I hope this Contentment Challenge has been as enriching, challenging, and sharpening for you as it has been for me. I have asked myself countless times, what do I really value in life? It has turned my thoughts inward, and I find myself dwelling on my character, my thoughts, my activities, the memories I’m making… all in the place of buying more stuff. I don’t think I’ll ever go back to the way I used to be. This life has been to rich and too good to go back. To put actions behind the truth that stuff doesn’t matter. People do. My character does. Memorizing scripture and making memories are invaluable compared to a new dress, new shoes, new accessories. So, here we are on June 1st, with just one more month to go!

With all of that said, I’m going to be honest with you – the Contentment Challenge has been very difficult for me lately, and June is going to be my hardest month yet. First of all, with lots and lots of tears, I said goodbye to my Lake House this week – the vacation home that my family has owned for 18 years. It was one of the hardest yet sweetest days of my life. Hard because I felt like that house owned a piece of my life. So full of memories, it was my favorite place on this earth. But so sweet, because God was so close to me. Will walked through that hard day with me. (Read his amazing thoughts on letting go of this sweet home here. He summarized it beautifully.) And, I had no idea I would be saying goodbye to the Lake House during the Contentment Challenge when I began it 2 months ago. God is good like that, isn’t He? Reminding me that Godliness with contentment is itself great wealth! That it is ultimately it is just a house, and my eternal home still awaits. Showing me that the physical things on this earth will always fade, and my hope is ultimately in the presence of Jesus. Lake home, I will miss you dearly.

On a more frivolous note, I have really wanted to go shopping lately! Mainly because of all the big events that await me in June:

– Engage! 13 : A business summit full of lavish parties, networking events, and a grand gala. (You only need about 124 outfits for the 3 days you are there.)
– Our 5 year Anniversary on June 22 (Yep, I really want a new pretty dress.)
– A Nancy Ray Photography team photo shoot
– Lots of weddings. I wear the same things over and over, and I’m really wanting to update my wedding photography wardrobe.

So, this last month I’m ready for this challenge to really sink in. To find lasting freedom from the addiction of stuff and materialism! That’s why the theme this month is freedom. I want to do this with joy, not bitterness. Because the truth is, I don’t need any of that stuff! Yes, I want it! But I don’t need it. In fact, I’ve decided to remove the word “need” from my vocabulary in regards to clothing from now on. I hear it all the time – “I need a new cardigan, I need a new pair of pumps, I need a staple black skirt.” But I don’t. We don’t. And I will make do with what I have, pull out those creative outfits that I already own, and be thankful!

So, roll up your sleeves! Let’s DO THIS. It’s the last month of the Contentment Challenge, and I am SO grateful to know so many of you are participating in this with me! We are almost there. And remember : it’s so worth it!

The Contentment Challenge : June
Theme: Freedom (that lasts!)
Memory Verse: 1 Timothy 6:6
Activity Challenge: Give away some of your spending money. After 2 months of no shopping, you have probably accumulated some extra cash. If you haven’t already put it towards something else, save some this month and put it towards a good cause. Whether it’s a family who needs help, a ministry or organization, or simply paying for a stranger’s coffee or lunch, do something that brings someone else joy! I promise, you will see how much joy it brings to you. (Much more joy than a new bathing suit, I promise!)

And finally, here are my June Goals!

June Goals

Complete the third and FINAL month of the Contentment Challenge!
15 in 12 : Read Bonheoffer (Yes, all 542 pages!)
Learn 2 new songs on the Guitar
Go to Engage! 13 at the Biltmore Estate
Run the Nicaragua 5K (you should too!)
Sign up for a Sprint Triathlon
Take 29 kids to Summer Camp
Shoot 4 Weddings
Celebrate 5 wonderful years of marriage with my best friend
Have a fun NRP team photo shoot

How are you feeling about the Contentment Challenge? What are your goals for June? Comment below!

June 2013 Goals