Finding Inward Stillness: Practical Applications of Christ's Atonement in Everyday Living

by Brent L. Top, Wendy C. Top

That elusive feeling of self-worth and inner peace came not from what we could do, but from what the Lord can do with us. Many well-meaning Latter-day Saints live the gospel under very strict, self-imposed guidelines. In truth, we are often unreasonably harsh taskmasters when compared to the gentle, kind, loving and tender ways of the Lord. Learn to partake of the inward stillness that only comes by living the gospel according to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Explore the difference between practicing the gospel of Jesus Christ vs. many of its popular interpretations and accompanying pressures.

Genres: Religion, Lds, Inspirational, Nonfiction, Church

First published January 1, 1995

Reviews

[Ruth Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good one for me. How many times do we think that a general authority, a mission president, a bishop have no problems. We all struggle and have things taht the Lord is trying to teach us. I have met Brent and his wife Wendy who co-authored this book. They are people who follow the spirit and are doing so much good in their community and in the world and at BYU. Yet they had the courage to speak of their personal trials concerning not feeling like they are good enough. This to me is the most helpful. If no one ever shares their problems in life, and we all think that others are perfect, how can we gain the support and help to overcome those times of self-doubt.

[Janneke Marquez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. I found it at a seemingly coincidental moment when I was feeling overwhelmed by life, my husband was experiencing an anxiety attack, and my friend and neighbor had a divorce scare. I found the words of this book to be extremely helpful with the personal experiences shared by the authors and a quick read. This is a book that I would recommend every LDS man and woman read! The insights of how the Atonement can cover more than just sin are priceless. I think the only thing that could make it better is more tips/steps on how to actually work on achieving inward stillness/peace.

[Robyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know why reading a non-fiction book is a lot like reading the scriptures. One chapter a night. This book was well written and had a lot of valuable information for me at this time. I liked the part about the 'worst' sin being our own because it is our sins that keep us from progressing not the sins of others. I was a little bothered that the authors were supposed to be Brent and Wendy Top but the voice of the book was all Brent even though he talked a lot about Wendy. I would have liked to hear her voice as well.

[Richard (Rick) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good book about how God's plan is for us to be happy, not have guilt trips! Without watering down God's Gospel and commandments, the authors explain how the application of the Gospel is unique to each individual, and how God will teach us our role to play, which may be different from others and that we shouldn't compare our supposed righteousness with others. In the end, what matters most is whether we are turning to and following the Lord and seeking to develop charity in our own lives.

[Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the idea of inward stillness. I'm reading through my collection of church-related books to see if some can be weeded, and this one had enough good information - especially in chapters 1-3 & 6 - that I'll keep it for another read-through someday.

I do, however, find the Tops' writing style disconcerting. Although it lists them as coauthors, most often it feels like it's Brent writing ABOUT Wendy, telling things about her that are too personal, that ought not to be shared unless one is writing autobiographically.

[Missy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a while to finish this book, not because it was slow reading or uninteresting, but rather because there was so much to digest that I had to read it a little at a time. This is a great book for anyone who is feeling overwhelmed or burdened by life or, more particularly, by what you think others expect of you -- especially in the church. I recommend it!

[Rebecca Trujillo Batty · Rating 3 out of 5]

The authors openly share their personal experiences and seem to me describe the thoughts and feelings of many other people, both members and non-members of the LDS religion. I did gain a refreshed perspective that I hope to carry with me long into the future! "MEN ARE THAT THEY MIGHT HAVE JOY..NOT GUILT TRIPS!" I think that says it all...

[Jacquie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is amazing (and also very short) book that will remain on my shelf of favorites forever. A truly insightful concatenation of scriptures, prophets' counsel, and personal experiences that draw one closer to Christ and get to the heart of what it means to be Christian and how to practically live every day.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

To paraphrase Elder Nelson's quote on the back: "Men and women are that they might have joy--not guilt trips!" I loved this book. Wendy (and Brent) gently take you by the hand and give you encouragement and hope as they bring you nearer to Christ.
I need to get my own copy as I'll want to refer to this again and again.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book helped me simplify and remember what's truly important to me. Written to those with too much to do and not enough time I learned so much and love this book! His wife went through a complete breakdown and she was the "perfect" mormon mom. This book gave me hope.

[Connie Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book helps one remember that living this gospel is not to be a burden. Many of the things that can drag us down are cultural norms, not what the gospel is truly about. Bro. Top & his wife are so very "real" in this book. I appreciate their candor

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This wasn't exactly a page-turner, but I found myself constantly referring to it in conversation and recommending it to friends. There is a lot to take in, but it's a very inspiring and uplifting book.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

sooo good, but it was filled with lots of deep thinking stuff. i had to read bits at a time and then chew on it for a few days, so it took me awhile.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is actually my 2nd time through this book - I really like and they share some helpful insights for perfectionists like me.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

An insightful book, it ended far too soon after only 87 pages. I felt many of the topics needed further development, but this is definitely a good read.

[Verona · Rating 5 out of 5]

These authors are our friends and we love their writings.

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is another one of those extended church talks. I liked that it was a quick read with some nice personal examples and some lovely ways of restating the simple truth.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. Though short, its message about running too fast on treadmills that don't matter really hit home. It had thoughts I found really useful right now.