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2024-- Winter // Spring // Summer // Fall
2025-- Winter // Summer -- Digest on PAUSE
In This Issue:
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April 2025
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
Vogt LIVING LIGHTLY Quarterly Blog Alert (Sept., Oct., Nov., 2023)
1. Am I Doing Enough
2. Love the Hub
3. Good Waits, Fasts, Problems
MARRIAGE MOMENTS*
1146. May 5: “When you work with people, it is a lot like mining for gold. You do not look for the dirt. You look for the gold.” (Andrew Carnegie) What affirming nugget can you say to your beloved today? It helps if it’s specific. It’s essential that it’s true.
1147. May 12: All married couples disagree at one time or another. Remember the ‘fighting fair’ rule: “Feelings are neither right nor wrong, they merely are.” (Marriage Encounter) Accept your spouse’s feelings even if you don’t share them. Share your own feelings without anger.
1148. May19: “Pay attention to details: Don’t buy just any flowers – get her favorites. Make a point of always wrapping his gifts in his favorite color.” (Gregory J.P. Godek, 1001 Ways to Be Romantic)
1149. May 26: On Memorial Day the USA traditionally remembers people who have died in the military. Death, however, is not the only time to honor a loved one. Strive especially today to value the life of your beloved. Give each other a flower if you wish, but perhaps also an unexpected favor.
1142. Apr. 7: As Spring weather brings blooms into the northern hemisphere, consider what might bring some spring into your marriage -- a flower, a treat, a nice surprise?
1143. Apr. 14: Are you in a mixed religion marriage? Celebrate the commonalities and respect the differences. Rejoice if your spouse values a spiritual life even though it may be a different path than your own.
1144. Apr. 21: Easter is April 20. Earth Day is April 22. What might they have in common? As Christians celebrate the resurrection of Christ, all creation needs to resurrect hope for the health of Planet Earth. Yes, pray; but also choose one action this week to protect Mother Earth together.
1145. Apr. 28: “April showers bring May flowers.” Recall a sad (perhaps rainy) time during your marriage…Now recall a joyful recent time. Plan a fun recreational activity for May 1 – May Day
1137. Mar. 3: With Lent about to begin for Christians on March 5, regardless of your religion, consider what personal pleasure you might be willing to limit for a time in order to offer deeper love to your beloved spouse. Fasting from criticism, self-righteousness...
1138. Mar. 10: With our country and world amuck in political disharmony, what have you learned through working through marital differences or squabbles about making peace? How might you share this insight with society?
1139. Mar. 17: St. Patrick Day is March 17, sooo...what difference might that make to your marriage. St. Patrick is famous for driving the snakes out of Ireland. Are there any snaky riffs currently in your marriage? Sure, wear green if you like, but also seek ways to compromise (maybe blue-green, yellow-green, or a meaningful marital compromise.)
1140. Mar. 24: "Agree to disagree. Typical couples have 10 irreconcilable differences. When one of those comes up, you won't have to repeat an old argument." (Trudy Costa) Choose one difference to make peace with today.
1141. Mar. 31: (April Fools Eve) Think of a way to be playful with your honey tomorrow. It may sound silly but a little prank my husband has done is to move a rubber ducky around to different spots in the house and wait for me to notice it. Bringing a smile to your beloved's face doesn’t take diamonds, just a little creativity.
*Marriage Moments go out to individuals on Mondays. For Sunday bulletins use the Sunday immediately before the above date.
PARENTING POINTERS*
1145. May 2: A North Carolina University study found that children of workaholics have the same anxiety levels and depression as children of alcoholics. So how do you know if you're working too much? Are you more excited about going to work than spending time with your family? Parenting is work, but "good work".
1146. May 9: Mother’s Day is May 11. What does it mean to be a mother? It’s more than just giving birth. That’s only one day. If your children are old enough, brainstorm with them things that a good mother does. Think of the mothers who preceded you. What were their motherly qualities?
1147. May 16: Disciplining your child does not always mean punishment. Sometimes a child learns self-discipline by experiencing the consequences of their actions. If they chose not to study for a test, a poor grade results. Perhaps a hard lesson, but better to learn it as a child when the stakes are low than when losing a job might be the consequence.
1148. May 23: May 23-29 is National Week of Conversation. Although this is geared to adults, help your children learn conversation skills by practicing a difficult conversation (maybe bedtime, chores, allowances…) Click here (https://www.livingroomconversations.org/friends-and-family-guide/) for some guidelines.
1149. May 30: More on child discipline. Help your child learn to become responsible. If a child leaves their bike out in the yard, it may get rusty or stolen. Don’t always rescue your child. Better to learn early lessons of self-discipline than harder lessons like an untimely pregnancy later in life. Model self-discipline as a parent.
1141. Apr. 4: April is Child Abuse Prevention Month
(https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/preventing/preventionmonth/) Certainly you don't abuse your child, BUT, it happens in some homes and you can help. See these tip sheets for loads of ideas. (https://www.thecapcenter.org/what/advocacy)
1142. Apr. 11: As our children get older, they start to turn the tables on us. They reflect back to us both the good qualities we modeled for them and the gruff words we said in anger. They may teach us the ways of the modern world as we continue to try to teach them age old wisdom. It’s a two way street. What has your child taught you today?
1143. Apr. 18: On Friday, April 18, Christians remember the crucifixion of Jesus. Each of us also suffers at some time in our life. Parents suffer when our children are hurting. Check out if your child might be feeling discouraged or sad this week. Offer understanding and hope.
1144. Apr. 25: As the saying goes, "April showers bring May flowers." Has your child had any sad (perhaps rainy) times recently? Search out together a fun activity to have in the near future -- perhaps a hike in the sun or forest, perhaps picking wild flowers.
1137. Mar. 7: Although we should respond to those in need all year round, Lent can be a time when parents teach their children about the 7 Corporal Works of Mercy. The first two are to feed the hungry and give drink to the thirsty. Of course, as parents you do this for your family every day, but what about eating more simply during Lent?
1138. Mar. 14 Review the classic Kahil Gibran poem & song, On Children. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMt6jIYiOvs) (Skip ad.)
"Your children are not your children. They are the sons and daughters of life's longing for itself. They come through you but not from you. And though they are with you yet they belong not to you. You may give them your love but not your thoughts." Reflect.
1139. Mar. 21: March 21 is Single Parent Day. Single parents do double duty. It’s hard but it’s not impossible. Your children will eventually appreciate your sacrifices. If you’re not a single parent, find one and give them a break.
1140. Mar. 28: Enjoy this additional rendition of Gibran’s On Children poem & song. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYAkcL36aCE) "Your children are not your children...You may strive to be like them, But seek not to make them just like you. For life goes not backward, nor tarries with yesterday." Reflect further.
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:
ECO-TIP #173
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Monday, May 26, 2025
For past ECO-TIPS visit https://susanvogt.net/Spirituality.htm#SpiritualityLinks. For more extensive articles go to my LIVING LIGHTLY blog: www.SusanVogt.net/blog OR
Faith Communities Go Green https://fcgg.org/eco-tips-2023/
REDUCE/REUSE/RECYCLE (Grease Addendum
EASY: Do not put grease or strong chemicals down drains. Sooo, what to do with the grease? - Let it cool, put it in a sealed container (ideally metal or glass) and put it in the trash.
CHALLENGING: When eating out, take your own container for leftovers.
Since those who receive these tips may be in many different places regarding environmental efforts, I offer you 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 that, “Hey, I’m already doing this one!”
CHALLENGING: Others have been engaged in the environmental movement for awhile and are ready to take a bigger step. Multiply your efforts by going beyond your own individual lifestyle to impact systemic change in your neighborhood, city, country, the world.
Either way, pick whichever fits your ability this week and try something.
Back story: My own faith tradition is Catholic and thus Pope Francis' teaching on care for creation in Laudato Si' inspired these ways of Living Laudato Si'. Of course caring for creation transcends religions and is indeed a universal task. It cannot be done alone.
166. Apr. 7: CLOTHING
EASY: When shopping for clothes, evaluate whether you really need another X, Y, or Z. Count how many you already have. Then decide if the clothing item really is a necessary purchase.
CHALLENGING: Clothing, particularly petroleum-based garments, are often treated with flame retardant chemicals (PFAS). Check labels to avoid contamination.
167. Apr. 14: FOOD
EASY: Check labels. When possible, buy fair-trade & organic products.
CHALLENGING: Even better, when possible, plant your own food. April is a good month to plant vegetables and fruits.
168. Apr. 21: NATURE
EASY: Read an inspiring article or book about nature. Pray for the protection of natural resources.
CHALLENGING: Research and take action on the at least one way to protect a part of nature in your town or country.
169. Apr. 28: PLASTIC REDUCTION
EASY: Reduce the number of items you buy that come in plastic packaging. Perhaps start with grocery shopping. When plastic is unavoidable check out recycling plastic in your area (https://search.earth911.com/)
CHALLENGING: Research alternatives to plastic packaging (plastic peanuts, bubble wrap, and containers...) Patronize stores that offer alternatives to plastic packaging - maybe even just a paper bag.
161. Mar. 3: CLUTTER
EASY: What’s the messiest place in your home? Perhaps the entry way or kitchen? Choose one category of items (hats, kitchen notes…) to review. Dispose or recycle extra ones.
CHALLENGING: In the spirit of the upcoming season of Lent, declutter not only your material possessions but also your mind. What grudges, angers, are you holding on to. Declutter your mind.
162. Mar. 10: SHOPPING
EASY: When shopping take reusable bags for your purchases (canvas bags or reuse paper/plastic bags.)
CHALLENGING: Contact your local supermarket or other stores. Encourage them to minimize packaging at checkout, subsidize returnable packaging, etc.
163. Mar. 17: MONEY
EASY: Saving our environment can sometimes cost money. Make a donation to a worthy environmental cause.
CHALLENGING: Research the most environmentally responsible cleaning, car, or energy efficient products. Sometimes the purist products cost more. Weigh carefully where to spend your money.
164. Mar. 24: ENERGY
EASY: Set your computer and/or display to turn off after 15 minutes of inactivity.
CHALLENGING: Ensure that your home is properly insulated to use less energy and reduce heating and cooling costs.
165. Mar. 31: SPRING CLEANUP
EASY: Choose either your home or yard. Clean up extras or debris. Enjoy a cleaner environment. Relax.
CHALLENGING: Invite your neighbors or community to help you clean up winter's residue (cans, bottles, orphan mittens in the street, tree debris, loose stones, miscellaneous garbage...)
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!
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Peace, Gerald 'Jerry' Iversen, Chief SLW! Activist
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