A Spoonful

Here's just a taste of my spring break :)

                                                    gorgeous sunset at point loma 

                                                                   The Silver Chair 
                                (secret waterfall discovered and named by Jake and me)

                                           Emma being anti-social on the train (HAH!)

                                                 Jake en route to waterfall discovery!

                                                            beautiful trees on hike

                                                 first signs of spring in Santa Barbara!

                                            another awe-striking sunset in san diego!

Happiness

I'm kind of on a blogging spree at the moment haha (partially due to my sister who apparently checks my blog often and is disappointed when nothing new has been posted! Sorry Kelly!). BUT I just got really excited because I found a chocolate protest-type letter on a site regarding Cadbury Creme Eggs!!!!!! Once a year on Easter my family gets Cadbury Creme Eggs. This has been a family tradition since I can remember. Unfortunately, in a recent conversation with my friend, Austin, I was informed that Cadbury in the United States has not yet converted to Fair Trade. This was heart-breaking considering the fact I have been eating Cadbury products all of my life. However, I did some research today regarding this issue and I stumbled upon a site with a sample letter to the CEO of Cadbury available to be sent by any Free Trade supporter (really just anyone who visits the site :)). Whether or not you agree with the idea, I THINK IT'S AWESOME! And it would be even more awesome if everyone everywhere (particularly the U.S.) sent this letter! The best part about it is that the letter is pre-written and waiting for people like me and you to send it via click of the mouse (of course you can edit the letter if you don't agree with certain parts of it--or all of it I suppose). All you have to do is type in your name and address, etc. Do it! 


http://www.greenamerica.org/takeaction/cadbury/


spread the word!

Juan and Only

If you know me, then you know I LOVE Dave Barnes. If you don't know me, well now you know. I also have a new found love for Andrew Ripp. And this video just shows how fantastic they are (along with some other awesome people)! AND if you don't know who either of those guys are then you really need to check them out! Really.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIdnxRQjhZQ

Ps. This is my dream to have a backyard concert that includes Dave Barnes!

Freedom Sunday!

As some of you know I recently had to give a persuasive speech in my English class. My teacher gave us the opportunity to choose whatever topic, so I argued against child trafficking, specifically supporting chocolate companies that participate in child trafficking. As far as I was concerned this speech was just going to be another one of those hurry-up-and-get-it-over-with type of things. But as it turned out, I became  very interested in my subject and have since continued to pursue researching child trafficking.

I have decided that I will not purchase any chocolate as well as support any other companies (clothes, coffee, toys, etc.) that are participating in child trafficking. This is WAY easier said than done. I love chocolate!!!...clothes and coffee are pretty great too. But these are all material objects that will not be with me in heaven. They most certainly do not define me and are therefore unnecessary. Is not a child's life more important than a chocolate bar?

I know being an abolitionist in as simple a way as this will make a  HUGE difference.
2 Chronicles 15:7

“But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.”

If you are interested in learning more about child trafficking feel free to talk to me or check out these websites:
http://vimeo.com/10908340
http://www.notforsalecampaign.org/
http://www.transfairusa.org/

Just one of those days

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."
Matthew 11:28-29

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVa7nheT56Y

Dear Elise

At the end of 8th grade my english teacher had our class write a letter to ourselves about our goals and expectations for high school (that she would send to us sometime during our high school career). Mine was sent to me last year, but I just discovered it again the other day. As I was reading it I found every bit of it almost exactly relevant to my life.


Dear Elise,
I hope you enjoy high school and not dread the wait the entire summer (not sure what I was trying to say...?). I hope you do what you most want to do but also what's best and what's right. I hope you learn from whatever wrong turns you take and have the courage to do the right thing no matter what. I hope you won't be too stressed throughout the homework loads (APUSH hasn't killed me yet :)) or worry about what bad things could happen. Instead trust that everything will be alright. Finally have faith that God created this whole experience for a purpose. If life gets tough, know that God has a plan for you.
I expect you to keep up your good grades so that you may get into a great college. I expect you to follow your goals and dreams--no matter how impossible they might seem; always stick to it. I also expect you to have perseverance in every activity--whether it be soccer, homework, track, etc. 
I have no fears for you (very bold elise!.. haha), just be careful in your choices and pick the right crowd to hang out with. 


always, 
Elise Ranck

The Opposite Way

Today I was listening to some Leeland and I stumbled upon a song called The Opposite Way. It's relevant to my last post, so I thought you should listen to it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzYFbn-wVq4&feature=related