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Overextended and Loving Most of It: The Unexpected Joy of Being Harried, Heartbroken, and Hurling Oneself Off Cliffs

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Would you consider your life stretched to the limit?

Are you a burn-the-candle-at-both-ends kind of gal with lots of room for improvement when it comes to creating margins for rest? Butyou actually"love"it and wouldn t want it any other way?Well, so does Lisa Harper.

In her humorous and packed-with-biblical-wisdom way, Lisa shows us that it is possible for a frazzled nature to be glorifying to the Lord. Every late-night conversation with a hurting friend and each precious, adopted child needing a little extra tender loving care exhausting, yet imperative, ways to be extensions of the gospel. In each of these vignettes illustrating Lisa s overextended life, we learn that even in the middle of our own pure motives and hectic schedules, it is only by resting in God s sovereign mercy that we are able to keep risking our hearts to serve his people and fulfill the callings he has placed on us.

"Real"life . . ."abundant"life . . . g"odly"life is about loving Jesus and the people he allows us to rub shoulders with well which means some days you ll be stretched emotionally and physically. You ll feel overextended. Thankfully God will expand our hearts and calendars to accommodatethe calling. He is in the business of supplying us with newmercies every morning . . . new candles to burn, for more livesneeding his light.

205 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 3, 2013

47 people are currently reading
379 people want to read

About the author

Lisa Harper

104 books325 followers
Lisa Harper is a hilarious storyteller and theological scholar―a gifted communicator whose writing and speaking overflows with colorful, pop-culture references that connect the dots between the Bible era and modern life. “Her God-given ability to not merely teach the Word but package it in a way that stirs the heart and calls to action is incomparable” says Priscilla Shirer. For six years Lisa served as the director of Focus on the Family's national women's ministry where she created the popular Renewing the Heart conferences. The next six years found her serving on the local level as the women's ministry director at a large church in Nashville. As the author of eleven books, and a Masters of Theological Studies with honors from Covenant Seminary, she is now a sought-after Bible teacher and speaker. Lisa was on the Women of Faith national arena tour and speaks at many other large events as well as at hundreds of churches all over the world. Lisa describes her greatest accomplishment to date as getting to be Missy’s mama.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for Eustacia Tan.
Author 15 books292 followers
August 20, 2013
When I first saw this book, I was intrigued. While I try to go outside my comfort zone, I try my best not to overextend myself, lest I get a nervous breakdown.

What this book is about would be how the author almost adopted one child, failed, then adopted another. She uses this story to talk about how to stretch yourself in order to live a God-filled life. The tone of this book is breathless and you can seriously feel how excited the author is. Personally, the tone tired me after a while, the author sounds like a fun, energetic person and I feel like the old one for not being able to keep up!

As I've said before (probably), I'm not much of an extrovert. I'm not sure if I grew into introvertness, or if I'm some mix of both, but face it, I cannot do the "over-extendedness" that this book describes. To me, it seems like overextending yourself is the same as being an extrovert - an overextended extrovert. While I can function perfectly while with large groups of people, I do tend to get tired, and if you ask me to do the same thing day after day after day, I'm going to end up crying day after day after day.

Even the idea of burning out scares me. The author suggests that to tackle burnout, one bust breathe, listen, ask, smile and take the next step. I'm in agreement with the first four steps, but the last step - really? I believe if you're suffering from burnout, it may be God telling you to take it easy. After, the Bible does say "be still and know that I am God". Sometimes, the answer is not to push through, but to sit down, rest and gather your strength.

All in all, this book is not that bad. It does push you to take steps outside your comfort zone, but I wonder, how far outside your comfort zone do you go before it's too far?

Disclaimer: I got a free copy of this galley from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a free and honest review.

This review was first posted to Inside the mind of a Bibliophile
Profile Image for PollyAnna Joy.
Author 4 books27 followers
April 9, 2020
I LOVE Lisa Harper so very much. One of these days, she's going to find out about me and we're going to become the best friends!

Overextended includes Lisa's characteristic humor as she shares her heart. I wept with her as she shared about Anna Price. I rejoiced with her as she shared about Precious Missy. If I hadn't loved Lisa and Missy before, I would love her now. As it is, I simply live them all the more.
Profile Image for Janet.
1,349 reviews9 followers
September 29, 2013
I heard Lisa Harper speak at the Women of Faith conference in Indianapolis in August (2013)... she's a terrific speaker and her book provided me with additional insights on the challenges she is facing. I couldn't help but think that Lisa will be even more over-extended once her adoption is finalized and if/when she has any elder care support needs in her family. Loved reading this book!
Profile Image for LaShunda.
610 reviews1 follower
February 4, 2020
I do love this book

I am totally a fantasy girl. Give me dragons, other worldly creatures, princesses and epic journeys, and I am all in. I force myself to read at least one nonfiction book (Not including the bible, that's life not a book) per year. So I thought ok I like her style let's read her book. Oh. My. Goodness! I am so encouraged to embrace my oh so crazy life yet the more, after witnessing the grace of God in hers. There are times when we will feel stretched beyond what we can handle, but we can literally turn and see God there in our overextended times. I don't like spoiling a perfectly good read so I will stop my review here. If you want an espresso shot of encouragement for your crazy days, then this I believe, is the read for you.
Profile Image for John.
936 reviews19 followers
July 23, 2018
Overextended is a book with a title, and subtitle, who does not exactly tell you what the book is about other than what the book is about is also about what the title tells. It's not a weakness, but I expected something different than a memoir within the borders of an adoption story. The book was really good, tho, and Lisa Harper is a great writer who manage to intertwine stories within the theme and connect it to the bigger story and then to the greater story. This read is a very good choice for an inspirational memoir, that is more than just a memoir.
Profile Image for Betty McKinney.
35 reviews1 follower
January 11, 2020
Love Lisa/Love the book

I just adore Lisa Harper! She is the real deal! I’ve watched her on women’s conferences and a lot of Christian programs.
She shares her life and her love for God and touches people’s hearts in only the way that Lisa Harper does, with excitement, humor, her passion, her knowledge and sincerity! I bought this book knowing I would love it and I wasn’t disappointed. I can’t wait to buy more of her books!
Profile Image for Rebekah Snyder.
Author 1 book11 followers
Read
March 27, 2020
I’ve read a couple of Lisa’s books in the past and loved them. I enjoy her wild, wacky storytelling. I think I might have actually enjoyed this book if I was prepared for it to read like a memoir rather than a devotional. I was expecting to learn something from this, but instead I was regaled with the story of her adventure into adoption. It’s just... not what I expected.
Profile Image for Holly.
41 reviews
July 26, 2020
Once again Lisa Harper somehow knew exactly what I needed to hear, but on top of that her story furthered her message. Being able to hear about her journey to adopt a baby is truly inspiring, and has so much faith in God throughout. Her writing, even in times of struggle demonstrates the power of God and the amount of trust I can place in Him everyday. Highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Lori Wasson.
149 reviews
September 6, 2021
Loved this book. She describes her adoption trials and heart breaks in such a real manner but with humor. Loved her various stories, especially her shenanigans with her dad's cow. Highly recommended this fun, faith-based book.
1 review
November 11, 2022
loved her book

I could not put this book down until it was finished. She is a gifted storyteller and I found myself giggling out loud at the stories that she told. She makes scripture come alive.
Profile Image for Sol.
32 reviews18 followers
May 16, 2017
Lisa shares her heart in this book, yet, she opens our minds and hearts to follow Jesus whatever our situation is. Trust and Love and Love more!
12 reviews
August 30, 2017
funny description of her adoption process of her daughter, glad Missy got a good mama
1,482 reviews2 followers
May 23, 2019
Lisa Harper is funny, honest, and Christian. She tells it like it is while making you laugh. Great book. I enjoyed every second of it.
Profile Image for Jalynn Patterson.
2,215 reviews37 followers
September 16, 2013
About the Book:

Are you a burn-the-candle-at-both-ends kind of gal with lots of room for improvement when it comes to creating margins for rest? But you actually "love" it and wouldn't want it any other way? Well, so does Lisa Harper.

In her humorous and packed-with-biblical-wisdom way, Lisa shows us that it is possible for a frazzled nature to be glorifying to the Lord. Every late-night conversation with a hurting friend and each precious, adopted child needing a little extra tender loving care--exhausting, yet imperative, ways to be extensions of the gospel. In each of these vignettes illustrating Lisa's overextended life, we learn that even in the middle of our own pure motives and hectic schedules, it is only by resting in God's sovereign mercy that we are able to keep risking our hearts to serve his people and fulfill the callings he has placed on us.

"Real" life . . . "abundant" life . . . g"odly" life is about loving Jesus and the people he allows us to rub shoulders with well--which means some days you'll be stretched emotionally and physically. You'll feel overextended. Thankfully God will expand our hearts and calendars to accommodate the calling. He is in the business of supplying us with new mercies every morning . . . new candles to burn, for more lives needing his light.

About the Author:

Lisa Harper is a gifted communicator whose writing and speaking overflows with colorful, pop-culture references that connect the dots between the Bible era and modern life. For six years Lisa was the national women’s ministry director at Focus on the Family, followed by six years as the women’s ministry director at a large church. The author of nine books, with a Masters of Theological Studies from Covenant Seminary, Lisa is a featured speaker with Women of Faith®.



My Review:

Lisa Harper has wrote a very funny book about overextending oneself. Which is not very hard to do in this crazy, fast world we are living. She explains that it is indeed possible to "do it all" and still be able to glorify God. Through her recent adoption experience she shares with us that we can do all God asks us to do and still not have our prayers answered right away or at all. But we are called to move on while learning the one lesson God is trying to teach us.

Being a Christian doesn't mean our lives are automatically immune to the toils of everyday life. As a matter of fact the closer you get to the Lord the harder and more difficult the storm. I can surely attest to that fact. God is constantly growing us and stretching us as we live our lives for Him. Too many times we focus on the circumstance when truly we should focus on Him and His ability to get us through it.

**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Booksneeze.
Profile Image for Stacie Wyatt.
Author 4 books16 followers
May 3, 2014
I read Overextended and Loving Most of It: The Unexpected Joy of Being Harried, Heartbroken, and Hurling Oneself Off Cliffs by Lisa Harper, in exchange for honest review from BookSneeze. This post contains an Amazon Affiliate Link.


I choose to review the book because I am overextended. I blog. I parent special needs kids. I go to church. I am in school. I have to deal with other annoying relatives. I have to find time to write, do homework, and exercise. My life has gotten more hectic since my oldest returned to public school. I am back to getting up early and making sure Brad goes to bed on time. I also have to remember to wash his school clothes, every other day.

I started reading the book a few days ago and finished more than half of the book in one sitting. The book is excellent. Harper discussed the ups and downs of adoption. She also discussed her work with women in rehab, who struggle with prostitution and drug addiction. She has her ups and downs, but still worked on getting closer to Christ and expanding her ministry and volunteer work. I, on the other hand, struggle with time management, and frustration from not being able to complete tasks, like I used to. I have no ministry at church, even though I want to, because I don't have a ride to most events. I do sign up for events and hope I am able to volunteer when the day arrives. I have worked for the fall festival, vacation bible school, and the summer carnival. I am interested in the media department though to learn how to use my camera equipment, while also serving God and the church.

Some highlights I liked from the book:

Page 7: "but then I had a conversation with a friend over coffee, that convinced me being overextended can be biblical.....(a few passages pass) I think this is what we're supposed to look like when we stand before jesus. I don't think we're supposed to show up in glory with time to spare, a fresh manicure, and perfect hair. I think if we're really living the gospel, we're going to fall at his feet exhausted and messy, with mismatched socks, just plump worn out from loving people as hard as we can."

Page 7: "Life isn't always orderly and relationships rarely fold neatly with hospital corners. Real life...abundant life....God-honoring life is about loving Jesus and the people he allows to rub shoulders with well. Which means some days we'll be stretched emotionally and physically. We'll be taxed to the max."

The book was a good read. Harper discussed expanding our boundaries/limits to helping others in need, even when we are stressed out. She also discusses God's peace and asking God for guidance through it all.
382 reviews102 followers
August 21, 2013

Lisa Harper is well known for her books & speaking engagements. Featured on the ‘Women of Faith’ Tour & Focus on the Family, Christian women worldwide have come to know & love her. In ‘Overextended’, Lisa gives us an in depth, transparent view of some difficulties & joys she’s experienced in her life.
For the most part, the book is centered on her struggles to adopt. Having a heart for ‘special’ babies in need of love, she’s been very open about the adoption process. From a failed adoption to sweet success, we follow her ups, downs, & in-betweens. Her humor is fantastic. You won’t want to miss her retelling of the worst potty experience ever or why it’s crucial that one knows how to say ‘feminine products’ in Creole!
As a teacher of the Word, Lisa includes many Scriptures to guide & strengthen us. Explore the Good Samaritan & the Prodigal Son with renewed clarity. Her vision on why it’s ok to be overextended & how great life can be when we are, is refreshing. When the rest of the world warns us not to get burnt out & stressed, Lisa reminds us that sometimes it’s ok to be this way.
Any mom needing encouragement needs to refresh herself with Lisa’s kind words, honesty, & love. After finishing this book, I understand why she is such an in-demand speaker. Her love for people shows on every page. Inspirational is indeed a great way to describe her. Not many writers would be as open with their stories as she has been. But, it is to the benefit of those reading her work.
‘Overextended & Loving Most of It’ is a great way to title Lisa’s life in addition to this book. An absolute Must Read, it’s 5 out of 5 stars from me.
I received 1 eBook in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine.
Profile Image for Ashley Osborn.
51 reviews7 followers
September 19, 2013
I found "Overextended...and Loving most of it!" by Lisa Harper to be a lovely read!

Lisa shares stories from her own personal background, and how it shaped her into the person she is today. After watching her parents get a divorce, she experienced heartache at a very young age. She grew up knowing her biological father loved her the best way he could, but often times he didn't know how to express it, and she was left feeling abandoned by him.

Lisa goes on to share her struggles with failed adoptions and the heartbreaking reality of having "her" baby taken away from her, and finally the joy she experiences at the adoption of her precious HIV positive baby girl from Haiti.

I think Lisa Harper has an amazing way with words. From the very first chapter, she had me giggling right out loud. And then at other times, I was in tears over the agonizing pain of her failed adoption of her precious baby Anna Price.

This book is a beautiful blend of happiness and sorrow, and I think given the right opportunity, Lisa and I could be great friends...a kindred spirit.

I will happily recommend this book to others and I rate this book as 5 stars.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com® book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Profile Image for Lori Henrich.
1,084 reviews81 followers
November 20, 2015
I have had the privilege of hearing Lisa Harper speak and she is an engaging and wonderful speaker. I was sure what to expect when I opened the cover. I was fearful of what God was going to teach me from it's pages. My husband and I are in a season of uncertainty right now where his job is concerned and that uncertainty causes an overwhelming sense of dread and worry to overtake me. Before I started to read this book I have been starting to let go of the concern and worry (...kinda) because the Lord has been showing me that by staying steadfast in Him and clinging to Him I don't need to worry about where we will wind up and in what time frame. Lisa's humor and her testimony shared in these pages helped to cement what the Lord has been teaching me the past couple of months. Doesn't mean this state of limbo doesn't bother the bejeebers out of me, but it helps me to know that others out there know what it is like to be in my shoes and that if I run to Jesus and not away from him and love others bigger and better, He will be there and will not bring us into a situation without the tools to handle it.

Thanks Lisa for your openness and willingness to share your story and testimony.
Profile Image for Christy Carmean.
476 reviews3 followers
September 3, 2013
Really relate to the author with the title of this book- I'm overextended and don't see that changing anytime soon...appreciated her positive perspective in the midst of chaos. The book fell short for me in several areas- one of the biggest was a personal story that spanned several chapters and was non-chronological and at times very confusing. The ending also seemed abrupt. But overall, it was an easy read, very personal, and encouraging to know that others are living their lives abundantly and relying in God for their strength.
I received a free e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Carrie Seggelke.
7 reviews1 follower
September 14, 2013
I had very high expectations for this nook, and honestly it fell a little flat for me. I greatly appreciate Lisa's honesty and sincerity for opening up in this book. She delves into her past heartache and how she has over come adversity. I got lost in the tragedy of the story. I truly admire the author, just wish there was more spiritual meat. She is a powerful Bible teacher and I was hoping this would be more of a Bible study than a personal memoir.
3 reviews
January 3, 2015
This was a great read. I got it at a women of faith conference. The overextended drew me to this book. I have been trying to change and let go of things and wanted to see if I could apply what she had to say in this book..... There was a lot covered in this book, I guess I was able to apply what needed to be changed and am working on the other thing in life in general. I know I will never be perfect and I have a lot more to let go of but one thing at a time and all in Gods timing....
Profile Image for Jeanne Shaw.
3 reviews
August 22, 2015
Heartwarming and Humorous!

This is the first book by Lisa Harper that I have read after hearing her speak several times at Women of Faith events. She is open and honest about her life in ways that many Christian writers are not. She has a wonderful way of incorporating Scripture to her stories to show how God is in every aspect of her (and my) life! Great read!
5 reviews
December 31, 2015
This was a great book!!! Lisa has a great sense of humor.

What I took the most from this book was how loving and gracious the author and those around her are through their stories. What understanding and love she has for others. This was a quick read and so enjoyable. I felt as though I knew the author afterwards.
Profile Image for Debbie.
13 reviews
July 17, 2014
Lisa described the highs and lows of life in a way we can all relate to. Her story of motherhood may be different than our individual path but, the range of emotions, while waiting on God, is one we all can relate to.
Profile Image for ElizabethShannon.
16 reviews9 followers
April 9, 2016
This is a beautifully written book that explains life for those who are stretched beyond their capabilities. The book is a beautiful representation of how beautiful life is when we are stretched while living in the hands of God.
9 reviews2 followers
August 26, 2013
Wonderful book about taking risks & stepping out in faith. Easy read. Great stories. Brutally honest. loved it!!!!!!,
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews

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