In Which Our "7" Journey Begins

I've mentioned before how the book 7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Exess by Jen Hatmaker has been so convicting and influential to me since I read it a few months back (See post In Which I Am Struck by Seven). Basically it helped give some shape, some structure to the nudges I have been feeling for some time. There are some heart issues that I struggle with, that I see my family struggling with, that need to be dealt with if we are to continue to grow in Christ. 


So it begins: the Hilton Family's Experimental Mutiny Against Greed, Gluttony, Laziness, and Excess! For us the issue is one of stewardship. We have been blessed with so many wonderful resources that we not only take for granted, but grossly misuse. 


For the next seven weeks (July 15-August 25) we will be restricting some behaviors and putting others into practice, thereby shaking up our comfort and leaving room for the Holy Spirit to move, teach, and shape us for the next chapter in our stories. I document our plan here, not out of self-righteous bragging, but humility and accountability. Feel free to ask us how we are doing and what God is revealing to us!

• We agree to not spend money eating out. 
• We will track and budget our spending, which we will limit to bills and household necessities. 
• We will set aside $7 a week as savings 
• We will tithe 10% of all earned income. 
• We will celebrate the Sabbath once every seven days with a special celebratory meal followed by family rest and worship
• We will acknowledge the seven sacred pauses and learn more about them. 
• We will limit our time on media devices as follows: no TV between 7am-7pm, no phones at meal or play times, non-work related computer (DS, iPad, Xbox, etc) limited to 30 min, no more than 4 times per day.