I especially enjoyed this chapter of
Mitten Strings For God:
Am I the only one that gets claustrophobic when shopping? All the STUFF is so overwhelming! This has started happening to me lately. I use to love to shop. Now, not so much. We truly do live in a very materialistic society. The more I try and distant myself from it, the more obvious it becomes. I am not saying that I am completely detached from “things”. I do enjoy my toys. But, do I need them? No. Not at all.
Today, before I went shopping, in an attempt to simplify my list, I reviewed it and wrote wants on one side, and needs on the other. I realized, just how little I actually **needed** (the only thing was a pair of Sandals for Twinkle Toes, seeing as how she outgrew last years sandals). Everything else on the list was merely wants.
How about you? Can you list, oh, how about 5 things that you want (that’s the easy part!), and then list 5 things that you really need? I’d love to hear your list!!!
As for my five, let’s see…
I want:
- to remodel our kitchen. (this will become a need eventually — until then, I can wait.)
- to visit Rome and Ireland.
- to hire help with the housework.
- S.U.G.A.R!!! (I am having withdrawals.)
- a laptop, so I can stay connected while we travel!
Ah yes, they are all wants, and definitely not needed… well, maybe the sugar! 😉
I need:
- to spend more time in prayer.
- more one-on-one time with my children.
- to exercise.
- to spend more quality time with my hubby.
- to make a schedule! (Seeing as all the above needs revolve around time!)
My favorite quote from this chapter was:
Hi Jessica!
I have read this book, but have not been writing the book study posts.
I would have to say, my needs are exactly what yours is, exactly, really.
My wants are different though.
1. A garden with a deer fence (this will cost a lot…so it is a want and probably not a need, We don’t HAVE to garden)
2. New living room furniture. We’ve never bought our own. We’ve always had someone elses. (our couch and loveseat used to be Sarah’s)
3. Another computer in our home, so when hubby is on, I can be on too and actually get to bed earlier, since I wait til he’s done and go on late at night.
4. A new kitchen table. (I’m planning on posting about this one!)
5. To go on vacation somewhere tropical, like Jamaica, then to California to visit relatives, then to Washington to visit you!
Pretty pathetic list,huh, especially since there are millions of starving people in the world, millions of people who on their “want” list, I already have everything.
To be rich in virtue, not in material goods. That is the goal.
Great post Jessica!
A good thinking one!
I loved reading your list Jamie!
We really are so blessed, aren’t we!
Someday we hope to put up a deer fence too… It may become a need as the cost of food keep rising so very much!
And you are so right, “To be rich in virtue, not in material goods. That is the goal.” This should be everyone’s goal! Wouldn’t that make the world such a better place?!
I have been looking for a rug for my bathroom. It is a need because the other one was so bad. If you know me I wait until things get maybe too bad. But I have been back to the store twice…went to another one…ended up with a rug that doesn’t match the towels. Any house decorating rules against that?
Jamie your furniture and table are beautiful! But I also would like new
You do have a need Jamie and that is another computer asap!
Jessica…great post.
I really want more time with my family also! I am so looking forward to camping this year.
Imagine it is early morning, kids still sleeping, 2 camping chairs, hot coffee and Brian and I just talking….aaaawwwwww!
I like your lists. My needs list would be similar to yours. You’ve given me something to think about.