Yes, I totally agree people are important, and this nothing wrong with us being here. People in the USA however, tend to be a little more abusive of our resources then others, something we need to work on.

As to the leftovers, I've definitely eaten my fair share, and I've got the growing belly to show for it. Yikes!

No, that\'s totally the kind of thing I\'m looking for! Thanks!

Did you guys watch that consuming kids video yet? You should.
They've got this video of these little girls at the grocery store talking to their dad or a reporter or someone, saying how the Sponge Bob mac and cheese is SO GOOD! And then the adult asks if they've had it and they say no. It's funny.

I remember you said you were reading that. How long is it? I'll definitely check it out. 

Neeraj, I totally agree that this is geared toward those who are wealthy (which I think is most of the audience of this blog, and many of the congregations of the churches I've attended).
I think the conversation is and would be very different for those who come from generations of poverty. In fact, like you mentioned, I think it's probably much easier for me to live on less, then for someone who has much less to begin with. My intent isn't to set some difficult standard to hold to those who are below or at that line and condemn them if they cross it. Rather, I think it's a discussion those with much more then is necessary to live on, to think critically about how much is enough.

The only thing I'd question in your comment is that you said you feel "this conversation is easy to have" for wealthy Christians. Whether it's easy or not, my disappointment is that I haven't actually seen the conversation anywhere in Christian circles. And I'm not speaking of holding up thriftiness as a virtue, but rather encouraging radically challenging our current cost of living, or at least the concept that your income dictates your lifestyle. Does that make sense? Have you seen these conversations happening?

Matt,
I definitely agree. I think we see the 10% thing in scripture and that's where we settle. But, in some ways I think the percentage thing is goofy. It's relative to what you make, and most of us make far far more then is necessary to survive very well on (compared to the rest of humanity).
Is there any reason we couldn't discuss and suggest an upper limit? Like, tithe 10%, but there's no reason a family of four should be spending more the $3000 on month to month living expenses (just making up a number here). Why is it not okay to say something like that? Because it doesn't seem like I've ever heard anything like that in any church, small group, or circle of friends I've ever been in.

Good thoughts. I think so often looking at our neighbors is how we set standards, rather then the Bible and what we are being called to.
It seems Christians always make the claim that Jesus is everything, Jesus is all you need, yet they have the exact same "stuff" all the money, toys, gadgets, etc that everyone else has. Seems it really diminishes any "witness" in my opinion.

So I think you've got a good place to start. If our lives don't look radically different then our neighbors, maybe we should re think how we are living/ and spending.

Tara,
I'm pretty sure if you search Youtube you'll find the video available in 7 parts. It's a must watch and well worth it. It'll definitely take creativity to address the consumer culture, but there is huge benefits to starting early. 
Thanks for checking in, and feel free to comment or offer questions or suggestions with parenting stuff any time.

So, if I understand your reasoning correctly your saying that since we have a legitimate government, deriving it's power from the people, then it's not appropriate to act outside of this established process under any circumstances?
Therefore, it's acceptable to support murder in the form of war as inacted by our government (including the killing of women and children), and it's acceptable to do the actual killing in those circumstances (soldiers), but it is not acceptable outside of that (in the example of the killing of Dr. Tiller). Am I following you correctly?

I guess it's just you and me chatting. I sort of agree with what you said, but not totally. I think your right on about money simply being a tool and many people use it to deal with deeper heart issues that need to be addressed first. Money itself always is simply a tool, but it's implications are far reaching.

I don't agree though that by answering this question collectively "we quickly fall into judging". The church in general is all about laying out rights and wrongs, things to do and things not to do (I'm not saying that's always a good thing, but it is what happens).
Think about the hot button issues like abortion and homosexuality. Most churches go right ahead and answer those questions and they don't accept different answers from others. And yet those same churches never try and answer the money question. Maybe they should take your advice and allow people to have come to different answers, yet still be a part of the same body. On that note, even those that do, or close friends that do have differing opinions on serious topics, are often able to answer the question, firmly but differently, and still leave it as friends and without judging. It's more difficult, but it can definitely be done.
Or take more casual issues like what type of music to listen to, movies to watch, is swearing okay, etc. The church, or just Christians in general, have always asked these questions, often come to conclusions and then expected conformity by church members (again, I'm not saying that's always a good thing).

I guess I'm just saying, of all the things to NOT talk about and try and answer, the money one seems like the most crippling to the faith community. It's the one I see most clearly put forth in scripture as something to address and grapple with, yet we spend time condemning 'secular' music and trying to outlaw gay marriage. Just seems backwards that's all.