tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735040292604331611.post7497218354745062053..comments2023-10-17T10:25:57.853-04:00Comments on learning my lines. . .: So. . . Are You Full? . . . Or, Did Christmas Let You Down Again? . . .Walt Muellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16502588185280592205noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735040292604331611.post-3575644054208191452012-01-03T16:01:39.974-05:002012-01-03T16:01:39.974-05:00Sometimes I think the phrase gets a bad reputation...Sometimes I think the phrase gets a bad reputation by being a convenient slang. My friends and I will talk about retail therapy as a short hand. For us (and I believe others), it means I'm stressed, let's go to the mall, have lunch, shop, and talk. I guess we could go for a hike in a park, but the temperature controlled mall is our choice. We know that buying things isn't going to fix anything major, and it's more of an opportunity to talk. I think others, especially women, do this and there's a mistake in thinking we are trying to buy happiness.<br />Have you ever read the Ashley Stockingdale series (probably more your wife's speed)? A Christian heroine who has a similar perspective. Sometimes when you are nervous about a presentation, a new lipstick or outfit will give you more confidence in yourself.<br />I think what we need to learn is how to identify the urge - is it over something minor that can be indulged WITHIN our budget or are we trying to fill a space that only God can fill?Laurihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09148248533255355405noreply@blogger.com