Hope and Optimism

In Sunday School this past week we had a neat exercise. The teacher passed out a piece of paper and asked us to assign four words to describe HOPE each starting with the first letters of the word. I struggled with this, but several came up with great ideas.

H-heaven
O- optimism
P-perserverence
E-eternal life

It was interesting to see that several used optimism for the O word. Also further, it was interesting that the root meaning of the word optimism is "best". Optimists think positively in general, while Hope I feel is more specific and tied to a spiritual peace. The root meaning of hope is "to expect".

A man in my class said something very significant to me. On the way to church, his daughter mentioned that her mother had told her she had faith in her to do something, but she didn't know what faith meant. She was encouraged by her father to look faith up in her bible. She read the definition provided and then told her father, "Oh, so through faith we have hope." How perfect! That right there, was my explanation; my understanding of the difference between hope and optimism came like a rush of electricity to a light bulb. Its my faith that gives me hope; hope to steam ahead everyday not knowing what will face me. It may be trying or difficult, but my faith gives me the hope to perservere and complete each day with a smile in my heart and on my face. Optimism is a tool that God has given me to spread that hope to others.

Its amazing how lessons learned can be presented by the most innocent of us, a child. I have so much to learn from the faith of a child.

For some great reading, check out this passage from the bible. It gives us a great understanding of Hope. 1 Corinthians 15: 35-58 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1corinthians%2015:35-58&version=50;

Happy Reading!

First Day at the Farmer's Market

Today marked the first day Janice and I sat up at the Farmer's Market. We had a fantastic day, aside from the 20 mph winds and blazing sunshine. Halfway through the day we had to fold up the tent and take all our pieces off the displays we brought. The wind literally whipped through our tent with a vengeance. Each time I picked up a a necklace another would fall over.

Regardless, we met some fantastic people and made lots of contacts. We even managed to sell a few pieces while we were at it. SCORE! I can't wait to set up there again. As busy as it was today, who knows what the season holds in store for us!

Next up... Chaney's Dairy Barn is having a Kentucky Proud festival May 2nd, 2009 in Woodburn, KY, and All That Glitters and Jewelry by Janice will be rocking out as only we know how. Be there or be square!

And the Cherry on top!

The Amazing Double Rainbow

I noticed yesterday as I got home from work, how pretty it was to see the sun shine through the rain, then as I turned my head, I noticed a glorious double rainbow back toward the darkest spot in the clouds. I didn't get a shot from my house, but my Mother in law captured these shots of the amazing double rainbow!

Preparations for Jewlery Events, Music on my Mind, and Spring Fever!

Its just another Manic Monday! As with all good things, that must come to an end, the weekend quickly turned into Monday.

Lots to do this week, as I am preparing to set up at the Farmer's Market this Saturday. Officially our (Jewelry by Janice and All That Glitters) first event of the season. The anticipation is killing us.

I finalized the items for my part of the Fire Mountain Gems order to be sent in with Janice. We are ordering lots of rich summery colors. I had my eye on a great strand of multi-colored faceted agate. It practically had me drooling over my keyboard. There is absolutely nothing like getiing in a fresh order of beads from FMG.

I've been listening to WayFM lately and I must say I am becoming a bit hooked! Its a wonderful thing to he "hooked" on though. Addison Road, a wonderful christian group has a song out entitled "Hope Now." Everytime I hear it, I am instantly calm. I know my stress is not to be compared with that of others. I have the health of my family and myself, and I have food on the table, but when caught in a moment of panic, remembering that we have someone watching over us definately calms the storm.

At any rate: Here are a few songs that have really kept me chugging along the last few weeks!

Addison Road- Hope Now http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xboucW89gUU
Francesca Battistelli- Free to be Me! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujenRXDu2Ik
Toby Mac- Lose my Soul http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZG9G68bZO0
Need to Breathe- Washed By the Water http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNU-K5NLPSw&feature=PlayList&p=6CD470B60B85950D&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=65

Music sure to put you in a good mood, however manic you Monday may be!

Its the small things that get you through the day! I planted a few mystery seeds that my father-in-law gave me a few years ago in a little pot in my kitchen window. I noticed Sunday the little pods had made their way past the surface of miracle grow potting mix! I can't wait to see what these mystery seeds grow into!
There is just something about spring that flips a switch in me! It seems as if the grass grows inches by the day, the leaves populate the branches overnight, frogs take over the wetland/woods behind our house with a triumphant symphony, and my toes seemingly earn for flip-flops. I can smell the bar-b-ques already! Its finally time to open the windows and let some frest air in. Thank goodness for the Spring!

Indulge Yourself with Ceramicpix!

I wanted to start fresh with the recommendation to visit Ceramicpix on etsy. Let me preface by saying, I came upon Ann's shop one day while looking for a Mother's Day gift. This etsy shop has lovely one of a kind (ooak) wheel thrown pieces of art.

The two mediums Ann uses are English Porcelain and Stoneware clay. All her pieces are water-tight, dishwasher, food and oven safe unless indicated otherwise.

The piece I chose for my mother was a lovely stoneware bowl with a blue center. I by no means am an expert on ceramics, however; I can attest to the fact that Ceramicpix's work is quality. The vivid blue color that this piece radiates is gorgeous. I recommend stopping by and drooling over this stunning shop whether it be for a gift, or to indulge yourself!

http://ceramicpix.etsy.com/