Wednesday, August 26, 2015

What Our World Is Facing...

I'm seeing so much about wars, rumors of wars, threats, food contaminations, food shortages, environmental issues, the list goes on. What is it that we face as we move forward? I don't think any of us, even experts know. That in and of itself is a scary premise.

We as individuals, and even as a nation, cannot change what we've done to this world. Our nation in particular are far more detrimental to our environment than most other nations combined. Who can we blame? Ourselves. Unfortunately most of us don't face that reality with more than a shrug of the shoulders. Why? What makes us so callous to these realities? Who are we to point fingers, make excuses, or ignore the things that are happening? We are as guilty as anyone in the entire world.

So. What now? How can we as individuals, or as a communal body do to thwart these things that are plaguing our world? Do we care enough to know? I doubt it. We've gone nearly 50 years with the knowledge of several earth issues without any real movement as a body. Our government doesn't care about what detriment we are to our earth. They aren't in tuned to what's happening, and what their decisions are causing. They're out for cash... easy money. Do you know what your governing persons make/have access to? If not, it may be eye opening to you to search google for those things.

The polar bears are starving to death in their natural environment because of the breakdown of the icebergs, the heightening of the oceans, and the limiting of their hunting/living grounds. The poor animals who exist in zoos are hardly a true reality to what our earth has afforded them in the last 25 years. Get yourself some knowledge on these things! You'll be shocked and disappointed to see the realities.

Recycling, narrowing your "carbon footprint" is a lie. You can do only so much. The real detriment is in the big businesses of the world. Oil extraction from the earth and seas... Refinement of ancient sources from our earth... smoke, pollution, exhaust emissions, continued raping of the world's rain forests and natural resources. You can take your pick, they're all causing a real burden on the earth, the people, and the animals of our world. It's all fun and games to save a shelter animal, but truth be told? You're doing more damage than good overall.

Our world has no care for animals unless they can be killed and something ridiculous can be extracted from their beings in order to bring "sexual enhancement" or "health." These are ancient and unproven things that cultures steeped in ancient practices fall back on. Nothing about these things is true. NOTHING. Break free from unfounded realities... it only harms us.

I'm sorry, but this world is valuable, and the people therein. Do what you can to gain ground in the issues of our world. It's an unfathomable reality, but if we spread the word, and practice what we preach, we can make a difference. Be a positive reality in your world! IT MATTERS!!!

Friday, August 14, 2015

Feeling Successful...

There are many times in a day where we can feel successful. For those of us who dwell in the little things, waking up feeling refreshed is a success. For parents, having a child (no matter what age) choosing the right path is a success. Things in our lives can force us to see things in various ways, depending on our circumstances. I can attest, as of today, I am feeling successful!

These last few months of trying my hand at glass mosaics was a shot in the dark. I knew I could do it, and that it may not cost me too much to start doing them. The Lord has held back His favor and grace from me in this realm for 5 years now, and it has been a very long hard road. Today, after selling a piece twice over within the week I finished it has shown me that I may very well be within the realm of His will for me. How precious a moment to realize that His grace is upon my life's work! I can't tell you the emotional reward it has given me. Not only to realize His blessing, but to have friends, family, and friends of friends reach out to me with requests for pieces of my mosaic glass work!

Now, I'm taking it very slowly. I've only had 12 pieces that have been completed and have reached potential buyers' eyes. Yes, I have taken the prices down from what I want, to what I think they will sell for, due to the location I'm in, and my friends' abilities. I'm not ashamed of that, nor am I sorry. I have to get my name out there, and after only a few pieces, how can I not feel good? This week alone I put a piece together of a cat because of a friend's suggestion, and have sold it twice over. Not too shabby for a 4 day output. I'll take it.

For this 5 years, I have been striving toward attaining a job that would allow me to use my skills as a graphic designer. That, after probably 30 applications/interviews, (way more applications), has gone unfulfilled. I've questioned God and His plans for me, being uncertain and afraid to be an independent  with what I have to offer the world. I want to work, but WHAT my work was had become less in demand. This new realm of glass mosaic work has broadened my reach, broadened my output, and has been very well received by people both near and far. I honor the Lord in this and all of my efforts. He is the reason I am successful, and the reason I continue in this world. I know His plan is not finished in me, and I blindly trust Him to show me what I need to be and do in order to feel His glory, and to glorify Him in my work.

Just today, after months of nothing, I had a friend reach out to me in regard to a part time opportunity at a college nearby, doing graphic design work. I wasn't anticipating that, but wow! What a blessing! It's still uncertain, and it may be that I'm not the right fit, but to have God's grace show up during the success of my current efforts was awesome! Praise the Lord!

I can't say that this time in my life has been easy... nor would I wish it on anyone. I have dealt with some serious downs, anxiety, and depression. It has pushed me into a different mold, where being a round block pushed into a square was painful and difficult to endure. But, within that, I have gained ground in patience, strength, and endurance. I know what His will for me is becoming a reality.

Don't give up on your goals. I was never sure what my goals actually were... but with regular prayer and waiting, He has rewarded my efforts. Please know that nothing is easy... for people like me, nothing is taken for granted, nor is it easy to face. If you have need of talking about where you're at, and what you're dealing with, I'm always here. My faith in Christ is beyond measure the reason why I feel successful today.

Be encouraged!