Free Download, Free Meals

For every (free) download of Internet Explorer 8, Microsoft will donate 8 meals to Feeding America.

Offer is good now through August 8, 2009.

(Thanks Aaron L. for the tip!)

Mercy Rain

Indiana has seen more than its normal fare of rain this June. In our community garden we think about the water needed for our plot share. Every bit is precious and necessary to life. The abundance of regular rain means that I don't have to lug gallons from the tank and refill what I have used. The rain is like mercy -something I don't deserve - abundant and free.

Sometimes there are other reminders to be merciful that hit me upside the head - when others withhold that life-giving mercy from me. The last two weeks have been an exhausting struggle - difficult and life-draining - that could have been avoided with a little mercy.

The pain recalls an age-old lesson.

Am I really remembering to show mercy to others?

Do I choose to think that others are doing their best even if they mess up and that mess affects me?

Do I love them because they agree with me and make choices that look just like mine?

Is it easier to work for mercy overseas to someone I don't know, while I overlook chances to be merciful to those around me?


I struggle to find that courage - that says you can be yourself around me - no matter what.


Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy (Matt 5).









(pix-ARobinson photos)

? of the Week...

What do you do in the summer to relieve injustice?

(i.e. vacations with a purpose, buying local, gardening, etc.)

What were some good things that happened? Did you find any roadblocks?

Free Children's Adventure Computer Game

Quest for Compassion is a great new interactive computer game for children in the target age range 6-12 by Compassion International.

Children "travel" to other countries and learn about other cultures while filling up "travel passports" with their adventures on-line.

(pix-stock.xchng)

Movie and Book picks for summer

I recently had the sick feeling from feeding on too much junk. Not food, but media - whatever popped onto my television, radio, or news feed. As I try to feast my mind on better things, here is what I have found recently.



The Princess and the Goblin, George McDonald
A classic author writes an excellent children's book that is good enough for adults to enjoy as well. As the Goblins threaten the kingdom the brave peasant boy miner unravels a sinister plot. Will the princess make the right decisions along the way and does the kindgom stand in the end?


The Business of Heaven, C.S. Lewis
Daily snipets from the best of C.S. Lewis' writings. I can't believe how relevant C.S. Lewis is even today.


Up! (in theaters)
I was really suprised that beyond the excellent animation were two main characters that weren't in love, good looking, or shallow. The depth of the story line and the question about friendship, family, and keeping promises are packed with adventure and comedy.


Faith like Potatoes (DVD)
Although the action was a little slow (needed better editing). This story based on a real life community asks what will you do when you hear God tell you to do something but the rest of the people in your life aren't so sure. Was it God or was it all in your head?

(pix-stock.xchng)

The real sisterhood of your traveling pants

Loved the first traveling pants movie. I loved the story of friendship and the adventures the girls had sharing the jeans.

Did you know your jeans have a story too? People who make the jeans, package the jeans, and suppliers who get them to the store? Unfortunately that story often wouldn't be a light romantic comedy but something in the horror genre.

As our jeans recently saw us through the Memorial Day weekend with fun, laughs,and barbecues, depending on where we bought ours it may have contributed to:

Amelita, a married factory worker who sees her four children one week a year. She and her husband work 12 hour days and send 70% of their pay to support their children.

Beatings, verbal insult, and sexual harassment to women factory workers in Bangladesh, the norm, not the exception.

Mock childcare centers in factories only used when auditors or inspectors are visiting.

Unpaid wages, forced overtime, and unsafe conditions.

(read the full stories at clean clothes campaign website)

As our jeans will travel with us through summer fun times with family or friends, let's purchase jeans and other products from stores that won't cause a nightmare to another family.


(pix-stock.xchng)