Friday will mark one month since I started The Difference Project. I'm excited about updating you all.
Spending:
I have been surprised to find I haven't been that tempted to buy clothes, shoes and jewelry. Of course, I delete the emails I get from ModCloth, Anthro and Ruche. I also stay away from the mall and the clothes section of Target! (Target is my weakness! Their clothes are so cute and inexpensive!) I have felt several urges for shopping, but I have forced myself to stay away.
Giving:
I would love to tell you all that I have given huge amounts of money to those in need. Just to be honest, it's been tight this month. Having to buy new tires, getting a new passport and a doctor's appointment have wiped out any extra I had and some of my savings. I think I gave a little more than my tithe when I first started this project...other than that, there hasn't been anything else. I hope to report of more next month
However, it has been good to have a different mindset about spending and giving. My husband and I have started to evaluate other areas of our lives to see where we have excess. The grocery budget has taken several cuts this month. For instance, we invested in a Britta Filter and stopped buying Lipton's Green Tea. (My hubs loves the stuff.) I am also (atempting) to wean myself off of coffee, which is not going so well at the moment. I have gone from drinking a very large cup to a small cup in the mornings. It has taken me two weeks to get there! Surely that is still progress right?
We don't want to be legalistic about this, but it is our desire to keep ourselves in check. I know it is easy for me to get wrapped up in the "its all about Jen" mindset. It's just plain hard to live for others, for Christ in this culture. We are so bombarded with fashion, trends, and pushed to get newer, bigger, and better things. It takes a lot of effort not to get sucked into that world. The Lord is continually bringing things to light that need to be eradicated from my life through this project. It's very humbling to say the least. I see how selfish I am, now more than ever!
I am so thankful for all the support for this project and those who are joining in with me! I'd love to hear any updates from you guys as well!
17 comments:
Giving up coffee? Girl, you really shouldn't say such things if you're trying to recruit other people! haha. just kidding! You are very brave, though.
Sounds like you are doing pretty well so far, though! Keep it up!
target is totally my weakness!
i need to take a page out of your book and try this sometime.
I don't know how you can do it with the coffee. You are stronger than I!
I hope, if it's your intention to really and truly give it up, that in time you'll be able to.
I have no doubt how hard it is. I know it'd take me forever to get down to a small cup like you.
Each small step is it's own blessing. Don't worry if you haven't been able to give a lot financially...God will provide many opportunites to give in other ways.
Target is definitely my weakness too...We have one less than a mile from our house. NOT GOOD.
So exciting! Congratulations on making it your first month!!! That's so exciting! you can do it! :)
Definitely progress!! You're amazing Jen! Such an inspiration!
Good for you Jen! I would love to join you but I would fail because I have to go school shopping for the first time since 3rd grade this year. I am entering a private school for the last 3 years of high school. Anyway I just wanted to encourage you to keep going. The devil knows when you are doing something good so as soon as you started this project he was planning wonderful sales for Target to have and all those other things that tempt you. Keep persevering and it'll all come out good in the end! Chasing Him,
Lindie
Keep it up. This is so encouraging. I often find myself thinking our money is just that "ours" and it's not. It's God's and we are accountable for how we spend it. This is a topic we're constantly looking at in our home to make sure we're spending right. Thank you for doing this and sharing about it!
This is awesome. What a good first month! Perhaps I should officially join the project. I could really improve in this area...
Thanks! I really hope next month is better! I would LOVE for you to join in girl!
And no, I am not implying that everyone should give up coffee. :) I just know it will be better for me not to depend on it!
darn u target. i miss target.
you, my lovely friend, are an inspiration. xx
You have an admirable soul. I wish I could give up things. But it's far too difficult. I admire your strength!
hope to hear from you*
love amy ^.^
www.amyflyingakite.com
You're such an inspiration!! LOVE this idea!!! Hoping I can implement it to! Stay tuned ;)
LOVE this idea and loving your blog... just came across it today... very inspirational! :)
great update!!! I am so impressed with this project. and I agree, keeping me away from the target clothing section is the only way to keep the wallet in check :)
I love this. We really realize what things are NOT necessities when we go without them. Proud :)
This is amazing, and I love it. You're right, our whole culture and society is wrapped up in them material things, and it's difficult (yet important) to go against it and focus on the Lord. I totally support you in this, and will be praying how I can join! :)
-Amy
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