This experimental mutiny against excess is going to be just that – experimental! Seven weeks of the unknown. God has already been wrecking me, but I think this summer it’s fixing to get up close and a little personal. Visualize me gasping!!
It’s time though — time to simplify for the sake of — OTHERS! Now that excites me. We each live in a whole city full of OTHERS! They are here, there and everywhere.
Over the past two years my heart has been wrenched in many ways as I’ve reached out to those who have very little, but I have so much more to discover, to experience. In this crazy adventure of simplifying, I want more of the focus to be about others. That will be my aim and my goal.
So what does my schedule and strategy look like?
1. I will be following the book.
REASON: I know me well enough to know, that I would thumb through and pick the easy weeks to fit my schedule. Seriously, I would. I’m all about cheating to win!
2. I will be tackling the 7 areas one week at a time beginning June 3rd — mercy that’s THIS Sunday.
REASON: I will need extra prayers at church to fulfill this commitment. just saying’
3. I will follow my normal blogging schedule where I’ll record my journey.
REASON: I need some accountability, because remember I like to cheat.
4. I will lay out my plan, rules, and strategy for each mutiny the Friday before.
REASON: Seriously, who plans six-weeks out and still follows through? If it is you, please let me know. But YOWZY, that means tomorrow I lay out my mutiny against food.
I think that gets me and you on track for now. I’ve been asked a few times how those who don’t have a blog can participate. What you do is comment below! So, today you can lay out your strategy as to what your Summer of 7 will look like below in the comments. Can’t wait to take on this mutiny with you!
I’m reminded of Andy Stanley’s comment in his book Enemies of the Heart, “we are the richest country in the world and we sit around praying God will make us richer.”
Lord – mutinize my heart today!
I know that’s not a word, but that’s what God is going to do.
The mutiny is on. Won’t you join in?
WEEK ONE – FOOD
I can’t handle a mutiny with coffee
ice cream, pork ribs, and beef
farmers market, grocer, and a love/hate relationship
select your accountability wisely
big girl panties for the journey
WEEK TWO – CLOTHES
for those who wonder who cares
a homeless man’s shoe and a pair of clean socks
a wardrobe full of pride and missed opportunities
WEEK THREE – MEDIA
a mutiny again media, seriously!
it’s all wrong — friends, numbers, and stats
WEEK FOUR – POSSESSIONS
WEEK FIVE – WASTE
earth day, arbor day, and green day
i now realize i could have just followed all of you and made my comments and observations there.
woulda been a lot less scary.
oh, but then there’s the cheating. and the cheater.
yeah, that’s me.
so, here’s to walking the journey with you (and whatever that may entail; fan me before i faint!).
steph
Glad you are jumping in head first!!! That’s the best way. We can all be fearful together with our knees knocking as we lock arm-in-arm and try this experimental mutiny. Glad you are here!
I’m SOOOO glad that you’re doing this in your own way and have thrown in their in a not-so-subtle way a reminder not to cheat. ;) “Prone to wander; Lord I feel it . . .”
I haven’t cheated today, but GIRL I want tooooooo!
Going in order of the book? Why didn’t I think of that! I’m starting with STRESS first – because I was really feeling the need to get my heart in the right place for all of this.
p.s. I wish I could have amazing photos on my blog like you :)
Ah – you’re so kind. I’m thinking STRESS would have been a good one. But I had so much computer work I think I could have used a FAST from MEDIA this week.
Ladies, the stress one is the one I’ve been told to focus on all 7 weeks! I’ve pulled out Valley of the Vision and ordered another prayer book, to carry in my purse. So this started today, and I won’t be blogging about it as i want to be still.
But the other 6 on the list are scheduled out to somewhat fit the summer schedule. I was a little chicken about trying to share what’s is going on with our Chinese exchange student. Found less obvious one for those weeks. That’s not really cheating is it?