Walking With Purpose: Seven Priorities That Make Life Work

by Lisa Brenninkmeyer

Does your life feel out of control? Do you feel that you are doing so many things that you are doing none of them well?

Lisa Brenninkmeyer understands how it feels when life is stuck on the spin cycle. As a mother of seven, she knows we don't just need to be told what kind of women we should be. We need some help getting there.

Drawing from her own experience of balancing marriage, motherhood, and work inside and outside the home, Lisa helps you uncover the key to living a busy life with inner calm. What's the secret? Identifying key priorities and doing first what matters most.

With humor and wisdom, Lisa will help

• Stop striving and rest in God's unconditional love.
• Experience new hope in your marriage.
• Reach your child's heart.
• Create clarity in a cluttered home.
• Find friendships that go below the surface and satisfy.
• Discover your passion and purpose.

Once in a while, things may seem as if they're under control, but we want to walk with purpose regardless of our circumstances. God wants us to daily experience the joy and contentment that comes from knowing we have given our all to what he considers most important. The abundant and purposeful life we were created to live is just around the corner.

Genres: Catholic, Faith, Nonfiction, Self Help, Christian, Spirituality, Religion

192 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 5, 2013

About the author

Lisa Brenninkmeyer is the founder and chief purpose officer of Walking with Purpose. A convert to Catholicism, Lisa created her first Bible study in 2002 out of a desire to see Catholic women come to know Christ personally. In 2008, Walking with Purpose became a fully independent non-profit organization with 501c(3) status and a mission of helping every Catholic woman and girl in America to open her heart to Jesus Christ. Today, over 40,000 women, young women and middle school girls participate in WWP Bible studies in 44 states.

Lisa has authored 16 Walking with Purpose Bible studies which have received the Imprimatur through Archbishop Lori of the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Her first book, Walking with Purpose: Seven Priorities that Make Life Work, is a popular title published by Beacon Publishing for the Dynamic Catholic Institute.

In 2012, Lisa was recognized by the Catholic Leadership Institute as a National Catholic Leader, and in 2014 and 2015, she was invited to present at the Amazing Parish Program’s national conferences. Lisa was also a presenter at the USCCB Convocation of Catholic Leaders in July 2017, and a speaker at two Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) national events in 2018 and 2019. Lisa has been a guest on a number of radio, television and podcast shows as well.

Lisa holds a B.A. in psychology from St. Olaf College. She and her husband Leo (pronounced Lay-o) have seven children and reside in St. Augustine, Florida.

Reviews

[Liz · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first few chapters of this book and her focus on priorities in our lives and getting those right. However, once she got to the chapter on children, I completely lost interest and the rest of the book didn't hold my attention. It didn't really have practical ways to act out what she was saying and as a mom of younger kids I found it hard to relate. Ultimately, I lost interest and didn't put much stock into what she was saying.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good reminder of everything I already know now (I’m nearly 60). Wish I had this when my kids were younger, I’d have been a better mom!

[Kara Prem · Rating 2 out of 5]

I do not feel very spiritual and am always open to books that might help me become more so. This book was not the right choice for me. I don't identify with the author much at all, we have different lifestyles and wants (she wants her husband to tell her she is pretty a lot, and I want to have money to pay the bills...) Reading this book was frustrating. I've already recycled it so I can't site many of the issues that I had with it, but I about lost it with the passage that stated that women need to respect our husbands without making them earn it. Simply because they are a man, and the head of the household and men want respect, us womenfolk need to give it to them, none of this crazy "earning respect" nonsense.

So I'm sure my frustrations overshadowed other positive aspects of the book, but that is my take away.

[Olivia Stear · Rating 4 out of 5]

Catholic family life begins with Jesus, not your husband, your kids or your home. When you put Him at the center and first in your life, everything else fits. This book has the priorities in order and helps you redirect when you get off track. I met Lisa at SLS18 and she is the real deal. Ministry won't work if these non negotiables are out of whack! This year my goals are set around growing in my relationship with God, husband, children, home and ministry in that order. Thank you Lisa

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve not given this book 5 stars because it is a literary work of genius, but because the author genuinely convicted me to amend my daily life so that it centers on life’s true priorities. The author does not merely pay lip service to these priorities, but shares practical ways to get where you know you need to be as a woman of faith.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would highly recommend the sections My Prayer Life and Taking A Break especially important for busy moms. I quickly applied these to my everyday.

[Michele Pfrogner · Rating 2 out of 5]

After reading this title, I, as a cradle Catholic, will continue to search for a Christian-based female author who actually holds her selfish husband/significant other accountable for his lack of commitment to family and/or broken promises. When will women tire of using scripture to excuse their spouses' behavior? Of course, Ms. Brenninkmeyer's marriage is her business, and, if she truly believes her husband bears no responsibility for her happiness or that of THEIR children, "Good luck." (Since she left the fate of her son's injured leg solely in the hands of her husband, why not have him also take "responsibility" for mail sorting, page 140, if he was so unhappy with her method?) Surely, there has to be a Christian man--somewhere-- who is committed to God, his wife, and family, and does not expect the woman in his life to be his personal doormat of excuses? Maybe?

[Reb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been struggling with my Catholic faith as I have been getting older. I didn’t feel like any of the teachings were relating to my life as a ‘modern’ women, especially because most of the teaching is done by a male priest and pope my entire life. Reading this book and entering this community I realized that there are many catholic women like me and I’m excited to read and study much more that is being offered. I recently ordered ‘Shepherding Your Child’s Heat’ book and study guide, which was referenced in this book. I will also be following that up with the ‘Opening Your Heart’ bible study!

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am at the end of a year-long bible study that is based off the premises of Ms. Brenninkmeyer's book. And it has been a wonderful year. I found the book to be a great summary of the themes she encapsulated in the study - and that is to take care of your relationship with God first, yourself second, and really every other item in your life will draw from those experiences.

A very uplifting book with practical tips - not too sappy, nor is it a fix all (definitely doesn't pretend to solve anything). Very much recommend this book to any woman of faith.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this with my CWOC group and it was nice to discuss the chapters afterwards with women who had differing perspectives of the priorities. This book is great for those that have just begun their faith journey or for those further along our faith journey the priorities can serve as a reminder. I can't say I would recommend this book "to everyone" but maybe just for those that are new to the Catholic faith or are returning and need a woman's perspective on how to live out our purpose and keep our priorities in order.

[Guin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, good points and guidance provided for those of us wondering how we get it all together, if we get it all together. I would have given four stars but a few points made in the book I found questionable, 2 particular points in the wrap-up chapter that almost made me say no to the whole thing.

[Rachael Resendiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. She helped see my true worth in God's eyes. I'm more confident. I am better able to prioritize my busy life and it feels great. I feel less anxious and more focused on finding my true passion and following it so I can make a change in this world.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

For all women looking for a purpose in your life. Inspiring, uplifting and full of hope.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Foundations for any Christian woman! I'm so glad it is Catholic based. This is a reminder of prayer, bible study, and what we value most. Lisa wrote like a conversation. It was easy to read and focus on the clear messages and points she made. It's definitely a great guide for the modern Catholic woman! The Church is old and beautiful. The spiritual battle has changed little over the centuries; however, our world is different. We women have way more opportunities. More distractions. More interactions outside our church. I have only found the equivalent of this book among Protestants. I have found Bible studies that are amazing from Protestants. Amazing bible studies! This book ends with an intro to Women's Bible Studies! Studies with real groups and studies for young women and teens. Catholic women need more of this! I have been looking for this. I know others who have been looking, too.

Now, is there a Spanish edition...

[Doris Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this book because it applies to women only. It is refreshing to see that we matter. Lisa outlines 7 priorities in a woman's life. Of course, the most important is her relationship with God. Next is tending to her heart. This is follow by her husband, even before her children. Next is her children. At the tail end of her priorities are her home, her friends, and finally outside activities. In all of these priorities God is centered. He is the basis by which all can work for the woman. Again I like this book, but I found it rather overwhelming. She packed a lot of ideas in a very short book.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Lisa gives a whole new perspective on how to live our daily lives, and not be overwhelmed. I have shared this books with others and they have felt the same. The chapter on kids was hard for me to read because my children are all grown and out of the house. There were many things I wish I had known to share with my children.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this! I would recommend it to anyone who is feeling overwhelmed or scattered, or if you just need a good old-fashioned check-in with your priorities. Lots of practical advice and spiritual encouragement.

[Katie Laugen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reads like having a conversation with a friend so it's approachable and I enjoyed starting my mornings reading this and my coffee. I'll definitely hang onto it for reminders when life is most chaotic.

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some good advice for raising children and teens. There was some advice I could use. A book to go back to.

[Mandy Skinner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. I enjoyed it especially once we went into the 7 priorities.

[Kerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome! Will read again!

[Susan Heim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely agree with the main message - put God first - but not 100% sure about all that follows. Probably just can't relate because my kids are grown and my marriage is quite different.

[Deborah Ganguzza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lot's of great advice for moms.

[Kerry Lynch · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent book for eagerly morning meditation and prayer time.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book transformed my life and helped me place my priorities in correct order, starting with G-d first. G-d always first.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book, just what I needed in my life at this time. All young Catholic women should read it.

[Sarah Dougherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a lovely and practical book I want to get into the hands of every Christian woman (or non Christian woman!) I know.

[Lauren Hoffpauir · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man, I'm going to have to keep this book out and about to remind myself of the priorities I need to make in my life.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I spent a year reading these daily reflections that have brought me closer to Christ. I'm excited to read more from Lisa B.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that I will want to keep coming back to. It has great reminders on what’s actually important in life.