More Covington Exploration

Did you know that there is a troll that lives under the Roebling Bridge? We didn't either. But while walking around Roebling Pointe yesterday, we discovered all sorts of wonderful things!

Leah wanted to visit the Basilica for her birthday, but that adventure would have to wait since there is no visitation on Sundays. Instead, we headed down toward the River to look for a coffee and bookshop I'd read about online. Last Sunday when we ate at Molly Malone's for Father's Day (which was absolutely delicious!) we tried to find it, but got turned around on the one way streets.

Yesterday...success!

But only about 10 minutes before they closed. We'll definitely be back.

I asked if we could walk around a little more and headed under the bridge where I thought I had previously seen murals. The first thing we found though, was this ingenious place called The Gruff. Why The Gruff?

Because obviously that's where the 3 Billy Goats would hang out after getting past the aforementioned Troll! 

Whoever thought up this restaurant idea at the base of the bridge is genius. I have no idea what they serve (they are closed on Sundays), how much it costs or if it's any good...but I will without question support such amazing local creativity!

A little further on, and we found the murals...

they're sort of hard to miss.

What followed was a great history lesson for my girls about Covington's Riverfront district and how the Roebling Suspension Bridge was actually a prototype for the world-famous Brooklyn Bridge. Historically important...aesthetically beautiful...and all I know is, scary to drive on.[I'm sure it's just me, but I always feel like my tires are slipping on it...even the new tires.]

It was a gorgeous day and a good way to celebrate Leah. 12 years ago we set off on an adventure with this little girl who is always on the go. She loves people, she loves life and most of all, she loves Jesus. Her passion and zeal for adventure is unlike anyone else I know. It was entirely appropriate to have an unexpected adventure on her day.

WIJD

What Would (Is) Jesus Do-ing?

Most of us have heard the phrase "What would Jesus Do?" Some of us probably even still have a plastic bracelet bearing the initials WWJD thrown into the back of a junk drawer somewhere.

While the question has merit, this year I want to ask WIJD...What Is Jesus Doing? I want 2015 to be the year where God's Kingdom "on Earth as it is in Heaven" becomes a reality that I see daily.

This Spirit-inspired task is a daunting one, it will take more discipline than I can muster in my own power, and it will challenge and perhaps shake the very core of my American-church faith.

Shane Claiborne writes, "Few things have more transformative power than people and stories." (Irresistible Revolution). If you'll join me as I dig into God's Story, read the stories of God's faithful and interview those who are already on the frontlines of His Kingdom work, and begin to join God in places where He is already working, I promise you will be transformed too. (12/24/14)

Today as I reflect on these words that poured out of me as I sat in my car and waited for Abbey to complete her gift shopping in Target on Christmas Eve, I cannot begin to relay to you all of the various affirmations that God has used to confirm that this is the theme for me in 2015. I haven't made a New Year's resolution in a few decades...and I've never kept one...but God's Holy Spirit is faithful to often direct me into themes that He wants to explore in my heart, mind, body and soul.

2014 was a year of attempting to become chemical free and I think I'm about 75%+ there. It's involved making homemade alternatives to shampoo, conditioners, toothpastes and using essential oils, herbs and teas for stress and pain relief. Did it take time? Yes. Did it take effort? Yes. Did it cost additional money? Sometimes yes...but often it was less expensive or free.

Wouldn't it be amazing if at this time next year I could share with you that I see God actively working in 75%+ of each and every day? Call it a resolution, a goal, a theme or the impossible...but He has me chomping at the bit...ready for the challenge.

While I can't possibly convey every situation that has brought me to this place...because some of them extend back in time over a decade...I can share a few highlights that I hope encourage you to join me on this leg of the Journey:

• Our church (2000+ members) is presently reading through The Story together. This version of the Bible tells God's Story and how it has prevailed throughout history.
• In a series of meetings with our Serve Ministry Leader at First Church of Christ, I had the "idea" that people learn best through and are inspired by the stories of others, so why don't we create short videos showing where God is already working and trust Him to inspire others to join in.
• During this same set of meetings, we chose to begin reading Irresistible Revolution as a Serve Team to dig into a narrative of how Jesus is fleshing out His work in others.
• While contemplating how to educate people in our congregation about needs in our community and how we can meet those needs, this idea of sharing a book discussion to the whole church arose and we began sifting through a lengthy list of what book to start with because Irresistible Revolution might be too challenging for most...yet this book rose to the surface and that's where we'll begin.
• The paragraphs at the beginning of this post poured out of me on Christmas Eve, because I read that amazing quote from Shane Claiborne while I waited.
• What is the title of my blog for pete's sake?
• Too many more to relate here.

So we're diving in...we've created a private Facebook group for church and online participants who want to read Irresistible Revolution and join in the conversation. I'll also be posting quotes from books, sharing videos of God's Kingdom work and trying to engage you in this Journey. Follow me on Twitter (link above), find me on Facebook, come to our Sunday morning book discussions (message me for details), join us in our LifeGroup or at Thursday morning Bible study at FCC, message me to meet for coffee, join us in serving at Tent Day, the Emergency Shelter of Northern Kentucky, homeless hosting this winter at FCC or any of the other possibilities that will arise throughout the year...but most of all fall on your knees and implore the Almighty, the Savior of your soul and His Holy Spirit that is alive, active and living in you to show you where He is already bringing His Kingdom "on Earth as it is in Heaven."

I am so ready! Aren't you??

p.s. I almost forgot!! We'll be using the hashtag #FCCGodStories for Kingdom-work inspiration. What better way to show how God is "trending" everyday??!

Old Kentucky Christmas: First Church of Christ, Burlington, KY

Our church has given the gift of this event to our community for the last few years. Each year, Old Kentucky Christmas grows and grows. This year's crowd is expected to reach around 10,000 between the four night and one day event.

Today, my kids and I volunteered for the field trip shift. We worked in the school house, teaching children how to write with a feather quill and ink.

There is something fun for everyone. You can make a candle...

pet real animals, like llamas, a donkey, burro, cow or angora rabbits...

take a carriage ride, play pioneer games, make your own Christmas ornament, go on a hayride and there is food too.

Decorate your own Christmas cookie, drink hot cocoa, or dip a pretzel in chocolate at the candy shop.

Inside our main building there will also be a quilting display, a dulcimer ensemble and several opportunities to participate in our church's candlelight service. Thursday night, Cooper High School performed their Christmas concert in lieu of a candlelight service.

There are also several photo opportunities outside and a more formal family photo opportunity inside.

Did I mention that this entire event is free?

My only caution is that with local road and community building construction this year, parking is more restricted. If you're heading out, there is the option to park at Camp Ernst Middle School and catch the free shuttle over to the First Church campus.

Trust me..your family will love this and it might become a favorite tradition in your home.

Visit the website for more time, location and map details. There are also lots of photos on the Facebook page.

And this...

this is what happens when you teach several hundred students how to write with a feather quill and ink. Oh well...back in the day, I would have just looked the part of a serious author.

"No Need to Say Anything"

This fall, I've been participating in Beth Moore's latest Bible study entitled Children of the Day. The study encompasses First and Second Thessalonians. As per usual for a Beth Moore study, it has been insightful, informative, and has at times left me awed and amazed with wonder at the God who loves us in spite of ourselves.

As much as I've enjoyed the study, there as yet hadn't been anything profound for which I would have wanted to write a post. Moore has pretty much covered all of the important stuff and I prefer to only post about elements in scripture that the Holy Spirit has brought to my attention, outside of Moore's commentary. There has been much to learn, but nothing that had simply "Wowed!" me...

until this week.

Moore had once again (as in the study of James), asked the participants if they are so willing, to take a stab at memorizing both books of the Bible. You can see the huge impact the one small book of James has had on my life by the simple fact that on the right side of this blog, the topical index has 38 posts referenced to James. That's almost more than any other book I have listed. The lingering influence James has had upon me is in large part due to the prompting by Beth Moore to memorize it. I learned that memorizing scripture is not only a great mechanism for giving my brain a much needed workout...it truly makes God's Spirit-breathed Word come alive. I've heard Moore talk of her desire to have scripture be "bone deep". That is what the memorization of James did for me.

This is only the first month of my attempt at memorization, so chapter one of 1 Thessalonians is what I've been working on. Right away I found a few verses to claim for Abbey and her team in Houston. Daily believing and speaking these words on their behalf and inserting their names within this passage has helped alleviate the grief of missing her and inspired me to remember that I too am chosen by God (see verse 4).

But two days ago, as I prayed that these words would become "bone deep", there was another verse that leapt off the page and began stewing in my heart and mind. 

"For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith toward God has gone forth, so that we have no need to say anything." (I Thessalonians 1:8)

Those five underlined words speak volumes...or should...about how I and my fellow Jesus followers are challenged to live. What if?

What if Paul, Silvanus (aka Silas), and Timothy were writing this letter today to the Hebronites, Burlingtonians, Florencians, and Unionites of Northern Kentuckionus? Could they sincerely write:  'For the word of the Lord has been lived out by you, not only in your hometowns, but also in your state, your nation and your world...every single place your beautiful feet have carried the Good News with you...so effectively that, you know what?...we don't need to say another word.'

Dream with me a minute and picture what that would be like:

• Care and involvement in the lives of the poor, the widow and the distressed
• Visiting the sick, the lonely and the imprisoned
• Anointing for healing of the sick and diseased
• Care and cultivation of God's beautiful creation and good stewardship of its limited resources
• Aiding the stranded traveller, the weary soul and the wounded heart

In other words, putting feet, hands, arms, faces and action onto the Gospel (aka Good News) that Jesus left behind for us to follow. 

My brothers and sisters who call yourselves by the Name that is above every other name...followers of the Son of the One true living God...this is precisely the challenge before us. We have the very Holy Spirit of God living in us begging us to put flesh and feet to His Good News. 

In the back of my mind I've always had this lingering thought, 'What if when I see Jesus, He shows me all of the opportunities I missed, the talents I squandered and the people with whom I didn't share His amazing Love? At the end of my days, I used to think I could hear nothing better than "Well done, good and faithful servant!" I'm not so sure now. 

I think the best response I could hope for is "Child...I have no need to say anything."

River Road Ramblings

I love living near the Ohio River. Honestly, I could easily while away the hours on a gorgeous day like today, simply listening to the gentle ripples as the warm breezes stir this majestic and beautiful river. We've been studying the Northern Kentucky region for school...its history, geography, ecology and even  the marine life contained within it.  Today, we wrapped up our study with an amazing drive along the river road that meanders across the tip of our state. We had no agenda...just clear blue skies, an unusually warm late October day, more happy fall color than Bob Ross could ever give a tree, a little bit of gas in the car and my always-ready-for-an-adventure attitude.

We often tread the path between our home and the Covington or Newport areas along this road. I enjoy driving the river route when we have the time, because the interstate just can't compare.

A little more than an hour into our trip today, we ended up in Augusta, Kentucky. This small river town hands down has to be one of the cutest little places I've ever seen. Just look at their Welcome Center...

As only I would, we saved this stop for last. (Welcome to my world!) Inside Dorothy greeted us with her space heaters cranked up to 90, smelling like my grandma, and a head full of history and trivia that only a tiny town like this could contain. I instantly loved her!

We only spoke to two people on our little excursion (Dorothy and a shopkeeper), but both conveniently name dropped George Clooney. It seems Mr. Clooney graduated from high school here and his parents still live in the town. Both ladies pointed out his mother's store, which would have been easy to identify if I had indeed known his mom's name is Nina.

There's also a ferry boat that crosses here and Dorothy told us pedestrians are free to cross. But if you have your own boat, you can pull right up to the riverside park. I'm not a boating person myself, but boat ties on the side of the river seem to indicate to me that it's deep enough for you to dock here.

Dorothy also informed us that the longest stretch of the Ohio River that is straight is about 9 miles long...and Augusta lies on that stretch. All of the homes along the riverfront were built in the 1700s or 1800s. I'll add to Dorothy's helpful information that these house are also absolutely adorable.

On our brief walking tour, my kids chastised me for taking a picture of this private yard. My response? "Anyone who spends this much time on their garden, wants it to be admired."

Leah mentioned several times that the town reminded her of Storybrook. That's the fictional town where her favorite TV program, Once Upon a Time, takes place. I had to admit, Augusta felt more "Southern" than I am accustomed to feeling in Northern Kentucky. I could almost picture myself standing next to the Mighty Mississippi somewhere in Louisiana, instead of standing across the river from the state of Ohio.

As we were looking around, I kept picturing this cute little place all dressed up for Christmas. Both ladies we spoke with concurred that Christmas would be a great time to return. I think we'll be back.

Last week, we also worked in a trip to Rabbit Hash, Kentucky, when my parents were here. Yes, you read that correctly, Rabbit Hash. This is what I expect a Kentucky river town to look like. We love Rabbit Hash, but there's not much to do there on a weekday, other than visit the General Store. 

As we continue to explore Kentucky, little treasures like Bellevue and Augusta reinforce my love for this beautiful state. Next region...Bluegrass.

Tent Day

What is Tent Day? Tent Day is what happens when churches take food, fun and fellowship outside of the church walls and to neighborhoods where people need to experience God's Love. We all need God's Love, but some communities are more receptive to people sharing life with them. Such is the case on Tuesday and Thursday nights in two Northern Kentucky neighborhoods.

CityMerge is a relatively new non-profit whose vision not only includes Tent Day, but meeting real needs for real people. The needs can't fully be known until the relationships are established through consistent involvement in the lives of neighborhood families though. Once the needs are identified (i.e. homework assistance, nutrition classes, or small home repairs for the elderly), the needs can be met by church members, Tent Day volunteers, or local agencies that are already active and funded in the community.

The biggest need that is met by Tent Day is relationship. In poor communities, you don't want to feel like a "project"...you want to know you are loved, valued and a needed part of your neighborhood. Through informal community dinners, games and conversation, neighbors step out of their homes and into each others lives. When you know your neighbors are working together, you know that your contribution can make a difference.

Just as this Gigi's cupcake brings BIG icing to Tent Day...CityMerge's BIG dream involves transformation of lives and neighborhoods on nothing less than a massive scale. But as I've learned over the last year, it all starts with the little things. Obedience, time, listening, discernment, personal study, dedication and love...above all else Love...is what will make lasting change in the lives of those who are marginalized in our society.

But the flip-side of this is that the Tent Day volunteers will most likely be the most transformed! When you invest your own obedience, time, listening, discernment, etc. into the lives of people in your local community who only have their lives and time to give in return, you quickly become the recipient of priceless gifts like honesty, authenticity, joy, fun, conversation, insight, perspective on what really matters, and love...above all else Love.

CityMerge hopes to one day have other Northern Kentucky churches capture the vision and adopt neighborhoods in their own communities. What would happen if every church in Northern Kentucky took one night each week to feed their neighbors and talk with them about what's going on in their homes, schools and neighborhoods? 

Can you see it?

It may turn out to be nothing more than a cut-throat game of Trouble...

or maybe...just maybe...it could become the beautiful Body of Christ that Jesus envisioned His Church could be: On Earth as it is in Heaven!

Smale Riverfront Park- Downtown Cincinnati

Cincinnati finally has a riverfront that surpasses Newport on the Levee

In just the 7+ years that we have lived here, Cincinnati's waterfront has gone from good to spectacular. With the addition of The Banks and Smale Riverfront Park, there are a lot of interesting sites, delicious restaurants and free fun things to do.

One day in July, the kids and I headed out for water, walking and warm summer breezes by the Ohio River. 

Leah & her friend, Seth, playing in the water

Plenty of shade and seating for adults too.

There are two water spray pads within just a few blocks of each other. No one should feel strange dressing their kids in swimsuits, because we saw plenty of people there doing the same. These are very kid-friendly fountains, made for play. Both areas also have plenty of seating and shade for parents too.

Make sure you take towels!

But there is also history at Smale Park. A memorial to the Black Brigade of the Civil War is beautiful and commemorates a mostly unknown group of men who served our country well.

There is a meditative labryinth (which my kids used for play instead)...

beautiful views of Covington and the River...

The Cincinnati-Covington Roebling Bridge

and the swings!

These swings were the entire reason why we went down to Smale Park to begin with. 

I kept seeing pictures of these swings in tourism and promotional photos and I absolutely had to find them. I know it's silly, but big front-porch type swings along a meandering river in the "near" South. 

Yes, I have always believed that I should have been born further South. I am a southern girl at heart!

You could actually sit on these swings and listen to a Reds game. That is Great American Ballpark in the background.

Regardless of why you go down to The Banks...food, fun, football (yes, it's almost here) or family time, don't forget to stop along the way at Smale Riverfront Park. 

Cincinnati...you did good.

You did good.

********************************

End note:  I can't wait for the trolley car system that will connect the riverfront to everything between it and Findlay Market. We will definitely experience the "spend-a-day-wandering-around-Cincinnati" that I've always wanted to do when that opens up.

An afternoon in Bellevue, Kentucky

Cute little alley by one of the antique stores

I should know by now that when Abbey pesters me into doing something, odds are, I will greatly enjoy it.

Such was the case regarding our afternoon in Bellevue, Kentucky. I had no idea all of the shops, restaurants, coffee cafe's and interesting "stuff" to see there. That's how we found The Elusive Cow and next time, we'll try a new place.

Just to name a few of the places we discovered were Schneider's Sweet Shop, Witt's End Candy, Bella on the Avenue consignments, Avenue Brew coffee shop, and Splendid Things.

If you're planning a trip, there's even a website for shopbellevueky.com that lists all of the shops, restaurants and special events available.

Admittedly, I'm probably a little slow in finding this gem that's within walking distance of Newport on the Levee, but next time you're in the area and have a little time, check it out.

The Elusive Cow Cafe- Bellevue, KY

Quite by accident, the girls and I stumbled upon this little place in Bellevue, Kentucky. Having the menu in the window definitely sold us on giving them a chance to win us over...and they did.

According to their menu, "The Elusive Cow only uses the freshest of ingredients and organic whenever possible. Our meats come from local farmers in Brown and Adams County, Ohio and our Bison is from Oldham County, Kentucky"

The prices were a little higher than we usually pay, but supporting a local business that is trying to purchase fresh foods from local farmers is worthy of a few extra dollars to me. It was lunchtime and since we eat lighter for lunch, it was easy enough to by a few items to share.

We had the yummy Flat Bread Pizza appetizer (pictured above) and an order of loaded fries that were delectable. Being the family Vegan and not very hungry, Abbey had a side of kale slaw and thought it was pretty tasty.  

I don't eat beef very often, but given the quality of the food and knowing how the beef has been procured, I would probably get a burger next time we go. Everything we saw being served looked wonderful. We'll definitely be returning soon!

The Elusive Cow Cafe

519 Fairfield Ave

Bellevue, KY 41073

**Note- They ARE closed on Mondays!**

Reality Tuesday 2 Cafe': Hebron, Kentucky

My new favorite coffee shop not only serves Fair Trade coffee, delicious espresso drinks and yummy donuts and desserts...it is literally a five minute walk from my doorstep to theirs.

I am convinced this is the way we were meant to live (and how most everyone else in the world does, outside of the suburban U.S.). The ability to walk to the market or your local cafe' is something I greatly enjoy and Reality Tuesday 2 is worth the walk.

My commendation need go no further than to express that they have only been open a few months and I am already on my second frequent buyers' card. Yes...it is that good.

But more than the food and coffee, the staff are always friendly, knowledgeable and helpful in making selections. I've gotten to know more than one of the baristas on a first name basis and I know they like their "regulars".

Speaking of regulars, there's a group of ladies that I'm meeting with for Bible study this summer. Reality Tuesday 2 is graciously allowing us to meet there. For this, I am thankful.

I can't express adequately how much I really want this small business to succeed. I've even volunteered to take care of plants they should put on their patio to make it a wee bit more inviting. The owners are slowly adding to the facility (which is a shared space with the new Hebron campus for Lakeside Church) and it looks more welcoming every time I walk through the door. The reason I feel so strongly about their survival is because I've seen several businesses go in and out of these three strip malls closest to us, and with the exception of sports bars, most fail within a year or two. This little cafe' brings warmth, a relaxing environment and a place for non-liquor seeking folks to congregate and hang out with their friends...something very much needed on this four block area that houses 1 grocery, four take out pizza places, four family sit down restaurants, four fast food chains, two ice cream parlors, a take out wings joint, three sports bars and three liquor stores. Did you notice I said this was a four-block area?

If you're in the Hebron area and you're looking for some great coffee or just a nice place to hang out with a friend or to drink a cup of java and read a book for awhile...stop by and support a locally owned business that in turn supports Fair Trade. Trust me, you'll be glad you did...

And you just might see me there!

Worm's Way, Erlanger, Kentucky

Okay. There are only about three stores right now in which I could spend significant amounts of time and money. Oddly enough, they all revolve around food. My local Kroger Marketplace is basically my second home and the Ace Hardware down the street from Kroger is still small (which is a bonus that there is always close parking!), never busy and the employees are friendly and helpful. Ace is my go-to place for odds and ends for our home and garden (albeit an apartment-sized home and garden).

But the one store where I could truly get lost and come back out to face reality several hours later is Worm's Way. I stumbled upon this gem within a few months of moving to Kentucky. It was a great place to visit, but at the time I thought it was mostly hydroponics systems. I had no interest in hydroponics six years ago, so I just thought, "Wow! What a great place, if I'm ever interested in hydroponics."

Then two summers ago, my friend Lori told me she'd stopped by Worm's Way to pick up some organic pest control for her garden and my interest was definitely piqued. Since last fall, I've made a handful of purchases at Worm's Way, but after last week, I foresee this increasing exponentially.

I love to just wander around and look at everything they're growing hydroponically and aquaponically (using fish to fertilize and feed the plants). The staff has always been helpful and kind, but they completely won me over last week when my friend Kari and I went in...with soil analysis in hand...and Ron spent upwards of 15 minutes or more helping us decipher the numbers and sort through what would be best for her garden. And I knew he wasn't just trying to sell us stuff we didn't need. When I mentioned some home grown options like using coffee grounds for nitrogen and banana peels for potassium and making my own compost tea from worm castings, he was open to those ideas and acknowledged their efficacy as readily as any products they had to offer.

We still made a few purchases and I have no doubt I'll be back. I felt good putting in a word of praise for Ron with The Boss, but my experience has been that any of the employees would have taken the same amount of time. What's even more rare is that if you have a question to which they don't know the answer, they will quickly research it or call upon the knowledge of another member of the staff instead of pretending like they know what they're talking about.

Spring is coming and if you want to grow organically and wisely discern that you probably won't get the best tools for the job at Wal-Mart, Target or your local farm co-op, check out Worm's Way. And don't let the prices throw you for a loop. They use high quality materials and many of the items are concentrates that will be diluted. There are only six states with stores, but they have everything available online as well.

The Only Question That Matters

I am almost nauseous as I write this post. It's the same feeling I had when I first learned of the proposed debate between Bill Nye and Ken Ham. I have tried to avoid any commentary in any form on the internet, and I've told only a couple of people who know me best how I felt about the debate. I know that putting my "opinion" out there will no doubt alienate some faction of people I call friends.

I have very far left and very far right friends and I think that this article summed up best how the polar opposites are not where a vast majority of people fall. I am part of that section of the general populous. I fall at neither extreme on the continuum.

Yet, I know many people who view all things as black or white that will find me "wishy washy" or "noncommittal" or worst of all "afraid to stand up for what you believe". But actually, this post is my version of "standing up". That's precisely why I'm a little nauseous. 

I don't want to be attacked or alienated any more than the next guy. Miscommunication and misunderstandings abound on both sides of this issue and I do not wish to contribute to the foray. 

Yet...there was something that came about as a result of the debate that I felt compelled to address. If you look at my blogging for today, you will see that this is the third post for this date. Honestly, the first two were just a tactic to avoid this one. Yes, I'm sort of a wimp and I don't relish the comments I know that could result from this post.

But here's what I know: There were two articles after the debate that sparked something in me that just has to be addressed...if for no one else's sake than my own.

The first was entitled 22 Messages from Creationists to People Who Believe in Evolution. I even know one of the ladies in one of the photos and I love her dearly. I saw the article posted to her Facebook wall. That's how some of my friends lean to the right. 

The second article was entitled Answers for Creationists. And yes, this article was posted by one of my friends, among many, that lean to the left.

Here was my thought after reading the first article: If I had been there and had been given the chance to pose such a question, what would I have asked?

This is what immediately came to mind:

After all...isn't this the only question that begs asking?

Isn't this what the entire Bible is asking us to come to terms with?

Isn't this the question that as believers in a Messiah that died so that each of us might have life...and a life that is whole and complete in Him...the primary and essential question that we should ask of everyone?

But sadly, when we focus on what separates us from one another...the One thing we all have in common gets scuttled off to the fringes. The One thing that should be our absolute heartbeat, becomes an annotation to a footnote of an index in the margins. The One Person we should be carrying forth before us and shining out to the nations becomes a dim glimmer of the Hope we were commanded to give to a lost and dying world.

To be fair, I did not watch any of the debate, even though it took place less than five miles from my home. Frankly, I didn't want to risk a lowered opinion of either side. So for all I know, Ken Ham spent three hours telling the world that God loves them ferociously and went to the point of dying on a cross so that He could have relationship with each of us. And if he did...then kudos to him! But for myself...and only speaking for myself...the platform that I am commanded to stand upon is One of Love...Absolute Love.

That is my starting point. There is no other platform upon which I care to stand. [Again...I speak for myself only!]

So call me wishy-washy or non-committal because from your perspective it may be true. But now...after having fought through the nauseousness and overcoming my fear and as soon as I push the "Publish" button...no matter how trepidacious I may be about doing it...no one can say I don't stand up for what I believe.

I just did!

On the Sixth (& Fifth) Day of Christmas- Source Naturals Vitamin D3; Pet Pal

 

I knew when I started this series about My Favorite Things that I most likely couldn't keep up a post a day pace throughout the 12 Days of Christmas. Alas, yesterday I missed completing Day 5...so here it is along with the highly anticipated (I'm certain!) Day 6.

 

Day 5: Source Naturals Vitamin D-3 Liquid, 4 Fluid Ounce

Thanks to Rawganic Vegan, I stumbled across this treasure and purchased it on Amazon. From my limited research, apparently, if you live north of Atlanta, Georgia, it is impossible to get enough Vitamin D from natural sunlight for the months of September through March. I can readily believe this. I also know that most of us aren't outside enough even during the warm months to get adequate supplies.

 

This liquid supplement can easily be used in a cup of water, juice or a smoothie. I've done all three and only noticed a minimal taste in water. It's not unpleasant or bitter, just different. I don't even know how to describe it.

 

For information about Vitamin D deficiency, I found this informative article at Natural News. I hope you read the article because odds are you, or one of the people you know, suffer from one of the Top 10 maladies from a Vitamin D deficiency. It's also almost impossible to get this much-needed vitamin from food alone. It is synthetically added to milk and other products, but that form is not well metabolized by your body. You would have to eat two portions of fatty fish (salmon or mackerel) per day to get enough. Thus, my option became purchasing this supplement instead.

 

 

Day 6: This cute little elephant Pet Pal that my husband gave me for Christmas. He purchased it at It's Only Fair in Newport. I love that he knows me so well. He could have bought just about anything he wanted...and he chose to get me a meaningful gift that has a huge impact on the life of the lady who made it.

 

*I hope you'll indulge me for a moment longer as I became a bit overwhelmed at something God just did in the moment as I type this. This was not how I was expecting my simple blog post to end.*

 

Christmas morning when I opened this animal I was delighted and blessed to be joined to a man that cares about the things that matter to me. I immediately treasured this gift.

 

There were also three cards attached and a brochure that explained more about the purchase. (Yet another reason why I will continue to shop at It's Only Fair.) But that morning I didn't have my reading glasses on and told myself I'd read them later when I could give the information my full attention.

 

Life has been hectic since then with three days of travelling to see families and then catching up here at home. As I sat down to write this post, I grabbed the cards with the intention of reading them before writing about the gift. Here's what the first card says: "Anyango Anjella- Anjella is 36 years old with 4 children and 1 child that she takes care of for a total of 5. She was abandoned by her husband over 5 years ago and has been struggling to feed her children. Since being in the BU (Beyond Uganda) program, she has been able to send her children to school and her dream is to move out of the one room they live in and purchase a home. Your purchase today has helped Anjella get closer to that goal."

 

The second card says this: "Meet Awori Abigail. She is 13 years old & in Grade 4. Your animal is Handmade by Women in Uganda And This Beautiful Stuffed Animal will Provide A Brand New School Uniform for Awori Abigail At Mt.Zion Orphanage in Bugiri, Uganda."

 

Do you see it? Do you know me and know that my name is also Anjella (Angela)? Do you see that this orphan who will now have a new school uniform because of this little animal is named Abigail? ...the same name as my oldest daughter?

 

So while my husband bought me a cute little animal to give his Angela and also bought Haitian hand painted magnets for his Abigail and other three children...he was in turn providing food, clothing and shelter for another Anjella and Abigail half a world away that he may never meet this side of the fulfilled Kingdom.

 

Have I mentioned to you how much I absolutely LOVE Fair Trade?!!!

 

On the Third Day of Christmas- Equal Exchange Organic Chai Tea

My favorite thing to share today is Equal Exchange Organic Chai, 20-Count (Pack of 3). I am happy to share that I paid even less per box for this than the link above at It's Only Fair in Newport. 

However you choose to purchase it, if you're a tea drinker, look into buying this brand. Not only will you have a delicious tea to enjoy, but you can be confident that the farmers who grew the tea are being paid a fair wage. 

Next up, Source Naturals Vitamin B-12.

Previous "Favorite Things":

Day 1- Ancient Minerals Magnesium Spray

Day 2- Urban Farm Magazine