Day 50

This week marked the 50th day since the Deepwater Horizon oil rig exploded due to drilling, killing 11 and causing the largest off shore oil spill in US history.

It is estimated that 1,900,000 to 16,000,000 liters (500,000 to 4,200,000 US gallons) of oil is flowing out of the wellhead, although the exact rate is still unknown to the public.  The ongoing slick covers roughly 2,500 square miles. (For comparison, the slick covers an area about eight times the size of New York City.) There are also additional underwater plumes that will contribute to raising that toll. (cnn.com)

The implications that this ordeal holds for the livelihood of the residents of the area, as well as the various companies and people involved in the disaster itself are astounding.  The politics and finger pointing are not things I need to be involved with, but I do want to learn about the implications for my world.

The oil spill is an environmental disaster. As of June 8, volunteers from over 60 marine organizations worldwide had taken in over 1000 birds, 50 turtles, and are on a constant look out for a group of manatees that migrate to the gulf coast every summer.  These are only the animals that can be accounted for.  What about all the dolphins, whales and fish that call these waters home? The catastrophic effect that this will have on the ocean and land is something that will affect the planet for many years.

The further reaching implications of this event have made me take stop and ask myself: What am I accountable for?

Did I cause this oil spill?  No.

Am I guilty of causing damage to the planet daily in numerous other ways?  Yes.

We were given this earth by God:

“So God created man in His own image; He created him in the image of God; He created them male and female. God blessed them, and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. Rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, and every creature that crawls on the earth.’ God also said, ‘Look, I have given you every seed-bearing plant on the surface of the entire earth, and every tree whose fruit contains seed. This food will be for you, for all the wildlife of the earth, for every bird of the sky, and for every creature that crawls on the earth—everything having the breath of life in it. [I have given] every green plant for food.’ And it was so” (Genesis 1:27-30)

He gave it to us to guard, to care for, to respect, and to love:

“The Lord God took the man and placed him in the Garden of Eden to work it and watch over it” (Genesis 2:15)

When we willingly pollute our planet, when we abuse it by dirtying the air, and put poison into our waters for material gain, we are doing an injustice against our God:

“And I brought you into a plentiful land to enjoy its fruits and its good things. But when you came in, you defiled my land and made my heritage an abomination.” (Jeremiah 2:7)

Humans have marred the Earth time and time again:

“The Earth dries up and withers, the world languishes and withers, the exalted of the earth languish. The earth is defiled by its people; they have disobeyed the laws, violated the statutes and broken the everlasting covenant.” (Isaiah 24:4-5)

As Christians, it is clear that we are accountable to look after this planet. But how? Can I stop disasters such as this oil spill from happening?  I am hard pressed to think so.  Can I stop disasters such as emission rates from cars tainting the air and harmful detergents spilling into the world’s waters? Yes, I can.  There are attainable ways to begin to do our share in looking after the environment, such as:

•    Choosing to turn lights off to conserve energy
•    Taking the bus or carpooling
•    Choosing environmentally friendly detergent
•    Supporting animal conservations
•    Being aware of what materials products are made of
•    Financially supporting environment conservation volunteer agencies

These, and a multitude of other options, are at our fingertips.  How can we continue to say no?

This is not just a personal calling. It isn’t something that I have taken an interest in because I like wearing hemp and solely living off what I am able to grow. The soil beneath my feet is His, and I don’t want to return anything to God in sub-par condition. This is something that as a child of God I am called to do.

What accountability do you feel you have to caring for the earth?

Is there something in your life you would like to take action to change but aren’t sure how? Talk with a mentor about it

Last year we interviewed people to ask them what they have done to help the environment. Here’s what they said:

Earth Day is April 22. Have you taken any steps recently to be more environmentally friendly? Please share them with us!

Related reading:
Can you be an atheist and an environmentalist?

What’s a carbon footprint, and why would I want to reduce it?

The article states that “every American is responsible for about 22 tons of carbon dioxide emissions every year” which is “far above the world average of 6 tons per capita.” Not only will reducing your carbon footprint mean that you’re taking your own part in caring for the environment, it can also save you money!

Lisa Wise of the Center for a New American Dream offers fifteen ways you can start reducing your carbon footprint today. Some that I found most interesting include:

#5: Go Native. When landscaping around your home or business, try and buy local plants. They will probably grow better in that particular environment, and they had to travel a shorter distance to get to where you are. Also, use organic soil when planting: it was made in an eco-friendly way and uses less resources. And remember, green plants are a good way to offset carbon, so plant something–it helps.

#8: Switch it to Vacation Mode. Most water heaters have a setting you can switch to when you are going to be away from home traveling for an extended period of time. Switching the water heater to the vacation or away mode will still keep the water warm, but will not use the energy it takes to keep a tank full of piping hot water. You will enjoy that trip more knowing you are using less energy and saving money while you are away.

#9: Unplug It! Unplug appliances that you don’t use frequently. Most electronics have a standby mode that sucks energy even when not in use. Things like cell phone chargers and laptops should be unplugged when you are not using them. You will save energy and money with this simple step.

#15: Remember to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. It seems basic but in a capitalistic society like ours, sometimes we lose sight of just how much we buy. Try buying less and reusing things when you can. Your pockets won’t be as light and you will be doing your part to save the Earth–oh, you know what I mean.

Read the full list here. Have you started taking any steps to reduce your carbon footprint? Did any of these ideas resonate with you as something that you could start doing in order to help become better caretakers of the world that God has given us?

Struggling in your marriage? Talk to a mentor.

Join us for our Daily Devotional Chat today in our Women’s Chatroom at 10:30 am EST.

“But the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied” (Proverbs 13:4, NIV).

Life sometimes has a way of clouding our vision and keeping us in a fog. Day to day survival requires hard work, sometimes with a job or an environment that steals our joy. We hear stories of others chasing their dreams and becoming wildly successful while our own dreams fall silent.

Our deepest desire may be to get out of debt, to lose weight, to control our temper, or reunite with estranged friends or family, but there are no quick fixes. We quickly learn that our dragons are not easily slain.

Sometimes we wonder why it matters. Are we making a difference after all? The finish line to this particular path is so far in the distance, we consider it unattainable.  It is important to recognize that it takes a long term commitment to make permanent changes in our lifestyle. Diligence brings perseverance, as well as a host of other rewards that are well worth the wait.

Changes are made one step at a time, one day at a time and one minute at a time. By showing up each day, we prove to God that we are diligent, that we trust that He is leading us. Even better, we prove that we are willing to follow.

Dear God, show us where you are in the midst of our current trials. We want you to be a part of every facet of our lives. We long to honor you with our choices, and live the abundant life you promised. But today, we see no signs of abundance. If you promise to lead us from here to there, we promise to follow.   In Jesus name, Amen

Questions: Are you feeling discouraged and wondering if what you are doing really matters? Tell us about it. What do you consider should be your first step to help improve your situation?

About the author Janet Morris Grimes

“But the angel said to him: ‘Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John.’” (Luke 1:13, NIV)

I love the story of Zacharias and Elizabeth.  It is a story of hope; a powerful story revealing that our God is One who listens to our hearts cries and hears our prayers.
Recently, I had been reading through the story of John the Baptist’s conception and Christ’s birth in the gospel of Luke.

When the angel of the Lord came to Zacharias he said, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard”.  Zacharias and Elizabeth were old in age and remained barren.  As we know, in those days it was a shame to be barren.  When I read this story however, I began to wonder what it was truly like for Zacharias and Elizabeth.  What was it like to live knowing within themselves that they probably would never conceive, (unless it was a miracle) only for this moment to occur?

I began to imagine the years that Elizabeth and Zacharias spend in tumultuous  prayer, weeping before God, and grieving within their hearts over their barrenness.  I could almost hear their cry and see their faces turn numb over the years. Their hearts must have broken from grief and sorrow.  I’m sure they questioned and doubted where their God was in this seemingly “unanswered prayer”.  I thought about how they might have questioned God, but still remained faithful to Him and His Commandments.

And all the while, I could almost hear the voice of God calling from Heaven saying, “Just wait your time is coming!  You have no idea what I have in store for you. You don’t even have a clue of what I am about to bless you with.  Please wait and hold on a little longer!  Keep hoping, and even if you lose hope, I have still heard because I am God.  I am the One who hears the needs and the desires of my people.  And I have a purpose in all of this.  If you just wait, it will come to pass, and you will have what you desire.”

In truth, Zacharias and Elizabeth had no idea the plan that God had for them.  For years they had to trust God and stand on His faithfulness.  Eventually, out of Elizabeth’s womb would come the greatest Prophet of Old, paving the way for the Messiah, Jesus Christ Himself!

Here’s the thing:  God is in the business of resurrecting our dreams!  He longs for those things that He has placed inside of you to be accomplished.  And even when we lose hope, our prayers are never ever lost, rather they are heard by God, and God remembers them.

I want to encourage those of you who have prayed, and have longed for things to come to pass.   God hears your prayers and your cries!  He knows your hearts’ desires.  And, maybe, just maybe, He is holding out for something you couldn’t have even imagined!  And if you just hold on,  He will bring back to life and resurrect those desires that seem to have died long ago, in His perfect time.

Our God is a God of resurrected dreams!  Know that with God, nothing is impossible.

Heavenly Father, I pray for all those reading who have dreams that have died.  I pray God, that the Word over their lives would be accomplished and that you would fulfill the desires of their hearts.  I thank You for hearing their thoughts and knowing what You have placed within them even before the foundations of the earth were laid.  I thank You that You are faithful to perform Your Word.  I pray for a measure of hope to be reinstalled within them, and a faith to believe that with You, nothing is impossible.  In Jesus Name.  Amen.

Question: How do you see your own life paralleled in the lives of Zacharias and/or Elizabeth? What lessons does God have to teach you through their stories?

About the Author: Brigitte Straub

“And when I passed by you and saw you struggling in your own blood, I said to you in your blood, ‘Live!’ Then I washed you in water; yes, I thoroughly washed off your blood, and I anointed you with oil. I clothed you in embroidered cloth and gave you sandals of badger skin; I clothed you with fine linen and covered you with silk… You were exceedingly beautiful and succeeded to royalty.” (Ezekiel 16:6, 9, 10, 13, NKJV)

Do you remember it? Do you remember the day that your heavenly Father passed by your way, saw you in your blood, took you in, washed you off, and clothed you in beautiful royal clothing? Did you even realize the awesome thing that was happening to you? Do you understand that you went from being yesterday’s abandoned child, to today’s royal prince or princess, child of the King of Kings, and destined to rule the world?

Has life changed for you since that day? Have you embraced and walked in your new identity? Do you count yourself to be worthy because of what Christ did for you, and rise to the occasion to fulfill your destiny?

We are not orphans living in a King’s house.  We are His adopted children with full status as royal heirs. It is upon us to fully embrace all that we can and are meant to be. In that, we glorify God, bring honor and meaning to Christ’s sacrifice, and bring great joy to our Father in heaven.

“For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father.’ The Spirit Himself bears wittiness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then Heirs- heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ.”  (Romans 8:15-17, NKJV)

Father, Help me to show mercy to others as You have shown great mercy to me.  Amen.

Question: What does it mean to be “children of the King”?

About the Author: Emmie Stanley

We ate salmon skewers (frozen salmon), grilled baby bok choy, and a cream cheese and cherry pie filling puffed pastry (two out of the three ingredients for this have been with us for awhile).

All this to say, my sister-in-law told me that I was not the first to feel the need to clean out the pantry. Apparently the financial crisis has sparked an interest in what is being called Eating Down The Fridge.

So I decided this was worth looking into and was, at the same time, sure to satisfy my need to clear clutter, cook creatively and pursue a more balanced lifestyle. Googling the topic brought up many blogs and forums that were taking groups through this exercise and allowing them to share recipes, menus and experiences. A Mighty Appetite, a blog on washingtonpost.com, was where I started and found my way to eG Forums where I got some great ideas to eat down my own fridge. And freezer. And cupboards.

Fat Guy from eG Forums says,

If you spend $100 a week on groceries, this experiment will put $100 back in your pocket quicker than you can say stimulus. If you’re home 50 weeks of the year and you perform this experiment once per quarter, you’ll reduce your grocery bill by 8%.

That sounded good to me so I started by taking inventory of a random selection of what our kitchen held:

• unsweetened coconut flakes
• canned bamboo shoots
• dried chickpeas
• 3 packages of vanilla pudding
• toasted carob powder
• 1 can of chunky light tuna
• 1 bag of frozen peas
• dijon mustard
• 1 package of star anise
• 1 bag large marshmallows

This is about 1/10th of what was filling our kitchen. Kind of sad. So I tried the experiment for a week, building in some rules of my own to be sure we didn’t end up with scurvy.

The Rules

1. We could buy meat and veggies as long as the majority of the meal is made of current kitchen items.
2. We could buy ingredients for recipes as long as no more than 2 new ones are needs to complete the recipe.
3. We could buy staple perishables that we regularly use up including: coffee cream, soy milk, bran cereal and coffee beans.

Over the next seven days, with the help of the internet, I created recipes for the first time, ate food I had been avoiding, and learned that we never have “nothing in the house to eat”. I spent a total of $12.43 CAD on groceries and estimate that I saved $40-$50. I was amazed to see how much variety I still had in my diet, far beyond what most of the world can afford. Saving money was a perk (probably more enjoyed by my thrifty husband) but learning to think outside the box and gain an appreciation for what I already have was truly satisfying.

I feel challenged to think about how I can up the impact next time we try this. Maybe we’ll trying growing some of our own food to cut down on purchasing them permanently, or donate the money we save to the Food Bank. Has anyone else made lifestyle changes to save money or positively affect society?

Related reading: From Making Money to Giving it Away – Bobby received news that his adopted daughter had been killed in a car accident. Bobby finally broke. “I was a wreck,” he says.

The G8 leaders summit

US President Barack Obama is heading the Major Economies Forum, attended by all eight G8 nations (Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia and the United States) as well as Brazil, China, India, Mexico and South Africa. These nations are responsible for approximately 80% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions:

Despite the G-8 leaders’ pledge to cut emissions, developing nations may not follow suit — and G-8 leaders stopped short of calling on them to set specific targets.

Instead, they “called upon major emerging economies to undertake quantifiable actions to collectively reduce emissions significantly below business-as-usual by a specified year,” the White House said. (CNN)

Are you concerned about the environment and climate change? Do you think that meetings among world leaders such as the G8 summit are effective, or are different measures required to cause real change?

Related reading: Can you be an atheist and an environmentalist? – Sure, but the harder question is why?