Lent is OVER!

Well, I survived 6 weeks without facebook. It was actually not nearly as hard as I thought it would be. Honestly for most of it I didn't even notice. What I did notice was that I had a lot more free time, I read a lot more, and I got more done at work during planning time. Go figure. :) I did return to facebook today and even though it was awesome to take a break, I don't think I'll be getting rid of it completely anytime soon. I love staying in touch with people through it and seeing what everyone is up to! I'm glad to be back Facebook....but it's always nice to take a break from you every once in a while.

Shopping was a little bit harder to let go than facebook, but ultimately it was also very rewarding. I have not gone shopping yet, but I'm sure I will sometime this week. It was eye-opening to see how I was tempted to shop when I had free time or was bored. Plus, I saved more money, gave more money away and got rid of a lot of stuff without replacing it with more stuff. Having this fast from shopping helped me see the importance of thinking about what I spend my money on. I hope to continue this mindset as I go into stores asking myself: Do I really need this? or Can I get rid of something to replace this with?

While I was home visiting my parents this weekend, I was going through my old room and helping my mom get rid of things around her house. Fasting from facebook and shopping made me think about the "clutter" in my life both literally and figuratively. Every day I desire to have a more "simple" life that is focused on Jesus and not on "things." This Lenten season reaffirmed this desire and I hope it continues to grow.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter! He is RISEN! :)

Drowning in Stuff

Summer is a wonderful time for me as a teacher - rest, rejuvenation, time with friends and family....but in addition to all these good things, there is much more time for one dangerous activity: shopping. For those of you who know me, shopping is one of my(if not THE) favorite activities. Some people find shopping boring or a horrendous chore to be avoided at all costs. Not me. I love it. It excites me and relaxes me. I don't think its a bad thing...in moderation. But I have come to notice that as I have begun to be on my own bank roll (instead of my Dad's) I have increased my shopping habit instead of decreasing it. I am good with money, don't get me wrong. I have a budget and I always pay my bills, but I definitely feel I overdo it at times. It is evident by my room and closet, which are both overflowing with stuff.

Now that I have more free time on my hands, I want to really evaluate what I am using my money for. God has graciously provided me with a job that more than meets my monetary needs. I could be doing so much more with my money than buying cute clothes or the next season of Dawson's Creek (yes, I am currently addicted to that show....no mocking please! hah!) I want to simplify my life. I am starting to feel a little overwhelmed with my belongings ( and that may have a lot to do with the fact I will be moving in 2 months) I want to downsize.

So my faithful readers, I am proclaiming to you that I want to reflect on what I have and how I can change my desire for material things. I want to find other ways to spend my time besides shopping. I"m not saying I'm going to give everything away and live life with only the clothes on my back. And I'm definitely not saying I will never go shopping again....I don't feel God telling me to go to that extreme. I do feel Him convicting me though and I ask for your prayers as I seek to change my habits.

Thanks for listening....or um, reading? :)