Book Review: 7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess

I'm not really sure where to even begin on my thoughts on 7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess.  It's revolutionary really.  At least it was for me (and now my husband by default).

This book is a journey though the author's experiment of clearing out 7 areas of excess in her life.  Each month she focuses on simplifying in one area.

Month 1: food.  Her goal is to only eat 7 foods for the entire month

Month 2: Clothing.  Wear only 7 items of clothes for the entire month.

Month 3: Possessions. Give away 7 items you own each day!

Month 4: Media.  No media that isn't work related for the entire month.

Month 5:Waste.  Go green in 7 different areas to eliminate waste.

Month 6: Spending.  Spend money at only 7 locations for an entire month.

Month 7: Stress.  Practice 7 pauses for prayer and reflection daily and honor the sabbath.

Crazy right?  The book is hysterical! Journaling her thoughts throughout the entire adventure, has you laughing and crying.  Her point is not to say all these things are bad, but just to be more aware of these areas and how much excess our lives may have.

We live in a blessed country and we do not need to feel guilty for that or live in burlap sacks, but it's important to realize how blessed we are and how we could be a part of helping others who may not be as fortunate.  

Jen's writing is so honest throughout this process, highlighting her failures and frustrations with giving up some of her luxuries (like wearing jeans that are damp because you forgot to do laundry of your only pair of pants).  But also talks about the joys (like family activities other than playing video games).

My heart was moved.  So moved in fact that I couldn't shake this feeling that God wants to do some changes in our family.  Like, "Holy Cow God, can't you just let me sleep, or focus on worship in church, or focus on anything other than this book."  So I've been praying and praying about what God might want us to do with this heavy heart I have.

He answered so here we are on a new adventure.  Trusting God in a new way, and I could not be more thrilled!

All that to say this book was life changing for us.  It may not be for you, but I know that if you dare read it you will feel so blessed!