Do you feel trapped in the machine of excess? Jen Hatmaker was. Her friends were. And some might say that our culture is. Jen once considered herself unmotivated by the lure of prosperity, but upon being called “rich” by an undeniably poor child, evidence to the contrary mounted, and a social experiment turned spiritual journey was born. 7 is the true story of how Jen took seven months, identified seven areas of excess, and made seven simple choices to fight back against the modern-day diseases of greed, materialism, and overindulgence. Food. Clothes. Spending. Media. Possessions. Waste. Stress. Jen and her family would spend 30 days on each topic, boiling it down to the number seven. Only eat seven foods, wear seven articles of clothing, and spend money in seven places. Eliminate use of seven media types, give away seven things each day for one month, adopt seven green habits, and observe “seven sacred pauses.” So, what’s the payoff from living a deeply reduced life? It’s the discovery of a greatly increased God — a call toward Christ-like simplicity and generosity that transcends a social experiment to become a radically better existence. 7 is funny, raw, and not a guilt trip in the making, so come along and consider what Jesus’ version of rich, blessed, and generous might look like in your life.
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"If you're trying to figure out a good book that transcends discussion and inspires action with some crazy girlfriends, this is the book for you. As American consumers, we can all admit that too often we have bought into the concepts of materialism more than we like to admit but unsure how to rebuff. Hatmaker provides a plausible solution, to revisit reduction rather than fighting to obtain more and has documented in this bloglike book. She takes 7 months to explore 7 ways of how to minimize our luxuries - food, clothes, waste, shopping, etc. You'll cheer in her little victories, laugh at her mishaps, and find your heart groaning for our starving brothers and sisters in our neighborhood and world."
— P.ko (5 out of 5 stars)
“Funny and lively writing…For Christians who desire to live out their New Year’s resolutions year round, this is worth reading.”
— Publishers Weekly“Jen Hatmaker is a model for her experiment in radical obedience to Christ. May we all be as committed to Jesus’ Gospel revolution.”
— Richard Stearns, president of World Vision US and author of The Hole in Our Gospel" Wonderful, wonderful book. Jan Hatmaker is wise and hilarious. When I read the first chapter, I thought the book was fluffy, but this book will wreck your life in the best way possible if you'll let it. "
— Jamie, 2/19/2014" Absolutely relevant gospel living. I kept wishing that I had written this book.... This is great encouragement. Read as soon as you can.... And pray that Jesus changes you because of it... Love it, love it, love it... "
— Jamie, 2/18/2014" This is the first book by this author I have read. Jen Hatmaker takes us on a journey through her experiment with cutting out excess in 7 areas of her life, and her desire to grow closer to the Lord in the process. The book is well written with humor and fun worked in. The spiritual lessons are powerful, and meaningful. Good job. I would recommend this book to others without a doubt, and will keep it handy to look passages up for future reference. "
— Franknannie, 2/17/2014" Probably one of the best books I read last year. Not the guilt trip I expected. Jen's writing is engaging, fresh, funny, and crisp. The results of her suggestions are still simmering - but it is already changing our family. "
— Lana, 2/17/2014" I was unsure of the premise at first, mostly that it seemed more attention-seeking than godly or helpful. The insights, the conviction, and the joy changed it for me. What an inspiring read that really makes me think about my own Christianity. "
— Claire, 1/26/2014" Jen Hatmaker makes me laugh, cry and pray! I love this book! She goes straight to the heart of Christianity today. I was convicted of the excess in my own life. I encourage you to pick up this book and pray that God will show you, how you can participate in the experiment of 7. "
— Gina, 1/23/2014" For me, this book was about what was said more than how it was said. It jolted me into re-evaluating my family's choices, which is uncomfortable yet timely. I had to push through certain parts, but I finished the book with ideas for several ways to take action, which was what I hoped to take away. "
— Emily, 1/20/2014" To me, this book was about more than just giving up stuff. Although that part of it was very good too. I really liked this book & her delivery. Her tone was self deprecating & encouraging & smart. "
— Kelley, 1/18/2014" Loved this book. It has inspired me to make some changes. Live more simply. Enjoyed her honesty and sense if humor. "
— Heather, 1/3/2014" Because I don't really like the author's writing style, this book wasn't a fun read for me. Despite the delivery, I did appreciate her message and took away a few things that I think will positively affect my life. The chapters about possessions and media made the biggest impressions on me. "
— Carrie, 1/1/2014" Without being self-righteous Jen Hatmaker gives the accounts of how she started taming the excesses in her life through a project she entitled 7. Like having a cup of coffee with a close girlfriend Jen inspired me to become less so that Christ can be more in me. "
— Kerith, 12/31/2013" Less is more. Regardless of someone's faith status, the information is insightful and honest. "
— Nancy, 12/30/2013" Excellent book about simplifying life and bringing it more in line with the teachings of Jesus. "
— Craig, 12/16/2013" I would absolutely recommend this book as a GREAT read. Funny and important and gets to the core of life. "
— Anna, 11/22/2013" I love this book. Jen is funny, honest, and enjoyable. An easy read. Both convicting and encouraging, a hard combination to find. Highly recommended. "
— Michelle, 10/27/2013" makes you really think about all of the waste and consumption in the US with some comedy thrown in :) "
— Nicole, 9/24/2013" Amazing. Laughed, cried, loved it. Has impacted my way I think about all areas of my life! "
— Kristine, 8/15/2013" I read this book with my growth group at church. We did each of the chapters in a week. It was great to have community as we fasted together. This book will wreck you and it is so good. Now I have to figure out what I am going to continue to do as a result of this book. "
— valerie, 7/14/2013" Good book. Jen has a great sense of humor. This book definitely encourages me to try even more to "live simply so that others may simply live". "
— Robin, 7/6/2013" I want Jen Hatmaker to be my best friend :) Inspiring book- loved it! "
— Mandy, 2/26/2013" LOVED This book! Best book ever written on what is wrong with American consumerism. "
— Becki, 2/14/2013" Started reading this book Sunday and I'm sailing through it faster than any other book I've read recently. I'll probably read it again when I'm finished so I can soak it in more. This is my first book by this author but I love her humor, and her perspectives. "
— Cherokee, 2/2/2013" If you take this book to heart it will mess you up, in a good way. I love when a book challenges me to be more authentic in my faith journey. "
— Allyson, 1/31/2013Jen Hatmaker is a mother to five children, a pastor’s wife, sought-after speaker, bestselling author, and star of the popular series My Big Family Renovation on HGTV. She is best known for her books 7: An Experimental Mutiny against Excess and Interrupted: When Jesus Wrecks Your Comfortable Christianity.
Rebecca
Gallagher is an acclaimed voice-over artist with experience in commercials and
audiobook narration. She was nominated for an Audie Award in 2010.