Beautiful isn't it. This world we live in? "The heavens declare the glory of God." We've all felt it haven't we when we see something in nature so beautiful we want to become a part of it? When we hike to the top of a hill or mountain with a fabulous view, we realize how small we are. "What is man that you are mindful of him?"
None of this came into consideration when I first started my journey towards organic and ultimately green living. Being pregnant I just wanted what was best for my little baby to come. I had started to read stories in the news about early puberty in girls, increasing fertility issues, cancer on the rise, endocrine disruption (like my thyroid), and antibiotic resistance. Then as I incorporated the changes in my life to eat 98% organic at home, got rid of the Teflon, reduced my plastic use, and started using all natural cleaners. I began to read more and started to consider our treatment of animals and the earth. 
I had never consciously mistreated animals or "the earth" but I had never really thought about it either. As I read and watched more, I became convicted that as God's stewards of the earth, as a christian, I had to make conscious choices to "do no harm." I had to start asking myself were the clothes I was buying, because they were cheap, made in a sweatshop where workers are abused across the world? Did the farmers get a fair price for the coffee I was drinking? I know I can't change the world, but I can make small decisions one purchase at a time.
God says he will give us enough. Did I show this with my need to have a closet full of clothes? Did I really need one more pair of 15 dollar pants, or were the six I had at home enough? In my pursuit of organic, clean living I began to see my need to live a simpler more God centered life. I don't want my little girl to grow up always feeling like she needs more to be happy. Did I really believe God was enough? Did I trust Him to provide what I really need, not necessarily what I want. I found, and still find myself, holding on to what I want, not always trusting that God knows best; how silly of me. God wants us to limit our consumption. I don't need more. If I buy less I can pay more for what I buy giving others a fair wage for their labor. I can buy the meat that has lived a happy life on grass pastures. I don't really need more money; I need more of God. 1 Timothy 6: 17-19 " Instruct those who are rich (as an American I am rich compared to the rest of the world) in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed."
All of us are responsible for God's earth. We are stewards and it is on loan to us. God owns the cattle on a thousand hills (Psalm 50:10). I would not borrow something from my mother, trash it and give it back to her broken. The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof (Psalm 24:1). I will treat it and all in it with the respect it deserves. Because God deserves my respect. I know we live in a sin-filled world. It will never be perfect, I won't be perfect, but that doesn't excuse me and allow for me to tear it up. We are to rule over the earth, now as Christians, as co-heirs with Christ, I will manage his creation well. Just as Jesus brings healing to our lives, our souls, our emotions, our eternal destiny, my hope is I will bring healing through Him to ALL that is around me.
Photo credit " God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7
: this book has been one big encouragement to live fearlessly in the life God has given me.
: I started the year with this bible study. It has encouraged me to dig into 1 Peter. It is reminding me of the life of hope that I live in the midst of very real difficulties. How to face life with peace and power that touches other peoples lives.
This book has been a good reminder to me of what it means to slow down, and enjoy the relationships God has put in my life. It encourages me that life is more than what we own. It is the people we love and know. It reminds me to live a deliberate life and savor it.
Children change who we are. They shape us.
". It is written by a Christian couple who have spent their lives in ministry. Meaning they know what it means to live with "less". I picked it up because I was in need of inspiration and conviction. With the Christmas season coming on I had begun to think about all the money I don't have to buy the things I want. I needed to be reminded that this is a choice I have made so I have more time (which is worth more than money) to spend building relationships with those closest to me.
Contentment. Philippians 4: 11-13 