Our Stolen Future

I'm adding a link to Our Stolen Future. I just recently heard of a neighbor's child being diagnosed with leukemia and I wanted to remind everyone of the risks of pesticides. Quoting a study in 2002 - "present results demonstrating a strong relationship between exposure to indoor pesticides and the risk of childhood leukemia."

The Seventh Generation book Naturally Clean: The Seventh Generation Guide to Safe & Healthy, Non-toxic Cleaning also warns against using flea collars for the same reason. I guess a good rule to follow is if it's designed to KILL, we should keep it away from our families and find more natural ways of keeping the critters away.

Did you also know that the wood chips in most playgrounds are treated with arsenic?

Myth:

That arsenic treated wood becomes safe for children as it ages.

Reality:

New research by the Environmental Working Group and the University of North Carolina demonstrates that old arsenic-treated wood structures are as dangerous as new ones. Arsenic continues to leach out of this wood for many years. And what had been thought to be protective—coating it with sealant— only works for 6 months or less. Some of the soil around decks and playgrounds where arsenic treated wood has been used actually is so contaminated that it qualifies for SuperFund.

You can find out about this and other toxins we are being exposed to at Myths vs. Reality.

Stay green and stay safe!

Who do you put your faith in?

We all have someone or something we put our faith in. Maybe it's God (my personal favorite) or maybe it was McCain or Obama, the Republicans or the Democrats, or Nader, etc. Whoever you voted for doesn't really matter at this point, but keeping up with what's coming down still is. I've added a couple of sites to my blog to help you do that. I'll add others as I run across them. I also welcome your suggestions for worthy sites.

Change.gov: The Obama-Biden Transition Team

Roll Call at Congress.org

Healthy Child Toy Lead Test

I have added the Healthy Toys Lead Check Widget to my blog. Just put the name of the toy in the box to check whether it's safe for your child before you buy or to decide whether you keep it.

Wall Street Bailout

Watch Ralph's take on the Wall Street bailout.

Be a "Responsible Shopper"

I've added a couple of sites to my link list - Co-op America: Economic Action for a Just Planet and an offshoot Responsible Shopper which gives you the down and dirty on companies like Coca Cola, WalMart, Shell & Exxon. Check it out and do your part.

"If anything matters...everything matters"

I've just finished reading "The Shack" by William P. Young. It takes you on a journey of emotions that you will recognize and invites you to experience God in ways you may not recognize. I read it in a couple of days between eating, sleeping, and babysitting. I will read it again. So should you if you have unanswered questions about why things are the way they are and what God is all about. I am also adding Willie's Blog - Wind Rumors to my roll. Check it out.

What do Fluoridated Water & Mercury Fillings have in common?

Answer: Neither is good for you.

My eldest daughter's permanent front teeth came in mottled. We didn't know at the time what caused it. In fact, I was told that it was probably the antibiotic tetracycline but since looking at the pictures on Fluoride Alert I recognize that it was indeed the result of fluoride probably from the use of fluoride drops the pediatrician prescribed. Between fluoride and chlorine, what's a parent to do. You can take action by contacting your congressman through the Fluoride Action Network to put a stop to fluoridated water. In the meantime, you may want to find out if your water supply has fluoride in it and find other sources of drinking water or buy a water filter that will also filter our these chemicals.

Also, since children usually swallow some of their toothpaste, look for toothpaste without fluoride and saccharin. See FAQ's for more information.

You can get information about mercury fillings at National Geographic's site The Green Guide - another great resource you may want to bookmark.

Yaaay, Go Green!

I guess I am having some impact. My husband brought home reusable bags from the grocery store yesterday after I asked him to help me put our lifestyle where my mouth is. :)

I have found a few more very interesting websites with links to other interesting websites. The Nature in Us is one of them. I also like Co-op America: Economic Action for a Just Planet.

Let me know what you think. Together perhaps we can improve each other's environmental, health, and spiritual IQ.

The Gods Aren't Angry

I just finished watching Rob Bell's new DVD "The Gods Aren't Angry" for the second time. I don't know how to explain how intriguing it is to listen to him explain things that I have come to experience in my own life. If you know or don't know what animal sacrifices were about in the world of Abraham and the history behind it all, you may find this very interesting. If you are down on religion, you are right up there with Jesus because God is not about religion. And if you want to know what you have to do or don't have to do to be at peace with God, this DVD should be on your list.

Harry Potter - Harmless Fantasy?

I do not like the Harry Potter series for a number of reasons. View Harry Potter Witchcraft and determine for yourself if this is suitable "entertainment" for your child. You may also want to check with your child's school to find out what type of books they are introducing your children to.

Green Living Links

Check out Earth 911 and Bag the Bag for ways you can be a good steward of the earth.

Also go to Green Clean TV for ways to eliminate toxins from your home and useful Green Clean links like Green Seal and where to find Green Seal products.

The Story of Stuff

You really must see The Story of Stuff. It's a 20-minute animation about the consumerist society we live in. I think you'll find it educational. And you will get even more useful information that will help you and your family make informed choices by visiting the links on the site and The Story of Stuff blog. Let me know what your thoughts are on this subject.

PVC - Look for Number 3

This is a very entertaining YouTube about a not so entertaining problem.

Go to PVC FREE for more information on what you can do to protect your family from poisons in your home. You can also get valuable information there about Building Green Without Going in the Red.

If you like good theatre check out Lamplighter's Theatre.

I went to see the last performance of "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown at Lamplighter's Theatre in Smyrna, Tennessee yesterday. I have rarely missed a performance since it's inception in 2004. Once again the performances transported me into another world. Now I haven't been to theatre in New York but I have seen off Broadway productions in both New Orleans and Nashville over the years. I have to say the quality of the Lamplighter productions are second to none and I continue to be in awe of the local talent. The price of a season ticket at $35.00 for 5 shows is the best bargain in town. Go to their website. I think you will be impressed but not as impressed as you will be once you do theatre at Lamplighter's.

Book Review

I have just finished reading two books by Rob Bell. The first, "Velvet Elvis: The Repainting of the Christian Faith" reaffirms my belief that love is ultimately all there is.

As human beings struggling to understand God, we often try to fit Him into our box, i.e. contain Him in our mind, conform Him to our understanding, or give up in frustration and decide that He doesn't really exist. Rob Bell takes you on a intriguing thought provoking journey exploring what words meant to the people they were originally spoken to and what that means to us, all the while encouraging us to question everything he says. I like it!

The second book, "Sex God: Exploring the Endless Connections Between Sexuality and Spirituality" did not disappoint. Again he uses the history of the words and traditions to show how God uses sexuality to teach us about spirituality. This thinking is not new but Rob brings scriptures to life in ways I hadn't thought about before and will definitely affect how I read every verse in the future. Hopefully it will always lead me to "What does this really mean?" I thank God that His answer to the question we all ask "Is that all there is?" is "No."