Abundant Simplicity: Discovering the Unhurried Rhythms of Grace

by Jan Johnson

Which activities give you energy and connect you with God? Do you know what behaviors are life-draining for you, separating you from God? Simplicity is about choosing the engaging, relational life we were meant to live. It means shedding obligation and pretension. It means spending in ways that help us become clear-headed. It means being intentional about what we do and how we live. These choices allow God's power to move through us and bless others as we have space to do good. In each chapter Jan Johnson provides small experiments with simplicity as well as questions for discussion or reflection to get you started. Come and discover the unhurried rhythms of grace.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Faith, Christian Living, Spirituality, Christianity, Devotional

173 pages, Paperback

First published April 5, 2011

About the author

Jan Johnson is an author (20 books), speaker, college prof and spiritual director. She lives in Simi Valley, CA.

Reviews

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re-read. Loved it as much the tenth time around!

This book is an excellent, thought-provoking read on how to spend your day and life with God. Through practicing disciplines of silence, simplicity, and others, it is a refreshing read on how to re-work your schedule and life around what is most important.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book encouraging and challenging all at once. The writing is clear and helped me consider again what I really want the focus of my life to be. Because I enjoyed it so much, I read it way too quickly. This is ironic given a big theme of the book is to trust the slow work of God. I'm going to begin reading it again now, disciplining myself to only one chapter a week, because it offers such important guidance.

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read other books with the theme of simplicity, but I think this is my favorite. Definitely recommended as a guide to help make space for God in the midst of a chaotic world. It is true that possessions, activities (even good ones), worry, etc. can enslave us and keep us from truly enjoying life.

[Dana Gisser · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think I was expecting a book more about grace or something which is my fault for not paying closer attention. The book wasn't bad per se it just wasn't what I was looking for and only a couple pieces of it seemed relevant. I caught myself skimming a lot of times because I wanted to move on to more productive things. When I read Christian living type books I typically expect to be challenged but also brought closer to God or feel God in the book and sadly I felt very little of the first and hardly any of the latter.

[Rebekah Snyder · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is about simplicity, but I found it to be overwhelming. I would have much preferred each chapter focus on simplifying one aspect of life rather than give me all the options. Also, I feel like there is a very fine line between simplicity and legalism. I didn't understand the motives behind a lot of the experiments. Maybe I'm just not ready to tackle this project?

[Mir Mir · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read for beginner minimalists and Christians alike. I really liked how Johnson blended the concept of simplicity through scriptures and how God gives simple living and thinking to us as humans in order to focus more on his glory as well as his abundance grace. It's easily organized too for whenever you need a review on a section of the chapter. Well done!

[Nancy DeValve · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Songhai people have a proverb that says, "One foot can't follow two paths". This is the theme in Jan Johnson's book, Abundant Simplicity. She encourages us as believers to have a "single eye". What is my focus in life, my goal, my aim? If that aim is to live a life that is glorifying to God and treasuring a relationship with Him, then we need to live simply so we don't focus on all the stuff we have, on all the junk we need to take care of, on all the ways we are trying to impress or to please others. Though Mrs. Johnson gives suggestions of ways to live simply at the end of each chapter, she also says that how you choose to live simply will differ from how others live simply and will differ at different times of your life. For example, simplicity may involve having only one car. But if only one car means hours of inconvenience for somebody in your family, then maybe having two cars will actually contribute to simplicity. Mrs. Johnson gives a lot to think about and my big take-away from the book was learning to ask myself three questions: What do I want? What do I REALLY want? What am I longing for? So, let's say I want to buy a new pair of jeans. What do I want? A new pair of jeans. What do I REALLY want? To look nice, to be noticed. What am I longing for? For people to appreciate me and to think I look great. or, What do I want? A new pair of jeans. What do I REALLY want? Jeans that fit and that aren't falling apart; to replace the ones that I can no longer wear. What am I longing for? To look neat and tidy and to not draw attention to myself. In other words, we need to learn to examine our motives. I highly recommend this book, but I'll be the first to say that you need to already be at a certain point emotionally where you are ready to give up clutter, confusion, and chaos. If you thrive on those things, maybe this book isn't for you.

[Henry Haney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abundant Simplicity: Discovering the Unhurried Rhythms of Grace
by Jan Johnson

“The point of simplicity is not efficiency, increased productivity or even living a healthier, more relaxed life. The point is making space for treasuring God‘s own self.”

The traditional spiritual disciplines have been an integral part of my growth journey with God. These practices have helped me to put feet to many of the things I believe. Things that, if given opportunity, can easily remain simple philosophies or ideals and never become actualized, practiced parts of the christian life.

In Abundant Simplicity, Jan Johnson focuses her attention on the spiritual discipline of simplicity. This book is dedicated to helping define this practice that runs hard against the grain of our consumer culture. I think simplicity, as a spiritual discipline, is probably one of the most misunderstood of the traditional practices. I was impressed and challenged by Johnson’s ability to bring this practice into the modern day. I also loved the end sections of each chapter which highlighted questions to ponder and suggestions for practical application in life.

Lots of wisdom in this book.
This was my first read from Jan Johnson. I will definitely be picking up more of her books.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was just okay. It has a target audience that is limiting.
There are some good suggestions to evaluate how simplicity is a part of how one could live, but I do wish there was more substance to it.

[Julianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, so wonderful.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read! It was refreshing to be reminded that simplicity (rather, living simply) is not something to strive for, but instead is a state of being/mind, in which we are living in true peace and with joy, clear-headed to enjoy our relationships and possessions. We are not controlled or dictated by our possessions, time, or other people -- rather we are living in true harmony and with contentment with what we have, who we are, and how we spend our time and energy. "It (simplicity) means being intentional about what we do and how we live, allowing God's power to move through us and bless others as we have space to do good."

[Carter Hemphill · Rating 5 out of 5]

An approachable and good overview of the spiritual practice of simplicity in the Christian life. I appreciated how the author recognizes that everyone will respond differently to the various exercises in the book (simplicity in speech, leisure, time, possessions). After a high-level introduction to shape the general approach, the author explores various aspects of simplicity in an approachable manner. Recommended.

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was truly excellent. I liked the premise of simplifying your life to make room for God and the things that matter to God- people and those in need. The book helps you dive in and discover why you are pursuing certain things with your time. What do you want (goals) and how does that line up with what you spend your money and time on? Highly recommend this one!!

[Hillaryunderwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's not a profoundly deep book theologically, but it is such a good practical reminder that simplicity is where we thrive. From how we spend our money, time, and energy to what we choose to consume, it all has a spiritual, emotional, and social effect on us.

[Mariah Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

My word for the next year is simplicity, so I thought I’d start by reading this book. There is your talk about frugality and technology—expected, but I would recommend this book simply for its section on simplicity of speech and the prompts for the hidden conversations we should have with God before, during, and after we speak.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm glad I read this, though I think the first half is stronger than the second. Johnson has a very approachable take on practices of simplicity that lead to a life of hope and meaning, and ultimately a deeper relationship with God and a stronger ability to love others. Recommended.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't have much to say, other than this book was beautiful and convicting and practical. My heart has been moved toward a life of less hurry, worry, and striving, and instead I'm a little more pointed to simplicity and grace ❤️

Thanks for the recommendation and gift, Julianne!!

[HK Matter · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a neat little book! It was a super quick read and it gave a lot of good quotes, food for thought, and insights.
I would recommend this book to anyone needing to SLOW and to be more intentional with time and resources.
I’d like to read it again more slowly sometime soon.

[Hannah Beckman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book took me so long to read because literally every single sentence touched my heart so deeply and profoundly that I didn’t want to rush through it. I would give this book 100 ⭐️ if I could. HIGHLY recommend.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you struggle with feeling like your life is so full and you can barely keep up, read this book now. The author shares so much wisdom and helpful guidance for our daily lives. I felt both challenged and inspired. I will read this over and over - really life-changing read.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it!

[Karen Twinem · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommended. The most inspiring book I've read this year.

[Lizzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practically thought provoking.

[Karina Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my second time going through this because it is full of good reminders and helpful ideas to resist our culture of consumption that dampens the soul.

[Cassie Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jan Johnson never fails to bring me back to the heart and make me feel grounded in myself. This book is no exception

[Bethany Farrar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent read. Easy to read & understand. Practical & useful with a focus on relationship with Christ not on the practice itself.

[Christina Kessler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning and impactful, yes intensely practical. Will re-read.

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

practical guide to help live with an abundance mindset with lots of stories and wisdom to help a person live in simplicity

[Cara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was to the point and very applicable. What I found most encouraging about the timing of this read, is that I've been on a journey of simplicity/contentment for the past 3-4 years and as each chapter came to a close, I could see just how much God has grown me in each of the ways the author spoke about.

[Cindy VanWingerden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jan Johnson has mentored me from afar for so many years through her books.