Who owns whom?

This Sunday in church Pastor Corey showed a video from an organization called Simple Living. Following the video we had a lively discussion about giving. Why do we give? How much do we give? In what ways do we give? On perusing the Simple Living site a question from one of the entries popped out at me. "Who owns whom?" This is an excellent question to ask ourselves, particularly at this time of year when we are impelled, encouraged, dare I say coerced into buying more stuff for people that they may or may not need or want. In addition, we get to add to our collection of stuff perhaps leading to a basement, attic or storage room that looks like the picture above.

"Who does own whom anyway? I confess that every year I fill up the back of my station wagon with things that I no longer need, want or use. Why then do I have to do this all over again the next year?

I like the idea of Voluntary Simplicity. In my own way, I've been working toward this for some time but I have a loooooong way to go.

A few weeks ago I happened to see a preview of an upcoming Oprah episode on "The Secret Lives of Hoarders." I have a very dear friend who feels overwhelmed by her possessions and I thought that I might gain new insight and understanding into her
struggles by watching this show.

The entire two part program was about this woman, Sharyn, whose 3,000 square foot house was full of 75 tons of garbage, and enough usable items to fill a 10,000 square foot warehouse!


Unquestionably there is more going on here than a yearly trip to the Goodwill. Still, it really made me think. For many reasons, this year in particular I have felt overwhelmed by the flood of consumerism that washes over us during this time of the year. We have so much and so many people have so little.



Truly, I'm not anti-gift giving. I enjoy both giving and receiving thoughtful and loving gifts. However, I find myself being more pleased with the simplicity of this....



....or the experience of this....


...than I am with this!


Have a blessed season and may you receive exactly what you need!

Merry Halloween!

Yesterday, OCTOBER 30TH, I was limping through the aisles of Rite Aid when what did my wandering ears happen to hear? Yes, you've guessed it, Christmas music!

Once the initial shock and dismay passed I thought to myself, "Why the surprise?" It makes perfect sense in a country where the all mighty dollar is more important than the Allmighty. Religious persuasion, or lack thereof, aside I do live in one of the cultures that represents two of the holiest days in the Christian calendar by a fat man in a red suit and a rabbit.
















Still, I can't help but reminisce about the "good 'ol days" when lights, decorations, carols and yes, commercials about Christmas didn't begin until after Thanksgiving. Remember Thanksgiving? That lovely day got lost somewhere in the over-the-top, overhyped, overextended holiday season that begins long before October 31st, and if we're not careful, will start right around July 5th. Can red, white and blue plastic pumpkins be far behind?

Did you catch this story on Halloween today on Marketplace?

My cheapest and best costume? At age six my mom put some old clothes on me, stuffed a big pillow in my stomach, smeared my face with Crisco and put coffee grounds on it, gave me a bubblegum cigar and sent me out as a hobo. Excellent costume and the cost? I'd say about $.15 for the bubblegum cigar!