Casey’s dad forwarded these links to us. He never sends forwards, so I thought it would be worth my time to check it out. It will take you about 20 minutes to watch all of these videos, but I thought this lady had some really interesting insight into our consumption patterns as Americans. It won’t take much effort to weed out some of the political statements she is making to see the valid points she offers.
I think that we should be looking in to ways that we can recycle or use less, but most importantly we need to examine how we are passing on this materialism to our kids. I know that I often fall prey to wanting the newest, flashiest, coolest thing out there, but her point that in six months we won’t care about or even use most of the new stuff that we buy today is very thought provoking. I think Jesus was warning us about this when he said, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matt. 6:19-21).
Casey and I have an ongoing conversation about when we should buy a bigger house. But these videos reiterated a thought that we come back to from time to time: we want to buy a bigger house when/because we need more room for all the people that live here, not because we need more room for all of the stuff we are storing here.
Anyway, if you have time, you should watch these videos. As you can see, they gave me a lot to think about.
Thanks to Pops for passing these on to us!
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
January 16th, 2008 at 1:53 pm
Just to echo what you already said so well, I thought these videos were definitely eye-opening and well worth the time it took to watch them. We need to re-examine how our everyday habits as consumers affect the world around us. I think Christ would call us to do no less.
January 16th, 2008 at 2:43 pm
I thought the same things as you and Casey. I am going to be deliberate about recycling, reusing & refusing to buy more just to buy more!! Mary Beth’s point about a bigger house hit home to me. We may have to rethink about the size of the house we build or even if we build!! You are both wise beyond your years.
love,
mom
January 16th, 2008 at 3:42 pm
Those videos come at an ironic time for me. Brad and I have decided to downgrade in 2008: our spending, our consumption (food, clothing, toys) and possibly our car. With the high cost of gas we have realized the crazy amount of gas we are using! Not only will we save money but we will save space and resources. Thanks for the post! It’s been what I’ve been thinking lately. Maybe we should go hug a tree or something!! HA!!!
January 16th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
I have for many years talked about waste, materialism, environment, commercials, fashions, “buy, buy, buy.” But this presentation by the young woman is frightening. Even given the possibility that she exaggerates a few points, we are in trouble. Technology has given us some wonderful things in communications, medicine, travel, etc. But, people are rushing through life killing themselves to buy happiness.
We are all caught up in it and there is no easy way out. You can’t be a recluse. But, we can try to be moderate and cut down on waste. The problem with many conservationists and environmentalists is that they are so radical they turn people off.
Well, thanks for trying to enlighten all the people you can. I sent your email to a bunch of people.
January 16th, 2008 at 4:55 pm
Sounds like you guys have either read or need to read The Treasure Principle - GREAT book and goes hand in hand with all you just said. I’ll try to watch the video’s tonight with Chad - thanks for sharing!
January 16th, 2008 at 5:39 pm
Mary Beth:
It is almost time to go to Bible Study and we haven’t had time to watch the videos, but I am sure they will be helpful. I know as we get older we realize more how unimportant “things” are. Relationships with God and people are the important things and we are happy that you and Casey are learning that lesson in your young lives.
Sure hope Caleb is feeling better and we hope to see you all at the ballgame Saturday night.
Love,
Grandma Syble
January 26th, 2008 at 9:02 pm
Hey Mary Beth! It’s been fun to “catch up” with you through your blog! This post is soooo true. It’s really good to be reminded that more is not always good. I definately struggle with wanting more, bigger, better, newer stuff. We have some friends who are in Afghanistan trying to share the love of Christ and we just heard about the hard winter they’re suffering. People living in the more rural areas have clay homes with no heating. It’s been 0 degrees there and many people are dying. It really makes me think about the blessings I have and how I take so many things for granted. Thanks for this insight!!
February 4th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
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