Between Walden and the Whirlwind: The Key to Order in an Overwhelming World

by Jean Fleming

For author Jean Fleming, life as a Christian seemed increasingly characterized by a whirlwind of disciplines and demands, which threatened to sweep away the quiet center of intimacy with God she so longed for. Struggling to reconcile the desire to draw apart with God - to find her own spiritual "Walden" - with the demands to spend herself in the whirlwind of ministry to others, Jean set a major, year-long goal: "to simplify my life...to tame my schedule and to unclutter my environment."

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian Living, Womens, Christian, Christian Non Fiction, Faith, Spirituality

104 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 1985

About the author

Jean Fleming grew up in Maryland, came to Christ in her senior year of high school and met a Navigator-trained fellow student in college. She married Roger in 1965 and they went to their first staff assignment with The Navigators in San Diego, California, followed by assignments to South Korea, Okinawa, Tucson, Seattle, Colorado Springs, and Montrose, Colorado.

Jean's primary ministry focus has been one-to-one ministry with a passion to touch the generation behind her for the future of the work of Christ. She has also written A Mother’s Heart, Between Walden and the Whirlwind (reprinted as Finding Focus in a Whirlwind World), Homesick Heart, Feeding Your Soul, and magazine articles.

Reviews

[Bambi Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful, just beautiful. Like water thrown on thirsty ground. Made "remember this!" markings and comments throughout.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Because Jean Fleming wrote probably my favorite book on motherhood, A Mother's Heart, I searched for any other wisdom I could get from her. I found this one, refreshingly about schedules. She brings sound biblical wisdom to the issues of busyness and scheduling, questioning not only our activities but also our goals through the lens of Scripture. I found it to be somewhat dated, but still full of wonderful wisdom that I felt was being delivered Titus 2-style: an older mentor putting her arm around my shoulder and telling me the truth.

[Brenda Warren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jean Fleming continues as a wise and dear mentor to me through her writing. This book is a quick read but full of thoughtful, clear & wise pondering on how to focus our lives, to live for the One who is our Director and Audience, understanding the need for solitude and service…what it means to be spent and to be refreshed. Ultimately where are the eyes of my heart focused…it’s been a precious and needed reminder to me this week.

[Trisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short read, but one that is packed with much to ponder and pray about and apply. It's clear that Fleming was living the intentional life years ago. How blessed we are to enjoy and be spurred on by the thoughts of a woman who is rich towards God.

[Read1000books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have now read this great book three times (I actually have both a paperback and hardcover copy), have benefitted from it each time, and will probably read it again in the future. It is certainly on my list of "Twelve Books Every Christian Should Read", especially if you are stressed out and/or too busy.
Here are a few good quotes:
"If we play our life to men, we receive the kinds of rewards men give; if we focus on pleasing our Father in Heaven, we receive the kinds of rewards God gives".
"to diligently occupy ourselves doing what we want, to keep from doing what we ought, is not commendable or wise".
"we know God as well as we choose to".
And lastly, a very relevant statement for today (written in 1985) for some who wish to twist Jesus into Someone He is not:
"His mission was not to eradicate the pain of illness or poverty. He never healed everyone or overthrew unjust social structures to even out the inequalities of society. Jesus viewed the needs of men-their infirmaties, bondage, and poverty-as portals through which deeper eternal needs might be met".

[Becky Pliego · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love reading Jean Fleming, Elisabeth Elliot, and Nancy Wilson. It is like sitting on a coffee shop with them enjoying their wonderful conversation, and taking in the wisdom that the Lord has bless them with.

This book was no exception. Wise and graceful words from older women are always timely.

[Marianne Stehr · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ick, this is so slow, boring, repetitive and completely out of touch with today that it is worthless. There must be books that are more relevant and capture the concept of getting closer to God in a more modern way.

[Read1000books · Rating 3 out of 5]

A comforting, little book about slowing down and putting what matters first. I have now read it three times, this last time in a devotional way since the format of the chapters works well that way too. Highly recommended.

[Kathleen Satterthwaite · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm different in this time around reading this book. Always a good reminder of the tension we all live in - between Walden and the whirlwind of our lives. And Jesus' life in the midst of both. Good and needed reminders often.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book for the woman who wants to live an intentional life. I will read this one again and again.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read the first couple of chapters several times, being impacted by the simplicity of her description of what it means to live a Christ-Centered life.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I see many of these ideas recycled in books today, but this is simplified version, easily read and digested. I am certain to read it again. These truths are too easily forgotten.