Psalm 104
24-30 What a wildly wonderful world, God!
You made it all, with Wisdom at your side,
made earth overflow with your wonderful creations.
Oh, look—the deep, wide sea,
brimming with fish past counting,
sardines and sharks and salmon.
Ships plow those waters,
and Leviathan, your pet dragon, romps in them.
All the creatures look expectantly to you
to give them their meals on time.
You come, and they gather around;
you open your hand and they eat from it.
If you turned your back,
they’d die in a minute—
Take back your Spirit and they die,
revert to original mud;
Send out your Spirit and they spring to life—
the whole countryside in bloom and blossom.
(The Message)
The theme of God the Creator runs throughout the Bible, as well as a sense of our vulnerability and the need to rely on God.
“Today, with the advent of modern science and humans’ perception of greater control over their environment, much of this awe for creation and its Creator has been lost. Standing in a supermarket surrounded by abundance, it’s hard to feel anything but secure. Yet two pillars of our current conventional food system—large-scale irrigation, and reliance on fossil fuel at nearly every stage of production and transportation—leave us extremely vulnerable, both to human-made disruption and to the natural exhaustion of nonrenewable resources. Regaining a biblical sense of our own dependence on God and our connectedness to God’s creation may be a first step toward rethinking this system.” (Simply in Season Leader’s Study Guide, p. 14)
Further reading: “Today the air feels pregnant with spring,” Simply in Season (2005 p. 32 / 2009 p. 32).
“What is sustainable agriculture?” (2005 p. 33 / 2009 p. 33)
“Three good reasons to support small local farmers” (2005 p. 296 / 2009 p. 311)
Today’s Guest Post is from Hallee the Homemaker.
God’s creation is a magnificent thing. From countless galaxies reaching out into seemingly endless space to the complex structure of the DNA of a wood mite, it is nothing but a masterpiece.
I lived in Ft. Lewis, Washington, in 1980. Despite being only 8 years old, I remember very vividly the day Mt. St. Helens blew up. My dad’s parents lived very close to the mountain, so even as kids we watched all sorts of news footage about it. But one thing I remember very distinctly was the picture of a purple flower popping up out of the ash within weeks of the erruption. It was fascinating to see images of people wearing masks to keep the dust out of their lungs coupled with pictures of flowers growing on the mountainside.
I also remember with distinction the Exxon Valdez oil spill in Prince William Sound in 1989. Twenty-one years later, there is still no herring fishing happening (formerly a huge industry for that area), and scientists working with the local wildlife end up with gloves coated in oil. The environmental impact of that man-made spill is still going strong.
I can’t help but compare the naturally occurring disaster and its local area recovery with a man-made disaster and our attempted local area recovery.
I don’t pay a lot of attention to the political environmental debate. Carbon credits, global warming, global cooling – all of that slips under my radar. I know there is a big stink about research the prove the lack of global warming being hidden by the U.N. lately, but even though that story in itself is interesting, the entire debate is just noise to my ears.
Despite steering away from all things political in regards to the environment, I believe that we can and have hurt God’s creation (i.e. Exxon Valdez). I believe that we are called to be good stewards of this amazing creation around us, and that we only please and bring glory to God when we fulfill our calling.
Cornelius Plantinga says it this way in his book, Engaging God’s World:
“God gives human beings authority in the created world, what we might call ‘responsible dominion.’ Let them take responsibility for keeping the earth, for respecting the integrity of kinds, and times, and seasons. Christians and others have sometimes taken dominion as justification for the ‘conquest’ of nature…the Bible speaks of dominion, not in the sense of conquest, but in the sense of stewardship…To have dominion is to act like the mediator of creation. This means that a human steward of God’s good creation will never exploit or pillage; instead, she will give creation room to be itself. She will respect it, care for it, and empower it. The person who practices good animal husbandry, forest management, and water conservation shows respect for God by showing respect for what God has made.”
We are such a consuming culture. We eat food farmed in mega farms that box animals in, fatten them up for slaughter, send the food off to mega factories that prepare the meat with ingredients and additives and chemicals and preservatives, then ship that food out to us by the millions of tons in disposable containers. We expect instant food, instant satisfaction, less mess, and more convenience. In the process, we’re harming our world, and we’re not being good stewards of our world. We’re harming our bodies, and we’re not being good stewards of our bodies.
Even if we don’t dress our kids up as locusts and march in an annual Earth Day parade (and I say that because I have a friend who comes up with THE COOLEST costumes for her kids for every Earth day) we can still do little things that, if everyone did them, would have a huge impact.
- Don’t purchase bottled water. I have metal thermoses that I fill with filtered tap water. I have one in my car and one in my house. Bottled water does nothing more than provide millions upon millions of containers of plastic that get used then discarded. The water that comes in those bottles is no different from the water I get out of my Britta or Pür filter.
- Don’t use disposable dishes. I only use real plates, silverware, and cups. I don’t have any plastic or paper at all. I realize that using them means washing dishes, but I would rather wash dishes three meals a day than throw away paper or plastic plates and paper or styrofoam cups.
- Use cloth diapers.
- Buy cage free chicken and eggs. I realize this is pressing into the pocketbook, and it’s hard to reconcile the price difference in a dozen eggs versus a dozen cage-free eggs, but I pay that extra $1 per dozen or that extra $1 per pound. The more people who buy it, the more the cost will go down.
- Buy grass fed meat. This is not only better for the cows who are let out to pasture and allowed to graze grass naturally, it’s better meat. Better tasting and better for you. The more people who buy it, the more the cost will go down.
- Make your own food. If it’s a loaf of bread or a box of crackers, it took energy and comes with packaging that will stay in a landfill for centuries. Making your own bread and crackers cuts down on the resources of packaging.
- Grow your own fruit and vegetables. The more green beans I have canned in pint and quart sized reusable glass jars in my pantry, the less I have to buy that were farmed by mega farmers and agribusinesses, then put into a disposable plastic lined metal container. Homegrown is always better tasting, higher quality food, too.
“God, what variety you have created arranging everything so wisely: Earth is completely full of things you have made.” (Psalms 104:24)
The health of the environment is directly related to our own health. If we ignore how we treat God’s creation, how we pollute the water and harm the land, then what we’re doing is harming our children and grandchildren. When we become conscious of how we live and the decisions we make about what we consume and how we consume it, we can become good stewards of this amazing creation around us.
Questions for Reflection (share your responses below for any one of these for an entry in this week’s drawing)
- How are environmental issues connected to quality of life for humans? How is caring for creation part of the Christian mission to care for humans, God’s children?
- Have you personally observed or heard of environmental damage from agriculture in your area? If so, how has it affected the community?
- What are examples of sustainable agriculture you’ve encountered? Do you know farmers who are actively improving their farm’s soil, water quality, treatment of animals, biodiversity, or community involvement?
Challenge to Action (post on your blog and add a link below to the specific post about this challenge or add an additional comment below before Friday to be included in the round up post and for an additional entry into this week’s drawing). Choose from one of the following:
- Walk slowly and mindfully through a piece of land that’s important to you.
- Interview a farmer if possible, or do research on farming in your area. What crops are grown or raised? How large is the average farm?
- Watch Food, Inc. and post a review on your blog or email me your thoughts.
- Other ideas you can use for this challenge can be found in Simply in Season (2005 p. 80 / 2009 p. 82)
This week’s giveaway:
I’m so excited that the folks at Litter Free Lunch are sponsoring this week’s drawing! They will send our winner a set of our either their sweet potato or chili pepper organic napkins. These napkins are 12×12 in size, made of 100% organic cotton that is SKAL and OEKO-TEX certified, and are made in Chicago, Illinois. I bought a set of these myself for Christmas and LOVE ’em. They are so soft, but hold up really well. Cloth napkins are just one way we can reduce waste, and they are just so fun. Also consider following Litter Free Lunch on Twitter (@litterfreelunch) and Facebook (Litter Free Lunch Cloth Napkins)
The deadline for entering this giveaway is Friday April 17 at midnight EST.
What a wonderful blog. If we spend a full day trying to count God’s blessings, we’d still miss some.
I buy all my napkins at the local thrift store and try to live as simple as possible. Not because I think the earth needs help but because anything else would be wasteful. I have a simple life, simple needs and few wants. But it’s not for everyone.
I’ll be back now that I’ve found you.
Beautiful blog! Thanks for stopping by mine!
Leave a comment and tell me which Homemade Gourmet Mix you are most excited to try and you are entered to win! http://tinyurl.com/y9qs2to
Best of luck!
I think my post is mostly about the first reflection question – if we ruin the earth with harmful food production practices, we lose connection with each other, and future generations.
Here is the link to my post:
http://bigbinder.wordpress.com/2010/04/10/be-not-afraid-of-funky-foods/
Love it, love it, love it. As a Christian I do believe in being a good stewart of this earth, and your recommendations above are not only responsible but also made lots of sense. Except for growing my own veggies (which I haven’t tamed my garden), I try to live by these “guidelines”. Wonderful post. you have a new followers.
.-= Angie Chamorro´s last blog ..Blog Party 2010, Welcome to Just Simply Live =-.
Love your blog. I can’t wait to make and eat all your wonderful recipes! 🙂 Thank you for sharing.
.-= Stacey Goodrich´s last blog ..I am going to be part of a blog hop party! Come join me. =-.
“How is caring for creation part of the Christian mission to care for humans, God’s children?”
I believe God made creation to work in harmony – humans, animals, plants, etc.; how we live and treat the earth will effect the animals we share it with. I totally agree with Halle that we are to be good stewards, not ‘conquerers’; to work in harmony with God’s laws and truths. That said, some things are hard to discern as to whether or not we are doing harm. Sometimes we won’t know until years down the road. But when we do, we should have the fortitude and character to correct our actions when we see that it’s doing more harm than good. I have a lot of thoughts in my head on this, but without giving all the context, it’s hard to express it all in just a few sentences!
.-= Amy @ Homestead Revival´s last blog ..Blogging Bee #5 =-.
When God placed Adam and Eve on the earth, their food was whole. Over the years, the food we eat has become “diluted” as we’ve found new ways to make it last longer, travel farther, and cost less. But at what price? That of our physical and mental health, and sometimes even our appreciation for hard work and the joy of truly eating the fruits of our labors. In better caring for the world He has clearly given us stewardship of (which is another topic in itself), we are taking steps towards being healthier, and living better, longer lives “in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.”
.-= Rebekah (honey and cheese)´s last blog ..The Sunday List =-.
What a great post! I am just catching up on the Challenge and looking forward to participating!
I am blessed to know some farmers (one of my best friends now) who are farming in a way that is completely counter to what the larger agribusinesses are propagating. They practice biodiversity plow their own land with a horse team, keep their own compost, allow their cows and chickens plenty of room to roam, etc. It’s awesome to see their care for the earth and how it works out in their farm.
I have also been reading a book by Wendell Berry that is really rocking the way I think about food and farming.
I’m looking forward to participating and hope to be back later in the week with a blog post for you!
.-= Kelly @ quest for real food´s last blog ..Saturday morning check in =-.
Such wonderful thoughts from Hallee! My grandfather was a dairy farmer and now my parents also have a farm. Growing up, we grew and canned or froze all of our produce. We raised the animals that we ate. The sense of connection to the earth and the responsibility of being a good steward has been ingrained in me. In turn, I am instilling that in my children. Although my husband was a city dweller, he also understands the importance of homegrown food and caring for the earth. (I’m still trying to convince him not to use non-organic fertilizer on the lawn…that’s a tough battle!)
The only way that we, as humans, will have any decent quality of life is to truly examine our connection to this earth. The toughest obstacle to overcome is convincing those who only know the source of their food as being the convenient store or supermarket, that there is something greater–that tastes better. The question is how to successfully spread the message far and wide.
Thank you for the wonderful challenge. I am truly enjoying it.
After reading Barbara Kingsolver’s book and watching “Food, Inc”, my family has started our own local food experiment. We’ve always had a garden, but are now actively supporting our local farmer’s market, and have even discovered a local CSA! We’re taking our little farm a step further by the addition of honeybees, meat chickens and heritage turkeys. Our goal is to be good stewards of what God has provided for us. And hopefully, encourage others to do the same!
.-= Kimberly @ Jabez Farm´s last blog ..MPM =-.
Love your blog. We are involved in a CSA program. We know that it is more expensive than conventional produce but it is important to get behind local agriculture to us. They are committed to sustaining the land. We are committed to supporting them.
Finally figured out how to add your blog to my blog. LOL I am technically challenged some days. I really wish in my area families would come together to bring more food to their tables yet, empires here are built vice friendships.
Love your blog
Mal
.-= Mal´s last blog ..New Baby and a tosser! LOL =-.
I’m so excited! I just found the Food and Faith Challenge, and am jumping right in.
I recently bought a wool share at a local farm. As a part of that, I’ve been blessed to be able to visit the farm, feed the lambs, walk the land and help water in some new crops. The family is amazing and offers not only the wool share, but also a CSA, workshops, and handmade soaps. During the summer, I will be visiting the farm and learning more and more.
Additionally, we grow much of our summer food on a tiny south-facing portion of our suburban lot. We grow heirloom varieties, we grow them organically in soil that we have tenderly nurtured into something other than southern clay, and we share the harvest with others to promote home gardens.
Thank you for this series… I know it will give each participant a solid foundation in the Word for the choices made at each meal.
.-= Donna Rae Barrow´s last blog ..Food and Faith Challenge =-.
We have been incorpoating sustainable practices more and more in our life, but were exposed in a big way to this through our CSA, which we joined for the first time last summer. Our farmer’s market is also a good source for produce and meat grown in sustainable ways. Decisions about buying or not buying certain items have become moral and ethical issues for me–I often feel that in order to keep my integrity as a Christian, I cannot make these decisions lightly. Making small changes can make a difference,even if the changes are only in my own thinking!
Blogged about my reflections
http://msmichalek.blogspot.com/2010/04/food-and-faith-challenge-creation.html
.-= Ms. Michalek´s last blog ..Food and Faith Challenge – Creation =-.
I posted my question for reflection, challenge to action, and recipe results on my blog.
http://breezieacres.blogspot.com/2010/04/food-and-faith-challenge-week-2-amazing.html
.-= Robin´s last blog ..Food and Faith Challenge – Week 2 (amazing recipe included) =-.
I think caring for the environment is an important part of fulfilling the purpose that God has given us. The further we remove ourselves from the land and farming processes that give us our food, we lose perspective on how God provides for us.
I recently bought the Simply in Season cookbook at a local MCC auction last weekend. My journey in eating locally grown produce is just beginning, but I’ve been so inspired by friends and other bloggers that this is the healthiest and most God-honoring way I can prepare food for my family. I’ve only had the SIS book for one week and I’ve already made 5 different dishes. They have all turned out great, and I’m excited to keep trying new recipes! I’m looking forward to learning more on this blogsite too.
About Food, Inc. DH and I watched this movie and were quite disturbed by it. The part that affected me the most was the interview with a family who, with limited income for food, must make the choice between spending $2.00 on fresh vegetables or a hamburger to fill their kids’ bellies. There is something deeply wrong with our food producing system, that fresh produce costs more than a highly processed meal. Just my thoughts. It is hard for many people to spend more money on produce, when so much food in our country can be bought very cheaply.
.-= Kristen´s last blog ..Springtime =-.
I walked through a small piece of land that is important to me this week–my backyard. While I have always grown a few tomatoes, this spring I dug up a 10×17 plot in my backyard to grow vegetables.(We have a small backyard so this is a significant piece of it!) I think connecting more to the food I eat is really important, and I hope to share that connection with my grandkids as well. Maybe this sounds a little crazy, but it felt like a spiritual moment when planting seeds and potatoe sets this week.
Sustainable gardening isn’t just for large farmers but for small farmers and kitchen gardeners. You have to respect the land and work with it to keep it continually producing healthy crops through the years. I’m constantly reading and trying new methods and educating the other traditional gardeners around me. In that spirit I also reflected on my newest garden addition for the call to challenge this week:
http://gardengourmet.blogspot.com/2010/04/food-and-faith-challenge-week-2.html
I just stumbled upon your blog – I would love to join! I blogged at
http://livinggracefully.wordpress.com/2010/04/16/285/
with a link to my review of Food Inc as well as my new goal. Come check me out!
.-= Kim´s last undefined ..If you register your site for free at =-.
I live in Iowa and have seen the terrible results of runoff in my state’s water. We’re working on it, but it’s not moving fast enough.
I posted a reflection and action items here: http://daftlysmitten.blogspot.com/2010/04/food-faith-challenge-creation.html
Thanks for the challenge!
.-= Jennie´s last blog ..Food & Faith Challenge: Creation =-.