What do you support?

This semester I have been blessed to be in a personal finance class. I have learned so much about how to handle, not just money, but resources that God has provided me. This guy knows what he's talking about:

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 He's shown me how to handle my money wisely so that I won't be like the guy from the Lending Tree commercial. Hidden in the American dream is the need for excess. America consumes unbelievable amounts of resources and wastes almost half of it. I have become burdened with the idea of consumerism.

We watched the documentary Dive! created by a guy who dumpster dives for his food. I was repulsed by this idea at first, but I challenge you to watch it and then not consider going dumpster diving yourself. As a college student, this is very appealing.

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Yesterday, we had the opportunity to Skype Jermey Seifret, the creator of the film. He made the point, that as Christians, we should be aware and concerned about where our food, clothing, etc. is coming from. What we buy, shows what we support. If we buy clothing that was made in a sweatshop, we're supporting slavery. If we buy from a company that supports Planned Parenthood, we're supporting abortion.

Maybe this doesn't convict you, but it certainly did me, so what did I do? I googled. Here are some resources that can help you become more aware of what you're eating, where it's coming from and what brand and companies support that you're buying from. Ignorance is not bliss. Christ calls us to live differently than the ways of the world. Why not start here?

Better World Shopper: This site grades companies and brands based on how they support human rights, their environmental impact, animal protection, community involvement and social justice. There is even an app!

Blessed Earth: I'm not a hippie in any way, shape or form, but this organization provides practical ways to be a wise consumer with a Godly focus

Life Decisions International: I was shocked when I read the list of companies that support Planned Parenthood. It's nearly impossible not to buy from one of these stores or companies, but this site provides a list of them. 

Kentucky Weather

Since last Friday, I have experienced all four seasons in the same place. Central and eastern Kentucky has experienced tornadoes, 3-5 inches of snow and today, this:

Bright, sunny, nearly 70 degree weather. 

These are my friends a week ago. In the basement of the school cafeteria, being sheltered from a tornado.

I'm so ready for it to just be spring. Have you been experiencing this where you live?

Serving

This past Saturday I had the great opportunity to serve and work with two great Christian artists, Audrey Assad and Matt Maher. If you've never heard their music, you have to check it out. They both write great and inspiring worship music. They came to Lexington to play a concert to raise money for Taylor Manor and I was asked to be their artist liaison. 

Most people don't really know what a liaison does and I didn't either until I was asked to be one at Ichthus Music Festival last year. In short, I do whatever the artist asks me to do, like hang out with them, go out to a movie or chat over coffee and have deep conversations that inspire new songs.

Actually it's a lost less glamorous. The concert was held at a local Catholic church so we didn't exactly have all the resources required/requested. So what did I do? I cleaned a shower so that the band could shower, took a merch guy to work out at the gym, another to the mall and picked up and delivered all their meals. 

So why did I give up an entire Saturday to be a servant? Because that's exactly what Christ calls us to do. We are to serve those greater and lesser than us. Many people don't realize how much fun and enjoyment one can get from serving others. I did get front row tickets to the concert, which was an added bonus, but at the end of the day, I got to know and serve a great group of people.

"For even the Son of Man came not be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many." Matthew 20:28