Before introducing Betsey Crawford and her site, I want to alert those interested in Advent resources and/or a “deeper dive” into Incarnation in the 21st century that Advent in the New Universe Story, 2017 is complete. For information, see https://ecospiritualityresources.com/advent/.

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I am delighted to introduce readers not yet aware of her site to Betsey Crawford at http://thesouloftheearth.com/journal-nature-and-spirit/. With my gratitude to Betsey, I will share a sample from her site. It usually features both her photos and her own words: stories and experiences. She has explored topics such as birds, roses, bees, asteraceae – yes, you’ll learn things! But beyond the knowledge, you’ll love the poetry in Betsey’s words and the beauty of her photography — especially the close-ups of flora and fauna. Her journals tend to be stories, so, rather than interrupting her narratives, I have chosen to use excerpts from her “Laudato Si’, repictured” even though the words are mostly Pope Francis’ in Laudato Si.

From “Laudato Si, repictured” starting with the end of Betsey’s introduction

… Pope Francis, Betsey explains, “talks about the importance of appreciating beauty, so that we will want to preserve it. That, naturally, is where I come in, combining Pope Francis’ words and photos of our gorgeous earth.

Dease Lake, British Columbia

We have forgotten that we ourselves are dust of the earth; our very bodies are made up of her elements, we breathe her air and we receive life and refreshment from her waters.

Cricket on whole leaf rosinweed (Silphium integrifolium) Konza Prairie Preserve, Manhattan, Kansas

It is not enough…to think of different species merely as potential ‘resources’ to be exploited, while overlooking the fact that they have value in themselves. Each year sees the disappearance of thousands of plant and animal species which we will never know, which our children will never see, because they have been lost for ever. The great majority become extinct for reasons related to human activity. Because of us, thousands of species will no longer…convey their message to us. We have no such right.

Mushroom after a rainy winter in Blithedale Canyon, Larkspur, California

It may well disturb us to learn of the extinction of mammals or birds, since they are more visible. But the good functioning of ecosystems also requires fungi, algae, worms, insects, reptiles and an innumerable variety of microorganisms. Some less numerous species, although generally unseen, nonetheless play a critical role in maintaining the equilibrium of a particular place.

Hummingbird in a native plant garden in Mill Valley, California

Because all creatures are connected, each must be cherished with love and respect, for all of us as living creatures are dependent on one another. Each area is responsible for the care of this family.

Columbia lily (Lilium columbanium) at a roadside stop in southern British Columbia

We were not meant to be inundated by cement, asphalt, glass and metal, and deprived of physical contact with nature.

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Betsey’s “Laudato Si, repictured” site continues with more beautiful photos and quotes that you’ll enjoy. I predict you’ll also like Betsey’s photos with her own words at http://thesouloftheearth.com/journal-nature-and-spirit/