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Rest Assured: A Recovery Plan for Weary Souls
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28
Women are overcommitted, overconnected, overburdened, and overwhelmed. Their lives are full, but oddly, their souls are empty. They are aching for a bold challenge—one that will bring rest to their longing souls. Rest Assured is for the daring women who truly want to disrupt their current patterns and see lasting change.
Divided into two parts, Rest Assured offers not just an
The Badge of Busyness The Exhausting Pursuit of Happiness Tethered Souls Worried Sick But also a recovery
Prioritize the One Thing Time for God Create Room to Time for Solitude Give Yourself a Time for Leisure Pay It Time for Others If the soul is weary, it’s time for an intervention. Rest Assured is not a quick fix, but rather a bold challenge that aids women in identifying the negative patterns that prevent them from experiencing rest in their souls. Most importantly, it will give them the tools needed to break the cycle.
Women are overcommitted, overconnected, overburdened, and overwhelmed. Their lives are full, but oddly, their souls are empty. They are aching for a bold challenge—one that will bring rest to their longing souls. Rest Assured is for the daring women who truly want to disrupt their current patterns and see lasting change.
Divided into two parts, Rest Assured offers not just an
The Badge of Busyness The Exhausting Pursuit of Happiness Tethered Souls Worried Sick But also a recovery
Prioritize the One Thing Time for God Create Room to Time for Solitude Give Yourself a Time for Leisure Pay It Time for Others If the soul is weary, it’s time for an intervention. Rest Assured is not a quick fix, but rather a bold challenge that aids women in identifying the negative patterns that prevent them from experiencing rest in their souls. Most importantly, it will give them the tools needed to break the cycle.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 17, 2015
91 people are currently reading
485 people want to read
About the author
Vicki Courtney
43 books52 followersVicki Courtney is the best-selling author of numerous books for women, tweens, and teen girls including, Motherhood Is Not Your Highest Calling, Rest Assured, Move On, 5 Conversations You Must Have With Your Daughter, 5 Conversations You Must Have With Your Son, and Between Us. She is the recipient of a Mom's Choice award and two ECPA Christian Book Awards. She and her husband, Keith reside in the Texas hill country and are the proud parents of three grown children and grandparents to ten grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
January 6, 2016
If your soul lacks rest, a lack of stillness before God is the reason.
Not only is this a recovery plan for weary souls, it also identifies what rest looks like. It is important because with that, we can also identify what really is important which should be our relationship with God. We can make our busyness an idol and make it about our need for affirmation, popularity, looking like the good Christian when our relationship with God suffers because we have no peace because nothing is never enough. This really hit home with me when she posed the question "If you were to skip your time with God, would you be more concerned about missing the mark or missing God". This question can also apply to our motivation for all that we do. It really comes down to is Jesus enough. I think it is a question that we have to ask our selves 24/7 and the question is the answer to what we believe about the gospel as well.
Each chapter addresses the trap we put ourselves in whether it deals with technology, good works, our job, our family, and our church. Questions that lead you to think deeply about what you believe and your actions to those beliefs. The questions than become an intervention to change with a motivation to seek rest in Christ. With humor and no judgment or condemnation, you will be amazed and delight what rest really is.
A Special Thank You to Thomas Nelson and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
Not only is this a recovery plan for weary souls, it also identifies what rest looks like. It is important because with that, we can also identify what really is important which should be our relationship with God. We can make our busyness an idol and make it about our need for affirmation, popularity, looking like the good Christian when our relationship with God suffers because we have no peace because nothing is never enough. This really hit home with me when she posed the question "If you were to skip your time with God, would you be more concerned about missing the mark or missing God". This question can also apply to our motivation for all that we do. It really comes down to is Jesus enough. I think it is a question that we have to ask our selves 24/7 and the question is the answer to what we believe about the gospel as well.
Each chapter addresses the trap we put ourselves in whether it deals with technology, good works, our job, our family, and our church. Questions that lead you to think deeply about what you believe and your actions to those beliefs. The questions than become an intervention to change with a motivation to seek rest in Christ. With humor and no judgment or condemnation, you will be amazed and delight what rest really is.
A Special Thank You to Thomas Nelson and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
March 14, 2016
I was looking forward to reading Rest Assured by Vicki Courtney because I know that being too busy is a big problem in our culture, and for me personally. I did a Bible study with my church last summer about rest and really felt convicted that I needed to cut back and make more time to truly serve my family well and have more time to give to the Lord!
I was hopeful that this book would be useful as I continue in this journey of finding a good balance. In many ways this book was encouraging and helpful, but there were also several things that bothered me. I'm just going to get the negatives out of the way first.
Negatives
A couple arguments that the author made rubbed me the wrong way.
She also says that busyness "is not a scheduling problem, it's a sin problem." While this may certainly be true for many of us, I don't think it's fair to accuse everyone who is busy of sinning. Some seasons truly are busier than others, and not necessarily because we make it that way, but because of legitimate reasons. Being busy by itself doesn't qualify as a sin. It's the heart attitude that determines whether busyness is a "sin problem", and that will vary by person and situation. Some busyness might be sinful if you are making busyness your "god" or not making time for the Lord - but I think the author went too far in saying all busyness is sin. I don't think that's true, and I can't think of a verse to support that argument either.
In Chapter 2 she talks about "The Exhausting Pursuit Of Happiness". While I think her point - that joy, not happiness, should be the goal - is valid, I did not like the opening to this chapter. Courtney says that the founding fathers of America started a rat race by assuming that "personal happiness is the highest reward this life can offer". They did no such thing. The founding fathers were not saying that happiness is the ultimate goal, they were saying that no government should interfere with a person's right to pursue their own personal happiness (in a way that doesn't harm others). It was an argument against dictatorship. I don't think it's fair or accurate to attribute responsibility for "the rat race" to America's founders.
I didn't love the chapter that encourages solitude because I found it confusing. First the author suggests that we need some time of solitude to just purely rest, without using it for prayer or Bible study, but the rest of the chapter was talking about listening for God's voice in the solitude. So which is it? Is the author saying we should use solitude for spiritual growth or not?
She also shares a story of someone going on a solitary retreat with nothing but a notebook, saying he didn't even bring a Bible so that he could be still in a "listening posture" before God. I don't agree that leaving your Bible at home would be helpful or good. We hear from God largely through reading His Word, and it almost seemed she was saying the Bible could be a distraction from hearing God. This is misleading and untrue. If we want to hear from God accurately, we need His written Word in our hands and hearts!
I also found the solitude chapter highly impractical. It may be easy for the author to have times of solitude since she is an empty-nester, but reading this chapter made me think she has forgotten what it is really like having young children at home. I couldn't relate to this chapter because I didn't feel like it was written for my season.
Positives
This book wasn't all negative to me. I very much appreciated the chapters that addressed social media and worry. Needless worries and social media keep our minds much more busy than they need to be, and I thought the author made good points about stepping back and giving our minds space to be refreshed. This was exactly the kind of thing that I as looking for when I started this book.
I also know that when I get busy, the first thing that is dropped is my time with the Lord, and I hate that. The chapter on prioritizing our relationship with the Lord hit home for me and gave me some encouragement! I thought that Courtney got this chapter exactly right.
The length of the "negative section" of this review is misleading, because most of the book I found helpful and thought-provoking. I needed to explain a few of the things that I did not like, but the negative aspects were a small portion of the book as a whole. I do think that people in the same season as the author would probably get more out of this book than I did. Overall, even though I didn't agree with the author's approach on every subject, she succeeded in making me think, which can only ever be a good thing.
Note: I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for a review. This is my honest opinion.
I was hopeful that this book would be useful as I continue in this journey of finding a good balance. In many ways this book was encouraging and helpful, but there were also several things that bothered me. I'm just going to get the negatives out of the way first.
Negatives
A couple arguments that the author made rubbed me the wrong way.
She also says that busyness "is not a scheduling problem, it's a sin problem." While this may certainly be true for many of us, I don't think it's fair to accuse everyone who is busy of sinning. Some seasons truly are busier than others, and not necessarily because we make it that way, but because of legitimate reasons. Being busy by itself doesn't qualify as a sin. It's the heart attitude that determines whether busyness is a "sin problem", and that will vary by person and situation. Some busyness might be sinful if you are making busyness your "god" or not making time for the Lord - but I think the author went too far in saying all busyness is sin. I don't think that's true, and I can't think of a verse to support that argument either.
In Chapter 2 she talks about "The Exhausting Pursuit Of Happiness". While I think her point - that joy, not happiness, should be the goal - is valid, I did not like the opening to this chapter. Courtney says that the founding fathers of America started a rat race by assuming that "personal happiness is the highest reward this life can offer". They did no such thing. The founding fathers were not saying that happiness is the ultimate goal, they were saying that no government should interfere with a person's right to pursue their own personal happiness (in a way that doesn't harm others). It was an argument against dictatorship. I don't think it's fair or accurate to attribute responsibility for "the rat race" to America's founders.
I didn't love the chapter that encourages solitude because I found it confusing. First the author suggests that we need some time of solitude to just purely rest, without using it for prayer or Bible study, but the rest of the chapter was talking about listening for God's voice in the solitude. So which is it? Is the author saying we should use solitude for spiritual growth or not?
She also shares a story of someone going on a solitary retreat with nothing but a notebook, saying he didn't even bring a Bible so that he could be still in a "listening posture" before God. I don't agree that leaving your Bible at home would be helpful or good. We hear from God largely through reading His Word, and it almost seemed she was saying the Bible could be a distraction from hearing God. This is misleading and untrue. If we want to hear from God accurately, we need His written Word in our hands and hearts!
I also found the solitude chapter highly impractical. It may be easy for the author to have times of solitude since she is an empty-nester, but reading this chapter made me think she has forgotten what it is really like having young children at home. I couldn't relate to this chapter because I didn't feel like it was written for my season.
Positives
This book wasn't all negative to me. I very much appreciated the chapters that addressed social media and worry. Needless worries and social media keep our minds much more busy than they need to be, and I thought the author made good points about stepping back and giving our minds space to be refreshed. This was exactly the kind of thing that I as looking for when I started this book.
I also know that when I get busy, the first thing that is dropped is my time with the Lord, and I hate that. The chapter on prioritizing our relationship with the Lord hit home for me and gave me some encouragement! I thought that Courtney got this chapter exactly right.
The length of the "negative section" of this review is misleading, because most of the book I found helpful and thought-provoking. I needed to explain a few of the things that I did not like, but the negative aspects were a small portion of the book as a whole. I do think that people in the same season as the author would probably get more out of this book than I did. Overall, even though I didn't agree with the author's approach on every subject, she succeeded in making me think, which can only ever be a good thing.
Note: I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for a review. This is my honest opinion.
November 18, 2015
A special thank you to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Love the front cover. Soothing!
Vicki Courtney, the talented Christian author, wife, mother, and grandmother, combines inspiration, scriptures, prayers, and spiritual words, infused with her own honest and raw insights --A powerful delivery REST ASSURED: A Recovery Plan for Weary Souls. Perfect timing, for today social media world of overindulging in technology and our constant overextended status. What a much needed book! (hits home)
She is my favorite must read “go-to author” for stepping back—for a “time-out”, when you need a reality check, to get real. When you get off the path. When you need changing. When you want to get away from today’s fast-paced, and pressured hectic world. Burnout.
Having met Vicki, when reading her Move on: When Mercy Meets Your Mess (highly recommend). I love her honest approach; an inside look at realistic women and their pressures.
From social media mania, our followers, likes, over commitments, the constant feeling of being overwhelmed, to the ongoing need for perfectionism. The exhausting pursuit of happiness. Over Expectations. Keeping up with the Joneses.
Written honestly, for today’s woman; any age–young or old. Whether single, married, a mother, or a grandmother. This is not just a one-time read, to run out and fix yourself in one day. I found myself bookmarking so many pages, for continued daily devotion to empower. To be your best—and time for your weary soul. A book you will want to refer to daily- as a journal. One to use as a prayer guide on your road to being Rest Assured.
If we want to break a bad habit, we must substitute the old habit with a new behavior. Peace can be ours the moment we relinquish control (which we really do not have) and remember that God holds the future in His hands.
So many women, even Christian women, are weary—Busyness: Our calendars, demands, tasks: Over-trying, to be “enough” in every area of their lives. Seeking. Enough for relationships, marriages, mothers, jobs, church, children, friends, neighbors, social media, the needy, less fortunate, even relationships with God. Time. No wonder we are worn out ---our souls lack rest.
God alone is the never ending source of enough, so why do we wear ourselves out trying to find it elsewhere?
Vicki writes from a place of heartfelt desperation, rather than of victorious accomplishment. She writes as much for herself, she explains: "As a prescription to the unrest in her own harried soul, and for all of us in the same place." We can relate.
As she reiterates, REST ASSURED is not meant to be a quick fix or a cure. It is meant to produce awareness—when we get to the place of being over-connected, overcommitted, overwhelmed----resulting in the robbing our souls of much needed rest. A soul that dwells at ease. A road map to guide us to that place. Lead us back to our Savior.
All of us (myself at the top of the list) are guilty of busyness. Unhealthy. Toxic. Feeling of being rushed. Searching. Seeking. Our souls lack peace. It destroys our lives and our health. We have to take a deeper look at the root of our problems. We all think busyness = reward; not the case.
If we want to experience true rest in our souls, we have to examine our attitudes, money, materialism, eating, texting, social media, appearance, careers, fitness, volunteer activities, children’s activities, online shopping, to home decorating - all areas of our life.
“Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.” Jeremiah 6:16
The question is, can we slow down enough to ponder the choice before us? We need to change directions. God tries to point us in the right direction, but we stubbornly refuse to change our course. Our actions do not demonstrate this. We chase one false god after another, in desperate attempt to satisfy our hungry souls.
Ultimately, if we are too busy to spend time with God, we are too busy. He needs to be "top" on our list. He can deliver the satisfaction our soul’s desire. God wired our hearts for connection, however, spending time with God requires silence and solitude. That can be achieved only be disconnecting from the noise of the world, and the people we are seeking to please.
A wake-up call for us: “What do we crave more: to connect with God or connect online?” Where does God rank? If media consumption supersedes our relationship with God, we are wading in dangerous waters. God is not the only one that suffer when we overindulge in technology.
Well written, and organized, the book is divided into two parts: (I loved the Rest Stops). How many people are too busy looking at their phones, and missing our children’s lives? Time we will not get back. Moderation is key.
“Earth’s crammed with heaven, and every common bush afire with God. But only he who sees, takes off his shoes. The rest sit round it and pluck blackberries.” Elizabeth Barrett Browning.
Well-done! Highly recommend for all women and men of any age. Ideal for book clubs, small groups, or further discussions.
JDCMustReadBooks
Vicki Courtney, the talented Christian author, wife, mother, and grandmother, combines inspiration, scriptures, prayers, and spiritual words, infused with her own honest and raw insights --A powerful delivery REST ASSURED: A Recovery Plan for Weary Souls. Perfect timing, for today social media world of overindulging in technology and our constant overextended status. What a much needed book! (hits home)
She is my favorite must read “go-to author” for stepping back—for a “time-out”, when you need a reality check, to get real. When you get off the path. When you need changing. When you want to get away from today’s fast-paced, and pressured hectic world. Burnout.
Having met Vicki, when reading her Move on: When Mercy Meets Your Mess (highly recommend). I love her honest approach; an inside look at realistic women and their pressures.
From social media mania, our followers, likes, over commitments, the constant feeling of being overwhelmed, to the ongoing need for perfectionism. The exhausting pursuit of happiness. Over Expectations. Keeping up with the Joneses.
Written honestly, for today’s woman; any age–young or old. Whether single, married, a mother, or a grandmother. This is not just a one-time read, to run out and fix yourself in one day. I found myself bookmarking so many pages, for continued daily devotion to empower. To be your best—and time for your weary soul. A book you will want to refer to daily- as a journal. One to use as a prayer guide on your road to being Rest Assured.
If we want to break a bad habit, we must substitute the old habit with a new behavior. Peace can be ours the moment we relinquish control (which we really do not have) and remember that God holds the future in His hands.
So many women, even Christian women, are weary—Busyness: Our calendars, demands, tasks: Over-trying, to be “enough” in every area of their lives. Seeking. Enough for relationships, marriages, mothers, jobs, church, children, friends, neighbors, social media, the needy, less fortunate, even relationships with God. Time. No wonder we are worn out ---our souls lack rest.
God alone is the never ending source of enough, so why do we wear ourselves out trying to find it elsewhere?
Vicki writes from a place of heartfelt desperation, rather than of victorious accomplishment. She writes as much for herself, she explains: "As a prescription to the unrest in her own harried soul, and for all of us in the same place." We can relate.
As she reiterates, REST ASSURED is not meant to be a quick fix or a cure. It is meant to produce awareness—when we get to the place of being over-connected, overcommitted, overwhelmed----resulting in the robbing our souls of much needed rest. A soul that dwells at ease. A road map to guide us to that place. Lead us back to our Savior.
All of us (myself at the top of the list) are guilty of busyness. Unhealthy. Toxic. Feeling of being rushed. Searching. Seeking. Our souls lack peace. It destroys our lives and our health. We have to take a deeper look at the root of our problems. We all think busyness = reward; not the case.
If we want to experience true rest in our souls, we have to examine our attitudes, money, materialism, eating, texting, social media, appearance, careers, fitness, volunteer activities, children’s activities, online shopping, to home decorating - all areas of our life.
“Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.” Jeremiah 6:16
The question is, can we slow down enough to ponder the choice before us? We need to change directions. God tries to point us in the right direction, but we stubbornly refuse to change our course. Our actions do not demonstrate this. We chase one false god after another, in desperate attempt to satisfy our hungry souls.
Ultimately, if we are too busy to spend time with God, we are too busy. He needs to be "top" on our list. He can deliver the satisfaction our soul’s desire. God wired our hearts for connection, however, spending time with God requires silence and solitude. That can be achieved only be disconnecting from the noise of the world, and the people we are seeking to please.
A wake-up call for us: “What do we crave more: to connect with God or connect online?” Where does God rank? If media consumption supersedes our relationship with God, we are wading in dangerous waters. God is not the only one that suffer when we overindulge in technology.
Well written, and organized, the book is divided into two parts: (I loved the Rest Stops). How many people are too busy looking at their phones, and missing our children’s lives? Time we will not get back. Moderation is key.
Part One: An intervention. Highlights four common enemies of rest.
Part Two: A recovery plan. Includes a “One Week Dare” at the end of each chapter, to help put the principles into practice, in our everyday lives. Also includes questions to dig deeper for personal reading, or group discussions.
Bonus: Optional 30-Day Restoration for further solidify the principals and biblical truths. I loved the Bonus of 100 ways to give it a rest.
“Earth’s crammed with heaven, and every common bush afire with God. But only he who sees, takes off his shoes. The rest sit round it and pluck blackberries.” Elizabeth Barrett Browning.
Well-done! Highly recommend for all women and men of any age. Ideal for book clubs, small groups, or further discussions.
JDCMustReadBooks
April 3, 2025
Our lives are so full that we often don't realize that our souls are empty and craving rest. The author took a hard look at her own busyness and wrote a plan for all of us to follow. In the first half of the book, she begins by outlining some of the reasons we are so incredibly busy. She talks about the problems that stress and weariness can do physically and mentally to the body. Each chapter ends with questions for the reader called Rest Stop. Then is a challenge for the next week called Intervention. The second half of the book is about how to correct the problem of busyness and being weary. There are four chapters that break down the steps on the road to recovery. Each chapter ends with the questions and intervention pages. The book ends with a thirty-day restoration guide and a list of one hundred ways to find rest.
First - I loved the cover. It is restful and relaxing and fits well with the topic. The beginning couple of chapters didn't really seem to fit me. My reasons for being busy weren't listed and I couldn't really relate. But I'm glad I stuck with the book because the rest was great. The author doesn't just address the problem, she gave solutions as well. The book would work well for an individual or for a woman's study group. I liked the two bonus sections in the back and felt like it really added to the main section. I would highly recommend this book to any woman (or man) who finds themselves so busy that they can't stop and take a moment to rest, for the woman who desperately needs a break and isn't sure where to start.
I received this book free of charge from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest review.
First - I loved the cover. It is restful and relaxing and fits well with the topic. The beginning couple of chapters didn't really seem to fit me. My reasons for being busy weren't listed and I couldn't really relate. But I'm glad I stuck with the book because the rest was great. The author doesn't just address the problem, she gave solutions as well. The book would work well for an individual or for a woman's study group. I liked the two bonus sections in the back and felt like it really added to the main section. I would highly recommend this book to any woman (or man) who finds themselves so busy that they can't stop and take a moment to rest, for the woman who desperately needs a break and isn't sure where to start.
I received this book free of charge from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest review.
January 4, 2016
If you feel exhausted, over-committed, with rarely a moment for yourself, then Vicki Courtney’s Rest Assured – A Recovery Plan For Weary Souls was written specifically for you!
Rest Assured is addressed to women who feel that their “greatest risk” is “slowing down and resting” – for women who have “forgotten how to be still”. It’s a book that draws inspiration from Scripture – a book that helps us find the “rest for our souls” that Jesus promised in Matthew 11:29.
Rest Assured takes us on a 30-day journey and recovery plan that challenges us to de-emphasize our culturally-conditioned need to be busy during every waking hour and instead, to start focusing on the biblical imperative to rest.
For those of us who are drowning in a sea of must-dos and should-dos, this book is a lifesaver, I found the book practical and encouraging – filled with plenty of inspiration, exercises and easy-to-implement ideas to help us simplify our lives...
This review is an excerpt from the original review that is published on my blog. To read my review in its entirety, please visit Create With Joy.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes. However, the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Rest Assured is addressed to women who feel that their “greatest risk” is “slowing down and resting” – for women who have “forgotten how to be still”. It’s a book that draws inspiration from Scripture – a book that helps us find the “rest for our souls” that Jesus promised in Matthew 11:29.
Rest Assured takes us on a 30-day journey and recovery plan that challenges us to de-emphasize our culturally-conditioned need to be busy during every waking hour and instead, to start focusing on the biblical imperative to rest.
For those of us who are drowning in a sea of must-dos and should-dos, this book is a lifesaver, I found the book practical and encouraging – filled with plenty of inspiration, exercises and easy-to-implement ideas to help us simplify our lives...
This review is an excerpt from the original review that is published on my blog. To read my review in its entirety, please visit Create With Joy.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes. However, the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
January 19, 2016
I am so thrilled to recommend the book Rest Assured by Vicki Courtney to any women who struggles with never really feeling rested or at peace. I devoured this book in less than three days because I just really needed it that badly. I have read several books by Vicki Courtney, but this one was by far my favorite. She takes the reader through a sort of life assessment to determine why we might struggle with not getting enough rest. She covers four categories: The Badge of Busyness (why are we all so busy anyway), The Exhausting Pursuit of Happiness (the need to compare ourselves with others and our own ridiculous expectations for ourselves), Tethered Souls (the toxic pull of social media and other time stealing issues), and Worried Sick (the awful disease of constant worry). Each category has its own chapter complete with checklists, questions, and challenges to change.
I have to admit that I didn’t realize how desperately I needed this book until I read through the Badge of Busyness chapter and checked off every single warning sign of someone who may be too busy. I’ve read many books on the topic of learning to say no, finding rest, slowing down, etc. But none of those books felt quite as comforting and encouraging as this one. I felt as though I was sitting with the author while she comforted me, related her own story to my own and then encouraged me to find a better way to live. I actually answered (in pen) the questions at the end of each chapter and spent time in prayer for each one of the areas covered in this book. This book is more about what makes our souls weary than what makes our bodies weary – which I very much appreciated. There were quotes and scripture sprinkled thoughtfully throughout the book and I wrote down several to meditate on over the next several weeks.
I honestly wish I had taken the book a bit more slowly and had given each of the last four chapters the full week that the author suggests. This book is probably meant to be chewed on piece by piece rather than swallowed whole, but I really just couldn’t help it.
If you are struggling with a full plate, a heavy heart and a weary soul – this is a book that you need to read.
I have to admit that I didn’t realize how desperately I needed this book until I read through the Badge of Busyness chapter and checked off every single warning sign of someone who may be too busy. I’ve read many books on the topic of learning to say no, finding rest, slowing down, etc. But none of those books felt quite as comforting and encouraging as this one. I felt as though I was sitting with the author while she comforted me, related her own story to my own and then encouraged me to find a better way to live. I actually answered (in pen) the questions at the end of each chapter and spent time in prayer for each one of the areas covered in this book. This book is more about what makes our souls weary than what makes our bodies weary – which I very much appreciated. There were quotes and scripture sprinkled thoughtfully throughout the book and I wrote down several to meditate on over the next several weeks.
I honestly wish I had taken the book a bit more slowly and had given each of the last four chapters the full week that the author suggests. This book is probably meant to be chewed on piece by piece rather than swallowed whole, but I really just couldn’t help it.
If you are struggling with a full plate, a heavy heart and a weary soul – this is a book that you need to read.
February 4, 2016
My Blog: https://pursuingstacie.wordpress.com
Alright, confession time! When it comes to books…actual, literal, real-life books…I totally judge by the cover. Terrible, right? I know, I know. Think of all the amazing books that I have missed out on because the cover didn’t “speak to me.” Right?! Shameful. I promise that I will work on it.
But, it was the cover of Rest Assured by Vicki Courtney that got my attention.Total swoon, right? It is such a beautiful, peaceful cover and I was drawn to it right away.
Now to be honest, I didn’t choose to read it at first, because I didn’t want another “self-help” book. I sometimes have a tendency to read too many of those types back-to-back; then my head is so full of tips, tricks, suggestions, plans and strategies that I end up needing another self-help book to clear my head and reset to zero. However, I kept coming back to this book and decided to give it a shot. And I am so glad that I did. I adore the way this author writes. I have mentioned before that I crave authentic authors. Women (and men) who are not afraid to admit that they are a downright messy mess, and are currently functioning only because of Jesus Christ. Vicki Courtney does this beautifully. I wanted to read her suggestions, because she was open and honest.
The book is divided in two sections. The first section is entitled “The Intervention.” It is separated out by various soul-wearying maladies. My personal favorite was Chapter Four, called “Worried Sick.” Because worry is my constant companion, and one that I really want to be victorious over. And I loved, loved, LOVED how she identified with me in that area. I was also greatly appreciative that she balanced the worries of being a mother with the worries of just being a human being. Single, married, mother, student…all can benefit from this book.
The second section of the book is entitled “The Recovery.” Here she gives strategies on moving beyond these issues that keep us busy and weigh us down. And they are literally packed full of wisdom. I dog-eared the heck out of this poor, beautiful book.
Bottom Line: Go on and get yourself some rest-assured goodness!
**I received a complimentary copy of this book from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for an honest review.
Alright, confession time! When it comes to books…actual, literal, real-life books…I totally judge by the cover. Terrible, right? I know, I know. Think of all the amazing books that I have missed out on because the cover didn’t “speak to me.” Right?! Shameful. I promise that I will work on it.
But, it was the cover of Rest Assured by Vicki Courtney that got my attention.Total swoon, right? It is such a beautiful, peaceful cover and I was drawn to it right away.
Now to be honest, I didn’t choose to read it at first, because I didn’t want another “self-help” book. I sometimes have a tendency to read too many of those types back-to-back; then my head is so full of tips, tricks, suggestions, plans and strategies that I end up needing another self-help book to clear my head and reset to zero. However, I kept coming back to this book and decided to give it a shot. And I am so glad that I did. I adore the way this author writes. I have mentioned before that I crave authentic authors. Women (and men) who are not afraid to admit that they are a downright messy mess, and are currently functioning only because of Jesus Christ. Vicki Courtney does this beautifully. I wanted to read her suggestions, because she was open and honest.
The book is divided in two sections. The first section is entitled “The Intervention.” It is separated out by various soul-wearying maladies. My personal favorite was Chapter Four, called “Worried Sick.” Because worry is my constant companion, and one that I really want to be victorious over. And I loved, loved, LOVED how she identified with me in that area. I was also greatly appreciative that she balanced the worries of being a mother with the worries of just being a human being. Single, married, mother, student…all can benefit from this book.
The second section of the book is entitled “The Recovery.” Here she gives strategies on moving beyond these issues that keep us busy and weigh us down. And they are literally packed full of wisdom. I dog-eared the heck out of this poor, beautiful book.
Bottom Line: Go on and get yourself some rest-assured goodness!
**I received a complimentary copy of this book from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for an honest review.
April 5, 2016
If you’re coming from a place of extreme busyness and you feel that your online life is out of control, you might find good food for thought in Rest Assured: A Recovery Plan for Weary Souls. But if you’ve already thought a lot about this topic and have made good progress in living your priorities, this may not be as rich of a resource.
There were a few drawbacks to the book. I had a problem with the tone in several places. In what seemed like an attempt to be funny the author often put others down in a way that was not actually humorous–it was needlessly mean and catty. In other places, the author wrote in a way that made suggestions seem like imperatives and it took away from her points.
The author clearly calls out social media use and online time wastage in general. While I thought some of her points came across as biased toward life before ubiquitous internet-enabled devices, she did make a strong case for the fact that thoughtful technology use is now counter-cultural.
It is interesting to think about how we could develop a coherent theology of technology use, but I think this might be one of those areas where lack of deep thought leads people to take their own methods and try to apply them as universal standards. I think with technology especially there is a lot of grey space where we have to know ourselves and our attitudes and callings and honestly evaluate it for ourselves. That takes a lot of work, and a checklist would be easier! I do think this book offers some good points to think about, as long as you can approach them with an eye toward filtering the author’s conclusions through the lens of your own tendencies and personality and situation.
{Read a longer version of this review on A Spirited Mind.}
There were a few drawbacks to the book. I had a problem with the tone in several places. In what seemed like an attempt to be funny the author often put others down in a way that was not actually humorous–it was needlessly mean and catty. In other places, the author wrote in a way that made suggestions seem like imperatives and it took away from her points.
The author clearly calls out social media use and online time wastage in general. While I thought some of her points came across as biased toward life before ubiquitous internet-enabled devices, she did make a strong case for the fact that thoughtful technology use is now counter-cultural.
It is interesting to think about how we could develop a coherent theology of technology use, but I think this might be one of those areas where lack of deep thought leads people to take their own methods and try to apply them as universal standards. I think with technology especially there is a lot of grey space where we have to know ourselves and our attitudes and callings and honestly evaluate it for ourselves. That takes a lot of work, and a checklist would be easier! I do think this book offers some good points to think about, as long as you can approach them with an eye toward filtering the author’s conclusions through the lens of your own tendencies and personality and situation.
{Read a longer version of this review on A Spirited Mind.}
November 7, 2015
One of my my main areas of conviction lately has been the constant feeling of busyness that has seeped into my life. I’ve found that I’m often so busy with the things that I would like to do or can’t say no to doing that I’m not free to do the things that I feel like God would have me to do. So, when I received the opportunity to read Vicki Courtney’s new book Rest Assured: A Recovery Plan for Weary Souls, I was sure that I would find some good advice for me in the book.
In this book, Courtney is writing to people who feel overcommitted, over-connected, over-burdened and overwhelmed. People to me who have filled up their lives with busyness so that they can feel accomplished or connected to others but then find that their busyness alienates them from the important things in life. This is a book of two parts. The first four chapters discuss what is going wrong and describe the problem and the solution. The section part has a plan to help us to recover from the sin of busyness. These last four chapters each have a week long challenge plan and at the end of the book there is a 30 day restoration plan.
I have to admit that I totally inhaled this book in the first reading because my busy and hungry soul needed it. Now, I’m reading through the book more slowly, underlining as I go and finding the gems that truly help me see where I’ve messed up as someone who is addicted to busyness. It is my plan to take the weekly challenges and the 30 day challenge as I encounter them this time around. This is a lovely book and one that I’m going to keep on my shelf and refer to often in my effort to ditch the busy things in my life for the important things.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
In this book, Courtney is writing to people who feel overcommitted, over-connected, over-burdened and overwhelmed. People to me who have filled up their lives with busyness so that they can feel accomplished or connected to others but then find that their busyness alienates them from the important things in life. This is a book of two parts. The first four chapters discuss what is going wrong and describe the problem and the solution. The section part has a plan to help us to recover from the sin of busyness. These last four chapters each have a week long challenge plan and at the end of the book there is a 30 day restoration plan.
I have to admit that I totally inhaled this book in the first reading because my busy and hungry soul needed it. Now, I’m reading through the book more slowly, underlining as I go and finding the gems that truly help me see where I’ve messed up as someone who is addicted to busyness. It is my plan to take the weekly challenges and the 30 day challenge as I encounter them this time around. This is a lovely book and one that I’m going to keep on my shelf and refer to often in my effort to ditch the busy things in my life for the important things.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
November 18, 2015
I enjoyed this book and was pleasantly surprised at the author’s candor and gentleness around the topic of our fast-paced lives. She discusses busyness in terms of its payoffs: satisfaction, connection, and identity with essays on each. I liked that she dug into the why instead of just having a list of things to change. Her honesty is relatable for many of us feeling too busy: “Life is pretty crazy right now, but the truth is, I made it that way. I have this weird relationship with chronic busyness, and as a result, I wear myself out trying to maintain the image that I’m wanted, needed, and valued. I feel as if I’m operating on fumes most days. I want to slow down, but I fear I might become obsolete if I do.”
There are Rest Stop questions at the end of each chapter, areas titled Intervention with deeper questions and suggestions for prayer and action steps moving forward, and the second half of the book includes separate Dares lasting around one week for things like media fasts or time spent in quiet.
I also found her approach refreshing regarding quiet time with God. Rather than making a behavior change plan for spending more time with God and in His word, she suggests finding out the real reasons behind our resistance to doing it in the first place. She also gives alternative ideas for both, stating that one size doesn’t fit all.
The end of the book includes a bonus 30 day restoration program with a short item for each day (things like prayer, reflection, declare, choose, ponder, and respond (journal)), as well as a list of 100 ways to rest.
Thank you to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this title.
There are Rest Stop questions at the end of each chapter, areas titled Intervention with deeper questions and suggestions for prayer and action steps moving forward, and the second half of the book includes separate Dares lasting around one week for things like media fasts or time spent in quiet.
I also found her approach refreshing regarding quiet time with God. Rather than making a behavior change plan for spending more time with God and in His word, she suggests finding out the real reasons behind our resistance to doing it in the first place. She also gives alternative ideas for both, stating that one size doesn’t fit all.
The end of the book includes a bonus 30 day restoration program with a short item for each day (things like prayer, reflection, declare, choose, ponder, and respond (journal)), as well as a list of 100 ways to rest.
Thank you to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this title.
November 1, 2015
Rest Assured: A Recovery Plan for Weary Souls is a new book by Christian author Vicki Courtney. This is the first book of Vicki's that I have read.
Rest Assured is divided into two parts. The first part, Enemies of Rest: The Intervention:
The Badge of Busyness
The Exhausting Pursuit of Happiness
Tethered Souls
Worried Sick
The second part, Redeeming Rest, The Recovery:
Prioritize the One Thing Needed: Time for God
Create Room to Breathe: Time for Solitude
Give Yourself a Break: Time for Leisure
Pay It Forward: Time for Others
There are two other sections at the end:
A Thirty Day Restoration Guide
100 Ways to Give it a Rest
Rest Assured is a wonderful read and is a tool to help us to identify the things in our life that are causing us to be exhausted. Women need to learn how to say No, to be able to stop committing to helping with everything. There is only so much we can do in a day. The author shares this thought with us in the introduction: question, “What is your greatest risk?” I realized that my greatest risk at that moment was not to do more, serve more, or prove more, but rather to do less. Much less. So I decided to tell the truth. “My greatest risk is slowing down and resting. I have forgotten how to be still.” (Vicki Courtney. Rest Assured: A Recovery Plan for Weary Souls (Kindle Locations 196-198). Thomas Nelson.) I think we all have forgotten to be still.
I really enjoyed Rest Assured and I think that it would be a great book for a women's bible study to take on.
Rest Assured is divided into two parts. The first part, Enemies of Rest: The Intervention:
The Badge of Busyness
The Exhausting Pursuit of Happiness
Tethered Souls
Worried Sick
The second part, Redeeming Rest, The Recovery:
Prioritize the One Thing Needed: Time for God
Create Room to Breathe: Time for Solitude
Give Yourself a Break: Time for Leisure
Pay It Forward: Time for Others
There are two other sections at the end:
A Thirty Day Restoration Guide
100 Ways to Give it a Rest
Rest Assured is a wonderful read and is a tool to help us to identify the things in our life that are causing us to be exhausted. Women need to learn how to say No, to be able to stop committing to helping with everything. There is only so much we can do in a day. The author shares this thought with us in the introduction: question, “What is your greatest risk?” I realized that my greatest risk at that moment was not to do more, serve more, or prove more, but rather to do less. Much less. So I decided to tell the truth. “My greatest risk is slowing down and resting. I have forgotten how to be still.” (Vicki Courtney. Rest Assured: A Recovery Plan for Weary Souls (Kindle Locations 196-198). Thomas Nelson.) I think we all have forgotten to be still.
I really enjoyed Rest Assured and I think that it would be a great book for a women's bible study to take on.
November 13, 2015
Are you weary? Do you feel like your To Do List is managing you instead of the other way around? Then this book is for you. Vicki Courtney invites women everywhere to toss the badge of busyness and find the rest we all so desperately need. In her frank and authentic style, Vicki shares her own journey of overcommitment and the havoc it wreaked on her soul and her life. In fact, she peels back the curtain and provides examples of situations that occurred even as she wrote the book and how she is becoming intentional about creating margin in her life. As someone who has recently stepped away from several of my own commitments to decrease the stress level in my life, I found this book to be encouraging and inspiring. This book can be read straight through, used for individual reflection, or studied in a small group setting. With its highly practical suggestions for implementing the concepts and suggestions, Rest Assured is a book to be read, reread, and put into practice. Preoder your copy today; you can Rest Assured that you won't regret it! Releasing in stores and online November 17.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from Harper Collins/Thomas Nelson BookLook Bloggers. 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.”
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from Harper Collins/Thomas Nelson BookLook Bloggers. 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.”
October 26, 2018
This is a lovely book about how to take care of our weary souls.
And the solution is quite simple, yet needs some strength - because it is important to recognize that our busyness is yet another way how we are not in real, loving relationship with God. Better communicating with God does not need another exercise of will, another study, another guidance - it needs to invest in the relationships - in time alone, in solitude, in listening, in being with Him.
Also our lives need some self-care, including the freedom from modern technologies and the boundaries of how to set our priorities (relations, not tasks) straight - including the work and other demands. And then we can be more present in the lives of others, too.
The book is about managing our load in life better, aiming to give it its own rightful place in our lives (and it is not by far the first place!).
And all this is told warmly and pracefully - and it feels like visiting with a graceful friend, who is no to pretend everything is Facebook happy, who is not all fake smiles, but the one who wants to connect. And share some wisdom.
I felt great during these visits!
And while the tone is gentle and very helpful - yet is is not without the deep messaqge. And this message hit my home several times.
Recommended read.
And the solution is quite simple, yet needs some strength - because it is important to recognize that our busyness is yet another way how we are not in real, loving relationship with God. Better communicating with God does not need another exercise of will, another study, another guidance - it needs to invest in the relationships - in time alone, in solitude, in listening, in being with Him.
Also our lives need some self-care, including the freedom from modern technologies and the boundaries of how to set our priorities (relations, not tasks) straight - including the work and other demands. And then we can be more present in the lives of others, too.
The book is about managing our load in life better, aiming to give it its own rightful place in our lives (and it is not by far the first place!).
And all this is told warmly and pracefully - and it feels like visiting with a graceful friend, who is no to pretend everything is Facebook happy, who is not all fake smiles, but the one who wants to connect. And share some wisdom.
I felt great during these visits!
And while the tone is gentle and very helpful - yet is is not without the deep messaqge. And this message hit my home several times.
Recommended read.
May 25, 2016
Rest. We all need it right? But sadly rest seems to be undervalued in our culture today. I’ve written about this subject before, and when the book ‘Rest Assured’ came across my path, I knew that it was a must read. Rest Assured is written by Vicki Courtney, a speaker to women of all ages and the best-selling author of many books and Bible studies including 5 Conversations You Must Have with Your Daughter and Ever After.
Rest is such an important subject. Jesus asks us to come to him, all who labour and are heavy laden. In return He promises us His rest. This is a rest that the world cannot offer, but one that is so desperately needed. Frequently we find ourselves overcommitted, pressured, overconnected yet without community, overburdened and overwhelmed. Our lives our full, but what about our souls? Our souls are longing for rest. But if we really want rest, we need to paddle upstream in a downstream world. For rest is countercultural, or so it seems. Read more here: https://latteslacedwithgrace.com/2016...
Rest is such an important subject. Jesus asks us to come to him, all who labour and are heavy laden. In return He promises us His rest. This is a rest that the world cannot offer, but one that is so desperately needed. Frequently we find ourselves overcommitted, pressured, overconnected yet without community, overburdened and overwhelmed. Our lives our full, but what about our souls? Our souls are longing for rest. But if we really want rest, we need to paddle upstream in a downstream world. For rest is countercultural, or so it seems. Read more here: https://latteslacedwithgrace.com/2016...
November 14, 2015
I have done a study by Vicki and this book has a similar writing style. She is very honest and shares her own personal stories within the book about her busy life. We all need rest, but more than that we need to not overload our every day lives which is essentially what this book is about. Each chapter has "homework" you can complete to make it more personal to you. The thing that really stood out to me with this book is the huge list in the back. It includes ways in which to "rest" such as watching a sunset or planting a garden. I think this list gives ideas for your own creative thoughts so you can add to it.
The main thing is while many of us have probably heard about what she is saying in this book before, Vicki makes it applicable to our own lives.
Four stars.
"I received this book from BookLook Bloggers for free in exchange for an honest review."
The main thing is while many of us have probably heard about what she is saying in this book before, Vicki makes it applicable to our own lives.
Four stars.
"I received this book from BookLook Bloggers for free in exchange for an honest review."
January 4, 2016
First book review of the year!
A book written for all those who are too busy taking care of everything, and everybody else. This two part guide identifies the problem with busyness and explains what is really important and how to find true rest and solitude. This guide is written for the Christian reader, as one will discover throughout the many biblical references mentioned in the reading. Of course, the reader would know this as the author states in chapter 5 to “prioritize your time and the number one thing we need is time with God”.
Read the rest of my review here:
http://devinedesignsjewelry.blogspot....
http://devinedesignsjewelry.blogspot....
A book written for all those who are too busy taking care of everything, and everybody else. This two part guide identifies the problem with busyness and explains what is really important and how to find true rest and solitude. This guide is written for the Christian reader, as one will discover throughout the many biblical references mentioned in the reading. Of course, the reader would know this as the author states in chapter 5 to “prioritize your time and the number one thing we need is time with God”.
Read the rest of my review here:
http://devinedesignsjewelry.blogspot....
http://devinedesignsjewelry.blogspot....
March 27, 2016
Rest Assured: A Recovery Plan for Weary Souls is a practical and insightful book for overwhelmed, overbusy moms.
Vicki Courtney shares examples that all moms can relate to, and gives useful advice that can be applied immediately to give you rest.
The book will help you understand why you are too busy and how you can be less busy and less stressed starting today.
You don't want to miss the 100 Ways to Give It a Rest at the end of the book and the 30-day devotion guide.
Note: this book was provided to me by BookLook Bloggers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions here are my own.
Vicki Courtney shares examples that all moms can relate to, and gives useful advice that can be applied immediately to give you rest.
The book will help you understand why you are too busy and how you can be less busy and less stressed starting today.
You don't want to miss the 100 Ways to Give It a Rest at the end of the book and the 30-day devotion guide.
Note: this book was provided to me by BookLook Bloggers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions here are my own.
December 5, 2016
A refreshing look at "taking time to stop and smell the roses." Through practical and Biblical references, the author encourages the reader that it IS okay to take time for herself, no matter what stage in life she may be. The last couple of chapters of lists/ideas of ways to rest and replenish were inspiring. I listened to the book on audio and found the reader's tone to be comforting and soothing, inviting me to rest and breathe deeply amidst life's chaos.
April 6, 2016
This is one of those books that I will probably read again and again. I read it slowly b/c there were so many good pieces of info and it took me a while to "digest" it. I really like the writer and want to read more of her books!
Read
June 28, 2016I got a lot out of this book. It is filled with scripture based examples of slowing down and enjoying life as God intended. Made me look in the mirror a few times. Now to put some of the ideas into action.
November 12, 2017
I needed this book!
I am suffering from burn out and doing too much. I will be using the 30 day challenge starting this coming Monday along with my own BIble study and prayer time. The 100 ways to relax will be a great t tool too. Good book!
I am suffering from burn out and doing too much. I will be using the 30 day challenge starting this coming Monday along with my own BIble study and prayer time. The 100 ways to relax will be a great t tool too. Good book!
May 11, 2019
Our Women’s Ministry team at church chose this book for a study in advance of this year’s spring retreat on the same topic. The writing is light, and our discussions were deep—exactly what we wanted to tackle the problem of busyness. Highly recommended.
February 21, 2016
This book is such a great reminder to pause and allow God to fill our souls.
April 10, 2017
S1V1L1
November 18, 2017
Biblical. Personal. Real life, American problem: feeling guilty for being idle. The devil keeps you busy for a reason! Don’t fall into his ploy.
October 12, 2018
This is a great book. The author has lots of helpful advice.
May 11, 2019
I genuinely enjoyed this book and it was a good reminder to just be still. It was wonderful and I feel so refreshed. Her questions were thought provoking.
April 19, 2024
Courtney is an excellent writer! She is both witty and poignant; encouraging and challenging! She addresses so many heart issues in this book, recognizing the truth of what so many of us deal with, relates to it personally and calls us to the truth of scripture and the person of Christ! This book encouraged my soul and pointed me to Jesus on each page!
December 2, 2022
Great little guide for those who are looking to escape overwhelm and exhaustion. Non-denominational, Christian. Free listen on Audible. I loved it!
October 25, 2024
A book that talks about the importance of rest in a busy world.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews