Green Mama

I will never campaign to save the White Rhino. The word "tree-hugger" brings to mind images of liberal hippies chained to trees. I don't worry about global warming or climate change, in fact I rarely think about them.

At one point in my life, I associated all-things "green" with a liberal media who cared more about trees than human beings. But, through a little education, I have grown to see the importance of the green movement. I've learned that part of being a good steward means taking care of the planet we live on. As part of that stewardship, I've been trying to do my part. Things like remembering to bring my reusable bags to the grocery store and recycling for starters.

All that to say, I'm really excited to tell you about a book I read titled, Green Mama - The Guilt-Free Guide to Helping You and Your Kids Save the Planet by Tracey Bianchi.

No matter where you are on the green spectrum, this book is a good read. Written from a Christian perspective, it gives all the right reasons to go green and is filled with ideas, little and big, on how to do that. The ideas presented in this book are realistic and doable (written by a mom for moms), but be warned this book is much more than an idea book, Green Mama has challenged my thinking in a lot of ways.

It convicted me that I need to be a steward of more than the money and talents God has given me, but of the planet I live on, His creation. It challenged me to think about the purchases I make and how they affect the world, both before I bring them home and after I throw them away. It reminded me that part of going green is living in contentment and limiting what I buy. And, it confirmed that going green is not just about land and plants and animals, but about the people we share this planet with.

I still have no plans to help save the White Rhino, but I am trying to live a greener life. Many of you are far ahead of me in this journey, some may be lagging behind, but whatever shade of green you may be I believe this book will be a great resource to help you along the way.

***I love the message of this book and want to share it. All that to say, there just might be a giveaway or two on Friday! AND, if you have any questions you'd like to ask the author, leave a comment and stay tuned!***

Wordless Wednesday - You Never Know Where Thomas will Turn Up...

To find more of Thomas's favorite places go here!

Gotcha Day - the video!

She hasn't been herself the last few days. She's been battling fever and a cough that won't go away. Her normal sunny personality has been clouded with gray. This morning the suhn peeked through again. She is on the mend and I will be so glad to have her feeling better and back to normal.

At church yesterday a friend reminded me that one year ago we had no idea what life with Suhn was like. She was a dream. Today I can't imagine life without her. I am thankful beyond words that God hand-picked her for us. He knew we needed her.

Today I'm going to share Suhn's gotcha day video with you. It is a little long (just over 13.5 minutes), but it is so special. It shows the day we received a precious gift, wrapped in a beautiful red dress.

Suhn, you fill our lives with joy. We are so glad you are ours!

A, B, C

Many, many, many, many moons ago I wrote a post about a trip to the library and a corresponding goal.

I know have been DYING to know what became of that goal (to read a book by an author whose last name started with A, followed by one whose last name started with B, etc. and etc.).

"What letter is she on?" you may have asked yourself over the last few years. "Has she made it through the alphabet? What on earth did she read for X? Did she even make it past A?"

The questions are endless and I have left you hanging. For that I apologize and offer these hope-filled words: "Hang no more."

(Don't worry, this is not an April Fool's joke!)

Yes I have continued on. No I did not read through the entire alphabet.

YET.

I have in fact only made it through the letter C (but I have letter D sitting on my living room table; I WAS going to start it but another book came in the mail which I will be sharing with you next week, THEN comes D).

I'm sure every. single. one. of you are dying with curiosity at this point. Hanging on every. single. word that I type....

WHAT, by golly, did she read AND DID she like them?

Lucky you, that's what comes next!

Author A: Jane Austin. I read Mansfield Park. As this was 2.5 years ago, I don't remember a ton. It was not one of my favorite Austin books (I liked Sense and Sensibility and Pride and Prejudice much better). I remember it being a little hard to get through, but enjoyable.

Author B: Pearl S. Buck. This was a very pleasant find. If you've never read Ms. Buck's words before, she writes predominately about China (an obvious interest of mine). For this little project I read Peony, which I loved. The main character is a Chinese servant girl living in a Jewish household in China, one of the last Jewish households in the city (which is in Henan province where Suhn is from!!). The book does a great job showcasing the struggle between culture and heritage. I have read more of Ms. Buck's novels as a result of reading this one and plan to read more in the future.

Author C: Willa Cather. I chose O Pioneers! I LOVED the first sentence in this book, "One January day, thirty years ago, the little town of Hanover, anchored on a windy Nebraska tableland, was trying not to be blown away." I thought the book was beautifully written, and the entire time I read it I felt like I knew the story (I think it was made into a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie years and years ago and that I watched it.). I did not like the ending, but thoroughly enjoyed Willa's writing style and would like to read My Antonia which is considered by many to be her masterpiece.

So there you have it... A, B, and C.

Curious what D is?

My previous hope-filled words do not apply anymore...

Here is where I leave you hanging!

Love IS

I told a friend that adoption has taught me more about real love than anything else in my life. After some thought, I think the better way to say it would be, Adoption has given me another lesson in real love.

It started with my parents. They showed me what love looked like and introduced me to the Author. My siblings and friends gave me opportunities to practice. The first big test came with marriage, after the honeymoon fever wore off. Then came the babies, although it was the toddlers that made the lesson come alive (I've often said motherhood has made me realize my need for a Savior like nothing else!).

Each step in the process has been an experience in letting go of what I want for the good of someone else; pushing my selfishness into a new or different light, to be surrendered and changed into something better by a power greater than my own.

Many times I have taken one step forward followed by five steps back, choosing instead to hold on to the selfishness and allow it to fester. In spite of this, when I look back over the years I do see growth (thankfully!!).

The last nine months have been another time of growth. Adopting a toddler has been harder than I thought it would be. Bonding (on my side) has not happened automatically like it seems to for others. It has been a process. One that we are still working through.

Over the last few months I have been learning, once again, a lesson in love.

The Bible says Love is Patient and Kind. It does not say Love feels this way, but that it is.

When I feel impatient, I can still show love by choosing to be patient, no matter what I feel.

I wish it were as easy to carry out as it is to write, but true love does not come naturally. It is given to us by our Savior and through His Spirit we are empowered to act.

I am learning how much I need His power in my life and I am learning to ask for that power more frequently. It has not been an easy process. I have not liked the way I've acted along the way. But I am so thankful for the lesson.

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a

Wordless Wednesday - Tortilla Tuesday

Don't know what Tortilla Tuesday is? Go here!

Advice for New Moms

A new mom recently asked me for advice on living with a newborn.

Here's what I shared:

1. Nap when the baby naps. It is part of your job description at this stage in life. It will make you a better mom and a better wife.

2. Make time for yourself. Whether that is in the form of a bubble bath, a trip to target, or a run. Do something that fills you up so you can continue to give to your family.

Now its your turn. What is one piece of advice you would share with a new mom?