Overwhelmed by the saints

I've learned that I can get out of my comfort zone on my own but how much more strength & confidence to do the work God has called me to do when the saints have gathered behind me in prayer.


I am continually in awe of the people that rally behind the one thing that God has put as a call on my life. The ones that write on my Facebook, the unexpected text, the amount of people that work endlessly on fundraising for an unexpected trip.



It's in those times that I know that if my friends would go to the efforts they have for little me, just what they will do for the least of these.



There are times I look around and extreme guilt sets in at our abundance but God reminds me to not feel bad for what He has blessed us with. He has given us resources to help, even if it is just one.



So, I thank you my friends for the unconditional love you have poured out on me and this mission. It's hard to show exactly what me heart feels for each and every one of you. No matter how small you might think your efforts are.


There is no small sacrifice. While I am blessed when finances come in, it's the prayers of the saints that will do the work that God has planned. It's in those prayers that I know He will provide just what we need.

Step away from the computer!

There are times when I wish I had one of those trunk monkey's. You remember them right? Something happens and you push your handy "trunk monkey" button and out comes your little furry friend to handle the situation.

Only in my case usually I am the one needing dealt with. Sigh...

There are days when throwing in the towel would be all too easy. Turning a blind eye and a deaf ear to what really is going on in the world around us. Just pretend everything in this dark world is a-ok. There are days when I ask "why me God", "why did You choose me to carry out this work, this is BIG and I am so small and flawed".


Then He reminds me.


When I look into those eyes I am haunted.


He says "whatever you did for the least of these, you did it to me"

Oh there are days when I still want to throw it all in. There are moments when I want to spout off at that person that says that one little comment that burns right through me. Usually Ed knows it is coming and he says "step away from the computer, nothing is solved over facebook or emails". That's what I love about him. He keeps me grounded.


But then in that moment when that dear friend looks over the table at Mi Pueblo and says "We believe in you", it's at that moment that I am thankful for friends that rally behind the call that has been given. That will do whatever it takes to see it through.


We weren't promised easy, we were promised He would be with us every step of the way.

Fair Trade... Every dollar makes a difference

Since I am trying to be very proactive about Fair Trade products I decided to list a few "big" ones just to educate in case you too would like to be more conscience of what we are buying. I tend to stick with products that rate C or better and try to avoid the D's and F's so I will list good and bad based on that and if you want to know more specific just let me know!

The Issues that the source I use tackles:
Human Rights
The Environment
Animal Protection
Community Involvement
Social Justice

Body Care

Good - Dr. Bronner's, Method, Body Shop, Colgate, Speed Stick, Lubriderm, Aveeno, Neutrogena, Purell, St. Ives, Curel, Blistex, Ban, Jergens, Burt Bee's

Bad - L'Oreal, Arrid, Arm & Hammer, Dove, Suave, Vaseline, Degree, Axe, Chapstick, Schick, Noxema, Dial, Old Spice, Secret, Sure, Gillette, Olay, Right Guard, Dry Idea,

Bread

Bad - Wonder, Home Pride, Nature's Pride, Kraft, Stove Top

Candy, Gum, Mints

Good - Reed's, Glee Gum, Sencha Natural, Newman's Own, Jolly Ranchers, Good & Plenty, Andes, Heath, Twizzlers, Kit Kat, Werthers, Mentos, Tic Tacs,

Bad - Casbury, Certs, Dentyne, Trident, Starburst, Skittles, M & M's, LLifesavers, Extra, Orbit, Kraft, Nerds, Laffy Taffy, Nestle, Butterfinger, Wonka (always knew he used slaves), SweetTarts,

Chocolate

Bad - Cadbury, Swiss Miss, Nestle, Toblerone, Crunch, Hershey is a C-

Cleaning Products

Good - Simple Green, Ajax, Colgate, Palmolive, Murphy Oil, Pledge, SC Johnson, Windex, Glade, Hefty, Comet

Bad - Clorox, Green Works, Pine Sol, SOS, Glad, Liquid Plumr, 409, Lysol, Easy-Off, Soft Scrub, Joy, Proctor & Gamble, Ivory, Swiffer, Dial, Mr. Clean, Dawn

Coffee

Bad - International Delight, Maxwell House, Sanka, General Foods, Nescafe, Nestle, CoffeeMate

Peanut Butter & Jelly

Good - Smart Balance, Welch's, Smuckers, Knott's

Bad - Skippy, Peter Pan

Soda

Good - Sierra Mist, Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Sunkist, Dr. Pepper, Crush, RC

Bad - Lipton, Coca-Cola, Fanta, Mr. Pibb, Barq's, Minute Maid, Tab

Water

Good - Crystal Geyser, Propel, Aquafina, SoBe, Deja Blue, Dannon, Evian, Snapple, Crystal Springs, Fiji

Bad - Vitamin Water, Smart Water, Dasani, Perrier, Deer Park, Ice Mountain

www.betterworldshopper.org