The Worn Out Woman

Many of you know that I have a hard time using the two letter n-word, "NO!" I've always been a person who loves to go, go, go, do, do, do. However, I'm learning that isn't the way we were created to live. So I've been trying to find balance and do a better job of taking care of myself, setting boundaries and clearing space in my week for rest.

Every Friday (or Saturday) I have the privilege of hanging out with my good friend Kristin. She has been helping me keep a healthy balance of work and rest in my life. She has been a teacher in some tough schools and is familiar with the stress level that brings. She is passionate about ministry and using her gifts to further the kingdom so she understands my passion and desire to do the same. She also has a family and is able to set aside time to help me. She is AMAZING!!!!

Right now the two of us are reading the book The Worn Out Woman by Dr. Steve Stephens and Alice Gray. We haven't been reading it long, but long enough for me to be convicted and stretched. The last few chapters have especially hit home. Here are a few quotes that have stuck out to me.

"So how do you know when too much is too much? Chances are you body and mind have been trying to tell you, but you may be moving too fast to even notice. Or maybe you have gotten so accustomed to feeling worn out that exhaustion seems normal You can't even imagine what it would feel like to have vitality and extra energy."

"When you compare yourself to others, you actually stop seeing yourself."

"Somehow He can use the hurtful years and in HIs time weave them into a beautiful part of your story. So we urge you to keep turning toward God in the midst of your painful events instead of away from Him. You need God, especially when you life threatens to wear you down."