Contentment Challenge

After much prayer, thought, and discussion, I decided the Contentment Challenge was JUST FOR ME.

Every year, the planner in me writes a detailed list of goals/ aspirations for the year along with a theme. About 3 weeks ago, during my quiet time, I was praying and talking with Jesus, and He whispered to my heart, "Less world, more of Me." That is my 2014 theme, "Less world, more Jesus." 

I read about a sweet childhood friend of mine doing the challenge and I immediately thought how desperately my heart needed this 3 month cleanse of "things". I love to shop, like really love it. I love to find great deals, and I'm not even selfish about it. If I find great deals, I love to buy things for other people as well, especially my Mr and little man. I try to justify my shopping by saying it's something sweet for someone else. Poor justification right? Being a stay at home mom, I get bored sometimes. New clothes or house items make it not so boring.....for a little bit, then I want new things. Days when I'm lonely, bored, sad, irritated, shopping crosses my mind. When it's too cold out or I don't feel like dragging my babe out in the crowds, hey pull out the mac and let's shop baby!

**(Confession, my online shopping love, uh addiction? got so bad while my husband was deployed, (because I was super lonely and just sad and clothes make girls happy) I started leaving my purse in my car at night so I wouldn't shop. Too bad I had my debit card number MEMORIZED, security code an all.)**

I know that things can bring me happiness, momentarily. Why settle for happiness when I have access to joy. Joy comes from Christ, and joy lasts a lot longer than happiness. I am hoping throughout this challenge, I tap into Christ more on those days when I am lonely, sad, bored, or just needing to have my cup filled up. I am hoping to live more simply, to not be materialistic, to be more creative with what I do have, and to just want less. I am looking forward to being less distracted by things and being more present in the things that truly matter. 

I put up my gift cards from Christmas, emptied my shopping cart on Loft.com, and am so looking forward to the positive changes ahead. Lord, let the chiseling begin. 

"Less world, more Jesus"