mercyrising

We've Moved!

2010-04-22T23:45:00.001-04:00

Please visit me at the new website!

Mercy Rising 4 Haiti

2010-04-21T14:41:00.009-04:00

LIVE MUSIC, LOCAL BAND
Date: Friday, April 30, 2010
Time: 7:00pm
Location: 2606 W 96th Street - College Park Church
Indianapolis, IN 46268

Great Party, Good Cause, Mercy Rising Book Tour

Free Admission with a $5 suggested donation per person
benefiting Compassion International's Haiti Relief Fund.

What Color Green are You?

2010-04-20T08:00:00.009-04:00

One of the top five questions I get about justice would be,

"What do you think about the whole going green thing?"

I rarely answer, just sigh...

In my world it's a loaded question that gets off into questions about global warming and the carbon footprint of my to-go dinner. It seems like we are arguing about the insignificant stuff (to me) and are missing the bigger picture of stewardship. Taking care of precious gifts: nature, resources, and each other's health.

If someone is looking for more I point them to the Cornwall Alliance or Tracey Bianchi whose book Green Mama was released from Zondervan on March 1st, 2010. I had the privilege of meeting her and she is the real deal. Green Mama is similar to Mercy Rising that it is helping us find simple, everyday solutions to larger than life issues.

FREE BOOK! ALERT!

What do you think? Green Mama asks, "How green are you?" Light pale aqua? Dark Forest Green?
Post a comment and I will draw one winner to win a copy of this amazing book.

Anti-Trafficking events

2010-04-05T18:47:00.020-04:00

Last year I was working on the Mercy Rising book project and came across an almost unbelievable story of a family who lives in East Asia. The parents both work all day and all night in sweat shops while their children live with their grandparents. Both parents send almost all their money to their family to keep them all alive. What haunts me most is that the parents get to see their children one day a year. On Easter.

This stuff shouldn't happen - how can we make it stop? Besides changing our purchases, find out more at these great events.

"Break the Chains of Human Trafficking", is a student-led community-wide event held in Marion, Indiana on April 10, 2010. In addition to bands, food, and other entertainment, including the DK Bicycles world class BMX stunt team, they are hosting former George W. Bush Senior Advisor, Laura Lederer. The Mercy Rising book tour will be there. I hope to see you as well.

Other anti-trafficking events:
Call and Response
4/10/2010 Berkeley, CA
4/12/2010 Greenwood Village, CO
4/14/2010 Cheboygan, MI
4/15/2010 Hammond, IN
4/14/2010 Durham, NC
4/14/2010 Wilmington, NC
4/16/2010 Chapel Hill, NC
4/22/2010 Spokane, WA
4/23/2010 Redwood City, CA
4/24/2010 Lac La Biche, CANADA
4/24/2010 Edmonton, CANADA
4/24/2010 Calgary, CANADA
5/4/2010 Missoula, MT
5/5/2010 Palatine, IL
5/16/2010 San Rafael, CA
5/22/2010 Beaverton, WA
5/22/2010 Danville, CA
5/22/2010 London, UK
5/23/2010 Pompano Beach, FL
6/4/2010 San Jose, CA

Chain Store Reaction

2010-03-13T22:45:00.009-05:00

Did you know that there are 15 million child slaves in the world? Some are involved in sex-trafficking but many more are involved in domestic labor, agricultural jobs, restaurant and hotel work, and in factory labor. They live a life few of us can imagine. Some are paying off loans made by their great-grandparents for around the amount of $25-$50.

I really want to change some of my shopping habits and join the movement to end cash flow to human rights violators. I hate having to form new buying habits, but with just a little effort, I can find similar products from companies trying to do the right thing.

One really cool website - ChainStore Reaction is doing just that. Use their easy color-coded system to see what companies are doing to end ties to slave labor. The website also has easy links to email corporations to ask them to make their stance against slave traded products a part of their company policy.

(pix-stockxchng.com)

And the Oscar goes to...

2010-03-13T22:36:00.007-05:00

Well not really, but the results are in from last week's free book drawing.

Congratulations to Natalie, grantandsara, Mark, Katie, and Cynthia!

Mercy Rising Book Release Giveaway

2010-03-01T07:57:00.005-05:00

Happy March 1st and release day to you! We're giving away 5 books to blog readers. Winners will be discussing today's topic:

What do you do to live simple-practical justice and compassion in your everyday life? or How do you struggle with this?

Winners will be drawn randomly.

Mercy Rising - The Book

2010-02-22T20:36:00.008-05:00

Mercy Rising book's official release is next Monday, March 1st. Pre-order copies are available now. Visit the blog again next week to join in on the celebration and to enter to win copies of the release.

What others are saying:

"In Mercy Rising, Amber Robinson presents the issues of social justice through personal and powerful stories, encouraging women of all ages to actively live out their faith in a hurting world.”
—Dr. Wess Stafford
President and CEO,
Compassion International

"Amber strikes the perfect balance of kindness and conviction as she encourages young women to step outside of their comfort zones and be their faith in the world - one act of love and compassion at a time."
--Joan Ball, author of Flirting with Faith: My Spiritual Journey from Atheism to a Faith-Filled Life

“Amber Robinson’s Mercy Rising is a quick and powerful read. She doesn’t avoid the difficult questions surrounding poverty, and she testifies to facing her own fears and obstacles. Packed with practical information and inspiring stories, this read is a must for anyone diving into changing the lives of the least of these.”
—Craig Hilton Dyer
President, Bright Hope International

Valentine's Day Challenge

2010-02-06T15:40:00.001-05:00

It's time for the 4th annual VDay challenge.

Your mission if you choose to accept - to brighten somebody else's day on 2-14.

Why: to include more people in your celebration besides your traditional family/loved ones.

Who: singles, elderly, widows, sick, friends who need cheering up.

It could be Valentine's Day cards, flowers, food, notes, etc.

Share your ideas or past experiences - in the comment section.

pix-stock.xchng

Haiti...Is it OK to turn the channel?

2010-01-28T15:39:00.015-05:00

I think I can finally write about Haiti. It was too hard at first. The pictures were devastating and I ached for those children with my ties to Compassion International.

A good friend commented that she still feels helpless. She has contributed to the Haiti relief and it still doesn't feel like enough. There are no easy answers. My only thoughts are pray, give, and then turn off the news. I want to guard against being desensitized, emotionally overloaded, or worse, entertained.

I hurt so much for the people of Haiti, but some of this "news" feels like exploitation of sacred, private moments.

What do you think? How do you cope with disaster in this magnitude?

Great Reads in 2010

2010-01-07T18:04:00.014-05:00

What are you reading in 2010?

I am challenged by books that inspire me.
Here is a peek of what I loved to read in 2009 and what is on my list for 2010.

What are you reading in 2010? Any of them inspiring mercy and justice in your world?

10. Be the change - teens, easy read
9. Velma Still Cooks in Leeway - adult fiction
8. Too Small to Ignore - excellent memoir of Wes Stafford, CI President
7. Clean House, Clean Planet - make your own cleaning products
6. Sketpic's Guide to Global Poverty - photos and fact filled
5. Becoming a World Change Family - practical, down to earth, and fun
4. Everybody Wants to Change the World- Tony Campolo - good for teens, young Adults
3. Operation World - pray effectively for missions
2. Blessings of the Poor - beautiful non-fiction, short stories
1. On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness, chapter book for kids, Narnia-esque

On my list to read
4. One of Kelly Minter's books
3. They Almost Always Come Home - adult fiction
2. The Least of These - a novel, (What would the church do if all govt. assistance to the poor ceased to exist?)
1. North or Be Eaten, chapter book for kids, Narnia-esque

The Blind Side

2009-12-29T14:57:00.005-05:00

We tried to get into a different movie, but the Christmas crowd was something I didn't count on. I wasn't expecting much from the previews. Mushy films aren't my thing coupled with the stereotypical "white conservative family saves urban black boy".

It was a pleasant surprise to find good writing, clean edits, and quirky dialogue. And despite myself I resonated with a scene where the leading lady went to bed smiling. Her husband whispers, "This doesn't have anything to do with the new boy, does it?". She says, "No, it has everything to do with him."

2009 has been hard, but good. At the end of the day what keeps me smiling when it seems too much to give is what I have received from the letters from my sponsored child in Tanzania and the warm little hands in mine at the inner city church ministry.

What has kept you smiling in '09?

Child of Christmas

2009-12-22T07:00:00.002-05:00

A selection from George Macdonald's "Adela Cathcart",

The winter is the childhood of the year. Into this childhood of the year came the child Jesus and into this childhood must we all descend. It is as if God spoke to each of us according to our need:

My son, my daughter you are growing old and cunning, you must grow a child again, with my son this blessed birth-time.

You are growing old and selfish, you must become a child.

You are growing old and careful, you must become a child.

You are growing old and distrustful, you must become a child.

You are growing old and petty, weak and foolish, you must become a child-my child, like that baby there.
>The strong sunrise of faith, hope and love, lying in his mother's arms in the stable.

Wk6 Inspire Challenge - Simplicity

2009-12-14T08:00:00.002-05:00

(From Tracey)

Eavesdropping . . .

Mother of 3, working part time at Staples -- no coat for 3 years.

$18 and 5 minutes solved that problem . . .

be on the lookout for opportunities to do good.

Wk5 - Inspire Challenge - Spend More

2009-12-09T13:00:00.013-05:00

This advent season I have been torn between two views on gift giving. On one side are people super excited about their purchases and on the other side I feel the pull to do away with presents all together and give that sum to charity.

I wondered if somewhere we have missed the point. It is not about who does or doesn't go to the mall or rules about saving money. This is in stark contrast to the beautiful scenes in olden stories such as Dicken's "Christmas Carol". There is a tiny scene in this work featuring a boss who gives a yearly lavish party to his employees - because he loves to give.

Those of us who work for the needs of the poor should be the most pro-giving people ever. Generosity leads to more generosity. Why should we even give at all? Christ's coming to earth as a baby is the ultimate gift, the lavish extravagant grace of God. He "spent himself" for us. We more than any others have the freedom to truly celebrate and feast that in a small way foreshadows the great feast that is to come.

Our generosity should not just stop at our neighbors, family, and friends, but to those who have deep needs. Paul says that we have freedom, but should not use that freedom to indulge ourselves but to serve one another in love. John later says that if we see our brother who has material needs and don't do something for him that real love is not in us.

So this Christmas I am going to try to spend more, spend myself on the behalf of others. I am still pondering it. I don't exactly know what that looks like. It's different for everyone.

Some ideas rattling around in my brain:

Being more loving and understanding to people that annoy me.

Taking back some unneeded (but awesome) shoes to give to someone's real need.

Find a sponsor for Helen, in India, a child waiting for sponsorship for over 6 months.

Volunteering some time even though I know with my health issues it is going to cost me.

And it needs to - cost me.

Wk4 Inspire Challenge - Inspire with Music

2009-12-04T16:40:00.008-05:00

Christmas concerts anyone?

Check out the great live Christmas music- each one benefits or promotes great organizations that are helping those who really need it.

Andrew Peterson and friends (Compassion International)
12.09.09 Louisville, KY
12.11.09 Cleburne, TX
12.12.09 Jackson, TN
12.13.09 Huntsville, AL
12.16.09 Charlotte, NC
12.17.09 Nashville, TN
12.18.09 Kokomo, IN
12.19.09 Montague, MI
12.20.09 Milford, OH

Sara Groves (Midwest Food Bank)
12-19-09 Indianapolis, IN

Downhere and friends (World Vision)
12.09.09 Effingham, IL
12.10.09 Lincoln, NE
12.11.09 LaVista, NE
12.12.09 Kansas City, KS
12.13.09 Saint Peters, MO
12.15.09 Elizabethtown, KY
12.16.09 Detroit, MI
12.17.09 Mansfield, OH
12.18.09 Waukesha, WI
12.20.09 Wilmington, NC

WK3 Inspire Challenge - Outrun the Turkey

2009-11-27T16:12:00.001-05:00

Inspire Activity.

My friend Erin got up early and joined the other 7500 runners who ran an annual 5k race on Thanksgiving morning. The proceeds benefited Wheeler Mission. through the entry fee for the race.

They also did a huge canned food drive loading up some moving trucks. What a great idea! It's a great alternative to manning the traditional soup kitchen lines. In my area there were more volunteers than the soup kitchens could handle so lots of people entered the race with friends and family.

There are "drumstick dashes" around the country, not just in Indy.

(pix-sxc.hu)

Wk2 Inspire Challenge - Got a Camera?

2009-11-19T19:32:00.012-05:00

(From Amy)

Inspire with dignity.

Join those in your area who are setting up events in your area for December 12th, 2009.

Find out more information at Help-Portrait.

Mercy Rising - "One Thing" Inspire Challenge

2009-11-08T11:07:00.000-05:00

Over the next 6 weeks (until 12-18), I am issuing my amazing blog readers a challenge. Do one thing for someone else who needs some inspiration this season.

I have some good friends who are boycotting Black Friday. That's fine, I honestly thought about it - I could use a "buy nothing day". But for me the issue is bigger than shopping. This year has been hard for lots of families. A better way to celebrate the holiday season is to inspire giving, love, and mercy.

Have fun. Stretch your creativity. Need ideas? - Visit the mercyrising blog archives to get some ideas.

Send in your story/pictures to amberaron@yahoo.com to be featured in an upcoming blog posts and to spread the inspiration.

(pix-stock.xchng)

Halloween Candy, Fair Trade?

2009-10-21T20:29:00.014-04:00

As a kid, I remember that one house in our subdivision - The loony people who gave us apples instead of candy at Halloween. The fun of candy and treats were just lost on those weird people.

This year, I stared down aisles of candy for two weeks in a serious quandary what to do about chocolate. On one hand I know stuff about cocoa fields and child slave labor that is more chilling than any haunted house. I don't want to support companies that are hurting children.

On the other hand, I don't want to be the lady with a "cause" on Halloween.

So after a couple weeks of research I find myself on the side of the consumer. It isn't easy to get your hands on individually wrapped fair trade chocolate candy pieces. Online purchases are mainly what we have right now, and I hate to pay for shipping. I probably need to brace myself to be inconvenienced. Just a bit grumpy and selfish today.

What can we do?

1) No Nestle products. Labeled as one of the top ten worst companies in the world when it comes to ethics, human rights, etc.

2) Most major chocolate brands you see on the shelf are participating in child labor for cocoa - consider fruit snacks, play-doh, or other alternatives. It ranks decently on the good guide rankings for toys.

3) Order fair trade candy online.

One in a Million

2009-10-17T13:21:00.008-04:00

What does one million look like? dollars, cents, people, statistics?

One million children would fill a typical US stadium 15 to 20 times.
One million children holding hands would stretch for more than 750 miles.
It would take you 12 hours going highway speeds to reach the end of that line.

In June, Compassion International reached their one millionth child sponsored. These sponsored children in the grips of poverty are getting their chance at an education, loving mentors, food, health, and hope.

How did they get to 1,000,000 kids? Just one child at a time.

What does real change look like for one person. See the inspiring video below. (starting at 1:45)

Catalyst 2009 Compassion Moment from Catalyst on Vimeo.

Today, on World Poverty Day, it might seem overwhelming. What can I do about world poverty? Not everything, just do one thing. Why this? Why Compassion International?
It's not about an organization, it's about people. I believe so much in the integrity of this one, though, I will continually advocate for children in need. Change one life today. If you sponsor a child, be sure to put #c251 in the "comments" section on their form, to be entered in a drawing to win free stuff!

October 17th World Poverty Day

2009-10-13T20:52:00.003-04:00

(from a previous post)

Do you have your ribbon ready for Saturday? Visit the World Poverty Day site to print out a ribbon to show your support to end poverty. And most importantly show your support for the real people behind the statistics.

Find out the history behind World Poverty Day,
organize an event(or start thinking of one for next year),
organize a time of silence, or join a local event near you. Check out the new map this year to help locate events here and around the world.

(pix-oct17.org)

Shoe Fun

2009-09-28T08:00:00.003-04:00

As the season turns to fall, last week I pulled out my fall clothes, dug in my closet for a jacket, and put my sandals away. What about those who don't even have access to shoes?

Shoe company, Gore-tex is teaming up with Soles4Souls to help those who need shoes.

How can I help?
#1) Need new fall shoes? Purchase some from Gore-tex and $5 will be donated to S4S.
#2) Enter to win. 10 winners will win Gore-tex shoes, and one lucky winner will win a trip to see Soles4Souls in action.

(pix-stock.xchng)

Call and Response Rockumentary

2009-09-24T11:36:00.007-04:00

Get educated, hear some great music, and find others in your area concerned about ending modern slavery.

Did you know that slave traders make more $ than google, nike, and starbucks combined?

Find a viewing in your area

9/26 Holland, MI
9/26 New York, NY
10/6 Abilene, TX
10/8 Portland, OR
10/9 Orlando, FL
10/17 Seattle, WA
10/17 Ellensburg, WA
10/21 Tulsa, OK
10/22 Australia
10/29 Santa Barbara, CA
11/3 Orange City, IA
11/5 Ardmore, PA
11/6 Ardmore, PA
11/8 Ardmore, PA
11/13 Fulton, MD
11/13 Honolulu, HI
11/20 Calgary, Canada

Entertained by Someone's Pain

2009-09-01T08:00:00.003-04:00

I happened upon a documentary about stained glass windows at King's Chapel College in London. The art was fantastic, I settled into a quiet research project, not prepared for a huge shock.

In the glass windows there is a scene where Jesus is being beaten and the crowd and soldiers are mocking him, while the aristocratic class watches. A quaint little nun (documentary guide) draws your attention to one of the women, leaning outside the window, observing the scene while resting on a cushion/pillow. The aristocrat is making herself comfortable while watching Jesus being beaten.

The nun's commentary went on to say that this is what it is like sometimes watching the news from the comfort of our homes. Are we far past ignoring someone else's pain, to the point of being entertained by it? She mentioned that if we aren't praying or giving or helping in someway, but are watching, we are being entertained.

The shock of that statement still hasn't worn off although I watched that documentary last month. My eyes are open about how "reality tv" and the "news" has permeated what I think I have the right to view in someone else's life.

Am I being entertained by someone else's pain? Probably yes. Has my mind fully wrapped around what that means? Not yet.

09-09-09 Prize Give Away

2009-08-29T15:31:00.004-04:00

Diana Scimone's website is giving away a prize a day for 31 days. It works kind of like a raffle.

Donate $9 on 09-09-09 - catchy isn't it?

The money goes to end sex-trafficking.

Here are some prizes listed so far:
Art work
Twitter wall backgrounds
Cool sunglasses
Kitchen gadgets
Custom Photo Announcements
Jewelry
Beauty Products
Work out program
And more

Check out Diana's website for the details.

World Humanitarian Day - Do Something

2009-08-19T20:41:00.010-04:00

Today (August 19th) is World Humanitarian Day established in 2003 to remember those who lost their lives working around the world to help others.

We often forget that those who go in and feed a village, dig a well, or educate others are putting their safety and sometimes their lives on the line.

These educators, doctors, and community developers are motivated often by deep waters of faith. Some are killed or imprisoned in countries where freedom of religion does not exist.

Got 5 minutes?
Got a stamp?

Send a letter to someone imprisoned overseas.

1) Choose a few phrases
2) Let the computer translate it.
3) Print
3) Send letter to the prisoner, their family, or government

Each letter sent helps draw attention to human rights violations and often pressures the authorities to release prisoners unjustly treated.

Cars + Clunkers + Donate = Smile

2009-08-12T21:49:00.016-04:00

Our little car held together - sparking, hissing, squealing. We loved her through our last decade of life and hated to see her go. We knew she went out in a blaze of glory when the dealer wouldn't even take her *for free*.

What to do? Find someone to tow her away.

Check list.
1. Get a tax-deduction for car donation.
2. Sort through internet scams
3. Flip through random charities - dog grooming, non-profits?
4. Found Cars 4 Causes
5. 30% of donation goes to Cars4Causes' educational initiative, 70% to charity of my choice (a legit one).
6. Tow company calls me for pick up date
7. Got receipt from Cars4Causes
8. Smile

pix-stock.xchng

Pan-jacking

2009-07-29T23:08:00.003-04:00

Do you live in one of the U.S. States with a panhandler charged with car-jacking?

This morning I saw the news in Indiana that a panhandler apprehended a woman in her car after she gave him money. This has also happened in California and Mississippi.

People in Indiana are calling for stricter panhandling laws, especially at busy intersections.

What do you think? Do you give to the local homeless on the street, if so why?, If not, why?

Yard Sale Queen

2009-07-25T08:00:00.005-04:00

What to do with all the stuff?

There is a cool site called Yard Sale Queen that is thorough, organized, and has a certain coolness factor.

Donate some or all of the proceeds to a responsible charity of your choice.

Ashley's Clothes Closet

2009-07-22T08:00:00.002-04:00

I met Ashley at Cornerstone Music Festival in July. She was working the booth for mission year. What was really interesting is that she is working on an experiment. She is shopping from her closet and seeing how many days she can put together different outfits. Currently she is on day #77 - shopping only from her own closet. She is asking the question... How much is enough?

We will all answer that question differently, but it does make me think...

Story of Stuff

2009-07-20T14:34:00.002-04:00

(from earlier post)

Do you ever stop and think about where your stuff comes from? Where do all the little pieces of the computer keyboard originate? The eggs I had for breakfast, the clothes I am wearing right now?

There is a very interesting video about stuff and our alarming rate of consumption. Annie has studied this in depth for a decade and says that the production of stuff is linear, yet we have a finite space to store it in. Break that down - we all have only so much space. She is worried on an ecological/economic level.

I worry more on a spiritual level -holding on to too much stuff is the opposite of a generous - giving spirit - it is greed, coveting, envy, and hoarding. This affects our willingness to give and to relate to those in poverty. The dumping grounds for hazardous waste affect those the hardest in the poorest countries.

Check out the full story of stuff video at www.storyofstuff.com

Also check out this link to 100 things.
http://www.guynameddave.com/100-thing-challenge.html

The author is trying to pare down in his life to only own 100 things and is blogging about his journey. I think I have more than 100 books...

Free Ice Cream Cone - Baskin Robbins

2009-07-16T08:00:00.001-04:00

Do Something is encouraging young adults 13-25 years old to make a difference. Sign up for free online and Baskin Robbins will give you an ice cream cone on them. Offer valid to July 17th.

(pix-stock.xchng.com)

Clean Clothes Update

2009-07-14T08:00:00.000-04:00

(News update from clean clothes campaign)

"Polo Ralph Lauren, the upmarket US-based fashion giant, continues to ignore union repression and bad working conditions at one of its suppliers in Indonesia. The Mulia Knitting Factory near to Jakarta. The fashion house simply refuses to respond to the plight of workers who produce its garments.

Tommy Hilfiger, another buyer at the same clothing factory, has claimed that they have discussed the problems with the supplier, but the company has yet to take decisive action.

Support these Indonesian workers in their struggle. Send letters to Polo Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger today and forward this message to your
friends."

Get Paid to Recycle Electronics

2009-07-11T15:00:00.004-04:00

YouRenew is making recycling electronics easy.

See if your electronic item is listed and get a cash quote.
Or request a specialized quote.
Send it back in pre-paid envelope or box.
It's that easy.

Seems good if you wouldn't have time to get a great price selling it yourself or if it is in bad shape that wouldn't be sellable.

Video

Funny Photo...

2009-07-03T08:00:00.000-04:00

Road sign in local outdoor shopping mall

(ARobinson photo)

Go Local - Indy Area

2009-07-01T11:58:00.006-04:00

Last Sunday I visited Cuppy's Coffee in the Hamilton Town Center in Noblesville, IN. (13170 Harrell Pkwy, Noblesville, IN 317-770-9386)

I met the owner, Roy, who gave me a tour and some details about the business.

Is this a local business?

Yes, Although Cuppy's started as a franchise, each is owned and operated separately now as the franchise has dissolved.

What makes your store unique?
We not only are a local store but support other local business including Harvest Cafe Roasters and The Classic Cheesecake Company.

We also have featured live music on Thursday nights.

The shop is centrally located - we have indoor and outdoor seating. The shop is next to the main children's play area.

What foods do you serve?
Coffee, Fine Teas, Smoothies, Artisan Gelato (Italian Ice cream), Gourmet Desserts, Breakfast and Lunch (Catering Available)

What are your specialties?

We serve high quality food. Our artisan gelato is lower in sugar than ice cream and is hormone free, and flavors are rotated.

Our espresso is not a Seattle blend but Italian. We do french press and customized coffee blends.

Customer picks:
(Sue) iced coffee, Turkish roast Gelato
(Yolanda) Mango Sorbet, Carmel Mocha
(Me) Strawberry Smoothie

Let me know if you know a small business that you would like featured in an upcoming spotlight (looking for other parts of the nation as well).
(ARobinson photo)

Why support local business?

2009-07-01T11:44:00.004-04:00

What's the big deal with the "go local" push? There are many benefits but the top three for me is:

#1) Getting to know the workers and owners
#2) Supporting the "little guy". Someone is trying to live out their dreams and fighting the big marketing dollars of chain stores.
#3) $ Selfishness - let's keep tax payer dollars here instead of out of state, overseas. Keep my taxes down.

Keep and create jobs in your community.

Also there is an abundance of local coupons for these businesses - gotta save $.

#4) Slave trade items, health hazards, environmental concerns are much lower with local businesses who forge alliances with the community and neighbors.

Free Download, Free Meals

2009-06-24T08:00:00.005-04:00

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

2009-06-22T11:33:00.015-04:00

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...

2009-06-13T08:00:00.001-04:00

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

2009-06-10T12:22:00.006-04:00

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.

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Movie and Book picks for summer

2009-06-02T13:48:00.004-04:00

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?

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The real sisterhood of your traveling pants

2009-06-01T08:00:00.003-04:00

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.

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Experiment continues (Wake up Walmart pt2)

2009-05-28T11:02:00.004-04:00

I hate change. I really hate it. It seems like such a small thing to change where you buy what you buy. But not knowing if the store has what you need, or the price is added stress in my day that I don't need.

I had a piano recital for my students fast approaching. So I needed a large quantity of plates, cups, utensils, and reception food. I was once again pleasantly surprised at the upfront costs being pretty much the same as usual and it was actually fun to get somethings that were different.

Coming home I went to the mailbox and found a huge surprise. We had been through a long appeals process with my health insurance company about them reimbursing me for something that they had approved and then refused to pay. It was a pretty substantial amount that we had given up on ever seeing that money. The check had come and was in my mailbox.

I knew what teeny little effort it cost to live justice for real - in everyday life was worth it. Immediately my mind was drawn to this passage:

He has showed you, O man, what is good.
And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God. (Michah 5.8)

Some might say that it was coincidence. To me it was an affirmation. Keep going. Keep working out mercy and justice even if you don't always get it right. God will take care of the details.

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Artisan Seal

2009-05-22T19:00:00.001-04:00

Want to buy local but it seems like a lot of work to find out where to shop? The state of Indiana recently announced the development of an Indiana artisan seal. Find local wine, cheese, pottery, art and more all at one website.

Not only are these local entrepreneurs but a showcase of exceptional talent and skill at their craft. Support these exceptionally talented businesses in your own backyard.

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Experiment Shopping Commences

2009-05-12T11:47:00.006-04:00

One of the most disturbing bits of research I found was on a store that I have shopped at for years - Wal-mart. From unethical treatment to workers in the US, to sweatshops overseas, to irresponsible acts against our environment - last week I had seen one fact too many. Can I do it? Could I break my familiarity and calculate total costs to myself and others not just the ticket price?

First week so good - I generally shop at TJoes and Walmart. I replaced my Walmart purchases with Meijer only. I was surprised to see a very similar cost at the end. The Meijer purchases that were on sale balanced out the goods at a slightly higher price! YEAH!

I hope someday that Wal-mart changes it's ways. It can happen. I have seen research that other companies have done it. Can I change my ways.... stay tuned.

Weddings with Heart

2009-04-27T13:00:00.002-04:00

(updated post from 11-3-08)

Do you know anyone planning a spring or summer wedding?
Did you know there are simple things you can do to help charity while celebrating the new marriage, some that don't even cost you a dime?

There is a great site called the "I Do Foundation." The site features these different options.

1. Gift registry
This site will connect you to partner stores - up to 10% of your guests' purchases will be donated to your favorite charity. The partners are big names such as Target and Linens-n-Things.

2. Wedding Favors
Donate to a charity in lieu of wedding favors in honor of your guests.

3. Create a Charity Registry
Let your guests donate to a charity as an option on your registry.

4.Charitable Invitations
Raise 10% for charity with every invitation or wedding accessory purchase from Carlson Craft.

5. Donate your dress

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World Malaria Day - April 25, 2009

2009-04-16T18:38:00.006-04:00

April 25th will mark the 3rd annual malaria day. Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease that takes 1,000,000 lives a year, 85% of them being children.

An initiative is literally counting down the seconds till December 31st, 2010. Concentrated efforts in this short time window can actually wipe out malaria for good! The treated mosquito netting is preventing further spread of malaria. If we can get nets to communities, we can win against this thing.

See the cool interactive map at nothingbutnets to see how others in America are fund raising for mosquito netting.

Also visit Compassion International to donate $ to provide badly needed nets along with the love of Christ.

Resurrection Sunday

2009-04-11T08:00:00.003-04:00

"For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Peter,and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep." (2 Cor 15.3-6)

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Good Friday

2009-04-10T10:12:00.008-04:00

"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."

John 15.13

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Time Banks - Saving Money, Creating Jobs

2009-04-07T10:43:00.007-04:00

Time banks are spreading across America. Work a job for someone in the community and accrue points. Do you need a service? Find a service provider and pay with your points.

Better World Books

2009-03-31T08:00:00.003-04:00

Need a good read for spring break?

Better world books, similar to sites like Amazon, sells books while promoting global literacy. A bonus is they will buy your used books and pay for your shipping.

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Job Loss - "Let me know if you need anything..."

2009-03-26T16:32:00.001-04:00

Our family is facing (like so many others) uncertain times during a job loss. We have heard so many times,

"Let me know if you need anything..."

While extremely thankful for the words of concern, we really don't know what to say. Not that we haven't said that exact phrase more times than we can count. But it got me thinking...

How do you really answer something like this? Does the other person really want to know how to help or is that what they are supposed to say?

We decided to make a list. Not just for us but for everyone who has lost a job and doesn't know what to say. If you really want to know how you can help read on...

Job Loss - The List

2009-03-26T15:47:00.005-04:00

"...Let us not love [merely] in theory or in speech but in deed and in truth (in practice and in sincerity)." I John 3.18

Things you can do:

1. Network. Pass a resume/business card to someone you know or to your boss.

2. $ - sent anonymously
Grocery gift card, Visa gift card to pay a bill.

3. Service providers - legal services, child care, repair jobs, personal care, - can you cut them a break on their bill this month? Can you give them free service one time?

4. Free Babysitting

5. Do fun stuff with them - dinner together, hang out, or fun activities

6. Comedy is a great stress relief - pay for some movie tickets for their family

7. (Did I leave something out? Add your comments below)

Things you can say:
1. How was your week? (Open-ended: if they want to talk about the job search fine, if not it doesn't define them)

Avoid any words or action to make them feel like a project, or a "charity case"

Also check out this great link about giving during a recession.

Quick Quote...

2009-03-21T08:00:00.001-04:00

Compassion is sometimes the fatal capacity for feeling what it is like to live inside somebody else's skin. It is the knowledge that there can never really be any peace and joy for me until there is peace and joy finally for you too.

Frederick Buechner

Fresh produce to your door

2009-03-19T08:00:00.003-04:00

(great ideas from Jodi and Sara)

Maybe gardening (see last week's posts) isn't your thing. You can support local food in your area by buying shares in local farm products (CSA's). Healthier and cost effective all at the same time!

Upland, IN's Victory Acres has an added justice component where they share Christ's love with the homeless, troubled teens, and struggling families. They also have Indy drop off locations.

For all you Indy locals, Farm Fresh Delivery is a great way to get (mostly) local produce delivered to you year round. It is pretty cost effective and yummy.

Plant a row for the hungry...

2009-03-12T13:48:00.006-04:00

Plant a row for the hungry is a great start on sharing home grown produce. Their website is actually the Garden Writer's Association. When I need further gardening help - these guys are the experts. They have a national campaign to give back by encouraging gardeners to plant an extra row for the hungry.

Don't know what to plant? Find a listing of your local food pantries to see what items are needed and their procedures for accepting donations.

The best food pantry websites are found by searching your local area.

Here's info for all you fellow Hoosiers about local Indiana food pantries and local food rescue.

Indiana's Food for the Hungry Web Site
Midwest Food Bank
Food Rescue
Third Phase

Are you planting something this spring? Send me pictures and your story and I will post some on the blog.

Happy planting!

Question of the week...gardening tips

2009-03-09T08:00:00.000-04:00

Do you have any gardening tips for newbies?

Do you have a gardening question of your own?

Garden for Good

2009-03-06T12:34:00.011-05:00

Fresh, healthy, sustainable, and local food might seem an unlikely justice issue. But unbalanced food production cycles directly contribute to the hunger and poverty in our world.

What if you could save your family $ on your groceries and have some to share with local food pantries that desperately need fresh produce?

March is a great month to start indoor seeds for a garden. In the past I have struggled with my garden. Not too much space, lack of equipment, and badly timed plantings.

Yesterday I sat down with a new friend Sara, who helped sort things out.

Time to begin seeds indoor for the garden? Now
How do I start to plan out my garden? Visit Square foot gardening to find out.
I only have a small space? That's OK
Do I need large equipment for a small garden? No

Websites to visit:
Seeds of change
Baker's Heirloom Seeds
Grace Garden
Square foot gardening

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....and more results

2009-03-02T08:00:00.006-05:00

Laundry Soap
Best
Ecos Ultra Concentrated - 8.8
Wisk Laundry Detergent - 8.1D
All Ultra Laundry Detergent - 8.1D
Surf Detergent with Active Oxygen 8.1D
Citra Solv Citra Suds 7.4

Worst
Xtra All temperature 2.2
Delicare Fabric Wash 2.2
Arm and Hammer Heavy Duty 2.2
Xtra Mountain Rain 2.2
Clorox Bleach 2.7D

Dish Soap
Best
Citra Solv Dish Natural 7.4
BabyGamics Foaming Dish Soap 7.2

Worst
Palmolive Ultra, Dry Skin with Aloe 3.6D

Liquid Hand Soap
Best
Tom's of Maine Liquid Glycerin 9.5D
Dr. Bronner's Magic 18-in-1 9.1D
EO Hand Soap Rosemary 8.2

Worst
CVS Antibacterial Melon 3.3
Walgreens Antibacterial Liquid 3.5

(D or R denotes companies that support mainly the Democratic or Republican parties)

mercyrising does not support or endorse any products. Please check goodguide.com for more information.

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Good guide...the results show...

2009-02-26T08:00:00.000-05:00

Corporate Sponsorship
w/ Good guide rankings

Companies that support mainly Republican Party interests:

Bissel (6.3)
Shiseido (5.8)
Coty - Adidas, Kenneth Cole, NYC, Rimmel, Sally Hansen... (6.5)
Amway
Nuskin (4.9)
Outback Steakhouse
Alberto Culver - tressume, static guard, vo5...
Dominoes
Office Depot
Cracker Barrel
Enterprise Car Rental
Con Agra foods
Body Shop (7.3)
JC Penney
Wendy's
Mary Kay (6.2)

Companies that support mainly Democratic Party interests:
Aveda (4.7)
Burt's Bees (8.1)
Kiss my Face (6.4)
Dr. Bronners (8.5)
Donna Karan
Tom's of Maine (9.3)
HBO
Dreamworks
Costco
MTV
20th Century Fox
Paramount
Starbucks
Apple Inc.
7th Generation (8.4)
Method products (7.0)
Liz Claiborne (4.3) - Candies, Vivid
Google
Amazon
NBC
Estee Lauder (4.7)- Aveda, Bumble and Bumble, Beautiful, Bobby Brown, Clinique, Donna Karen, MAC, Origins, Tommy Hilfiger, Tuscany,

Unilever- (8.1) Caress, Cutex, Dove, Degree, finesse, lever, ponds, power stick, q-tips, Salon Selectives, Snuggle, Suave, Thermasilk, Sunlight, Surf, Vaseline,
Whisk, Vera Wang

Colgate-Palmolive
Sony
Paul Mitchell
Clorox (4.1) - Formula 409, Greenworks, Liquid Plummer, Pine Sol, Tilex
Arbonne
IBM
Yahoo
AOL
GAP
Cisco
Microsoft
Disney
United Airlines

(For more detailed info - check out goodguide.com. Mercy Rising does not endorse or promote any company or product. Pix-stock.xchng)

Good Guide...A Good start

2009-02-23T08:00:00.003-05:00

What's really in the products we buy? Just turn to the list of ingredients. What? I would need a bio-chem degree to decipher all that stuff. Researchers at Good Guide are trying to make it a little clearer.

Search for the products you use daily like deodorant, cleaning supplies, and children's toys and see how safe they are for use. Also see how fairly these companies treat their employees.

Good guide is a little more clear and informative than better world shopping guide .

One of my favorite features is the political contributions category. See quickly where these companies stand.

We still need to be savvy shoppers and click to see why the product is ranked #1. Some of the "great" healthy and green products help finance causes I am so against. How do I sort this out? I don't know. Christians need to be leaders in engineering healthy, socially responsible products.

It's a great start.. good job... good guide

How do you do it? ....Courageous giving in a fearful economy...

2009-02-16T08:00:00.003-05:00

This question has rattled around in my brain for a couple weeks. Recently my husband found out that he and his co-workers are being laid off. What do I really believe about giving when it hurts?

How do you give courageously in a fearful economy?

Leave some practical tips and have a great day!

Have a (red) Valentines!

2009-02-12T15:11:00.007-05:00

(from the red site)

Share the love this Valentine's Day

Show someone you care this Valentine’s Day and help eliminate AIDS in Africa. Our partners have something for everyone on your list.

* AMERICAN EXPRESS
* APPLE
* CONVERSE
* DELL
* EMPORIO ARMANI
* GAP
* HALLMARK
* STARBUCKS
* WINDOWS
* SPECIAL EDITION
* (RED)WIRE

Thanks to your (RED) purchases, over $120 million has been generated for the Global Fund in just 2 years. That means that over 2.5 million lives in Africa have been greatly impacted by your (RED) choices.

So, thank you and Happy Valentine’s Day!

Book Update

2009-02-04T09:44:00.008-05:00

Lots of you have been asking, "How's the book thing?" In December I signed with Beacon Hill Publishers. Yeah! Originally I thought the book would come out in the fall of 2009. It is coming out in March of 2010.

What I am doing right now -

Finishing editing my manuscript
Interviewing women who have stories of doing practical justice in their everyday lives

What can you do to help?
Pray for uninterrupted writing times - especially Thursday through Saturday
Do you know any women I should interview?
Support Beacon Hill Publishers by buying some great books.

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Question of the week... hobbies

2009-01-29T08:00:00.000-05:00

Have you used a hobby, sport, or fun activity as a way to make a difference?

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Tea, anyone?

2009-01-27T20:06:00.006-05:00

Purposeful fun brewed along with the tea at my friend's house. We've all gone to those "soft sale" parties a little bit fun and a little bit helping another gal pal with her entrepreneurial endeavors.

Alyssa used her tea to bring women together to discuss the crescent project, Christians building bridges to those of the Muslim faith.

What a great idea to use home parties as a platform to fund and discuss ways to help change the world.

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Real Justice for Black America

2009-01-23T11:27:00.006-05:00

Yesterday was the 36th anniversary of Roe-v-Wade. March for Lifers gathered in Washington to speak loudly against the injustice of abortion for the smallest citizens who have no voice. Where was the news coverage? Did you see any?

While blacks make up 13% of the population, 33% of the abortions in America are African-America; a very skewed proportion.

Just a few days after grand celebrations in Washington DC, what is real justice for blacks in America? Grand speeches and promises, or the end to abortions that take a high percentage of African-American life? There also is a question of justice for the poor, minorities, and single-moms who have a high percentage of abortions.

What you can do?
5 minutes - subscribe to Primetime America's podcast - get a more balanced reporting on the news -

10 minutes - sign a petition to end Roe v Wade

30 minutes - write a letter to the editor of your local paper

1 hour - visit and support abort72.com

2-3 hours - help your child enter and complete a poster, essay, or poetry for the next March for Life in 2010.

Weekly - mentor families in crisis - a stable family is preventative medicine for abortions

Volunteer at your local crisis pregnancy center.

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Something Fun

2009-01-22T08:00:00.002-05:00

My husband's company, Pelco, is one of the sponsors for ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition's new home for the Rojas family. The program will be aired sometime in March.

Move that bus....

Great Read for 2009

2009-01-19T08:00:00.003-05:00

Robert Lupton's, Christian Life, Rethinking Ministry to the Poor (Regal 2007), is a great read. Controversy blazes between aid with work components or free aid.

His practical compassion paired with common sense is a refreshing approach.

It is a surprising easy read yet probes the marrow of our thinking bones.

Favorite line, "We must come to deeply believe that every person, no matter how destitute or broken, has something of worth to bring to the table."

Question of the week... A hand out or a hand up?

2009-01-16T08:00:00.001-05:00

Do you give $ away to the needy or do you give to charities helping the poor work to change their lives?

Why?

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Free Book Winners

2009-01-15T14:10:00.002-05:00

Congratulations!

Nicole K. - CGMOPS - Fall 2008 Events
Elyssa - December Blog Contest

(You will be contacted after book release for shipping details.)

This list will be updated as more winners are chosen.

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Recycling the Weird Stuff

2009-01-11T14:38:00.002-05:00

(updated post from 9/25/08)

"Green" was recently voted one of the top 10 overused words of 2008. It's a word that has been increasingly loaded with political and religious controversy. Not to mention many companies have been found to be printing misleading packaging to get us to buy their product -all in support of this "green theme." My eyes tend to glaze over too.

But despite misuse there is a real concept that we need to not overlook - stewardship. Taking care of what we have and making sure our disposal of our stuff is done in a responsible way.

What's the big deal anyway?

#1) The stuff we are throwing away is causing a health crisis. Our water supply is now said to contain many chemicals including medicines that people are flushing down the drain, cleaners, paint, and electronic waste.

#2) We take our trash to impoverished areas around the world. The poor of the world come into greater contact with contaminants and they and their children are sorting our trash.

REAL SIMPLE (Sept./Oct. 2008) did a great job listing resources to help us recycle the "weird" stuff that seems hard to recycle or reuse.

Here are some highlights:

Recycling center near you: 1-800-Cleanup

Other:
Batteries - Office Depot, Radio Shack, Rechargeable Battery Recycling
Carpeting - Carpet America Recovery Effort
Cell phones - library, home office supply store drop-offs, cell phone carriers
Computers - Nextsteprecyling -
Crayons - National Crayon Recycling Program
DVD - Greendisk
Electronics (Stereo and VCR) Earth 911
Eyeglasses - New Eyes for the Needy
Formal Wear- Operation Fairy Dust
Hearing Aids - Starkey Hearing Foundation
Juice bags -Terracycle
Mattress - Earth 911
Paint - Earth 911
Phone books - Yellow pages recycle
Prescription Drugs - The Starfish Project
printer-ink cartridges - Staples get $3 back, or mail free to HP
plastic grocery bags - Plastic Bag Recycling
TV - Office Depot
Video tapes, cassettes, floppy disks - ACT recycling
wheelchairs - Life Nets

How much is enough?

2009-01-07T08:00:00.000-05:00

Questions of the week...

How do you know it's time to start cleaning out your stuff?

How do you decide where it goes?

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Clean Sweep for 2009

2009-01-05T21:54:00.004-05:00

How much stuff is enough?

Can I pare down?

My husband has been helping some family members move. And it got me remembering my moving days - the shock of seeing everything I own in boxes and thinking, "Where did all this come from?" In college, everything I owned fit into a mid-size sedan...not anymore.

What's the big deal how much we own?

Well it's what owns us - our time, our resources, our hearts.

Besides my obsession with Goodwill - (getting rid of stuff, not more shopping)

My best tip for 2009 is to fire up the scanner. My tendency is to drown in a pile of papers. It has been so freeing to lose the unnecessary files, journals, business papers, etc. I'm not done yet. But doing a little each time I do the bills sure helps.

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End of the Year Giving

2008-12-30T15:21:00.004-05:00

Tomorrow is the last day of 2008. Now is a great time to get those last financial contributions into your favorite charities. Make sure the check is dated and postmarked 12/31/08 or earlier.

Save all those receipts for a deduction at tax time.

Thanks for giving to the people in your world and stretching yourself to give to those outside your circle of family and friends. You are making the world a better place by changing one life at a time.

Have a fabulous New Year!

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Tree Recycling

2008-12-29T14:31:00.006-05:00

Anyone taking down a (once) live Christmas tree? Your local parks are recycling them to make mulch. This helps keep trees out of landfills and saves tax payer $ as well.

Here's the local list:

IndyTrees will be accepted at Broad Ripple, Ellenberger, Garfield, Krannert, Riverside, Perry, and Sahm parks. They can be dropped off seven days a week from dawn until dusk through Jan. 31.

Check with your local parks for out of area info.

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Gifts of Joy

2008-12-24T09:20:00.004-05:00

Mr. Fezziwig is one of my favorite character (non-religious) of the Christmas season. My husband was like... who?

There is a character in the Charles Dickens, "A Christmas Carol", that was young scrooge's boss. He used what he had to bless the employees that worked for him. He threw a big party and provided them joy and relief from the workers' daily lives. He didn't have to say thank you- but he did, in an extravagant way.

Some times Christmas ends up to be less about giving and more about this weird trade- what can I get you that equals what you are getting me.

Who can you thank this season? Surprise?

Life is like a rubberband - we are either stretching ourselves to give to others or we are retracting into ourselves like the Scrooge character in Dicken's famed novel.

Go ahead and give - with joy.

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Gift of Pictures

2008-12-23T15:36:00.005-05:00

Yesterday when I went to open the mail, I went through the cards, letters, and pictures. I LOVE getting letters/pictures/cards from friends.

I opened one from my friend S. It had a DVD inside she had used her computer to put her life that year in pictures. Her hubby had returned safely from Iraq. I loved the pictures of him with military equipment. I was so thankful for the families heroism and loved the story brought to life with pictures and music.

Speaking of military families...did you know that some of them have registries online with Sears called Heroes at Home? If you are doing some last minute online shopping, take a look at some of the registry wish lists.

Thanks to all of our military families!!!

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Gift of Story

2008-12-22T14:14:00.006-05:00

Friday night, Aaron and I worked the Compassion table at Andrew Peterson's "Behold the Lamb Tour." He and some other artists have taken the Christmas Story and created new songs to tell the old traditional story.

It was a great reminder that we continually need to be reminded of the original story no matter how old we are.

Here is a link to one of the songs, Labor of Love, is set to clips from the Nativity story movie.

Both the songs and the DVD are part of our annual tradition to recenter on the real meaning of Christmas. I also like that both songs and DVD show the real humanity of the story without all the sugar-coated fake niceness that we sometimes try to inject into Christmas. Christ was born into a broken world, full of broken people, and brought real hope and life.

Gift of time

2008-12-09T12:02:00.003-05:00

(from Jessica)

In lieu of gifts, each year my sister takes her kids on a family vacation. Instead of running around spending too much, stressing with the other shoppers, her whole family looks forward to a relaxing time enjoying each other.

One year it is a ski trip, the next, a few days on the beach in FLA. Her kids, now in their 20s, still remember every Christmas trip they took. I know I'll not remember what color scarf I got for Christmas 10 years ago, but the memories they have made together will last their lifetime.

No matter what you do, the family should spend this time together. It ends up being a gift of time to each other and a valuable life lesson to remember what giving is all about...

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Hold the glitter, please...

2008-12-04T16:46:00.004-05:00

Loved this... I totally get the glitter thing...

(From Tony Biaggne)

If you’re like me, you take more of a wham, bam, thank you Wal*Mart mentality when it comes to Christmas shopping. For me, the thought of making a birdhouse for my mom or a toy for my kids sounds like torture. And here I am, serving as one of the creatives behind a movement that encourages people to give relational gifts like these. But I’m not a builder. In fact, Bob The Builder intimidates me. The very term “arts and crafts” gives me nausea. I hate glitter. And to be honest, the thought of doing some online shopping sounds pretty sweet right about now. But I know I can’t because I want to give people something that screams “YES! I LOVE YOU!” I want impact, substance. I want it to be real. So much of my day in and day out is surface living. Surface conversations about the weather. Surface intentions. I go to surface birthdays with a surface gift tucked under one arm, to which I receive a surface “thank you” card a few weeks later. Maybe one day this will change. And maybe this day begins this season, where I dig beneath my surface life to a life where the ol’ ticker is pumping loudly and passionately. Yes, it may happen--I just know a birdhouse isn’t going to get me there.

Last year a guy from church told us about a gift he gave his dad. It was a bag of coffee beans. A pretty sizable one too. He explained the puzzled look on his dad’s face when he opened the gift. Then he told his father he wanted to use this gift as an opportunity to know him more. He wanted to hear stories about this man’s life. His childhood. His wedding day. All of it. So, his plan was to call his dad up every Sunday night and hear a story about his life while sharing a cup of coffee made from the beans. Wow, right? See, I can do that, because I want that with my own dad. Now, maybe your relationship with your father isn’t like this. Maybe you don’t even have someone called “dad” in your life. But I’m willing to bet you have someone that you’d like to get to know more. And where glitter may not cut it, maybe something as simple as coffee beans will.

Christmas Cards

2008-12-03T13:17:00.003-05:00

(From Tracey)

When doing your Christmas cards this year, take one card and send it to this address. If we pass this on and everyone sends one card, think of how many cards these wonderful special people who have sacrificed so much would get.

When you are making out your Christmas card list this year, please include the following:

Brave American Soldier

c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center

6900 Georgia Avenue,NW

Washington,D.C. 20307-5001

(pix- stock.xchng)

Advent Conspiracy and December Giveaway

2008-12-02T13:15:00.006-05:00

I found a great new website where people are joining forces to share great ideas to make Christmas more meaningful and less commercialized.

I am also starting a contest for the month of December. If you leave a comment on this blog to share a cool idea to help make Christmas meaningful I will enter you in a drawing for a free book!

Check out the Advent Conspiracy site to get those creative ideas flowing.

(From Advent Conspiracy web site...)
Christmas can (still) change the world.

The story of Christ's birth is a story of promise, hope, and a revolutionary love.

What if Christmas became a world-changing event again?

Welcome to Advent Conspiracy.

Thankful

2008-11-25T14:25:00.004-05:00

Crazy this week? Me too.

Just for a few minutes as I type this, I am going to enter that sacred place of remembering how much I am blessed.

I am thankful for:

long-time family and friends as we press on past each others faults and quirks to community, for my husband who knows more of my flaws than anyone else and still chooses love everyday

new people in my life this year: a new small group, new writer friends, new neighbors, a new pastor, new church initiatives for justice

moments of peace - the beautiful ever-changing Indiana landscape in it's glory and fierceness, stolen moments of reflection, beautiful art and music

moments of stress - that come from a fulfilling life as musician, teacher, writer, and wife

moments of victory - seeing a student "get it", turning a phrase to make it fit, connecting with another person's heart, seeing another person live justice as a way of life

moments of defeat - learning a painful lesson, producing character in me, reminds me that I am not home yet

What are you thankful for? Comment below...

(pix - stock.xchng)

Free Groceries for One Year

2008-11-19T20:04:00.005-05:00

Enter for a chance to win a year of free groceries for your family–and a community food bank! (Prize value $25,000!)

Thanks to myrecipes daily contest for a great give away.

(pix - stock.xchng)

Giving more than money

2008-11-19T14:29:00.007-05:00

Yesterday, I had a speaking assignment in western/central Indiana. I received such a warm welcome from those ladies! I felt like I had grown up with them. It was a small group and was so nice to be able to have more time to dialogue than when I speak to bigger groups.

Some days, I think I learn more from them than they do from me.

I was once again reminded the importance of:

Smiles
Hugs
Friendship
Real caring and compassion
Creative gifts
Time spent

I think it is the practical side of me that sees giving in how much it costs financially. Giving is bigger than that. Sometimes what I am least likely to give is when it costs me emotionally.

(pix- stock.xchng)

Help for Single Mom and Kids

2008-11-11T10:47:00.004-05:00

Last Friday night I found myself sorting books and toys. Lots and lots of books and toys.

A local church opened up their doors to a single mom. She was needing to clean out their house that had contained the remnants of the lives of 2 adults and 6 kids. November weather is iffy in Indiana at best. So this church opened up it's meeting hall area supplied lots of tables and some of the men on staff along with her neighbors, co-workers, and friends helped load up her stuff, sort it, organize it into areas and price it.

I was blown away at the 20+ people coming together to get so much done. She said more were coming on Saturday to help man the sale. I mentioned to her during a dinner break how loved she was. She said "yes", and started to cry looking around at all the help and support she had.

The answer isn't always to join a committee, organization, or group. Sometimes what means the most is just being available to live life together.

The Day after....Embracing the Courgage to Create

2008-11-05T09:54:00.010-05:00

The day after... the political predictions are swept away like the morning sidewalk trash. Half of the country is rejoicing...the rest are grieving, angry, or indifferent. Both sides can give into the natural bent of human nature to criticize, to tear down, to our dark gravity.

Or we can have the courage to create.

A political leader cannot change your neighborhood, you can.
Government cannot heal hurting hearts, Jesus can.
The White House cannot give safe refuge to someone in need, your homes can.
The party of choice cannot give someone a place to belong, our churches can.

Can we care as much on November 5th as we do on November 4th?

Whatever your issue of choice - do something. Create the community you want.

Need some ideas? Check out the people and organizations on the right of this screen living justice and mercy everyday.

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." - Col 3.15

(pix-stock.xchng.com)

Halloween Fun

2008-10-25T18:33:00.006-04:00

1. Need a costume for the kids - visit Zwaggle where parents trade kid stuff - there are Halloween costumes there along with a Halloween contest. Keep kid items out of landfills and help your finances as well.

2. Hang with neighbors. It is a tradition in our house to hang with our neighbors in our driveway with the fire pit and hand out candy. Get to know those next door so you can find ways to connect with them and serve them if they are in need.

3. Offer to take a stressed parent's kids' trick-or-treating with your kids.

Can you think of any more Halloween tips? Recipes? Leave your comments below.

Observing Oct 17th

2008-10-21T10:27:00.006-04:00

Oct 17th is as an international day to promote awareness to end extreme poverty I was excited to take part.

I printed off ribbons for Aaron and I, looked up observances near me- then I remembered that we were scheduled to hang out with friends at the Sarah Palin rally.

Well I thought - it's different but it certainly will raise awareness. So Aaron and I put on our anti-poverty shirts from Compassion International, donned our ribbons and were interested to see what happened.

We got some funny looks from people. One guy actually stopped Aaron and asked about his shirt. I wonder if people thought we were going to start protesting.

But the kingdom of God isn't about the kingdom of man. We don't endorse any of the candidates. And honestly were out of place in the frenzied crowd. Many of our friends are voting for this candidate or that one because their stand on ______ (fill in the blank).

What I want to know is if you believe in _________(fill in the blank). What will YOU do in 2009 about _________to change your world?

Common Ground MOPS

2008-10-08T10:25:00.005-04:00

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to speak to a fabulous group of moms who are fired up about doing what they can to give back to their community. They were very kind and welcoming and I appreciate the opportunity to learn from them. They had lots of great ideas they shared with me about what they do as moms to not only give of themselves but involve their children and train their children to be givers.

Here are some of their great ideas of what they do:
1. Buy school supplies for needy kids
2. Take a homeless person out to eat so you can listen to their story and share the hope of Christ with them
3. Cleaning out toys with her daughter to get her excited about sharing and giving them to needy kids
4. Meet your real neighbor next door, be vulnerable enough so you can know them well enough to meet their real needs.
5. Foster parenting/adoption
6. Not for sale, charity water
7. Project Linus
8. Family service projects with the Lions Club
9. Mentoring/Tutoring
10. Local shelters - Julian Center
11. Food for Shepherd Community
12. McDonald bucks to give to the homeless instead of $ that can be used for drugs/alcohol
13. Volunteer in the community
14. Servlife, friends of wfp, results.org
15. Justice kitchen - learning to buy local, etc.

Financial Freakout

2008-09-30T13:20:00.007-04:00

The bad financial news of the last week was in one sense a good reminder to keep things honest. If the companies had been more honest about the true state of their finances this would not be happening. We need to get honest with ourselves and our finances.

Most of the world lives on less than $1 a day. Our stress this week is caused by mismanagement of abundance.

Everyone serves something...for me it's not going to be money...

Need help?

Practical Ideas to Save Money - Ellie Kay
Major Money Revamp - Crown Financial Money Map
Something better than the stock market - $

(pix-stock.xchng)

Kingdom Justice trumps Social Justice

2008-09-29T20:29:00.001-04:00

Society says, "Fight and claw your way to the top."
Kingdom justice says, "The last shall be first."

Society says, "Take care of yourself and your family first. Give away your leftovers."
The Kingdom says, "Look to the interests of others."

Society says, "Seek out the wealthy, the brilliant, the famous, the well-bred. Use those connections to win."
The kingdom says, "Humble yourself to aid those who can never repay you."

Social justice follows the whims of a fickle crowd.
Kingdom justice is age-old wisdom,
Never changing,
Ever–constant,
Until one day when the
Author of Justice returns.

(pix -websiterepository.ed.ac.uk)

"2 Whole Tables..."

2008-09-09T11:23:00.009-04:00

Aaron and I were working the Denver and the Mile High Orchestra concert this past Sunday in Avon, IN. (Happy Birthday, Aaron) There were 2 concerts and we saw 40 Compassion International Child sponsorships just in the first concert!

One little boy was walking with his mom to the table and asked my husband about the pictures of the children. Aaron told him it was to help boys and girls who don't have all the things that they need.

As the family was leaving the table the boy looked up and realized that the packets we had spanned two tables (80 packets). He said incredulously, "Look they fill two whole tables!" The little boy was astonished that there were that many kids who lacked basic necessities, unaware of the millions of children these faces represent that lack basic necessities.

I hope I will never see the statistics of child poverty as cold facts but will remain astonished that poverty is something that in the face of the love of Christ and the work of the church should have it's place in this world.

Help change the life of one child today. (www.compassion.com)

Music and Justice tours

2008-09-02T11:56:00.007-04:00

Happy Day after Labor Day!

Did the summer seem to go by too quickly? Want to catch the last bit of summer in a music tour for a good cause?

Sara Groves
ART*MUSIC*JUSTICE tour this fall, which will benefit both the International Justice Mission and Food For the Hungry. The International Justice Mission (www.IJM.org) is a human rights agency that secures justice for victims of slavery, sexual exploitation and other forms of violent oppression. Food for the Hungry (www.FH.org) works in more than 26 developing countries providing disaster and emergency relief, and implementing sustainable development programs to transform communities physically and spiritually.

Third Day and Switchfoot
Music builds -raising funds and awareness for Habitat for Humanity.
http://www.musicbuildstour.com/

5/14/08 A note from Chad (Switchfoot) about The Music Builds Tour...

"As a band we have held firm to the idea that music can bring people together to accomplish much more than a show. We've always tried to play music for everyone regardless of ideology, race, or genre.� So with that in mind we are proud to announce our involvement in one of the most diverse lineups we've ever been a part of. We dreamed up the The Music Builds Tour along with a few friends of ours whose main commonality is a dream to see this world change for the better. Different bands, different backgrounds, one goal: A traveling festival to raise money and awareness for Habitat for Humanity.� We think very highly of the people who listen to our music. We are grateful for the� open minded audience who have embraced our songs and allowed us to push the boundaries of where the music can go. We invite you to put differences in musical taste aside and focus on our commonalities: we all want to see this world change for the better. We hope that you'll come with us on this next part of the journey and get involved in something much bigger than ourselves."�

- Chad

COMPUTER COOL

2008-08-25T12:50:00.003-04:00

Good Search

(www.goodsearch.com)
This site is my home page and search engine. Good Search will donate 1 cent each time you click. The site remembers your charitable organization selection. 55,000+ organizations are already registered. If yours isn’t on the site you can register it in a few seconds. Donations can add up fast. The ASPCA has earned over $12,000.

Be sure to also check out the Good Shop tool. Start from this site when you shop brand names like Amazon, Best Buy, and Travelocity and a percentage of your purchase will be donated to charity. Online shopping has a bonus of comparing prices, saving time, and gas money.

The Hunger Site

(www.thehungersite.com)
This site features click buttons for six different causes: hunger, child health, breast cancer, literacy, the rainforest, and animal rescue. Each click is a donation to that cause. You can also purchase items from the online store.

Ripple

(www.ripple.org)

This site funds clean water, food, education, and a $100 loan with your daily click. Ripple also features a search engine. To add to the giving power you can link the Ripple “give” button directly to your blog or Facebook page.

Free Rice

(www.freerice.com)
What a fun brain break! For me a good game of computer solitaire helps me declutter my thoughts . Try this fun new vocabulary game, where every correct answer you choose donates 20 grains of rice to an impoverished country. Give somebody around the world a break while you take yours.

Free Poverty

(www.freepoverty.com)
OK – I wasn’t so good at this one. I did much better on the vocabulary game but this is still fun and could be a great way to improve geography skills. You will locate cities and landmarks on a map and the site donates 10 cups of water to a poor country. I liked the feature that still added cups if it was close but not exact.

Light that Pushes back the Darkness

2008-08-19T14:33:00.005-04:00

"In Him(Christ) was light and that light was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it. " (John 1. 5)

A couple of weekends ago we were with some friends going out to eat. We ended up in a not-so-nice part of a downtown city. I didn't really think much about it - I had lived in an inner-city area one summer in college. But some in the group were a little nervous about walking through that part of town. I understood where they were coming - they just aren't exposed to that in their normal life.

After dinner we had about a whole pizza left and one of the gals brought it with her and gave it away. One pan-handler flat out rejected it - wanting money instead. Some guys by a tattoo parlor wanted it, and gave her a thank-you hug.

In that kind of moment all I could think of was that verse.
Our ignorance about them - darkness.
Their assumptions about us - all darkness.
Being afraid of each other- darkness.

The love of Christ to reach out - light.
And that light always wins.

Musings

2008-08-06T11:35:00.002-04:00

"From a man in the light on the outside of the world, he was transformed in the twinkling of the eye into a man in the dark on the inside of himself, in pain..."

"He could see. And he walked along, feeling the joy of a man who sees, a joy that a man tends to forget in sufficient light."

- Wendell Berry Making It Home