Every year for the past 3 years our family has done a “spending fast” during the month of January. This year we decided to make the “season of sacrifice” last the whole year through, by assigning a different sacrifice to every month. For us, the purpose of this is to become more thankful for the overflowing blessings that we do have and focus on the most important things in life. Just as in any type of fast, when we feel the result of the sacrifice, we hope it will remind us of Christ and the sacrifice He made for us.
Below is the calendar we have come up with for this year. We invite you to join in and do it along with us. Feel free to make your own versions as well. But most of all, if you choose to accept this challenge- please leave us comments to let us know how it is going for you. It will be fun to dialogue and support each other over the course of the year!
JANUARY: Complete spending fast* (as a warning, this does require some planning ahead -e.g. airline tickets etc.)
FEBRUARY: Focus on slimming down/ cleaning out /getting rid of excess (this could be clutter, your pantry, body fat, etc). This year, for us, this will include a garage sale.
MARCH: Focus on giving/tithing (we hope to come up with creative ways to use some of the money saved from the spending fast in January and the garage sale in February to gift, give and tithe)
APRIL: TV fast (this coincides with National TV Turnoff week: April 21-27)
MAY: No online spending*
JUNE: No going out for coffee (Coffee made in our own coffee pot is acceptable.)
JULY: No talking on the cellphone while riding horseback (Okay, count this month as a freebie- everyone needs one once in a while!)
AUGUST: No major purchases over $50 (This one will also take some planning ahead.)
SEPTEMBER: No sweets (As in chocolate, ice cream, cookies… A little depravity never hurt anyone. We will let you know if we are still standing when the month is over.)
OCTOBER: No meat (Yes, this can be healthy if done right. There are plenty of other protein options out there.)
NOVEMBER: No purchases for self (This is especially good timing as it coincides with Christmas shopping for others.)
DECEMBER: Advent family devotions each night during or after dinner (Focusing on slowing, family and preparing our hearts for the birth of Christ.)
*Exceptions and acceptable purchases always include: gas, groceries, bills, tithing, and emergencies*
*Definition of emergencies must be agreed upon bewteen all adult family members. : )
I love your seasons of sacrifice calendar and ideas. What a great way to honor the savior. I also like the photos of Jackson. Hope you’re feeling better.
Thanks Dad!