Nightmare and Public Service Announcements
I had a horrible nightmare last night about war, war where I had no choice but to participate, and seriously considered martyring myself instead of loading cannons used to kill; war in a country where it was illegal for me to lead others in prayer, and therefore, effectively, illegal for me to pray, read the bible, or talk about God in public. The first part I believe is about public health care forcing me to pay for abortion. The second part is pretty obvious. It was terrifying; one of maybe the two most horrifying nightmares I've had. *shudder*
Anyway, time for PSA. I figure I mention these things about once a year anyway, so I might as well formalize it.
If you have any holy chalk, don't forget to do the epiphany blessings over your doors for the year.
This weekend or next is the walk for life. Please come to make a show of numbers, and bringing children is always a powerful witness. Plus kids love it. At least, I did when I was young. The balloon release was my favorite part. Please observe a day of mourning for the anniversary of Roe v. Wade. Fast and pray. Tell your kids about it. Get them to pray for the friends they'll never have.
Donate blood. Each unit can save three lives. Ladies, get your men to donate regularly; it lowers their risk of heart disease by 30%! You can donate every two months. I think it is reasonable then that it would be christian to donate three times a year...how many of us have donated more like three times in our lives? No, it isn't pleasant. Yes, it makes you woozy, but please compare your discomfort to someone else's loss of life. If you truly can't donate, please encourage others to. It should be a regular civic duty. If you aren't sure if you can donate, check out the eligibility requirements.
Ladies, a reminder: don't use tampons. Not even "just at night". I base this on my parents' experience treating people in the hospital. You can read this for a more objective account.
Finally, many people are worried about the fact that soy acts like estrogen in the body, and are concerned that it may increase your risks of breast cancer. First of all, this applies only to unfermented soy; tempeh, miso, and soy sauce are safe. Second of all, it's largely a concern for people taking soy supplements at cosmoceutical levels. As a food, soy is safer than beef. So, four or five servings a week is perfectly fine, and soy has many health and environmental benefits. Tofu is a richer/purer source of protein than any meat.
OK, I think that's all the common wisdom I have left for today. Oh, and if you're worried about bacteria on your produce, spray it with vinegar and hydrogen peroxide more or less simultaneously (or one right after the other). It's a non-toxic antibacterial. Let it sit for ten minutes, rinse, and eat. OK, now I'm really out. Happy 2010!
Anyway, time for PSA. I figure I mention these things about once a year anyway, so I might as well formalize it.
If you have any holy chalk, don't forget to do the epiphany blessings over your doors for the year.
This weekend or next is the walk for life. Please come to make a show of numbers, and bringing children is always a powerful witness. Plus kids love it. At least, I did when I was young. The balloon release was my favorite part. Please observe a day of mourning for the anniversary of Roe v. Wade. Fast and pray. Tell your kids about it. Get them to pray for the friends they'll never have.
Donate blood. Each unit can save three lives. Ladies, get your men to donate regularly; it lowers their risk of heart disease by 30%! You can donate every two months. I think it is reasonable then that it would be christian to donate three times a year...how many of us have donated more like three times in our lives? No, it isn't pleasant. Yes, it makes you woozy, but please compare your discomfort to someone else's loss of life. If you truly can't donate, please encourage others to. It should be a regular civic duty. If you aren't sure if you can donate, check out the eligibility requirements.
Ladies, a reminder: don't use tampons. Not even "just at night". I base this on my parents' experience treating people in the hospital. You can read this for a more objective account.
Finally, many people are worried about the fact that soy acts like estrogen in the body, and are concerned that it may increase your risks of breast cancer. First of all, this applies only to unfermented soy; tempeh, miso, and soy sauce are safe. Second of all, it's largely a concern for people taking soy supplements at cosmoceutical levels. As a food, soy is safer than beef. So, four or five servings a week is perfectly fine, and soy has many health and environmental benefits. Tofu is a richer/purer source of protein than any meat.
OK, I think that's all the common wisdom I have left for today. Oh, and if you're worried about bacteria on your produce, spray it with vinegar and hydrogen peroxide more or less simultaneously (or one right after the other). It's a non-toxic antibacterial. Let it sit for ten minutes, rinse, and eat. OK, now I'm really out. Happy 2010!