Watch out for 'Chappies'

These are my slippers..

I think they're pretty cute.. as slipper go....

Every time I look down at them, all I can think of are the Star Bellied Sneeches. You know, the ones that had 'stars on thars'.

This time of year, there are many 'fix-it-up-chappies' like Sylvester McMonkey McBean out there. You may recall that Sly is the guy that shows up offering a machine that will put stars on the plain bellied Sneetches, for a small fee of course. Then when the original star bellied ones get angry, he offers them a different machine that will remove their stars, for an even larger fee.. of course.

In the end, Sly leaves a very rich-chappie, having taken the Sneeches for all they have. Finally, having realized that regardless of whether or not they have a star on 'thars', they discover that all Sneeches are equal, and become friends.

Ahhh, good ole' consumerism. Isn't it great?!

None of us fall prey to it, right?!

Ummm, maybe we should check our credit card statement before we answer.

Here's one hot item this year ~

WebKinz....These were explained to me as being a great little toy to teach kids how to be responsible, because they take a code and enter it online and then 'care' for their pet. Ok, not a bad idea.... But explain to me, how does giving a child 20 of these teach responsibility?

Can a child properly 'care for' 20 pets? Would you honestly purchase 20 cats to live in your home to teach your child how to be responsible? (If you do, please tell me, I don't want to visit without a can of Febreeze!) "Suzie has that one and I don't" .... "Oh, Sylvester McMonkey McBean! We have some takers!! For the bargain price of just $12, they can keep passing through your machine."

Don't get me wrong - I'm just as guilty in getting caught up in things!

We are all susceptible to vanity, materialism and 'keeping up with the Jones'", but be leery lest you fall victim to the Mr. McBeans out there, and get taken for all you have.

Do you have more than others? Well that doesn't make you better!!, nor does it mean you need to spoil your kids rotten with purchases.

Instead, we need to think of those, who are no less than us just because they have less - but rather, share your blessings. Pass on the excess that you have to be a blessing to others.

Also, don't worry about those who have 'stars', and you don't. Be thankful for what you have!

And lastly, if you really want to be 'rich' (not in an earthly sense) and 'have it all' (not as in materialism) - then focus on what really matters this holiday season. The birth of our Savior, Jesus, who came to save us all from our sins - that we may live eternally in heaven with our Heavenly Father! Where the streets are lined with gold, and where a mansion will be prepared for us, if we accept Jesus as our Savior!

With no machines or entry fees!!!!

And don't forget - our heavenly Father thinks we are the best!!! regardless of 'stars'!