7 update...

I'm about half way through the book - 7 an experimental mutiny against excess.

It's totally fabulous!  Goose bumps, mess you up fabulous.

A friend recommended it for me.  She read it and thought of me the whole time.  I'm not surprised.  We've been on a simplification journey for a few years now.

I am super passionate about simplifying our life.  I want less. I want less so we can give more - to our family (less stuff = more peace) and to others (stuff they need, $ we didn't spend on stuff)!  

But here's what's happening as I read this book.  I'm beginning to think that my motivation has been mostly for US.  I want less stuff in my house so WE have less stress, less clutter, less to take care of and more $.  

This is great and all (if we were living this life only for us) - but how am I using this gift I've been given to spread the good news?!  I'm not really.  I hold a lot of it in - keep it for myself - and pour it all into the 5 lives who reside in our home.  Am I sharing my gifts and passions enough with others?  I'm not sure.

When I stand before God, my goal is to get a "Well done, good and faithful servant!" response.

I plan to spend the next 7 months fasting - 1 month on each area (in this order - Sept-Mar):  food, clothes, possessions, media, waste, spending, stress.  

I will start tomorrow and end at the end of March.  I do not plan to duplicate Jen Hatmaker's project.  However, I will do SOMETHING each month that is specific to that area.  My main plan is to pray specifically and intentionally about each area, and I'm just so excited to see what happens!

"We have this one life to offer; there is no second chance, no Plan B for the good news.  We get one shot at living to expand the kingdom, fighting for justice.  We'll stand before Jesus once, and none of our luxuries will accompany us.  We'll have one moment to say, 'This is how I lived.' "  Jen Hatmaker