Your Sacred Yes: Trading Life-Draining Obligation for Freedom, Passion, and Joy

by Susie Larson, Gary Thomas (Foreword)

Are you worn out from life's ought-to's and should-do's?

It's so easy to give away our time to things un-appointed by God. We commit to something because it's a good cause or there's a great need. Or maybe because no one else will help out. The result? The days blur together and we find ourselves overworked and underjoyed, desperate for a faith awakening.

In this practical and liberating book, Susie shares biblical ways

· Learn how--and when--to say no without guilt or shame
· Find a pace and perspective that matches God's best for you
· Discern man-made obligations from God-given invitations

Will you say yes to the One who will rejuvenate your soul?

Includes Reflection Questions for Personal or Group Use. A DVD Study Companion Is Also Available Separately.

"If your days feel more life-draining than life-giving, let Susie Larson show you how to reclaim the joyful, fruitful life God wants for you." --Mark Batterson, bestselling author and lead pastor of National Community Church

"Susie really opened my eyes to look for God's best when deciding where I spend my time. He doesn't give up on us because we made mistakes. He has a design and purpose to fulfill, and the enemy would love nothing more than to take us out with exhaustion and wasted time." --Caroline Barnett, co-pastor of The Dream Center and author of Willing to Walk on Water

"Saying yes to God is the most important decision you can make, but it shouldn't stop there. After beginning a relationship with Christ, we must constantly say yes to His influence, wisdom, and power in our lives. Your Sacred Yes will empower and equip you to say yes to a life of freedom, fulfillment, and significance. Say yes!" --Craig Groeschel, senior pastor of LifeChurch.tv and author of From This Day Forward

"Challenging us to carefully consider our sacred responsibilities, Susie Larson uses her trademark transparent stories to compel us to rest more and to make the difficult decisions that will prioritize our relationship with God. If you find yourself in the rat race of life, Your Sacred Yes will give you the courage to slow down and say yes to the right things." --Pastor Nate and Jodi Ruch, Emmanuel Christian Center

"This is such a timely book for all of us. I am grateful that Susie said yes to writing these sacred truths. This book will strengthen and empower all of us to follow the voice of God with more boldness and clarity." --Brady Boyd, pastor of New Life Church and author of Addicted to Busy

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Self Help, Faith, Christianity, Christian Living

222 pages, Paperback

First published May 26, 2015

About the author

Susie Larson is a popular radio talk show host, national speaker, and bestselling author. The author of twenty-two books, Susie is also a veteran in the fitness field and has twice been voted a top-ten finalist for the John C. Maxwell Transformational Leadership Award. Susie and her husband live near Minneapolis with their three sons, three daughters-in-law, and three grandchildren. Susie’s passion is to see people everywhere awakened to the value of their soul, the depth of God’s love, and the height of their calling in Christ Jesus.

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Age Appropriate For: All Ages
Best for Ages: 18 and up

I received this book for review back in June, and slowly read through while I was working full-time. I wish I could have read it in one sitting, it was so good, but perhaps reading it during a stressful job did more for me.

While many of the concepts in this book were not new to me, I found that I needed the reminder. Larson’s books feel like a conversation with your best friend over tea or coffee, not some spiritual guru trying to help to fix your life. Larson shares her own struggles and speaks from her own failures and issues, not from her strengths. The style itself is enough to draw you in and help you to be more open to the message.

The layout of the book is very inviting and pretty. It just begs you to pick it up and read. The chapter lengths are perfect. They aren’t very long, but also not very short. I found them the perfect length to read in the morning during my quiet time.

This book was as good as Your Beautiful Purpose, with the same inviting style. I know that it has changed how I view requests for me to do something. It reminded me of the importance of commitment, doing what is best, and saying no sometimes.

I highly recommend this book to women who have a hard time saying no, are looking for some encouragement, and enjoy Christian non-fiction.

I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review. I was under no obligation to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are entirely my own.

[Makayla Liesch · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book but I couldn’t sit and read it all in one sitting. I found that it was a slower read than I would normally pick up. I love Susie Larson as an author and would give more of her books a shot!

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever found yourself with too much on your plate? Do you tend to say “yes” to any/every task presented to you? If so, I think Susie Larson’s book can give you a new perspective on your yeses.

Susie Larson speaks about giving away our time. Mrs. Larson writes with a profound gentleness that speaks to your heart. She shares of her own personal knowledge in these areas as well. She writes of the dangers of overextending ourselves and how to get ourselves free without guilt. Mrs. Larson addresses so many topics such as peer pressure, and self-worth. Susie Larson points out that God is invested in our lives and we should be attuned to God’s leading. This truly made an impact on me because I have been guilty of being so busy and burnt-out that I have lost track of time, especially time spent with God.

I highly recommend this book to everyone who has gotten caught up in the busyness of life. I believe this book will refresh your faith walk as it did mine.

Happy Reading!

Note: I have received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

At some point in everyone's life as they continue to walk the path of pursuing God's call on their life they will begin to wonder what are the right choices to be made.

Your Sacred Yes by Susie Larson is a beautifully written guide to help encourage all Christians to pursue God's best and most sacred life.  Larson does an excellent job if exploring all aspects of times in life when saying yes and no are important.  Each chapter ends with a guided pray, questions to ponder and bible verses to reference.

I really appreciated how Larson encompassed a need for individuals to focus on their mental, spiritual, emotional and physical health throughout the pages of this book.  I also loved the space Larson created for each individual to find their personal path with God.  This isn't a cookie cutter book that will have everyone by the end volunteering to work in the church nursery.  Your Sacred Yes helps the reader to explore God's personal call through life experience, hearing God's voice more clearly and living in God's peace.

Fair warning, if you are on the fence about a ministry or feeling unsettled because you know you are not living God's fullest life for you...this book will wake you up.

If you are interested in exploring the subject further Susie Larson is hosting a 6-week study called "Sacred Study".  This study is being hosted later this summer and the link for signing up includes a free guide to be downloaded.

[Brandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this book at a conference a few years back, and I have no idea why I let it sit on the backburner this long. The book is very well written and has a timely message. We live in an era that often takes an abundant schedule as evidence of the abundant life, and busyness and exhaustion are sometimes looked at as the traits of a good Christian, rather than as signs that we are living our lives in an unsustainable way. This book -- with its message of learning to slow down, listen to the voice of God, and say no to some commitments so that we can fully say yes to the ones that matter -- is all about finding that sustainability in a closer walk with our God.

I believe the book's primarily written to women who habitually over-commit (some of the Obligers of the world, if you know Gretchen Rubin's 4 Tendencies). While there's no overt reason a man couldn't read it, there is a certain energy to its conversational tone that you typically don't see in men's books. Each chapter ends with lots of special sections: personal reflection questions, quotes from other materials, and discussion starter questions for groups reading the book together.

All in all, it's a great starter that'll get you asking the right questions if you frequently feel overwhelmed and over-committed in your current life.

[Lynn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book which I highly recommend to all. At our church, we have claimed 2017 as the year of saying yes to God, even when we don't know what yes means. So when I got my daily email from BookBub a few weeks ago with this book for $1.99 and read a few reviews, I immediately grabbed it and made it my next book to read. The book is 220 pages, well written and easy to read with very practical advice. It is even very useful to be used in a group study setting as there are discussion questions at the end of each chapter.

Too many of us say yes to the wrong things. It's not that we say yes to things that are bad, but sometimes because we are worried about what someone will think, we will say yes to things God doesn't really want us to. Then we get overwhelmed and are not effective. As my pastor said, BUSY means Being Under Satan's Yolk. We need to listen to God for when to say yes and when to say no, and realize it's ok to say no sometimes. She also pointed out in the book, sometimes we want to go when God wants us to stay, and other times we want to stay but God wants us to go. So we always have to be mindful of the Holy Spirit's guiding in anything and be careful what we say yes and no to, and know that it is ok to say no. She also offers a bonus chapter at the end which offers a practical 6 week "training" to get in shape physically and spiritually with a new discipline introduced each week. I just might try this!

Do yourself a favor and get this book and read it, especially if you feel tired and overwhelmed and busy because that is not what God wants for his children! This book will help you see your worth in God's eyes and depend on him for approval and not man.

[Rhoda Kennell · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS book was life-changing for me! I was challenged to read it by a woman I met at a Silence and Solitude retreat. It has helped me see that a life of being too busy is often for the wrong reasons and is not good for my relationship with Christ or with those I love. This was my first Susie Larson book. I introduced it to my summer small group of women and each summer since then we have been using her studies, a different book and DVD series each summer. Susie's style is so encouraging, never condemning. She is also not one to make it sound like she has it all together. She shares openly and honestly about all things she has been through. She has been through more than many of us have and yet she has found her strength in God and continues to encourage others to do the same. This book has helped me check and double-check my "yes" that I often am so quick to give away! If you are too busy, I highly recommend this book for you!

[Emily Taravella · Rating 4 out of 5]

A friend loaned me this book, and it was a good read for those of us who tend to say “yes” to too many things. Approaching things with a spirit of discernment is much healthier and spiritually rewarding. This book was so conversational and enjoyable to read with many great insights. It would be a great choice for a Bible study or book club.

[Kaci Hawes · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 / this book is really good! Talks about how important it is for us to slow down and not overcommit our lives to things God doesn't call us to commit to. A much needed message for anyone in any stage of life.

[Janelle Koontz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good. My favorite chapter was chapter 9 where she talks about what it looks like to say yes to change. That moving on from some responsibilities opens us up for more opportunities and gives that space for someone else to move into.

[Paul Holway · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and learned so much!

[Paula White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love all her books. Did this in a Bible Study

[Kristina Swedberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book! It helped me to think hard about how I spend my time, and how important it is to use my time for the Lord.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I received this book I sat down and read it immediately! Excellent!

Are you worn out from life’s ought-to’s and should do’s?

From the back of the book:

It’s so easy to give away our time to things un-appointed by God. We commit to something because it’s a good cause or there’s a great need. Or maybe because no one else will help out. The result? The days blur together and we find ourselves overworked and underjoyed, desperate for a faith awakening.

In this practical and liberating book, Susie shares biblical ways to:

• Learn how—and when—to say no without guilt or shame
• Find a pace and perspective that matches God’s best for you
• Discern man-made obligations from God-given invitations

My Review:

I am not sure what I expected from this book when I chose to read it. I think the selling line for me was “how to learn to say no without guilt or shame”. As I read the book I was impressed with the ways MS Larson teaches us to look for God’s invitation rather than our un-appointed choices. I truly understand from the standpoint of this book how we let our lives become out of control with the need to “improve” and move up the ladder in our jobs, and attain material things, which can cause home stresses and often times God is left completely out of the picture. For those types of issues this book has a firm basis for finding your way back to where God is first in your life. Some of the things that touched my heart in this book was learning to ask myself if I was holding grudges and judgements and if I have stopped being thankful for what I have. Not only does Ms. Larson speak to us from a spiritual point of view, but brings it all together by adding in the physical factors our body needs to function. Sometimes just stretching or drinking a glass of water will be able to clear our mind and give a little better perspective on the issue at hand. Also some degree of consistency in our lives will help us to find balance.

Although the book is an excellent tool, I wish it would have touched more on situations regarding others obligating you, especially when it involves your parents and family. It was my hope this book would also deal with issues about honoring your parents and being able to say no without guilt. I found it was easier for me to change my life to fulfill their desires rather than deal with the guilt of saying no, which has definitely caused my life to be more draining than filled with joy. With the help of this book, I plan to take one step at a time to again become the person I used to be even if it is one more hour of sleep or just taking time for a walk so I can reconnect with God on some level.

I highly recommend this book especially if you find yourself in need of reclaiming your joy and a more God-centered approach to life. This would be an excellent book for Bible Study groups.

Disclosure: I was given a copy of this Book by the publisher, Bethany House blogger program for review. I was not required to write a favorable review nor was I compensated for my review. The opinions in this review are my own.

[Karen Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

How many categories of “Yes” do you have? Susie Larson, in Your Sacred Yes: Trading Life-Draining Obligations for Freedom, Passion & Joy, groups 12 reasons for saying “yes” into three categories: the “sloppy yes,” the “shackled yes,” and the “sacred yes.”

Larson has filled each chapter with nuggets of practical truth and application, beginning with a Bible verse and a quote. Personal anecdotes illustrate the topic of the chapter, and practical application follows with ample Scripture references. Prayer wraps the chapter with grace. Larson asks the reader to reflect upon her personal experiences. Then, “A Wise Word” serves as a memorable metaphor of the chapter. If the reader is using the book as small group study, “Group Discussion Starters” encourage conversation. Each chapter ends with a “Faith Declaration” resounding in “I refuse the rat race because God has called me to the sacred race.”

Because I’m in the rat race, I found this book especially convicting … in a good way. So much so, that when my husband and I finish our current study, we’ll take six weeks to work through the free downloadable workbook if you sign up for the study that begins July 13. We’ve also purchased the 30-minute DVD lessons that Larson has developed. That’s how much I value this message!

“We’re not called to a busyness that drains us; we’re called to an abundance that trains us.”

One of the Personal Reflections captured my attention:

“Dream with me for a moment. If you imagined your life to be above and beyond all you could ever dare to ask or think according to Christ’s glorious work in and through you (see Ephesians 3:20-21), what would that abundant life look like on you?” (Chapter 3 Personal Reflection Question)

Seldom, do I read a book other than the Bible, that inspires me to slow down, take some time, and reflect upon it with my husband. Your Sacred Yes has done this. Imagine, if all Christian “A-types” did this. Dream about that moment! It would change the world.

Thank you, Susie, for imagining the abundant life!

I received a complimentary copy of Your Sacred Yes from the publisher, Bethany House Publishers, a division of Baker Publishing Group, for an honest opinion.

[Brianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

As soon as I saw the title, I knew that Your Sacred Yes by Susie Larson was a book that I should read. Sometimes I feel worn out from the pressure to say yes to commitments that feel more like obligations. So, the subtitle of Trading Life-Draining Obligation for Freedom, Passion, & Joy resonated with me. After reading Your Sacred Yes, I was not disappointed!

Larson divides the book into three sections, The Sloppy Yes, The Shackled Yes, and The Sacred Yes. In each section, she frequently uses Scripture to point out our human perspectives and how those mindsets affect our yeses and nos and how, in turn, our answers affect our lives. She also incorporates Scripture to remind readers of their worth in Christ – value that is unconditional and not dependent on work, striving, or accomplishments. Larson emphasizes the importance of “looking up” instead of looking to the opinions of others; she stresses the eternal value of time spent with the Lord, dwelling on Scripture, praying often, and giving. She emphasizes how this intimate time with the Lord helps to ground and redirect during times of weariness, weakness or struggle.

Each chapter concludes with a written prayer, personal reflection questions, an excerpt from another writer, and group discussion questions. These extras help the readers to look at their own habits and, if read in a group setting, allow readers to hold each other accountable. Your Sacred Yes also includes information for how to obtain a free workbook, along with a few other resources (some free and some at cost).

Although it is categorized as Christian Living and Women’s Issues, men should not feel that Your Sacred Yes is only for women. Larson writes to both men and women, and many people would benefit from reading her words. Your Sacred Yes is filled with wisdom and encouragement. Reading through it one time did not feel like enough, so I look forward to reading Your Sacred Yes again, this time accompanied by the workbook!

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

[Cosmé · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pros:

I really liked this book, it was telling me something important, but the whole book was encouraging. Even though the book was telling me I might be spinning my wheels and wasting energy on something I didn't need to be doing – it just pushed me to figure out why I'm doing what I'm doing and if I should be doing those things. I never felt like Ms. Larson was criticizing me for getting into that situation or for doing something I'm not called to do. That's a really critical point for me, because self-help books don't work well for me if they are only negative.

This book has a lot of scripture, proving points Ms. Larson makes, as well as quotes from different people and even stories from her own life. Oh my goodness, and that bonus chapter! It includes spiritual and physical challenges, I encourage all readers to consider doing the challenge because it's a great why to move forward and change your life based on what you've read. This book was fantastic, giving great suggestions on how to change your life and reasons why you should.

As believers we know we are not saved by our acts, but sometimes we end up doing so much extra work that we can't stop and rest in Him. Ms. Larson was the first author I've come across who really explained and assured me of the importance of resting in Him. I knew it was important, but I guess I kind of thought that God would just be pleased that I wasn't being lazy. I realized through this book that He wants me to have the time to come to Him and not just pass out at 11 every night. Your Sacred Yes had a message saying to me that life is short and so we should make sure that we're sure that we're doing the work He calls us to do.

Cons:

I have none!


Overview:

I cannot wait to go back and dissect this book to pieces! I would suggest this to anyone, but especially those who reply, “Oh, I don't have enough time to read a book right now...” :)


I received a free copy of Your Sacred Yes from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for a 100% honest review.

[Deb · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were many good thoughts in this book. The basic concept the author, Susie Larson, teaches is that good is the enemy of great, and the way this book is written actually exemplified that. It is a good book - not a great one. Susie Larson, the author, teaches that there are many "good" things that we can spend our time and life energy on, but those good things that fill our days and make us feel busy and overwhelmed may take us from the truly "great" things that God in mind for us. Certainly this is true and something that many Christian and other good people have a hard time with. We only have so many hours in the day - how best do we spend the time we have been given?
I marked up the book quite extensively because there were some very inspirational passages that were excellent and spoke to my heart, however, much of the book was redundant and wordy. It felt that the author said the same thing over and over again, slightly changing the wording. It felt like her editor kept telling her to make the book longer, when in reality, the really inspirational stuff would have more impact if it hadn't been unpacked and restated in so many ways. Also, Ms. Larson's examples were mostly stories from her life as a radio minister and Christian author, neither of which I related to. I am neither a radio minister nor an author, but I am a wife and mom so perhaps stories from her family life and relationships would have been more relatable and effective for a broader audience. In the last chapter of the book, Ms. Larson does movingly describe her own father's passing. It was very touching and I wished more of the book could have been on par with this chapter (last chapter before the "Bonus Chapter"). Ms. Larson should have taken more of her own advice when writing the book, because she tried to say so much in so many different ways, that the really good and inspirational points she makes get lost. This book is a good one, with some very good content, but it is not great.

[Katie Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and how it explored how to be more careful with how you choose to spend your time. It emphasizes how to protect yourself from busyness and how to make time to serve according to God's plan for you.

[Prairie Sky Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

“When we do life with a consistent awareness of God’s presence in our midst, we find joy. And that’s the place where healing, fulfillment, and abundance happen. Jesus invites us to live purposeful and passionate, focused and free. It’s time to grab hold of our moments and cherish our days the way Jesus cherishes us.”

With these words, author Susie Larson invites us to join her on a journey entitled ‘Your Sacred Yes: Trading Life-Draining Obligation for Freedom, Passion and Joy’. If you have ever felt as though you are held captive by commitments and the opinions of others, stuck in the ever-turning wheel of busyness, and powerless to change a thing, this book was written for you. Clearly composed from a strong foundation of God’s love and truth, Susie’s words are powerful yet gentle, encouraging readers to step forth into the life of freedom that our Heavenly Father longs to give to each of his children.

Each chapter contains various quotes of wisdom and verses from Scripture that drive home the purpose of the section, and ends with personal questions, a heartfelt prayer, a faith declaration, and group discussion starters. So many topics are covered with grace and skillful writing that I really cannot even begin to mention the numerous ideas and challenges that Susie shares with her readers… You will just have to read this book for yourself, and discover how to trade your life-draining obligations for freedom, passion, and joy. Susie will be with you every step of the way.

I am grateful to have received a copy of this book, free of charge, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a strengthening journey of confirmation for me on the benefits of saying yes and no. Choosing whether to say yes or no to something can be hard, especially if you are a people-pleaser and want to make everyone happy (hopefully by now, you know that’s an impossible, futile task).

This is the first book I’ve read by Susie Larson, although I’m sure I’ve heard her radio program over the years (http://myfaithradio.com/programs/live...).

What a phenomenal writer! I enjoyed her perspective, her insight, and her godly wisdom. She shared personal stories, lessons learned and ways to say no without feeling guilty. We can honor God by using our time the way He means for us to use it, and it doesn’t mean every obligation is ours. This theme of listening to God for time management is paramount in the lives of Christian women today. We have duties to our relationship with Jesus primarily, spouses, families and then wherever God needs us. When we let that slip, we become overwhelmed and drained. That is not the way the Lord wants for us to live.

Her chapters are organized very intelligently: Sloppy Yeses, Shackled Yeses and finally Sacred Yeses. Sadly, we all fit somewhere on the spectrum.

My prayer is that you will take some much needed time to read this book, as time allows

[Amanda Cain · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 2013, I chose the word Joy as my ‘one word’. What I began to learn that year was that true joy only comes from the Lord– not from the approval or opinions of others, not from our circumstances.

And that is what is at the heart of Susie Larson’s Your Sacred Yes.

In Your Sacred Yes, Larson addresses how we as Christians have a tendency to say yes to the wrong things, at the wrong time. But God created us to glorify and enjoy Himself forever, and while our circumstances may change, and it may look different at various times throughout our lives, that is a constant.

Larson also addresses how it is imperative that we begin to see ourselves washed in the blood of Christ, a beloved child of the King, and how we are called to love others truly, something we are only capable of once we rest in the fact that only Christ’s opinion of us matters.

I was both blessed and encouraged by Your Sacred Yes, and would highly recommend it to all Christian readers, men and women alike. I would give Your Sacred Yes an “A”.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Bethany House Blogger Review 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 .

[Sharee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Your Sacred Yes by Susie Larson is a fantastic read! In a world where technology was supposed to make more time by making our lives easier, it seems we are running out of time even faster than we were before. Time is a precious commodity and one that everyone seems to be running out of and busy is a bad four letter word. Perhaps all of that is due to our inability to really know when to say yes to commitments and when to say no. “Days will fly by and sacred moments will continue to elude us until we decide to hit the brakes and take inventory of what’s driving us.” (Loc 148)

I absolutely LOVED this book. It provides practical ways to eliminate unnecessary stress and commitments while giving encouragement. One of the most powerful quotes for me within the book was, “The Chinese word for busyness combines two symbols made up of these two words: heart killer.” (Loc 212)

I cannot tell you enough about Your Sacred Yes but I can tell you that it’s a worthwhile read and one you won’t regret spending time on. It’s a book you’ll want to read again and again and the study guide and videos that accompany the book are fabulous as well!

I received this book from Netgalley and Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review which I’ve provided here.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the moment I read the cover of Your Sacred Yes: Trading Life-Draining Obligation for Freedom, Passion, and Joy, I knew author Susie Larson was addressing a topic that matters to me and many busy people who are trying to do what God wants them to do with their lives.

With humor and candor, Susie Larson discusses the difference reasons we feel compelled to say yes to more obligations than we can sometimes handle. Throughout her book, Susie takes us on a journey of understanding and helps us see how God can use our time and talents better if we are focused on His will rather than secondary concerns. She discusses how we can discern the difference because the sometimes draining obligations created by people and opportunities God gives us to serve Him.

With clarity and compassion, Susie invites us to see how important and sacred our yes is, and how sometimes it is okay and best to say no to an invitation, even a good invitation, if it distracts you from what God wants you to do.

Overall, I enjoyed reading Your Sacred Yes. The book seemed a bit repetitive at times, but the message is so needed now. Bethany House gave me a complimentary copy of Your Sacred Yes by Susie Larson for my candid review.

[Sherri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, was awesome. So many times, we as women are pressured in one way or another to say yes, even if we don’t want to do it. Under the false idea that God will no longer love us if we say no. My mother-in-law is one of these people. Rarely does she take time for herself, to rest and take time to listen to the sights and sounds surrounding her. I don’t like to spend much time with her because she is always rushing. A baby shower she can’t say no to, a wedding.

This book is for a person just like her. The book describes how we don’t have to say yes to everything. Burnout will occur (I’ve experienced it). God will still love you if you say no, to make time to be with Him. You don’t have to constantly strive to do things to get Him to like you, he already does.

I especially liked the last part of the book where it encourages you to challenge yourself both physically and spiritually. I definitely need to challenge myself in a spiritual nature.

All in all, an excellent book. Well written and thought-provoking. Even if you don’t have a problem saying no, I’ve sure you know of someone who does.

I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.

[Kym · Rating 3 out of 5]

Susie Larson challenged me to evaluate whether I'm saying Yes to the wrong things, or perhaps to good things but for the wrong reasons. She shares Scripture and personal stories that point to the power and fulfillment of saying Yes to whatever God asks of us, and the risk of burnout and disappointment when we are too quick to say Yes to the things that he has not asked us to do.

Larson gets to the root of the issue in pointing out that we often do things out of guilt or obligation; because we want approval and validation; or because we think we know what's best. However, God doesn't shame us into working for him - he invites us to participate with him; we can't earn God's approval because he already loves us and call us his own; and our own plans often fall far short of what God wants to do in and through us. With insightful writing and reflection questions, Larson calls on the reader to examine their own life and to say Yes to God's best.

[V Luttrell · Rating 1 out of 5]

Your Sacred Yes by Susie Larson is a Christian living and women's issue book that gets at the guilt and shame that women have in saying "yes" to all sorts of obligations and needs that cause tiredness, fatigue, and a feeling of being overwhelmed. This book was a book on how to let go to fill more happy and blessed in life. It did not seem, to help one know how to let go of the right things.

I found this book shallow and all the verses were from the Message which is one of the poorest versions of the Bible. She is very redundant in her writing She is trying to write a good sized book when she should have stuck to a very short booklet instead.

She talks a lot about falling in love with Jesus which is a poor term to use. She does not know the right doctrine so should be careful in her wording. Falling in love is a " all about me" love which is what I get she is saying a life with Christ. Basically do nothing and get blessed.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was in second grade, I got poor marks on my report card in the area of "Uses time wisely." I don't remember the reason for the S- (!!!), but I have never forgotten it, and since then have always had it in the back of my mind to use my time wisely. I feel like that was sort of a blessing, because it instilled in me at an early age how precious time is. I still have to work at using my time wisely, but at least I am aware of the problem (and that's half the battle, right?).

This book is a guided journey through life/time-analysis. It has been a blessing to review, discern, and adjust life - an effort to glorify the Father with my time. I am glad I bought this book - I will return to it for a "refresher course" because these practices are some that require revisiting. My prayer is that these principles will help me to keep pressing toward my goal of honoring Him.

[Heidi Goehmann · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to be upfront and say that the theology of this book is very very different than my own, so I think that this impacts the lens in which I see it. The author writes beautifully and includes lots of Scripture, other references, and her own stories. I learned two important things from this book for me personally: God's call for me to love others is often lost in my need for others. And the only sustainable lifestyle is one that is connected to the Vine, and how this metaphor is helpful. I really appreciated the idea of my "yes" when it's connected to God as sacred and sustainable.

Again, the theology was so different from my own, that I'm not sure I would recommend this book. But may the title empower someone to connect their "yes-s" to the One who loves them more than anyone or anything ever could.

[Stephanie Bishop · Rating 4 out of 5]

Susie Larson teaches us it's okay to slow down, shows us how to ask God to direct our lives, and asks some hard questions about why we're so busy. This is a great read, similar to "The Best Yes", and gently reminds us that we don't have to have so many obligations, but can choose the ones that God has put in front of us and set out for us. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who has a hard time saying "no" and is overwhelmed with too many "yesses". We are allowed to enjoy our lives, and really LIVE. This book would make a great Bible Study or small group.

I received this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.