Saying NO to advertising

Have you ever tried to say no to advertising? I mean on TV when someone is saying you should by that new car, or toy, or experience, or product.

I do it all the time, for two reasons.

The first is that it is very fun.
It keeps me occupied during the ads and makes fun of the actors who try so hard to persuade me to but their product! They failed this time...
It also makes fun of the companies who spend billions of dollars to get me to buy their product, and I just waste the money by saying No.
Some of you might say advertising still works, and just because I don't buy it, doesn't mean everyone else won't. That's true, but now I come to the second reason...

The second reason is because it lifts a huge weight of my shoulders. Watching ads on TV make you think that you need so much stuff in life to be satisfied. The whole aim of advertisements is to make you feel like you have a problem (such as not looking good), then providing a solution (a cool car, or new make up). What is really annoying is that usually you don't even actually have a problem, but they make you think you do...

Most people fall into buying something they don't need because they trust that the advertisers know about how they can fix their problems. But in reality, companies only want money, and don;t truly care for the well being of you! The only true provider of things we need in out life is God, and we don't have to pay for what he gives... Stop looking at the media, or other companies to help you in times of need. Remember, they are humans too, they probably have the same problem's as you! Only God, who is perfect, always knows better about what you need.

By saying No to advertising, you remind yourself that life is OK without a new product, and stops you from buying it. You remind yourself that you have someone else, God, who you can trust to provide you what you need. Next time if a handsome actor or actress says "Book a test drive now", or "Get it at a new store now", just say No!

It makes me feel good, why don't you try it...

Living in a suitcase

My recent craze is to try and fit as much as possible in the smallest amount of space.

 

I managed to pack for a 3 day camp in a tiny day pack, while others had hefty suitcases. I even managed to bring games, and tons of stuff to play when we got there.

Everyone looked at me like I was amazing, with my small bag and all.

 

Packing light is so much fun, and I think you should try it too.

 

But, this made me think, what about all the stuff I have at home?

 

Do I really need my ornaments, or mini lamp, or an amazing semi precious gemstone.

 

What if I sold these things, or gave them away to charity...

 

And next time, why don't I not buy that nice dog ornament, or opt out of paying more for a "precious memory reminder", and give it to church instead.

 

If I can live like that, it will be better. Less cleaning too!

 

I hope that next time, my memory will be enough without a "special ornament".

 

Thanks for reading my blog...

 

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I hate rain, but do I?

It's been raining throughout the week, and I am feeling quite depressed that I can't go outside. It seems to be permanently set on rain, or clouds with no sun coming through to enjoy, or to dry my clothes...

I could keep complaining about rain... It seems that no one wants water dumped on them when they don't want to. But about 2 years ago, wasn't everyone praying for rain?

Australia was in drought, there was low dam levels, and it seemed like Australia was doomed into turning into just a desert island. Everyone prayed to God for rain on a regularly basis, and thanked him when it came [even though in small amounts].

Zoom back into today's time. What happened to all those prayers? They were answered! NSW is now classified as not being in drought anymore! Hooray! I went on a hike into Western NSW, and I expected brown grass, and dead trees, but instead I was met with beautiful scenery of lush green grass, and strong lively trees.

It might not be connected but I always think that I am happy God is the one in control of my life, not me. It's so easy to get lost on the way to life, it is so good that God lets us look to him for guidance. Plus, he knows what I want better than I do! So why wouldn't I put trust into him for providing me with what I need.

I hope next time I pray for something, I might be patient for the answer, and be thankful for God that he is in control. I hope also that I can lean on him throughout my life, and remember that he always knows better.

Thanks for reading my blog. I usually write one new post each week, about something that is on my mind, so keep checking back for more.

treebytheriver

Gifts of the world

My mum's birthday was just recently and it was quite good because she said she didn't want any presents. In the end we pampered her by letting her soak in the bath with nice salts, I gave her a back-rub, we put a face-mask on her, and let her not cook for the day.

She was really happy by the end of the day, and looked like it was one of the best days of her life. Although she didn't have any real things the next day to play with, or read, she still had the memories of what happened, and enjoyed that.

Before, I would have been sad if I didn't get any "real" presents, but now I am rethinking...

Anyway, real presents, what are they worth? A book I will read, and probably forget about soon, but a party, or a nice day will probably stay with me for longer... A book costs $20, but how can you express the price of memories?

A lot of people might agree with this idea of priceless memories but could you go deeper than that?

When you get older, don't memories expire too? I feel so sorry for a grandparent who doesn't remember her son's face. So even memories don't last the test of time. Then what does?

To me, that is heaven. God promises that Heaven will go on for eternity, and when we get there, we will also be there for eternity. This gives me so much hope, that I do have something that I can cling onto in this disappearing world.

Today, I learnt that although worldly things will pass away, God, and Heaven will last forever, giving hope to me during tough times.

Thanks for reading my blog, and please comment if you would like to ask a question, or just say something.

treebytheriver

Ideas that don't exist yet

Thanks for reading my blog.

Here are some ideas I thought I could pull off but I am too lazy. If you want to do them feel free to. I would love to buy or see the new thing!

1. A website called what consumers want.
Where consumers could give ideas to companies on how to do better. If lots of people saw what people were thinking then they could also push that idea to the company. Many voices becoming one, till the company put it into effects.

2. An umbrella that covers all sides.
I hate when it is raining. Because whatever i do with my umbrella I still get wet. Rain comes from an angle, my bag is sticking out, it reflects of the ground. To prevent this, a umbrella with dangling down sides would stop the rain coming from an angle, and protect any sticking out things! Like a bag. I would definitely buy this umbrella.

I especially hope No.1 comes into effect. Whoever makes it will make lots of money!!!

Thanks for reading my blog.

treebytheriver

Respectful relationships

Today, in Health class we were discussing what a healthy relationship is made up of. I said that for a relationship to work, everyone involved should not be selfish, and think of the other person first. As soon as I said this, every kid in the room laughed, as though I was imagining things. They said that is just old fashioned, and a stupid thought. To me what was essential in a relationship, to others was something that didn't matter! Has the relationship rules changed in the last few years?

Meet Ab & Ba. They are flatmates and friends. Ab goes into emotional breakdown for a week, and Ba helps him out, as that is what he would've wanted Ab to do to him. Next month, Ba goes into an emotional breakdown. To return the favor, Ab helps him out. It might seem like a nice relationship, with both supporting each other, but looking deeply, there is only selfish motives. There is no love. This is kind of sad. Probably, their friendship will fall apart, as Ab or Ba ask or more help than they are giving.

I can't just point out what is a bad relationship, what about a good one. Well, to put it perfectly, we all should follow God's example, which Jesus tells us. He says "Love our neighbor". He doesn't state why, he doesn't give a reason, but just to love. Love is what is important in a relationship. Through love, it will grow, and become stronger. It will be what relationships were meant to be.

Meet the changed Ab and Ba. They now know that the way they were acting with each other was wrong, and that were being selfish. Now, they don't have a motive to help, they just do. They don't have a selfish heart, they think of their friend first. However, human relationships will never be perfect. Ab and Ba had differences. They thought different on politics, TV shows, who should do the dishes, and all other things. What matters, is that they both still thought of each other.

Just to wrap up, I hope you have love in your relationships now, and that you could keep thinking of others, and not yourself.

Thanks for reading this post. Please comment on any issues you think of, or just want me to talk about.

treebytheriver

Reply to comments...

Thanks for reading my blog. Since I got a reply, I better respond! (Check the grandparent post October 1st for the question)

Grandparents hidden away in retirement villages...

I think Grandparents are not necessarily hidden away in retirement villages, but more like the whole of retirement villages are hidden away from everyone. Until my grandparents went to a retirement village, I didn't notice any around, but now, in nooks and crannies I can see their are retirement villages. They are just not visible to those who are not looking for them.

I think it would be good if there was a retirement village right near a school, so to make it natural for people to meet grandparents. They are part of the family, and love talking to people. Then they could also help with some school activities like gardening, or library. It will be a good way of giving back to the community which supports them.

Grandparents aren't something you would want to hide. With their amazing experience they are a joy to meet, in any part of town.


About grandparents becoming parents again as both real parents have to work...

I think this is quite sad, although it might be the fact that the grandparents enjoy taking care of their grandchildren everyday. Taking care of kids might be a hassle, but it is another blessing that God has given us, and we should enjoy it.

In the end, Grandparents are really a blessing from God, with their wisdom, and help.