Disjointed Thoughts

I have a lot of things floating around in the noggin today.  So, while there is no way to write about all of them completely, I'm just going to hit the highlights.  They are absolutely not in any order.

• Gas prices went over 12 CENTS overnight!  What is happening?
  

• David Tejada is an incredible photographer that seemingly gets amazing opportunities to shoot incredible things all over the globe.  I love this shot from Northern Chile!

• After what I saw my dad go through late last year, I hate hearing  about people who are battling diseases without proper insurance, and thus without adequate  medical treatment.  This is not a political statement but rather one of spiritual foundation...it is not right just allow people to die simply because they are not able to afford exorbitant, over-inflated prices.  [Ok, that was a bit more than a statement...inspired by this article on cnn.com.]
  

• I will be hearing from New Balance early next week whether or not I move on to a 3rd round of interviews for a product photography position.
  

• My country is obsessed with the elusive pursuit of happiness, thinking that it comes from primarily these sources: money and youth.  Without these, we are led to believe that we don't amount to much.

• If we desire to see the following things manifested in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, then we need to realize that this is impossible without allowing God to completely control us.  Completely...that means 100% in everything.  [Scope out the book of Galatians, chapter 5 in the Bible for more on that.]
  

• When asked in an interview about where I get my inspiration to create from, I gave an answer.  But now, I think it was incomplete.  My complete answer would now be that I am inspired to create by trying to find beauty in the things around me -- anything from the mundane to the exotic.  The direct quote escapes me but I recall reading something from Brian McLaren about how all of creation is like art that God has displayed for us to enjoy.  If you think about that, you can truly find beauty everywhere.