Black Friday, Cyber Monday and other secular holidays

If you are observing the above consumer "holy" days, this post is not intended to condemn you. There is nothing wrong with saving some money and being a good steward of the resources God has blessed you with. For instance, we all need clothes. It is a wise thing for me to take advantage of discounts and sales on needed clothes.

Shop Amazon - Cyber Monday Deals Week

However, this is a perfect opportunity to be salt and light- to be different- in an increasingly secular culture.

Need some ideas?  Here are a few suggestions:

Some are common sense.  Set a budget.  Do not allow gift giving and receiving to be manipulated by emotions and impulse spending.  Sit down NOW and decide what you are able to spend.  You cannot give what you do not have.  Don't try!  If you don't have money this Christmas, a card, hand written letter, baked cookies, or any handmade gift are perfect alternatives to going into debt.  The people who truly love you will know and appreciate that your gift is from the heart.

Secondly, consider alternative gifts.  Remember Whose birthday it is!  Too many people give too many unneeded/unwanted gifts to too many people.  Consider a gift to a charity or church in someone else's name. I've mentioned (and will continue to!) the alternative gift shop at Mission Without Borders.  It's amazing how far our US dollars stretch in other countries to enable families to live better all year long!  World Vision and most major US charities have similar programs.  Do something for people you may never meet and who may never be able to thank you- that's true charity.

Leverage your buying power!  If you must buy, then leverage those funds to do the most good.  Think of your dollars as a vote.  Every dollar you spend at xyz company is a vote that xyz company prospers.  It is!
So why not try to buy local?  Purchase from ethical companies.  Buy quality goods over quantity.  One high quality sweater that lasts 10 years is much better than 5 shoddy shirts made in a Chinese sweat-shop.



Finally, if you like this blog, would you consider helping it?  I blog because I believe in the ministries I support.  However, I have a dream of one day being debt free.  You can help!  It's quick, easy and doesn't cost you a dime!  Just purchase from Amazon using any of the links on my page.  I get a small commission from each sale which will help retire my debt quicker!

THANKS!