30 Days of Nothing

First things first.

2010-01-29T13:09:00.000-08:00

In the months following our 30 Days experiment, I have received emails from a number of people wanting to try this themselves, or use it for their church groups, etc. This blog compiles everything in one easy location. Nothing fancy here...just the beginnings.

You have my permission to use the concept and the "30 Days of Nothing" name and adapt them however you'd like. If you want to use the personal photos or text, please get my permission first.

I would love to hear how the idea of 30 Days has spread and changed, and what impact, if any, it has had on people ...so if you have a minute to drop me a note, I'd appreciate it.

The beginning

2007-01-29T20:08:00.000-08:00

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 four children. When they woke up this morning I kissed them and made them a good healthy breakfast. 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.

Beginning September 1st, I invite you to join me in a 30 day fast from consumerism.

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 take-and-bake pizza. Lattes? Nope. Nothing except what it takes to live. During that month, I will journal our experiences, and blog my 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 electricity for a day; eat only rice for a 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 has laid on our shoulders.

I encourage you to pray about participating in this challenge. For those of you who are interested, take the next two weeks to pray about the parameters. Decide as a family what are your necessities and what you will give up. You can participate as much or as little as you feel led. Beginning September 1st there will be a separate discussion page at Intent where you can share your experiences and thoughts.

Please feel free to use the 30 Days of Nothing button on your blog and spread the word. (If you need help with the button, just email me.)

"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}

"...happy is he who is gracious to the poor." _{Prov. 14:21}

^{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}

before we begin

2007-01-29T20:07:00.000-08:00

What an incredible response to the "30 Day" challenge. Thank you all for your interest and support.

Some of you have indicated that you would be interested in joining, but September is not a good month for you.

Addie had a good suggestion in the comments.

I'm thinking about doing this in October instead…. I wonder if there would be 10 more people and we could have one person doing it for a month for a year

What a wonderful thought: people from all over fasting from consumerism every month of the year. If that sounds interesting to you, leave your link and the month you will fast at the discussion page. I will leave the discussion open and running as long as people are willing to participate.

Another suggestion (from Lyn) is to donate the savings (from all the things you aren't buying) to support a charity. A fabulous, compassionate idea that I think we will be doing as well.

On a personal note, I find that the struggle has already begun. I am fighting the urge to stock up and hoard for the weeks ahead, or buy things now because I won't be able to for a month. The urge to consume is insidious.

Answering the critics

2007-01-29T20:06:00.000-08:00

Do you really think denying yourself Starbucks and Cheetos is going to help poor people?

Yes. The money we save this month will go to World Vision. But more than that, I am poor myself - I have traded riches like love and compassion and service, for cheap baubles like Starbucks and Cheetos. If I can learn to trade some of them back then I will indeed have helped this one poor person.

And No. I don't think this fast will directly alleviate suffering in other countries. That is not its purpose. The purpose is to change ME into the type of person who will want to help alleviate the suffering in the world.

Don't you think this idea is simplistic and romantic?

It is simple, that's true. But again, I'm not trying to solve world hunger with this fast. I'm trying to let God change ME.

Why don't you do something worthwhile like go on a missions trip with your family and build houses or a medical center of whatever and REALLY LIVE the way the people you pity actually live?

I would love to do that - and it is a family goal to do so. For right now, I am working on the things I can work on - like my heart and my spending habits.

Are you trying to make yourself more holy through deprivation?

I don't have the ability to make myself more holy. I am just shutting out the clutter for a month so I can hear God's voice. It is up to Him to work any holiness in me.

I am concerned that those avoiding WalMart will think themselves more holy than those who don't, when the person going to Wal-Mart might be going with God's blessing.

I try to mainly concern myself with my own heart before God - not another's potential sins. I say, if God has given you His blessing to shop at Wal-Mart - shop away! and don't worry about me. I won't be there for a month, at least.

I am just concerned we will content ourselves with depriving ourselves when there is no warrant for that in Scripture

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny
himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. " Matt. 16:24
Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.” Mark 10:21
"If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. " Matt. 5:29, 30
"But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified." 1 Corinthians 9:27
"Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. " Phillipians 2:3-8

A person. For this.

2007-01-29T20:05:00.000-08:00

There is a gripping scene near the end of Schindler's List, where Oskar Schindler, about to leave the country before he is arrested, realizes the car he will drive away in could have bribed the Nazi officials for more Jewish lives.
He pulls the Nazi Party pin from his lapel, and cries, "This pin. Two people. This is gold. Two more people. He would have given me two for it, at least one. One more person. A person, Stern. For this."

Jules reminded me of the scene when we first began to discuss 30 Days of Nothing, and it has stayed with me ever since, marching through my mind as the little girl in the red coat walks through the film.

People have mistakenly believed that I romanticize the poor, a rich girl playing at poverty so I can assuage my guilt. I don't think that is true, as I have been close enough to poverty on several different levels to know it is not romantic. As a child, my family struggled to meet our basic needs and items like clothing and meat for dinner were luxuries; as a teenager my parents began to take in foster children and I saw a different side of poverty: ugly, selfish and brutal. As a young married couple we fostered children of our own, and my shock at the deprivation of some of America's little ones grew. When we decided to adopt one of those children we nearly lost him at the last hour through his birth mother's clever manipulation of the welfare system. Some of my own family members live on poverty rations, and those of us who have more work hard to make sure their needs are met.

I am not unrealistic about poverty.

I am not unrealistic about wealth, either. While ingratitude and entitlement can lead wealth to suffocate us in comfort, wealth is also a gift: strengthening our bodies and minds and allowing us the freedom of dreaming - and by His staggering grace - of fulfilling our dreams. People of all races and nations work towards this end: that their children will have a taste of affluence, to sleep peacefully and comfortably with all their needs met. Wealth is a blessing.

As time slips along, however, I find myself plagued with discomfort, like Oskar Schindler in the film, who came to the realization that although he had given much - more than most - there was still more of his wealth that could have been given. What was a car to him? Transportation. But to ten Jews it might have meant LIFE.

What wealth am I clutching in my hand today that could buy LIFE for someone else?

To ask myself these questions is not a matter of deprivation or asceticism. There is no value in denial for denial's sake - but to deny myself a $50 blouse in order to provide a year's education for an AID's orphan is something very valuable indeed.

And what would that same $50 have done for this child?

"This pin. Two people. This is gold. Two more people.... One more person. A person, Stern. For this."

May the Lord give me strength to open my hands and let go.

(This photograph was taken in Sudan in 1993. The vulture is stalking the child, waiting for her to die. The photographer, Kevin Carter, won a Pulitzer Prize for the photo and committed suicide a year later. )

_{Top image from Schindler's List. Movie information from wikipedia.}

Week One

2007-01-29T20:04:00.000-08:00

It has been one week of nothing.

~We bought: 1 overlooked school book that we can't get at the library - $9

That's it.

~I canceled my hair cut. That was hard; but knowing I can make it up in October helps. There will be NO pictures of me during the month of September.

~I set a goal of cutting my grocery budget by more than half. I gave myself just the cash I needed for the week, and I am under budget. (happy, amazed dance!)

Groceries are definitely the most challenging aspect for me. I am having to learn a new way of shopping altogether. The good news is that on half my usual budget, we ate very well. No one went hungry - not even the 11, 12, and 13 year old soccer players - and we didn't waste nearly as much food as we normally do. I am so excited about this!

~In our jar, we have receipts for $95 to give away at the end of the month. In one week. That does NOT include the money I've saved in my grocery budget...which is so much money I am too embarrassed to tell you.

~As a family we have had some amazing conversations about giving, and what it means to love the world.

~A couple of the kids are having a difficult time with no buying. They have their allowance money burning a hole in their pockets and the wait is killing them. I am so thankful for this month, because it is showing me how I need to pray for my kids - and myself.

~I had a couple of hard days, where I was tired and grouchy. I wanted to spend money then. I wanted a fast food hamburger, or a coffee, or a new skirt. Things I don't need at all...I just wanted to buy something. Spending is an emotional release sometimes.

Right now, at this moment, I think I want to do this for another month, six months, a year. It feels liberating.

We'll see how I feel next week. :)

oh kiiiidddssss....

2007-01-29T20:03:00.000-08:00

Get out the buckets and the hose.

Mary beat me to it, but this is the intentional 30 Days activity at our house this week - except we're doing it with cold water in a kiddie pool. (Hey, that's what we have on hand.)

The goal: to wash 1 basket of clothes by hand.

The first rule (from N13): no washing underwear.

Step 1:

Wash out the dirty kiddie pool.

Step 2:

Fill with clean water. (We did this early in the morning and let it sit in the sun and warm up until the afternoon. We're wimps.)

Right away I am thinking of the women who have no access to water and must walk miles to get the water before they can even fill the laundry tub...or carry their dirty laundry to a location far away to be washed.

C7 is thinking, "Cool!"

Step 3:

Add detergent.

We all stand and look at the little white cloud floating in the water. "How are we going to mix it in?" someone says. For a moment I think there must be a cool device somewhere for mixing the detergent into the laundry water...then I bend over and start mixing with my hands. At which point I realize how really, really pathetic I am.

Step 4:

Start washing clothes.

The water is cold. C7 thinks it will be funny to start flinging water at all of us. "Stop it!" is screeched a few times. We watch the clothes float, then slowly sink, then we squat down and start scrubbing.

It is quickly obvious that this combination of cold water and our puny arm power is not going to get the clothes very clean at all. We scrub and dip and twist and scrub. D12 starts biting a spot on his shorts thinking this might get the dirt out. (!?)

As we pull out the first pieces of "clean" laundry, I realize this is just the first stage. We will have to rinse these clothes too. We start piling them all in a basket to await round 2.

Step 5:

Empty the pool.

Step 6:

Refill the pool.

At this point I can't stop thinking of what it would be like to have to go for more water. I am so thankful for the clean water pouring from the hose. One of the boys is getting very irritable, and wants to go back in the house. "This is boring!" I smile sweetly (uh-huh) and tell him to get back to work.

Step 7:

Rinse the clothes.

My hands are starting to ache from the cold water and the wringing motion. This is ONE basket of clothes. I must wash 10 loads of laundry a week. How much time would it take to wash all those by hand? When would I have time for anything else? We begin to talk about how we wouldn't want to own very many items of clothing if we had to wash them like this. A series of small lights goes on in my head, and I know I will be revisiting this topic later.

Step 8:

Lay the clothes out to dry.

Now my hips are hurting from squatting by the side of the pool, and my arms are tired. We don't have a clothesline yet, so we try to find places on the deck for the clothes. N13 drops a pair of shorts in the dirt and we all groan, knowing he has to rerinse and wring them out.

M11 remembers a special we watched on television about an African village that was fighting a pride of lions who were stealing their goats. The villagers built a huge wall around their livestock pens and had armed guards watching day and night. The men of the village went on regular hunting expeditions and killed any lion they found. M11 was infuriated that people would hunt and kill such beautiful creatures over a few goats. After washing by hand she says she understands now why they would. "They have to work so hard for everything! If a goat is stolen - that's their life! They have to stop the lions."

C7 wants to know if we can do this every day and swings a wet sock at his sister. She screeches, "Stop it!"

I am ready to go in the house now too.

~Today we read the stories from this site and learned more about the need for clean water in Africa.

The kids have already come up with a plan to save extra money this week that we can send to a water relief project such as this one:

If you are interested in providing clean water in Africa, here is a great idea. (This would be easily adaptable to any giving goal.)

Ann pointed me to this site today which has wonderful pictures and information about the critical need for water around the globe. (Don't miss her wonderful post today about walking for water.)

Also check out the H2O project. (Caution: some graphic photos.)

From the comments, Cara shares: cleanwaterforhaiti.

Week Two

2007-01-29T20:02:00.000-08:00

It has been two weeks of nothing.

~We bought toner for the printer/copier: $54.

That was a tough decision. What constitutes a necessity? The toner ran out August 31st and we decided to see if we could last the month without it. Because of homeschooling 4 kids and the curriculum project, it soon became obvious that the printer is a necessary tool for our everyday lives. I still feel a little guilty.

~Total in the savings jar: $170 NOT including grocery savings.

~As joyful and rich as last week was, this week was hard and dreary. I felt tired and down all week, and that is when I usually spend the most: too tired to cook dinner, too tired to plan, too tired to shop wisely. Then once I'm down, I want to spend to "cheer myself up!"

~Things felt tight all week. We started running out of grocery staples and it was very hard to stick to the budget. Choosing between flour and sugar or cheese made me feel agitated (arghhh - we need all of it!). I got frustrated with the kids for the amount of food they need to eat, and that led to a whole string of thoughts about what it would mean if this was more than a month-long endeavor.

At the same time, I found myself thanking the Lord more often. The simplest things have begun to seem like miracles. "Thank You God for a healthy body to clean this house." "Thank You for the laughter coming from the kids' bedrooms." "Thank You for this food..."

~I don't have words to express it well yet, but I am beginning to grasp something new about my relationship to money. I was always the woman who felt guilty for living in a house while some people in Mexico live in garbage dumps. Strangely enough, by not consuming, I am starting to feel liberty to enjoy what God has given me. As I said, there are no words for it yet...but it is there, down deep.

Last week I felt like I wanted this project to continue for a lot longer. I don't feel that way this week. A big part of me wants to be done, say I've learned my lesson, go back to comfort; but there is a confidence in me too, that this is right and good and God has much more work to do in me.

I'm hanging on, and looking forward to week 3.

~fyi: Saturday we will go without electricity for the day, as our intentional activity of the week.

Want to read how other people are doing? Try Jules,Heather, Kelly and Mary. Don't forget the 30 Days discussions here. If you are talking about it and I don't have your link up, leave me a comment.

a day without power

2007-01-29T20:01:00.000-08:00

When the sun came up Saturday morning, I put my pillow over my head and groaned: no electricity for the day. The weather had taken a dip the day before and the morning was chilly. I climbed out of bed quick and bundled up in robe and slippers. I couldn't bare to face the prospect of a cold shower.

Into the kitchen, *whoops* ...don't turn on the light! Mark filled a pot with water and went outside to put it on the grill to warm. I stayed inside shivering and wishing it was Sunday.

Twenty minutes later the coffee was smelling delicious and hot liquid was warming my insides. Much better. (For those of you keeping track, I fell off the no-caffeine wagon.) I'd forgotten how much I like french-press coffee.

Mark and I sat and talked in the quiet until the kids' hungry stomachs couldn't be ignored any longer. We headed back outside to grill up some pancakes and bacon.

Even though it was colder than usual, we ate our breakfast outside. The air felt refreshing and helped me shake off the dreary feeling I'd been carrying around all week. I warmed up more water and went inside to wash the dishes by hand - actually one of my favorite activities if I have the time - and not too many dishes.

Everyone else was still outside. The surroundings had reminded Mark of several chores he wanted to get done, so the whole gang was working while I cleaned. I joined them after dishes to pick more blackberries before they disappear for the summer. The picking is slow and peaceful, and I couldn't help but think that if it hadn't been for the lack of electricity, I'd never have come out so early on a Saturday morning; wouldn't have been out here to pick the dewy berries and smell the good air. I smiled and whispered a "Thank You".

The rest of the day was busy, as Saturdays are, and we were outside most of the time watching the kids' soccer games, the local football team and visiting with friends.

We returned home to a cool, and quickly darkening house. We raced around to get the last of our chores done before the light disappeared; finding candles and filling lanterns as quickly as possible. It was 7:00. As soon as darkness fell, everyone congregated in one softly glowing room with books and games.

The dim light made us whisper.

We played a few rounds of "Upwords" and then we snuggled under blankets, competing for the lamplight to read our books. It was unusually quiet. Three of us dozed off around 9:00. Mark shook my shoulder and whispered, "Go to bed. I'll lock up." Ten minutes later, I could hear him fumbling his way through the house from my cozy spot in bed.When he finally came into the room, a faint light was still glowing from the living room.

"Did you blow out all the candles?" I asked.

"Yeah, the boys are still up playing Stratego."

Lying in the cold dark we could hear them laughing and teasing each other.

"That's a good sound." I said and Mark agreed.

"What a good day!"

"It was. I didn't mind the lack of electricity much, did you?"

"Not at all. I know it would be hard to never have it - but today was kind of nice actually."

"The whole day felt so serene and healthy."

"Makes you think, doesn't it? Here we have access to unlimited electricity...yet I can't help wondering if we aren't the less rich for it."

"I was thinking the same thing."

Week 3

2007-01-29T20:00:00.000-08:00

3 weeks.

It has not been an easy 3 weeks.

Will you be surprised to find that my thoughts now are hardly ever on poverty or the needs of the world? I feel bad admitting that. I'm like a person plodding through the desert with an iron ball chained to my leg... one step after another...keep dragging the chain. But I'm not thinking about why the chain is there.

That plodding rhythm has actually shaken loose some unexpected realizations...about areas I'm not comfortable sharing yet. There are things to deal with that I didn't know were hidden under my self-numbing materialism...for that is what I've discovered first and foremost about myself: I spend and buy to ease the stress. I comfort myself with something new and exciting (at least for a moment).

I've also learned that my selfishness runs deeper than I could imagine. After three weeks of not buying all I can think about is "when will this month be over?" When I started I guess I thought a month was all it would take to dig that selfishness out. That's pretty embarrassing.

I am underwhelmed with myself. Not beating myself up - just unimpressed.

We saved another $40 this week. I am still on budget with the groceries. Nine days and a lifetime of God's sculpting to go.

fini

2007-01-29T15:15:00.001-08:00

What a gift this month has been. I was reading through different blogs this morning and was surprised to find that some people thought this month had been a failure for me. I admit, I did have a couple of low points which I blogged about, but this month was far from a failure. Sometimes God's way is unexpected - but it is never in vain.

Right from the beginning of the challenge I was overwhelmed with a sense of the luxury I live in. All month I have felt a deep sense of contentment and gratitude, even when I was faced with the uncomfortable feelings of self-denial. Yes, there were hard days - but overall I spent the time marveling that this family has been given so much. There was no lack, not for a moment.

In the midst of that abundance, we found that our simplest choices opened doors for giving. The little denials of not eating out, not buying books, cutting the grocery budget and forgoing a haircut enabled us to fill a jar with provision for someone else whose needs are far greater. In 30 Days, we were able to save

$1000.00 .

Yes, a thousand dollars.

We were shocked. Though this number seems to tell a different story, we are not an extravagant family. Four weeks ago I would have said we spend very little on our wants. (I do buy fancy hair gel - but that's because I have curly hair that needs a little help, trust me. *grin*) Looking at the undeniable evidence, I know now there are ways to permanently cut back. To be honest, I don't think we'd be able to save this much money every month. We intentionally went without things over the 30 days that we can't go without forever: things like car maintenance, clothes, haircuts, and dentist appointments. But the exciting thing to us was that we CAN save a great deal of money if we put our minds to it. We can say no to ourselves for a short while to meet a goal.

That is perhaps the biggest turn around for me. Instead of saying no to spending because other people have less...we can say no to spending so that other people can have more. As a family, we've decided to set a giving goal each month. We will take turns choosing an organization and setting a dollar amount. I love this idea, because it is a positive action and it is much easier to build a lifetime habit on a positive direction than a restriction. On their own, the kids hatched a plan to sell their duck eggs each month to raise money for different charities. They are also going to make and sell granola, an idea we got from Ann's son. It is such a joy to see them grab hold of a new passion.

I shared in the beginning how I tend to hoard; buying ahead so that we never need anything. This was one of the first areas of discomfort for me. I simply couldn't buy two of everything on our tighter budget and so I had to let go of that (false) security. Once I got past those initial feelings, I began to feel new peace. By the time we got to this last week and the car broke down unexpectedly...well, I just laughed. A month ago I would have been uptight and worried about when, how and where the car would be fixed. Now I realize the need will get met. It won't kill us to wait...and God always provides.

Alongside all I have been learning about money and giving, have come some other, unexpected realizations. The thoughts that have been filling my mind lately first came during our day with no electricity. That day seemed to stretch on for long, beautiful hours. I saw in the middle of it that the time I have with my family is more precious than any outward luxury. These people, this family, are so dear and so fragile.

In that quiet day I realized how often I am preoccupied by things on this screen. Even if I am not sitting here I am often thinking, wondering, or planning what to write. When I am sitting here I am wrapped up in this world, reading, commenting, and maintaining blog relationships. That power-less Saturday, I looked at my 13 year old son playing games with his dad and realized he will be leaving our home in 5 years. Five years...that's just a blink in time. And I wondered if I really wanted to be spending so much of a precious resource on this screen.

Last weekend I sat in the dining room with my husband as he worked on a Bible study. I thought about sneaking away to the computer, but a little voice told me not to. I sat there in the quiet room, picked up my knitting and tried to not be restless. After awhile he lifted his head, told me something about work and then went back to studying. This went on for half an hour or so. In that half hour I learned more about him than I had in a long, long time. Life goes by so swiftly. Sometimes we just need to be available... patient...listening. This is a gift I can only give to the precious people in this house right now: the luxury of my time and attention, for as long as we are together.

I don't know what that means in the long term, to be honest. In the short term it means I am going on a sabbatical. I don't know for how long - but at least for another 30 days. I'm not saying I won't be on the internet at all, just that I'm not going to be writing here and participating in my usual routine. I have to examine this in the quiet, and find out if I really need to be here.

If the bandwidth runs out, the blog will go quiet for a few days, and then it will be back when the usual payment goes through, around October 3. I'll come back at some point, at least to let you know if I am coming back at all.

Thank you for your support and kindness through this month. You were a lifeline to me when I felt down; knowing you were here kept me from giving up when it got hard and your stories inspired and encouraged me.

I'll be around for the rest of the day. God bless.

At Table for 30 Days (week three)

2007-01-29T08:19:00.000-08:00

Monday - Best Chicken Soup and Buttermilk Biscuits

Tuesday - Macaroni and 3 Cheeses, Baked Sweet Potatoes and Broccoli

Wednesday - Lentils and Rice, Green Salad and French Bread

Grocery total for 3 days: $44.00

Saturday - Chicken and Black Bean Soup, chips and guacamole

Sunday - Meatloaf, Baked Potatoes, Salad, Ice cream and cookies, Chai tea

TOTAL FOR WEEK: $110.00

At Table for 30 Days (week two)

2007-01-29T08:18:00.000-08:00

Week 2:

Monday - Turkey sandwiches, homemade applesauce, chips and salsa

Tuesday - Tacos

Grocery shopping total: $37.00

Wednesday - Lentils and rice, green salad, foccacia

(Lunch: grilled cheese sandwiches, fruit)

Thursday - Baked chicken and potatoes, vegetables (whatever is in the fridge)

(Lunch: We're in town running errands this day - so we will pack pb&j, apples, cheese, and cookies)

Friday - Vegetable Soup, homemade wheat bread, Apple crisp

(Lunch: Mini mushroom and cheese pizzas on english muffins)

Grocery shopping total mid week: $47.00

Saturday - BBQ away from home

Sunday - Pork tenderloin (from freezer), yukon gold potatoes, green salad w/homemade ranch dressing, plum cake

Grocery shopping total weekend: $26.00

TOTAL WEEK TWO: $110.00

At Table for 30 Days (week one)

2007-01-29T08:16:00.000-08:00

Mary at owlhaven has been posting the meals she feeds her family as she goes through 30 Days. This part of the challenge is so intriguing to me, as I have long wondered if a frugal family can truly eat healthy. Most money-saving tips involve canned soup or boxed dinners - items I am not willing to buy.

I have cut our grocery budget in half for the month. Can I feed a family of 6 (3 of them preteens and teens) healthy food on half the money? I shop every other day, which just works for me, planning and buying for 2 or 3 days at a time. I like this method because I buy a lot of fresh produce, which is hard to buy a week or more at a time.

I'll post some of our meals as we go along.

Week 1:

Monday - Baked Chicken, broccoli with olive oil and garlic, sesame rice, plums

Tuesday - Bean and rice bowls with avocado salsa, sour cream and cheese, green salad

Wednesday - Barley, chickpea and walnut salad, spaghetti squash, homemade wheat bread, green salad

Grocery shopping total for three days: $27.00

Thursday - grilled pork chops, mashed potatoes, tomato & mozzarella salad

Friday - chili, cornbread, green salad, plum galette

Grocery shopping total mid week: $38.00

Saturday - spaghetti pie, broccoli, french bread

Sunday - corn chowder, challah, green salad, ice cream with blackberries

Grocery shopping total for the weekend: $41.00

TOTAL WEEK ONE: $106.00

Comments from the original post

2006-02-02T14:32:00.000-08:00

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Response
Response: 30 Days of Nothing
at Swank Mom on August 24, 2006
What an incredible idea. I have been speaking to my husband about it and we may do it. Although we will not be starting September 1st, but possibly the month after. Check it out.http://intent.squarespace.com/journal/2006/8/20/30-days-of-nothing.htm...
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Response
Response: 30 Days of Nothing - What a Great Idea!
at Allthings2all on August 29, 2006
Tonia of Intent has what I consider to be a great idea in her post 30 Days of Nothing. I was talking with a blogging friend a couple of days ago and I mentioned how when I started blogging I used to bring my offline life and ideas to the computer. No...
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Response
Response: Does it really matter?
by Karla Neese at 111bradstreet on August 31, 2006
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Response
Response: 30 Days Update
by Kelly at Pass the Torch on September 7, 2006
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Response
Response: Half
by Kelly at Pass the Torch on September 15, 2006
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Response
Response: 30 Days of DIminishing Resolve
by Kelly at Pass the Torch on September 22, 2006
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Response
Response: Expensive Footwear: What Can We Learn From It?
by Ramsey Wilson at His evidence on September 23, 2006
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Response
Response: 30 Days of Gratitude
by Kelly at Pass the Torch on September 29, 2006
This is my final post on this project - it's located at my new WordPress website.
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Response
Response: Abounding Moments Day 2
at Balanced Life Center on October 25, 2006
I found this post on gratitude that was part of the 30 Days of Nothing Project that ran through September. It sounds interesting. Quite a challenge. This post was written by one of the participants in the project at the end. I hope you enjoy.30 Days o...

Reader Comments (88)
I am praying on this one. I think this may be something we need to do. I think I may try to save the money we would spend and donate it to the Heifer Project at the end of the month. It will be interesting to see if some of these "changes" stick. For instance could we continue with adjusting a day a week. And on that day could our focus really be on the ones who live it daily. Ideas. Ideas.

As always you make me think the hard stuff! Thank you for that.

Praying I go.
August 21, 2006 | Unregistered CommenterLyn

Wow, Tonia. Thanks for the challenge.
August 21, 2006 | Unregistered CommenterJenniferAnne

I have been thinking about such things myself. I.e. Wondering if I could manage with no electricity in the evenings.

I, too, will be praying about this. I like the journaling aspect and using the money saved in a meaningful way.
August 21, 2006 | Unregistered Commentersusan

I am in the middle of reading "Im Not Buying It" and i have thinking about alot of this stuff too. We are just living in too much abundance! So much of our lives circle around consuming, but for what? I am not sure that I will take the complete challenge but I will pray about participating in some way.
August 21, 2006 | Unregistered CommenterRandi

I think 30 days of Nothing sounds like the perfect way to fill oneself with more of Him.

I am on my knees in prayer as to the practical "how" to participate, Tonia. But know I too join in the pilgrimage...

The Lord be with you,
Ann V.
August 21, 2006 | Unregistered CommenterListening...

You make me think - I'll be praying about this Tonia.
August 21, 2006 | Unregistered Commenterislandsparrow

Lyn, I've been praying about that too - and I think it is a great idea (giving the money you save) Thanks for sharing it and for supporting me!

Randi, Is that the book by Judith Levine? I came across it as I was researching. Is it a good read?

To all of you: Thank you for your encouragement and support!
August 21, 2006 | Registered CommenterTonia

God bless you, Sparrow! The poverty of the world can not be denied or ignored by Christians. Thank you for bringing attention to this. Jesus cared about the suffering and poor. God provided for them under the Mosaical Law. The same principle must be true for followers of His today, or we have not love.

August 21, 2006 | Unregistered Commenterweathertopmama

What an awesome idea! Posting about it and adding it to my sidebar, Tonia. Will be praying about how to share in this as a family, ourselves. Thank you for the initiative and the idea!

In Christ alone,
Kari
August 21, 2006 | Unregistered CommenterKari

I am very drawn to this, and grateful that you have started it. Will be praying to see what form it might take in my life, and in the meantime I've linked to it from my blog's sidebar and posted on it. I think was a truly wonderful idea...
August 22, 2006 | Unregistered Commenterwendy

I love this idea...

but does it have to happen in my birthday month :o)
August 22, 2006 | Unregistered CommenterMiz Booshay

Tonia--I admire your willingness to take a risk and to act on your convictions! (It's so much easier to just berate ourselves--didn't you know that? )

I will discuss with my husband what aspects of this challenge we can prayerfully take on in September.
August 22, 2006 | Unregistered Commenterat a hen's pace

This is a great idea and it seems like children would especially like it because it would be an exercise in history, when people didn't have such easy access to consumer items. I grew up on a homestead in Alaska (now living in Oregon), one of 7 children, where we would get excited to see the mail truck come up the road, as we bought most things by mail. I once heard that every time you go somewhere it usually costs $10.00, so staying home saves us money we can share with others.
August 22, 2006 | Unregistered CommenterLydia

What a wonderful idea! You can count me in !!!
August 22, 2006 | Unregistered Commenterbrother lesser

weathertop mama, we have been memorizing 1 Corinthians 13...it pricks deeply. Thank you.

Mz.B, *grin* YOU get to set the parameters!

Lydia, Thank you for your insight. I have often appreciated your reflections on lifestyles of the past and the things we are missing today. One must be very intentional in bringing up children today, in order to learn the same things our parents simply knew.

Brother Lesser, Welcome! I am thrilled to have your company on the journey. God bless.
August 22, 2006 | Registered CommenterTonia

I might be interested in taking up parts of the challenge. I'm not sure if my husband will be interested in cooperating or not, but I'd like to give it a whirl. I'm curious to see how it goes for you, and how other people are modifying the challenge. I can see how this would be a powerful tool for those with children (none yet for us) and I'm thinking it might be a very powerful Lenten exercise. Thanks for sharing! God bless you in your journey.
August 22, 2006 | Unregistered CommenterAmaranth

I too think it's a great idea, and it would be a HUGE challenge for me! September is not the month for me to try though, Hubby is on vacation three weeks of Septemeber!
August 22, 2006 | Unregistered CommenterAdrienne

I just discovered your blog today (thanks to ChoosingHome) and it's funny that I read your post. It's one of those "see it popping up all over" sort of things for me. I've been thinking of joining you in this challange in the area of our grocery bill. I've been splurging on way too many treats lately. My husband and I feel like the Lord is calling us to move into a new area soon and I need to think practically about cutting our costs for this ministry's sake. Thanks for your inspiration. I look forward to reading more as you walk through all this!
August 22, 2006 | Unregistered CommenterNicole

Amaranth and Nicole, I hope you will let me know what (IF) you decide to do. I am just as interested to see how the Lord leads individuals as I am to see how this process is going to affect me. Thank you for joining me - even if it's just in spirit.

Adrienne, *grin* You are a wise woman. There is a time for everything - and you are entering a time for enjoying your dear hubby!
August 22, 2006 | Registered CommenterTonia

I love the idea! I think I am going to do it. I really think a lot about kids in poverty and always wonder what can be done. One good idea is sponsoring a kid through Compassion International or World Vision. It is a really neat thing!
August 22, 2006 | Unregistered CommenterDanika

Wonderful post, wonderful idea, dear Sparrow. I love your blog and the measure of His Spirit with which the Lord has filled you. His heart is so lovely, and I catch a glimpse when I visit here.

I will pray about this and post about how we will participate. Most timely after the song I just wrote . . .
August 22, 2006 | Unregistered CommenterAnnie

Danika, welcome! I am thrilled that you are interested in joining the challenge. We are going to be sponsoring some children through W.V. this month - part of the ministry to AIDS orphans. It just breaks my heart to see what children go through in the world.

Annie, I read your song...just lovely. I enjoy your diverse gifts, sister. I can't wait to see where the Lord leads you.
August 22, 2006 | Registered CommenterTonia

Thoughts: Why stop with just 30 days? Why not consider this "Boot Camp" to prepare us for doing it the rest of our lives?
August 23, 2006 | Unregistered Commenterbrother lesser

Brother lesser - my prayer is that through this God will help me to live differently all the rest of my days. I earnestly pray my entire perspective will change. The reality is, there is no way I could commit to "buying nothing" for the rest of my life. I have a busy, growing family (a husband, four kids and a bunch of animals). *smile* But in many ways, I DO want this to be a "Boot Camp" that teaches me to distinguish need from want...can we buy less? can we buy it used? can we barter for use of a tool? can we go without?

I am learning - and it is a painfully slow process for me - but this is a first step. I have been thinking, however, that this would be a good practice for me annually, a sort of recentering my priorities.

I am very interested to know what will come of this for others. Are you considering making this a lifelong practice?
August 23, 2006 | Registered CommenterTonia

Dear Tonia,

I have been thinking - I feel a bit like Pooh - think think think :)

We have 2 weddings coming up during that month but that shouldn't impede the spirit of the challenge.

What has occurred to me in the last few days is how many things there are that are absolutely FREE - they belong to all of us - and we so often take them for granted.

So... while on the one hand, I will try to buy only necessities, on the other hand, I will make note and enjoy all of the things that are completely free. Somehow that feels less of a deprivation and more of a inventory of all that really counts - the things that can't be taken from us. As Ann V says - being emptied so that we can be filled with more of Him. I feel that we may find that our so called rich lifestyle is actually more poverty-stricken than we first believed.

I think it was the "gifts from the sea" blog entry that got me thinking in this direction. A shell - a beach - the water - so much beauty - and all for free.

Thanks for thinking of such things - I am with you.
August 23, 2006 | Unregistered Commenterislandsparrow

Tonia - this is an issue that has been weighing on my heart for some time. I am truly distressed at the materialism and greed I see around me and in myself. It's disappointing that there is so much confusion among Christians who think that wealthy believers are favored by God - not to mention the wealthy believers who think so too.

I am posting this today. We will have a family meeting over the weekend to determine our exact parameters - I want my kids to have input and then commit to what we decide.

We are already in the process of scaling back materially - we are putting our house on the market and once it sells will find one half the size, getting rid of a lot of "stuff" as we go.

I am beginning to sense my "stuff" as just another form of bondage - like the 65 pounds I have lost. We are dealing with excess everywhere in our lives.

So your challenge was like a seed falling on plowed and fertile soil.

I am going to suggest at our family meeting that we use the money we save for a purchase from World Vision's gift catalogue. That makes it more meaningful for kids.
August 23, 2006 | Unregistered Commenterbarbaracurtis

I'm in and I'm spreading the word for you. This comes at a perfect time for me to see life for what it is before that wonderful season of useless spending comes rolling around at the end of the year...
August 23, 2006 | Unregistered CommenterHeyJules

Crazy that I stumbled on this! My husband and I have been talking about doing this....I was all gung-ho and thought we should do it for 6 months. I think 1 month is great place to start. We are so in. It's better with company....God Bless. Will put the button on my blog!!
August 23, 2006 | Unregistered Commentersweetpea

HeyJules brought this post to my attention and I think its a wonderful idea - Ive added a link to my blog as well.... I cant do it in September as we already have a lot of prior commitments that require money, but Im thinking about doing this in October instead…. I wonder if there would be 10 more people and we could have one person doing it for a month for a year – how cool would that be? I still have to talk to my husband b/c Im not the only one running our household, so I cant commit to anything yet, but it is definetely growing on me.... :)
August 23, 2006 | Unregistered CommenterAddie

islandsparrow, I love that perspective on it. Yes, looking at we HAVE, and that will turn us away from wanting what we don't, don't you think? It should.

barbara, I feel that same weight...wanting to break free from this bondage we wear (and call ourselves Blessed!)...but Jesus says "Blessed are the poor in spirit..." Thank you for your support.

Hey Jules, the Christmas glut has definitly been in my thoughts...I wonder if we will approach it differently after the fast? Thanks.

sweetpea, Wonderful! I am SO glad to have such good company on the journey. (My extreme self would love to do a year...thankfully I am married to Mr. Balance who helps me realize that would probably only end in failure and guilt...1 month is a good way to start.)

Addie, That's a great idea. If others want to do an ongoing year, month by month, I will host the discussion page for it. Thanks for adding your support.
August 23, 2006 | Registered CommenterTonia

WOW. That is a great idea. Thanks, Tonia. I'm going to be praying about this.
August 23, 2006 | Unregistered CommenterMolly

Yes, Tonia, it's all a part of following in the footsteps of St. Francis.

I am humbled by your unselfish desire to do this. Just look at how many people you have brought on board already!

Have you ever considered looking into the Secular Franciscan Order? The good thing about the SFO is that you don't have to discard your spouces and children like a smelly old pair of sneakers and run off to live in a cave for the rest of your life (although a lot of people have said I belong in such a place.)

May God continue to bless you and your wonderful family!

August 23, 2006 | Unregistered Commenterbrother lesser

Thanks for thought provoking post. Does this inlcude no internet? Now that would be interesting. For I fear my biggest area of "materialism" is in my consumption of information. (Okay an occassional latte too!) Does that make sense? The clutter in our minds can be just as bad as the clutter in our houses.
August 23, 2006 | Unregistered CommenterSpunky

brother lesser, I have not heard of the SFO. I'll look that up tonight. Thank you for your kind words - proof positive that you do not belong in a cave! *smile*

Spunky, I DO know what you mean - mental clutter is an area I keep tight rein over (or try to). I'm afraid my struggle is with material things...but you are welcome to fast from the internet if you like! :)
August 23, 2006 | Registered CommenterTonia

I have been contemplating doing something like this for awhile...it is one of the to-do's on my 101 in 1001 list.

I am not sure if September will work for us due to some prior commitments, but October would work well. I look forward to hearing your take on the experience.

You are right. We are severely out of whack as Americans and what want vs need really is.
August 24, 2006 | Unregistered CommenterLIndsey

I talked to my husband, and we are good to go for October, so we will take that month.... anyone out there want to do the other 10 months?
August 24, 2006 | Unregistered CommenterAddie

I have been thinking about this and I'm getting a little riled up. I appreciate the sentiments behind this idea, but I think it is sentimental. I guess I am a fly in the ointment.

To be honest I don't think it would accomplish much except to alleviate some guilt that perhaps some of us have.

Which is not the way we are supposed to alleviate guilt.

I think a better alternative would be to do something that either earns you more money or saves you more money and then using that money for a truly good charity.

Our crisis pregnancy center in San Francisco, the only pro-life center in a city of 800,000, has cut back its hours to four days a week.

If all the people who are spending their time walking six miles a day to imitate our African sisters who must walk that far each day for water - spent that time making $10 - after thirty days they could all donate $300 and more gospel would be preached, souls would be comforted, and lives would be spared.

I am sure there are many other charities, including the ones that you initiate yourself, that would be a much, much better stewardship of your time.

Go ahead and use the washing machine for the laundry instead of going down to the creek. With the time you save, visit the retirement home, and bring cookies and some hymn books.

Use your cell phone instead of walking across town to talk to someone. With the time you save, write some letters to our troops overseas. Include a gospel tract.

My heart sinks at the thought of hundreds or thousands of perfectly productive women sitting on their hands for 30 days when the fields are white unto harvest. God had given us the cars, the cell phones, the vacuum cleaners. Let's use them for His glory rather than having them gather dust while we attempt to sanctify ourselves.

August 24, 2006 | Unregistered CommenterMarie

Marie says, "To be honest I don't think it would accomplish much except to alleviate some guilt that perhaps some of us have... My heart sinks at the thought of hundreds or thousands of perfectly productive women sitting on their hands for 30 days when the fields are white unto harvest."

But I think that striving to reach Tonia's goal (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.) is not "sitting on their hands." Sometimes we need to do some inner work in our hearts before we can do the outer work that Marie describes. This spiritual exercise is a way of "taking every thought captive."

I love this idea! Don't know if I can get it together fast enough to do it in September, but I'll try. And I'll tell others about it.
August 24, 2006 | Unregistered Commenterdoodah

As a family we are committed to cutting our grocery bill in half for the month and buying domestic animals for a village through the World Vision gift catalogue. We are enthusiastically anticipating giving of ourselves!

As to using the resources God has given to help the needy and glorify Him, oh, how you do. May I thank you, Tonia, for the hours you pour out every day to support World Vision through your work with A Child's Geography (noted in your sidebar under Work and Worship).

Not only are you *daily* investing your time into raising funds for World Vision through A Child's Geography, but you've been led to encourage many of us to seriously participate in understanding and meeting the needs of our global neighbors.

My sincere gratitude,
Ann Voskamp
August 24, 2006 | Unregistered CommenterListening...

Marie,

Each of us must start somewhere. May I humbly ask for your patience and grace as I learn about my addictions to materialism - as I seek to understand my brothers and sisters around the world, and the great needs they have? And may I please ask your patience for those who choose to join me?

Perhaps this is NOT the best way to learn these lessons, I don't know. But I know that this is not about alleviating guilt. This is about making an attempt to shut out the clutter and really hear God's voice on these issues. Please remember that none of us knows the real lives of the people we meet online. You can't possibly know what anyone here has or hasn't done to give and serve the needy and I would ask you to please refrain from accusing others of imagined offenses.

I agree with you that we must do more than just create sentimental feelings toward the poor. Many of the people here have indicated that they would like to give the money they save to a charity. I think that's a marvelous idea - but I don't think the fast is invalid without it. Some exercises are good for the spirit. Walking six miles in the shoes of my African sister gives me a heart of compassion for her and reminds me the next time I complain of the work to be done that I should not be complaining at all. During my walk I will pray for those women and all those in similar needs - and THAT is perhaps the most important contribution of all.

May the Lord give you His peace,

Tonia

August 24, 2006 | Registered CommenterTonia

doodah,

Oh my. You just said everything I wanted to say so succinctly: "Sometimes we need to do some inner work in our hearts before we can do the outer work that Marie describes. This spiritual exercise is a way of "taking every thought captive."

Thank you. Looking forward to seeing where the Lord takes you!

Ann, Thank you. We are considering the same program for our giving. Bless you, dear friend.
August 24, 2006 | Registered CommenterTonia

Tonia...
I think this is just brilliant! Thank you so much for the wisdom to suggest this. I've been struggling with our selfish self-care lately and praying for a way to examine. I believe this is it.
My husband is not sure that we will be able to do all 30 days because we have some family birthdays and trips planned, but I think that perhaps that is all the more reason to commit to this full month. If this sacrifice is convenient for us, it won't really be sacrifice, in my mind.
We are looking forward to contributing to Heifer Project along the lines of Ann's suggestion.
Again, thank you so much for thinking of this -- or, rather, being a willing recipient of the Spirit's outpouring!!
Bless you,
April
August 24, 2006 | Unregistered CommenterApril

It is encouraging to see that many are planning to use the thirty day period to make actual effort to help others. I fear a naval-gazing exercise which I perceive to be more Eastern mysticism.

I do not deny the spiritual. I just question whether it actually is spiritual.

We (and I include myself) can have lots of plans and ideas about making ourselves more holy; but we must remember that we do not actually make ourselves holy.

I am just concerned we will content ourselves with depriving ourselves when there is no warrant for that in Scripture (with the exception of fasting, and depriving ourselves in the marriage bed to pursue prayer), and then neglect the everyday, day-to-day obligations we have to our families, our communities, our church. I am concerned that those avoiding WalMart will think themselves more holy than those who don't, when the person going to Wal-Mart might be going with God's blessing.

I hope I make myself understood. I mean no offense, I just felt compelled to question some of what I see are potential weaknesses in the idea.
August 24, 2006 | Unregistered CommenterMarie

Marie,

I don't know where you get "eastern mysticism", lack of "spirituality", attempts at making ourselves "holy", avoidance of "obligations" and judgement on others, from my desire to not buy anything for a month - I really don't - and I'm sorry that I have given you that impression.

I make no claims that the idea is perfect. I am fasting from consumerism and spending. If you feel I (or the idea) have weaknesses that need addressing (and I DO!) I pray you ask God to work in me as I set my mind on Him.

In His grace,

Tonia
August 24, 2006 | Registered CommenterTonia

I'm leaving this comment in here to say that I posted the wrong blog in my first response (my stamping blog, not my Christian Musing blog--oops).

My husband and I are all for the things you are attempting to learn from the Lord during these next 30 days. While we will have some prior "splurgy" commitments that will come during the month of September, I'm with you on the bandwagon and I'll spread the word with your button.

And about the grocery bill, specifically, we've already started cutting back and only buying staples instead of snacks! Thanks for being an instrument in the Lord's hands. I'm actually excited about the next thing I can find to give up or sell for His sake.

And about "the cars, the cell phones, and the vacuum cleaners" the Lord has given us, I think it would be revealing for each of us to ask ourselves when the last time was that we really used them to serve the needy, not just our dear friends from church. Most of our friends aren't hungry or without clothing.

I think we can sit on our possessions. Sitting on our hands, meditating on how we've fallen short of the Lord's commands to us would be more beneficial. And then we should probably get up and see what we can do to earn some cash for those charities, too. ;) E-bay is a good place to start...
August 24, 2006 | Unregistered CommenterNicole

Nicole said: "I think it would be revealing for each of us to ask ourselves when the last time was that we really used them to serve the needy, not just our dear friends from church."

Oh yes. I am guilty, guilty of this. Thank you for pointing out another area to be aware of.

I'm glad to know you are participating!
August 24, 2006 | Registered CommenterTonia

I found this blog and thread today while visiting at IslandSparrow. I am an American missionary working in Ukraine - a very poor country on one hand, yet several of the richest people in the world live here. Ironic, isn't it? We have had extensive experience with street kids and their needs over the past few years, plus have been in many (compared to the West) poor homes where we have been shown hospitality beyond what they can "afford" to give us. Just this week I had to go to court here because I did not get some paperwork filled out correctly regarding my living here. As I stood there in front of the judge I was struck by this thought:

Why does no one go to the rich of the world? Why does everyone always gravitate to the poor? Billions and billions of dollars are poured out on the poor of the world every year. And many do come to the Lord in true salvation because of those dollars spent. But goes to the rich?

We have been told, and it is true, that it will take wealthy people to reach the wealthy of the world. Now, the average American and Canadian does not fit into this category - we are not rich. But there are rich Americans and Canadians who could invest their money this way - live a rich lifestyle so that you can reach the rich of the world.

I looked at that judge (who was in street clothes that I cannot afford) and wondered - who will tell HIM about Christ? Who, in his income bracket, will come over here, live among his peer group, reach out to him on his own level? Yes, a poorer person might just reach him with the gospel - but chances are he values his money too much.

My point in this is - we all need to be aware of how most of the world lives and I like your idea about September. But there is a place for rich people, for rich Christians in the world, in world wide missions. The whole world is not poor, there are many rich or almost rich people everywhere. The poor will be with us always.

This is just a little different (I hope) angle on the whole subject.

Joy to you this day in Christ Jesus our Lord,
Columbine
August 25, 2006 | Unregistered CommenterColumbine

Columbine,

That is a very interesting perspective and I thank you for sharing it. I don't know much about evangelizing the wealthy, to be honest. Jesus did say it would be very hard for the rich to come to Him. All I know is there is rampant materialism in my country...in ME...and I want to deal with it. Scripture also asks us not to turn away from a brother in need...and by my constant catering to my own pleasures I feel that I have turned away from the world's needs in selfishness.

This is an imperfect process, to be sure, but I am following the Lord's direction as best I can.

Thank you for sharing your perspective.
August 25, 2006 | Unregistered Commentertonia

....and I was thinking of dropping by Hastings for a video weekend. Thank you for this reminder. We do have so much in America (I have plenty of VHS and DVDs at home to recyle for this weekend;) I hope to read more and even come up with some new thoughts. Blessings.
August 25, 2006 | Unregistered Commenteranonymous

This is such an interesting concept...and it really has me thinking about what we as a family could get rid of for a month- (Does remind me of lent- yes I grew up catholic) but the real intent - it seems is not only in the giving up- but its to show us about our own consumerism..to hold a mirror to our own lives, and then to see what we could possibly do with what we have saved. This is a very real issue for many of us (dare I say all of us?) Thank you for bringing this up as an idea.
Emily
August 25, 2006 | Unregistered CommenterEmily

wow....all I can say is WOW.....
I am definitely going to pray about this.
I want to do it. I have been struggling to flip that switch that makes me want more even when I have enough. It's like gluttony in my soul. And I want to turn away from that. Thank you for inspiring me.
I'll be praying for you as you undertake this...

August 25, 2006 | Unregistered CommenterSuzanne

I will pray for you and your family during September as the devil is certain to attempt to thwart your plans. I think it is a lovely idea; one we could all use.
August 25, 2006 | Unregistered CommenterCalla Lilly
anonymous, please be sure to share your thoughts with us!

Emily - you've hit the nail on the head...it's not so much about giving up, as it is about discovering how impoverished I really am.

Suzanne - I cherish any prayers offered for me during this time. I have that same "gluttony in my soul"...may the Lord do a deep work in us.

Calla Lilly - Thank you. I will greatly treasure those prayers.

August 27, 2006 | Registered CommenterTonia

I found your blog via a comment in Ali Edwards' blog (http://aliedwards.typepad.com/). I'm in, with the parameters that I will not purchase anything extra for my personal use (craft supplies being my major weakness), and will cut out all extras from our food and household purchases as well. No sodas, no take-aways, and no lattes here either. I will try to talk DH into this, let's see how it goes. I'm also cutting down the time we spend watching television/dvds. I'm sure we have better things to do.

While I don't share your faith in God, reading your thoughts and the comments you have received gives me faith in people. Not a bad way to start a new week.

// minna (in finland)
August 27, 2006 | Unregistered CommenterMinna

Minna,

I'm thrilled to know you are participating. I will add your link to the list.

I welcome your perspectives and thoughts - both as a person who does not share my faith, and as someone who lives outside North America. I hope you will feel free to join in our discussions. :)

God bless.
August 28, 2006 | Unregistered Commentertonia

this is something close to our family's heart, and a very necessary experience for us to wean us from our consumeristic mindsets. september wont work for our family since we will be visiting family, and i think it would almost be cheating to get 10 days of my parents view of "necessity" rather than what your getting at. october would be perfect. thank you.
August 28, 2006 | Unregistered Commentermeggan

I'll add you to the October list. You will have good company during that month! Thanks for joining us, it's great to have you.
August 28, 2006 | Registered CommenterTonia

hi Tonia,

What a lovely sentiment, and great idea~

I wish that I could join in on *my own* terms though, but as I just wrote on my blog, we have been experiencing this reduction to bare minimal needs by necessity. And it's certainly not been romantic! But what has been miraculous to behold is how God has been enabling us to bless others, and given us a capacity and heart to minister to others from right where we are, in the midst of financial struggles and emotional turmoils. Truly, in our weakness, He is made strong... and that is a timeless Truth of which fasting is a notoriously stark reminder.

Dying to ourselves, living unto Him, more completely... and THEN, we may hear daily what He would have us to do. For truly, there are those who are starving spiritually all around us, and those we can afford to help, to offer the Covering that we have found for our nakedness.

So, I guess in the physical sense/realm, I've already started...;) But, you have caused me to stop and consider once again what He would do in me through this, tune into the lessons... I will pray, and see if there's something more specific the Lord would have me to fast, to give up during the month of Sept., a focus...hmmmmmm... will come back to this. I need to scoot to bed so that I can wake up in the a.m. tomorrow!

love & blessings~
August 28, 2006 | Unregistered Commenterbeth

Just linked to you from my blog, my family is doing the 30 days, perhaps a bit different than you are but we are doing it.
August 29, 2006 | Unregistered CommenterAvery

I too have linked this on my own blog for the 4 people who read it. I just wanted to say that whatever the outcome, may God's name be glorified both by His people and by those who will be watching who do not yet know Him. Anyone can go without, but the Bible is clear that it is our love for Jesus Christ and love for our brothers and the unbelieving world that distinguishes our sacrifice from other acts of philanthropy. May hearts be turned to Jesus Christ as we re-turn our eyes from things to Him.
Will be looking forward to reading the updates.

August 30, 2006 | Unregistered CommenterHeather

Heather, dont' be fooled by the large number of comments, usually only 4 people read this blog too. *grin*

I loved what you had to say about our giving. So true.

Thanks for the link.
August 30, 2006 | Registered CommenterTonia

I'm joining in too. I don't know what the result will be, but I figure the process is more important than product.

Thanks for getting us started.

http://kellycurtis.blogspot.com/2006/08/30-days-of-nothing.html
August 30, 2006 | Unregistered CommenterPass the Torch

wow. I will definately being following you on your journey.
August 30, 2006 | Unregistered CommenterTammy and Parker

Pass the torch, Process is what it's all about for me. Glad to have you along.

Tammy, we'll see how it goes! I hope to learn a great deal.
August 31, 2006 | Registered CommenterTonia

I say this with much respect and without harshness and I understand what you are trying to do. I think this really trivilizes what those that are truly poor go through day in and day out for weeks, months, and years. I grew up in what is considered poverty for this country and find it insulting. We didn't even come close to what other countries indure or even some right here in America do, but we struggled from day to day. I honestly believe if you what your children and yourselves to build character and learn life long lessons then there are better ways to do this. Talk and share about how blessed you are, donate your time to those with less, save that money that you would spend for months or even years and then give it away or go to those that live like that and spend months with them. I do say this with love and not condemnation. I just wanted to share another perspective from someone that has gone through some it before.
August 31, 2006 | Unregistered CommenterMaria

Maria,

Thank you for sharing honestly with me. I assure you that it is not my intention to trivialize your experiences or insult you in any way.

I, too, grew up with very little. We struggled to find jobs, housing, clothes, and food. I have clear memories of gleaning in farmer's fields and picking up the potatoes they'd left behind so we could eat that week. I remember standing in the front yard while men carried off our furniture to pay for debts we owed. I'm not unaware of what it is to have nothing.

But you are not the first to express those feelings that this is the wrong way to deal with this issue. I don't really know what to say, to be honest. Personally, if I was struggling with poverty I would find it far more insulting that people waste their money so easily,without thought of those who are going hungry or cold or homeless than I would find someone's genuine attempts to understand and deal with their own materialism.

Your suggestions are good ones - and we try to do those things as well. We give away a good portion of our income each month, we try to practice gratitude and we are involved with people who have less - many of them my own family. Yet, I feel that I need to go deeper, and examine my addictions to material comfort and financial security.

I realize that this is just an exercise for me - that those in poverty must deal with the grinding struggle day after day, whereas I will only feel the pinch for a month...but I cannot change the realities of my life. I am not in poverty...but I want to know how I can better use the resources God has blessed me with to assist others who are.

I am intentionally setting aside a month to deal with this problem in my heart. I don't know what will come of it. I hope it changes me forever.

I do apologize if I have wounded you or been insensitive.

Thank you for sharing your perspective.

August 31, 2006 | Registered CommenterTonia

Tonia -

Thank you for spurring us on toward higher things. I've linked to you and I'll be following your progress.
August 31, 2006 | Unregistered Commentertracey

I just found this on September 1, so it's catching me a little off-guard. But I'm ready to jump on board. I'll have to think about some planned purchases to see if they're really necessary, and whether putting them off for a month really accomplishes anything. Does spending double on October 1st make the whole experience a moot point?
I think the point where I got on board with this was where you considered living without electricity for a day, or eating only rice for a day. It's still in the 90's here - a day without a/c is not going to be comfortable. And yet there are folks on the Gulf Coast who haven't had electricity for a year; who am I to complain.
I'll have to ponder this some more over the next few days, pray about where God might be leading me with this. I spent a month recently living on only what I could buy in my small town. That was a learning experience in itself.
I'll be interested to hear what others say. And I'll have to look for Levine's book at the library, since I won't be buying books this month.

Grace and peace,Lauren
September 1, 2006 | Unregistered CommenterRevLauren

What a great idea. I'm going Beth Moore's Daniel right now and it deals with many of these issues. Are you familiar with the study?
Blessings Amy
September 1, 2006 | Unregistered CommenterAmy

Tonia--We're in, in our own way. I blogged about it today.
September 1, 2006 | Unregistered Commenterat a hen's pace

I saw a similar, though more long-lasting commitment to the same idea, on www.grahamkerr.com . He calls it the Double Benefit and is well worth looking at. It's also faith-based.
September 1, 2006 | Unregistered Commenterpoor_mad_peter

I know it is September 1st but I just posted and will be doing this with you. Thanks for sharing it with us... :)
September 1, 2006 | Unregistered CommenterLeann

I really like the idea. I found this site too recently to commit to it this month, but I appreciate the call to address personal affluence. I have also been challenged by Global Women's Project to impose a personal luxury tax. Different people define it in different ways (Is driving a car a luxury? Is having internet access a luxury? Is showering a luxury?), but people tax themselves every time they indulge in whatever they've defined a luxury to be. This money is then sent to help empower women in developing regions. If you want to see more information, here's their website:
http://www.brethren.org/genbd/witness/gwp.htm

Blessings to you and to all who give space for greater justice.
September 2, 2006 | Unregistered Commenterpeacepastor

RevLauren, thank you for the reminder that many people are struggling in our own nation. Welcome.

Amy, I have never read Beth Moore. I'll check into that study.

poor_mad_peter, I checked out that link. Thank you! It has been so great to discover people all over doing the same sorts of things. Graham Kerr's idea is wonderful because it is long-term and sustainable.

leann, Welcome!

peacepastor, Again, another great idea. Thank you so much for sharing it.
September 3, 2006 | Registered CommenterTonia

I actually did do much of what you are talking about as far as not buying in the month of August . . . but because I am trying to learn to be content with what I have and to use up (or out) things before replacing them, not because of trying to sympathize with the less fortunate (not that there is anything wrong with the latter motivation).

I did borrow from the library Not Buying It. It was interesting to read what she thought were essentials and what were non-essentials (the author did think it was essential to attend a NOW gathering in Washington, and decided that she had to keep buying books and materials that she needed for her business activities [personally, I agree with the latter and not the former]). The author was seemingly honest about her moments of rebellion (she bought clothes twice) and her other lapses.

September 5, 2006 | Unregistered CommenterA Woman of Letters

A woman of letters,

Today - 5 days in - I thought how much of this is just about changing my discontent to a heart of gratitude...I knew it before, but by physically limiting myself, some things are being stripped back and I am seeing my true need here. Gratitude leads to more generosity I think.

Thanks for the insight on the book...not sure I'll waste my time on it.
September 5, 2006 | Registered CommenterTonia

I am working on this. Thank you for the blessing and the challenge.
September 6, 2006 | Unregistered CommenterMary Beth

WoW...I love this...I am gonna definately apply this here at home as well.
September 7, 2006 | Unregistered CommenterShannon

Wow! What an awesome challenge! I'll definitely share this with my family.
September 7, 2006 | Unregistered CommenterGina

I wrote my week one update today. It's kind of a train wreck, but I think sometimes that's when the best learning occurs.

http://kellycurtis.blogspot.com/2006/09/30-days-update.html
September 7, 2006 | Unregistered CommenterPass the Torch

Shannon, Gina, Mary Beth, welcome!

Pass the Torch, I'll head over and check it out.
September 7, 2006 | Registered CommenterTonia

Sometimes we forget very quick how truly blessed we are.
Praying that God will stustain you through this challenge.
September 8, 2006 | Unregistered Commentereph2810

I just came across this and I LOVE it! Could I use your button on my blog to promote this... not necessarily for just the month of Sept. That way anyone could start it at anytime. I would like them to come back to your post, however because you've explained it wonderfully, and so heart felt. I think it would be great for so many to benefit as they feel lead.

Please email me and let me know (amy@dandelionseeds.com).

In Him,
Amy
September 8, 2006 | Unregistered CommenterAmy (Dandelion Seeds)

Thank you. God has given me the desire and you have provided a way to start. Thank you. Not to mention the encouragement of the fellowship of others on the journey. Thank you!
September 9, 2006 | Unregistered Commentermatheny mom

What a remarkable idea! I got this link from Owlhaven.
I am astounded at the numbers you cited for us.
Thank you for sharing such an important issue!

I have been "sort of" doing this but without the motivation/spiritual awareness. I would like to begin a spiritual pilgrimage of this sort. Perhaps I will start it for October. I will take it to prayer.

If I do begin this "fast" - would you allow me to quote you (with references and links ofcourse) for my blog posting about this endeavor? I think you put it so eloquently.

Bless you!
September 21, 2006 | Unregistered CommenterStacey

Oh, of course, Stacey. Take it and run with it..change it, make it yours. This is God's idea - I don't have any copyrights on it! :)

Bless you!
September 21, 2006 | Registered CommenterTonia

My family is joining you! We are starting on September 27th and going through October 26th dur to a previously scheduled out-of-town soccer tournament that would require some eating out, etc. You can check out our preparation and progress on our new blog: http://myfunnyvalentines.blogspot.com/. Please keep us in your prayers! I am a single mother who works full-time outside the home, so avoiding unnecessary spending will be difficult in that corporate environment, but I am hoping that we can be a testimony to others. Thank you for encouraging this effort. We have already been blessed in our preparation and prayer over this!
September 24, 2006 | Unregistered CommenterAmy