Old Fashioned Lifestyle

Consumerism.  It has always sort of been a thorn in my side.  As I have posted - I am even considering taking the lead of Consumption Rebellion and swearing off the purchase of anything new for a year. 

It is easy to ignore the cycle of consumerism and feed oursleves emotionally and otherwise with all the pretty things.  But to pause a moment and think about the madening cycle.

Items are produced in a way to allow for a low price.  This means

1. Laborers are paid a minimal wage. 
2. Shortcuts are taken in quality of material and production methods – to produce the low price.
3. The consumer buys it all up.
4. The item breaks in short order.  After all – look how it was made!
5. The item goes to the landfill.
6. The consumer goes back to the store, and buys the same product again.
7. And on, and on.

This cycle can also be known as cradle-to-grave.

Isn’t it time for a new cycle?  A new concept?  How about MBDC’s Cradle to Cradle?

This organization is promoting the concept that when a product is all used up, it can be all used up again – never finding a way to the grave (landfill) – only back to the cradle again.  MBDC certifies products that are cradle-to-cradle.  Next time you need something….. check here first!

Technorati Tags: Green Building, Values

We don’t have a TV in our house. We have rejected the idea of TV for 3 primary reasons:

1. TV seems to promote consumerism.  As our kids grow, I want them to feel rich in a quality of life – not in possessions.
2. TV takes away from QUALITY family activities;  reading books outloud, games, outings.
3. TV promotes an unhealthy self-image for girls.

I don’t know how long Dove has had their Campaign for Real Beauty going on (like I said… I am media challanged) but I just found out about it and I am thrilled!  (My thank you to The Adventures of the Williams Family ) for posting about this!  What a wonderful service Dove is doing here.  As a part of this campaign, they are producing short little videos.  Here are two of my favorites.  Please pass these on – and my “Thank You” to Dove.

Onslaught

Evolution

Technorati Tags: Values

I recently received some books I ordered for the kids, and as a gift, the company (Sonlight) included 10 bookmarks – each with a goal.  This got me thinking about the goals I have (not) set in the monumental task of raising my kids.  I have this vague idea about what I want to accoplish, but I don’t think I have ever actually solidified the idea into words.  My kids are away for a few days, so that gives me plenty of time to re-group, re-evaluate and get to items such as putting my goals to words.  I asked my mom the other day if she had a goal in raising my brother and I.  Turns out she did.  Her top priority was to raise us to be independent people.The goals on my new bookmarks are as follows:

1)  I don’t know.  The bookmark is off in a book somewhere.
2)  Create a learner’s heart, enthusiasm & excitement for learning – a desire to discover.
3)  Encourage children to honor God’s “Great Commission” by acquiring an international perspective and a godly heart for the world.
4)  Inspire students to honor Christ boldly – in speech and conduct.
5)  Train children to become engaging and effective ambassadors for Christ.
6)  Teach students not only biblical content, but how to listen as well – to understand first and judge second.
7)  Teach students, through experience, that God is faithful; they can listen to other perspectives without falling into sin or having their faith destroyed.
8)  Inspire students, by example, to do thorough, competent research… to fulfill the work of true scholars.
9)  Create a love for quality literature – books that cause students to think deeply, feel passionately, and prepare themselves for action.
10)  Raise “culturally literate” students.

Technorati Tags: Parenting Blogs, Values

As a tool for helping us focus on our direction, dream and values we created this vision board at the beginning of 2007.

There are four parts to this board.

1)  Land Ho, Mexico.  San Juan dreams of a life at sea…. he longs to sail around the world.   While the idea of traveling around the world with our kids is so very appealing to me – I feel the need to ease into the whole sail boat thing.  As a compromise, we have decided to take extended trips to various places and charter boats in some places, sail our own boat in some places, etc.  First stop:  Mexico in the beginning of 08.

2)  Our financial goal is to triple our net worth – through the development of self-storage properties and apartment buildings.

3)  My dream has been to start a homestead – a family ranch.  A place to get back to nature and raise our kids and animals…  so a goal for this year is to purchase the land that would work for this.

4)  Foundation.  We have been so blessed – and we feel a need to give back.  Once we free financially (just around the corner) our goal is to use our means, knowledge and effort to start a foundation.  We want to incorporate our ‘giving back’ efforts with our travel plans.    At the time this vision board was done – the plan was to set up a foundation to help foster children prepare for life after aging out of the system by providing financial education, and support.

Technorati Tags: Family Mission Statement, Values