Free tomato seeds here.
Free old spice razor here.
On 4/21 Ben and Jerrys will give free ice cream cones.
On 4/29 Baskin and Robbins will give .31 cones.
Playtex is having a huge sale on bras here.
Get a free one year subscription to Organic Gardening magazine. Pick one Organic Valley product and one Nature’s Path Organic cereal and send both UPCs along with NAZ on 3x5 card to:
Organic Gardening
Box 1712
Belmawr, NJ 08099
Healthy eating is always something I strive for, but these days, with the price of food so high, it’s even tougher to afford anything organic. Enter Mambo Sprouts, a healthy-living Web site with tons of tips and articles— and also a trove of fabulous free printable coupons for organic food. (I think I’m in love!)
Saturday May 16th, 2009 10am to 1pm at Garden of the Sun.
This is a free learning experience for children of all ages, enjoy
garden activities and come and go and you please. There will be take
home projects and on-going demonstrations!
Friday, March 27, 2009
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Exodus 20:17
In keeping with Reverend Billy's suggestions, I am studying the scriptures he recommended to better understand my spending, and consumption. I began with the first scripture. You shall not covet your neighbors house. You shall not covet your neighbors wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor. (Exodus 20:17)
Well it's interesting that he first starts with that scripture. This is a biggie. Most of the time I don't care what my neighbor has, because I have everything I need, but once in a while this creeps into my heart. Right now, I want a Wii. All my friends have a Wii, they are all talking about it, and I want one. Honestly, I can't afford one either. The Wii fit would be nice though because then I could do some exercise that I need, but honestly I could ride my own bike for free too. My husband is rolling his eyes over this one because I told him in no uncertain terms we would not be buying one when he wanted to buy one months ago because we can't afford it. But I still keep thinking about it. I have to keep reminding myself that there are lots of things that give me pleasure that don't cost anything either. That having envy for what others have that I don't comes from the enemy. To keep my eyes on God and not material things. It's easy to see how we get into spending, but if I ask myself the question "Do I really need it?" the answer is no. My friend Amy and I talked a while back about the guidelines for spending. While there isn't completely clear directions, when you consider what would Jesus buy, the answer is probably very little, and he would give away more than he kept for himself.
Well it's interesting that he first starts with that scripture. This is a biggie. Most of the time I don't care what my neighbor has, because I have everything I need, but once in a while this creeps into my heart. Right now, I want a Wii. All my friends have a Wii, they are all talking about it, and I want one. Honestly, I can't afford one either. The Wii fit would be nice though because then I could do some exercise that I need, but honestly I could ride my own bike for free too. My husband is rolling his eyes over this one because I told him in no uncertain terms we would not be buying one when he wanted to buy one months ago because we can't afford it. But I still keep thinking about it. I have to keep reminding myself that there are lots of things that give me pleasure that don't cost anything either. That having envy for what others have that I don't comes from the enemy. To keep my eyes on God and not material things. It's easy to see how we get into spending, but if I ask myself the question "Do I really need it?" the answer is no. My friend Amy and I talked a while back about the guidelines for spending. While there isn't completely clear directions, when you consider what would Jesus buy, the answer is probably very little, and he would give away more than he kept for himself.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
What would Jesus Buy?
Well that is an interesting question. My pastor recommended I watch the video but before I watched it I started asking people what they thought Jesus would buy. The answers were interesting and funny! They think he would buy a car, a cell phone to call the disciples with. They think he will get food. Some said he would get some Ugg boots. It's interesting what people value, and what they think Jesus would value also. I personally don't think Jesus would buy very much. For one thing He doesn't need a car, or a phone since he can do stuff we can't. Most of our stuff would be useless to Jesus I think unless he needed to buy stuff to help others.
The movie was pretty funny but true. The pastor in the movie was going around the country begging people to stop spending. He states that americans are addicted to spending. How do you rate your own spending? The following is a resource guide from the Reverend Billy. Click Here to see the movie trailer.
What would Jesus Buy?
Resource Guide:
Let’s Start With The Basics:
Examine why you buy the things you do – and ask yourself do I really need this? Do I have something like it?
Where am I going to store it?
1. Learn and live by a simple motto: The 3 R’s –
Reduce: Reducing the amount of waste you produce is the best way to help the environment
Reuse: Instead of throwing things away, try to find ways to use them again!
Recycle: Consuming less means you’re using what you have already and actively recycling!
Further Questions
- What could you do with the extra money you save by curbing your shopping?
- Can you name products in your home that you could start use again instead of buying new?
- What about making your gifts? What could you make as a unique gift?
What Scripture Might Say About Consumption
It is clear that there is something to be said about consumption in the Bible. Here are several points to
guide your discussion.
1. How does Exodus 20: 17 that addresses the issue of coveting contribute to our understanding about
consumption?
2. Jesus tells a parable about the effects of giving money to several servants, traditionally called the
Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25: 14-30). How do you interrupt this parable? Do the passages before
and after it lend any help to the meaning?
3. Jesus says in his Sermon on the Mount that we ought not to worry about what we should wear or
what we should eat (Matthew 6:25-34). What should we be worried about?
4. Jesus cleared the Temple in Mark 11:15-18, days before he was crucified. It may be the only time that
Jesus appears angry. Why was he angry and how does this add to a discussion on consumption?
5. Hebrews 13:5 talks about living in a way that is free from the love of money and the Christian church
has placed greed as one of the seven most deadliest sins. What is the love of money? And, as I
Timothy 6:10 says, why is it the root of all evil? Does Acts 8:20 play a role?
6. What did Jesus say to the rich man in Matthew 19:16-24?
7. Jesus told a parable of a rich fool who built bigger and bigger barns to hoard his grain (Luke 12:13-21).
What happened and what was Jesus trying to address?
What Would Jesus Buy?
We really don’t know what Jesus would buy, but they’re a few points that we can infer from Jesus and
the story of Christianity.
1. Greed is not good (gluttony is one of the seven deadly sins).
2. Wealth should be shared so the poor can have what they need.
3. Jesus cleared the Temple because merchants had taken it over.
4. Jesus would probably give away more than he kept for himself.
5. The Christmas story reveals Jesus in very modest (lowly) circumstances, not among
the rich.
Web Resources
www.esa-online.org
www.sojo.net
www.bread.org
Where Do You Consume?
Why should I support local merchants versus big-box stores and franchises? How can I find out about companies
that participate in fair labor and trade practices and how can I participate?
1. Buying local means you’re supporting your local economy.
2. Look for products that are “Fair Trade Certified.” The label means they pay their workers a reasonable
wage and don’t participate in child labor.
3. The corporations want us to have experiences only through their products. Our neighborhoods,
"commons" places like stoops and parks and streets and libraries, are disappearing into the world of
big boxes and chain stores.
Further Questions
- Can you name your favorite local stores?
- Is it possible to not shop for one week?
- How are big-box stores same and different from local stores?
Web Resources
www.fairtradefederation.org
www.coopamerica.org
www.sweatfree.org
www.ijm.org
How Do You Consume?
How can I be more aware of what I purchase and how it effects the environment around me?
1. Determine your carbon footprint. Your carbon footprint is the direct effect your actions and lifestyle
have on the environment in terms of carbon dioxide emissions. Go to www.nativeenergy.com.
2. Look at the label, where and how is your product made? Green goods are more available today from
paper towels and cleaning products to clothing and housing materials.
3. Find company websites and read about where and how products are made.
Further Questions
-What can you do to reduce your carbon footprint?
-What are you currently recycling?
-Are there local businesses committed to going and being green?
Web Resources
www.creationcare.org
www.nrdc.org
www.thedailygreen.com
www.nativeenergy.com
What Can We Do About It?
Where do I start? What can I do in the first week, month, year?
1. Beginning is important. Decide where you want to start.
2. Change your lightbulbs, reduce your heat/air conditioning consumption, and buy fresh foods.
3. Find other people and groups that are working toward the same ends. See what you can do together.
4. Go to www.revbilly.com and see how you can get involved in rallies and boycotts.
5. Drive less, walk more.
6. Commit to only buying products that are made in America.
The movie was pretty funny but true. The pastor in the movie was going around the country begging people to stop spending. He states that americans are addicted to spending. How do you rate your own spending? The following is a resource guide from the Reverend Billy. Click Here to see the movie trailer.
What would Jesus Buy?
Resource Guide:
Let’s Start With The Basics:
Examine why you buy the things you do – and ask yourself do I really need this? Do I have something like it?
Where am I going to store it?
1. Learn and live by a simple motto: The 3 R’s –
Reduce: Reducing the amount of waste you produce is the best way to help the environment
Reuse: Instead of throwing things away, try to find ways to use them again!
Recycle: Consuming less means you’re using what you have already and actively recycling!
Further Questions
- What could you do with the extra money you save by curbing your shopping?
- Can you name products in your home that you could start use again instead of buying new?
- What about making your gifts? What could you make as a unique gift?
What Scripture Might Say About Consumption
It is clear that there is something to be said about consumption in the Bible. Here are several points to
guide your discussion.
1. How does Exodus 20: 17 that addresses the issue of coveting contribute to our understanding about
consumption?
2. Jesus tells a parable about the effects of giving money to several servants, traditionally called the
Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25: 14-30). How do you interrupt this parable? Do the passages before
and after it lend any help to the meaning?
3. Jesus says in his Sermon on the Mount that we ought not to worry about what we should wear or
what we should eat (Matthew 6:25-34). What should we be worried about?
4. Jesus cleared the Temple in Mark 11:15-18, days before he was crucified. It may be the only time that
Jesus appears angry. Why was he angry and how does this add to a discussion on consumption?
5. Hebrews 13:5 talks about living in a way that is free from the love of money and the Christian church
has placed greed as one of the seven most deadliest sins. What is the love of money? And, as I
Timothy 6:10 says, why is it the root of all evil? Does Acts 8:20 play a role?
6. What did Jesus say to the rich man in Matthew 19:16-24?
7. Jesus told a parable of a rich fool who built bigger and bigger barns to hoard his grain (Luke 12:13-21).
What happened and what was Jesus trying to address?
What Would Jesus Buy?
We really don’t know what Jesus would buy, but they’re a few points that we can infer from Jesus and
the story of Christianity.
1. Greed is not good (gluttony is one of the seven deadly sins).
2. Wealth should be shared so the poor can have what they need.
3. Jesus cleared the Temple because merchants had taken it over.
4. Jesus would probably give away more than he kept for himself.
5. The Christmas story reveals Jesus in very modest (lowly) circumstances, not among
the rich.
Web Resources
www.esa-online.org
www.sojo.net
www.bread.org
Where Do You Consume?
Why should I support local merchants versus big-box stores and franchises? How can I find out about companies
that participate in fair labor and trade practices and how can I participate?
1. Buying local means you’re supporting your local economy.
2. Look for products that are “Fair Trade Certified.” The label means they pay their workers a reasonable
wage and don’t participate in child labor.
3. The corporations want us to have experiences only through their products. Our neighborhoods,
"commons" places like stoops and parks and streets and libraries, are disappearing into the world of
big boxes and chain stores.
Further Questions
- Can you name your favorite local stores?
- Is it possible to not shop for one week?
- How are big-box stores same and different from local stores?
Web Resources
www.fairtradefederation.org
www.coopamerica.org
www.sweatfree.org
www.ijm.org
How Do You Consume?
How can I be more aware of what I purchase and how it effects the environment around me?
1. Determine your carbon footprint. Your carbon footprint is the direct effect your actions and lifestyle
have on the environment in terms of carbon dioxide emissions. Go to www.nativeenergy.com.
2. Look at the label, where and how is your product made? Green goods are more available today from
paper towels and cleaning products to clothing and housing materials.
3. Find company websites and read about where and how products are made.
Further Questions
-What can you do to reduce your carbon footprint?
-What are you currently recycling?
-Are there local businesses committed to going and being green?
Web Resources
www.creationcare.org
www.nrdc.org
www.thedailygreen.com
www.nativeenergy.com
What Can We Do About It?
Where do I start? What can I do in the first week, month, year?
1. Beginning is important. Decide where you want to start.
2. Change your lightbulbs, reduce your heat/air conditioning consumption, and buy fresh foods.
3. Find other people and groups that are working toward the same ends. See what you can do together.
4. Go to www.revbilly.com and see how you can get involved in rallies and boycotts.
5. Drive less, walk more.
6. Commit to only buying products that are made in America.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Government spending
I read an article in the paper the other day that the only people spending any money is the government. That saving has now gone from 0 to 5% for most households. This according to the financial experts is a bad thing. Now I actually see that as a sign of progress. I was sitting with a doctor the other day who was talking to me about wanting to help people because the economy is so bad and people are living in tents. How awesome is that? Now I don't know anything about world finance, but it seems to me there wouldn't be any harm in the government learning to stop spending like the rest of us have had to do. What would be so terrible about saying we just cannot afford nasa right now? There was a different article in the paper yesterday about how the strong dollar hurts other countries. What gives us the right to do that? Many are trying to figure out how to get us to start spending again. Are you kidding me? With unemployment at an all time high they want us to go shopping? Maybe I'm crazy but I just don't get it? In fact I went out today to get a dvd player because mine isn't working anymore, and I use it for some of the teaching I do with Eli. Guess what? I went to Target and they are out of them, at least the ones I can afford anyway. I asked at the counter and was told they hadn't had a shipment in quite a while. Now how are we supposed to go shopping if products aren't even being made? Personally I'm really encouraged to see people saving. "The wise man saves for the future, but the foolish man spends whatever he gets." (Proverbs 21:21) What if Joseph hadn't saved for 7 years? There is always a time of famine for everyone, and no one is immune. The Madoff case is a perfect example. Look how many got caught up in trying to build even more wealth than they already had to the point that they have now lost everything. Whatever happened to not putting all your eggs in one basket? "Steady plodding brings prosperity, hasty speculation brings poverty." (Proverbs 21:5) So I think saving is a good thing. We need it for emergencies, for future spending like clothes, college, or a car, and for long term savings for funding long term goals like retirement. So I hope for everyone that if they are not saving now they start a savings fund because I doubt we have seen what rock bottom looks like yet.
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