Our goals and purpose in this year are not completely in
line with this blogger’s, but they are quite similar. Our purpose, goals and guidelines are as
follows:
PURPOSE:
“To live a simpler life by getting rid of things that take me away from time with God – and in getting rid of those things, being able to give more.” -Justin
“To find ways to live simpler and more in line with Biblical principles, rather than ‘The American Dream.’ To de-clutter, enjoy what we have (rather than what we think we should have), spend more time with God and give more of my time, energy, resources, money and talents.” -Jessica
GUIDELINES:
1.
Pray.
For each “thing” we decide to do or not do, we will consider it in prayer and ask for guidance in doing so.
For each “thing” we decide to do or not do, we will consider it in prayer and ask for guidance in doing so.
2. Socialize more.
We would like to spend time with at least one other couple at least twice a month.
Jessica would like to spend time with someone (another mom, woman, etc.) at least once per week – whether it is investing in someone spiritually, or just hanging out.
We would like to spend time with at least one other couple at least twice a month.
Jessica would like to spend time with someone (another mom, woman, etc.) at least once per week – whether it is investing in someone spiritually, or just hanging out.
3.
Consume and have less.
We would like to buy less, eat less and spend less.
We would like to borrow or buy used whenever it is a possibility.
We would like to be wise in deciding what we should buy as an investment for the long-run rather than buying cheap for a short period of time.
We would like to reduce the amount of possessions we have in order to de-clutter our lives and our home.
All these goals will allow for us to spend more time focused on others that we care about much more than things.
We would like to buy less, eat less and spend less.
We would like to borrow or buy used whenever it is a possibility.
We would like to be wise in deciding what we should buy as an investment for the long-run rather than buying cheap for a short period of time.
We would like to reduce the amount of possessions we have in order to de-clutter our lives and our home.
All these goals will allow for us to spend more time focused on others that we care about much more than things.
4.
Consume consciously.
We would like to research and find reputable companies that care about people and the environment, and buy from them.
We will shop local whenever we can, get to know the business owners, and support our community.
We would like to research and find reputable companies that care about people and the environment, and buy from them.
We will shop local whenever we can, get to know the business owners, and support our community.
5.
Healthy Living.
We would like to start a healthier eating regimen.
We are cutting out soda.
We will be more active as a family (take walks, ride bikes, etc.)
In doing these things we will (hopefully) lose weight and become better stewards of the bodies God gave us.
We would like to start a healthier eating regimen.
We are cutting out soda.
We will be more active as a family (take walks, ride bikes, etc.)
In doing these things we will (hopefully) lose weight and become better stewards of the bodies God gave us.
6.
Reduce our environmental impact
We will reduce, reuse and recycle anything we can.
We will teach our kids to do the same (as much as we can…they are very young).
We will reduce, reuse and recycle anything we can.
We will teach our kids to do the same (as much as we can…they are very young).
7.
Spend time intentionally.
We will be more aware and responsible with how we spend our time. Even free-time will be “planned”.
We will minimize distractions (such as cell phones, video games, etc.) to be more available and intentional with people around us.
We will be more aware and responsible with how we spend our time. Even free-time will be “planned”.
We will minimize distractions (such as cell phones, video games, etc.) to be more available and intentional with people around us.
8.
Self-sufficient.
We will try to make, grow or do anything we can, and teach our children to as well.
We will try to make, grow or do anything we can, and teach our children to as well.
9.
Give.
In all of these guidelines our sole purpose is to give. Whether we are giving more love to our kids, more time to God, or more things to others in need – we want to be givers, not consumers and not takers. We want to be learners and teachers. We want to be simple followers of Christ and not of America and its agenda. We want to show our kids how to live for God alone.
In all of these guidelines our sole purpose is to give. Whether we are giving more love to our kids, more time to God, or more things to others in need – we want to be givers, not consumers and not takers. We want to be learners and teachers. We want to be simple followers of Christ and not of America and its agenda. We want to show our kids how to live for God alone.
Confession:
I am beyond excited.
We have already done a few days of this and it is SO exhilarating! We have a list of ideas/concepts that we plan
to do at some point. We would love any
opinions or ideas you might have! We do
have 365 days to fill, so it might get harder once we get to June! We hope that you can journey with us,
possibly learn something, and desire to be more simple in your lifestyle as
well. I don’t want to continue without
once again crediting the year of less! They are the source of most of
our ideas, at least to begin with.
Thanks again Kelly Family for your hearts that love the Lord and desire
to do His works in the simplest way possible J
((Side note: some of my words are randomly linked and I have no idea why...))
((Side note: some of my words are randomly linked and I have no idea why...))
