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4.05 AVERAGE
4.05 AVERAGE
I had the honor of being on the launch team for this book and I have to be honest - it was the best launch team EVER. This book is incredible and timely. A message like this unites people and draws them closer to God in painstakingly beautiful ways. Let me explain.
In this book, [a:Jennifer Dukes Lee|7183734|Jennifer Dukes Lee|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1525378288p2/7183734.jpg] talks about the common tendency to want to control everything. From our kids to our future, from our bodies to our minds, we want to pretend that we have some semblance of control over what happens, when it happens, and how. We've determined that we are the masters of our own fate and that we must strive to ensure that everything goes according to our plans.
That's not how God works. JDL reminds us that Jesus is not to just be relegated to being another box to check off on our to-do list — he is, in fact, the author of the list. She explains:
Here are some other highlights that spoke to my heart:
Who is this book for? It's for control freaks. It's for working moms struggling to balance career and family. It's for stay-at-home mothers who feel so alone and inadequate. It's for women everywhere who are stressed out, burned out, and sick of living life as though they have to make time for everyone and everything except themselves. In this book, JDL walks you through the scriptures as they relate to God's love for you, how he is waiting for you to surrender your life to him and in so doing let go of every last sin and burden that is weighing you down. In this book, JDL presents the Gospel through the lens of a weary soul crying out for relief, and the gracious, loving, generous God who steps in to say:
In this book, [a:Jennifer Dukes Lee|7183734|Jennifer Dukes Lee|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1525378288p2/7183734.jpg] talks about the common tendency to want to control everything. From our kids to our future, from our bodies to our minds, we want to pretend that we have some semblance of control over what happens, when it happens, and how. We've determined that we are the masters of our own fate and that we must strive to ensure that everything goes according to our plans.
That's not how God works. JDL reminds us that Jesus is not to just be relegated to being another box to check off on our to-do list — he is, in fact, the author of the list. She explains:
"I pray today that we will always remember that God's plans are bigger than ours - which means that the fruit of our choices might outlive us. As we step into all that God has for us, let's respond wholeheartedly to the command "Do whatever he tells you." Jesus is not an item on your to-do list. He is holding the list. And when you partner with him, you will be invited to take part in the amazing work he is already doing."AMEN! How often do we forget this?! How often do we add Jesus to our to-do list as though he's on the same level as mopping the floors and shopping for groceries?! I love that JDL later repeats one key part of the previous quote: "The most important work you ever do might outlive you." Think about that for a minute. It is incredibly simple yet beautiful in its profundity. Our kids, our ministries, the lives we change and the world we build will hopefully long outlive us. That's all so much more important than finding the best deal on eggs. And it's all based on our relationship with Jesus.
Here are some other highlights that spoke to my heart:
"I found the Rock at my rock bottom. And it all started because I dared to utter three scary, beautiful words: "I need help.""
"You are not a burden. You are a person."And my personal favorite:
When you are obedient in the wait, God will be faithful in the work. And you will be awed in the wonder.*chills*
Who is this book for? It's for control freaks. It's for working moms struggling to balance career and family. It's for stay-at-home mothers who feel so alone and inadequate. It's for women everywhere who are stressed out, burned out, and sick of living life as though they have to make time for everyone and everything except themselves. In this book, JDL walks you through the scriptures as they relate to God's love for you, how he is waiting for you to surrender your life to him and in so doing let go of every last sin and burden that is weighing you down. In this book, JDL presents the Gospel through the lens of a weary soul crying out for relief, and the gracious, loving, generous God who steps in to say:
"Trust me, I'll catch you."
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
As a fellow control freak, I really enjoyed this book. It was a very timely message for me, filled with biblical advice and soothing words reminding me just what I needed to hear. As the title suggests, it delves into when we need to let go of things, and when we might need to hang onto them- and that’s really hard sometimes. I felt like the author really understood me, which was an amazing feeling, and I related to her behaviors a lot. It was great hearing God’s comfort for these very specific situations rather than worldly comfort. It’s one of those books you feel like is speaking directly to you. I read the ebook/listened to the audiobook simultaneously, and now I wish I had gotten the physical copy so I had my own annotated version to look back on, filled with highlights and sticky notes. That doesn’t mean I don’t have screenshots and virtual highlights though!
The only downside for me personally was that this book was definitely directed towards wives and mothers, because “your marriage” and “your kids” are referenced quite frequently (which is understandably a very common theme I have noticed in Christian literature for women). I couldn’t exactly relate to that, but I could definitely see myself in her shoes if I were a wife and mother. For example, checking to see if her child was still breathing in the middle of the night...even though they were a senior in high school. It was nice to have that perspective of how out of control I can definitely see myself being in the future if I don’t get my anxiety under control now. And, of course, it was amazing to see the path the author went down when she took a break and just followed Jesus: finding a peace she almost forgot was possible.
The only downside for me personally was that this book was definitely directed towards wives and mothers, because “your marriage” and “your kids” are referenced quite frequently (which is understandably a very common theme I have noticed in Christian literature for women). I couldn’t exactly relate to that, but I could definitely see myself in her shoes if I were a wife and mother. For example, checking to see if her child was still breathing in the middle of the night...even though they were a senior in high school. It was nice to have that perspective of how out of control I can definitely see myself being in the future if I don’t get my anxiety under control now. And, of course, it was amazing to see the path the author went down when she took a break and just followed Jesus: finding a peace she almost forgot was possible.
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
I really enjoyed this whole Bible Study with this workbook it really was a blessing to me.
This was a very good Bible Study on Self Control. I really enjoyed it and will be referencing back to it in the future.
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
This book was full of insights and practical advice. It goes over our control types, why we feel the need to control, signs of our control habits, and how to improve in theory and reality, and how our relationship with God can change everything. I was able to apply the principles daily, and I grew stronger in my faith as I tried the actionable steps provided. This book was a blessing that helped me and many others in my Ladies group at times when we needed it.
challenging
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
reflective
medium-paced
Reading certain books at a certain time makes all the difference. And they come to you just as the the right time. That's the magic of books. Love Jennifer Lee Duke's books, so applicable with suggestions and advice I can implement now. Loved this one on audio, easy listen and read by author. Guess I really needed to hear what she had to say!