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God’s Good Creation
Sister Julie and I are at the IHM Motherhouse, where I took this photo in front of the building. If you look closely, you can see the Motherhouse in the background, and the steeple of the chapel peeking out above the trees. As a congregation, the IHMs have done a lot in regard to caring for the earth. When we renovated our Motherhouse a few years ago, we installed geothermal heating and cooling and reclaimed literally tons of building materials for reuse.
We also did prairie restoration. Looking out at all the wildflowers, I’m thankful for God’s good creation. Until about the mid-1900s in Catholicism, there was a strong belief that holiness was achieved by separation from the world of matter. But since then, the church has turned toward the world, recognizing that it is a place of great holiness. That’s one reason why the IHMs and many other Catholic sisters are deeply committed to caring for the earth.
What are your favorite practices for caring for the earth? Great ideas are worth sharing! I’d love to hear about your ideas about recycling, organic gardening, solar power, and other ways to care for God’s good creation.
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The first thing to go was my car. I wasn’t sure I could really do without one, but I’m doing fine. My pace has slowed down considerably, which has saved me from overbuying things I can do without.
I no longer use the plastic water bottles which are harmful to our health, now I have a nice stainless steel water bottle that I carry.
I’m also filling in the gaps and holes in my window frames with 100% clear silicone to cut down on the power use. All new appliances are Energy Star rated.
Instead of going to the gym, I have taken it on myself to do projects which are hard physical labor and not only do I get my exercise at no cost, I also have things I’m proud to know I made myself. This is the first time in my life I’ve ever done hard physical work, and I find I love it. Getting really tired feels good, food tastes better, finally resting is heavenly, and for the first time in many years I sleep through the night.
I’m going to see if I can find a solar A/C. Wouldn’t that be great? The hotter it gets, the better it would work
Eventually my friend Eddie, who volunteers at Theodore Payne (a nursery that has only native plants) is going to help me choose a drought tolerant landscape.
I love wildflowers anyway, especially CA Poppies.
Also eventually, I’d like to build a Tiny House. We’ll see how that goes. If you’re interested in the tiny house idea check out: http//tinyhouseblog.com/announcement/tiny-house-directory-and-newsletter
I’ve started making “earth friendly” rosaries by buying or receiving donations of used beads. It makes each rosary unique and I love the thrill of the hunt!
It’s just another way for me to reduce, reuse and recycle. Every effort makes a difference!
shoot, i’m way behind these gals. but i want a cob house!
i only drive twice a week, i shop with a cloth bag, i recycle, and i participate in the annual river clean-up.
Hi everyone,
I build strawbale and earthbag houses in AZ, but I learned the technique in MI, which is where I’m from. Marla, there is a woman in Oxford who may be able to help you. She has a small strawbale studio that she built there and is responsible for training me. Her website is http://strawbalestudio.org/ if you’re interested.
As you know by now… CHICKENS!! The chickens do so much more than just give us eggs. We let them in the garden for about an hour a day to perform their pesticide duties. They work constantly on turning my compost pile, and even when they are just wondering around the yard, they’re providing fertilizer. Or tiny “sno cones” for the dogs. I know, that’s really gross, and trust me, we are constantly shooing them away from it, but it is seriously their favorite treat. yuk.
I always like to include the fact that we live in the city and we have these chickens. A lot of people think it isn’t possible, but they really need very little room. I only suggest a lot of research before proceeding. And check your ordinances. Some allow for chickens but no roosters. (Yes, they call me the outlaw.)
And we installed a rain barrel.
And as for my spiritual outlet, I dug a small pond in the backyard. Plants love it, fish love it, frogs love it, dogs love it, chickens love it, we love it. It is my favorite place to meditate and pray.
Beautiful picture, Sr. Maxine!