This complete digest, formerly posted monthly, is now updated at least weekly. It contains posts from both SLW! and other simple living sources.The SLW! Monthly Nudge/Blog/eNews (focus on SLW!) comes as a free subscription to SLW! Blog (When you arrive, click +Follow in lower right, add your email address, then confirm when email arrives.) The free Daily Nudges is available by email -- send SUBSCRIBE to SimpleLivingWorks@yahoo.com -- or by Twitter @GeraldIversen.
2022-- Winter // Spring // Summer // Fall
In This Issue:
What's been happening on my Living Lightly blog lately.
How Much Is Enough? Part 2 - What household stuff do you and I hang on to 'just in case'?
Uber Recycling #5 - Reviewing some recycling basics and adding a few you may not have tried yet
Lightening Your Heart #2 - Check out the 6 ways I avoid being a 'Debbie Downer.' Do any of these work for you? What's our PLANET got to do with it?
Wondering What Is True - One person's fake news is another person's truth. How to tell the difference.
What Is Mine To Do? - As Lent began, I had a 4 point plan. Do any of my resolutions match yours?
Going Into Hiding - Looking behind, underneath, and inside to find what's hiding
MARRIAGE MOMENTS*
1053. July 31: Earth Overshoot Day (https://www.footprintnetwork.org/) is Wednesday, Aug. 2. So, what’s that got to do with your marriage? Think, "Measure what you Treasure." Just as planet earth is in danger from pollution, check what distracts your love -- Busyness? Social media? Worries about money? Too much stuff?...
BONUS: Marriage can be complicated and so can modern technology like cell phones, computers, and social networking. Safeguard marriages with Technology Tips & Traps for Couples.
1054. Aug. 7: August has 2 full moons (Aug. 1 & 30) Rare but thought provoking. A full moon symbolizes completion, fertility, abundance, and transformation which are marriage worthy qualities. Ponder these qualities throughout the month.
1055. Aug. 14: Aug. 15 is the Feast of the Assumption of Mary. Through Mary Jesus came into the world. She nurtured him, witnessed his passion, and stood by the apostles at Pentecost. Mary's life mirrors God's relationship with us during times of bliss, agony, and fear. Despite being the mother of God, she focused on those in need; the lowly. Let go of self-importance today and be lifted up with Mary.
1056. Aug. 21: "Observe what is right, do what is just." (Isaiah 56:1) Of course, easy to say, difficult to live out. Commit as a couple to doing at least one work of justice (service) this week.
1057. Aug. 28: At the beginning of August, I wrote that August has 2 full moons (Aug. 1 & 30) symbolizing completion, fertility, abundance, and transformation. Good, BUT – it can also be a time of friction, polarity, and more-intense emotional energy. Reflect on how your life together has reflected both this past month.
1058. Sept. 4: Isn’t it ironic that "Labor Day" is a holiday for most Americans. But "work" comes in many forms. Offer to do a task that your beloved usually does around your home. If one of you still has to work outside the home on this holiday, treat the laborer in some way.
1059. Sept. 11: "Love your neighbor as yourself." (Romans 13:9) Of course a married person’s closest neighbor is your spouse and spouses can sometimes be irritating. Is there a complaint you have about your beloved? Try to avoid criticizing each other for one week.
1018. Sept. 18: Last week, I urged married couples to take a "criticism break." But sometimes hurts or problems need to be aired. Was it hard to refrain from criticizing? If the complaint still bugs you agree to a calm time to share it, then pair it with an appreciation.
1025. Sept. 25: In Matthew 20:1-16, some laborers complain that the landowner is not paying them fairly. What’s fair in your marriage? Does one of you do harder work than the other? Get paid more? Talk about the value of the work each of you do. Should any adjustments be made?
*Marriage Moments go out to individuals on Mondays. For Sunday bulletins use the Sunday immediately before the above date.
PARENTING POINTERS*
1054. Aug. 4: On Aug. 6 & 9, 1945 the USA bombed Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Have we learned anything since then? "Not everyone is going to be a friend, but no one needs to be an enemy." (Raising Kids Who Will Make a Difference) How do you and your children deal with people you don’t like? Avoid them? Pray for them? Try to understand them? Gossip about them? Confront them? Fight with them? Other?
1055. Aug. 11: "A woman…was with child and wailed aloud in pain as she labored to give birth." (Revelation 12:2). Perhaps you who are mothers experienced great pain in giving birth. Perhaps not. Perhaps you who are fathers joined emotionally in the angst of giving birth. Either way reflect together today about what bringing a new life into the world has meant for you.
1056. Aug. 18: There is more to parenting than providing food, clothing, and shelter. A reliable income helps; but focus on high integrity. Think of a way you can be an example of integrity during this week.
1057. Aug. 25: "Who has known the mind of the Lord?" (Romans 11:35) As a parent you want to parent well. When your child is young, certainly you are smarter and know what is best for them. But as your child grows, it’s hard to know what is best. Pray, read, talk, listen.
1058. Sept. 1: "You duped me, O Lord, and I let myself be duped…everyone mocks me." (Jeremiah 20:7) Sometimes a parent may feel that society (even experts) give conflicting parenting advice. (Should I spank or not? When should a child get a cell phone?…) Children also fear their peers mocking them. When in doubt turn to your best instincts and prayer.
1059. Sept. 8: September 10 is Grandparents Day. Most grandparents would appreciate a call, visit, or homemade expression of affection more than a store bought gift. This could be an occasion to link up with history. Ask a grandparent to tell stories, maybe even slightly embarrassing ones about how you, their parent, were raised.
1060. Sept. 15: "Forgive your neighbor's injustice;" (Sirach 28:2) Sometimes our neighbors hurt us. Children especially can get angry with a playmate or adult. Is there someone you have difficulty loving? Model for your child a forgiving heart.
1061. Sept. 22: Next Monday (Sept. 25) is "Eat Dinner Together Day" (https://www.informedfamilies.org/campaigns/family-day) How many days a week should your family eat together? Some experts say try for at least 4 or 5. More ideas. (http://thefamilydinnerproject.org/resources/faq/).
1062. Sept. 29: September 29 is a full moon. Weather and bedtime permitting, share a few minutes outside with your child marveling at the full moon. Fantasize about what it might be like to live on the moon or another planet. If your child is young, read the "Goodnight Moon" book.
Parenting Pointers go out to individuals on Fridays. For Sunday bulletins, use the closest Friday.
ECO-TIPS
TO EDUCATORS, LEADERS, & MINISTERS:
I offer you these Eco-Tips as a resource for those you serve.
My own faith tradition is Catholic and thus Pope Francis' teaching in Laudato Si' inspired these ways of Living Laudato Si'. Of course caring for creation transcends religions and is indeed a universal undertaking. It cannot be done alone.
You are welcome to reprint these in bulletins, newsletters, and on your website with the credit, "By Susan Vogt, www.SusanVogt.net"
For related articles go to my Living Lightly Blog: www.SusanVogt.net/blog
Since those we reach may be in many different places regarding environmental efforts, I offer 2 options each week:
75. July 3: TRANSPORTATION
EASY: If the nature of your job allows, work at home one or more days a week. If not, try public transportation.
CHALLENGING: Purchase a fuel-efficient car such as a hybrid or electric car.
78. July 24: MORALITY & MONEY
EASY: Read the 3 page EarthBeat article, Calling fossil fuel investments sinful, global interfaith coalition outlines moral standards for climate finance. (bit.ly/3NcGa1Z)
CHALLENGING: Ponder the EarthBeat article. Decide what you agree or disagree with. Is there a faith congregation that you can propose an action to?
Optional Generic ECO-TIP
EASY: Spend 5 minutes checking out the website Skeptical Science. What do you think of it?
CHALLENGING: Read one of the articles on Skeptical Science and discuss it with a friend or skeptic.
80. August 7: PLASTIC
EASY: For Community meals: Instead of plastic utensils, carry a metal collapsible cutlery set or a Spork
CHALLENGING:. At home, avoid Teflon coated non-stick pans as Teflon contains plastic. Invest in ceramic pans instead.
81. August 14: CLEANING
EASY: Review my Eco-Friendly household cleaning products list at bit.ly/44rpb3C
CHALLENGING: Choose one new product to try.
82. August 21: ENERGY
EASY: Turn off computers and other appliances when not in use.
CHALLENGING: Clean or replace filters for all appliances/furnace/air conditioners that have filters.
83. August 26: EDUCATE YOURSELF more on Laudato Si'
EASY: Read Laudato Si’ Chapter 5 (bit.ly/3pCSCjE,,Sections 163-201) on Taking Action on International, National, and Local Dialogue, Decision Making, Politics & the Economy, Religious Dialogue.
CHALLENGING: Decide one of the above topics to act on.
Optional 83 Generic ECO-TIP
EASY: Google Regenerative agriculture vs Industrial agriculture. Do you understand the difference? Then google "What are the pros & cons of Industrial farming?"
CHALLENGING:. Choose a Regenerative agriculture farming practice to support.
84. September 4: FOOD
EASY: Support farmers and reduce food-miles by buying local produce.
CHALLENGING: Commit to a "hunger meal" once a week. This might mean skipping the meal or eating only 1 item (like an apple or simple vegetable.)
85. September 11: BUYING CLOTHES
EASY: When considering buying a new piece of clothing, evaluate whether you really need another "x". Count how many you already have?
CHALLENGING: If you decide the clothing item really is necessary, evaluate the material it is made out of. Prioritize natural fibers rather than synthetics or acrylics.
86. September 18: NATURE
EASY: Take a hike in the woods. Listen to the subtle sounds of nature. How many can you identify?
CHALLENGING: In addition to a hike in the woods, "hike" through the poorest neighborhood of your city/town. Listen to the sounds. Are they any different?
87. September 25: EDUCATE YOURSELF more on Laudato Si’
EASY: Read 2 of the 9 sub-chapters of Laudato Si’ Chapter 6, (bit.ly/3pCSCjE) on Ecological Education & Spirituality. (Sections 202-245) Why were these 2 of special interest to you?
CHALLENGING: Read the other 7 sub-chapters. It’s a lot to digest. Which of them calls you to action?
Optional Generic ECO-TIP
EASY: Find a newspaper article to read about what your city/town is doing (or not doing) to protect the environment.
CHALLENGING:.Figure out a way to join those who are working to protect the environment.
TO EDUCATORS, LEADERS, & MINISTERS:
I offer you these Eco-Tips as a resource for those you serve.
My own faith tradition is Catholic and thus Pope Francis' teaching in Laudato Si' inspired these ways of Living Laudato Si'. Of course caring for creation transcends religions and is indeed a universal undertaking. It cannot be done alone.
You are welcome to reprint these in bulletins, newsletters, and on your website with the credit, "By Susan Vogt, www.SusanVogt.net"
For related articles go to my Living Lightly Blog: www.SusanVogt.net/blog
Since those we reach may be in many different places regarding environmental efforts, I offer 2 options each week: EASY: Some of us are just starting to awaken to the need to care for creation, or have been busy with jobs, raising a family, or other social justice commitments. We may not have much discretionary time. OR, it may simply be a relief to note, “Hey, I’m already doing this one!” Good.
The 0122 Episode of Simpler OneEarth Living is the last for the present. All 250+ episodes are presented--one at a time--as part of Simple Living Daily Nudges Enhanced. To subscribe, send NUDGE to SimpleLivingWorks@yahoo.com. Free! No ads! Different Theme each month! Different Focus each week!
Send us your email address to receive the free monthly SLW! Blog/eNews/Alert. Remember to like us on Facebook. Urge your friends to do the same. Do your friends a favor. Share our blog and podcast.
Like SLW! on Facebook. | Follow us on Twitter. | Share your thoughts on our podcast and blogs. Email: SimpleLivingWorks@yahoo.com, leave a message on our Facebook page or on the SLW! blog.
Peace, Gerald 'Jerry' Iversen, Chief SLW! Activist
For hard copies of Alternatives' resources at nominal cost, contact ELCA Archives, 321 Bonnie Lane, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 // (847) 690-9410 // archives@elca.org
We do not solicit or accept donations, nor do we sell anything. All our resources and services are free of charge. We're an all-volunteer organization. Instead, we urge Alternative Giving. Give away at least 25% of what you spent last year on all celebrations -- Christmas, birthdays, etc. -- to local, national and international causes.
Copyright: Creative Commons non-commercial attribution share-alike license.
*Treasury of Celebrations: published by Northstone, a division of Wood Lake Publications, BC, Canada, best known for its Seasons of the Spirit curriculum.