The reason

I wanted to start this blog with the purpose behind our 2010 journey.

I have often said to others (and myself): "How is it that companies make any money selling new stuff??? There is so much used stuff out there, I don't think anyone really NEEDS to buy anything new." Of course, I was speaking specifically of those living in the US- a country of excess. It seems to me that most new items purchased are either upgrades from already owned items, bought new for convenience/warranty, or just because thats what we do.

So the other day I was pondering potential New Years Resolutions and a thought popped into my mind in such a way... that I knew it was the Lord. You know them. Those thoughts that show up that are CLEARLY not yours. That was THIS thought: "What would it be like to go a year without buying anything new?" Hmmm.... seemed plausible. I already buy a lot of things used... or trade/swap on certain websites.

I began to think of all the things I'd need to buy before Jan 1. :) Well, that didn't happen, but it probably should have! That said, Jeremy was quick to jump on the idea and here we are, as a family of 6, embarking on a journey of living of the excess of our nation :) Jeremy found Hebrews 13:5 as a rock for our journey. "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." There are a number of verses that could apply... but the idea of being content with what we have, not needing the newest model, and stretching ourselves to trust more deeply in God's provision is the flame igniting our excitement. And we will be sharing this journey with you!

On that note, here are some exceptions to our "buy nothing new" rule. We will continue to buy groceries (I don't want your used broccoli :) Actually, Id love to live on your leftovers... bring 'em buy ANY TIME. We will exempt home necessities such as diapers, toothbrushes, TP, shampoo... I DO NOT want your used TP. Keep it. Flush it. We will also continue with service items... such as servicing our vehicles. I will have to continue to spend $35/month for clothing for my foster children until their adoptions are complete. (We are not allowed to buy them clothes at a thrift store/yard sale yet.) And finally, my Creative Memories business will be separate from this family goal.

Other than that, nothing new can be bought!

That said, heres how the first 4 days have gone. Jeremy was at Vons and almost grabbed a movie to buy... when my oldest son said, "Dad, arent we NOT buying anything new?" Conviction! Jeremy hadn't realized how easy it is to just grab something on a whim and go. It was also humbling to have our child remind him! Especially since we hadn't announced it to the family yet (yeah, our little eavesdropper :).

In the first 4 days of this year, my sewing machine had broken down, Jeremy's Bible has flown off the roof of our car, and a big drawer in my kitchen has broken. We ran out of duct tape and lost our fireplace key :)

I posted a wanted ad on the Fresno Freecycle and got a bunch of duct tape AND masking tape free from a wonderful woman. Still waiting on the fireplace key. But we are so excited to see what God is going to do through this! I'll definitely keep you posted and give you some great tips as I figure them out.