The Story of Bottled Water

I few months ago I came across a Local Food Sunday School Curriculum published by a website called The Thoughtful Christian.

At the time I was struggling to make any commitment to changing my lifestyle because it felt overwhelming and in some ways hypocritical. The beginning of the curriculum addressed this issue and was very meaningful to me so I thought I would share.

"The complexity of these issues often feels overwhelming, and sometimes we are tempted to throw up our hands in despair and defeat. The problems are so big, so many so multifaceted. What is one person or one family to do in the face of such a massive and often opaque system?

Thanks be to God, there are many practical things we can do to attend to the sources of our food...it is important to acknowledge the sense of being overwhelmed. For the truth is we are enmeshed within the current system of food production, and we will almost inevitably be complicit in that system, no matter how much we want not to be. As Christians, then, it seems to me our first response, before we do anything, should be one of repentance, an acknowledgement that we have erred, that we will continue to err, and that we desperately need God's mercy. Only after confessing out complicity in the destructive systems by which we procure our food and receiving the assurance of pardon God offers us can we take action that flows not from debilitating guilt but from liberating grace."

I am not sure why the website I posted yesterday isn't linking. Here is the video:

The Story of Bottled Water

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One down, three to go

Week one of the 100 mile diet is complete! I can't say it has been easy and I can't say that I have done a great job of sticking to it. Just ask the boys that I live with--they have been watching me like a hawk! Overall I did well but sometimes I just needed a snack and I certainly am not about to turn down free food--even if it isn't local! So yes, I cheated. But being strict about the diet or depriving myself of food that I have a craving for is not what this is about. It is about being intentional about the food I buy and consume. It is about being aware of where my food comes from and how it tastes. It is about connecting with the local community and land.

The worst part of the diet is the cost. It is sad for two reasons. The first is that I ripped a hole in my favorite jeans and I can't afford to replace them this month because I am buying fresh fish. The second (and more important) reason is that fresh, sustainable, high quality food should not be a luxury. We need a food system that provides fresh, sustainable, high quality food to everyone--rich or poor.

In other news...

Today is World Water Day. An article in the Huffington Post states that "Nearly a billion people -- one-sixth of the world's population -- have no access to safe drinking water, 2.6 billion people lack adequate sanitation, and more than 3 million people die from water-related diseases each year. Forty-six percent of people on Earth do not have water piped to their homes, and much of the burden of collecting water falls to women -- women in developing countries walk an average of 3.7 miles to get water."

A billion people with no access to safe drinking water!?! I know I use more than my share of water and I admit that I am guilty of having bought a plastic bottle of water. Something else I suppose I should add to my list of things to be aware of and intentional about...ugh. A new article and video by Annie Leonard explores the ridiculous industry of bottled water. It is here if you are interested:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/annie-leonard/the-story-of-bottled-wate_b_507942.html

trying to be a good steward

Last week I decided that I needed a new hobby. Running was fun but my body (my foot in particular) needs some time to recover. After much deliberation I choose eating to be my new hobby. More specifically I decided to try (for one month) a 100 mile diet. I figure I can replace the time I spent running with grocery shopping, cooking, and eating!

http://100milediet.org/why-eat-local

I went o the farmers market this weekend and officially started the diet on Monday. I had Louisiana strawberries for breakfast and for dinner made egg salad (with local spicy mayo). For lunch I went out to eat. Obviously going out for lunch does not fit into the diet but I had previously decided on two "cheats." One is coffee. I am simply not ready to give up my caffeine addiction. The second "cheat" is shared meals. I often meet with my mentor or a colleague over a meal and every Sunday my house has family dinner. This community element is too important to me to give up for even a month. Many "locavore" blogs talk about a 100 mile diet by the percentage of local foods consumed. I would guess about 80 to 90 percent of my diet the next month will be local.

Not only does this give me something to put time and energy into while my foot heals, it supports local economy and reduces my carbon foot print on the earth. The following animation is the best things I have found to explain the problems with out current food system. It is a little long and the animation is not stellar but the information is clear and concise. If you don't know much about the dangers of our food system I would recommend it!

(I deleted the video because I got tired of hearing the music every time I visit my blog...google "true cost of food" and you will find it)

Thanks to everyone who has supported me in my marathon endeavor the past several months. A special thanks to those in New Orleans that came out and cheered for me on the course--it made a huge difference! At the end of this long (and painful) journey, I have raised $2144 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and finished 26.2 miles in 5:27:39. Hopefully I will be able to walk again soon =)

What would Jesus do?

It is a safe bet that if my blog layout changes I am procrastinating. Today I am putting off finishing my seminary application. Another means by which I procrastinate is to read blogs of friends and fellow YAVs. While reading a new friends blog I came across videos from a BBC show that I had to share!



We are reminded on Sundays that we should pray with the confidence of children. Perhaps we should consider asking questions with intensity, eagerness, and inhibition of children as well! While we laugh at the seemingly ridiculous questions of Ben and Karen, they address some serious theological questions and concerns that many Christians share. Why doesn't this all powerful God just fix all the bad and the suffering in the world? Why do we not have everything we think we need--like a sun that will shine forever! Why does God allow evil to exist? Why does Jesus put up with our nonsense--with our selfishness? Why did God send His only son to die for our sins?

As someone who is interested in ministry I also think this video is a reminder to be patient and willing to teach those that have questions. It is also a reminder to be prepared!

Here is one more clip from the show. There are more on youtube if you are interested.

The Amazing Race

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

I have two "races" to coming up in my life. I interpret "race" to be an event that challenges me--an event that requires endurance and strength. The first of my races is the Mardi Gras Marathon. I can't believe it is only a little more than a week away!

The other "race" is one that we are all participating in, the season of lent. It is a time of reflection and confessions, a time to refine our deliberate discipleship practices. If we are intentional and committed to this season it will be challenging. To take up our own crosses and follow Jesus will take discipline, strength, and endurance.

I am anxious about finishing the marathon. I wonder if I am really prepared and if I have the will power to run 26.2 miles. I already know how the journey to the cross ends. It ends with the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ our saviour, the promise of ever lasting life.

Mardi Gras

Here are some pictures from Mardi Gras Day. Enjoy!

The costumes are pretty outrageous...

So are the floats....

And the crowds!
My roomates are pretty outrageous too =)

I managed to snag a Zulu coconut.