2009 world oil demand at 1982 levels

I read this article the other day.  I would like to believe that the oil demand is dropping because people are making better choices in regards to the cars they buy & the amount they use it, or maybe because we are stopping buying useless plastics and processed foods, or maybe we are recycling more?  Some how I don't think this is the case... wouldn't it be great to see this happen though?

RuthEllen was here but the roofellin!: Food Glorious Food

From my personal blog

17 May 2010

Food Glorious Food

I love to cook and I love to have people over for dinner.  Food is a huge part of culture & community.  It seems that in the past few months I have been reading, watching and thinking a lot about food & our bodies.  Here are some of the things that have really got me thinking. Click on the links-- its food for thought!
Reading...

You are Fat
Health
3 posts by Tall Skinny Kiwi (1 for each part of his name)
Watching...
Jamie Olivers Food Revolution & his TED speech
Food Inc (great documentary)
Thoughts...
Series of Choices (my personal health)
The vulnerable are unfortunately always exploited and abused.  You will have heard of emotional, sexual & physical abuse, but what about food abuse??
From Oliver Twist' tasteless and insufficient tale of food, and now today's fatty, processed rubbish, children and adults are not getting a fair chance.
Today's problem is mainly through a lack of education. Knowledge is power, and ignorance keeps people in the dark & under control.
I want to be a part of the food revolution.
I want to get myself & family eating healthily, and exercising regularly.
I want to grow or buy seasonal fresh fruit & vegetables, and produce our own meat.
I want to help educate my community so they have the choice to do the same.

Ruthpastor's ramblings: Social Justice

From my spiritual journal


 May 6, 2010
Social Justice
A thought thread that has been running through my head for the past week or so is the idea of social justice.  Quite a few things have contributed to this...

Check out their website

A21 campaign

One Day's Wages

The Cappuccino Club, sponsoring university students in the Philippines

Christian Enterprise in Kargarlyk, Ukraine (our neighboring town)


As I have read/watched each of these organisations I have to ask the question "What is required of me?"  Like I said in my other blog I really want to strive to have my faith as the center of my life and action, not an appendage.  The verse that comes to mind is Micah 6:8

1.  Walk humbly with God -- foundation to everything else

2.  Love mercy -- my attitude to others

3.  DO justly -- the action (especially to the foreigner, orphan, widows & poor)

I know God is working on me in this area...I think this is one of the latest papers that I have been enrolled in.  I really need a lot of work in these 3 areas.

I was reminded again when watching "Faith Like Potatoes" that my relationship with God is the foundation for anything else.  It all spills from this.
I was also reminded the other day that my attitude needs to be "I have been forgiven much -- so I should forgive a LOT." 
In regards to the 3rd one (which is no good unless the first 2 are in place) I was challenged by this...Are we in love with the idea of helping so much that it blinds us from helping?? Especially watch the 8-16 min mark in this video...

RuthEllen was here but the roofellin!: A series of choices

From my personal blog...

5 May 2010

A series of choices

I have started reading a book called "Everyday Justice"  which has sparked off for me a fire that was already getting ready to burn.  I have been thinking a lot lately about my faith.  And that I want my faith to be the core of my being & life not an appendage that is added on and useful sometimes. This book really addresses this issue in regards to our shopping and other lifestyle decsions.  It talks about the impact our decisions have around the globe.  It is easy to read and I thoroughly recommend it if you are serious about your faith affecting all the decisions in your life.
In addition to this I have really been challenged about how I care for and look after my body.  One of my pet hates all my life is people who pick holes in the obvious mistakes or sins, but either ignore or cover up the not so obvious (but just as sinister, if not more) faults or sins.  Take for instance smoking and obesity.  Very often you will hear people espousing their views on how bad smoking is, and that it is a vice, yet on the other hand overlook the just as drastic health problem of over-eating, gluttony and obesity.  I used to be of the belief that 'oh well I have one life, one body, may as well make the most of it, use and abuse and enjoy, it will return to dust.'  Just lately I have come to realize that if my faith is at the core of my being, then lifestyle choices such as healthy food and exercise decisions should also be governed by my beliefs.  I need to demonstrate self-control and care for my body.  It is the temple of the Holy Spirit and should be maintained. Check out these posts (1) (2) by "tall skinny kiwi" that have challenged me.

I am overweight (never used to be a problem until I got married!) and so I am taking steps to be more active in my lifestyle choices and also control the intake & choice of food.  And with the help of MyFitnessPal (online & on my Iphone) I am keeping my intake lower than my output.  My goal is to lose 7-10kgs, and I already can't find 2.5kgs. :-)
Life is a series of choices, and I want mine to add up to "Well done good & faithful servant."