travel bug

The weekend is here and so is the near end to the first month of 7.  We're off to Pcola and NOLA for family time with my in-laws and a wedding in the French Quarter Saturday evening.  These last few weeks have flown by fast although I must say the beginning of this last week brought challenges.  Feeling not so cute and bored with my wardrobe was really starting to wear on me. I think the challenges proved to open my eyes and make me so much more aware of what God was calling me to do during this time.  Looking forward to retiring some of my 7 duds for a while and embracing the things I have hanging in my closet..........some of which have only been worn once or twice.  Thank you Lord for humbling me during this experience and teaching me that there are people out there who would give anything to have 7.  My level of appreciation is off the charts and I'm so amazed by the things that were revealed me to me during this experience.I had the wonderful opportunity to share the book 7 and my experiences thus far with my mother-in-law who eager and attentive to learn more! I think she was impressed that I forfeited my closet for this long as well.  She took notes on the book and is looking forward to sharing the news of 7 with those who attend her church in Pensacola!

Day 20: Car Ride Cas

                                                               Day 21: Gameday gear

                                                 

homestretch

Day 18 

Day 19

fast from fashion

I came across this personal blog and it put our 7 for 20 days to shame!  26 year old Kristy Powell stuck to 1 dress for 1 year!!  Follow her blog her to learn about her pursuit and why she chose to embark on this endeavor.   Her blog, One Dress Protest is a fast from fashion and a whole new perspective on consumption.

Day 17

gentle and quiet spirit

This is the last week of 7 articles of clothing and I'm not going to lie I'm starting to get tired of the same boring clothes.  I'm definitely anxious to wear my wardrobe again and I've been giving thanks each day to the Lord for allowing me to even have it to look forward to.  In this process I have seen that there are so many people out there who would be thrilled with 7.  It has made me appreciate everything so much more.  It's also helped me to not focus on my outer appearance and it's made me see ME in a whole new light.  I know this last week isn't going to be an easy one and it really made my day to receive this picture texted to me from one of my best friends who lives states away sending me support and encouragement!!  God's message is so softly spoken to me and it speaks volumes.  This fast been a humbling experience with God and I'm getting really excited for the next month and new challenges.  I continue to pray that I draw my focus in and steer clear of the material things in the world that pull me away.  

                                                                         <3 Jennifer!

Day 16

                                                 

1 week to go

Day 15:  coral did the trick!

 

excess or waste?

So I must admit this weekend was a breeze and I wasn't disturbed with my 7 at all.  For some reason the black leggings are really proving to serve as a staple item in my closet.  Clay was gone bright and early Saturday a.m. for the triathlon he helps put on at Camp Blanding each year, the HOT.  Clearly, I have zero interest in Camp Blanding or the sweltering heat so this meant I had a weekend at home to "relax".......negative.  My Saturday started off with a few household cleaning chores and then I was off to do an a.m. Pure Barre workout.  Before I knew it I had made plans with some friends to go watch football and grab lunch before I even stepped foot back into my car in my sweaty workout gear.  Before getting to meet up with friends I had a few pit stops to make (Publix, gas station, Fresh Market).  I was scrambling to unload groceries, shower, change and get to lunch in time.  It was a stressful time like this that I actually appreciated having the limited wardrobe because there was no fuss in getting ready.  Granted...I did feel like an oddball cheering on my NOLES in a black and white ensemble but luckily I've built up a nice little collection of gameday accessories that I managed to blend right in!  I wore my white tee/black leggings and Converse.  My seminole indian necklace and hair clip (1st grade throw back!) helped me feel right at home cheering my team on.

                                                                     
After watching the Noles dominate I headed home to do a few more household chores and attempt to relax before getting together with some girlfriends for a "girls night".  I took a moment and stood in my closet and just kind of browsed through all the glory that was hanging in my closet.  I was amazed by things that I re-discovered, realized I hadn't worn at all this summer or the tags still attached to some things.  I was so eager to take them off the hangers and put them ON!  I was mixing and matching in my head and my list of "I'll wear this to that" just grew instantly.  I realized that during this fast I actually feel a sense of "waste" in terms of letting what is sitting, hanging, stacked or shoved in my closet just be.  I began to question whether my avoidance of my clothes was actually showing my gratitude towards the things God has blessed me with and the things I've worked hard for to have.  I'm curious to know how others feel about this too, being a solid 2 weeks into the fast.  I certainly have learned a lot through doing this and perhaps it's helped me to see that I don't want to waste what I have and that if I truely am not ready to part ways with an item that I need to learn to LOVE it and WEAR it A LOT! I finished getting ready and headed out for "girls night". Appreciation teaches you so much more when you do cut out excess.  I enjoyed my evening with close friends catching up and enjoying each other's company without the worries of "oh what to wear tonight?" or "am I going to be comfortable in this?"...........  Simplifying things really makes the picture more clear!

                                                 
                                                  Day 14:  thank goodness for accessories

white tees

I've discovered that you really can't go wrong with the essential white tee!  In fact I would probably be okay wearing white tees on a regular basis.  Just easy going, easy to dress up and oh so comfy!!  This was my Friday attire....Having some crazy beads can make any plain look fun and bright.  Started the weekend feeling relaxed and carefree.....

  
                                                       Day 13:  finally Friday!

fries & ketchup, please!

                                                                

Yesterday Clay and I enjoyed the evening going out to event for the Ronald McDonald House "Fries with that Wine" in Riverside at The Garden Club.  It was an AWESOME turn out and they raised a lot of money to support such a great cause.  On our drive downtown we talked about how we really enjoyed being involved in the community and supporting local charities.  We always look forward to a night out to dinner since we try to eat in during the work week but we agreed last night that we actually look forward to something like this more because we know our time or donation is all going to support kids who are sick or injured.  It is such a wonderful feeling and it's even better to connect with other people in the community who are doing the same thing!  Always better to know what your money is going towards and that it will make a difference in someones life.  Our friend Bryan put on the event with the Discovery Circle team and they did a fantastic job! 

The handy dandy floral tunic came into play once again!  But...I knew that coming from work and standing on my feet for 2+ hours was in the works so I opted to switch to my boots (outside my "7") so that my feet weren't screaming at me by the time I arrived home. Starting to see people again in the same clothes is actually becoming quite comical.  I thought I'd feel embarassed, but I'm loving the carefree and state of mind I'm in!

                                                            
                                                             Day  12:  easy does it! 

So just how much McDonalds did I eat?!  The ugly truth is exposed.....2 mini packs of fries, 1/2 of a chicken sandwich, 1/2 of a cheeseburger and a half of a hashbrown patty..........and YES, I enjoyed every bite!  Month 2 & Food are approaching fast!!!!!!!!!!                                                               

beyond kid stuff

After spending Tuesday reflecting on the events and memories of 9/11 I woke up Wednesday feeling free from the confinement of my closet and consumerism.  I was starting to feel a sense of frustration by Tuesday afternoon with my clothes.  And Wednesday I woke up without a care over what I was wearing.  Yes, I'm definitely sickof my white/black gingham sundress and I'm pretty sure I looked like a 5th grader walking into work in my oh so casual ensemble, but I didn't care. I'm growing closer to God and deeper in my personal relationship with him not by limiting my wardrobe to 7 articles of clothing but because my focus is reshifted from over-thinking, over-stressing and over-analyzing the mundane things we all face on a day to day basis. 

Whenever you fast, do not put on a gloomy face as the hypocrites do, for they neglect their appearance so that they will be noticed by men when they are fasting. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face so that your fasting will not be noticed by men, but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you. ~Matthew 6:16-18

 

This verse really speaks to the last 10 days of my fast.  In the beginning I was thinking about what others would percieve of the fast.  I was excited for the support and kind words I was recieving from friends.  Now that we're in the heart of the fast it's become "one on one" with me and God. Reading this verse makes me think perhaps I shouldn't have shared what I was doing with anyone, but my purpose for sharing it was to 1) have friends hold me accountable 2) get feedback and thoughts from my friends and others and 3) sharing this experiment may open the door for another person to jump on the crazy 7 bandwagon! 

The important factor I've gained from this verse is that bottom line it's about my personal relationship with Christ and the reactions of the world won't make a difference in how this ultimately changes and affects my lifestyle.  I could chalk this fast up to be some extradorinary awakening but I am finding this is subtle and it's less than obvious impact is stirring up a wave of gratitude within me. 

                                                                 
                                                        Day 11: All that's missing is pigtails!

11 years later

Today is a day of prayer and remembrance for victims and victims families affected by 9/11.  I've been thinking about this tragedy quite a bit throughout today.  I remember exactly where I was when I got called to the school office to go pick my brother up from his high school and go home to my family.  That day changed our lives forever.  I can't believe it has been 11 years since such heinous terrorist attacks took place in our country.  This day serves to remind us of so many things and admist the clothing fast it has really put into perspective how little this task is in comparison to so many GREATER & BIGGER challenges that happen each day in our world.  I've made this fast the focus of my daily routine for the last week and today it's really shown me that it's not about "surviving the fast" it's about embracing this moment and opening my eyes and ears up to what God has called me to do during this short time on Earth. 

John 16:33

I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace.  In the world you have trouble and suffering, but have courage-- I have conquered the world.

Today I am humble towards the Lord and grateful for all the riches he has given me, my family, my friends.  Today my thoughts and prayers are with those affected by the tragedies of 9/11.

                               
                                                                 Day 10: Denim Daze
                                

surrendered

And..............I'm getting bored with my options.  It took a full week for it to sink in but it's here.  Boredom finally lapped me!  So I want to touch on something, when we met as a group to hash out how our kick off month would go with CLOTHES there was a group decision that scarves did count part of the 7 articles, but belts nor jewelry counted.  To me, scarves and belts go hand in hand are simply serving to do the same thing, "dress up" a look.  Some may argue no a belt is to hold your pants up, but I rarely see people wearing belts for that purpose.  I have no idea why I'm pointing this out other than to address that while belts are considered "okay" for our fast I probably could go without. 

I'm going to NYC in a few weeks with some of my best girlfriends and I am on the edge of my seat ready for take off!  Fashion, fall weather in NY, Central Park, coffee shops and nightlife in SoHo light me up!  Kid in a candy store kind of lit up!  I've already been day-dreaming about what to pack and I'm doing pretty good planning the weekend wardrobe around my existing closet.  In fact, I'm itching to pull out pieces I've gotten little use out of.  With this test and fast I've realized I'm now more determined to get use out of pieces that I may have purchased for a specific event and only got one or two wears out of.  New found appreciation for what's old and used!  To think I went through a phase where some things could only be seen on me once....is just foolish.  So ignorant of me!  I'm also seeing I don't necessarily really care what others think of me wearing the same things everyday because I really haven't given it much thought.  I'm seeing this is more of a complete personal struggle in that I just like "looking put together", "cute", "pretty"....what girl doesn't?! 

Mondays are blahhhh so my mood and outlook on 7 today is a perfect match....just blah!!  Praying God will give me a clear view and understanding this week.  Praying he'll draw me closer to see through his eyes what he has intended for me to see. 

“Surrendered treasure is the measure of your Savior’s worth.”

Now that is heavy!

                                                                        Day 9: bored

black leggings are the jam

Exhausted and tired and in major need of a nap!  After what felt like a long week and start to a weekend Sunday rolled around and I was just ready to crash.  Got up for an a.m. workout at PB then sprinted in the drizzling rain to grab a coffee off 3rd Street and then back out in the rain to race inside the sanctuary.  In my ubber casual look again I felt fine.  I mean the weather wasn't exactly screaming "sundresses, cute wedges and curls" so I had that going for me BUT I felt icky...not cute and actually kind of homey looking.  I even had 2 friends after the service tell me they didn't recognize me!  Uhhh ohhhh! ................................................And he's breaking me again!!!

                                 Day 8: these shoes are hurting!

These shoes are really starting to irritate me too....it's pretty evident now that I didn't buy these shoes because they're comfortable and can be worn a lot....I bought them for that coniving little gold emblem on the front.  oh yeah....you roped me saks.com. That little guy with horns comes in all forms.....trust me.....even on a small little label and in the form of plastic he is tugging away at you to lose sight and focus on what you really desire after.  Learning to know the difference between impulse and practical and meaningful purchases is an area that I'm hoping the Lord will help me to see more clearly between.  I no longer have the desire to add clutter to our home because "we can" or because "oh we need it".  I only want things in our home that we are using along our walk to honor God and that we are getting our return on times 3!! 

                                                                

So the fam came over to cookout with us for Clay's birthday.  I made my first cake from scratch and I wasn't about to eat it in my sweaty clothes from earlier so I threw my leggings in the dryer with a dryer sheet to "fluff" them up and refresh them and after a shower and a glass of lemon water I was finally able to sit back and enjoy company with my family and good friends.  I survived week 1!  A little 2 hour bathing suit flub and a shoe switch for an hour and a half due to blisters......all in all......not bad.

                                               

splish splash.....ohhhhh snap!

Fail #1 came and it really didn't sit well.....

Clay and I along with one of our close friends Maggie decided to venture up to our community pool to check it out. Being new residence and with the summer coming to an end we were hoping to enjoy an afternoon by the pool before we were out of town a lot in the upcoming weeks.  Oh and to give ourselves a pat on the back for our countless hours of painting, switching out light fixtures, unloading boxes, painting, cleaning, sweeping, measuring, taping, painting, and oh yeah PAINTING!  I didn't even think twice about it but my bathing suit was certainly not one of my 7 so I definitely was hit with a sense of failure, guilt, disappointment when I realized I had broken 7, but it wasn't in a way that was so discerning to the point that I felt the need to give up on the fast or this challenge.  It was just eye-opening and made me realize that perhaps we just take the convenience of things in our life (material or not) for granted.  It's just THERE, it's AVAILABLE and we use it, we eat, we touch it, we have it, we wear it out and we don't even think twice about it. 

I could have worn undergarments to the pool but I'm pretty sure that wouldn't have gone over well with the neighbors or lifeguards....not exactly the first impression Clay or I would be going for so what should I have done?  Skipped out on the pool and sat at home? Attempted to wear a sports bra and workout pants rolled up?  Sat by the pool in my 7 drenched? 

On a better note, I did wear my gingham print sundress as my coverup for the day so it wasn't a total disaster!

                                                          Day 7: soaking mess!
                                                                    

Isaiah 41:10

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

So Saturday evening rolled around and we were celebrating Clay's 29th birthday with a nice dinner out at Capital Grille.  I don't think my denim skinnies or white tee would have made the cut so thankfully our Sacred Tribe of ladies agreed special events and occassions wouldn't count.  So right off the bat before the fast started I made note that I would get an exception on the night we celebrated Clay's birthday and the last night of the fast which will be a wedding we're attending in New Orleans.  I found myself humbled by the opportunity to wear something outside of my 7.  I wasn't bouncing off the walls with joy because it was something different like I expected myself to be.  I was praising God for giving me the opportunity to work hard for the things he's presented me and given me in my life.  I am so grateful for the riches of the Lord and all the blessings he's bestowed upon Clay and I.  Odd to think that while steaming out the small wrinkles in my dress (top.....oh yeah...thats a slip dress converted "tank top" so I could wear it with my maxi skirt...I'm telling you....I can get crafty and make one look go a LONGGGG way!) or picking out the jewelry I was going to accessorize with I felt the presence  of God around me, like he was guiding me along while I was picking out my outfit.  Sounds eerily strange but it was comforting, it was real and I felt like if he could physically be with me in person he'd probably be my partner in crime when raiding the racks at the town center or local boutiques....he's an ever-pesent God and he is with us ALWAYS.

                                                
                                                            Happy Birthday Clay! 

blistering pain

I came from Pure Barre straight to work on Friday so I didn't get a chance to take a quick snap shot of my ensemble for the day, but now that you've seen all of my 7 it shouldn't come as a surprise to you what I ended up wearing! :)

Friday I wore my reversible jeans (dark denim side) with my Converse and white tee and jcrew denim/chambray style button up.  For the first time I felt "sloppy".  Okay so perhaps that was because I didn't get a chance to shower in between my work out and coming to work. Thoughts are probably all across the board right now....how gross...ughhhh.....is that sanitary?!  In my defense Friday is actually "super casual" around the office and I at least changed out my black leggings into jeans! Trust me...I've seen worse....think workout attire (t-shirts and spandex crops) and even sandy flip flops (wonder who went surfing before our 10 o'clock meeting?!)  Needless to say, things are pretty lax on Friday, but we do work in a state of the art building that is like walking through a museum.  Beautiful prints line the halls of historical St. Augustine and dark rich furniture dresses up each office so there's definitely a sense of guilt when I stroll in wearing my chuck taylors/hotbox/Converse.  (Clearly they've been around the block considering our CEO used to point them out as CT's and my dad refers to them as hotbox.)

My day went about as usual and I found myself skeptical as to how I would feel about going to a girls night out event that night wearing the same duds I had rocked all week. 

I got home and showered and actually sat down and ENJOYED some downtime before getting ready that evening and I just loved every second of it. I wasn't brainstorming what to wear or stressing over whether or not something fit.  It was just easy.  I re-steamed my floral print tunic and after 3 days of wearing my TB flats and my worn in Converse the blister on my right foot was really starting to irritate me so I did venture outside the 7 to put on a more comfortable shoe so my blister wouldn't worsen.  I opted for the boots that were on my original 7 list and decided that they would be my "back up" in the event my shoes continued to irritate me. 

Sidebar....when I purchased my TB flats I was warned by fellow TB flat gurus that they would hurt and take lots of wearing to break them in.  I know everyone thinks Tory is so cute and adorable but whose bright idea was it to charge $230 for a pair of flats that take "breaking in"?!  I've had these suckers since May and trust me I've made a point to wear them to work as often as I can so I can mold them to my feet.  When you spend that kind of money on shoes you certainly should wear them each day for every dollar you spent on them.  I'm probably not even half-way there, but I assure you I'll get my $230 worth!

Girls night out at Pure Barre was a success for the owner and local businesses that came out to promote their services and gift their clients with some goodies.  It was a fun evening of gab and chatter.  I got a few compliments on my dress and even from friends who had seen me in two days earlier!  Goes to show that people really don't pay all that much attention to what others are wearing.  I'm afraid to say it but I think we live in a world where WE only care about what WE wear and look like!  I bet Jesus is sitting back laughing at us and just waiting for us to GET THE BIGGER PICTURE!  He's got my attention now for sure......the labels and pretty designs are all of a sudden lacking their luster.  Don't get me wrong I still have nothing but appreciation and love for my closet and I cherish every little ounce of cotton and silk that hangs in there.  At 6 days in though, I have really begun to see that I'm not so WORRIED or CONSUMED with it all.  I may like it and (by liking it I mean A LOT) get giddy over it but it doesn't define me and it certainly has no hold over my relationship with God.  There's definitely more to the message God is trying to relay to me and I'm sure within the next few days that message will become more and more clear. 

Day 6: Girls Night out at Pure Barre

                                                         

oh the irony!

                       So in the midst of  7 it's Fashion Week in New York! 

i·ron·ic  (-rnk) also i·ron·i·cal (-rn-kl)

adj.

 

1. Characterized by or constituting irony.

2. Given to the use of irony. See Synonyms at sarcastic.

3. Poignantly contrary to what was expected or intended: madness, an ironic fate for such a clear thinker.

 

What do you think? Do I fit in?!

It only makes sense that in the midst of a challenge we have curveballs of temptation thrown on our way!  God is really breaking us this week.  He's asking me, "Are you THAT girl?" 

                                                

fashion brat

Enjoyed my cup of coffee for a solid 10 minutes this morning while catching the Today show.  This rarely happens when I'm scrambling to throw an outfit together and race out the door.  It was a no fuss morning!

So today I found myself thinking about my regular shopping habits and my relentless affection for that colorful silk blouse, the perfect white tee or the statement necklace that screams edgy but yet mixed with a classic look says polished.  I keep questioning is my "like" and "admiration" with fashion a negative thing?  I mean Clay is a fan of triathlons, running, hunting, Alabama and Florida State football.  Am I not allowed to adore over the latest steal at Zara or a one-hit wonder designer featured on shopbop?! Is my interest in the latest trends or fashionably put-together looks keeping me from my priorities in life? For me clothing and putting an outfit together is simply a form of expressing my creativity...literally!  Has it consumed me? Do I put it before the Lord, my husband, my family, my job? Fortunately, I can't see any of these instances where the shoes I'm wearing or the dress I have on have ever made a difference in my relationships or performance and interactions at church, home or my office. 

There are so many influential and successful women who have made an impact on the fashion industry and businesses simply by their ability and talents to piece together glamourous looks and styles.  Do we say their victims of consumerism or that they're materialistic? 

So where does this leave me?   a little confused. 

As followers of Christ are we to ignore what we're wearing and rock the 10 year old outdated look?

For me personally, I think I'm doing the Lord an injustice if I don't get dressed for the day and do my best to look my best.  We are the Lord's ambassadors and the way we present ourselves both through our actions, words and appearance should speak highly of our father. Now I don't think this means racking up debt or being attached to labels, but I do think it means being of noble character and being a good reflection as daughter's of Christ.

Bottom line....it's all about balance and finding a solid ground.

I found these 3 questions which have helped clear up some fuzziness and have put me in check!

Am I spending more time shopping than serving God?
Does shopping time take priority over my family time?
Am I spending more money on clothes than what I’m giving to God’s work?

These questions can apply to other areas of consumption in our lives and are not limited to just clothing.

So after these 20 days do I think I'll still ooo and ahhhh over my favorite fashion blogs and trendsetters or enjoy piecing together new looks with recycled and vintage looks making them new works of art......absolutely!  The real question is when 7 is long past me will I take the time to focus on my relationship with God more often, perhaps daily on HOW I'm spending my money and time and WHETHER OR NOT it's helping to build the KINGDOM and glorify God. 

Just sayin'.....I'm pretty sure God is down with faux fur vests and sequins.....:)

..................as long as you rock it honoring HIM, didn't dent your credit store to get it, gave ten fold in return to his kingdom (continually repeat) and gave thanks for the gifts you had to buy it. 

                                                            
                                                                        Day 4 Denim Daze

                                               "Is that a dress around your neck?!" - coworker

*went with my tan flats instead of sandals

needs and wants

It's only day 3 and I'm noticing that my attention and focus has completely shifted from being concerned about my outer appearance.  Don't get me wrong I took the time to style my hair nicely today and while my make up is usually minimal I made a point to put an extra coat of mascara on just to brighten my look. I mean when it comes to narrowing my wardrobe down you would have thought I would have picked more COLOR instead I ended up with black & white, black, white, denim, more denim, black, brown and one colorful print....so this is a realization after the fact and one I'll have to live with for the next few weeks.  Hopefully I can get creative!

Today has been a normal day at work, nothing out of the norm other than I'm feeling calm and completely content wearing clothes I've had for more than 2 years and my go-to-tennis shoes I've had for 8! It's funny how label obsession and fashion trends can blind you from the things we're supposed to be focused on.  I can remember spending mornings just wasting minutes trying on different looks only to be scrambling to get to work on time.  I'm fortunate that as of this past summer my job has instituted a more laid back and casual work attire, but I will say my 7 articles are definitely still items I would find harder to make "work" if we didn't have such a casual environment.  With that said I think this challenge is certainly going to vary in difficulty depending upon your daily environment whether you're work environment is your home, a volunteer organization, a professional office setting with a strict dress code or a casual office setting with no dress code.  I'm definitely thinking of the other women in our group who do have to dress up. 

Funny tidbit.....I texted a pic of a new dress I got in the mail today from Zara to a girlfriend and her simple reply was "Are you breaking the rules by trying on new clothes?!"  I got a kick out of it and I'm happy to see she's holding me accountable.  No, I will not be wearing the dress until well after our fast has been completed BUT her candid approach to my picture really made me think about the dress and whether or not I actually NEEDED it.  It wasn't an astronomical purchase in fact it was a sale item, but it really got me thinking and questioning if I even should keep it. Well the obvious answer is NO I don't NEED it.  But, is it an item that I've purchased for the right reasons and will I get great return on it. I'm still on the fence.....but I promise if 7 wasn't happening I would have gladly taken the package home and probably thrown it on a hanger without even giving it a second thought. 

1Timothy 6:6 & 8 says “Now godliness with contentment is great gain… And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.”  So while food and clothing will make us content there is nothing about an abundance of food or clothing that will make us content.  I'm starting to see now why Jen chose food and clothing as 2 of the 7.  The purpose of the fast is to understand while we need food and clothes to survive, we don't need every shade or patterned shirt, or extravagant meals and spreads to satifsy our essential needs.  The fast is an opportunity to challenge us in the most basic form.  Today I not only see my wasteful spending, but I see where my investments could have gone to cloth someone else who may be less fortunate and even more importantly it's helped me to appreciate and give thanks for what I do have. 

                                                                
                                                     Day 3....yes that's my dress turned scarf!

and so it begins

Simply Seven is a personal blog where I will capture my thoughts, experiences and personal reflection as I journey through the next 7 months while fasting in 7 different areas of life based on the publication, "An Experimental Mutiny Against 7" by author Jen Hatmaker.  I decided to title my blog "Simply Seven" because in fact there's nothing simple about it.  Each month will focus on a specific area of "excess" in life and it'll probably rock me to the core and into a realization that I've never experienced.  I am eager to take so much away from this fast and the time of reflection.  I am firm in my belief that by tackling this challenge my relationship with God will become stronger and my heart will be drawn closer to him.
The first month is focused on clothing. I've selected my set 7 articles and I'm officially on day 2 of this mission.  My seven articles include:

a white and black gingham cotton dress
a white tee
a denim button up
a pair of reversible skinny jeans
a colorful print tunic
a pair of black Converse  & sandals *I changed my flats to Converse the day before we started (this past Saturday)

Before we began yesterday I spent days leading up to our begin date really praying about this decision and I asked God to guide me and lift me up during this fast. I am not going into this challenge with any crazy expectations other than to find simplicity in life without all of the excess that I've added to it in years past.  I'm eager to see the transformation this fast will work over me!  The clothing month is probably the hardest month imaginable for me since I tend to find myself "savvy on fashion"...more like...obsessed with clothes and shopping. (yep....i admitted it!)

So day 1 wasn't too terrible as I spent 3 hours in a car traveling back from Tallahassee and the rest of the day grabbing a bite to eat at M Shack with my husband and then on the couch relaxing and resting for the afternoon and evening.  There was no need to be "done up" so day 1 came and went without a second thought.

Today I actually decided to throw on what I wore yesterday and I didn't even hesitate in my decision. I was waiting to see Clay's weird reaction but I don't even honestly think he remembers what I wore yesterday!

As the 2nd day sinks in I'm starting to question how this week will go and how my attitude will reflect my feelings and emotions towards having the limited wardrobe.  I actually think I've looked at these next 20 days as a challenge to see if I can actually be a little more creative with my set "7".  Mix and match is my new middle name and I'm anxious to see if at the end of this fast I can take away from it that adding to my closet isn't a necessity...I want to become more appreciative of what I have and put my hard earned money that sits in my closet to good use with reinvented looks.

I watched the in"courage" book club month 2 clothes review today and realized that to really understand and comprehend our hold on clothing excess I needed to know what I was dealing with and the numbers said it all.....

280 hanging clothing items (dresses, nice tops, dress pants, skirts)
13 coats
3 fur vests
25 pants (denim/cargo/cords, etc.)
34 tees/tanks
14 shorts
26 cardigans
28 button ups/casual long sleeve tops
67 shoes (dressy/sandals)
16 tennis shoes
14 boots

excessive total = 520

I didn't include gym clothes or nightclothes in this.......or the 2 full boxes of shoes I have set aside for VA pick up tomorrow morning!  I also failed to rummage through a storage bin containing summer sun dresses so that is potentially another 25-35 pieces of clothing.

I'd say I have built up a clothing excess for sure!  As I sit here typing, I've broken a sweat just thinking about it! Literally! I don't know if it's nervousness, guilt, or just an awakening!  2 days in and 18 to go.....I pray that the Lord opens my eyes to the world of endless excess around me and in my way of thinking.  Lord help me to find humility in this experience and to grow closer to you as I journey through these next 18 days.

                                                                  

                                                               Day 1 & 2  "Repeat"