Now that my entire yard has been dug up and redistributed so as to keep the rain outside of my home and (hopefully) grass and other lush things in the mudpit I call my backyard, I've been working diligently to create my own personal Eden.
That, and clearing my head of a raging sinus infection turned bronchitis while catching up on half a month's laundry and housework that fell to the wayside while I did family the last couple of weeks.
Yes, miracle remedies welcome.
No, Alka Seltzer, Robitussin DM, NyQuil, and giving up soda haven't worked.
Any-hoo, digging in the dirt and making my surroundings beautiful make me feel like a human in this suburban landscape I call home except for when I'm actually AT home in the middle of a field 150 miles to the west of here.
I love this earth. And I want it to be green and beautiful for my sanity and for my kids (and grandkids infinitum) future. So I'm reading this:
Before the snake, the apple, and the Ten Commandments, God created a garden, placed humans in it, and told them to take care of it.
“Spiritual environmentalism” did not start out as an oxymoron—it was an invitation. Yet today, many believe God’s original job description for humankind has been replaced by other worthier pursuits. So when did this simple instruction become so controversial? How does one sort through all the mixed messages? Is making the world a healthier place for the next generation really a responsibility—or even possible?
Gardening Eden is a new understanding of how the spiritual dimensions of life can find expression and renewal through caring for our incredible planet. Empowering, simple, and never polemical, Michael Abbaté outlines the Bible’s clear spiritual benefits of caring for creation, exploring new motivations and inspired ideas, and revealing the power of our basic connection to all people and living things through the growing interest in spiritual environmentalism.
Green living is no longer a fad—simple lifestyle solutions are now available to everyone. Gardening Eden shows readers how this shift transforms not only our world, but their very souls as they’re drawn into deeper harmony with the Creator. This book invites them to discover the powerful spiritual satisfaction of heeding the call to save our world.
A nationally recognized expert in “green” development strategies, Mike Abbaté is a founder of GreenWorks, an award-winning landscape architecture design firm. He frequently speaks to students and leaders about practical ways to minimize the impact of building and landscape design on natural resources. Abbaté’s work has been featured in national magazines such as Metropolis and Landscape Architecture and in many local newspapers and trade publications. He and his wife, Vicki, have two adult daughters and live near Portland, Oregon.
3 comments:
I think a lot of us have forgotten that we were placed in stewardship. Thanks for the reminder. ;o)
I'll echo Mayhem.
We often talk about being good stewards of the "gifts" God gives us: our family, finances, homes, etc....
Yet I have witnessed many, many Christians not only turn a blind eye, but even argue against environmental concerns.
Does it matter who the info comes from? Does it matter if there is disagreement in the science community over causes and severity?
I would say "no". We're supposed to protect and be stewards of God's creation. Shouldn't that mean we want clean water? Clean air to breath? Preservation (within means) of earth's resources?
Honestly, Christians should be leading the charge. HE put US in charge!
Ack, that was really me above.
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