Materialism - It's the American Way!

We've been struggling with Anna wanting everything she sees on TV. Every commercial that comes on she feels the need to announce, "Hey, Momma, I want that!" We really want her (and Libby) to be grateful for what they have. Every parent wants that for their child, right?

So how do we teach her to be content with what she has? I have to admit that we as parents have not been the greatest examples. While we are not rich by any means, we do "spoil" ourselves and upgrade our belongings long before the old ones have worn out. In this world it's difficult to not "keep up with the Joneses". When we see our friends getting nice new toys, we are happy for them - then we want them, too! And of course, it needs to be bigger and better! I want a better camera, HD satellite, a great vacation with friends, a larger house, I want, I want, I want!!! (Hmm.....and I wonder where Anna gets it?!)

Today a child really put this mind set into perspective. Anna's friend came over to play, and as the girls were racing up the stairs her friend stopped and exclaimed with amazement, "WOW! I've never been in a house with an upstairs before!"

Nothing like the innocence of a six year old to point out your own selfishness. After I picked my jaw up off the floor, I saw through new eyes what blessings I have been given. I doubt I'll ever completely get over my materialism, but from now on I WILL try harder to appreciate what I have.

........starting with a movie and snuggles with my Annagirl. =)

The Shack

Have you read this book? Have you even heard of this book? If you answered no, go out and buy it. Seriously. I'm almost through reading it and it continues to draw me in. I'm still unsure if it is profound, or could be considered sacreligious. I mean, who ever thought of God as a Mammy-type figure? However, the way the author portrays and explains the Trinity and God's love for all creation is unlike anything I've ever read or heard before.

The premise of the book is that Mack, a "lost sheep" is hurting after the brutal kidnapping and supposed murder of his youngest daughter. Several years after the incident, The Great Sadness has enveloped him, leading him to push away from God. One snowy afternoon he receives a mysterious note from "Papa", which is the name his wife uses for God, asking him to return to the shack where police believe his daughter was murdered. Mack at first is outraged, thinking it is a prank, or a trick from the killer to lure him away from his family, but as he realizes that it could be a message from his Heavenly Father, he feels compelled to head back to the place where his worst nightmare materialized. So, after arranging for his family to leave town, Mack travels to the shack, intending to confront God for turning His back on his daughter when she needed Him the most....

So go buy it, borrow it from a friend, steal it....no, no, don't do that! hah! But somehow get your hands on a copy, and let me know what you think!

Yay! The first blog!

Stay tuned for more excitement as I figure this whole thing out. =)