"The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they willl fast". The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. (Jesus of Nazareth, Matthew 9:15, 26:11)

"Is it not enough for you to feed on the good pasture? Must you also trample the rest of your pasture with your feet? Is it not enough for you to drink clear water? Must you also muddy the rest with your feet?" (Ezekiel 34:18)

We live in an age and in a nation blessed with great abundance. Yet, ironically, this abundance often has great negative ramifications on our walk with Christ. It also has a coercive impact on God's creation, pollutes and degrades the environment, and does not relieve scarcity being experienced by millions around the world. This week we will be exploring simple steps we can all take to more faithfully conserve and steward resources and honor God in our day to day walks.

Practice Meditatio / Meditation " Look in a concordance and read, re-read, "ruminate" and reflect on scripture passages regarding orphans, widows, the poor, generosity, alms and hospitality. Pray about how this personally applies to your own life. What can you easily live without. Listen and note and adjust your habits of consumption.

"When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, 'Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted." (John 6:12)

18 March: If you don't recycle start doing so today. If you do recycle make sure you are recycling everything that you can. Even if you do know what to recycle check to see what's covered and what isn't. The last 10 years has seen a significant growth in what can be recycled.

19 March: Take an audit of how much food you waste on a regular basis. Do you eat to life or live to eat? Commit to finding ways to buy only what you will eat in a particular week. Take the money you save and use it for good kingdom purposes. Pray for food pantries and soup kitchens in your area.

20 March: Think about the sorts of products you use and take time to check out their ingrediants. Inform yourself to see if there are healthier or more creation-friendly alternatives; be sure and switch.

21 March: If you are still regularly using plastic or paper bags think about switching to reusable canvas or the many alternatives now available to you.

22 March: Do a light check in your house, if you can switch to CFLs or LEDs make the switch today. Do this on the basis of wisdom and compassionate regard for all on the planet who still do not have electricity.

23 March: Have you ever tended a garden or raised a small flower pot? Think about simple ways that you can reconnect with God's creation. Many find this recreational and a time of rest and renewal in their day. Could you garden a bit on a deck or balcony? Could you share this experience with a child?

24 March: Plan a day trip to a national or state park, or just take a morning, noon, afternoon, or evening walk in a local park. Start to intentionally observe, study and know the creation God has placed around you. Enjoy it!