With the beginning of Y.A.M.'s Financial Fast from nonessential spending just six short days away, I have been contemplating all that must enjoyed before manic Monday. After all, it will be three weeks before we can freely buy again. *grips baby blanket tightly toward chest*
So far, here's what my list looks like:
- A gift for Mom's Day
- Cards for Mom's Day
- A "few" things for the house/kitchen
- A birthday card for a friend's big 3-0
- A cupcake from Crumbs
- A vat of General Tso's Chicken or Pad See Yu...(the furthest East my culinary skills take me is 5th Ave)
- A few items of clothing...maybe a pair of pumps (or two)
- A mani/pedi duo
- A big dinner with friends at one of my favorite restaurants
- A night out with friends (no, they are not one in the same and, yes, this fast is especially for the likes of me)
- A gyro salad for lunch from the cart guys on 52nd and Park
- A small Mr. Tastee soft-serve thingy
True, this list may appear a bit more suitable for "Rachel's Road to Redemption: 21 Days Til Lockdown," versus a spiritual woman embarking on a short-term sacrifice for God. But I'm just saying: this fast is especially for the likes of someone especially like me.
With that said, what are you doing to prepare for the start of your journey? Are there any last items you would like to "get in" or are you easy breezy, cool like that and ready to go?
agape,
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Monday, April 26, 2010
Curbing the Need to Consume
What up, Fam?
By the time you read this post, you'll be excitedly (dismally?) reacting over the 21-Day Financial Fast with Y.A.M. Me? I'm a proud supporter and co-convener of the "Excited" Ministry, and for good reason.
As a nine-year New Yorker and worker, I've spent more than I have earned. I have used credit cards like they're NSA gifts from the fairy god-mother or God himself. And (...and!), I have barely saved a penny, let alone a dime. 401K, 403b, IRA, Roth? *clears throat*
So with this fast, I am praying a few things for myself - and YOU!
- To break the consuming cycle (mama LOVES to spend!)
- To develop a natural *gag* reflex at the mere thought of unnecessarily spending dollars
- To cultivate an air of enthusiasm and excitement at the thought of saving money...because - after all - this dame will no longer be spending it unnecessarily (*runs around the sanctuary; rolls the aisles; shouts*)
- To pay off my debt at superhuman, Christ-like speed, while building toward my future.
I have tons of other financial goals as well, but let me keep it basic. After all, this forum is about us and this journey and four us! So Desiree and I hope you will comment and share your goals, dreams, challenges, and daily victories, too.
Transparency + Community = Growth.
A few thoughts until tomorrow...
Washington Post columnist Michelle Singletary has covered the 21-Day Financial Fast at length and participated in it via an outreach program with her home church.
About the 21-Day sacrifice, she writes:
"The fast is really about curbing the need to consume."
"Debt is dangerous. When you are in debt, you are beholden to someone else."
Chew on those golden nuggets until tomorrow.
Rachel & Desiree
PS - and don't forget to email fcbc.yam@gmail.com by Thursday if you are indeed going to take the plunge with us!
By the time you read this post, you'll be excitedly (dismally?) reacting over the 21-Day Financial Fast with Y.A.M. Me? I'm a proud supporter and co-convener of the "Excited" Ministry, and for good reason.
As a nine-year New Yorker and worker, I've spent more than I have earned. I have used credit cards like they're NSA gifts from the fairy god-mother or God himself. And (...and!), I have barely saved a penny, let alone a dime. 401K, 403b, IRA, Roth? *clears throat*
So with this fast, I am praying a few things for myself - and YOU!
- To break the consuming cycle (mama LOVES to spend!)
- To develop a natural *gag* reflex at the mere thought of unnecessarily spending dollars
- To cultivate an air of enthusiasm and excitement at the thought of saving money...because - after all - this dame will no longer be spending it unnecessarily (*runs around the sanctuary; rolls the aisles; shouts*)
- To pay off my debt at superhuman, Christ-like speed, while building toward my future.
I have tons of other financial goals as well, but let me keep it basic. After all, this forum is about us and this journey and four us! So Desiree and I hope you will comment and share your goals, dreams, challenges, and daily victories, too.
Transparency + Community = Growth.
A few thoughts until tomorrow...
Washington Post columnist Michelle Singletary has covered the 21-Day Financial Fast at length and participated in it via an outreach program with her home church.
About the 21-Day sacrifice, she writes:
"The fast is really about curbing the need to consume."
"Debt is dangerous. When you are in debt, you are beholden to someone else."
Chew on those golden nuggets until tomorrow.
Rachel & Desiree
PS - and don't forget to email fcbc.yam@gmail.com by Thursday if you are indeed going to take the plunge with us!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)