The lovely Amazon box waited for me, I ripped it open with great excitement and pulled out my own copy of 7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess. (Cheaper at www.cbd.com) What I didn’t expect was how much this book would push me to think…and…change…
Very enthusiastically I explained the premise of the book to Jon. I was ready to read it, not jump into the craziness. Jon’s first response, “Let’s do it”, annoyed me.
Book Review:
”Food. Clothes. Spending. Media. Possessions. Waste. Stress. They would spend thirty days on each topic, boiling it down to the number seven. Only eat seven foods, wear seven articles of clothing, and spend money in seven places. Eliminate use of seven media types, give away seven things each day for one month, adopt seven green habits, and observe "seven sacred pauses." So, what’s the payoff from living a deeply reduced life? It’s the discovery of a greatly increased God—a call toward Christ-like simplicity and generosity that transcends social experiment to become a radically better existence.” –excerpt from CBD
Read along as Jen journals this journey, from how God has brought her family from pastoring a “successful” mega-church, living the American dream and enjoying everything this life has to offer to literally giving her shoes off her feet (multiple times, I might add). As I read Jen’s accounts of living one month on seven foods (ARE YOU KIDDING ME?) to the next month eating what she pleased but limiting herself to wearing 7 items of clothing, including shoes (ARE YOU KIDDING ME?), it became desirable. Not the part about self-denial, but…it was the part about self-denial and how God can work mightily through it, when we slow down, simplify and just take the time to hear Him. How often do I fast or practice some form of self-denial? Very little. Is it something the Lord has been convicting me for some time about? YES.
What I am taking forever to say is, by the grace of God, we are embarking on this journey. I know this is sticky because broadcasting a fast seems proud. Be assured, I don’t tell you so you can admire my self-discipline (seriously a very weak area in my life) but to see if you want to join.
One of the strongest things that stood out to me in the book was Jen’s “Council”, basically a group of friends all doing this together (to varying degrees and in a myriad of ways, not everyone’s journey was the same) who supported each other, talked about the hard things and just kept each other sane and laughing along the way . Are you intrigued in doing this together? This will not be a time commitment as we will keep up over e-mail.
We are starting Month #1 on May 1st. If you are interested, that gives you a bit over a month to find the book (hilarious, quick read), read through it and prayerfully decide if it is an experiment on which you want to embark.
GIVEAWAY:
If you are interested in possibly participating, leave a comment on this post. One winner will be announced March 30th and will receive their own copy of “7” with no obligation or pressure to participate.
May God use this for His glory and praise.
35 comments:
Totally intrigued by this book! Love Jen Hatmaker's blog!
ok i JUST heard about this book from jane and thought it sounded really interesting! love to win this book and "possibly" participate! :) need to see how the mr feels about that...
You already know my thoughts, but thanks for putting it out there. Looking forward to journeying with you. :) Even if Pizza doesn't count as one food. :)
I've been wanting to read this book - sign me up!
I have been wanting to get my hands on this book.
--kristen
I'm reading that book right now! I would love to do it. Being so undisciplined though, my first thought on doing it was "I'll up my foods/clothes to 10 things..."
If someone else was doing it at the same time I may be able to do it though.
this is on my list of books that i want to read! put me in the drawing please :) i've already tried the clothing thing just by reading someone else's experience on their blog. would love to find out about the other 6.
This book is on my "to read" list, but since we just brought our two children home, my budget says to wait:( loved reading your thoughts/review though!!!
Sign me up :)
Excited for the challenge and praying for a change!
PLEASE sign me up!! Love Jen's blog and am literally frothing at the mouth with anticipation of this book AND this change for the better!!
A friend of mine is reading this book right now and it is totally changing her outlook on life. Such an amazing challenge.
Yes! I read her book about a month ago. So convicting. It is so hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven, but [PRAISE GOD!] with God, all things are possible. I will definitely be praying about this.
I have heard about this book. Would definitely want to read it and pray about joining in! Looking forward to seeing and catching up with you guys this weekend!!
The review has me intrigued. I will pray about participating.
Hmm...Ryan and I were just talking about this topic. I would love to read the book.
Bethany D.
I'm in...just finished this book. Let's just say it kept me up at night thinking, praying, searching...can't wait.
Would love to read the book...
Would love to read the book..and am interested in participating.
Sounds interesting!
This book has been on my reading list for awhile, but haven't gotten to it yet. Count me in.
Terri
Wow! This hits close to home for me, as I find myself wrapped up WAY too often in the "American dream." I would love to read this!
Ooooo, very convicting. I would love to read this book...but I'll admit it sounds scary!
Sounds like a great read...and something I need to read.
Adrianne Reinhard
I love Jen Hatmaker's blog....would love to read the book. Not sure I would go further than that right NOW, but we'll see. (:
It is on my " to read" list. Could use a little grounding in my life. Would love to journey with others as well.
-Sarah Ann Hidy
oh sounds good, please enter me.
i have been wanting to read this book, sign me up please! thanks amy!
tara reinhard
I LOVE this book! You don't need to enter me in the drawing but I still had to say how much I love it! :) We've been implementing stuff from her book into our lives and are continually challenged by it!
That looks like a great book, I would love to read it!
If I don't win a copy from Jenna, I'd sure love to win one from you! ;)
Love, Mom
This sounds very interesting... Would love to read the book!
if you haven't picked a winner yet, sign me up!
LOVE this book and have been thinking about getting a group together to do this!!! :) Jane
Hmm, our small group is currently reading this book, and I have been toying with whether to do any of the experiments (or modifications). So, will keep thinking about it. Not so sure how to limit clothing that much with a business-type job, camping (possibly backpacking), parenting, and wild weather variations all mixed into the same month. Might have to define some alternative parametres on that one!
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