Book Review & a GIVEAWAY!

Let me warn you - if you don't like self-examination, then do not read this book!

Having said that, the book 7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess by Jen Hatmaker is a MUST READ.

How many of you have asked yourself these questions, "Where did we get all this stuff?" or "Where does all our money go?" or "Why do I have so many clothes in this closet?"?  Have you found yourself wanting to make a difference, wanting to help out people less fortunate that you, wanting to instill in your children the value of the dollar and generosity of spirit?  Do you want to do more than drop off a few bags at Goodwill every few months?  Do you wish you could feel like you actually make a difference in someone else's life?

READ THIS BOOK!

Like many of you out there, I fell like I am doing a lot of things "right".  I make my kids eat their vegetables and try not to waste food.  We eat leftovers.  We recycle everything our city will take.  We tithe and give offerings to our church.  We give money to charities through our community and our kids' school.  We adopt kids for Christmas and give to mission projects and trips.  We pat ourselves on the back and think we are doing enough.  But are we REALLY doing enough?  Are we doing enough to help take care of orphans and widows?  Are we doing enough for the poor (both monetarily poor and the poor in spirit)?  Where do we even start to try to make a change in our family life?  It seems too daunting a task and quite frankly, I don't know if I have the energy to try!  At least, I felt that way before I read this book.

I have had the pleasure of reading and working through all of Jen Hatmaker's bible study books. A Modern Girl's Guide to Bible Study, Interrupted, MakeOver, RoadTrip and Girl Talk were all great.  We used some of them in the "MommyTime" bible study I led at our church.  But this book has really changed the way I look at a lot of things. 

Jen decided to take seven months and eliminate or curb the waste/use of specific things each month.  They were the following:  food, clothing, possessions, media, waste, spending, and stress.  I don't want to give to much away about the book because I want you to READ THIS BOOK!  Let me just say that in her witty and humorous way she imparts the lessons she learned on this journey.  There were days she gave in or messed up and she freely shares about that.  There were things that immediately came back in her life once that month was over (internet, tv, eating out) but her perspective had changed. 

Immediately I found myself going through a coat closet, wanting to give away coats to those who need them.  I mean, do I really need 7 coats?  If you know me, I hardly wear coats to begin with because I seriously do not need one more thing to carry and keep up with these days.  I believe four children are enough to keep up with right now!  I went through my kitchen cabinets, pulling out a whole box of items I don't need or use that are in perfect shape.  I am constantly thinking of this book right now and the ideas behind it.

I found myself really resonating with her reductions, especially the ones of possessions, waste and stress.  I want to do more than the bare minimum.  I believe God calls us to tithe to our churches and give to offerings, but I also ascribe to the thought, "to whom much is given, much is required".  I have been given SO MUCH!  We are so blessed with family, friends, children, a nice home, nice cars, savings, etc.  I know there are so many out there who don't have even the most basic of needs.  What can I do?  I want to do more than just write a check.  Giving money is great and I try to give money where I know it will be well spent on the need, not just on administrative needs and overhead.  But I am really feeling a desire to get my hands dirty, you know?  I want to hold some lonely children, hug a tired and desperate mother, feed some families who are hungry, give a smile to someone who desperately needs HOPE.  Am I the only person who feels this way?

7 simply brought feelings and desires to the surface for me that were already there.  God used Jen's words to move me past ideas into the brainstorming and get off my butt stage!!

I am praying for a few women who will join me in doing the same things Jen did in order to call my family into a time of fasting from things we take for granted.  I want God to expose to me the things we have that are simply excess.  I want to know who we can help and how.  Pray with me for this and let me know if you are interested in participating!  Jen had so many great quotes and references in her book and I wrote so many of them down thinking I would share them wittily with you all.  But right now, I am simply stuck on asking you to READ THIS BOOK!

I was blessed to get an advance copy to review for my blog.  I read it on my Kindle.  I have a hardcopy of the book to giveaway.  Here is how you can get a copy:
1.  Become a follower of my blog and leave me a comment telling me you joined.
2.  Share this blogpost on your facebook and/or twitter accounts and leave me a post telling me you did that.
3.  Leave a comment here about why you want to read this book.

That is up to 4 chances to have your name entered in the drawing for the book.

The giveaway ends this Friday, January 27 at 12 noon. 

Thanks for reading and sharing this post!