I am passionately green. I know that is taboo is some circles, but being a tree loving hippie is not a bad thing. It's not earth worship to protect the planet that God has given us, it's good stewardship.
I have been reading about deforeststation in this week's edition of The Economist www.economist.com/node/17062713 . It is heart wrenching to me. I think that having a global perspective is essential to being an actualized human being. Caring about the well being of others, the planet and our future is something we should all do.
This article got me to thinking about the little things we can all do to make a BIG difference. If we could learn to let go of some of our luxuries in life and live simply the world would be a much better place. Giving up meat for example makes a HUGE impact on everyone and everything.
Consider, if we stopped eating cows what a difference it would make! Cows need to grow to a large size in order to be slaughtered and made into edible meats for profit. To grow they need food, namely corn in the US. Though not at all their natural diet, cows are fed corn now. In order to have enough corn to feed said cows, acre upon acre of land is used for agriculture. Land that could other wise be in a natural state such as a forest or wetland. These cows give off methane, a powerful green house gas that leads to global warming (sorry folks but to say global warming is a myth is equivalent to saying water doesn't quench thirst). Raising a cow not only involves the land the animal occupies but the land that all of its food comes from, the water the animal drinks and the water the crops need to grow, fertilizers for the crops, pesticides, the antibiotics injected into the animal to make it suitable for consumption after living in it's own feces, etc. Making a cow into meat involves so called "farms" transporting the animal to a slaughter house (carbon emissions), where they are inhumanely butchered, processed and packaged for sale, all of which pollutes the environment. All for our precious beef which is in fact toxic to our health anyway.
Contrast that with eating a natural vegetarian diet. Or better yet an organic vegetarian diet. No pesticides, unnatural fertilizers, methane, fewer carbon emissions, and natural whole foods in their original state. I'd rather have that!
Reading about the devastation deforestation is causing reminds me of this. One seemingly small and distant thing that impacts millions, everyday life and every person on the planet.
It's a terrible battle between our growing population, need for food, need for jobs, and maintaining a planet that is slowly dying because of our negligence. For hundreds of years we have devastated this planet and it's only going to get worse if we don't wake up and make some changes.
I for one want to be able to tell my grandchildren that I did everything I could to help them have a beautiful home. If you need inspiration I highly suggest getting a copy of the dvd series, Planet Earth. It's extraordinary and will change how you see our planet.
My hubby and I are also passionate about kids. Did you know that for slightly over $1 a day you can feed, clothe, educated, shelter and provide for spiritual teaching to a child? It's amazing. If Americans gave up their daily coffee they could support 3 kids a month for the same money. If we gave up our cable tv 4 more kids would not starve to death or die of preventable illnesses. Our silly conveniences that take away our resources that could be put to better use. If you feel convicted in this I encourage you to check out World Vision. They are a wonderful ministry helping kids all over the world. Please take the time to think about it. The selfishness of mankind will no doubt we our downfall.
Next on the topics to come: women's rights
Yes, I am a tree hugger, hippie, cloth diapering mama, women's right activist, member of PETA, avid feminist and most importantly lover of Jesus. It really does all go together, I promise :-)
Monday, September 27, 2010
Saturday, September 18, 2010
I am no accident
Hi! My name is Cyrena. You may not know me, but I'm kind of a big deal.
Today is the Day of Atonement and you know something? I'm going to observe it a bit differently this year. Last night was spent lamenting my sins and seeking forgiveness, coupled with a deep awareness of how far I still need to go. Today will be spent giving thanks and praise to God that I AM forgiven and forever written into the book of Life. Praise Yeshua! I have a thankful heart this morning.
I don't want what I have today to be short lasting. I want it to be life changing.
I'm Cyrena and I'm kind of a big deal. I was no accident! My life was divinely planned and I was born for this exact time in history. Everything in my life thus far has been preparing me and leading me to this very season of life. I am so deeply and passionately loved by the creator of the universe that my entire being and life experiences have all been his drawing me near. To Him, I'm a very big deal. I am the daughter of a good Father, the King in fact.
Quote of the day: "He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose." -Jim Elliot
Today is the Day of Atonement and you know something? I'm going to observe it a bit differently this year. Last night was spent lamenting my sins and seeking forgiveness, coupled with a deep awareness of how far I still need to go. Today will be spent giving thanks and praise to God that I AM forgiven and forever written into the book of Life. Praise Yeshua! I have a thankful heart this morning.
I don't want what I have today to be short lasting. I want it to be life changing.
I'm Cyrena and I'm kind of a big deal. I was no accident! My life was divinely planned and I was born for this exact time in history. Everything in my life thus far has been preparing me and leading me to this very season of life. I am so deeply and passionately loved by the creator of the universe that my entire being and life experiences have all been his drawing me near. To Him, I'm a very big deal. I am the daughter of a good Father, the King in fact.
Quote of the day: "He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose." -Jim Elliot
Friday, September 17, 2010
Want what you have
The key to happiness is not having what you want, but wanting what you have.
Or so they say.
I'm working on it.
I am such an ill content person these days. It seems that nothing is ever good enough lately. Sure, it doesn't help that my son is teething like a bear and driving us both bonkers, we have all been sick and a number of other things, but still.
I have been given a lot of blessings and I need to acknowledge them.
Especially in this season.
This is the season of the fall festivals in the Bible. During this time we celebrate Yom Teruah (the day of blowing trumpets), Yom Kippur (the day of atonement) and Sukkot (the feast of booths). Each of these has so much meaning and depth to them that I could not possibly write enough about them. I could not attempt to explain them in fair detail here. Let it suffice to say this: during Yom Teruah we spend the day blowing trumpets as the Hebrews did in the past. The sound of the shofar was to awaken the people to battle that was coming and basically say, "it's time, get ready." During Yom Teruah we blow shofars (ram's horn) today for a similar meaning on this time it is an awakening to Yom Kippur be around the corner. In essence we are saying, "wake up! The day of atonement is on it's way! Be prepared and repent you sins, God is coming to bring judgment for the year to come and to atone for your sins."
The days in between the two are called the days of awe. These 10 days we repent of our sins, ask for forgiveness and turn back to God. It is a time of preparation. Yom Kippur is the most solemn day in the Hebrew calendar. On this day, we fast and lament our sins before God. We acknowledge our wretchedness and total dependence on Him. In Messianic circles we also give thanks to Jesus who has once and for all time saved us from our sins. It is an important day and it is believed that it is the one day of the year that God decides our next year of life: whether it will be filled with blessing or curses.
Following Yom Kippur we have Sukkot, my favorite of them all. It is a time where families build sukkahs (basically a temporary building in the back yard designed for eating in with an open roof to see the stars) and enjoy hospitality. We celebrate that God dwells with us. We celebrate a great harvest with food. In Messianic circles we celebrate the birth of Christ as well (perfect to do in a holiday about God dwelling with us). Sukkot lasts for 8 days and in those days we are commanded biblically to rejoice. It's a wonderful time.
Now that is a VERY abbreviated description of the fall holy days but it gives you the gist. This is an important season for self reflection, gratitude, and repentance. In my own reflections I have discovered that this year my greatest sin seems to be a mixture of arrogance, selfishness and lack of thanksgiving. I have not been wanting what I have and therefore I have been unhappy. Ironically as much as I already dislike the toddler phase, I have been very much acting like a toddler this year. Whining when i don't get what I want, getting angry when I don't understand something, frustrated by the fences in my life that keep me from wandering into danger, etc.
May God forgive me for not acknowledging my blessings! I really need to refocus and look at my life through heaven's eyes. I have been given so much. Though this year has very much been a season of valleys for me I am hoping and praying for better days to come. Valleys are seasons of preparation and training. I hope that I have gained enough to move forward. I so want to spend the next year rejoicing with God and my family. Wanting what I have and being content in every situation.
May you and yours be inscribed in the book of Life!
Or so they say.
I'm working on it.
I am such an ill content person these days. It seems that nothing is ever good enough lately. Sure, it doesn't help that my son is teething like a bear and driving us both bonkers, we have all been sick and a number of other things, but still.
I have been given a lot of blessings and I need to acknowledge them.
Especially in this season.
This is the season of the fall festivals in the Bible. During this time we celebrate Yom Teruah (the day of blowing trumpets), Yom Kippur (the day of atonement) and Sukkot (the feast of booths). Each of these has so much meaning and depth to them that I could not possibly write enough about them. I could not attempt to explain them in fair detail here. Let it suffice to say this: during Yom Teruah we spend the day blowing trumpets as the Hebrews did in the past. The sound of the shofar was to awaken the people to battle that was coming and basically say, "it's time, get ready." During Yom Teruah we blow shofars (ram's horn) today for a similar meaning on this time it is an awakening to Yom Kippur be around the corner. In essence we are saying, "wake up! The day of atonement is on it's way! Be prepared and repent you sins, God is coming to bring judgment for the year to come and to atone for your sins."
The days in between the two are called the days of awe. These 10 days we repent of our sins, ask for forgiveness and turn back to God. It is a time of preparation. Yom Kippur is the most solemn day in the Hebrew calendar. On this day, we fast and lament our sins before God. We acknowledge our wretchedness and total dependence on Him. In Messianic circles we also give thanks to Jesus who has once and for all time saved us from our sins. It is an important day and it is believed that it is the one day of the year that God decides our next year of life: whether it will be filled with blessing or curses.
Following Yom Kippur we have Sukkot, my favorite of them all. It is a time where families build sukkahs (basically a temporary building in the back yard designed for eating in with an open roof to see the stars) and enjoy hospitality. We celebrate that God dwells with us. We celebrate a great harvest with food. In Messianic circles we celebrate the birth of Christ as well (perfect to do in a holiday about God dwelling with us). Sukkot lasts for 8 days and in those days we are commanded biblically to rejoice. It's a wonderful time.
Now that is a VERY abbreviated description of the fall holy days but it gives you the gist. This is an important season for self reflection, gratitude, and repentance. In my own reflections I have discovered that this year my greatest sin seems to be a mixture of arrogance, selfishness and lack of thanksgiving. I have not been wanting what I have and therefore I have been unhappy. Ironically as much as I already dislike the toddler phase, I have been very much acting like a toddler this year. Whining when i don't get what I want, getting angry when I don't understand something, frustrated by the fences in my life that keep me from wandering into danger, etc.
May God forgive me for not acknowledging my blessings! I really need to refocus and look at my life through heaven's eyes. I have been given so much. Though this year has very much been a season of valleys for me I am hoping and praying for better days to come. Valleys are seasons of preparation and training. I hope that I have gained enough to move forward. I so want to spend the next year rejoicing with God and my family. Wanting what I have and being content in every situation.
May you and yours be inscribed in the book of Life!
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Feeling accomplished, scared, and thankful
It's the little things in life that make all the difference.
Today I visited my mom who has been having a stressful season.
Caught up with a dear friend I haven't talked to in ages.
Cleaned out my car and stroller!
Went on a run.
Not a whole lot to most people but to me it made all the difference in my little world. Doing just one small thing for myself everyday is a tremendous gift and makes all the difference in my sanity.
Today I have been pondering the fact that my dear son is now a toddler. It is inevitable that he will start pressing boundaries at every opportunity and I will have to start being more than just the loving doting mother. This is where real parenting beings.
Like any other feat in my life I have decided to start this season with massive amounts of research. I have checked out somewhere around 4 books from my library as a start. I want to give my kid the best I can and I realize that parenting "by the book" rarely works, but hey a little help can't hurt either! On a side note- I love libraries! It's like going to a bookstore where everything is free. Makes my little heart happy and I plan to renew my love of literature with a passion in the weeks to come.
I'm a bit scared of raising a toddler. Even with all my experience in childcare it's daunting. I mean, this is MY kid. If I screw him up, that's on me. It's an entirely different animal to create and establish your own set of discipline, potty training, sharing strategies, etc. than to simply enforce what another parent has already set their mind to. It's overwhelming and I honestly feel like I'm not going to do a great job :-( I hope I'm wrong.
Every bit of motherhood has pushed me to my limits and made me a stronger better person for it, I have no doubt this season will be much of the same.
On a happy note I will now continue to the entire reason I stated blogging tonight. I need to give massive praise to God!
All my life I have struggled with asthma. For as long as I can remember my inhaler has been my constant companion. I could never go anywhere without it for risk and fear that I would not be able to breathe. Anyone who has ever felt that way knows how frightening that feeling is. It's horrific and I would not wish it on anyone.
Randomly a couple weeks ago I went for a run. Usually I take my inhaler preventatively knowing that I will need it. Well, that day I forgot to. After I ran 4 miles in 40 minutes I realized that I didn't use it, and I COULD STILL BREATHE! It was shocking.
The next day I thought why not try it again? So I skipped my meds and went for it and again, I was fine! For the rest of the week I went for daily runs and did not need it once. I could BREATHE!
I have not done anything to change my dependence on my inhaler. I eat the same things I used to, I still have the same allergies, etc. So there is no major explanation for this miracle. I could say that I've: 1.) outgrown my asthma, 2.) Got in such amazing shape that my body healed itself, 3.) recovered due to my natural cleaning products and use of lavender essential oil at night or 4.) God healed me.
Of all those options I have to say that the most plausible to me is that God has given me a miraculous gift and healed my lungs. I CAN BREATHE! I know that Jesus loves me because I can breathe :-) It's incredible. Glory to the LORD on high! Thank you for restoring my body to its original design. Thank You for breaking my dependency on drugs. Thank You for this incredible gift!
Ok world, I'm off to bed. I have a sick kiddo that will need me bright and early tomorrow morning. Praying that he, my hubby and I are all well!
Ciao bebe
Today I visited my mom who has been having a stressful season.
Caught up with a dear friend I haven't talked to in ages.
Cleaned out my car and stroller!
Went on a run.
Not a whole lot to most people but to me it made all the difference in my little world. Doing just one small thing for myself everyday is a tremendous gift and makes all the difference in my sanity.
Today I have been pondering the fact that my dear son is now a toddler. It is inevitable that he will start pressing boundaries at every opportunity and I will have to start being more than just the loving doting mother. This is where real parenting beings.
Like any other feat in my life I have decided to start this season with massive amounts of research. I have checked out somewhere around 4 books from my library as a start. I want to give my kid the best I can and I realize that parenting "by the book" rarely works, but hey a little help can't hurt either! On a side note- I love libraries! It's like going to a bookstore where everything is free. Makes my little heart happy and I plan to renew my love of literature with a passion in the weeks to come.
I'm a bit scared of raising a toddler. Even with all my experience in childcare it's daunting. I mean, this is MY kid. If I screw him up, that's on me. It's an entirely different animal to create and establish your own set of discipline, potty training, sharing strategies, etc. than to simply enforce what another parent has already set their mind to. It's overwhelming and I honestly feel like I'm not going to do a great job :-( I hope I'm wrong.
Every bit of motherhood has pushed me to my limits and made me a stronger better person for it, I have no doubt this season will be much of the same.
On a happy note I will now continue to the entire reason I stated blogging tonight. I need to give massive praise to God!
All my life I have struggled with asthma. For as long as I can remember my inhaler has been my constant companion. I could never go anywhere without it for risk and fear that I would not be able to breathe. Anyone who has ever felt that way knows how frightening that feeling is. It's horrific and I would not wish it on anyone.
Randomly a couple weeks ago I went for a run. Usually I take my inhaler preventatively knowing that I will need it. Well, that day I forgot to. After I ran 4 miles in 40 minutes I realized that I didn't use it, and I COULD STILL BREATHE! It was shocking.
The next day I thought why not try it again? So I skipped my meds and went for it and again, I was fine! For the rest of the week I went for daily runs and did not need it once. I could BREATHE!
I have not done anything to change my dependence on my inhaler. I eat the same things I used to, I still have the same allergies, etc. So there is no major explanation for this miracle. I could say that I've: 1.) outgrown my asthma, 2.) Got in such amazing shape that my body healed itself, 3.) recovered due to my natural cleaning products and use of lavender essential oil at night or 4.) God healed me.
Of all those options I have to say that the most plausible to me is that God has given me a miraculous gift and healed my lungs. I CAN BREATHE! I know that Jesus loves me because I can breathe :-) It's incredible. Glory to the LORD on high! Thank you for restoring my body to its original design. Thank You for breaking my dependency on drugs. Thank You for this incredible gift!
Ok world, I'm off to bed. I have a sick kiddo that will need me bright and early tomorrow morning. Praying that he, my hubby and I are all well!
Ciao bebe
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Toddler
My son is officially a toddler. Jeff called him a toddler yesterday so that makes it official. I can't think of him as anything but my baby but if my hubby can then it must be so.
Toddlers are very funny people. Jabbering constantly though no one really understands what they are saying. Walking everywhere and no where in particular. Terrorizing every innocent home we should happen to be visiting. Pointing at everything. Asserting that everything they see is in fact theirs and always has been. And yet still very baby like in their need to be held, cared for, kissed after owies, ets. I love my growing boy. Each day with him is a whole new adventure.
On his list of words, J can now say consistently:
mama
dada
nana (banana)
dog
cat
meow
baby
ball
Beats the crap out of the 1-3 words 1 year old are supposed to know! My little genius :-)
My toddler has recently decided that diaper changes lack dignity and he does not want to participate willingly in them any more. The typical change goes something like this:
Me: Ok time to change your nappies
Judah shakes his head no
I lay him on the changing table
Judah screams, arches his back and attempts to roll off
I calmly roll him over and say, "It's just a diaper change it's ok."
I get the dirty cloth diaper off just in time for my now half naked son to roll over and stand up on the changing table.
So I grab him and put him the the crib where he is delighted to be naked and free
I take care of the diaper and get a new one ready.
I lay him down and he flips over. This happens about 3-4 times before I actually get the diaper on him.
Then I get him out of the crib and let him walk around him room while I attempt to get his shorts back on before he has time to take the clean diaper off again.
Good times.
Another toddler change is his suddenly very strong opinion on everything. He has taken to tasting everything we put him front of him by either licking it first or putting it in this mouth only to spit it out. Or he will refuse to eat his meals but 10 minutes later walks over to the high chair and eats the discarded food off the chair and surrounding floor (don't worry there's a tarp under him). If we hand him the wrong toy he lets us know by snorting in anger. If he wants to be carried, not pushed in the stroller he throws a fit. Just a few examples. I know it is a season of asserting independence and testing boundaries so consistency is now my best friend.
Life as I knew it is now in constantly metamorphosis. No day will ever be boring again! Especially if Jeff gets his way and we end up with another little one in the next year or so.
Todays adventure: Taste of Colorado in downtown Denver. We'll see how that one goes...
Toddlers are very funny people. Jabbering constantly though no one really understands what they are saying. Walking everywhere and no where in particular. Terrorizing every innocent home we should happen to be visiting. Pointing at everything. Asserting that everything they see is in fact theirs and always has been. And yet still very baby like in their need to be held, cared for, kissed after owies, ets. I love my growing boy. Each day with him is a whole new adventure.
On his list of words, J can now say consistently:
mama
dada
nana (banana)
dog
cat
meow
baby
ball
Beats the crap out of the 1-3 words 1 year old are supposed to know! My little genius :-)
My toddler has recently decided that diaper changes lack dignity and he does not want to participate willingly in them any more. The typical change goes something like this:
Me: Ok time to change your nappies
Judah shakes his head no
I lay him on the changing table
Judah screams, arches his back and attempts to roll off
I calmly roll him over and say, "It's just a diaper change it's ok."
I get the dirty cloth diaper off just in time for my now half naked son to roll over and stand up on the changing table.
So I grab him and put him the the crib where he is delighted to be naked and free
I take care of the diaper and get a new one ready.
I lay him down and he flips over. This happens about 3-4 times before I actually get the diaper on him.
Then I get him out of the crib and let him walk around him room while I attempt to get his shorts back on before he has time to take the clean diaper off again.
Good times.
Another toddler change is his suddenly very strong opinion on everything. He has taken to tasting everything we put him front of him by either licking it first or putting it in this mouth only to spit it out. Or he will refuse to eat his meals but 10 minutes later walks over to the high chair and eats the discarded food off the chair and surrounding floor (don't worry there's a tarp under him). If we hand him the wrong toy he lets us know by snorting in anger. If he wants to be carried, not pushed in the stroller he throws a fit. Just a few examples. I know it is a season of asserting independence and testing boundaries so consistency is now my best friend.
Life as I knew it is now in constantly metamorphosis. No day will ever be boring again! Especially if Jeff gets his way and we end up with another little one in the next year or so.
Todays adventure: Taste of Colorado in downtown Denver. We'll see how that one goes...
Friday, September 3, 2010
Friendship
Something I have been pondering a lot lately is the nature of friendship. I feel like one can fight and fight to keep relationships alive and so often they die off. Why is that?
I have been blessed with a few friends in my life I would consider forever people. The kind where you have such an intimate and open connection that it doesn't matter how much time passes between you, it's easy to pick up right where you left off. I have maybe a handful of those people in my life and for them I am eternally thankful.
Yet the rest... it feels like a losing battle much of the time.
It makes me sad. I know it's a natural progression in life. That you meet new people, we change, we grow and life goes on. I KNOW that. It doesn't make it any less difficult. It doesn't make it any less lonely.
From the outside I seem to have a lot of support and great people in my life. That is only partly true. I have hundreds of acquaintances and very very few friends. There are a great deal of people that have touched my life in one way or another, or that I share a commonality with, or that I happen to know someone they know, but true friendship is hard to find and even more difficult to keep. Life can be pretty lonely.
To me friendship is a lot like that country song:
"You find out who your friends are
Sombody who's gonna drop everything
Run out and crank up their car
Hit the gas, get there fast
Never stop and think "what's in it for me?" or "it's way too far"
They just show on up with their big ol' heart
You find out who your friends are"
This has been a difficult and challenging year. I have grown a lot as a person and perhaps I have just "changed" too much for some people (parenthood will do that). Sadly there have been VERY few people who have cared enough to stay part of my life, let alone just called to check in. I won't lie, it hurts.
When I had my son people swarmed us. When he had colic and reflux most folks vanished.
When we stopped going to our church because it was too difficult with the baby no one noticed, and if they did they didn't call. We could have been on the brink of divorce and no one would have cared enough to just "check in."
When I posted things about being severely depressed, only two people made sure to check in on me.
The list could go on.
I know friendship is reciprocal. I honestly try my best to make connections. Ask those who make and effort for me and they will agree. I'm just tired of being forgotten unless it's convenient. I'm hurt that so few people try. I have made an honest effort, there's not much else I can do but sit by and watch old friendships die. Maybe it's me. Maybe I'm just not worthwhile.
Ok. No more sad thinking. On to better things in life. . .
I have been blessed with a few friends in my life I would consider forever people. The kind where you have such an intimate and open connection that it doesn't matter how much time passes between you, it's easy to pick up right where you left off. I have maybe a handful of those people in my life and for them I am eternally thankful.
Yet the rest... it feels like a losing battle much of the time.
It makes me sad. I know it's a natural progression in life. That you meet new people, we change, we grow and life goes on. I KNOW that. It doesn't make it any less difficult. It doesn't make it any less lonely.
From the outside I seem to have a lot of support and great people in my life. That is only partly true. I have hundreds of acquaintances and very very few friends. There are a great deal of people that have touched my life in one way or another, or that I share a commonality with, or that I happen to know someone they know, but true friendship is hard to find and even more difficult to keep. Life can be pretty lonely.
To me friendship is a lot like that country song:
"You find out who your friends are
Sombody who's gonna drop everything
Run out and crank up their car
Hit the gas, get there fast
Never stop and think "what's in it for me?" or "it's way too far"
They just show on up with their big ol' heart
You find out who your friends are"
This has been a difficult and challenging year. I have grown a lot as a person and perhaps I have just "changed" too much for some people (parenthood will do that). Sadly there have been VERY few people who have cared enough to stay part of my life, let alone just called to check in. I won't lie, it hurts.
When I had my son people swarmed us. When he had colic and reflux most folks vanished.
When we stopped going to our church because it was too difficult with the baby no one noticed, and if they did they didn't call. We could have been on the brink of divorce and no one would have cared enough to just "check in."
When I posted things about being severely depressed, only two people made sure to check in on me.
The list could go on.
I know friendship is reciprocal. I honestly try my best to make connections. Ask those who make and effort for me and they will agree. I'm just tired of being forgotten unless it's convenient. I'm hurt that so few people try. I have made an honest effort, there's not much else I can do but sit by and watch old friendships die. Maybe it's me. Maybe I'm just not worthwhile.
Ok. No more sad thinking. On to better things in life. . .
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