Anna loves Gloria so much because she helped her get a signature on her blog;)

Slavery Exists. Pop Your Bubble.

So, how cool is this??

In my adv. logic course, we have to write a weekly analysis on a current event and convey the writers argument in a logical syllogism. I thought I'd hate this- but I've grown to love it. It gives me an excuse to peruse through the news and catch up with what's happening without feeling like I somehow wasted time by not working on my 100 other things. Long story short: I stumbled upon an article about manufacturing slavery that is happening right now over in parts of Asia or pretty much any third world country. This particular article was based on the story of three women who were stuck in Malaysia because the factory manager wouldn't give them their passports until they paid an enormous fine. Of course, these girls were stuck. They couldn't possibly pay the bill with the minimum earnings they were receiving. It's a catch 22. There's no way out. Therefore, it's slavery.

slavery  (ˈsleɪvərɪ)
— n
1.	the state or condition of being a slave; a civil relationship. whereby one person has absolute  power over another andcontrols his life, liberty, and fortune

Yup. ^The above story is definitely slavery by definition of the term 'slavery.'

Now I bet you're guessing- "Okay, Anna. How on earth is this story cool in any way, shape or form???" Hold your horses!! The cool part is this: http://artfeeds.org/welcome/fashion_victim/ 

While blogstalking, I stumbled upon this website. Super cool, huh? Their mission is quite great... so check it out! Also, I so loved what they were doing that I bought a t-shirt and bracelet. I'm a sucker for passionate people doing great things. But, I think what made the biggest impact on me was their logo:

Love naively. Give generously. Be foolishly compassionate.

Watch This:

I sure am grateful for Steve Jobs. Hopefully, he came to Christ...that way I can ask him a few questions about my mac in heaven :)

In Everything...

Are you able to thank the Lord in the midst of change? Are you a change agent or someone who likes to just stay where they're at?

This morning, I was thinking of the many seasons we go through... not just emotionally or figuratively but I'm talking physically. We go through Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. As I was making my oatmeal and coffee, I was thinking of how I would never make myself oatmeal in the heat of Summer...nor would I want hot coffee. I would definitely want something cooler. Then in the dead of Winter, I have a cornbag on my feet while I work or in my bed while I sleep, but I know that in the Spring I (most likely) won't.

The question I stumbled upon while thinking these thoughts was: if our bodies were created to endure changes in the environment and atmosphere on the outside, why are we so opposed to change inwardly?
I think it's safe to say that most are diametrically opposed to change. but WHY?


Now, to dig into it on a figurative or emotional level.

Spring

If the flowers aren't afraid to bloom in Spring- why would it even be a thought of ours to not bloom when called? Maybe Jesus is telling you that this is the time to step up and excel further in the area he's given you. Take on more challenges, fill up your schedule... take out 'me' time and put in more 'others' time.

Summer

Or in regards to Summer- are you frolicking through enough fields? It could be that you need your child-like eyes, again. “I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” (Mark 10: 15) Are you childlike? Jesus loves a childlike faith. One with fresh creative eyes unaware of the self-conciousness that takes over as the years roll by...

Fall 

How bout the beautiful fall?? Do you know what the leaves are actually preparing for when they change their beautiful colors?? Death. The trees are preparing themselves for the cold harsh winter so, they shine their leaves in brilliance for a few weeks and then shake them onto the ground. Have you ever had something enter your life that you were sure wouldn't last long? Oft times when we realize something won't be in our lives for long we, unfortunately, don't give it as much attention... so, maybe, if you're in the Fall of your life, you aren't clinging to what God has given you for a season because you're afraid of when it will be taken away. But, when you allow that fear to trickle into your heart, just remember that the trees are the most beautiful in the Fall- they aren't afraid of Winter.

Winter

Or, the dreaded winter. In poetry or any kind of lyric, winter is rarely talked about as a carefree period of time- instead, it's more careFUL than any other. Sometimes it feels like you're walking on eggs shells (or snow...with bare feet :)) when you round a winter stage. It can be hard- there's no doubt about it. But remember, when you're in winter, that your past seasons have been beautiful and that they will come again. Cling to Jesus- and he will get you through.




I love it that God's creation can be a direct correlation to our own souls- He is a beautiful One, isn't he?