Go big or go home.  That’s right.  Here is the New Year I’m starting a spending fast…right now.

The spending fast is new this year for our family.  We aren’t taking the plunge to do an entire year.  We will just be getting our feet wet for the month of January.  And I’m not sure you would call it a fast – more like a serious diet.

We decided to do this because it has become evident that we have become a little relaxed with our spending habits.  We are not honoring God with the blessings He has given us and that is not justifiable.  It is time to get rid of clutter – not add to it.

We eat out a lot because it’s easy when you have three kids and someone always has to be somewhere.  I stop by Sonic a bunch after school because we love us some cherry vanilla Dr. Pepper at happy hour.  Starbucks gets us more than I care to admit because it’s so cold outside and it gives us a warm fuzzy feeling for about 7 minutes. I cannot, and will not, think about the ridiculous amount of “fun” things I have bought at Target.  No more.   

I knew I was getting ready to do this, so I purchased a camera bag last night.  I’m awful.  Ok, now, no more.

So this is how it is going to shake out.  We will keep our cable, phone service, internet and of course our mortgage, insurance, utilities, groceries, and medical co-pays.   The following is what we will be leaving behind.  It’s a hard good-bye…for at least a month.

1. Starbucks (or any coffee from coffee shops)

2. Restaurants – Oh, how I will miss you with all of my heart.  (We do have an exception due to an out of town soccer tournament.  I’m not going to lie.  I’m going to LOVE that.)

3. Anything from Target that is not food – I’m sorry little fox salt and pepper shakers.  You were so cute.

4. Clothes and accessories -You are going to have to wait sweet dress I saw at Francesca’s.

5. Books – I don’t need one more unfinished book around here anyway.

6. Itunes music – My phone is out of storage anyway.

7. Movies – I cannot make myself feel better on this one. 

I’m sure something else is going to rear it’s ugly little head that I’m not thinking about.  But, this is where we are going to start.  Did it go over well with the kids?  No way, Jose.  However, I’m hoping they will appreciate it in the end.  I’m hoping in February they will savor that Chic Fil A stead of taking it for granted. 

God has truly blessed us, and we want to be able to share with others what He has given to us. Join us.  Simply write out 3 reasons you want to go on a spending diet.  This gives you direction, motivation and accountability to get it done.  I can’t wait to see what He will do!

“But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” 

                                                                            Luke 12:48

Here is another version:

“The servant who knows what his master wants and ignores it, or insolently does whatever he pleases, will be thoroughly thrashed. But if he does a poor job through ignorance, he’ll get off with a slap on the hand. Great gifts mean great responsibilities; greater gifts, greater responsibilities!”