Spring is in the Air

Posted on February 23, 2012 by Jill English Johnston

While our winter has not really been all that winterish, I’m excited to know that we are rapidly approaching the average date for the last frost.  The periods of rain, followed by sunshine, has been inspiring, enticing me out-of-doors, calling me to dig into the earth, to plant, to grow.

We installed our 12X15 foot raised bed garden late last summer and then experimented with a few plants over the winter (how awesome to be able to grow a winter garden!).  The lettuce we planted didn’t fare too well.  The weather stayed to warm and they bolted pretty quickly.  Something ate the spinach.  We had two tomato plants that were going strong, until the first hard freeze.  Our feeble attempts  (the husband actually built a frame to create a little green house for them) to cover the plants didn’t help very much.  One of the plants succumbed.  The second was actually so big that, while the outer plant died, the inner plant stayed warm and survived.  We’ve harvest a few tomatoes from it so far.  There were quite a number of new flowers from a warm spell, but I think the last dip in the thermometer may have done them in.  Time will tell.

I visited a favorite local nursery and purchased asparagus roots and blackberry plants.  Those are in the ground.  I also picked up some more lettuce, but have not planted them yet; they are enjoying life in the sunlight of our spare room.   However, I am harvesting tender leaves from the plants as they grow.

The herbs I planted (lavender, rosemary, sage and curry) last summer are doing well.  I’ll add some others (basil, dill, chives, oregano, parsley and cilantro) over the next couple of weeks.  Some from seed; others from transplants.  I have several varieties of mint, but those will stay in pots, since I really don’t want them taking over the herb garden.

I’ve also decided to turn an old sandbox/converted to firepit (previous owners) into a butterfly garden.  It is taking some work, since I had to remove the pebbles used for the firepit (they have nicely dressed up my cactus/rock garden in the front yard) and the grass that has grown so admirably there (why does it not grow so nicely in the yard?).  This weekend I hope to stop by a wild flower nursery and pick up some seed.  I may also get a bird bath and some feeders for the area.  It is still a work in progress.

What a joy to be outside again, digging in the earth, planting, and hopefully growing.

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Entropy

Posted on September 25, 2011 by Jill English Johnston

In my efforts for clean, healthy eating, green living, recycling, and trying to be a better steward of God’s creation, I find a reality that cannot be escaped.
Our bodies, as amazing as they are, this world, as beautiful as it is, will not last. Now, I’m not saying our efforts are futile. On the contrary, they make our lives more abundant and this world a better place to live. However, the reality is, that it is all temporal; it is perishable. One day, it will be recreated, made new, made imperishable. But for now, it is temporary.
For many, I state the obvious. But I think it’s something I need to keep in mind in the many “causes” that I can become involved in, passionate about, and even consumed by.
Last week, wanting to get a fall garden going for the first time, the husband and I went to a garden seminar. The seminar opened with a presentation on GMOs (genetically modified organisms) and the dangers they pose and the need for the government to require more responsibility rather than allowing money and power drive production decisions. It was disturbing to find out that genetically altered foods are available on the market without proper testing on longterm health impacts The goal of the presentation was to encourage everyone to be knowledgable about the food we purchase and eat and to be voice in how it is made/grown.
After the seminar we went to a farmers market where some sort of green convention was going on. I had a discussion with one of the presenters about the dangers of cell phones, especially in children, and the long term health impacts.
One interesting thread in both GMOs and in cell phones is that they both have the potential to cause infertility and sterility.
Somehow, and this is just my own crazy thought, there seems to be built into this world a balancing mechanism. Whether it’s nations, cultures or individuals, there seems to be a ‘thinning’ control. We as a nation have become quite prosperous and ultimately huge energy/resource hogs. Isn’t it interesting, that some of the very things we pursue in our prosperity (food, comforts, and conveniences) may be the very things that balance the scales. It is predicted that this younger generation may not live as long as current older generations due to diseases caused by too much food and not enough activity. There may also be reproduction problems associated with the very technology we embrace.
I am an advocate for doing what needs to be done to keep businesses, companies and governments accountable to the people. I definitely think we should arm ourselves with knowledge and make the best choices we can for healthy living because it provides the best opportunity for an abundant life. I think we should become involved in making rhis world a better place for others.
But I also recognize that, in this fallen world, death does come. We grieve in this fact because we long for the Kingdom where death will be defeated. But until then, it is an ugly reality. No matter how passionate we are about our health or whatever cause we are involved in (and I believe it is our responsibility as stewards of all God has given us) this world will fade away.
Thanks be to God, in it all. He gives us the victory in Christ Jesus our Lord. As we take part in His Kingdom now, we can know we’re investing in things eternal.
That’s a cause worthy of being part.

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Thoughts on the Drought

Posted on September 23, 2011 by Jill English Johnston

I am so thankful for the rain we received this past weekend.

I’m thankful because most of Texas is currently in an exceptional drought status. The 12 months ending on August 31st were the driest 12 months in Texas history, with most of the state receiving just 21 percent of its annual average rainfall. Its reported that areas in both Texas and Oklahoma would need 9 to 23 inches of rain over the next month to emerge from the drought. The latest predictions expect Texas to continue to experience abnormally warm and dry conditions from October to December, thanks to another La Nina weather cycle.

Since November 15th of last year, over 22 thousand wildfires have burned 3.7 million acres in Texas, and destroyed over 1600 homes, making it the worst wildfire season ever. In Texas alone, crop losses because of the drought have topped $5 billion. One of the worst droughts in Texas history has not only been disastrous for farmers but is also impacting cattle ranchers who are selling off some of their best cattle as a way to minimize their losses caused by a statewide hay shortage. It’s been sad watching everything turn brown and heartbreaking to watch news reports on firefighters trying to contain the wildfires.

Not to minimize the situation, but I went grocery shopping today. The shelves were still stocked. I was able to buy whatever I wanted to feed my family over the next week. I also did laundry. And took a shower. I drank coffee. All this requires water. Even though we are on water restrictions, I still have access to water. Enough water that I don’t really feel the impact of the restrictions.

Then I saw an article discussing the drought in the Horn of Africa.

 The article described drought conditions in the Horn of Africa that are the worst in 60 years. Along with failed crops, the lack of rain has caused a sharp decline in livestock production and an increasing loss of livestock. As a result, there is little or no milk available, and food availability becomes limited. Reports say that conflict over scarce resources also exacerbates the food problems. Rising costs for food and non-food items are expected to worsen the already precarious food situation.

The severe food crisis is creating high malnutrition rates, and parts of Kenya and Somalia are experiencing pre-famine conditions. As of August, 29,000 children under age five have already died in Somalia due to the drought. Out of a population of roughly 7.5 million, over 3 million Somalis are in need of immediate lifesaving assistance. Some 3.75 million Kenyans face food insecurity, a number that continues to rise. An additional 478,000 refugees are also in dire need of emergency aid.

While the drought in Texas is devastating, the impacts of the drought in the Horn of Africa are staggering. And humbling. I don’t even think I can really compare the two. I know the victims of the drought in Texas are not forgotten and will be helped. We have a way of rallying together as a nation to help victims of disasters. Even now, assistance is being provided and I’m confident more is being planned. Thankfully, people are not ignoring the situation on the other side of the world.  Organizations exist that are also providing relief and recovery assistance to the victims of the drought in the Horn of Africa.

I continually pray for a change in the weather pattern that will bring the rain we need in Texas. Now, however, I am also including the Horn of Africa in these prayers for rain.

Links to a few relief organizations to consider:

www.feedthechildren.org
www.worldvision.org
www.samaritanspurse.org
www.redcross.org

Information provided from:

msnbc.com, 15 september, 2011
KTXS News, 19 september 2011.
Texas Forest Service, 19 september 2011
Dayton News, Houston, 19 september 2011
Reuters, 20 September 2011
Associate Press, 4 August 2011
World Vision, September 8, 2011
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Close-minded

Posted on September 11, 2011 by Jill English Johnston

Last week I entered an interesting discussion after commenting on a friend’s post. She posted an article regarding a recent court decision and included her own passionate commentary which struck me as harsh and judgmental. I made the comment that her post was quite venom-filled (maybe I should have used harsh – but I don’t know that it would have made any difference) and really left no room for any discussion. I suggested that the particular political ideology group (the subject of her attack) didn’t seem to be the only ones with passionate beliefs that could easily be labeled as close-minded. My intent was to hold up a mirror…

Her response, as well as the response of three others, blasted this particular group quite, well, venomously. After I pointed out that I never said where I stood on the issue, one poster went so far as to tell who I am, what I believe, and what I think. I find it intriguing that this person doesn’t even know me and had already decided where I stood on all the issues, and that if I disagree with her, I obviously was also against her freedom to live how she wanted. I’m guessing these individuals fail to see the irony in that they are free to tell me I am wrong in what I believe, but I, on the other hand, have no right to believe they are wrong.

My comments purposefully did not argue for or against any particular belief, issue, or agenda, but rather I attempted to point out that name calling, labeling, and prejudging create the divisive and unproductive polarization that plagues our country. Unfortunately, those within the discussion had no desire other than to do just that.

I wonder if these individuals have considered our discussion as much as I have this past week. It is intriguing. And makes me wonder. Do we (and by we, I mean people in general, regardless of any religious affiliation, political position, ethnicity, or socio-economic status) know why we believe what we believe (often quite passionately)? Have we truly given thought to what we do believe? How do we treat others who believe differently than we do? Do we even seek to acquaint ourselves with others who are different from us? Do we attempt to know them, understand them? Or do we only surround ourselves with people who look like us, live like us, think like us, believe like us?

Granted, that is a safe place to be. Comfortable. Easy. But couldn’t it make us lazy, complacent, and even suspicious. And in the end cause us to see everyone different as the “other,” the “they,” the “them?” And couldn’t this comfortable place create an atmosphere of name calling, labeling, and prejudging which polarizes us even further?
Then again, I was accused of being close-minded.

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Abundant Living, Second Thoughts

Posted on August 18, 2011 by Jill English Johnston

As we settle into our new home and new community, we, of course, are looking for a church home. Abundant Living requires belonging to a community of believers where we can worship, learn, grow, and serve. We are currently attending worship at a local church we have been several times before.

The messages do not disappoint. It is currently a series on Living Values: Unity, Inclusivity, Grace, Truth and Faith, Prayer, Every Believer a Minister, Family, and Neighborhood. We also attended the church’s Discovery class which provided an opportunity to understand the central doctrines, vision, mission goals, and values of the church.

So what are we looking for as we look for a church home?

Of course we’re looking for a community with a passion for Jesus. He is the author and perfector of our faith. He is essential.

“Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,” 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

We’re looking for a community with a passion for the Kingdom. We have been saved for a purpose, for God’s glory, for God’s Kingdom, the Kingdom breaking into the world now, and the Kingdom to come.

“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10

“And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” 2 Corinthians 3:18

We’re looking for a community of diversity, because we know that the Coming Kingdom will include people from all nations. How can we be prepared to be a part of a diverse kindgom, if we are not part of a diverse community now?

“After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.” Revelation 7:9

We’re looking for a community with a heart for missions. God has a heart for the world, a heart for the poor, a heart for the oppressed. His Kingdom is upside down from the world and confounds reason. In His Kingdom, the poor, the oppressed, the widow and the orphan are cared for. In His Kingdom, the last shall be first. In His Kingdom, God uses the foolish and weak things, rather than the wise and strong.

“Because the poor are plundered and the needy groan, I will now arise,” says the LORD. “I will protect them from those who malign them.” Psalm 12:5

“But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.” 1 Corinthians 1:27

“Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” Mark 9:35

Tim Keller says in his book, Ministries of Mercy: the Call of the Jericho Road, as quoted by Steve Corbett & Brian Fikkert in When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty without Hurting the Poor, “the kingdom is the renewal of the whole world through the enterance of supernatural forces. As things are brought back under Christ’s rule and authority, they are restored to health, beauty, and freedom.”

One day, Christ will return. Until then, we have an earth to be stewards of, justice to ensure is equal, mercy to show, and the opportunity to walk humbly with our God.

“He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8

We want to be part of a community that continues to grow spiritually, never stops learning, and identifies and encourages the gifts and contributions of every person.

There is no perfect church this side of the Coming Kingdom, but once we find our church home, we hope we will be part of seeking the Lord, praying diligently, and doing what God has called us to do as part of a community of believers.

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