UPDATE: The winner of the giveaway is Helen G. Thank you to all who entered!
I begrudgingly awake to the sound of my phone alarm blaring on my nightstand. I struggle, in my third-trimester state, to turn over and hit snooze before the noise wakes my children up. Too late. No sooner do I silence the alarm than I hear my daughter bound down the stairs of her bunk bed and I hear the door to my son’s room open. Whether I want it to or not, my day is beginning. I shower at record pace, rush the children through the morning routine, and feed them breakfast in the car.
I arrive at my weekly Bible study a solid 15 minutes late. I try to focus on the teacher, but I can’t resist checking my e-mail and replying to a text that I received last week. I quietly excuse myself early in order to gather my children and make it to a prescheduled lunch meeting. During the meal, I receive a phone call from a friend inviting my children to a birthday party. I accept, but I know that in doing so, I just filled up our only free day for the entire month.
I load my children back up in the car and we race through town, trying to make it home before the younger ones can fall asleep. We bustle through the door, and I trip over shoes and toys that I neglected to put away during the morning rush. I sigh as I stare at the kitchen sink overflowing with dishes. I don’t have time to tackle that beast before my dog demands his lunch and the kids begin to argue over a toy. The chaos reminds me why my house is unclean. Discouraged, I feed the puppy and put the overly emotional kids to bed.
Thirty minutes later, I exhale as I exit the last child’s room. I have a two-hour time frame in which I can do something that doesn’t involve little bodies. All I can think about is my comfortable bed and the silence that is all around me, but as I lie down, I realize I have an overdue bill that needs my attention. I muster up enough energy to walk into my office, where I finally acknowledge a 10-foot-high stack of papers. I set to work around my desk, but before I can accomplish much, I realize it is time to get the children up.
I hate waking sleeping babies, but today (like many days) we don’t have a choice. I hand them a quick snack and encourage them to get directly into the car. We rush from karate class to ballet class and then to the gas station. As I finally drive home, my husband calls to say he is home from work and gently reminds me that our neighbors are coming over for dinner. I groan, not because of the company, but because I totally forgot to start the slow cooker meal I had planned, and how can we have dinner anyway without clean dishes? Kicking myself for not starting dinner earlier in the day and for avoiding the dishes for two days, I surrender to purchasing takeout.
As the evening ends, I rush through the night routine with my children because all I can think about is my bed. My body aches to lie down, but I still have a mound of dirty dishes, my dog wants to take a walk, my husband is asking for my attention, and I need to write my next blog post. Well after midnight, I finally crawl into bed and realize that tomorrow is even busier than today was. No wonder life is slipping by so quickly.
Unrush me, Lord.
Do you ever overcommit yourself? I have struggled with this problem as long as I can remember. As a high school student, I went from one extracurricular activity to another. In college, I took 22 credits a semester in addition to working full-time and planning a wedding. As a wife and mother, I struggle to say no to ministry opportunities or social invites. I am a people pleaser and I find myself living life one appointment after another, one phone call after another, one event after another.
Unrush me, Lord.
Here’s the thing: I’m not the only one living at such a rapid pace. My choices force my husband and children to exist in the same constant state of rush. I don’t want that for them! I don’t want my family to be so busy that we don’t have time to listen to the Lord should He ask us to serve or sacrifice in a way that is not preplanned. I do not want my children to know busyness rather than holy margin. I don’t want my husband to feel as if he isn’t a priority in my life.
Unrush me, Lord.
The Lord has been convicting me of this for years. I’ve written about the subject in my book and my blog, yet in each of my attempts to change, I have focused on behavior modification rather than true life change. So, you can imagine the tears that flowed last week when I heard Lysa TerKeurst open the She Speaks conference with this phrase:
Unrush me, Lord.
He needs me to be unrushed—for my husband, for my children, and for myself. I can’t live the life He desires for me if I leave no room for interruption. At the end of her speech, Lysa introduced her new book, The Best Yes: Making Wise Decisions in the Midst of Endless Demands. I avoided the book table the entire conference, afraid to pick up her book because I knew it would be an uncomfortable read.
Here’s what the back of the books says:
Are you living with the stress of an overwhelmed schedule and aching with the sadness of an underwhelmed soul? Lysa TerKeurst is learning that there is a big difference between saying yes to everyone and saying yes to God. In The Best Yes she will help you
- Cure the disease to please with a biblical understanding of the command to love.
- Escape the shame and guilt of disappointing others by learning the secret of the small no.
- Overcome the agony of hard choices by embracing a wisdom-based decision-making process.
- Rise above the rush of endless demands and discover your Best Yes today.
I don’t know about you, but I can relate to the problem this book will address. I need to slow down. I need the Lord to direct my life. I need to position my marriage as a priority. I know there will be moments while reading where I will fall on my face in repentance, but that is what I need.
Does this book seem like one you might need as well?
Even though the book doesn’t go on sale until August 12, I have an extra copy, autographed by Lysa, that I would LOVE to give away to one of my readers. And for fun, I will throw in a copy of For the Love of Our Husbands as well! If you think you’d be blessed by these books, enter to win below!
Unrush us, Lord!
Edited by Mary Anne Brady – Affordable & Meticulous Editing Services at www.bradyediting.com
Sharing with Wedded Wednesday and Motivation Monday.
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Molly says
I definitely struggle with making decisions and i think these books would definitely help me in my relationships!
darbyd says
I totally can relate with struggling to make decisions! Thanks for entering! Best of luck.
Kamaria Laffrey says
Yes I can relate to this too well.
My family and I have just been blessed to have our first home built with Habitat for Humanity. It’s been two years of stressing over rent, meeting amazing people, balancing a new marriage, school, a pre-teen, international travel for work, ministry and finding a moment just to paint my nails. Now living in our new home, I’m finding myself depleted and not knowing where to put my time.
Unfortunately, a lot has been devoted to the couch. I wake up feeling disappointed that I wasted hours doing nothing when piles of something needed my attention. I’m slowly coming out of it now that school is starting again. I’m praying for motivation to be unrushed, prioritize and focus. Because oh yeah…I am running my first 5K in September! LOL
darbyd says
Hi Kamaria! Thanks for entering and sharing your story. Good luck on your upcoming 5K!
Andrea Lester says
I can’t wait to read this book! I truly desire to do what God wants me to do, not what all the world says I should!
darbyd says
What a great desire. Thanks for sharing and entering! Good luck!
Sarah H says
These books sound awesome! 🙂 Thanks for sharing honestly about this area of your life!
darbyd says
You’re welcome. I tend to write from my own weaknesses! Thanks for commenting. Good luck! 🙂
April says
Everyday I feel like life is pushing me to do more and more. I can agree I need the lord too to unrush me!
darbyd says
Oh, I so understand that dilemma, April! Thanks for entering. Good luck.
Melissa Scott says
These both look wonderful!!
darbyd says
Thanks! Best of luck to you! 🙂
Kristian says
I often find myself putting off one project just to get myself into another project all the while trying to please others instead of pleasing my family. These books sound wonderful, books which are perfect for newlyweds. Books I can pass to our daughter whom is planning her wedding.
darbyd says
Yes! I so often please others of my family as well! Congrats on your daughter’s upcoming wedding. Thanks for entering the content.
Nicky says
YES! It would be a lifeline being thrown to a frazzled mom of six who is slowly seeing herself turn into something she doesn’t like very much.
darbyd says
Ah! A mom of six… you’re my hero. I’m a mom of five! Thanks for sharing and entering. Good luck!
Nikki Hill says
Sounds like a great read!
darbyd says
Thanks for entering. Good luck!
Meghan says
Oh am I ever guilty of rushing too much instead of waiting on the guidance I need to take the next step forward. I love the idea of “unrushing” in favor of living a more intentional life, just as Jesus did.
darbyd says
Great point: Just like Jesus did! Perfect! Thanks for sharing!
Angie says
Would love these! I love Lysa’s books and always are so encouraging in my life. I would love to read for the love of our husbands too!
darbyd says
Yes, Lysa is so encouraging in her work! Good luck! 🙂
Charity Estes says
My name is Charity. I am 21 years old. I got married at 19. I wasn’t pregnant or in a situation that marriage was necessary at such a young age, I was just simply in love and so excited to spend the rest of my life with my best friend. In these past two years I feel like I’ve learned more than I did in the first 19 years of my life but one thing I’ve learned is how much effort it takes to nurture your marriage and I’ve seen the outcome depending on if I took the time to do so or not throughout the week. I am working while going to school about 17 hours a semester so constantly being rushed is something I can relate to strongly. I feel like this book can give me the tools I need to make it through this last year and a half of college without letting my marriage suffer, as well as every other thing life throws at me after that! I would really love to win this books and share these lessons with other families that would benifit from it!
darbyd says
Thanks for sharing, Charity. Yes, the effort it takes to nurturing a marriage is massive, but the payoff is priceless. Thanks for entering. Good luck!
Joe says
Wow…your day sounded uncomfortably close to some of mine. I HATE those days that I let the kids watch way too much tv in the name of me getting a few things done. I’d love to read Lysa’s new book.
darbyd says
Glad (kind of) that you can relate. I hate days like that too! Good luck.
Jodi says
Lord knows I need this book. I often hurt other by overcommiting myself. Then I feel terrible. Would love to have an autograpehed copy. Lysa’s book are my favorite!
darbyd says
Good luck in the giveaway! I never thought about it as “hurting others” but I so see that in my life too. Thanks for sharing.
Rianne says
“Best Yes” definitely sounds like a book that would be helpful to me (and my husband too!) I have less of a problem saying no to people than I used to but I need help in figuring out how to decide on big things, such as potential job changes, moving, and giving. I would love some sound Biblical advice on getting God’s answers while asking for His help in decision making.
darbyd says
Thanks for sharing your situation! Good luck!
Amy says
This book is definitely something I need to read. I am a PK (preacher’s kid) and grew up watching my mom overwork herself. She always had so many irons in the fire. Well, the apple doesn’t fall far and I am just like her. I want something different for not only me but the daughter that is already too much like me. I have enjoyed both Unglued and Becoming More by Lysa. I know this book would not disappoint either.
darbyd says
Yes! I see the same traits developing in my children too and its scary! Thanks for sharing and good luck!
sarah hogan says
This is me 100%. The leader of my bible study told me to slow down. Especially since i have only been married less than a year to my beau of nearly eleven years. She says i need to focus. I am a busy stay at home mom of three girls 13, 5 & 2. I am involved in our church fairly deep. Serving in three ministries and attending two bible studies and one life group.
darbyd says
Yes. Slowing down is hard, isn’t it. Thanks for entering… good luck!
Terri Bleeker says
God is bringing me on an amazing journey this year to break free from chains and to bring my priorities into their proper place and order. What a gift these books would be in my journey and what a blessing to whomever wins them. Thank you!
darbyd says
What wisdom when you call busyness, “Chains” — so true! Thanks for sharing and good luck! 🙂
Christy says
Thanks for sharing so honestly. And thanks for offering this giveaway. 🙂
darbyd says
You’re welcome! Writing about my own weaknesses is my passion! Thanks for entering… good luck!
Emily says
I have no clue. I pray about big things. I hope to one day say I pray about everything big and small. I’m a work in progress!
darbyd says
Aren’t we all. 🙂 Thanks for entering… good luck!
Tiffany Brown says
I do, I feel like I am always saying yes that I really am not doing any one thing well, I want God to use me in a might way but I feel like with all the yes, I am not giving him all of me. I hope that makes sense.
darbyd says
It does make sense! I can totally relate. I rationalize that all the “good things” I am doing are important, but sadly, I neglect the most important. Thanks for sharing… good luck in the giveaway.
elisabeth says
These books would be a blessing to me because I struggle with wanting to please people and fear that if I don’t say “yes”, I might miss out on something great. I just had my first child 6 months ago and am sometimes overwhelmed with motherhood and the changes it has brought to my life. I love my daughter and am blessed by her everyday, but I know I need to re-prioritize my marriage and figure out how to be a wife (1st) AND a mom (2nd).
I think these books would be very helpful for me and get me into the mindset of praying daily for my husband.
Thanks for your blog and encouragement, Darby!
darbyd says
Ah! Congrats on your new baby! Yes, that adjustment period is so hard… in fact, that’s why I wrote “For the Love of Our Husbands” as motivation to put my husband back as my first priority. Thanks for sharing… good luck in the giveaway. 🙂
Elisha says
I struggle so much with knowing what the best Yes is. It is a daily struggle and I can’t wait to read this book!
darbyd says
It’s a daily struggle for me too! By the way, I love your name. 🙂 Good luck!
Jen says
These both look like excellent reads!
darbyd says
Thanks for entering! Good luck!
sarah says
how don’t I!!!!
darbyd says
Totally understand. Thanks for entering… good luck!
Angelia says
I can’t wait to read both of these books. The Lord has been pressing on my heart to slow down, prioritize better, and see what can go in our busy schedules. Achieving God’s design for my marriage is always top priority and I can’t wait read your book.
darbyd says
Thanks for sharing, Angelia! Good luck!
Amy says
I am a wife and mother of two toddlers (ages 3 and 4), involved in church, and recently went back to school to finish my bachelors degree. I definitely need to work on not only the best yes but the small no as well!
darbyd says
Yes! The small no is so important too! 🙂 Thanks for entering… good luck!
Tiffany says
This sounds like a great book, very helpful.
darbyd says
Thanks for entering… good luck!
Kelly says
I would definitely benefit from the book. I have always stressed and worried over everything and everyone. I have recently been diagnosed with a disorder that stress makes worse. Thank you so much for all you do and your blog!
darbyd says
So sorry about your recent diagnosis! I will be praying for you! Thanks for sharing… good luck in the giveaway.
Reina de Saez says
I would love to read both books to become a better wife.
darbyd says
Thanks for sharing! Best of luck to you!
Larissa says
Wow, I can totally relate to your day. I want to give my kids and husbands so much, but need to realize that slowing down and letting The Lord lead me will be giving them much more than having a mom running around to the point of exhaustion!!
Thanks for the great reminder and encouragement!!
darbyd says
Oh, Amen! I feel the same way about wanting to give my family the best, but that might mean I must SLOW DOWN! Thanks for sharing.
Dalena Le says
I believe that I do struggle with “the best yes.” I feel like often times, we know The Lord is there and He is with us, but yet we still struggle to say yes to Him before everyone and everything else. I am a soon-to-be wife, and I am learning how to be the best Godly wife and Godly woman that God intends me to be right here & right now so that I may carry out my marriage successfully with Him as the center of it. I want to make sure I start my marriage and family right by having a Godly foundation to support me before I have even started it. I think that by learning in advance, you can really learn what to do and not to do, but also you can still use it again as a reference and reminder when you feel like you’re starting to stray away from that knowledge.
darbyd says
You are so wise, Dalena, to soak up all you can BEFORE you are even married. What a great heart. Thanks for entering… best of luck to you!
Teresa says
Though my kids are grown and not living in my home, I can relate to rushing and time slipping away. I am dealing with a bed bug infestation and an upcoming move. When I am not packing, I am vacumning the carpet, going to work, fixing dinner and walking the dog. I feel overwhelmed
darbyd says
So sorry about the bed bugs! And thanks for the reminder, to me, that this won’t stop simply because my children leave home! That is even more motivation for me to make better decisions. Thanks for commenting!
Karen M says
Definitely a struggle for me as well! Thanks for the opportunity to win!
darbyd says
You’re welcome! Thanks for entering. Good luck.
Kim Adams Morgan says
Stopping in from Wedded Wednesday’s Link Up. Sounds like a great book from Lysa. I’m also hosting a book giveaway this week on my blog. I used to over commit myself and my husband all the time early in our marriage, it was a sticking point between us for some time. I used up all our margin with my lists.
I learned quickly to slow down and let the empty spaces stay there so life could happen and love could continue grow there. It was a huge blessing from the Lord.
darbyd says
So glad you stopped by! I will have to check out your blog to view your giveaway! Great advice, I know I need to learn how to slow down!
Courtney says
It is so sweet of The Lord to provide such awesome tools! Knowing we are not on this journey alone, and that yes, we all have struggles, daily, on rushing through everything to complete our “to do” list.
I am grateful that you followed Jesus’ calling to writing this book. I am certain that it will be a redemption, as well as a great leading tool , for so many!
darbyd says
Thanks for the encouragement, Courtney! I certainly struggle with finding the “Best Yes” and so I know Lysa’s book will be such a great tool in my life. I do pray that my book will benefit anyone who reads it as well!
Selena says
Ugh. The blurb about disappointing others totally pulled and my heartstrings. I overcommit out of fear of disappointing others (husband, kids, friends, etc.). I NEED some truth in this area.
darbyd says
Yes! Me too! Thanks for sharing! Good luck!
Tiffany Fehr says
Thank you for this article! I can’t wait to read more!! I need to learn to unrush and to make sure my husband and kids are getting my best, instead of my leftovers after work!
darbyd says
Yes! Such a great point: our husband and children should get our first fruits! Not our leftovers! Thanks for entering.
Toniko says
I think that for me the hardest part is buckling down and focusing on one thing instead I tend to be so busy dabbling in each thing that nothing gets the DONE stamp I want it to have. I think this book would be a blessing to myself and friends I could share it with.
darbyd says
Ha! Yes, I feel your pain! I rarely can get anything accomplished week because I am working on “too many” things. Best of luck to you in the contest!
deborah says
I have found myself thinking a lot about balance over the last year. There are so many things that demand attention or things I want to do. I seek to have balance in my life in so many areas. I don’t want to look back someday and realize I missed out on the life and the people God gave to me.
darbyd says
So true! So wise! Missing out on the life we could have had is a sobering thought. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Shaunda Harris says
I can definitely relate. No seems like the hardest thing to say. I always want to please and end up biting off way more than I can chew.
darbyd says
No is the hardest thing to say! Glad you can relate… thanks for entering!
Anna says
Umm, are you videotaping my life?? Your day sounds SO familiar! Sometimes I feel resentful at the end of the day that I seem to have no “me” time. Thankfully, this summer has felt much less rushed, but I know I’m going to have to practice saying no once the school year starts. 🙂
darbyd says
Ha! Guess we lead similar lives! So glad you commented! 🙂
Loren says
I am definitely learning how it’s ok to say no…I think…but my priorities are still all screwy and need lots of evaluation….I don’t even know how to schedule the evaluation let alone make real changes in my life. I want to slow things down and enjoy life and a closer relationship with God.
darbyd says
Thanks for sharing! Best of luck in the giveaway!
chrissy says
Its hard for me to say no & feel bad afterwards!! It seems as if I want to please people. Even if I don’t win this book it’s next on my list.
darbyd says
Yes! I feel the same way. When I do say no I am wrecked with guilt! Best of luck in the drawing to win!
Helen G. says
Being a pastor’s wife, I often time find myself putting others before myself or even my own marriage. There’s always the “priority” of children, church, and family as a whole, but the marriage often gets put to the side. I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to read these books!
darbyd says
Thanks for sharing! Best of luck in the contest… I totally understand the priority issues!
Shawnee says
Thank you for this giveaway. I am looking forward to reading The Best Yes. I believe it will definitely help my relationship with my family to improve.
darbyd says
You’re so welcome! Good luck! 🙂
Shana says
I think that this book could be beneficial for me as I tend to please, over commit and generally be a yes person even though I disagree. Being able to work through this in a biblical way would be wonderful. Thank you for the opportunity!
darbyd says
You’re welcome! Good luck… and I totally understand as I struggle with all three of those issues as well!
Randi says
Thank you for this opportunity! I am attending a women’s conference w Lisa in a couple weeks and I would love to read her book before I go! And making my marriage a priority in the midst of our crazy is a constant struggle! 🙂
darbyd says
Ah! Enjoy your conference! She is such an amazing speaker! Best of luck in the giveaway!
Jennifer says
I think as mothers or just being a woman it’s so hard to remember to take time for yourself. It seems like it should be easier than it is!
darbyd says
YES! Amen! 🙂 Thanks for commenting!
Jessica Reno says
Would love to read these
darbyd says
Thanks for entering! Best of luck!
Jennifer Featherston says
Sounds like a book I can relate to and learn from. Thank you for the opportunity! Have a blessed day!
darbyd says
Thanks for entering. Good luck.
Stacey King says
I have a hard time overcommitting in all areas of my life which causes unnecessary strain on my marriage. I love all Lisa Terkeurst’s books and will definitely be buying this one due to its extreme relevance! I’d love to win, as I’m expecting my 2nd child early next year!
darbyd says
Congrats on your newest addition! Good luck with the giveaway!
Leslie says
I do struggle with people pleasing. I would love to get some incite in saying yes more to God and prioritizing. Mahalo for your graciousness!
darbyd says
You’re very welcome! I struggle in this area too!
Ashley says
I’m pretty sure if you looked up “people pleaser” in the dictionary, it would have my name in an example sentence. Knowing how to overcome that and direct my intentions in life towards Christ would be how this book would bless me. And the book about loving your husband would bless me more than I can fully describe here. I’m in a major struggle in my love for my husband and I feel like I’m failing miserably as a wife. Thanks, Ashley
darbyd says
Thanks for being so honest… I totally understand both struggles.
Christa Sterken says
I am thankful for this message today, was just hitting on this topic with a friend but you put it so eloquently. Really helped me nail down what I was thinking
darbyd says
Thank you for your kind words and for sharing!