Read, Explore, Create!: October 2014

P is for Perspective

The word perspective refers to the technique of representing objects in a piece of art as they may appear to the eye to give the illusion of depth; a picture in perspective; or a point of view.

To Shakespeare's Hamlet
Mixed Media Tag
Tim Holtz 12 Tags of 2014 - October
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Treats
Eva & Kristin's Paint Party Friday

As an artist, I focus a lot on the first two definitions when I work on my drawings, painting, photography, and other creative endeavors I like to delve into.

To a Car Aficionado
Tim Hotz Die, Micron Pen, & Assorted Papers
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Use Craft
Karen's Word Art Wednesday #156
Julia's What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday #282

However, the last definition is one I hold dearly as well, since I always like to look at every issue from different perspectives before I make a decision.

Del Rio National Bank Original Lobby
Ramona's Inspire Me Monday #147
Denise, Roger & Leslie's ABC Wednesday - P is for Perspective
Bella's 52 Photo Project - Point the Camera Up & Shoot

The latter is especially important to me when I'm dealing with my personal relationship with God, my family, my students, my professional work, and my finances. In my mind, I'm following Jesus' advice in John 7:24, when he said, "Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgement." If I look at issues from different perspectives before making a decision, I'm less likely to make an erroneous judgement.

Thanks for stopping by and for all your gracious comments during my last post. Your support is very motivational to me. Blessings!

N is for New Beginnings

In a world that seems to be growing in fear of terror, plague, and violence, we need to have hope for new beginnings. Whatever our race, ethnic background, social/economic group is, regardless of personal believes, we need to unite in a mindset of love, grace, and peace for each other. We need to take our resources and put them where are mouths are. The new beginnings may not be everything we want them to be, but we need to accept them and move on. United in spirit we will triumph, but will continue to fail miserably if we continue to divide.

Isaiah 40:8
Church Flowers Shot with iPhone & Edited on Pixelmator
Lorik's Mandarin Orange Monday #114
Ramona's Inspire Me Monday #145
Bella's 52 Photo Project - Gallery 24 {Orange}

We may never agree about God, but as long as we are accepting of each other, we will find a common ground.

Birthday Card & Envelope Set for Abby
Fiskars AdvantEdge Punch System, Martha Stewart Embellishments, K&Company Note Set, Pressed Petals Cardstock Prints, & Zig Calligraphy Marker
Freshly Made Sketches #157
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Falling in Love With…
Karen's Word Art Wednesday #154

In the words of Seneca, the Roman philosopher, "Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end."

Robo-Chief School Team Logo 2014
Sharpie Micron Pens
Dion's Friday Sketches
Alexandra's Sunday Sketches
Denise, Roger & Leslie's ABC Wednesday - N is for New Beginnings
Julia's What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday #280
Eva & Kristin's Paint Party Friday - Week 32 Year 4

Therefore, I invite everyone to make an effort, no matter how small or large, for new beginnings in our world. As per the Biblical verse found in Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Blessings!

M is for Musings

There's been some major changes in my family's lives lately. My wife and I having an empty nest after our youngest joined her older sister at Texas A&M University; my oldest making plans to get into a graduate program; and being the recipient of a scholarship for a School Principal program are some of the major ones. Although these changes are for the good of our family, they have been challenging, nevertheless. How we are going to manage stress, finances and other logistics are just a few of the issues that have become points to ponder. Being a man of faith, I have found comfort in the following Bible verses: