Making Room: Doing Less So God Can Do More

by Billie Jauss

What is God doing in and through you? It's a question we should all ask ourselves. In Making Room, join a spiritual journey toward the discovery of the reasons behind stagnant faith. Be encouraged to dig deeper, and learn how to put the distractions of life into perspective as you allow God to do more in them and through you. It's time to embrace all the meaningful life moments God has for you to glorify Him

Genres: Christian

192 pages, Paperback

Published January 15, 2018

About the author

Billie Jauss is an international speaker, author, and podcast host with over 35 years of experience navigating life as the wife of an MLB coach. She has been featured on a wide variety of media outlets, including Yahoo Sports, the 700 Club, and numerous podcasts and television programs. She shares her story and insights on stage as a speaker while promoting the work of Compassion International. Billie is on a mission to help women embrace the fact that they are seen, known, and loved. So they can share that love with those God has placed in front of them wherever He puts them.

Reviews

[Megan Byrd · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is a journey of Billie trying to figure out how to be open and available to God working in and through her life. Billie struggled, like many of us, with overextending herself and trying to do everything and be everything for everyone. Realizing that this stressful life was not what was best, she set out to determine what God wanted to do with her unique giftings and temperament in order to have a more purposeful and joy-filled life. The book walks us through her journey and provides encouragement and wisdom for our own life paths.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Making Room is a great resource for those times when you feel as if you're floundering spiritually. When you feel your relationship with Christ has become stagnant, Making Room will give you the tools you need to evaluate what's impeding your spiritual growth and how you can make room - in your busy life, your hardened heart, and your weary soul - for making God's will your own.

I especially enjoyed the real-life examples the author shared from her own experience as she embarked on a spiritual journey spanning various phases of her life.

Making Room may be the shot in the arm you need to re-invigorate you in your Christian journey.

(I received a review copy from the author. Opinions are my own.)

[Rose Lafreniere · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great tool to have in your faith toolbox. She writes with conviction, truth and humor. I enjoyed reading about her faith journey and how she let God direct her steps . She’s honest about her journey and missteps along the way

[Dave Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book, and yes it is aimed at Ladies but there is so much for us Guys as well so relax no one need know, you will find good sound spiritual advice and guidance. Billie Jauss book and life is testament to a lifestyle that she openly admits to mistakes having been made and who hasn't? So she lets GOD use them to lead her plus you me into life changing steps that effect those around us from our home to those we live near and meet everyday or through our everyday lives. I love Billie's honesty and openness and I believe it will encourage and help you to..
I have been given a free copy of this book from NetGalley in return for a honest review, so that's what I have done ✔

[Meredith Feisel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am currently reading Making Room: Doing Less So God Can Do More. By chapter 2 I decided to go back and highlight. Billie has me on a journey already, asking myself questions and having one light bulb moment after another. My faith and spirit are growing stronger and I am really grateful for what I have read and learned already. Perfect timing for me. Thank you to New Hope Publishers for sending me a copy to read early. It came at a perfect time in my life. Little ones, new house and lots to do... it's made me want to sit and find out what Billie has to say next. I already have 3 order for gifts and would make a great gift for anyone who is busy. Ha - so anyone.

[Jane Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book arrived at a time when I was already questioning my faith and my path in life. As I began reading Billie’s words, I felt I could be the author. I then started evaluating my relationship with God just as Billie had. I had so many distractions that kept me from my once faithful daily devotional that kept me closer to God.
If you feel your relationship with God is lacking or missing a close connection, this book will guide you through reconnecting, listening for His guidance, and living with a purpose. I read quickly through and then found the questions in the back of the book which have lead me back to reading it again and really studying and searching myself and my relationship with God.
I encourage everyone to join me in reading this book and making room for God in your daily life.

I would like to thank New Hope Publishers for the free copy of the book they sent me in advance for my honest review of the book. It is a valuable guide in helping me reconnect my relationship with Jesus.

[The Babbling Book Lover · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway from the publisher, my opinion of the book and it's contents are my own.

I have struggled with my relationship with God for most of my life. I drift, and sometimes pull away from my faith, almost as though God and Jesus were distant uncles I only see on holidays. I went through periods of gratitude with the fulfillment of my life, anger and dismay when tragedy crippled my heart. I have forgot, no neglected, to pray more times than I can count or even acknowledge. I have not loved God the way I am loved.
Making Room: Doing Less So God Can Do More is a personal journey to God and limiting distraction in your life to pave the way for a relationship with God. I could relate to some of the things the Author, Billie Jauss related to, the self doubt, negativity, swirling emotions and finding that I haven't been placing God first, but I never had a monumental "Ah-ha!" moment that gave my heart a leap of joy or a proclamation that I could really feel the path to God. I took away some good points, wonderful scripture and some things that I will try to help further my relationship with God, but nothing that made me say, "Gosh I can't wait for _____to read this!". It seems that it has held the hearts of many readers already, it just isn't the book for me.

Happy reading!

[Katharine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every day I wake up and ask myself, "Is this a hard day or an easy day?" I have my own criteria for what "hard" and "easy" means, but the root of what I mean is, "am I going to allow my own anxieties to dominate me or not?" I've found that my easier days come when I choose, no matter what the to-do list has for me, to allow God to move in these tasks.

This is a simplified explanation of what it means to really rest in Christ and I think that Billie Jauss's book, "Making Room" does a better job of showing practically how to trust God in the hard days and easy days.

Her natural enthusiasm and passion for holiness is infectious. Through every chapter, Billie asks tough, but gentle questions that had me thinking about how I need to trust God in all of these tasks, for this day and for future days. She has a confident and wise hold on Scripture and brings up big issues in just the right way. I'm grateful for authors like Billie who are authentic with their own struggles and eloquently encourage other women to work out the wrinkles, even the more painful ones, in their walks with God.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to say, "it's an easy day, because I trust God in it."

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Very Practical Guide For Deepening Your Walk With God

I enjoyed reading Making Room: Doing Less So God Can Do More. I found this book to be deeply insightful and full of practical wisdom. Billie Jauss draws on lessons she has learned in her own spiritual journey, and presents them in practical ways. Drawing closer to God happens by being intentional. Through applying effective tools and ideas, readers can deepen their spiritual walk with God, becoming more fruitful, engaging and intentional. A closer walk with God does not happen by accident, or by striving, or lengthening our already long to-do lists. But it happens by being mindful and open to God's work in our lives. Making Room does just that. I highly recommend this wonderful book!

*I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of Making Room: Doing Less So God Can Do More from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. The opinion stated is my own. I have not been compensated in any way.*

[Candy Shepard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great heart to heart, soul to soul journey with the author to watch how God both fulfills our dreams and puts them on hold. I felt her discernment bloom in the lessons of life that God is on with her, and I felt her learning to accept where He takes her—a necessary beginning while fulfilling your purpose.
Sadly, the grammar mistakes and typos did distract me, and that is unfortunate.

[Joan Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Are you searching for a deeper connection to God? This book has a plan to declutter your life so you have more time to connect with and live the life that God has planned for you. I received this book from Goodreads for free.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Billie is a fellow baseball wife, and I had the opportunity to hear her speak at a Spring Training Luncheon a few years back. She was great then, and maybe even better in this book. I can't even remember the last time I underlined and highlighted so much in a book. seriously so good.

[Kathy Heare Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won a copy of this book during a Goodreads giveaway. I am under no obligation to leave a review or rating and do so voluntarily. I am paying it forward by passing this book along to a family member who I think will enjoy it too.

[Gwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Making Room was like a breath of fresh air. I was moved that the author thought so much of us, as to be so transparent and bring us along in her journey. The connection is real, and the fact that she wanted to make this connection with her readers is so appreciated. I needed this. Thank you Billie!

Billie shares how she focused on the things around her that moved her towards gratitude, placing value in her surroundings after careful inspection of her life and her thoughts. It’s one thing to just appear to be happy, but to actually feel that way takes more work for some than others. That was the little nudge I needed to encourage me to be thankful for even the little things, and focus on the One who created it all.

Another gentle nudge came in the chapter about distractions and how we can be pulled in so many different directions that we forget to take time out to rest. I’m such an advocate for self-care and can talk to everyone around me about it, but I don’t heed my own advice. She shares how we need to embrace Sabbath rest, put away our lists, set aside our mounting tasks, and make room for God to give us our priorities, while we make Him ours.

There are so many nuggets I took away from this book, but I think I can sum it up in her own words... When we place value in the necessary places, it lends itself to this incredible outcome, “living with the intention of an aim or purpose concerning God’s calling makes our lives matter”.

[Debbie Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Making Room, Doing Less So God Can Do More, by Billie Jauss! I love this book! Billie brings home how quickly life can get filled with the wrong things. She gives us permission to simplify and realign ourselves with what really matters. Her heart warming stories as the wife of a major league baseball coach, will touch you in the deepest place. She's transparent, and honest about her journey, which at times left me in tears knowing someone understands. Finding time to spend with God will ultimately change us at the deepest level. Billie leads us on a journey to discover how we can accomplish this.

[Whitney Werling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Making Room was a book that took me by surprise. I thought the synopsis sounded intriguing but I wasn't sure what to expect. The author delivered. I found the book engaging and very useful. The author took real issues and gave practical advice for allowing God to work. It really had me evaluating decisions I make in my own life and whether or not I needed to make a change. I can see myself re-reading this book again. I think it would be a helpful tool to reevaluate where I am in the future. I will be on the lookout for more books by Billie Jauss in the future!
* I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review *

[Michelle Castaneda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Making Room: Doing Less So God Can Do More by Billie Jauss is a refreshing look at living the Christian life. Billie Jauss is the wife of a Major League Baseball coach. Moving around the country and mothering three children has kept her very busy. In this book, she writes honest reflections of how we can make space in our lives for God to work powerfully through us, in ways we never dreamt possible. She write about the ways God works powerfully through us, even in our own homes. This book is simple, but quite profound and inspiring. I highly recommend it to anyone and I think it is a book I would return to often for its fresh and inspiring perspective. I sincerely hope the author writes more books in the future. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes. These opinions are entirely my own.

[Patti Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

In "Making Room Doing Less So God Can Do More", Billie Jauss writes a conversational style book about how to make choices which allow God to do more in our lives. Too many times today we become so wrapped up in doing things and becoming involved in extra activities that we lose our connection with God. It takes our focus away from the One who created us in His Image. When we do less and spend more time with God, He can do more in us and through us.

One of my favorite parts of this book talks about distractions. Several years ago we heard a missionary talk at our church about how distractions are bad. It has become one of the catch-phrases of our family. This particular chapter helped reinforce that concept and reminded me of how I need to focus on God and not worry so much about other things.

I thoroughly recommend this book. It is definitely one every Christian can benefit from reading.