Today is earth day. I love this day because I think there is always room for greater consideration of our planet. My husband and I got away this past weekend to a quiet resort is beautiful north county San Diego. Just the space away from the "noise" of life opened my eyes a little wider to the incredible beauty that surrounds us. (Being at a "tranquility pool" sipping mai tai's may have helped too.) I am not just talking about the background noise that makes up the soundtracks of our lives as mamas - you know, the bickering, the laughter, the singing, the clanging, the stomping, the sounds of trains tooting and cars vrooming, little pastel colored ponies giggling and frolicking in the prairies... There is also "noise" that we are so used to that we often don't even recognize it is there. I am talking about all the little things that occupy our brainy bandwidth in a day. Facebook, ipods, music, TV, blogs, racing from place to place with our "To Do List" ticking away in our heads. This is the noise that I think most often keeps us from looking up. Slowing down. Taking that deep breath and admiring the blue of the sky or the many shades of green on the trees.
So, earth day for me is not just about doing something for the earth to help its carbon count or making it a little greener. This is all so important, I really believe it is. But, earth day takes on a deeper reminder for me just to pause and consider this earth. The beauty that surrounds us every day. And for me, remembering that the same powerful hands that made the earth and colored the sky, are shaping my life. How can I feel overwhelmed about anything in my life when I truly consider that right in front of my eyes is a clear reminder that there is a big God with huge power and creativity at work in my life?
I want to have the posture, like the psalmist, who says, "I lift my eyes up to the mountains. Where does my help come from? My help comes from you - Maker of heaven. Creator of the earth."
I just have to pause long enough to lift my eyes to the mountains.
Lets make today a day that we breathe a little more slowly and maybe just sit for an extra moment to drink it in.
And then, in the spirit of wanting to take care of this big ball of beauty - maybe we could start a tradition of making an "Earth Day Resolution". It could be big or small - most importantly, make it something you are going to follow through on.
What is one thing you want to do this year in your home that will make it a little greener?
We have to leave you with this video of a friend of ours. She was paddling from the coast of California to Catalina Island (9 hours of rigorous exercise, y'all), and for 2 hours she had a whale traveling with her. There are beautiful layers to this story: Jodie took on this endeavor to raise money for breast cancer and to encourage her best friend to continue to fight her battle with breast cancer. And, the morning of the paddle, Jodie and her sister and friend prayed that God would reveal Himself in creation. Quite a revelation to have "Larry the Whale" swimming right at your feet. Check out Jodie's story.
Earth Day Resolutions
Today is earth day. I love this day because I think there is always room for greater consideration of our planet. My husband and I got away this past weekend to a quiet resort is beautiful north county San Diego. Just the space away from the "noise" of life opened my eyes a little wider to the incredible beauty that surrounds us. (Being at a "tranquility pool" sipping mai tai's may have helped too.) I am not just talking about the background noise that makes up the soundtracks of our lives as mamas - you know, the bickering, the laughter, the singing, the clanging, the stomping, the sounds of trains tooting and cars vrooming, little pastel colored ponies giggling and frolicking in the prairies... There is also "noise" that we are so used to that we often don't even recognize it is there. I am talking about all the little things that occupy our brainy bandwidth in a day. Facebook, ipods, music, TV, blogs, racing from place to place with our "To Do List" ticking away in our heads. This is the noise that I think most often keeps us from looking up. Slowing down. Taking that deep breath and admiring the blue of the sky or the many shades of green on the trees.
So, earth day for me is not just about doing something for the earth to help its carbon count or making it a little greener. This is all so important, I really believe it is. But, earth day takes on a deeper reminder for me just to pause and consider this earth. The beauty that surrounds us every day. And for me, remembering that the same powerful hands that made the earth and colored the sky, are shaping my life. How can I feel overwhelmed about anything in my life when I truly consider that right in front of my eyes is a clear reminder that there is a big God with huge power and creativity at work in my life?
I want to have the posture, like the psalmist, who says, "I lift my eyes up to the mountains. Where does my help come from? My help comes from you - Maker of heaven. Creator of the earth."
I just have to pause long enough to lift my eyes to the mountains.
Lets make today a day that we breathe a little more slowly and maybe just sit for an extra moment to drink it in.
And then, in the spirit of wanting to take care of this big ball of beauty - maybe we could start a tradition of making an "Earth Day Resolution". It could be big or small - most importantly, make it something you are going to follow through on.
What is one thing you want to do this year in your home that will make it a little greener?
We have to leave you with this video of a friend of ours. She was paddling from the coast of California to Catalina Island (9 hours of rigorous exercise, y'all), and for 2 hours she had a whale traveling with her. There are beautiful layers to this story: Jodie took on this endeavor to raise money for breast cancer and to encourage her best friend to continue to fight her battle with breast cancer. And, the morning of the paddle, Jodie and her sister and friend prayed that God would reveal Himself in creation. Quite a revelation to have "Larry the Whale" swimming right at your feet. Check out Jodie's story.
married, mom of 4 : desperately trying to avoid buying a minivan : has a goal to fix her own lunch instead of grazing off her children : resident expert on psychology and sarcasm, regularly fantasizes about sleeping in, blogs at Rage Against the Minivan.
married, mom of 2 : has googled “developmental milestones” more times than she can count : loves all things truly healthy and organic : resident expert on creativity and healthy living : regularly fantasizes about her kids sharing, blogs at Leaning In.
married, mom of two : has been known to rap to get the kids to do what she wants : over-thinks and second-guesses far too often : working on improving her skills in all areas of “playing cars”, blogs at The Extraordinary Ordinary.
married, mom of 2. jane of all trades, master of none: constantly battling her pack-rat tendencies: lover of pretty stationary, nap time, and playing hostess: born a New Yorker, grew up a Texan, currently masquerading as a California girl : always gets what she wants but never the way she expects it, blogs at Formerly Gracie
married, mom of 3 exuberant children ages 7, 8 and 9; struggling to balance work as a writer with the kids’ demanding schedules; on a mission to get the kids to eat healthy, adventurous “grown up” food; resident expert in pre-‘tween backtalk; blogs at Whatever Things Are True and Be Bold or Go Home.
married, mom of 2 (one a missionary, the other a hostage negotiator), co-founder of Radiate PR (rad PR skilz used for building harmonious family brand - oh, and for consumer-tech clients too), resident expert on good kid reads, blogs at ReadOutLoud.
resident stylist and beauty expert : has a "costa rican" peaceful vibe flowing through her veins, runs her own salon and spa and creates natural beauty products and candles, she might be speaking English but she thinks in Spanish, blogs at Meleesa, the salon.
married, three children, former pastry chef who can bake a cake, pretend to love boy sports and be a fierce advocate for her severely disabled child all at once; loves to steal away to daytime movies whenever she can and reads voraciously into the night; blogs regularly at a moon, worn as if it had been a shell.
On The Menu
GOING GRANOLA ideas for going green, eating well, and living organically with your family. just a little bit crunchy . . . but in small, bite-sized pieces. one step at a time.
TALK BACK we want to hear from you! we ask the thought-provoking (or completely random) questions, you answer.
SOUL MAMA the place for self-care and soul-care. because when mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy.
INSPIRED MAMA creative & inspirational ideas for you and your kids. glue gun not required.
SHORTCUTS work smarter, not harder. advice & tips to make your job a little easier.
PRODUCTS stressing over which baby sling, carseat, or stroller is best? we’ve tested them, and we’ll give you the lowdown.
RECIPES fast and healthy food your family will love. nuff said.
