced tomato, and grated cheese. You can work out your own quantifies depending on how dense you want the final product. The last step is to fill each muffin cup about two thirds full with the bacon mushroom mixture, pour in some egg mix stopping about one quarter inch from the top of the muffin cup. Bake in the oven for about 25 minutes and serve hot or cold.
Line the muffin tins with bacon to give them a little added flare - Jamie Oliver look out!!
The simplest recipe in the world.
BT.
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