Celebrating Agriculture Week!

Yea, yea, yea, I know, it is hard to believe that we are approaching the farmer's market season; especially as snow was falling from the sky again in DC,VA,MD! And it is cold as Alaska outdoors! None-the-less, if the robins, daffodils and other signs of spring are appearing, and surviving, we humans can at least wait a few days when the temperatures go soaring into the 60s! So, let's press forward and celebrate and welcome the local food season!

And so the season begins! I am pleased to announce that Hannah's Grace, Inc. is expanding!Did you know that water is essential to nourish our bodies and yields an excellent crop?
Of course you did!  Well, we are in the throes of establishing a new market  . . . The WSSC Farmer's Market in Laurel, MD! Just in case you do not recognize the acronym . . .It stands for Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission. And did you know that there are a lot of environmentalist at WSSC? What a great match! Water = Vegetables, Fruits, Wheat, Legumes, Chickens, Seafood, and healthy meals to enjoy! The market will feature local Maryland produce and healthy food offerings from local foodies! If you are in the area, stop by and don't forget to tell somebody!  Moving along . . . As a point of reference, I scrolled through my series of blogs and rediscovered one that welcomes the return of springtime . . . Documenting history is so beneficial . . . Just like preparing a sermon; I don't have to rewrite and make up new stuff to share! It's just like reminding us how good God is to us! This time last year we had a ton of rain falling, but it was not cold. As you may recall, we were observing observances! 

Remember, the link, http://c.ymcdn.com/sites/www.nationalwellness.org/resource/resmgr/healthobservancescalendar/2014_nwi_healthobsvcal.pdf. . . This is the place where you may uncover a plethora of 'things' to celebrate . . . Donut Day, Hot Dog Day, Hug a Tree, Hug a Neck Day, Happy Nutrition Month and more! Celebrate whatever tickles your fancy and keeps you happy! 

As I've shared, there's no need to recreate new information . .Happy Agriculture Week!

National Ag Day is organized by the Agriculture Council of America (ACA). ACA is a nonprofit organization composed of leaders in the agricultural, food and fiber community, dedicating its efforts to increasing the public's awareness of agriculture's role in modern society.  

Generations Nourishing Generations -- National Agriculture Day and mark a nationwide effort to tell the true story of American agriculture and remind citizens that agriculture is a part of all of us. A number of producers, agricultural associations, corporations, students and government organizations involved in agriculture are expected to participate.

 
The National Ag Day program encourages every American to:

• Understand how food and fiber products are produced.
• Appreciate the role agriculture plays in providing safe, abundant and affordable products.
• Value the essential role of agriculture in maintaining a strong economy.
• Acknowledge and consider career opportunities in the agriculture, food and fiber industry.

National Ag Day FAQ's

What Is Ag Day?

It's a day to recognize and celebrate the abundance provided by agriculture. Every year, producers, agricultural associations, corporations, universities, government agencies and countless others across America join together to recognize the contributions of agriculture.

Who Hosts Ag Day?

The Agriculture Council of America hosts the campaign on a national level. However, the awareness efforts in communities across America are as influential - if not more - than the broad-scale effort.  

Why Celebrate Agriculture?

Agriculture provides almost everything we eat, use and wear on a daily basis. But too few people truly understand this contribution. This is particularly the case in our schools, where students may only be exposed to agriculture if they enroll in related vocational training. By building awareness, the Agriculture Council of America is encouraging young people to consider career opportunities in agriculture. Each American farmer feeds more than 144 people ... a dramatic increase from 25 people in the 1960s. (2013 data) Quite simply, American agriculture is doing more - and doing it better. As the world population soars, there is an even greater demand for the food and fiber produced in the United States.

What Can YOU Do to Help?

Put simply, get involved! Your participation in Ag Day is critical in helping us spread this positive message about agriculture. If you are interested in planning an event, download your Planning Guide today. Of course, there are other ways you can lend your support, including sending a letter to your local newspaper, calling your Congressional representatives or simply sharing information about agriculture with youngsters in your community. 

. . . . AND DON'T FORGET, SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL FARMER'S MARKET! 
 

 And if you really sink your teeth (toes) into the earth, listed below is a link from the MD Department of Agriculture . . . Enjoy!  Celebrating Agriculture in Maryland -  http://news.maryland.gov/mda/press-release/2014/03/13/maryland-celebrates-national-agriculture-week-seven-ways-you-can-get-involved-with-maryland-agriculture/

Enjoy the start of spring . . . We will be in touch soon!

Phyllicia
Rev. Phyllicia M. Hatton, M.Div.
Founder and President
Hannah's Grace, Inc. ~ www.hannahsgrace.org  
"Find us everywhere! And Share with everyone!"

University of Maryland Extension
Fodors
So Maryland, So Good
MD Department of Agriculture's Farmer's Market Directory 
USDA.gov
FreshNation
AgritourismWorld
Craftmaster News
Twitter
Facebook
Pinterest

"A Voice: The 'Color' of Mental Illness" Summit

Greetings!

My, it has been a while since my last post . . .  And boy, I have been busy! 

When I initially prepared this latest blog, there were definitely signs of spring . . .
Warm weather, red robins, buds on the tree limbs, crocus blades . .   And yet again winter just will not let loose! Once again, the D.C. region has snow and cold temperatures. . . Oh how I would love to be in a warm climate right now. However, here I sit typing notes to my family, friends and colleagues . . . Staying connected!

Every morning I begin my day first honoring God by studying His word . . . A few days ago, I studied several verses that instruct readers about forgiveness (Matthew 18:21-35). Then my eyes landed on the word, "commitment."  Here's what I read in my study Bible:

"Commitment is in jeopardy these days. Some even call it the "C" word, as if to shame it as something we won't even acknowledge. After all, the demands and costs are too great. Today, convenience usually wins out over the sacrifice involved in being committed to someone or something."  (The Word is Life Study Bible, NKJV) If you'd like, read Matthew 19:1-15.

For those of you who 'kick it' with me, first, you know that I usually don't speak like that, but from time to time pop culture finds it way into my psyche!  And you have probably realized that I am also some what flexible; the challenges I have faced in life have taught me to be patience and understanding. But I am steadfast when I believe in a cause and the truth!  

Some may be reading this communication for the first time, while others have received it at least three times!  If the latter, hopefully, you have had the opportunity to review the request for support for our Summit. 

Google Images

"A Voice: The 'Color' of Mental Illness" 

Each day we encounter words and images depicting a host of societal ills – from animal cruelty, lost and abducted children, homelessness, domestic abuse, debilitating diseases, unemployment and business failure, among others. The list grows exponentially with no end in sight.

But there is another issue that needs our attention – mental illness in communities of color. This health problem usually remains hidden until exposed through some dramatic event like the Navy Yard shooting. 

Did you know . . .

Dailymail.com Google Images

According to the CDC, an estimated 1 in 10 adults experience depression. A study found the following groups to be more likely to meet criteria for major depression: persons 45-64 years of age; women; blacks, Hispanics, non-Hispanic persons of other races or multiple races. And . . . More than 5.7 million American adults or 2.6 percent of the population age 18 or older in any given year have bipolar disorder. The condition typically starts in late adolescence or early adulthood, although it can show up in children and in older adults. (Brain & Behavior Research Foundation)

We realize that there are myriad causes to support; church and missions are included on top of the list.  Recent occurrences inform us that citizens are very troubled and life's challenges  and behaviors have the potential of triggering a mental illness. Without a doubt, mental illness is one of the top concerns in our society.

As we wind down, everyone knows that God loves a cheerful giver! One of the creative artisans that I work with at the Capital Jazz Fest has accomplished a mission in his hometown (New Jersey) . . . Take a look -- http://www.nj.com/essex/index.ssf/2014/02/acts_of_kindness_from_jersey_city_man_shocks_strangers.html

Endorsements . . .

Folks are speaking up and lending their names and support! (As of March 2014)

We are deeply grateful!

“Yes I will endorse. I think this (Summit) is necessary, well timed and potentially brilliant.”

Barbara Davis Blum

President

BDB Investment Partnership

Julie Rogers

President and CEO

The Eugene and Agnes E. Meyer Foundation                                               

“Yes! I support this worthwhile project!”

Michael Willett Newheart, Ph.D.

Professor of New Testament Language and Literature

Howard University School of Divinity

Anna C. Peoples, Pharm.D.

Chief Executive Officer

The Truth Foundation, Inc.

We need your help . . . Join us and lend your Support!

Vikki and I, the co-conveners of this important Summit have initiated the fund raising campaign to realize our mission. We are receiving endorsements from prominent community, corporate and church leaders and financial support is arriving via Hannah's Grace, Inc. 501(c)3 non-proft.  We pray you will support this worthwhile and critical project to help us illuminate ways to educate and inform the community about this cause.  

Remember, a little adds up! Go to www.hannahsgrace.org and make a donation today!

Coming to your e-box soon . . . A PSA to help promote the Summit. So, please share this opportunity with your connections . . . You never know who may be experiencing a mental challenge.

Thank you for supporting this worthwhile cause!

Phyllicia

Rev. Phyllicia M. Hatton, M.Div. 

http://www.hannahsgrace.org
Connect@hannahsgrace.org

Reflections . . .

Let's "Resolve" in 2014!

Once upon a time, I was one of those folks who made "resolutions" every year in an effort to make significant changes in my life. After several years of being obedient to one of this "tradition" I realized that I very seldom ever changed those awful little habits I once had. As I matured and began to determine how life actually worked, I ceased making un-kept promises.
Okay folks, get ready, get ready, get ready for the onslaught of ads for gym memberships, weight loss companies enticing people to "do it their way", nutritionists and homeopathic professionals who have finally decided to get into the change your "lifestyle" game by writing and publishing new cookbooks that "promise" to help you change years of neglect and to adopt new cooking and eating habits.

Google Images

Once deciding to make an adjustment to the way I live life (which occurs often), I select a date to begin making a change, say on my birthday! Which is, by the way, eleven days after January 1st . . . Just in case one is curious. Most of the time, the changes involve not eating certain snacks. Hence, I've convinced myself that crunching on Frito's would make a major difference in my life . . .  I would say, "eating those hard corn chips is relieving stress." Not to mention, chipping away at my teeth! Besides, if corn is good to use as energy, it should be good for my engine too!

To be truthful, I felt a sense of  resolve due to all of the other foods I ingest were indeed very healthy -- locally grown or organic. I also consume supplements daily, exercise, and rested well almost every night and consumed my required daily antioxidants and omegas to balance the ill effects of the corn!

More important, my daily walk worshiping God -- prayer, and laughing a lot (most of the time about silly antics I do) and shedding tears when necessary, playing with babies and puppies, and hugging everyone in my path, I believe I am living a balanced and centered life.

Meanwhile, if you have had the opportunity to get to know me up close and personal, or have spent the time reading my monthly blog, I suppose you have discerned that I consider myself as a leader and not a mere follower of trends or fads . . . And by no means do I consider myself as a "Resolutionist!"  Perhaps reviving, renewing, restoring, reflecting are the adjectives I prefer to consider; I am always working to enhance my life and discovering paths where creativity and opportunity abound!

“That which has been is that which will be, and that 

which has been done is that which will be done. 

So there is nothing new under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 1:9, NASB) 

Exploring life . . . Have you ever wondered what the world and people would be like if folks did not fall prey to every trend and fad presented by the fashion, food and technology industries?  Folks would have more money in their savings accounts and money to invest in our own or in the lives of our children's futures. If only society would pause from time to time and consider what is really happening rather than "following" what someone deems to be "in" and what is "out" each year. Or who may be, in their eyes, the man or woman who has made the most significant impact in the lives of people.

Photo by yours truly . . .

The beauty of God's creations. I listened to a sermon recently offered by a local pastor who highlighted some of the ills experienced in society . . . Needless to say, he did not paint a pretty picture, but his words were a reminder of what "people" have done and continue to do to keep us sinking into an abyss. If we clearly examine the social, ecological, political, financial, and relational realities of our great nation, our world, it is no wonder why folks are returning to "traditional" ways of life.


Traditions  . . . Burlap, paper bags and newspaper are being used as gift wrappers instead of spending additional money to purchase printed wrapping paper folks now refer to it as, "recycling, fair trade, sustainable, vintage." And did you know Burlap is being used all around the home . . . Window coverings! What a novel idea! Artificial Christmas trees became ever so popular in the 1970s and folks are now trampling through the woods to find the tallest evergreens to haul into the home for the "holidays."

 To help us feel better, naturally, we have rediscovered that ingesting natural herbs to maintain a healthy physical system folks are abandoning the use of synthetic drugs -- again. I suppose folks are realizing that the earth and everything that comes from the soil was designed to provide the proper nourishment for our bodies. The same holds true to what traditions and information (or lack thereof) passed down to our youths. Call me "old fashion" if you'd like, but I value the lessons my grandparents and parents passed down to my sister and I . . . I learned how to cook, bake, maintain a warm and inviting home, entertain, design, plan, manage money, work like a mad woman, and most important, open my heart and hands and front door open to allow people to enter as I exude love and respect for all people.

Albeit, as much as I would love that everyone had a similar upbringing as I, I have concluded and accepted that living a healthy and an abundant lifestyle have not been passed down throughout all families, Hence, companies and people in industries are targeting and tapping into vulnerable and unsuspecting minds and spirits encouraging folks to switch from one new gadget and idea to the next.

Progress . . . I am all for it, but most amused when I read articles or listen to folks who believe that they have discovered an "innovative" way to accomplish something new and exciting! In a recent article I read in a meeting planning publication a director of activities shared a "new" way to enliven participants during morning meetings . . . Begin the meeting by "shaking the arm" of the person standing next to them for 15 minutes! Wow! What a great idea!

Okay, is it me? I realize people have been stating this same sentiment for years, whoever took exercise out of the schools needs to apologize. Perhaps if this routine was available to all children folks would not think running, walking, calisthenics is a new concept, instead, they are reminders of healthy habits most of experienced as children. Of course, this "shaking" concept is not new and neither are home economics or learning new crafts at camp or at VBS. 

Tradition vs. Modernism . . .  It is my hope that folks will wake each morning and realize that technology is great for advancement, but that natural wholesome aspects in life are greater.

It may seem as though folks are super busy, but we have time . . . As long as we use it wisely. Let's slow down a bit  . . . Become more sincere, kinder, thoughtful and generous to one another. Lend a hand, sit and listen, laugh and enjoy our loved ones, friends, associates and strangers.

“Family isn't always blood. It's the people in your life who want you in theirs; the ones who accept you for what you are. The ones who would do anything to see you smile; and who love you no matter what.”  ― Unknown

In closing . . . Old Lang Syne . . . "Once Upon a Time" . . . "for (the sake of) old times", whether or not we are reaching back in an attempt to undo the harm to the earth or looking forward to create something new to leave for our young people; let us take the time to give thanks to God for all we have and to share our blessings with those who possess less.

God willing . . . I shall reconnect in 2014!  Enjoy life and extend a hand to help others succeed!

Phyllicia
Rev. Phyllicia M. Hatton, M.Div.
Founder, Hannah's Grace, Inc.
www.hannahsgrace.org
connect@hannahsgrace.org

President, Phenomenal Productions LLC
www.phenomenalproductions.com
phyproductions@aol.com  or phyproductions123@gmail.com

Find us on  . . . FB, LinkedIn, Twitter, Pineterest. . . www.phenomenalhannahg.blog and come visit at the Markets!