If you are a frequent reader of The Joys of Home Educating, you know that we have been cutting back, purging and "unsubscribing" in our home for a few months now. Saving over $ 1500 a month in just misc. "STUFF" that was not needed to live our lifestyle!
Sammie with big eyes at the dollar store. |
January starts a new journey for our family and maybe yours! I am inviting you to join us on a journey of lessening the "stuff"!
One of my recent inspirations is my IRL and online friend, Mary from Homegrown Learners. Recently she had the honor of going to Ecuador to assist with the passing out of filled shoeboxes for Samaritans Purse for the Operation Christmas Child campaign. You can see a beautiful recap in pictures HERE at her blog.
I know this trip touched her in a way that most of us will never know.
Deep in the soul, to the core of her bones.
Coming back home (to America) was eye opening.
You see, WE have SO much in our country and waste so much and want for so much that truly is not needed. Not needed to live...not needed to fill our home with love and joy and not needed to be IN the Word, OF the Word.
Following her journey, reading about her trip and seeing pictures on Instagram while she was in the moment, living the moment, touched my heart and my soul.
I am sure you might have seen trips like this on TV commercials where they want you to pledge money, and maybe you even have. But until you know someone and can take a journey with them (even through pictures) it's just not the same thing.
This brings me to our Family No Spending Challenge
Our family is taking a No Spending Challenge for the month of January (to start). We invite you to join us on the journey and take the challenge with us. Simple rules...
1. No spending on NON-essential items
Example of essential items are: food, gas, tithing to the church, medical expenses, bills committed too on a monthly basis.
Example of Non-essential items: anything that you would spend money on other than essential items! (examples might include: take out food, coffee, wine, beer, birthday presents, impulse buys)
Rest assured you will not be hung out to dry and do this alone! I will be there with you, to hold you accountable, to encourage you, to pray with you. I would love the same commitment from you.
Don't think for a minute, this will be easy. We are creatures of habit and our lifestyle. But I do know that with discipline and prayer this can be done! Think of what Jesus gave up for US. I am only asking for a month of your commitment.
You can either start this challenge TODAY or any day up until Monday. I ask that you leave a comment or email me personally ( mnewell0293@gmail.com) so I can pray for you and your family during these next 31 days.
I will be posting updates on how we are doing...ideas for NO spending family fun....ideas for living frugal, healthy recipes and more.
If you join us, welcome!
If you think you just can't commit to this, that is ok too. Maybe just cut 1 thing out or 2 things out to help your budget.
I am excited to see how we do and to come face to face with the challenges!
I look forward to having some of you join us on the journey!
Until next time - Be Blessed and Spend Less!
Comments
I'm also going to speak with Hal about your no spending challenge. I know he would be on board 100%!
Love you, my friend!
You would probably freak if you knew how little we were living on, but I know I could be an even better steward. I'm in!
Happy Birthday to Liam! I am leaning towards homemade gifts for friends/kids this year outside the home.
It's ok if hubby is not into it. You can make it a personal challenge!
Excited!
This topic has been coming up a lot recently with my boys - the constant proclaiming of, "I need ________." has been the start of many conversations reminding my boys that they need nothing except Jesus, clothing, shelter and food. Everything else is a bonus. Hubby and I started purging the garage yesterday and frankly, it is shameful how much stuff we have as a family. Very little of our stuff are necessities.
Hopefully I will be emailing you letting you know we're in!