Why Cloth?

I know it has been a few years since we started using cloth diapers but after moving here to Louisville and being around many who use them as well as other reusable products I decided to write about my opinion on the matter. I do want to start off by saying I am not a "tree-hugging greenie" (and no offense to those of you who are as I hope to get better at taking care of the earth for my part) these are simply my observations as I see and hear things and pray about the best decisions to make regarding certain things. I am also not completely opposed to paper, plastic, etc. I do think these things have there place and use them myself. Like many things I am discovering I believe there is a balance.

What really got me thinking about it a lot was one of my teachers saying, "If you can afford the modern conveniences do it." Though I have a great deal of respect for this teacher, I must politely disagree. We did start using cloth diapers for monetary reasons (and with 3 kids back to back it has certainly saved us a LOT of money) and we have been able to continue using them for almost 3 years now. Not long after we started using cloth wipes as well. I will admit this is not always convenient when out in public, but if you carry a water bottle or can find a sink/water fountain you can still use them. On occasion we will buy store wipes, but this is rare. I know that wipes are not super expensive, but again we have saved money, especially since we were able to cut up some excess blankets to use as wipes.
We also primarily use cloth napkins to clean our hands and faces and have reusable washable cleaning rags. Last December we got reusable washing sponges and good scrubbing dish rags that can also be tossed in the washing machine when they get gross. Since we do not have a dish washer this has been a huge help in cleaning our dishes, as they work great, and saves us money by not having to buy sponges every couple of months. Since the sponges are made out of cloth they can be used on our non-stick pans and regular dishes so we get 2-in-1! Needless to say that really saves money.
We do use cloth in other ways too, but I believe I have made the point well enough that using cloth items can save you money. That is usually why people switch.

So now I want to think of it from a responsibility aspect. We know in Genesis after God created man that He told them to subdue the Earth. After reading the definition of subdue I would like to do a word study on the original Hebrew, but perhaps another time. The 5th definition is the one that applies here from dictionary.com that says to bring (land) under cultivation. The other definitions talk about conquering and subjugation which I do not think is exactly what God meant, but as I said I need further word study. So God commands us to cultivate the land. To cultivate means to work the land to raise crops. I would take this as use the land to take care of ourselves. What does that have to do with cloth?
Again I am not 100% sure on some of these things, just going on what I see and observe (research is not my thing) but it seems as though most cloth things are made from things that are cultivated, cotton primarily. I don't know about other materials and such, but these things are made to last, to be used many times and for a long time. They help us not to be wasteful.
I believe as a Christian that we do have some of a responsibility to not be wasteful, that in cultivating the earth we are also to care for the earth that God created and gave us to live in and off of. I do realize that there is freedom in this. I cannot point you directly to a Scripture that says we must do it this way or that way and I think that is deliberate so that each person can do what is best for their family as well as others.
For example, a single mom working full time is not likely going to be able to use cloth everything. Some might be able to, and that is great, but the reality is if she is single and her little ones are young, it's probably not going to be feasible. Some people do not have washing machines making it challenging to use a lot of cloth. And there are many situations that make it not as practical. There is freedom.
But I would challenge those who are in practical situations to use less non-recyclable plastic and other wasteful items just because they are convenient and you can afford them. Do I still use these items, absolutely! I am condemning no one or I would have to condemn myself.
Other great ideas I have heard from those who are unable to use cloth is reusing Ziploc bags as many times as possible, finding creative ways to use plastic grocery bags, or reusing them for shopping if you don't have reusable bags, when a toothbrush is not good for brushing anymore use it to clean, get as many uses as you can out of paper towels, and dried out or washed wipes make good dust clothes. There are many other things but be creative.
We have heard the words, "Reduce, Reuse and Recycle" for years but somehow the message is still not sinking into our heads. I am far more wasteful than I care to admit and I'm always evaluating. Some seasons are more wasteful than others and as I am always reminded there is grace for it.
So I challenge you today, what is 1 change you can make to help take better care of what God has given us to take care of?

Jesus Savior Pilot Me

by Edward Hopper

1. Jesus, Savior, pilot me,
   Over life’s tempestuous sea;
   Unknown waves before me roll,
   Hiding rock and treach’rous shoal;
   Chart and compass came from Thee:
   Jesus, Savior, pilot me.
2. As a mother stills her child,
   Thou canst hush the ocean wild;
   Boist’rous waves obey Thy will
   When Thou say’st to them, “Be still!”
   Wondrous Sov’reign of the sea,
   Jesus, Savior, pilot me.
3. When at last I near the shore,
   And the fearful breakers roar
   ’Twixt me and the peaceful rest,
   Then, while leaning on Thy breast,
   May I hear Thee say to me,
   “Fear not, I will pilot thee.”

Accidental Week Vacation

I realized today that aside from a few important emails on one of my email accounts I had not touched my other email, Facebook or blog. I also had not looked at anyone else's blogs either. Aside from all of the emails and notifications waiting for me, it was kind of nice being disconnected from the cyber world. I love writing and knowing how to pray for friends and things in the world, which are some major benefits to the cyber/almost instant connections, but it was refreshing taking an accidental break. Now if only I could manage an accidental break from the TV, that would be really impressive.

How Deep the Father's Love for Us

by Stuart Townend

How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,
Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that left Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom
(REPEAT)

O Church Arise

by Stuart Townend, Keith Getty

O Church, arise
And put your armor on
Hear the call of Christ, our Captain
For now the weak can say 
That they are strong
In the strength that God has given
With shield of faith 
And belt of truth
We’ll stand against the devil’s lies
An army bold
Whose battle cry is love
Reaching out to those in darkness

Our call to war
To love the captive soul
But to rage against the captor
And with the sword that 
Makes the wounded whole
We will fight and faith and valor
When faced with trials on every side
We know the outcome is secure
And Christ will have 
The prize for which He died
And inheritance of nations

Come see the cross
Where love and mercy meet
As the Son of God is stricken
Then see His foes lie 
Crushed beneath His feet
For the Conqueror has risen
And as the stone is rolled away
And Christ emerges from the grave
This victory march continues till the day
Every eye and heart shall see Him

So Spirit, come
Put strength in every stride
Give grace for every hurdle
That we may run with
Faith to win the prize
Of a servant good and faithful
As saints of old still line the way
Retelling triumphs of His grace
We hear their calls 
And hunger for the day
When with Christ 
We stand in glory

It Is Well With My Soul

by Horatio G. Spafford

1. When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
   When sorrows like sea billows roll;
   Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
   It is well, it is well, with my soul.
   • Refrain:
     It is well, with my soul,
     It is well, it is well, with my soul.
2. Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
   Let this blest assurance control,
   That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
   And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
3. My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
   My sin, not in part but the whole,
   Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
   Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
4. For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
   If Jordan above me shall roll,
   No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
   Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.
5. But, Lord, ’tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
   The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
   Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord!
   Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul!
6. And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
   The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
   The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
   Even so, it is well with my soul.

Be Still My Soul

Songwriters: SCHLEGEL, KATHARINE / SIBELIUS, JEAN / MICKELSON, PAUL

Be still, my soul,
The Lord is on your side.
Bear patiently, the cross of grief or pain.
Leave to your God, to order and provide.
In every change He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul,
Your best your heavenly friend, 
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Be still, my soul,
Your God will undertake
To guide the future as he has the past.
Your hope, your confidence let nothing shake.
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul,
The waves and winds still know
His voice who ruled them while he lived below.

Be still, my soul,
Be still, my soul,
Be still.