Seed catalogs. Don't you love their beauty? And optimism. I like to hold on to the best ones and cut out their pictures to add to letters and with which to make my own cards. I often write to persecuted brothers and sisters on blank cards and glue the brightest flowers and animals I can find on the paper since I read about Corrie ten Boom's prison time and how the world of prison is so drab that when her sister would write she always included colorful papers to add brightness to Corrie's time there. You can also go to thrift stores and pick up National Geo or "Country" magazine. These always contain stunning photos to use. Please write to those who are suffering. In fact let me give you one to write to: Pator Zauer Balaev
Location: Azerbaijan. On May 20, 2007, Pastor Zaur Balaev was arrested for “conducting an illegal religious meeting” in his home village in Aliabad, Azerbaijan. In August, he was sentenced to two years in prison under Article 315, Part 1, for allegedly violently resisting the police during a raid. The authorities first claimed that Pastor Balaev released a dog on police, but have since claimed he attacked five policemen and damaged a car door. During the trial, some witnesses reported that police had pressured them into testifying against Pastor Balaev.We invite you to write a letter of encouragement to Pastor Balaev. We have experienced incredible results when readers write to believers who have been imprisoned for their faith. The letters make a difference, often resulting in shorter prison terms. Please send a letter of encouragement and let Balaev know you are praying for him and other believers in Azerbaijan. Also, write to the Azerbaijan government requesting that Balaev be released. Let your friends know about suffering Christians in Azerbaijan and encourage them to pray and write to Balaev. Get involved! Pray for and write to Pastor Balaev today. Here is the address to use:
Zaur Balaev
Ordinary Regime Prison Colony No. 10
CCM-10
Narimanov raion District
Darnagyul
Baku
Azerbaijan
It costs 90 cents to ship an ordinary size envelope. If you already haven't checked it out, check out www.persecution.com. This is the Voice of the Martyrs website from whom the above is copied off.

"Remember those in chains as if bound with them"

Back to seed catalogs. My favorite hasn't arrived yet. That would be the Seeds of Change catalog. They are a company out of New Mexico. I've known them since 1995 when their offices were next to the coffeehouse I worked at. They only sell organic seeds. As one of their folks said, "If you aren't using organic seed what's the point?" Of course there isn't always a choice available and even organic organizations recognize this. But there really isn't that much that isn't available organically. You just have to search a little harder. However, if you are planting trees and bushes and those fruits that take a couple a few years to arrive at plenty I wouldn't worry too much about it if you plant them in unpoisoned ground and continue in organic procedures.www. seedsofchange.com Come Spring!