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.
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
ECO-TIPS -- 3/22
Welcome to this free resource of weekly Eco-Tips for use in bulletins, newsletters, websites, etc.
3/7: PLASTIC PACKAGING
EASY: Assess: On your next grocery trip, take stock of how many items you buy packaged in plastic.
CHALLENGING: Pick at least one item you usually buy that comes in plastic packaging and find a substitute. Example: make your own yogurt, grow your own fruits/vegetables.
3/14: EDUCATE YOURSELF
EASY: Read about environmental sustainability (google “environmental articles” or read a book like Saving Us)
CHALLENGING: Join an environmental group like Sierra Club or The Pachamama Alliance.
3/21: WATER
EASY: Don’t buy bottled water. Take your own reusable bottle with you.
CHALLENGING: Ask organizations you belong to (church, civic, social, etc.) to provide washable cups, or other alternatives to bottled water at gatherings.
3/28: ENJOY NATURE
EASY: Commit to spend at least 30 min. a week in nature (walk in the woods, plant something…)
CHALLENGING: Support a local nature organization with your money or volunteer work. For example, Green Umbrella in Cincinnati)
MARRIAGE MOMENTS*
#976. 2/7: "They do not love who do not show their love." (William Shakespeare) Look for a tangible way to show your beloved you care for him/her today. BUT, also, let this “easy love,” prompt you to extend your love to others today, even those with whom you disagree.
#977. 2/14: Presumably on Valentine's Day you will do something special with your beloved. Beyond cards and candy, however, spend some time reminiscing about how you met and how that initial meeting evolved into a deeper relationship. Was there a significant turning point?
#978. 2/21: "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you." (Luke 6:27) Usually your spouse is not your enemy (aside from occasional minor irritations ) So join together to support each other in letting go of anger that either of you hold against someone who really annoys you.
#979. 2/28: Although almost 50% of marriages end in divorce. If you have only been married once, fight the temptation to feel superior. Hard work, grace, and a little luck all go into the mix. The next few MMs will address the complicated challenges faced by couples in a second marriage. We can all learn from this.
#980. 3/7: Lent is not just about giving up favorite foods for 6 weeks. Consider not only what goes into your mouth but what comes out of it. “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart.” (Romans 10:8) Try expressing a daily word of comfort or appreciation to your beloved this week.
#981. 3/14: Society and churches run on both money and volunteers. Generosity is a virtue but it's possible to become a "good cause widow(er)." Are you spending enough, or too much time, volunteering? Your answer will come from the mouth of your beloved. Consider joint volunteer projects.
#982. 3/21: On the Spring Equinox of March 20, nature reminds us of the equality between light and darkness. During these modern days when equality of the sexes is emphasized, reflect on how each of you contribute equally to your married life. Remember: Equality is more than sameness.
#983. 3/28: What does it mean to be blind? Some of us might be physically blind, but more often in marriage and life we may suffer from emotional blindness. We can’t see the good in our spouse because we are consumed with proving ourselves right.
*Marriage Moments go out to individuals on Mondays. For Sunday bulletins use the Sunday immediately before the above date.
PARENTING POINTERS*
#975. 2/4: Black History Month. The past few years have been tumultuous for race relations, especially between blacks & whites. Few people think of themselves as racist, but do you or your children have friends of a different race? If you spend time primarily with people of your same color, find a way to meet someone who looks different than you this week. Perhaps go to a church, store, or neighborhood where people who look different from you gather.
3976. 2/11: Phone etiquette: During these ongoing pandemic times, our cell phones have become an important communication tool. Good. Still, a few home rules are: No phones during family meals. Unless it's an emergency, do not answer a phone call when talking in person to someone.
#977. 2/18: "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you." (Luke 6:27) Talk with your child(ren) about people they don’t like. They don’t have to become best friends, but can they try to reduce the anger they feel; offer a gesture of kindness?
#978. 2/25: Family chores: It’s not just about keeping your home clean. Sharing household work (once a child is old enough to walk and talk) promotes family unity, life skills, and cooperation. Do your household chores need any updating?
#979. 3/4: As Christians enter the season of Lent, perhaps your family has already decided some treats they will “give up.” Another approach is to brainstorm together what additional acts you will DO. Talk about possibilities, then DO it.
#980. 3/11: “Jesus took Peter, John, and James and went up the mountain to pray.” (Luke 9: 28) Perhaps you bring your child(ren) to Church to pray. Perhaps your family prays before meals or at bedtime. Good. But try taking a hike this week in the woods/hills. Watch for God’s presence in nature. Stop and pray.
#981. 3/18: March 21 is National Single Parent Day. Remember, parenthood is not limited to one gender. Male and females both carry responsibility for their child. If you are the primary caregiver, give yourself a break. If you are not a single parent, perhaps you can provide some respite for a single parent that you know.
#982. 3/25: “Not as man [a human] sees does God see…but God looks into the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7) As parents we might be tempted to judge our children by looks, talent, athleticism, temperament… Seek to look into their heart – even when they do something wrong.
*Parenting Pointers go out to individuals on Fridays. For Sunday bulletins, use the closest Friday.
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Peace, Gerald 'Jerry' Iversen, Chief SLW! Activist
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