I decided to grill out tonight and was wondering if I was going to need a new propane tank. Since that is energy to cook with, and they sell the tank refills at the grocery store, I have decided this will be okay. I did ponder the fact that it’s not a necessity, as I could cook inside. I also thought that cooking outside versus inside saves on utilities since all of the hot cooking would make the air conditioning run more. Anyway, I’m up for your thoughts on this.
We also went to the outdoor movie in downtown Frisco last night and it was some nice family time. They put up the big inflatable screen and hundreds went to watch Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. I kept thinking I need to bring a small version of this to some apartment complexes in Frisco where the kids can’t go downtown, as their parents are working or they don’t have the transportation.
I also want to post my response to a comment left on the future of shopping post. This is from Ozz…
Well lets see….The US is a CONSUMER based economy it is no surprise that companies attempt to make shopping an easier afair. I think it’s kinda cool but I hate dressing rooms. Just think of the jobs from wiring the stores for this, the dock workers taking the shipments of plasma screens, the software support (ok probably really good for India but ya never know)….etc.
Why some of these impoverished people might get a job due to this, then they can buy the clothes. What a concept instead of handing out…train. It is better to show a man how to fish than to just give him fish.
~Ozz~
My response. (Feel free to start a discussion here)
Although I agree with your statement of teaching man how to fish, I don’t feel that this shopping direction is a positive one. This seems to me like another step in making the rich richer and the poor poorer. Our consumer based economy teaches us and our kids that more is better, success is defined by money and happiness will be yours if you buy things that make life easier and more comfortable.
I have become uncomfortable with my comfort. I don’t expect everyone to follow me in that (okay, so I hope some do), but I hope as a society that we can make some positive changes. Like bridging ‘the gap’ between rich people and poor people. ‘Target’ing new ways to build community and thinking outside ourselves, while not building more ‘wal’s to protect ourselves from people we don’t know or understand.
One last thing. There are many types of homelessness and poverty. When I go visit friends (I don’t see these as mission trips anymore), and I see a cute little kid helping me work on painting an apartment so they have a place to meet with others, or maybe a child in Mexico that doesn’t have enough to eat, they just want to feel loved and have their basic needs met. Yes, there are many people who have chosen homelessness as a way of life and I’m sure there are many lazy people our there that don’t want to work and instead ‘work’ the system. But there are many out there that don’t have a choice and they need justice, people who care and are willing to get off their butts and do something about it.
Too lazy to try on clothing or too lazy to work? I’m not the one to judge that, although I have many opinions… (I know, we’re all surprised by that!) My point with this whole shopping thing is that I’m not going to be lazy with this. If it takes a little extra effort to buy necessities that are not excessive, not made in sweatshops and better for the environment, then that’s what I’m going to do. Small change can equal big change.
Ozz, I love a devil’s advocate perspective and you know I greatly appreciate your views! Keep them coming.
I’ve thought about outdoor movie night and how ironic that Frisco Square is so close to Frisco Housing Authority (Frisco Villa’s) yet so far from the families who reside there. How great would it be to bring that same idea to families who need it most. Doing so could help establish natural connections and bring families together. Bridges have not been built to welcome those in poverty to “middle-class” Frisco, ie. Frisco Square. There is a disconnect to the broad community, a lack of resources, a lack of family margin, and an unspoken number of insecurities that hold those in poverty back. (Basically, I am so on board with a free movie night brought to FHA!)
I’ve wanted to comment on your challenge & have a few minutes so here it goes.
There are hidden rules among classes. For instance, to the middle class, acquiring posessions is important, labels are important, clothing is valued for quality and acceptance from others that are the middle class, and excessive items equal achievement.
If we can learn from these hidden rules and open our eyes to them, it may be the first strategy to help bridge people out of poverty. Opening others up to the idea that our driven need to acquire, accumlate, and live in excess in middle-class America (or Frisco), is not what God intended as our lives purpose, will help those living in all classes. And for many, we live in a society of pretenders, giving the image of financial success whether or not there is substance to it. The amount of items & debt we are accumlating is alarming! There is little marginal difference between the way Christian’s & non-Christian’s handle money.
Your conviction has lead you to this challenge. It is not for everyone to take the stance you have; however I hope we all can learn from your family’s experience.
(The section in “The Man In The Mirror” by Patrick Morley on the rat race & money, I believe is a must read for men and women.)
Thanks you Christine!! So… can we do this every Friday night somewhere? Could we talk this weekend and figure a way to do this? By Friday? Love it!
I’ll be at PTCC tonight before 4:30–I know you’re busy with tech & me with Habitat–after? Sunday I’m headed out of town with my mom for the day…or call me anytime!
Ha! I was also just thinking… I might be trying to bridge more people INTO poverty. (Yes, sounds crazy, but I think that’s what I’m doing) Not to the point where they can’t eat or have shelter, but poverty as defined by our society of having a lot of stuff, big houses and fancy cars. Healthy poverty. ;)
There definetly is a balance, a healthy poverty. Your journey will get you to that place & hopefully teach othersm myself included, thru your experience! Bubble-bursting poverty? lol
I got he whole bridging into poverty vibe too! And I don’t look at it as poverty per se, more like wanting what you need and not want to want and knowing the difference.
This isn’t for everyone, and yes, people have to make a living, but a reality check every now and then is good for the soul…corporate or otherwise.
Peace!
I got quoted!!! =)
Anyway I guess the true question is….who or what determines excess? Is it having things we do not need to live? Well That beer is excess, that steak is excess heck all meat in general is excess. That beat up car….excess. Or do we have to broaden our terms? Is it just going against the “norm” of society? Well what’s “normal” anyway? Basically….excess is in the eye of the beholder.
~Ozz~
P.S. Love ya too! ;)
Hey! How did you know I had a beer??? LOL You bring up many good points my friend. I agree, excess IS in the eye of the beholder. I’m completely aware that I have excess and struggle with excess. I guess my problem with it is the reckless abandon of resources that creates hardship for others.
I could blog for hours responding, but I’m going to hang out with my kids. (yes, the boys who are playing with my iPhone, using it as a gun)
I’m considered somewhat crazy, and most people think of me as an activist or extremist. I call it passion. I am crazy and I do believe I can make a difference. I won’t save the world, but it won’t be from a lack of trying.
:)