the odd couple reprised

Updated on November 6, 2011 by Ben DeVries

This post was first shared a little over a year ago.  In addition to following up on an absolutely heartwarming story of interspecies bonding, it mentions one of the best reflections I've come across for establishing a God-centered approach to creation care by Michael Bullmore, as well as an excellent book on caring about God's creatures and our consumption of them by Stephen Webb ...

Earlier this year we had a post on "The Incredible Elephant," which featured a number of stories about this majestic mammal and their vast emotional capacities.  One of those stories was about Tarra the pachyderm and Bella the canine, unlikely but inseparable friends at The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee.  I've been meaning to share a follow-up to their powerful story and the incredible attention it's received (thanks to Susan and Matt Halteman for passing it along): 

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creation care, a missing component?

continuing a personal reflection on "Why Creation Care Needs Creature Care" ...

As alluded to a moment ago, one the ways in which creation and the creatures most immediately entrusted to our dominion have been groaning most heavily is through the behemoth industry of Confined Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO’s), commonly referred to more critically as ‘factory farms.’  Before expounding on some of the substantial warrant for this criticism, let me just note for a moment the sheer number of creatures affected.  

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introducing the not one sparrow prayer group

A little over a year ago, we launched a companion animal suffering and grief support group on Facebook with the help of moderator Denise LaChance.  A number of personal experiences and losses shared by others led into that group, which has been a personal and compassionate resource available to not one sparrow community members and other friends we've met along the way.  I hope you'll look it up if you haven't yet.

Similarly, the idea and need for a more general prayer group has been building as well.  A couple of you thoughtfully approached me with the suggestion several months ago now, and while I was grateful for it, I kept waiting for the time and right person to come along and take the lead, a trusted friend who shared not one sparrow's values and mission, who also had a passion for prayer and the time to keep up with the group.  I'm still hoping and praying for such a person, but have come to a point where the group cannot be put off any longer in the meantime.

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official not one sparrow apparel!

Updated on August 23, 2010 by Ben DeVries

One last anniversary highlight to pass along ...  We just opened a brand new, official not one sparrow apparel and gear shop at CafePress!  $5 of every item you purchase goes toward supporting not one sparrow, and we're very grateful for the word of mouth and support!

Our CafePress shop has several styles of men's and women's t-shirts, both white and black (including some organic options), as well as long sleeves and sweatshirts, kids' and baby shirts, and even a few fun items like mugs, tote bags and a doggie t-shirt! 

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spring is in the air

If you haven't been by the main site in a while, I wanted to post a quick note that we've updated the look a bit with a new color scheme.  This was prompted by yet another brilliant banner by my brother Joshua DeVries, a gifted graphic artist who has donated his talents to not one sparrow on more than a few occasions.  Thank you, Josh. 

I'm also sincerely grateful to Ben and Clover Aldridge, Ali Beem, Mary Fitzgerald, Patti Monaghen, Jackie Pointer, Amy Sondova and 123rf.com for their beautiful contributions to our new home page slideshow.  Seeing as the hint of Spring has finally found us here in southeastern Wisconsin, and with Easter around the corner, it seemed appropriate to feature a few more baby animals this time.  We'll be posting more on those themes in the next few weeks.

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All God's Creatures interview

Last month I was interviewed on behalf of not one sparrow by The Source of Maryland (AM 1450/1520, formerly WTHU).  Sarah Transeau interviewed me for their weekend show All God's Creatures, and I really appreciated the experience.  The station graciously gave me permission to share the audio here:

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two cents worth, november 09

changing seasons...  We have a new Fall look at not one sparrow, based on another brilliant banner by my brother Josh DeVries.  Some other tweaks have been added as well, which I hope enhance the experience.  I'm also thrilled to introduce not one sparrow's new logo.  After months in development, and meaningful contributions from several friends, Ali Beem took over the project and came up with this beautiful embodiment of what not one sparrow is all about.  Thank you, Ali. 

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nos update, may 09

still fledgling, but no longer hatchling ...
(see the development of our unofficial mascot 'Spoggy')

This past Saturday, May 16th, not one sparrow turned one year old.  As alluded to in a recent blog post, anniversaries are often special to me, and this one was especially so.  When I think of all the ups and downs of the past year, I'm grateful not one sparrow survived some difficult circumstances. Launching and maintaining an animal advocacy effort in the Christian community was going to be a stretch in the best of times, and Lord knows this year has been far from that.  Maybe some of you can relate.

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news and notes, Oct. 20 '08

for your information ...

- Thank you to everyone who responded to the "Clemency for Ratchet" petition ...  If you haven't heard already, the military heads that be reversed their decision, and after two thwarted trips Ratchet is finally being flown from Baghdad to the U.S. today!  Assuming Ratchet passes a vet physical, Sgt. Gwen Beberg will be reunited with him soon in Minnesota, thank God.  Over 65,000 people signed the petition by the way (CNN.com).

- I'm not sure where the two main candidates exactly stand on agricultural and animal issues (though you can find out a great deal at the Humane Society Legislative Fund), but I was grateful to come across some Ralph Nader's response to these issues at his campaign website.  He doesn't specifically take an animal advocacy stance, but he does pay a generous amount of attention to the inherent inequities and hazards of industrial and bioengineered farming on an evironmental and human level.

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