Breathe: Creating Space for God in a Hectic Life

by Keri Wyatt Kent

Multitasking is becoming the norm for many women who consistently find themselves trying to juggle kids, errands, church activities, jobs, and relationships. For women who have become caught up in the hectic pace of everyday life, this new book from MOPS author, Keri Wyatt Kent offers help and hope.

Based on Jesus's call "Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest," Breathe shares true stories and practical examples of how to find the rest Jesus promised. This engaging, down-to-earth book challenges the lie that a mother's value is found in what she does rather than who she is. Calling women away from the hectic life, Breathe shows the way to a central place of rest ultimately found in one's relationship with God.

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

256 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2005

About the author

Keri Wyatt Kent is the coauthor with Michael Hingson of Live Like a Guide Dog. She is the author of GodSpace: Embracing the Inconvenient Adventure of Intimacy with God, and eleven other books, and the co-author of a dozen other books. She's the founder of A Powerful Story, a writing, editing and publishing company. She and her husband Scot have two grown children. Learn more about Keri at www.keriwyattkent.com.

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most important lesson I learned from this book is the danger of the thought that "I am busy therefore I am important" or "Because I am busy, I am important!" It is a perfect read in little "breaths" over a cup of coffee, during a child's nap, or a solitary lunch at work. It is a manifesto AGAINST doing too much, and a reminder that busyness "for God" often works directly against what He is trying to accomplish in our spiritual lives. Sometimes we need LESS scheduled Bible Studies, Sunday Schools, small groups, service dates, social outings, etc. to slow down and let God work in our hearts.

[Michal · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. There were a lot of nuggets of wisdom about keeping the Sabbath that I found practical. Since the book seemed to be geared towards primarily mothers, I didn’t get as much out of it as I think others may have.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok, I just finished this book--and I thought it was important and had great ideas and explanations for creating rest and focus in our lives but it was WAY TOO LONG!!! As far as the content--it definitely helps the reader analyze whether or not her life is too hectic and hurried and if so, how do we learn to slow down, say 'no', trim off the excess nonsense in our lives? I found it valuable to help me ask myself WHY I choose to say "yes" to some things--is it because 'everyone is doing it', it makes me feel important, or is it a habit? What SHOULD I say yes to? So, in that respect, I liked the book--it was helpful and insightful. It would have been much more effective, for me personally, for the book to have been half the length. It was SO repetitive. Ironically, I found myself wanting to rush through it because I just was tired of reading the same thing over and over... yet, I was supposed to be learning the skill of slowing down and breathing and being patient. Instead I was annoyed! Maybe that's something I need to work on! The author of Breathe, Keri Wyatt Kent, also mentions many, many times, the power of living in the moment--cherishing what we have and not rushing past it by reliving the past or worrying about the future. But her solution is to live by biblical principles (create a routine of work and rest, be still and listen to what God is telling you, and don't do things just because it's the culture--it's ok to say NO to things to have sanity in your family.

[Amber Hosch · Rating 1 out of 5]

Stopped at 75 pages. The book description and intro were interesting, but overall it was choppy/didn’t flow and didn’t relate back to the description/intro well. I also didn’t feel it personally related to moms who don’t base importance on busyness or aren’t very involved in church affairs.

[Jenny Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book when I was in MOPs (like 20 years ago)--Mothers of Preschoolers–and did not have time to read past the first chapter or two. The first chapter is almost 20 pages long–too many pages for a young mother of a preschooler, much less a mother of multiple kids who is too busy to stop and read this book to find out how not to be as busy.

There were a few points that I appreciated from the author such as not guilting the reader about not having “quiet time.” That God is more interested in a soul connection than your religious activities (p28). Additionally, she addresses the pressure that parents feel about getting their kids in certain activities young so that they will achieve more later (p42). The author also relates a story of a mom who has taught her kids that it's their job to love their siblings (p118).

I would caution that if you’re going to read this book you do so before you have kids, or when they are babies so that you can set boundaries early. It will be a challenge to find time to read this book after your child/ren and other family members are in so many activities that you find it hard to breathe. And while the author repeatedly assures the reader that they can pick an hour, a weeknight, to begin practicing simplicity, the author keeps coming back to the semi-traditional Sunday Sabbath (some traditions observe Saturday as Sabbath). For church staff and frequent Sunday volunteers, Sunday Sabbath is not feasible. Yet Sunday Sabbath seems to be the subtext of the book. In addition, a day of rest was part of the 10 commandments, part of The Law and the Prophets, which was a foreshadowing of Jesus and which Jesus fulfilled. I agree with the author that we need to create space for God and breathe, but maybe that’s not about a whole day to rest but moments throughout the week. Some of her stories do try to reflect that. Periodically, she talked about prayer “that brings you into God’s presence.” I have talked to folks who would ask “what does that even mean?” Often, I think, hearing from God or being in His presence is hyped as an over-spiritualized experience and many will say they have never “felt it.” Prayer is just talking, and God can communicate with us in different ways.

Probably one of the most helpful take-aways was when the author noted from Carlson and Bailey that being mindful of your thoughts can be the biggest change you make.

Yes, this book could potentially help someone, but it is long-winded.

[Sabrina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This had some really great ways of putting a different way to think and look at simplifying and slowing down... such as questions to ask yourself that makes you think about it in a different way then just getting rid of stuff or saying no to doing things. I appreciated those.

There are some things that I didn't exactly agree with but that is stuff that isn't for me and how my life is and that is ok.


I think it is worth the read and take what you can suet find your Sabbath Simplicity.

[Adrienne Baldwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly appreciated the wisdom of life this book offered.

[Joanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Didn't enjoy this one as much as some of her others. Liked some of the practical exercises (tree)

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my latest read and is a call to “come unto Him to rest”, a remembering of the sabbath and a reminder to slow down. I loved the parts about how, when we set boundaries, we’re modelling good behaviour to our kids and raising healthy adults. This book is so I old I don’t even think it’s on Kindle 🙈 and if you struggle to slow down and rest, I do recommend it as I gave it 3.75🌟

[Thechicgeek · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. Keri Wyatt Kent has some excellent recommendations for calming a hectic life. She reinforces the importance of taking time out to sit with God, to relax, to just be present in the moment where we are. I believe, good advice for us all. She writes this from the perspective of a busy mom with young children. Having raised young children myself I could relate to all of her stories. Only issue for me is that I wanted to go spiritually deeper and her antidotes about her family life, although enjoyable, just didn't bring me further on my path. I would read, smile, laugh, and think, oh, yes, I remember those days.
The invaluable jewel that I did receive from this book was the desire to set aside Sabbath time, time to rest and refresh myself both physically and spiritually. Since reading this book I have done just that. I have set aside a day to just breathe, to block out the world and spend time doing only pleasurable activities, and only with people that I truly enjoy. I spend quiet time in prayer and meditation. I believe when it comes time to leave this world that the only thing we can take with us are relationships. Ms. Kent reminds me to focus on the truly important things in life. That alone makes this book a worthwhile read.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't fully explain how much I love this book. It brings sanity to parenting by emphasizing the importance of your relationship with God. This overflows into so many areas, and I loved reading about other women who had deliberately chosen some of the same "unpopular" things that our family has done - not enrolling in every sport at age 3, valuing the family dinner table, allowing time for boredom so kids can be creative, having small birthday parties in our home...

She doesn't pull any punches, explaining that when you slow down enough to hear God's whispers, you may also feel other things your busyness has been drowning out, some of which may be uncomfortable emotions. However, God is faithful, and all the women in this book would confirm that their simplifying has been a huge blessing for themselves, their marriages, and their families.

[Caly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I may have rated this book lower if it weren't for something in the afterword. It seemed to me like he author was constantly telling the reader that the path to simplicity is different for everyone and yet, almost every real life mom she talked about seemed to do the same sort of thing. Most of them tried lowering their hours at work or their volunteer obligations, but eventually gave up their job. I started to get a little disheartened. However, in the afterword she addressed this more thoroughly and I regained more hope for my own journey.

Overall, I thought there were some great thoughts in his book and definitely some ideas to ponder. The "Breathing Exercises" were mostly helpful and brought me some insight into my relationship with God.

[Kirsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Creating space to breathe is not simple, but it leads to simplicity. This is not a how to do book. Keri invites the reader (aimed at mothers of younger children, but applicable to all walks of life) to examine where God may be calling them in order to develop a deeper relationship with Him.
Keri weaves the stories of real-life women together with the 'working-out' of practices that help to facilitate a deeper walk with the Creator, and in turn, to become more like Christ. These are not rules, nor steps on a ladder, but practices to develop relationship.
[I was given a copy of the e-version to read provided I wrote a review.]

[Maria Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book. I just finished reading it for the 2nd time (first time about 18 mos. ago). The author's mantra is "ruthlessly eliminate hurry" -- something that's personally hard for me to do, especially in our culture (both secular and church) where everyone around me seems to be in a rush. Great reminders, convicting truths. I highly recommend this book. (I just purchased another of her books, REST: Living in Sabbath Simplicity. Very much looking forward to reading that after I get through a couple of the ones I'm currently reading!)

[Kayce · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a MOPs author (Mothers of Preschoolers), this author definitely wrote this book for busy mom's. That's pretty evident on the back cover as well, but I thought I'd check it out anyway. It was hard for me to relate to because I'm not a mom and don't have carpools, kids sports, childrens schedules and activities to handle. Moms definitely have more on their plate and I think if you are a mom feeling overwhelmed, this book is for you :) I particularly enjoyed her chapters on living in Sabbath Simplicity, which led me to her other book, Rest. I have that one in the hopper to read soon!

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really appreciate this book. It's great for mothers of all stages of life. Through numerous examples, you learn how mothers get so busy with family, church, work and life commitments that we don't stop to make time for ourselves & God. It offers practical ways to make more time to devote to your relationship with God and discusses the benefits you'll reap from a slower paced life.

I read this book at just the right time and am thrilled I did.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book...it discusses (and provides encouraging examples of) the importance of balance in our daily life. Maintaining a healthy balance between my spiritual, personal and career needs is important for creating a happy, challenging and peaceful life for myself. If nothing else, this quick read allowed me to slow down a bit and take an assessment of my own life's balance.

[Cherise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not sure how a book can be so simultaneously encouraging and convicting, but "Breathe" has been both! God has used this book to challenge my assumptions about why I am so busy and give me a new appreciation for the heart of Jesus regarding the Sabbath, as well as practical ideas for slowing down. If you feel "hurried", or have always thought of a day of rest as "impractical", this book is awesome! The author is very balanced and stays far away from legalism.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

My husband and I read this book to each other every morning for a few months. This book was like a breath of fresh air in our lives. The author does a wonderful job of putting things in perspective and giving specific ideas for how to slow down the pace of your day and focus on Christ and what He wants for us, a life full of peace and purposeful living. Excellent book for anyone.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

"God is as close as the air you breathe. We can choose to live life gasping and grasping . Or we can breathe deeply...and experience his simple, restful presence."

Great book! but read it slowly to let it all sink in. The real-life examples of busyness in each chapter tend to get long and repetitive, but the advice is grounded Biblically.

[Natasha · Rating 2 out of 5]

An encouraging book that challenges the reader to think about their daily lifestyle while giving helpful tips to healthy living. A great book for moms, working moms, moms or moms! :) (I'm sure women who are not moms can also benefit from this great book too!) :)

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this author has sage advice for women living in a culture focused on constant doing. She encourages us to limit activities and obligations and to prioritize well. One example is to set aside time for family meals.

[Shelley Lawrence · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great insights that are counter-cultural, but pro-Biblical. Slowing down, enjoying life, finding meaning, living a purposeful life and a Christ-centered one...it can be done! Doing more doesn't make you important, doing what matters does.

[Marshan Alma · Rating 1 out of 5]

This wasn't my type of book. I guess I'm just not busy enough to read it. I got more out of the Afterword than I did the whole book. She focused a lot on what she called "Sabbath Simplicity." Just not my thing.

[Chandra Boulden · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall an average book on simplicity... However I really liked the reframing of interruptions, when Jesus was interrupted he didn't get upset he dealt with the need and moved on. A great reminder of who we are as individuals matters, not what we do.

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were a lot of great "take aways" in this book. I enjoyed reading a little each day and really letting her words soak in over time. A friend gave me this book. I plan to pass it on to another friend who might need to "breathe."

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! Explores the challenges of a Christian wife and mom and how to find the right balance of work/rest and rejuvenating the soul.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book free as part of my MOPs membership, and I have to say I loved it. It was great and really inspiring to me to take a minute to Thank God, pray medidtate, whatever.

[Spring · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finished a quick reread of this one, for some encouragement coming into a "sabbatical season" for us.

[Kira · Rating 5 out of 5]

if you're a mom with a stressed and hurried life, this book is a life saver!!