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End of THE FIRST month

At the end month 1, at the risk of sounding pretty shallow, a few things can be noted:

1. I frequently see things I want to buy.

It was hard for me to walk past this magazine cover at the Walmart:

I am a big fan of the Bachelor. Hubby convinced me to watch Ben's season right after we had Little Lou and I got hooked. I look forward to it for months! Listen people, I am not convinced that anyone is finding true love here;  but I love seeing what everyone wears, the places they travel, and of course observing all the hilarity that unfolds. Some wives I know don't like their hubbys to watch it on account of the scantily clad ladies but I like Mike to tune in alongside me so he sees how MUCH drama a woman can bring to the table--  makes me look totally normal!

Since we don't have cable (we just use Netflix and watch our fav network shows online), I now wait a week to watch it on ABC.COM instead of buying it the next day on i-tunes. Oh the horror! Yes, a true test in patience.

My favorite comfy clothes are Life is Good and they ran a special on Zulily last week- there were some great deals. And how fun is this beach towel?!





For Christmas, Sister gave me a $30 gift-card to Ulta, in order to use this coupon I needed to spend $40--- cheating! Hate to pass up a good deal.


Gap had their MLK sale- loved these great Winter-Spring transition pieces all 40% off! (I know there is NO sign of 'transition' in this Iowa winter that is mimicking the arctic tundra--- but a gal can hope)


2. I still do not feel grateful for all the things I do have.

I spend moments of my day feeling content with my life. It's more than contentment at times, it's even awe. But the flashes of discontentment that surge through my day are what I'm seeking freedom from. So thus this journey is more about contentment than it is about 'not spending.'

To clarify, those flashes come when I put on my make-up, I wish I had more of it or different kinds. When I get dressed, I am thinking about how a warmer sweater would just make this day so much better. When I leave the house sans kiddos, I am thinking I deserve a latte for all the poopy diapers I have changed that morning (my littles are both in diapers and have had a stomach bug for a few weeks- so I change 4-6 dirties BEFORE NOON, Lord have mercy!)

3. Something needs to change.

I do not want to be a materialistic person. Yes, I love and think about my children, the hubs, my faith, world issues, how to love my friends, cooking, health, etc throughout the day. It is not like ALL I think about all day is stuff but I am definitely 100% bought into our American consume, consume, CONSUME mindset.

And I'm starting to be NOT okay with it but to be honest, I'm not quite sure what changing that looks like. I thought that by abstaining from spending I'd start to feel free but it seems like there's more to it than that. Anyone who has tips or things to share, please join the conversation!

Thanks for stopping in! I'll continue to let you know how things go...

7 comments:

  1. ugh i am just loving this!! it has really made me think about how i consume and spend. very challenging stuff. you got some verses to claim when it really gets tough?? God has given you everything you need for life and godliness!! Be content with what you have, He will never leave or forsake you.

    I LOVE YOU ALLY!!!

    loving this blog :)

    miss you,


    Kate

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Kate! You have been an inspiration to me in this area of my life as well. I could definitely use some verses so if there are any you cling to, send 'em my way. Love you lots.

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  2. Hello! I just discovered your blog and am totally inspired by your adventure this year! My husband and I talk about money often (he's a spender and I'm a saver) so we have had to work through quite a few battles as well... :) Totally can relate on not wanting to spend quality time talking about money!

    I attend Eagle Brook Church in Minneapolis, and over the past few weeks we have been looking at ways to simplify. This past week was looking at removing the clutter of possessions from our lives and how to develop at attitude of generosity with what God has entrusted us with. The main question was "How do we loosen our grip on our belongings and money in order to be truly content?" Talk about a challenge!! If you would like, you can watch the sermon here - http://eaglebrookchurch.com/media-resources/weekend-messages/get-to-give/

    Also, here are a couple verses that may bring you comfort on the most difficult of days:
    Luke 6:38 - If you give, you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. (I don't know about you but that sounds pretty incredible to me!)
    Matthew 6:21 - Wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will be also.

    God bless and may you truly find peace and freedom on this journey!
    :)
    Holly

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for the encouraging words Holly! So great of you to stop by and leave a comment, I really appreciate you saying hi and the verses you shared- Matthew 6:21 is something I think about every day. And I am going to listen to the sermon this week- how perfect with what God is teaching me, that is my exact question as well! Thanks again, Ally

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    2. You're very welcome! If you were able to watch the sermon, I hope you enjoyed it :) The entire "Simplify" series offers a really great perspective on how to put the focus back on what's truly important in life. I hope you're having a great weekend so far!

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  3. Do Not Waste Your Life on Clutter. Every item you own takes time out of your life: time to manage it, clean it, repair it, and maintain it; time to choose between objects of a similar category; time spent shopping for it… and that doesn’t even mention the time spent earning the money to pay for it in the first space. Decide to sacrifice less of your precious life on the pursuit and ownership of stuff.

    ReplyDelete
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