a steward of balance...

I have always felt a deep motivation to be a steward of the earth, in a way that pleases our creator.  This goes beyond just a general preservation mindset, but also toward a belief that we all have a bit of creator image inside of us, and are somewhat wired toward progression and enhancement of the surroundings in which we reside.  Much of the reason that I studied landscape architecture is based in this deep conviction/ passion.

BUT, I am starting to see a gaping hole in much of my daily stewardship decisions.  I tend to be a big picture person, somewhat impatient and driven, looking for the quickest way to get something accomplished while still pulling it together with beauty.  Living this way doesn't always allow me to fulfill God's BEST for my life.  Recently, I have become more aware of things I can do that will better my family's health, my home, and the earth...  although it will take more time, effort, and money to make some changes.  A new friend introduced me to the book "Healthy Child, Healthy World" by Christopher Gavigan.  http://healthychild.org

Although I have already followed many of the recommendations in the book for years, there are many more that I was completely unaware of and I began to freak out a little bit about all the damaging things I have thrived on for years.  Have I poisoned my sweet little baby girl before she is even here? 

I have decided to respond in moderation and trust.  I do have to live in this world and the world will touch me and my child with all of its physical and spiritual imperfections.  I can try to live in the freedom of knowing that no matter how much we try to make it perfect, it never will be, but we have perfection to look forward to!  In the meantime, we can try to be satisfied with living responsibly and healthfully, appreciating and preserving all of the "good stuff" of earth and life!  Maybe as I slowly take baby steps, I will also learn about patience and peace through the process ... who knows?  So, I am off to celebrate that freedom as I re-vamp my cleaning supplies and replace them with the "natural" and wash my first load of cloth diapers with green detergent! :)

I fret, just a bit, about how my kitties will interact with baby.  Dasha loves the baby's room, and rolled around in delight as I displayed the sleep sack, coming home outfit, and sling that I have constructed.  I hope she responds the same to the lil' one! 

I finally allowed myself to stop working (for other people :) and start preparing for baby!  It is taking some discipline to relax and enjoy life that is happening instead of making life happen each day.    

My husband, Matthew, made the beautiful shelf that hangs in the baby's room, and I have collected a variety of illustrations and pieces with woodland animal themes to decorate it!  I also included some of my own framed watercolor illustrations... two of which are posted below.   

I just love the illustrations I found in an old book at an antique show in Northern Indiana.  Some of the pages and the cover were missing, so I can't give credit to the illustrator (whose name seems to be lost with the cover), but if anyone recognizes the artist, please let me know!

Beginnings

This is a new era in my life. 

 

After trying to thrive for five years as a freelance designer of landscapes/graphics and a campus minister's wife, I am finally ready to claim a new and thrilling identity.  I am going to be a mommy in 7 weeks!  I hope my new role will continue to reveal creativity, intelligence, trust, and the kind of love that I am loved with!

So many new changes.  I need a place to respond and show thankfulness to what life is going to give! 

I can't wait to start sharing!