Jessica Turner
About the Author

Jessica Turner is the author of Stretched Too Thin: How Working Moms Can Lose the Guilt, Work Smarter and Thrive, and blogs on The Mom Creative. Every day is a juggling act as she balances working full-time, making memories with her family, photographing the every day and trying to be...

(in)side DaySpring: things we love
& you will too!
Find more at DaySpring.com
(in)side DaySpring:
things we love
& you will too!
Find more at
DaySpring.com
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  1. Wooohoooo!!!! Let’s do this thing! Welcome, readers…come one, come all! I’m super duper excited to be on this train with you. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts and experiences. Those of you on the bubble…COME ON! Don’t be afraid. There is a place for all of us in the 7 story, in big and little ways. So looking forward to the next few weeks!! (Please forgive all the exclamation points and enthusiasm…my 5 kids went back to school today and I’m feeling slightly manic.)

  2. Yay!!!!! I have been waiting for this day ever since I heard Jen was filming these videos with you wonderful ladies! Hi Jen!! Hi Angie and Jessica! I just finished 7 and it is like, knock-me-down-dead life changing. Sneak preview here but in the conclusion where you describe your audience? That’s ME! I read Radical first and then Crazy Love and then The Hole in the Gospel and several others. I fell hook line and sinker for the American Dream, was raised in the church and had the perfect family and career in the perfect house in the perfect community. Suddenly I realized that I had it BACKWARDS. Upside down. Now I have been in this process of changing everything around for about two years. We are ADOPTING!!! from Haiti. I am simplifying and downsizing and not spending (and I AM a shopaholic) and it’s amazing. Can’t wait for everyone to read this book! Ok I’m done now. Whew.

  3. Isn’t God’s Grace Amazing !!
    I have for several years had the honor of working in the bed babies Sunday School Class. God’s grace is there to be seen on the faces of these future leaders of our church, nation and world. Through their eyes of wonder we can see the world as a place of promise, just as God’s grace is to us.

  4. I am so grateful for the sponsored book I received that will let me participate in this study. This journey will be different for me …I look like I live in the upper eschelon – I drive a nice car, have a smartphone, live in a house and somehow always have food on the table…but this all seems to be a veneer covering a desperate financial situation where I never seem to have money after all the bills are paid, I can barely afford my rent and would certainly be out on the street if I weren’t paying rent to an aunt. Maybe through this I will learn how to get off this financial cliff

  5. A month ago I FINALLY got IT and surrendered to the call of women’s ministry. I was a runner…ugh. The book 7 helped me by helping decluttering my life and world to be able to focus on the ministry that God has blessed me with. Jen, thank you for the passion and love that you poured into this little treasure of a book 7, that completely destroyed my life for the good of Christ. Much much respect and love.

  6. Hi, Jen! (and everyone!)

    I read 7 in less than 24 hours about 2 weeks ago and, well, I can’t stop thinking about it and I’m so happy to have found this book discussion. I’m even more thrilled that a good friend of mine – who hasn’t yet read the book – has signed on. Someone I can talk on the phone with all this about in addition to this discussion! Yay!

    Here’s the thing. I’m really feeling the winds of change. I feel such a burden to let go of excess in my life and to focus more OUTwardly than INwardly. Yes, I’m selfish. I want my food, my time, my plan, my way. Just being honest. At the same time, I’ve felt for a long time that we, in America, (and that includes ME) live so excessively – and are really pretty oblivious to those around us (and those globally) who really struggle, unless it’s headline news, you know? Yeah, I go to church and serve and support missionaries and tithe and support children through world missions organizations, blah, blah, blah. But all that is actually pretty easy. Because I don’t really get up and get out of my comfort zone to do those things. I don’t really get down and dirty and give OF MYSELF. I don’t get that involved in the lives of the needy. I just use, use, use. And throw away.

    Gah! I want to jump in and just do everything in 7! I admit that I’m going to have the tendency to do something that you suggest NOT to do – use 7 as a template. I’ll try not to do that. Something I wonder is, if I’m only making a certain change for just one month, then what good is it if I just go back to it when the month is over? I feel, from reading the book, that there really is benefit to fasting in order to gain perspective. But, being the instant-gratification consumer that I am, I want it all NOW! Maybe the process of 7 is necessary in order to determine where you are and where you need to start. How do I not use the book as a template? πŸ™‚

    Talk me down, Jen (or someone). How DO you recommend going about making some, if not all, of these changes in one’s life? πŸ™‚

    Thoughts?

    • Jan~

      I would agree… So hard to read this book & not feel compelled to change in each & every area. For myself, I am just praying for the Lord to deeply plant the seeds of change in my heart that He is desiring to turn around for my good (and my family) & His glory. I think it’s doing a little at a time, not trying to tackle EVERYTHING at once.

      We as a family have cleaned closets, downsized our clothing selection, reduced the amount of waste we have by being mindful of our purchcases, eating healthier & recognizing why we do what we do.

      Just some thoughts…

      Mendi

  7. This book has truly started our family on a spiritual transformation. Seeing how we live Christ in a much different light. Being mindful of those around us, those in need, those we are called to reach. Through it’s pages & the moving of the Holy Spirit, so many things are being revealed to our hearts that we have been completely oblivious to. After reading this, we then watched a youtube of Christine Caine that confirmed & reconfirmed that God is moving our family in a very different direction. We clearly discern that He is transitioning us…

    I’m eager to jump on board & read ‘7’ again with the diverse perception of other women!

    P.S.) By the way Angie, myself & our two girls were able to be blessed through what you shared at Women of Faith in Des Moines this past weekend! So profound… Thank you!

  8. Read 7 while on our family vacation a few weeks ago. I have now joined my “7 Sisters” here in MN who will be starting month one on Sept 1st together. So excited to follow along with you on the site too! As a pastor’s wife, I hope to spark this chain reaction to those arround us. My heart is so ready to be broken down and rebuilt. Jen, my lovely, four kiddies don’t leave for another week…and then I’ll be using exclamation points too. πŸ™‚

    -Jenny (your fellow 7 sister)

  9. I am so excited to be able to be a part of this study!! I got the book a couple of days ago and read the introduction today! Already loving it and so looking forward to the challenges this book will introduce into my life:)

  10. I received my sponsor book in the mail on Saturday and started to devour this book. I’m so thankful for that program to allow me to read this book and look at my life differently. We are tight in finances right now because we have a home that wouldn’t sell. We ended up renting it out and the renter is moving out this month. And it’s been hard to find (good) renters in the area where our house is! So for me, I need to learn how to use my finances for God’s kingdom. I feel like I’ve done an awful job seeing that we are dealing with this situation. My goal is to live within our means and to GIVE to those who need it.
    Nicole

  11. Jen, if you had blonde hair and were a few years older, I would have to wonder if we weren’t twins separated at birth!! Loved 7! Love your writing style, your humor, your authenticity. I’m really looking forward to this book club.
    I too have been on a journey of sorts. I’ve read Crazy Love, Radical, Irresistible Revolution, Untamed, Enough, Weird, Speaking of Jesus… you get the idea. I even tried a “7-ish” idea with my family after reading Radical. We did great for a while, but I think we were missing a key component, a “Council”. We had no one but myself to keep us accountable. Needless to say, the wheels fell off after a few months. But I still feel God tugging at my heart and know He’s got some plans in store for me.
    Thanks for keeping it real!! See you next week!

  12. 7 has been sitting on my shelf for a couple months now. After being rocked and rolled by “Interrupted” I keep thinking I needed a break. HA! (Seriously, though, thank you Jen, my little OC bubble burst!). No more excuses, time to get reading 7 with you girls. LOVE the video conversation today too. Felt like we all could be hanging at bux having the same convo….xoxo

  13. Can’t wait to get started. I read 7 in a couple of hours yesterday. Loved it…. It was really neat to see that God had already started leading us down this trail. It’s going to be fun and challenging to see how we can continue to make things better. Thanks so much for this opportunity to hang out with the you girls.

  14. Grateful for the chance to go over the ideas in a group. Hoping to gain some discipline and balance. I’m a great starter – not so much on the ol’ follow through…time to grow up. I know God will use 7 to accomplish some serious breakthroughs in my spoiled, lazy, entitled self.

  15. I just wanted to say thank you to those who sponsored someone to recieve a copy of 7. I was notified today I had recieved a sponsored copy and I am so thrilled. I have not been able to participate in any Christian book study/bible study for the past three years due to having a chronic illness. I feel cut off from my own church fellowship and begining to feel less than thankful if not a little resentful dare I voice it with my situation. It was with a little trepidation I submitted for a sponsored copy-pride getting in my way and it took me two days to actually just go for it. I did so leaving it in the father’s hands if I was meant to participate this time. I feel so blessed to have found the incourage community and through this the bloom book study. You have been an answer to prayer and a blessing. Thank you and I am looking forward to reading my book and following the study with you all. Blessings. Shona.

  16. I read the book and loved/hated it (give up Facebook- what’s wrong with you?!?!?) it was challenging in the best sort of way! In fact, I am starting a year-long action oriented book club in my house this year. Each month we’ll try the experiment, be “the council” for each other, and see how our lives change. I’m gonna join here too though! I’m preparing myself to spend one year being very uncomfortable for the sake of growth! πŸ™‚

  17. […] 6. I started reading 7 by Jen Hatmaker today. Oh My Word is this woman funny. It’s almost not fair. One minute you are cracking up and the next you are totally convicted. (I’m reading with the ladies over at Bloom (part of in(courage)). You should join us! Just started this week! […]

  18. I’m so excited about this, like Jessie Spano excited. Everyone I know sort of wants me to shut up about how this book changed my life because I’m a bit overenthusiastic about it (little do they know they are all getting copies for Christmas) πŸ˜‰

  19. It is by grace, I praise Him, for giving me everyday challege. From my daughter getting into college, to find out she can’t go till.Spring. My Husband making Chief, them finding out he will be away from us a couple years. And my son with his issues at 11. But I Praise The Lord for each chance he sends my way

  20. I grabbed the book for my kindle first because I couldn’t wait to start reading…The timing of this book couldn’t have been better. So many changes, so many emotions going on right now..Looking forward to the study and all the comments here…I’ve also ordered a book to read and feel in my hands..So hopefully it arrives soon and I can start marking it all over! Loved the video girls!~ And Jen you are a gem..This study is going to be amazing!

  21. I read 7 earlier this winter and loved it. I will be checking in. A friend has my copy, but if I get it back I will be skimmimg though it again.

  22. I received my sponsor book (Thank you!) and have read through chapter 4 already. I love that it reads easily like a good blog or like talking to a friend. I know there are changes coming for my family and it’s exciting. I am looking forward to the videos every week. I love these book clubs because hearing the author is just a great bonus to reading a book.

  23. I read this book a few weeks ago…my husband and I have been having this conversation for a couple of years…we are so blessed…what does that mean? What are we teaching our kids about what that means? How as followers of Jesus do we manage those blessings? Do we buy that next house on the upward climb, the one with all the beautiful woodwork, or do we spend less on something that meets our needs and use the money to bless others? 7 is the next step in our discussions and actions… We’ve implemented some things over the last few years…recycling, tithing (not a concept we were raised with in our denomination), supporting kids through Compassion International, using birthdays as a time to bless others rather than be blessed but we haven’t done enough in the day to day (as exemplified by the crazy amount of expired food from my fridge I just tossed today…I am heart sick over it). Excited to re-read 7 more slowly with a group of women so that I can take it all in and look for other ways to apply the heart behind the project… By the way Jen, visited Austin New Church in June before I had read any of your books! It was just close to my in laws home (Manchaca) and recommended by friends of friends! Had a great morning…cried through parts of it because so many things in the service hit home…your praise team sang “Oh how he loves us” and in their arrangement the female singer sang lead on the 2nd time through the verse. When the words “He is jealous for me” sailed into the room in a strong female voice I lost it and I think I cried for the rest of the song service! So before I read any of your books something you helped create had touched my life for the better…thank you! Ladies of incourage, thanks for setting this up! Looking forward to each week!

  24. Jen Hatmaker- one question I have for you is: how did you find and connect with all the great non-profit and volunteer organizations and opportunities you mentioned in the book? I want to find similar amazing opportunities although it will be a little tougher in the rural area where I live.
    The timing of this book and study in my life is nothing short of God. The winds of change are blowing and I’m not running anymore! In quick succession I read 7, Radical, and Outlive Your Life and have started Authentic Relationships. God is doing great things- lasting things- in my life right now. And by that, I mean things that will affect and help and change those around me. I’m so excited!

    Lisa W,

  25. I will forever read Jen Hatmaker’s words in an awesome Texas accent.

    Also, Angie, I cry every. single. time. I read the adoption part, too.

  26. I got my copy a few days ago and had to go ahead and start reading! I cant even begin to tell you how much I am enjoying seven. After finishing the food chapter I have challenged my own family to waste less. If it means we eat leftovers for 3 days we are commiting to cutting our wasted food out!

  27. I am so excited to dive into this study with you lovely ladies!
    I love Jen’s style already and it’s only the introduction.
    Thank you so much for my sponsor eBook, I am so happy to be able to take part in a Bloom study again, it’s been far too long!

  28. […] Monday, August 27: Introducing Jen Hatmaker/7 Wednesday, August 29: Month One: Food Friday, August 31: Food-Guest Post Monday, September 3: Month Two: Clothes Wednesday, September 5: Clothes-Guest Post Monday, September 10: Month Three: Possessions Wednesday, September 12: Possessions- Guest Post Monday, September 17: Month Four: Media Wednesday, September 19: Media- Guest Post Monday, September 24th: Month Five: Waste Wednesday, September 26th: Waste- Guest Post Monday, October 1: Month Six: Spending Wednesday, October 3: Waste-Guest Post Monday, October 8: Month Seven: Stress Wednesday, October 10: Stress- Guest Post Wednesday, October 17: FAQ with Jen {more details to come!} […]