"Time and possessions, words and worries are the raw material that comprise daily life. They are also the places where students of Jesus often experience the 'simplicity gap'--the distance between their desire for simplicity and their experience of it. In
Abundant Simplicity Jan Johnson wisely, gently and creatively demonstrates how that raw material of ordinary living can be transformed into extraordinary kingdom living through experiments and adventures in simplicity. This is a book of lived truth and uncommon yet
simple wisdom." (Howard Baker, Instructor of Christian Formation, Denver Seminary, and author of The One True Thing)
"If life is what you want, you must free yourself from trivial entanglements. St. Francis of Assisi advised us to wear the world like a loose garment--one which touches us in few places and there lightly. Most people fail in their efforts to do so. Jan Johnson can help you. She combines profound insight into the concrete realities of a life lived in Christ's kingdom with specific directions on where and how to cut--to eliminate stuff that does not matter at all or matters very little. Do what she says. Deliverance is at hand." (Dallas Willard, author of Renovation of the Heart)
"Once again writer Jan Johnson proves herself to be a wise, welcoming and eminently helpful guide as we follow Jesus day by day.
Abundant Simplicity assists readers in taking a long, grace-imbued look into our deepest selves, discerning what within us is in keeping with our journey of faith, and then, by God's grace and spiritual discipline, discarding what is not. As Johnson demonstrates in theologically sound and practical ways, when we are winnowed toward holiness, what remains is, indeed, simple
and abundant." (Susan S. Phillips, Ph.D., author of Candlelight: Illuminating the Art of Spiritual Direction and executive director, New College Berkeley)
"In a world where
abundant has come to mean prosperity and
simplicity is often equated with scarcity, Jan Johnson proposes an alternative. She introduces us to a biblical lifestyle of fullness--full in ways that only God can fill. In our materialistic, over-scheduled, stress-filled world . . . we need to tame the monster called 'more.'
Abundant Simplicity is a monster-tamer." (Paul Borthwick, author of Simplify and Six Dangerous Questions to Transform Your View of the World)
"For our hurried and harried existence, both within and without the church, Jan Johnson proposes fruitful pathways leading to a simpler and less cluttered lifestyle.
Abundant Simplicity offers guidelines that commend to readers life-giving simplicity through protocols such as economy of speech (clipping our tongues), loosening our grip on possessions (frugality) and creating margins in life (leisure). The more I read, the more engrossed, convicted and encouraged I became to pursue the abundant life for the glory of God and the good of others." (Bruce Demarest, professor of Christian formation, Denver Seminary, and author of Seasons of the Soul)
"Jan Johnson writes in a clear style that seeks to make spirituality--following God’s Spirit in daily life--more accessible to the reader. She challenges readers yet expresses sympathetic patience with the difficulty of practicing spiritual disciplines." (Gordon Houser, associate editor of The Mennonite)
"What I find so engaging about
Abundant Simplicity is the natural way Jan Johnson unfolds spiritual disciplines as partners in the abundant life of God. . . . The regular practice of asking our hearts, 'What is running me?' may not only reveal motives we're not proud of but also offer opportunities to lead a more peaceful, simple life." (Dr. Norvene Vest, author of Gathered in the Word and Re-Visioning Theology)
"Jan Johnson believes that an outwardly simple life yields great inner riches. Weaving together Scriptures, stories and practical suggestions, she paints an inviting picture of simplicity and encourages the reader to embrace this countercultural, yet fruitful, spiritual practice. Her winsome and engaging perspective is urgently needed today." (Lynne M. Baab, author of Sabbath Keeping and Friending)
"Jan Johnson's
Abundant Simplicity opens up an inviting spiritual path with clear explanations, rich references to a long Christian spiritual tradition, searching exercises in self-examination and piercing questions. Her vivid style and depth of perception help us to practice authentic simplicity and gain the abundant blessings of doing so. All under the power of God's grace." (Emilie Griffin, author of Souls in Full Sail)
