Use it Up Challenge

I named the month of October "Use it Up, Wear it Out, Make it Do, or Do Without" month for me on my Instagram.  I would say I have just done "alright"in all areas.  Pretty mediocre for sure.  I've done the best in groceries, only purchased produce and must need items for meals. But I'm thinking and pondering and my mind is going 100 miles an hour.  

I started to read this book "To Buy or Not to Buy" by April Lane Benson. You might want to check out her website Shopaholicnomore.

I would certainly recommend this book to anyone who loves shopping. I will say, it's a hard read! (and I'm only on chapter 3!) Get ready to do some soul searching. Get ready to read hard things that describe you to a "T"!  I'm not kidding. It's a great book - pretty therapeutic actually.  There are journal exercises you do along with the book, so I'm taking it slow and digesting it all as I go.  So far the book has talked about emotions associated with shopping, why do you shop, triggers for when you shop and hard questions like "how do you want to be remembered?" and "do your values line up with your shopping habits?"  Ouch.

So for my progress, I've done much better this month.  I've found my triggers (or I always knew but just reminded myself) are sales and coupons.  I can be sold on anything if it's a good sale!  I NEED it more if it's on sale!  So I'm not looking at any sale ads or opening retailers emails.  Still, I have purchased things and have convinced myself they were "staple" items that have been on my list for months (and they were but still............come on!)

Obviously, I NEED nothing. I can be clothed for a long time to come. I'm working on putting time into more valuable things like Bible study and prayer.  I'm doing a devotional with some Instagram friends and we are helping each other along.  I'd invite anyone to email me, comment below or on my Instagram if you want to join in the daily devotional we are following on You Version.

I'd love to hear any comments on your progress or tips via the blog or my Instagram feed! 

A Broken Heart

For those of you not on my Instagram of Facebook, wanted to let you know, my dad passed away.  I have just returned home from the funeral and time spent with my family.  

My heart is broken.

I loved my Dad very much.  

The most selfless, giving, thoughtful, funny, sentimental, faithful, loyal, loving man.  He put the Kingdom first and now has gone on to his reward, in the arms of the Lord.

Use It Up Challenge for October!

I haven't written on my blog in so long I kinda forget how it works! I've been posting daily on Instagram and it just seems easier to fit in my life right now.  I am starting a challenge on Instagram for October called the Use It Up Challenge, so I wanted to post here and invite readers to take part with us! 

I did a No Spend September challenge in Instagram and failed miserably. I gave exceptions and justified Paypal purchases, which just spiraled into more spending.  Hence, Use It Up was born!  

I can't think of a single thing I NEED - can you? Really?  I have an over abundance of blessings in every area.  This challenge is designed to make me reflect and be content with what I have.  

So are you in?  You can either join on Instagram and hashtag posts #useitupchallenge - or feel free to post here or on your blog and link back.  Here we go!