Chloe’s come up with a new declaration. I guess in her mind, it’s more of an explanation. Lately, she’s discovered that she lacks certain things. These things are not necessary to health or survival, though.

She has a roof over her head, she has a bed to sleep in, she has food to eat. So it’s not like she’s lacking in the basic necessities of life. But if you ask her ...

The other day we were walking through a store. She saw a shirt that she wanted. She asked me to buy it for her and I said no.

"But I neeeeeeeeeed it!" she declared.

A little while later, we were at a restaurant eating supper. She wanted ice cream for dessert. Not thinking she should have ice cream so close to bedtime (can you say "hyperactive child still going strong at 11 p.m.?"), I told her no.

"But I neeeeeeeeeed it!" she pleaded.

And again, she had one of Cole’s toys. He was screaming and crying over it and since I wanted my ears to stop bleeding, I asked her to hand it over.

"But I neeeeeeeeeed it!" she cried.

It became apparent to me that Chloe was confusing wants with needs. I find this to be a common mistake. It’s a common mistake not just among children, but also among adults.

Do I need a working replica of the Batmobile? While it would certainly help me in my fight against crime, the answer is no. Do I need a swimming pool in the shape of my name? Again, while I would be the envy of the neighborhood, the answer is no. Do I need a jumbotron-sized television in the bedroom? Again — no (but don’t tell Amy I’ve admitted that — I’ve almost got her sold on the idea).

Many people confuse their wants with their needs. They make luxury items into necessities. They want the latest cell phones, the trendiest clothes, the most expensive gourmet foods, and they’ve tricked themselves into thinking that they don’t just want them, they neeeeeeeeeed them!

What does our heavenly father say about wants and needs?

In Matthew 6:31-33 Jesus says, "So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For ... your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

Our directions are clear: Seek our heavenly father, his kingdom and his righteousness. In return, he will provide — not necessarily for our wants, but definitely for our needs.