Here is what we are giving up. It may not seem to be a big deal (in fact, many of our friends have never had these…) but it will definitely take some getting used to:
- TIVO (and you have to remember, I married an engineer who had THREE Tivos…)
- All non-essential internet services
- Radically decreasing our food costs (both eating out and grocery bills)
- Vacations
- Non-business books
- Some of our cell phone services
If you’re wondering why we are giving this stuff up, check out yesterday’s post.
So I’m curious – have you ever felt the need to get rid of stuff that was crowding your life and stealing time from your relationship with God or others? I would love to know what it is.
I was working through some issues recently and kept hearing a lot about fasting. I felt like God was telling me to fast. As I was discussing it with God, I was dictating what I thought I should do as a fast. I felt God say “40 days and No TV”. As the days wore on I needed to make changes to the diet I said I was going to do. I had to make these changes for health reasons. However, the no TV and part of the diet stuck for the 40 days. During this process I came closer to God in ways I cannot even describe. I have a new thirst to learn and grow with God that I have not felt in a very long time. I had come to realize what a huge distraction the TV was for me and my walk with God. I understand why He said to me no TV. I can watch it again, however I watch how much I watch now. My priorities are different and it has become different for my husband also. He did enter into the fast with me, however, he respected and encouraged me. By doing so it changed his habits too. He feels closer to God and has a calmer spirit, not so anxious. I have learned to listen to Gods voice telling me what changes He wants me to make. He will make it clear, we just need to willing to listen and obey.
Because of financial constraints we have given up many “things” over the last few years. We have never had cable, we have dial up internet, we eat out VERY seldom and we don’t spend money on entertainment (movies and etc.) But we haven’t given up is family time. We enjoy the library together, the park, walks and car rides. We are blessed to have a 12 year old, a 10 year old and a 4 year old that like hangin’ with the parents! That’s priceless and worth every sacrifice!
I am giving up cell phone internet (such a time waster for me). And I am going to assess what else we can give up.
I embraced the “give-up” phase several times in the past ten years. Each time, I became richer in time and attitude.
We do not have cable and haven’t upgraded our TV’s. Also, there is no TV in the living room, just the workroom/studio. We don’t have a main land line, just cells. We eat out not more than once per month, I no longer shop for entertainment or fellowship, only intentionally and with a list. I plot errands minding mileage and gas. We cut red meat significantly and have started eating more organic. We read library books, or, if I’m lucky, I get involved in a free book blog project like The Marriage Project.
Many times I have felt wiling to give up things (like cable) but my husband is not one to let things go easily. It’s awesome that the two of you are “together, together” on this.