Download Jen’s “7 Easy Ways to Begin Your Own Personal Mutiny Against Excess”

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Jen Hatmaker has authored 9 books including Interrupted, Ms. Understood: Rebuilding the Feminine Equation, and A Modern Girl’s Guide to Bible Study, and is a sought-after Women’s issues and Bible study speaker across the United States.

She and her husband, Brandon, planted Austin New Church in an economically and ethnically diverse, socially unique, urban area of Austin, Texas, in 2008, with the church mantra: “Love Your Neighbor, Serve Your City.” Recently the Hatmaker’s added to their family of five with two adopted children from Ethiopia. Jen’s blog can be found at www.jenhatmaker.com.

ABOUT 7:

“Dad! This white dude is RICH!” This was the catalyst for Jen Hatmaker to start her journey to rid her home and life of excess as her family was housing 12 evacuees, this 10-year-old Hurricane Ike evacuee entered her home with this exclamation. “For years I didn’t realize this because so many others had more,” Hatmaker says in 7. “We were surrounded by extreme affluence, which tricks you into thinking you’re in the middle of the pack…. The day I am unaware of my privileges and unmoved by my greed is the day something has to change.”

Food. Clothes. Spending. Media. Possessions. Waste. Stress. Jen spends 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? For Jen’s family it was the discovery of a greatly increased God-call toward simplicity and generosity that transcends social experiment to become a radically better existence.

In Jen’s words:
“I had 327 pieces of clothing in my closet. We spent money at 66 different places a month on average, not including repeat expenditures. We had four gaming systems, three computers, and five TV’s, most of them usually on. We threw away pounds and pounds of food each week we never got around to eating. We needed a second trashcan to contain our weekly waste. We were too busy to look each other in the eye. Something had to change.

“Enter: 7, a social and spiritual experiment my family embarked on which I chronicled. Drowning in tension over our own materialism and losing the battle against consuming, we decided to go radical for a year and see what God would do. Boiling seven areas of excess down to just seven choices in seven months, we put our greed and apathy on the table and said, ‘God, transform us.’ Somehow against all odds, the project was completed, the words were written, and 7 is now a book.”

CWAHM’s Jill Hart recently had the pleasure of speaking with Karen Ehman  and LeAnn Rice, authors of Untangling Christmas:  Your Go-To Guide for a Hassle-Free Holiday (e-book). Listen in to this 20 minute interview for tips on:

* Evaluating your current seasonal strategies (or lack there-of!) and identify re-occurring holiday hassles.
* Acquiring fast and frugal decorating tips and creative, but simple, gift-giving ideas.
* Whipping up delicious holiday foods – simple, short-cut recipes for when time (or talent) is tight.
* Putting together a “quirky Christmas” that will create lasting memories for your family

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LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BOOK HERE

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Chapters in Untangling Christmas:  Your Go-To Guide for a Hassle-Free Holiday include:

* Have Yourself a Stress-free Little Christmas: Whoa, Nellie! Back Up the Sleigh: Re-evaluating your current Christmas habits
* To Face Unafraid the Plans that We’ve Made: Finding your plan of attack; taking a close look at the demands of the season; how to decide, defer and not feel guilty
* Seeking the Savior: Focusing on Jesus in the midst of the flurry; carving out time for quiet and for yourself and your family
* Santa, Can You Spare and Elf or Two? Gift shopping, making, wrapping and presentation
* Deck the Halls, Trim the Tree: Cleaning and de-cluttering, storage solutions, decorating and crafty stuff
* Simple Short-cuts to Festive Food: Make-ahead menus, company dishes, party planning and hosting, holidaybaking ideas and kid-friendly recipes
* Beyond Aunt Frieda’s Fruitcake: Forging family traditions, new and old; and ideas for outreach
* A Christmas Potpourri: Helpful links, resources and printables

About The Authors:

Karen Ehman has been described as profoundly practical, engagingly funny and downright real. Her passion is to provide women with practical tools and doable ideas to help them both simplify life and glorify God. She is the Director of Speakers for Proverbs 31 Ministries and a featured speaker for Hearts at Home conferences.  She is the author of four women’s books as well as the project creator of the Hearts at Home Just for Moms Planner. Connect with Karen through her blog, www.KarenEhman.com.

LeAnn Rice lives down south in sweet tea country and is certain that the longer she lives in the south, the more her tongue seems to curl as she speaks. Her passion is to bring people around the kitchen table to share good food and good conversations while creating lasting memories. A caterer, event planner, and licensed esthetician until God called her to full time ministry, LeAnn currently serves as the Executive Director of Proverbs 31 Ministries in Matthews, North Carolina. In June of 2010 she launched www.SheCooks.org, a food blog where she shares recipes, menu ideas, photos, and glimpses of her crazy life. She is also a contributor to www.seashinemag.com and www.awidowsmight.org.

Many non-Catholics are perplexed by the practice of reverence to designated saints but still somewhat interested by the history of the saints. For example, did you know that relics of the saints – enshrined in churches in the U.S. and worldwide  – include hearts, fingers, arms, skulls and teeth? That Saint Casimir, who chose not to marry and instead to attend to the poor, is the patron saint of bachelors? And Saint Isidore of Seville, who in a desperate effort to stop the decay of Rome in 560-636 wrote a massive encyclopedia of the arts, sciences, engineering, medicine and agriculture, is considered the patron saint of the Internet?

Author Thomas J. Craughwell chronicles these fascinating facts in Saints Preserved, An Encyclopedia of Relics (Image, July 12). Craughwell did extensive research of 350 saints among the estimated 40,000 saints designated by the church.  “Anyone who thinks that the cult of relics of the saints is itself a relic of the Middle Ages should log on to eBay,” he writes. “On any given day of the week the online shopper will find a thriving business in the sale of relics, ranging from the dust from the tomb of Christ to splinters of the True Cross to bone fragments of countless saints.”

There have been hundreds of saint books but none ever such as this. Readers – including non-Catholics and history buffs – will be fascinated by the saints and their relics.

A finger, a lock of hair, a crucifix, a chalice—if such items belonged to a saint, they are considered to be relics and as such are venerated by the Catholic Church. Anyone who thinks that relics are remnants of the Middle Ages should log on to eBay. On any day of the week the online shopper will find a thriving business in the sale of these items, ranging from the dust from the tomb of Christ to splinters of the True Cross to bone fragments of countless holy men and women. In Saints Preserved: An Encyclopedia of Relics, author Thomas J. Craughwell takes us on an exhilarating journey through the life and death of more than three hundred saints and along the way enlightens us about the sometimes strange bits and pieces that the saints left behind.
Including entries on the famous (Saint Peter, Saint Francis, Saint Thérèse of Lisieux) and the not so famous (Saint Foy, Saint Sicaire, Saint Chrysogonus), Saints Preserved also features information on such notable relics as the Holy House where Jesus, Mary, and Joseph lived; the Crown of Thorns; the Holy Grail; and the seven places that claim to possess the head of Saint John the Baptist—among them a mosque in Damascus. Moreover, this book includes major relics that are enshrined in the United States—for example, the complete skeleton of the Roman martyr Saint Vibiana enshrined in a cathedral in Los Angeles.

From the extraordinary Aachen relics to the remains of Saint Zita, Saints Preserved is an indispensable compendium for spiritual seekers, history buffs, and anyone interested in deepening their understanding of the Catholic faith.

Dr. Paul White, PhD, is a licensed psychologist who has worked with individuals, businesses and families in a variety of settings for over 20 years. He received his B.A. from Wheaton, his Masters from Arizona State, and his PhD in Counseling Psychology from Georgia State University. He consults with successful businesses and high net worth families, dealing with the relational issues intertwined with business and financial wealth. In addition to serving businesses, families and organizations across the U.S., Dr. White has also spoken and consulted in Europe, Central Asia, the Caribbean, and South America. For more information about Dr. White, please visit his website at www.drpaulwhite.com.
The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace applies the love language concept to the workplace. This book helps supervisors and managers effectively communicate appreciation and encouragement to their employees, resulting in higher levels of job satisfaction, healthier relationships between managers and employees, and decreased cases of burnout. Ideal for both the profit and non-profit sectors, the principles presented in this book have a proven history of success in businesses, schools, medical offices, churches, and industry. Each book contains an access code for the reader to take a comprehensive online MBA Inventory (Motivating By Appreciation) - a $20 value.

Dana Jorgensen is not what you expect.

From aspiring hockey player to worship leader; from Ottawa, Ontario, to the Music City; Dana Jorgensen has been on an incredible journey that God has perfectly orchestrated to bring him to this moment and has made his third album Everything to Beautiful – in stores August 16, 2011 – a reality.

Dana grew up, like many Canadian young men, dreaming of a professional hockey career.  Playing on backyard rinks, frozen ponds, and as many teams as he could fit in his schedule; Dana excelled at the sport until he suffered the last of 8 dangerous concussions.  Paired with breaking several major bones, Dana was forced to hang up his skates and his dreams of the NHL.

In a strange turn of fate, Dana was asked if he could sing and quickly found himself performing for a summer at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom.  After finishing this contract, Dana moved to Vancouver, BC, to join a band and tour throughout the West Coast.

Realizing the life of a rock star wasn’t for him, Dana started helping out as a youth leader and worship leader at North Shore Alliance Church, which began a 3 year journey of soul-searching, spiritual growth, and honing his skills as a musician and songwriter.  Then in 2005, a significant door opened that encouraged him to move to Nashville and move forward on his music career.

And Dana has never looked back. He moved his family to the hills of Tennessee where he not only continued his other passions of fishing and hunting, but also began his career as a songwriter and solo artist.

Dana’s third album, Everything to Beautiful, expresses a maturity and honesty that can only come from Dana’s own journey. Joined by producer Ryan Sutton, Dana was able to enlist a friend, Monroe Jones, to produce background vocals, as well as bandmates Ryan Mitchell on drums and Craig McClellan on electric guitars and programming.

Everything to Beautiful is an honest, open journey into the questions and challenges involved in truly trusting God.  But truly, when we allow God to do his work, we realize that no matter where we’ve come from, no matter where we are, no matter how dark the path may seem, God truly turns Everything to Beautiful.

 Listen to Jill’s interview with Dana here!

We can’t wait to introduce you to B Haley (who many of you may already know from his music!). B is a “strong and courageous” man of God and Jill’s interview with him with inspire you to get busy and do big things for God!

Tune in to hear B’s story – how he came to join Toby Mac, how God has developed his life into a platform for sharing the gospel – through his lifestyle, through music and now through his own company and clothing line, B IT.

If you dream about doing BIG things for God, listen in!

About B Haley
B Haley is best known for spending the last 9 years as the vivacious drummer behind TobyMac and DiverseCity, as well as leading his own band SUPERHEROSE. Each day, before and after the shows, B spends hours in the audience, talking with fans and sharing the hope that only comes from God. Early on, B realized that often people go outside themselves looking for what God has already placed in their souls. B IT Clothing was born from these conversations.

“I wanted to create a clothing line that combines simple truth with Godly principles and actions,” explains B with his trademark huge smile. “Jesus has already given us a hope. With the B IT line, we strive to change the world, one shirt at a time through the simple calls to actions – B Love, B Hope, B Peace, B Pure, B Strong and Courageous. These little reminders can make a huge difference in a world in need of love. With our own lives we can B IT!”

As with the debut styles, each shirt comes with the verse Joshua 1:9 inscribed on the tag. B explains, “This verse is the foundation which the whole line is built. Be Strong and Courageous. God created us to great things, and since He is always with us, we have the option to trust him and believe in his promises. We can B all he calls us to B!”

The B IT Clothing Line is available online at www.c28.com/bhaley as well as at C28 Stores and select clothing retailers nationwide.

God’s Shelter for Your Storm
by Sheila Walsh

In a world of uncertainty, pain, and struggle, where do you go to find solid and steadfast assurance?

Gifted Women of Faith® speaker Sheila Walsh offers powerful, heart-filled teaching on ten bedrock promises of God, providing the foundation for daily living with confidence, hope, and joy. Sheila unveils principles that provide unshakable security during even the most difficult times by weaving her hallmark storytelling, personal experiences, and applicable Scripture to help readers gain a trust in God that will sustain them for a lifetime.

About Joanna Weaver
Joanna Weaver is known the world over for her transparent and life-changing books, Having A Mary Heart in a Martha World and Having a Mary Spirit. These two books have sold over a million copies and have been translated into several languages including Spanish, French, Dutch, Chinese, German, Korean and more. Joanna’s newest book is Lazarus Awakening.

Joanna has appeared on a wide variety of nationally syndicated radio and television broadcasts. Past appearances include: The Harvest Show, At Home Live With Chuck & Jenni, Midday Connection, HomeWord, and Janet Parschall’s America. She is also a highly sought after speaker and shares her message at intimate gatherings and several high profile events each year. But Joanna’s greatest joy is found in being a wife and mother and her role as a pastor’s wife.

About Lazarus Awakening
Getting God’s Love from Our Heads to Our Hearts

We all know Jesus loved Mary – look how she worshiped. And we can understand why He loved Martha – after all, look how she served. But what about those of us who don’t know where we fit in the heart of God? Lazarus Awakening explores the tale of the third follower – Mary and Martha’s brother, Lazarus. We never hear him speak, we never see him serve. The only thing of any significance that Lazarus did was to die. And yet, the Bible is clear. Jesus loved Lazarus. And He loves you and me as well.

Using a flexible 8 or 10-week companion study, Lazarus Awakening looks at different aspects of the story we find in John 11. We learn what it means to be a friend of God and begin recognizing the tombs we spend far too much time in. As we journey through the life, death, and resurrection of Lazarus, Weaver shows us how to unwind grave clothes – both our own as well as others – so that we can learn how to live resurrected.

Radiant Lit’s Jill Hart chats with Colleen Coble about her newest historical novel, The Lightkeepers Ball.

About the Book: It is the dawn of a new century and Olivia Stewart is heiress to an empire. Her family numbers among the Four Hundred – those considered the wealthiest and most distinguished in America. Unfortunately their wealth has nearly disappeared, and now their security rests solely on the Stewart daughters’ marrying well.

Olivia’s sister, Eleanor, was engaged to Harrison Bennett, one of the nation’s wealthiest men, but has since died. Now the pressure is on Olivia to take her place, despite her suspicions about Eleanor’s fiancé. Using her family’s long-forgotten English title, Olivia travels to Mercy Falls, California, as Lady Devonworth, hoping to learn more before committing to marriage. There she finds that Eleanor’s death was no accident. And Harrison is not the man she thought he would be.

When Mercy Falls holds a charity ball masquerade to raise funds for the new lighthouse, secrets–and truths long hidden–will be revealed. But can Harrison really love Olivia when he finds her true identity? Can she live with the repercussions of failing her family, or will she finally realize that nothing–not money, family, or romance—will ever compare to God’s unconditional love?

About Colleen:Author Colleen Coble’s thirty-five novels and novellas have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Romance Writers of America prestigious RITA, the Holt Medallion, the ACFW Book of the Year, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers’ Choice, the Booksellers Best, and the 2009 Best Books of Indiana-Fiction award. She writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail and love begin with a happy ending.