My Funny Valentines

Day 3 - No Dinner

2009-09-03T21:03:00.001-05:00

Well, they say "easy come, easy go." Not so. I am beyond frustrated. Let me explain. Last night, while I was in the bed, a dear neighbor, who was at church, sent over her son with a huge pan of Mexican food from church, where they have supper on Wednesday nights. Now, we have not been getting to go on Wednesday nights, so the food is very welcome, and we were extremely excited to get the huge pan of food so that we could eat it tonight and tomorrow night, before we go to my parent's house for the Labor Day weekend. I had a bad headache, so I told my dear daughter to put it straight in to the refrigerator. I even told her again to be sure she heard me. She replied in the affirmative.

To my utter dismay, I got up this morning and what did I see on the kitchen counter? Yes. You guessed it! The huge pan of Mexican chicken, beef, beans, rice, etc. on the counter right where she left it - not in the refrigerator! It was all I could do not to completely lose it, but I think I was actually too sleepy & tired to properly lose my temper. Of, course, I threw the food away, and fussed at her, but I didn't feel like I really got through to her. And all day it has been festering like a boil. What should I do? How should I respond to her? What consequence would really get through to her? What would help her to truly understand the importance of obedience? I'm still working on it.

L-O-N-G Day 2

2009-09-02T20:50:00.002-05:00

Today (Wednesday) is our longest day of the week. Both kids have soccer practice, so instead of going to church, I shuttle kids back and forth to soccer in the minivan. Thankfully we have leftovers from last night, so no one has to cook, since there is really no time for cooking on Mondays and Wednesdays. I have to say, the kids are doing great with the no eating out thing. It will actually be more difficult for me this year. I am working in a new office this year, and I have new friends and we like to eat out about once a week, which I am foregoing for the duration of our thirty days. I really don't mind the not eating out part, I mainly miss not hanging out with them when they are gone. But a sacrifice is not really a sacrifice unless it hurts a little, so bring it on!

It is not even 9 PM and I am in the bed ready to go to sleep already. I am just waiting for Ben to come home from soccer to see how much homework he has left to do before he can turn in. They are really pouring on the homework in the 8th grade! He is working hard this year. I am very blessed to have kids that I do not have to remind to do their homework. They do it without being asked or reminded. They know that it is expected. They also know that they are expected to help out around the house. I don't know what I would do without them!

Good night!

Day 1 - 30 Days of Nothing

2009-09-01T20:58:00.002-05:00

Just wanted you (if anyone is reading this) to know that we are doing the "30 Days of Nothing" Challenge this year for the month of September. We did it last year, but ran out of time for blogging, but we are resolved to do better on our blogging this year, since the kids are older and can blog for themselves.

Of course, time is actually tighter, and money is too, so this will be a good thing for us. I was actually a bit surprised when I asked the kids about doing this. I really expected them to say, "no, Mom, not again," but each was on board. I even asked them separately so that they would not influence each other. They actually like the idea of challenging ourselves to save money and to not waste it on eating out or on things we don't need. Not that I think we waste money or eat out much at all, but there is always room for improvement.

I also hope you like our new look. I read so many blogs now, so I thought we could use an updated renovation, so to speak. It was free, by the way! I did have to go and get groceries tonight at Walmart tonight. I spent $57.79 and got only necessities that I planned out for meals. I will keep a running total of our grocery bill this month so we will see what our total is at the end of September.

Crazy Busy Week

2008-09-09T23:02:00.003-05:00

Well, we are back into the thick of it. The homework is piling up on the kids. There are tests and projects and increasingly difficult questions (especially in math) about things I don't remember doing in school (so no, I am not smarter than a 5th grader, much less a 7th grader). Props to all you homeschooling moms out there. I do not know how you do it. My son was questioning me on integers and was delighted to know that I could not really remember how to calculate them. He was almost giddy. I was, however, able to help him with his literature, so I think I made up for my lack of skills in the math area. I did explain that I was proficient in the areas of math that I use in everyday life, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, fractions, decimals, etc. The simple stuff. None of the crazy integer or algebra stuff.

Anyway, here it is Tuesday evening and we are already getting tired and cranky, and I can sense a headache coming on, along with the hurricanes on the coast. I am trying to find the "calm in the midst of the storm of life" when things get crazy. I try and take a step back and remember what is important, get into the Word, spend time with the children, take some time for myself to recharge and renew. Otherwise there is no hope of making it through the crazy busy week ahead.

Red Robin, MMMmmmmm

2008-09-06T22:12:00.002-05:00

What a day today has been! Sophie had a soccer game in Montgomery at noon, while Ben had a game at 10:30 this morning here in town, so I sent him with a teammate and took off to Montgomery with Sophie and our assistant coach. We had already discussed that we would just go ahead and eat out since we were carpooling, so after the heartbreaking loss of 12-1, we took off for Red Robin to drown our sorrows in gourmet burgers.

Well, folks, let me tell you that when you no NOT eat out for a month, when you DO actually eat out it is a huge treat. I NEVER clean my plate, but I did today. That was the best burger I have had in ages.

One thing to be gained from our 30 Days is that we appreciate the little things, like a burger from a restaurant or an ice cream cone or just splurging and going to a movie at the movie theatre. You really do appreciate those things more, and you realize how you do not NEED that jacket in Belk that is so cute and would go with so many outfits in your fall and winter wardrobe, no matter how cute it is or how great the sale price is.

It was a long day today, but I had fun spending time with my daughter, and I will get to see my son play soccer tomorrow afternoon.

Day 5 - Sophie's Choice

2008-09-05T21:24:00.002-05:00

This is me, Sophie. This is the 3rd time for me to do the thirty days of nothing. It is the fifth day and I have already been tempted. I was at the mall for a birthday party and we were on a scavenger hunt. We had to go to stores that I like and I brought my wallet. I was so tempted that I was about to die. I had a lot of fun, though. Blog to you later!

Day 4 - I REALLY DO Hate Shopping

2008-09-04T22:52:00.004-05:00

I finally had to break down and head to Aldi for milk and a few other necessities (eggs, bread, etc.) I got several meals planned out and ended up spending $18.46. Other than having to prepare something for the teacher appreciation breakfast on Tuesday morning, I have the meals and snacks covered through the weekend and beyond.

While in the grocery store, I realized something that my family and close friends will not believe. I really hate shopping. It is exhausting and sometimes fruitless (especially when clothes-shopping for myself or the kids) and although I have seen a few e-mails from some of my favorite online stores that tempted me, the physical act of shopping in a store holds little appeal for me. I particularly hate the mall, any mall, especially large ones. Unless I need something specific, I do not like just browsing through stores, with the exception of bookstores, and I could stay there forever. To me, if I don't have any money to spend, it is no fun to just "window shop" or "look."

For instance, Sara has a birthday party at the local mall tomorrow evening, and it would probably be easier for me to just "hang out" at the mall and look around while she is there for the 1 1/2 hours of the party. I would rather go home. The Chik-fil-a would be WAY too tempting, and I am sure that since I am not spending that I would find something that I just HAD to have and could probably rationalize as a need. Even the bookstore would be difficult as I have a hard time leaving without taking a book home with me. Since the mall is nearby, I will take her and see if I can arrange a ride home for her or just go back and get her. There is just no point in torturing myself when I can kick back for an hour at home alone.

Day 3 - The Invisible Woman

2008-09-03T20:36:00.003-05:00

This is a video that someone sent me the other day. It really spoke to me as a mother and especially as a single mother with no husband to "validate" me when I just need someone to notice me and what I am doing for my family. I do feel invisible at times, except when I mess up and fail and then it seems like the whole world notices.

Okay, I will stop whining now and let the video by Nicole Johnson speak for itself.
God notices, and that is all that counts.

Day 2 - Spend Less, Save More

2008-09-02T22:42:00.004-05:00

I am having to credit my fellow blogger Mary over at Owlhaven for both the idea and the inspiration for our 30 Days of Nothing. I even borrowed her button/poster that really sums it all up and challenges me to see how little I can spend at the grocery store this month. I have to admit that I do not budget for groceries very well. I just buy what we need and when things get really tight I just buy much less and only what we absolutely need. That's when we dig into the pantry and freezer and get creative.

But that is what we'll be doing all month, so I will be keeping you posted on our running total at the grocery store/CVS. So far we are at $0.00, which is good, but I am sure that I will need milk and bread before the end of the week. With a 13-year-old growing teen boy and a 10-year-old girl that loves milk, I will go all the way to Aldi to get the $1.99 milk, but I will still have to buy it. (By the way, yes, I have tried mixing in some powdered milk, but my OCD son with his sensitive palate can tell the difference and since he is already a picky eater, I won't make him drink even the milk with some powdered milk in it - unless it is just for cooking so that even he cannot tell the difference.)

So I will be accountable to you, even if no one is reading this, and we will see how frugal we can be! How low can we go?

Day 1 - Avoiding Legalism

2008-09-01T22:17:00.001-05:00

I have to admit that Day 1 of our "30 Days of Nothing" has been rather easy. We drove yesterday to my parents' home to spend some time with them over the long Labor Day weekend. When we arrived, we were all tired from Sophie's soccer tournament, so we napped and rested and then were treated to a scrumptious dinner made by my parents and an unexpected long visit with my "Aunt" Dorothy, who has known me since the day I was born 40 years ago, It was such a joy to see her and hug her. I had not seen her since I was pregnant with Ben at my brother's wedding over 13 years ago. She is so precious and I love her so much.

Then on Labor Day, we did not labor, but instead rested, visited, read and ate. A perfect day in my book. My dad worked on my car and loaded me up with food before we left for home.

By the way, my father is one of the wisest men I know, and has a true servant's heart. He wholeheartedly supports me in my single motherhood, and is always there when I need him. When I was mentioning Sophie's soccer game in Montgomery next weekend and how to deal with packing a lunch for the trip when we would probably be carpooling with someone, he said, "Now don't be legalistic about this thing. God has grace for circumstances like that and so should you. Don't fall into the trap of legalism or you might not receive the blessings of this experience." He's right. I need to be careful to not model legalism to my children. We are saved by grace and live by grace, and I need to remember that and teach it to Ben & Sophie.

30 Days of Nothing, Vol. 3

2008-08-31T17:41:00.004-05:00

Tomorrow we are starting again what has become a family tradition, our 30 Days of Nothing "fast from consumerism" that we try to do every September.

It means that today was our last restuarant meal, purchase from a concession stand, etc. I took my daughter to see Mamma Mia Friday night and it was the last non-free entertainment for the next month. We will be cooking whatever is in the pantry and freezer, cooking more from "scratch", playing lots more board games and spending more quality time together. There will be no running by the Pig on the the way home from work to get that one more ingredient I need for supper. There will be no eating out at lunch at work for me, just bagged lunches and leftovers. The only place I will buy milk and probably shop for necessities is at the Aldi store where they have $1.99 milk and other unbelievable bargains.

We will make sacrifices, yes, but compared to the rest of the world we are unbelievably wealthy, even though we are considered poor compared to most of the people we know. My children get reduced lunch at school and we cannot afford to go on vacations, etc., but we have a nice apartment, great schools, clothes and food and necessities galore and consider ourselves very blessed.

I would encourage anyone to join us in this "fast" that thinks it might be good for their family. It is not easy, and I do not claim to have come up with the idea myself. It was a lady named Mary on her "Owlhaven" blog who started this two years ago. With ten children, it must have been much harder for her family!! I will link to her blog later so that you can be as inspired as I was.

Day 25 - Almost There!!!

2007-09-25T22:20:00.002-05:00

I have to apologize for my lack of blogging, but this being frugal takes a bit more time than just stopping through the Arby's drive-thru when I have to work late or the kids have to be two places at once. Whew!! This has taken some work, but it is also nice to not have the option to run to the mall or to the grocery store, so on the weekends it has meant more time at home. I am learning that my kids are very competitive at board games and that I can only take so much of that kind of togetherness. I prefer cuddling up on the couch with my babies and a good family movie.

We are also reading more, which is good. The kids both need to read more for school, and I like to read to relax and help cope with my anxiety. I cannot go to sleep without reading something, whether it is my Bible or a parenting book or the latest John Grisham. (Actually, I am re-reading the Jane Austin novels, so I can't wait to get into the lastest saga of Elizabeth Bennet.)

So there it is. I would rather play games, spend time with my kids, watch movies and read than blog. I guess that is why I only blog for one month a year. Maybe if we start doing this twice a year I will blog for two months a year, but for now this is all I can handle.

I truly have been blessed by our 30 days and will be a little sad when they are over. (I have been craving a Chik-fil-a sandwich for the last 3 weeks, so that may be my first purchase in October!)

Our Story

2007-09-20T23:02:00.004-05:00

I think the time has come to tell our story. We are not your typical single-parent family. In a nutshell, my ex-husband, who left us in 2000 when the kids were 5 and 2, is now serving a ten-year prison sentence in another state. He was a youth minister who got involved with one of his youth back in 2004. Needless to say, this is very hard on all of us. The kids were devastated last May when he started serving his sentence. Ben will be in college and Sophie will be graduating high school when he is released in 2016.

It is hard emotionally, financially (no more child support), even physically and mentally. It is so hard to watch them miss him and sometimes resent him. We have been working on forgiveness and patience and relying on God for sustenance. We actually started our first 30 Days of Nothing last year as a way to just just get by financially. I look back and things were so tough, but they still are now, and sometimes I think the struggle will ever end.

If you are reading this, please take some time and pray for my children, Ben and Sophie. Those may not be their real names, but God knows who they are and what they are going through. They are hurting, especially Sophie. I know that Ben is too, but he talks to his father on the phone and seems to be dealing much better than Sophie.

The picture at the top is of the kids with their dad the day before he left last May to start serving his sentence. Pray for him and his family also. They will have a long ten years also.

From Sophie

2007-09-15T19:49:00.001-05:00

This is Sophie (my blog name). We are doing ok with our 30 days of nothing. I am getting to cook some goodies instead of buying them, and we are playing more games and spending time together as a family. I like that. So far I do not miss very much. Some candy would be nice but I can wait for 2 more weeks for new candy. We have some leftover candy around here anyway.

This is me in my soccer uniform. I love soccer, but we are not winning many games so it is hard sometimes.

God is good to our family, even though I do not get to see my dad. It makes me sad, but my mom takes good care of us and we have Grandon and Mimi to help.

Goodbye for now. I will write more later and let you know how we are doing.

Sophie

A Day to Remember

2007-09-11T21:16:00.002-05:00

What a day in history that I will never forget. September 11, 2001 will forever be ingrained in my brain as the day our lives changed. We as Americans stopped being (quite as) apathetic about our safety and security. We as Christians truly relied on prayer to get us through those tough and uncertain times.

Tonight I am simply grateful for my country, my family, my faith, and I will not take those things for granted. Thank you, Lord, for protecting my family and providing for us in an uncertain world.

Grace

2007-09-09T21:23:00.000-05:00

Grace was once described to me as this ...
Imagine you are standing on the edge of a cliff, needing to get over the gorge to the other side. It's too far to jump, there's no way around, no way down - except jumping to your certain death - but, your life depends on getting to the other side.

Grace is the swing that appears in front of you. It allows you to climb in and be help closely, safely til you reach the other side - no matter how long it takes. It allows you to rest in the knowledge that regardless of the journey's length or direction, you are safe in the knowledge that you will get to where you need to be. When you need to be there.

2 Corinthians 12:8-10 says:
Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Rupture

2007-09-08T22:02:00.000-05:00

Sometimes our prayers are for deliverance from conditions which are morally indispensable--that is, conditions which are absolutely necessary to our redemption. God does not grant us those requests. He will not because He loves us with a pure and implacable purpose: that Christ be formed in us. If Christ is to live in my heart, if his life is to be lived in me, I will not be able to contain Him. The self, small and hard and resisting as a nut, will have to be ruptured. My own purposes and desires and hopes will have to at times be exploded. The rupture of the self is death, but out of death comes life. The acorn must rupture if an oak tree is to grow.

--Elisabeth Elliott

I don't know about you, but I really needed to hear that today.

Time's Running Out - Get 5 for the Price of 1!

2007-09-06T22:09:00.000-05:00

I'm sure it has always been this way and I am only noticing this now as we "fast" from consumerism for 30 days, but I am absolutely BOMBARDED with e-mail ads that urge and practically beg me to spend money. In my work e-mail alone today (which has a pretty good spam blocker), I had e-mails from Old Navy, Chadwick's, LL Bean, Land's End, Zappo's, Book-of-the-Month Club, Sound and Spirit (Columbia House), Bare Escentuals, Crocs, Better Homes & Garden's, and even a few more. Then on my home/personal e-mail I had almost that many, with different merchandisers. It also seems that about 70% of my actual/"snail" mail is made up of catalogs, advertising or flat out solicitations for me to send money to this or that deserving organization. I won't even go into trying to simply watch the news or a television show. It is absolutely ridiculous!

I have also noticed that I have not used my debit card all week, which is a welcome change. Granted, this is a short work week and when I went to the grocery store on Monday while Sara was at soccer, I only got the basics, but I stocked up on those (more milk & bread, etc.) so that I could completely avoid the grocery store all week. When I go back, I will use cash and only go in for the milk that will probably run out sometime this weekend or early next week (although I do have some powdered milk that I can "stretch" the milk with if necessary).

Tonight was the first time the not eating out has hit us so far. This is our crazy busy night of the week, and there is never any time to cook on Thursdays, but tonight was worse than usual because I worked late so I normally would have scooted through the Arby's drive-thru with my coupons and gotten us a quick and cheap meal. Thankfully I had prepared and cooked something extra earlier in the week so that we had leftovers to eat at home, so although we ate later than usual, we did not have wait for me to cook. I will have to remember to do some extra cooking this weekend so that we are prepared for this type of thing next week. I just need to remember that even though it is tempting to eat out, it probably is faster in the end just to heat up a leftover, make a sandwich or heat up a cup of soup at home.

Time may be running out, but I can live without whatever it is you are selling!!

Day 4 ~ See How We've Grown

2007-09-04T21:14:00.000-05:00

This is Ben & Sophie this past Easter. They've grown what seems like a foot since then! Ben is catching up to me, and Sophie is not far behind. We are so blessed, and even though it is just the three of us, we are a tight little family. God is good to us!

30 Days of Nothing---Well, Less

2007-09-03T21:59:00.000-05:00

I've felt rather guilty lately about saying 30 days of NOTHING. Indeed, it is more like 30 days of LESS where I live in my world. I have so much...even if we strip down to the bare essentials, I live in a nice apartment, in a pretty safe neighborhood, in a wonderful town. I attend a good church with loving folks. I have electricity and running water. I can take 2 showers a day if I desire. I drive a nice car. So, nothing seems rather inappropriate. 30 days of LESS.

The goal of this month-long fast is to break the grip of materialism in our hearts and minds. We want to live in gratitude, not discontent; and we want to live with awareness of the great responsibility our affluence has laid on our shoulders.

We're out of touch. Let's just be honest about that right up front.

Today, across the world, 1.3 billion people live on less than one dollar a day; 3 billion live on under two dollars a day; 1.3 billion have no access to clean water; 3 billion have no access to sanitation; 2 billion have no access to electricity.1

Think about your children; about the hard work you put into raising them.
Now imagine doing it with no electricity.
No bathroom. No garbage service.
No clean water.
On $2 a day.

Is it any wonder that 30,000 children under the age of 5 die every day from poverty-related issues? That's 210,000 a week or over 10 million a year, if you're counting.2

I have two children. When they woke up this morning I kissed them and made them a good healthy breakfast (well, I made sure they got cereal & milk). 30,000 other children died.

Americans spend $110 billion a year on fast food, 3
39 billion dollars a year on their pets. 4
We are carrying over 2 trillion dollars in credit card and auto debt.5

The disparity haunts me. How does a Christ-follower reconcile the needs of the world with the realities of every day life in an affluent nation?
I just don't know - but we're going to spend a month trying to find out.

30 days of LESS is about learning to be thankful for what I have; learning to save; learning to give; learning to not rely on money for comfort. So, 30 days of LESS it is.

1 Globalissues.org "Poverty and Hunger Facts" 2 UNICEF State of the World's Children 2005 3 Fast Food Nation - Eric Schlosser
4 CNN.com 5 CNNmoney.com

Day 2 - The Lord's Day

2007-09-02T11:54:00.000-05:00

This song from church this morning just sums things up well for me. All our needs are met in Christ!

In Christ Alone

In Christ alone my hope is found, He is my light, my strength, my song;

This cornerstone, this solid ground, firm thorugh the fiercest drought and storm.

What heights of love, what depths of peace, when fears are stilled, when strivings cease!

My comforter, my all in all, here in the love of Christ I stand.

In Christ alone! Who took on flesh, fullness of God in helpless babe!

This gift of love and righteousness, scorned by the ones He came to save:

Till on that cross as Jesus died, the wrath of God was satisfied

For ev'ry sin on Him was laid; here in the death of Christ I love.

There in the ground His body lay, Light of the world by darkness slain;

Then bursting forth in glorious day up from the grave he rose again!

And as He stands in victory sin's curse has lost its grip on me,

For I am His and He is mine - bought with the precious blood of Christ.

No guilt in life, no fear in death, this is the pow'r of Christ in me;

From life's first cry to final breath, Jesus commands my destiny.

No pow'r of hell, no scheme of man, can ever pluck my from His hand;

Till He returns or calls me home, here in the pow'r of Christ I'll stand!

Day 1 - 30 Days of Nothing

2007-09-01T23:00:00.000-05:00

Day one was pretty easy. We are visiting my parents for the Labor Day weekend, so we are just relaxing and spending time with family. We have been treated to some absolutely wonderful meals so we are eating much better than usual. So far we've had homemade pound cake (a staple around here), chicken and dumplings, pork chops with fresh corn-on-the-cob, and I think we have a roast with all the trimmings for Sunday lunch tomorrow. YUM!

I did spend money for Ben to get a haircut this morning - but it was definitely a necessity. We simply did not have time to get it done before the 30 days started, and the lady who cuts it here is better than our usual Supercuts at home, so it was well worth it.

We spent the morning at the pool, ate a nice lunch, spent some time watching a movie with the kids and then all took a nap. A perfect day in my book.

Tomorrow my Daddy and I are singing one of our favorite duets at their church, and I am looking forward to that and a nice afternoon and evening with my family. I will try and have the kids post some once we get more underway and the sacrifices start to hit home.

30 Days of Nothing - The Sequel

2007-08-31T22:50:00.000-05:00

We are starting a new 30 Days of Nothing for the month of September. As you may recall, this blog was started when we did this last year for the first time. We learned so much that we decided to embark on this journey again. It is a fact from consumerism, so to speak. In other words, we do not buy anything that is not an absolute necessity. That means no eating out, no convenience foods purchased at the last minute at "the Pig," no treats, no movies or other entertainment. I think you get the picture.

Last year I remember running out of shaving cream and having to shave with soap, running out of the "good" toothpaste and having to use the yucky stuff and having to get very creative with my meal planning and using only what was in my pantry and freezer.

I also remember having fun playing board games with the kids, baking with Sophie and having fun making Ben eat things that he would not normally even try. We spent more quality time together as a family and learned a great deal by making small sacrifices. It is exciting to all of us to do this again and we can't wait to see what happens this year!

We Made It!

2006-10-31T23:14:00.000-06:00

We made it through our 30 days! I admit it. There were times when it was very hard. I had to plan meals that might otherwise have been eaten out and/or on the run, and it was hard to have to remember to bring my lunch every day to work. We had to get creative about some things around the house, and I definitely had to get creative with my meal planning and execution. Thank goodness we have an out-of-town trip for a tournament so that the kids will get to eat out (on purpose) and enjoy some of the things they missed during the 30 days. Unfortunately we did have to put off some purchases that will have to made this month, so that might eat into the money we saved by being frugal, but all in all, I would say that our 30 day fast from consumerism was a success. In fact, I am hoping that we can do it again either in the spring or next September.

By the way, these are the kids in their Halloween costumes from our carnival at church tonight. Ben was Ryan Seacrest and Sophie was a soccer goalie.

Technical Difficulties, etc.

2006-10-18T19:55:00.000-05:00

First of all, I have tried to post earlier this week with no success. Why it is working now when it would not at other times I have no idea! All I do know is that I am now home with a mild case of strep throat and I will probably not feel like posting for a few days.

We are doing well with out 30 Days of Nothing challenge. My children are quite strict when they want to be! When I picked them up with my prescription in tow today, they questioned me as to whether my antibiotic was a "necessity." I assured tham that it was if they wanted me to live! They did not seem convinced!!

Fun at the Game

2006-10-15T14:18:00.000-05:00

Can you tell that we had fun even though our team lost in overtime to Bama?! We had such a great time at the big game yesterday. Our friend Mrs. T was so nice to take us with her even though we were rooting for different teams. Thank you so much!!!!

Conservation & Challenge

2006-10-13T22:21:00.000-05:00

Well, after 2+ weeks, we are finally starting to feel the effects of our 30 Days of Nothing challenge. It has been subtle, but as we pass the halfway point it is starting to become more evident that we are not shopping for anything but absolute necessities. Personally, I find myself passing by the paper plates and paper towels for the real thing as those paper products start to dwindle. Ben and I have been squeezing the life out of this poor little tube of Close Up in the bathroom we share, willing it to squeeze out just a little more since we really dislike the flavor of the Colgate back-up tube in the linen closet. My good shampoo is down to the last drop, so I'm turning to my back-up cheap stuff that just isn't as good. The Coca-Cola is nearly gone. I would love a glass of wine tonight. Poor us. What will we do?

It is so silly even thinking about what we are missing! We have plenty of food, clothing, a nice home, and everything we could possibly need. How dare we even think that we are sacrificing anything? The more we get into this challenge, the more I am convinced that we are not doing enough. My missionary friends in Ukraine are doing without such things every day as they serve Christ in that desolate area. Even with our low income and modest way of life, we are considered wealthy compared with most of the world.

My challenge to myself and my family for the second half of our "fast" from consumerism is to figure out what we can do to help someone -- anyone -- who is less fortunate than we are. It might be someone around the world or it may be someone here in Birmingham. It may involve a soup kitchen or a mission trip. I don't know. I do know that I want my children to realize how privileged they are, even though they would say we are poor compared to all of their friends. We are very blessed, and I can only hope that we are starting to realize how truly blessed and wealthy we are!!!

30 Days of Blessing

2006-10-11T22:47:00.000-05:00

I have decided that the "30 Days of Nothing" should have been called "30 Days of Blessing". I know I have commented on this before, but in the two weeks since we started this family adventure, we have been blessed beyond all measure. I don't know if our attitude of gratitude and not satisfying our every craving has just made us more sensitive to the blessings that we were experiencing all along or if we have just absolutely been blessed more than ever. You know that we are getting to go to the big Ole Miss/Alabama football game on Saturday, and we are all just so thrilled. That is such a huge gift for us! Tonight I got home after church and picked up the mail and there was a card from a court reporter that I work with occasionally with a $25 gift card to my favorite department store in it. It was something I might have expected to see around Christmas, but the middle of October?! Amazing!! It seems like stuff like that just keeps happening. Any small sacrifices we are making are well worth it, and I would really encourage any family who wants to step out of the rat race a bit to try this challenge for themselves. The sacrifices are minimal, but the rewards are great!!!

Ox in the Ditch

2006-10-10T22:06:00.000-05:00

The reason I haven't posted in a couple of days is that I ended up in the ER getting a migraine shot yesterday, so I haven't felt much like writing (or doing much else, for that matter). Thankfully, my children were with my parents for the weekend, so they weren't around to watch me suffer. I really struggled with whether or not to go and get the migraine shot, since the cost is usually not completely covered by my health insurance. Since I was so sick and could not take any of my regular medicine, I decided that the migraine shot qualified as a necessity (my ox was in the ditch, so to speak) and that I could justify the expense. I won't know how much my part will be until the insurance goes through and I get a bill, so technically I didn't spend any money yet.

We had a wonderful blessing today! Our dear friend had mentioned possibly getting us tickets to the Alabama/Ole Miss game in Tuscaloosa this Saturday. Today she called and said that she got them and is treating our whole family to go and see the big game. This is huge for us since the kids love Ole Miss so much and they have never been to a game (since they were old enough to remember). An added bonus for me is that I grew up in Tuscaloosa and went to school at Ole Miss, so I really love both teams and don't care who wins. Of course, the kids are all gearing up to wear their Ole Miss stuff and blue and red so their loyalty is clear. What a sweet gift! Nothing could have thrilled the children more. I'm sure we'll be writing more about this adventure, especially if Ole Miss pulls out a win (which would be a miracle)!

Getting With the Program

2006-10-07T21:12:00.000-05:00

Well, it seems as if I did not explain the 30 Days of Nothing concept very well to my 8-year-old daughter. She seems to be under the impression that as long as the money she spends is not hers, then its okay to spend. At her brother's soccer game this morning, after she had already ripped her soccer uniform shorts climbing a chain link fence, she took it upon herself to ask our friend, Mr. D., for money for the concession stand. She went and bought a drink and sunflower seeds. When I asked her what she thought she was doing, she said, "What? I didn't pay for them, Mr. D. did, so its okay, Mom!" I tried to explain the concept again to her, but decided to wait and work on her once she got back from visiting her grandparents for the weekend. I just made sure that for now, she shared her ill-gotten gains with her brother and all the other kids at the game. I will probably not post again until they come back. I am resting and getting a few things done around the house while they are gone for a couple of days.

By the way, both kids lost their soccer games. My daughter's team had not lost a game yet, so she was very disappointed. My son made the only goal for his team, even though they went on to lose. They both performed very well for their teams.

Invitation to the Thirsty

2006-10-05T22:14:00.000-05:00

Isaiah 55

"Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters;

and you who have no money, come, buy and eat!

Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.
Why spend money on what is not bread,

and your labor on what does not satisfy?

Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good,

and your soul will delight in the richest of fare.
Give ear and come to me;

hear me, that your soul may live.

I will make an everlasting covenant with you,

my faithful love promised to David.
See, I have made him a witness to the peoples,

a leader and commander of the peoples.
Surely you will summon nations you know not,

and nations that do not know you will hasten to you,

because of the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel,

for he has endowed you with splendor."
Seek the LORD while he may be found;

call on him while he is near.
Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts.

Let him turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on him,

and to our God, for he will freely pardon.
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts,

neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD.
"As the heavens are higher than the earth,

so are my ways higher than your ways

and my thoughts than your thoughts.
As the rain and the snow come down from heaven,

and do not return to it without watering the earth

and making it bud and flourish,

so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,

so is my word that goes out from my mouth:

It will not return to me empty,

but will accomplish what I desire

and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace;

the mountains and hills will burst into song before you,

and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.
Instead of the thornbush will grow the pine tree,

and instead of briers the myrtle will grow.

This will be for the LORD's renown,

for an everlasting sign, which will not be destroyed."

Day 7 ~ Overview of Week 1

2006-10-03T17:30:00.000-05:00

For those of you who don't know, we are on day 7 of our 30 Days of Nothing adventure. (You can read the original post here.) I finally broke down and went to the store yesterday and got bread and milk. It was really nice bypassing all the usual stuff I would normally put into my basket, secure in the knowledge that we don't really need that stuff. Granted, we still have not run out of anything that we would normally have around here, but both my kitchen timers bit the dust yesterday, so that could get tricky before the month is out! (I tend to be a bit absentminded when cooking, especially after work, so can you say "burnt offerings"?) That could get interesting!

Altogether, I would say that this first week has not been very difficult, once we got into the mindset of not consuming and spending. There have been no real hardships so far, and our week has not been disrupted at all. I think that in the next several weeks we will be tested more as we start to run out of our "non-necessities" and they are not replaced automatically. (I am anticipating a frantic tug-of-war over that last fruit roll-up!) The kids are going to their grandparents' house next weekend, and while they get a reprieve for a few days, that is when I will really be tempted to eat out or grocery shop, since when they are gone I actually have time for such things! For me, that will be the true test of my self-control.

Our Weekend Together

2006-10-02T20:52:00.000-05:00

This is us on Saturday night. We had a very busy weekend. On Friday I went to the high school football game because it was Homecoming. I went with two friends and I saw more of my friends there at the game. Our team lost. It was pretty sad to see them lose at Homecoming. Saturday, my sister had a game and she won 10 - 4. She made 2 goals and let 2 goals by when she was goalie. At my game, we lost 2-1 and did not play very well at all. Then I had to go sing with the Boy's Choir at a wedding (see me in my uniform). Then on Sunday I went to church and later on I had another soccer game. We played a harder team and beat them 2-0. Out of our division, my team is in 4th place, which is pretty good for us. After our game we went to our church's 28th birthday party and had a blast. They had cool stuff to play on and there was a lot of food. Yum! I hardly even remembered that we were in the 30 Days of Nothing all weekend because we were so busy and did not miss anything at all.

Proof That I Love Reading

2006-10-02T20:34:00.000-05:00

This is me reading my AR book during my brother's soccer game on Saturday. My AR book is a 6.4 level and is worth 4.0 points. I like it! I am on chapter 9 and there are only 13 chapters. I want to read until I fall asleep tonight so I'd better go brush my teeth and get in bed. But before I do that I want to tell you a surprising part of the story. Count Olaf is doing a play in which Klaus and Sunny are cheering midgets and Count Olaf has a crush on Violet. Count Olaf and Violet get married in this play. Klaus thinks Count Olaf is marrying Violet for real, but one of my friends has read it and told me that he doesn't do it for real. At the very last minute of the chapter, Sunny goes missing! I will find out about Sunny tonight in chapter 9. I'm so excited to find out what is going to happen with Sunny. The friend that told me about Count Olaf not really marrying Violet in real life is Mason. He is reading the 5th Lemony Snicket book right now. After I read this book I will take an AR test on it and then I will read Harriet the Spy. If I make a good grade on my test I will read the 2nd Lemony Snicket book.
Good night! I've got to go and read!!!!!!!!!

Day 5 ~ Enough

2006-10-01T06:38:00.000-05:00

It is Sunday, and as we prepare to go to worship this morning I find myself with this song ringing in my heart. It is called "Enough" by Barlow Girl, and since we don't own the cd, I'm going to call our local Christian radio station and request it so we can hear it before church. I got these lyrics off the website for Barlow Girl. If you go there, you can hear a sample of the song. The words speak for themselves.

"Enough"

All of You is more than enough for

All of me for every thirst and every need

You satisfy me with Your love

And all I have in You

Is more than enough

You are my supply

My breath of life

Still more awesome than I know

You are my reward worth living for

Still more awesome than I know

You're my sacrifice of greatest price

Still more awesome than I know

You're my coming King

You're everything

Still more awesome than I know

Words and music by Chris Tomlin and Louie Giglio

Day 4 ~ Riches

2006-09-30T19:28:00.000-05:00

I have said that Abraham possessed nothing. Yet was not this poor man rich? Everything he had owned before was his still to enjoy: sheep, camels, herds and goods of every sort. He had also his wife and his friends, and best of all he had his son Isaac safe by his side. He had everything, but he possessed nothing. There is the spiritual secret. There is the sweet theology of the heart which can be learned only in the school of renunciation. The books on systematic theology overlook this, but the wise will understand.
A.W. Tozer

Today was a day of riches, of time spent watching my children run around a soccer field, playing with them, just sitting with them while we read books and cuddling after dinner. We're doing great with our 30 Days of Nothing. We packed lunches to eat between soccer games. So far there have been few complaints and few things I wished I could buy, so no one is suffering here.

Actually, there is more of a contented feeling around the house these days, which is nice. We have everything we need right here. God is providing in ways that I could never have imagined.

We are doing our usual preparation for Sunday, getting our clothes ready for church, working on my 3rd-grade Sunday School lesson, doing laundry and cooking and baking and cleaning. It has been a really nice day and I am a rich woman indeed!

Day 3 ~ Be Your Everything

2006-09-29T06:00:00.000-05:00

This song is so very appropriate as we are learning that He is our everything and all that we truly need. It has been our "theme song" for many months, ever since we discovered Big Daddy Weave. Yesterday it rang in my head all day, so when we were driving home last night we played (and sang) it in the car, even waiting in the driveway to finish the song before we went in for supper. We can all relate to it in some way. Ben even wants to get a guitar for Christmas and start learning some chords so that he can learn to play it. (I found the chord chart and song lyrics on the Big Daddy Weave website.) I encourage you to visit the website and listen to the song. I promise that you'll be blessed!

BE YOUR EVERYTHING

When you’re lost and all alone, I will be your sure way home.
When you’re left out in the cold, I will be your shelter from the storm.
When you’re clouded by your doubts, you’re surrounded and there’s no other way out
I will be all that you need, and I’m here for the asking.

Let Me be your everything. Let Me be your everything.
Look at all that I will bring in exchange for what you have.

Bring your sorrow bring your shame, all your suffering and your pain.
Don’t you know the price is paid if only you’ll let Me be
Let Me be your everything.

When you’re wandering in the darkness, I will be the light that guides you,
And when death is standing at your doorway I will be the life inside you.

When you face your deepest fears, when you can’t see thru all the tears
I will stay throughout the years, so patiently waiting.
Hear Me saying

Neither height nor depth, nor life or death
The angels above or the demons beneath the sea
Could ever separate you from the love in Me, so won’t you let Me be

Recorded by Big Daddy Weave on Fields of Grace, written by Mike Weaver ©2003

Day 2 ~ Unexpected Blessings

2006-09-28T20:58:00.000-05:00

My day started with a wonderful surprise! When I got to my desk this morning at work, there was a huge bag of Southern Living at Home goodies sitting in my chair. Contained in the bag were items that I had coveted a few weeks ago but had decided not to purchase. Most of them were for Christmas gifts, but the vase shown in the picture was purely for me. (I apologize for the arrangement in the very lovely vase, but since we are not purchasing flowers, I had to rummage around in the bushes after dark tonight and this was the best that my dear daughter and I could do!) My dear friend Jen and her friend Alice, who has met me only once, were so thoughtful and generous to get the things that I had wanted with part of the proceeds from their party. I was so overwhelmed by their kindness that all day I felt like a kid on Christmas morning who has just gotten her wish list filled by Santa! You could not wipe the grin off my face and I was moved to tears by the unexpected blessing.

To those sweet ladies: Thank you! As promised in Isaiah 58, "...then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday. And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water,whose waters do not fail...."

I'm in Love with Reading

2006-09-28T20:21:00.000-05:00

This is me a couple of weeks ago at my soccer game. I love soccer! My positions are mostly goally, defense and midfield. Before now, sports were the main thing that I loved, but now I am starting to love reading. I like the Horrible Harry books and also A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket. My new love of reading has got me wanting to read all the time. I even got a warning today for reading when I was suposd to be paying attention to the teacher.

So far the 30 days are going fine. I am not really missing anything yet. Mom is going to bake some goodies for us this weekend for snacks.

Day One ~ Freedom

2006-09-27T22:35:00.000-05:00

I have to say, except for the sudden realization in the shower this morning that I was going to have to ration out the shaving cream and "good" shampoo if I was going to make it for 30 days without replenishing, things are starting out very well! Our verses from Isaiah 58:6-12 that we are basing this fast on speak of the "yoke" that oppresses us and how we will be blessed by removing the yoke of oppression. (here's a link to Isaiah 58:6-12)

I have just had the most overwhelming feeling of freedom all day. From the discussion at lunch about Christmas shopping (not doing any this month!) to the usual catalogs that arrived in the mail from Victoria's Secret, Chadwick's, American Girl and Lifeway Christian Stores that were immediately tossed (okay, I did peek inside the Lifeway one and that was the only one that even tempted me!), it was nice to not even have to think about that stuff.

Now I probably will not feel this way the entire time, and when we run out of all the "good" snacks, the kids probably won't feel so content either, but for now we can truly say that we are content with what we have, as Paul so eloquently expressed in Philippians 4:11-12 (NIV) "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want."

Preparation & Temptation

2006-09-26T21:55:00.000-05:00

Today was a day of both preparation and temptation. I kept racking my brain to think of anything we needed that I should take care of before we started the 30 day "fast" tomorrow. I ordered Ben some shoes that I had been putting off getting him since he would need them before the end of the 30 days. The kids' school picture proofs came today, and since we have not ordered them for several years and these were particularly good, I hit up the grandparents for their share so that we could go ahead and order them before tomorrow. The checks are written, and even though they won't be turned in or cashed until we are in the midst of the 30 days, I felt like I should make the order, write the checks and seal them up today. Every bill is paid, and except for getting gas, milk and bread and the occasional fill-in for a meal, I'm hoping to really stick to the NO SPENDING $$$. What money I do spend I will track carefully in my datebook. Who knows, maybe this month I will actually be able to afford to pay all the bills!

We did a mystery shop pizza assignment and ate our last restaurant food for the next month. It did feel better knowing that it was free pizza we were eating. Temptation came during the day when a friend called for a last-minute lunch thing, but I was too busy with work and running around doing last minute errands, so I turned her down and ate the lunch that I had brought from home. I figured that I'd better get used to not even having the option, so I've stashed some emergency Easy-Mac (which I hate) from my pantry at my desk in case I ever forget my lunch. NO EXCUSES!

I think we're ready. I sort of feel like a kid the night before a birthday or other special day. I'm bone tired but I'm not sleepy at all - just excited. I guess I'll go fold some laundry, make sure the kitchen is clean and then try to drift off with a good book (from the library).

Keep us in your prayers!

It's the Night Before Nothing

2006-09-26T21:37:00.000-05:00

It's the night before nothing
and all through the house
we're eating our last Papa John's pizza
and it's quiet as a mouse (cause my sister is asleep)
(That's it. I'm too busy and tired to rhyme any more.)
I'll post more later. I have an AR book to finish by Friday, so you won't hear much from me until then. Thank goodness our school pictures came today so Mom could buy some (since I am so good looking) before we start not buying stuff tomorrow. I think she also ordered me some shoes that I need for fall.

(Maybe I should go and hide some of the last fruit roll-ups from my sister!)

30 Days of Nothing ~ Spiritual Preparation

2006-09-26T06:13:00.001-05:00

In our Fire & Reign Prayer & Fasting Guide, I found the following quote that sums up some of the reasons for doing this "fast":

Self-indulgence is the enemy of gratitude,

and self-discipline usually its friend and generator.

That is why gluttony is is a deadly sin. The early desert fathers

believed that a person's appetities are linked:

full stomachs and jaded palates take the edge from

our hunger and thrist for righteousness.

They spoil the appetite for God.

Cornelius Plantinga, Jr.

Scriptures referencing "nothing": (emphasis added)

Surely he will have no respite from his craving; he cannot save himself by his treasure. Nothing is left for him to devour; his prosperity will not endure. ~Job 20:20-21

Do not be overawed when a man grows rich, when the splendor of his house increases; for he will take nothing with him when he dies, his splendor will not descend with him.

~Psalm 49:16-17

Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.

~ Ecclesiastes 2:11

These were his instructions: "Take nothing for the journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in your belts." ~ Mark 6:8

Then Jesus asked them, "When I sent you without purse, bag or sandals, did you lack anything?" "Nothing," they answered. ~Luke 24:35-36

When they all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, "Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted." ~John 6:12

But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. ~1 Timothy 6:6-8

We are pondering on these scriptures and others as we prepare to begin our "fast" tomorrow. Please feel free to leave other relevant passages in your comments. We appreciate any encouragement and guidance!

30 Days of Nothing ~ Preparation

2006-09-25T21:11:00.000-05:00

I'm trying to prepare for the 30 days of nothing both physically and spiritually. Physically, I went through our pantry and freezer and made a grocery list of staples that we would need in order to stay out of the store as much as possible for the 30 days (of course this cost me about $50, but it was the last big trip to the store for the next month, so that really wasn't bad). I got many more groceries than I usually get for that amount of money because I was buying things like baking supplies (flour, corn meal, sugar, etc) and odds and ends to fill in with meals for which I already have most of the ingredients. I did not spend money on our usual luxuries (kids' snacks, soda, convenience foods, etc.) but I did make sure that we were fully stocked in paper products (especially toilet paper). Thanks to the food bank we visit once a month, the freezer is fully stocked and we have plenty of canned veggies and other odds and ends that will help us make it though the month. The kids are rationing out the "luxury" snack foods that they have now so that they will last. Its funny to watch them trying to decide whether to eat that snack cake or cookie now or save it for later. (They don't realize that they will get plenty of home-baked goodies from me now that I'm forced to use what is in the pantry!) I'll post tomorrow about some of the spiritual preparations we're making. Our church is even doing a church-wide study on the book of Acts that includes a prayer and fasting guide that will definitely come in handy during our "fast from consumerism." Please keep us in your prayers, especially that we will learn and grow as we make our small attempts to "do without."

Fall into Reading Challenge

2006-09-24T21:29:00.000-05:00

A blog I stumbled upon called Callapidder Days is having a great challenge to get everyone setting goals and reading. The goal is to have these books read by December 21st. I am posting non-fiction books, since I can tear through fiction books very quickly and have been known to read several fiction books a week. My challenge to myself is to read all those non-fiction, self-help, spiritual improvement books that I NEED to be reading but generally set aside in favor of the more relaxing fiction.

Here's my list:
1) A Long Obedience in the Same Direction by Eugene H. Peterson
2) People of the Lie by M. Scott Peck
3) The Courage to Love Again by Sheila Ellison
4) Sacred Parenting by Gary L. Thomas
5) Addicted to Hurry: Spiritual Strategies for Slowing Down by Kirk Byron Jones
6) Help! I'm Raising My Children Alone by T.D. Jakes

Of course, I have a bit of a headstart, since I have technically started all of these books and have owned them for quite some time, but have just not gotten around to actually reading and finishing them. With a goal in place, I should step up my efforts and knock them out! I urge you to join this challenge. My children don't know this yet, but they are setting similar goals soon for themselves!

Happy Reading!!

Sophie's Thoughts on 30 Days of Nothing

2006-09-24T19:23:00.000-05:00

Hi, I'm Sophie. I think this would be good for us to try. We/I can be very selfish sometimes. We like to snack a lot. My favorites are cookies, of course, yogurt, fruit rollups, oatmeal cookie cremes, soda and any kind of candy, like any girl would want. I love to go to the movies, but we will not do that either. Waaa, waaaa, waaaa!!! I am an absolute tomboy. (a girl that basicly acts like a boy) It will be hard to go without the computer, tv, GameBoy or other stuff for one day, but we will make it, and of course I've done that before when I was in groundingness (a lot). I'm a little scared about this, but I know it will be good for us. I'll keep you posted on how bad it gets! Pray for us.

Ben's View on the 30 Days of Nothing

2006-09-24T17:49:00.000-05:00

This is me, the man of the house. About this 30 days thing, I'm all for it, but then I won't really know what it's like until we do it. I know that we will not get any extra food like RITZ peanutbutter crackers in the packages, Fruit Roll-ups, and cookies. I know that we will make deserts like brownies and chocolate chip cookies from scratch with stuff we already have. We are starting Wednesday, September 27, 2006. We will not be eating out, going to the movies, and buying things that we don't need. One day on one weekend we will not have computer, T.V., game systems, radio, cell phone, or C.D. player. We also won't buy sodas or anything that we don't absolutely need. It might be hard, but I am thinking that it will be very educational for all of us because even though we do not have much money anyway we are sort of spoiled. We are starting it early because I have a soccer tournament starting on the 27 of October. The soccer tournament is in Mobile.

30 Days of Nothing ~ Preparation & Explanation

2006-09-24T14:00:00.000-05:00

We are about to embark on a 30-day journey as a family. I recently ran across a wonderful post on a blog while doing some research/freelance work for a friend. It talked about how, for thirty days, this family was going to participate in a 30 day fast from consumerism. Starting September 27th and going through October 26th, our little family is going to join them. (We have an out-of-town soccer tournament the weekend of October 27th, so we are starting this week in order to get our 30 days in before we have to go out-of -town for the tournament.)

Here's how it will work: (taken in part from the Intent website)

For 30 days, my family will buy nothing except our basic necessities. No clothes or books. No movies, no trips to the ice cream parlor. No paper, or pictures, or magazines. No fancy hair gel or eating out. Lattes? Nope. Nothing except what it takes to live. During that month, I/we will journal our experiences, and blog our thoughts about poverty and hunger and our response to those issues. I'd like to try and identify with some of the "least" (economically) of the world. We will try and live without computer/TV for at least 1 day. Perhaps the family will sleep together in one room for a night - on the floor; or walk six miles one day - the distance some African women walk daily to get clean water. The goal of this month-long fast is to break the grip of materialism in our hearts and minds. We want to live in gratitude, not discontent; and we want to live with awareness of the great responsibility our affluence (and those of you who know us know that we may not have money, but we are rich in comparison to much of the world) has laid on our shoulders.

"Is this not the fast that I have chosen, to loosen the bonds of wickedness, to undo the bands of the yoke, and to let the oppressed go free, and break every yoke?
Is it not to divide your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into the house; when you see the naked to cover him; and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?" Isaiah 58:7

2006-09-24T13:55:00.000-05:00

Here we are!