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Growing Slow Bible Study: A 6-Week Guided Journey to Un-Hurrying Your Heart
We want to believe that a slower life is possible, but we're afraid of what we'll miss if we don't keep up the pace. So we bend to the pressure and miss the gift of rest and slowness. What if we could move from a place of depleting hurry to grasp the high reward of good things grown slowly? In this Bible study, which accompanies a trade book by the same name, Jennifer Dukes Lee helps readers dig deep into Scripture to reveal how land is a picture of our slow growth into claiming the promises of God. The land is more than a backdrop for the Bible. It is a central part of the magnificent narrative, from the very beginning when Creator God used dirt to make life on a farm called Eden. Jennifer weaves these biblical lessons into her own experience of the importance of land, gleaned from her fifth-generation farm. The land--both then and now--teaches us how to un-hurry our hurry-sick hearts.
121 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 11, 2021
26 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Dukes Lee
19 books263 followersI write books. I embarrass my kids. I was once a mime. (True story). I attend a small country church where some Sundays you'll find me spinning tunes as the church deejay.
I'm a big fan of dark chocolate, emojis, eighties music, bright lipstick, and Netflix binges. My husband and I are raising crops, pigs, a herd of cats, and two beautiful humans on the Lee family farm in Iowa.
My newest book, It's All Under Control, releases in September. (There's also a six-week companion Bible study.)
I wrote a couple other books: The Happiness Dare, and Love Idol.
I'm a journalist at heart. I used to cover crime, politics, and natural disasters as a news reporter for metropolitan daily newspapers. Now, I use my reporting skills to chase after the biggest story ever: the redemptive story of Christ. (That's front-page news.)
I cling to the hope of a cross, and I'm passionate about sharing the Good News through story. I believe in miracles; I am one. I marvel at God's unrelenting grace for stumbling sinners like me, who have been made whole through Christ. I believe in scandalous grace, and that the cross is the most priceless and costly gift the world has ever seen. I believe that it really is all because of Jesus.
You can connect with me online at:
My website
My Facebook page
On Twitter
On Instagram
I'm a big fan of dark chocolate, emojis, eighties music, bright lipstick, and Netflix binges. My husband and I are raising crops, pigs, a herd of cats, and two beautiful humans on the Lee family farm in Iowa.
My newest book, It's All Under Control, releases in September. (There's also a six-week companion Bible study.)
I wrote a couple other books: The Happiness Dare, and Love Idol.
I'm a journalist at heart. I used to cover crime, politics, and natural disasters as a news reporter for metropolitan daily newspapers. Now, I use my reporting skills to chase after the biggest story ever: the redemptive story of Christ. (That's front-page news.)
I cling to the hope of a cross, and I'm passionate about sharing the Good News through story. I believe in miracles; I am one. I marvel at God's unrelenting grace for stumbling sinners like me, who have been made whole through Christ. I believe in scandalous grace, and that the cross is the most priceless and costly gift the world has ever seen. I believe that it really is all because of Jesus.
You can connect with me online at:
My website
My Facebook page
On Twitter
On Instagram
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 20, 2021
Thanks to Bethany House for the free review copy.
I want to start by saying I did not read the book that goes along with this study because I started this before the book was published. However, that did not take away any of the amazingness of this study.
Throughout each week in this study, the author tells a story and how it relates to growing slow - and it's always tied back into the land somehow. There are verses to look up and fill in the blanks, questions to answer, and a place for reflection and prayer. There was so much depth in this study. I thought about things that I didn't even realize needed dealt with. I also just love the message of slowing down and letting God work slowly within you. Along the way, the author candidly shares some of her struggles and how growing slow has helped her deepen her relationship with the Father.
I want to start by saying I did not read the book that goes along with this study because I started this before the book was published. However, that did not take away any of the amazingness of this study.
Throughout each week in this study, the author tells a story and how it relates to growing slow - and it's always tied back into the land somehow. There are verses to look up and fill in the blanks, questions to answer, and a place for reflection and prayer. There was so much depth in this study. I thought about things that I didn't even realize needed dealt with. I also just love the message of slowing down and letting God work slowly within you. Along the way, the author candidly shares some of her struggles and how growing slow has helped her deepen her relationship with the Father.
July 23, 2022
A beautiful study on learning how to grow slowly just the way God intended. JDL unpacks why hurry culture is hurting us and encourages us through scripture and examples of growth in nature to unhurry our hearts. She walk us through all the seasons of planting and harvesting to show the process of growth. It’s done beautifully.
May 12, 2021
It’s spring – the time of new life, unexpected growth, and anticipation.
Our grass was mowed for the first time yesterday, the flower beds were edged, and hopefully the wood chips will get freshened up today.
It was the right time to pick up the Bible Study, “Growing Slow: A 6-Week Guided Journey to Un-Hurry Your Heart” by Jennifer Dukes Lee.
While it is six sessions designed to be done over six weeks, I admit I have only done the first week. Now I fully intend to do the remaining five but I don’t want to rush through in order to post a review. What would be the point if the focus is to slow down, to be less hurried, and to learn the treasure to be found in rest and slowness?
We live in a culture that is fast-paced, admires multi-tasking, and moving through our days and responsibilities quickly in order to get to the next thing. Often we miss gleaning the treasures to be found in what lies right in front of us.
We live in fear of missing out on the next thing. We become anxious that life will move on without us. We live with a hurried heart:
“A hurried heart is the anxious way you feel when you calculate all that must be done. It’s the weight on your chest when you think you’ve got to hustle. It the pressure to catch up with everyone else. And it’s the condition that makes you falsely believe that the small, good things you’re growing really aren’t that great after all.”
(Jennifer Dukes Lee, Growing Small Bible Study, page 8)
We have been trained to hurry, to constantly move from one thing to the next.
The first session was wonderful, a comforting balm to my soul. The video (they are all free by the way) brought insights from the farm. Jennifer Dukes Lee delivers her thoughts in the most un-hurried of ways, which slowed my thoughts down as a peace filled my mind.
Week One focuses on the word “Cultivate”, bringing an understanding of preparation and patience. She reminds us:
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promises, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
(2 Peter 3:9, NIV)
The questions are thought provoking, and caused me to dig deeper at times. The digging brought clarity and understanding:
God will grow things according to His will, in His way, and in His time.
I am very much looking forward to slowing my heart and doing the remainder of this study. This is a wonderful study to do in a group or alone.
*** I received this book from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Our grass was mowed for the first time yesterday, the flower beds were edged, and hopefully the wood chips will get freshened up today.
It was the right time to pick up the Bible Study, “Growing Slow: A 6-Week Guided Journey to Un-Hurry Your Heart” by Jennifer Dukes Lee.
While it is six sessions designed to be done over six weeks, I admit I have only done the first week. Now I fully intend to do the remaining five but I don’t want to rush through in order to post a review. What would be the point if the focus is to slow down, to be less hurried, and to learn the treasure to be found in rest and slowness?
We live in a culture that is fast-paced, admires multi-tasking, and moving through our days and responsibilities quickly in order to get to the next thing. Often we miss gleaning the treasures to be found in what lies right in front of us.
We live in fear of missing out on the next thing. We become anxious that life will move on without us. We live with a hurried heart:
“A hurried heart is the anxious way you feel when you calculate all that must be done. It’s the weight on your chest when you think you’ve got to hustle. It the pressure to catch up with everyone else. And it’s the condition that makes you falsely believe that the small, good things you’re growing really aren’t that great after all.”
(Jennifer Dukes Lee, Growing Small Bible Study, page 8)
We have been trained to hurry, to constantly move from one thing to the next.
The first session was wonderful, a comforting balm to my soul. The video (they are all free by the way) brought insights from the farm. Jennifer Dukes Lee delivers her thoughts in the most un-hurried of ways, which slowed my thoughts down as a peace filled my mind.
Week One focuses on the word “Cultivate”, bringing an understanding of preparation and patience. She reminds us:
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promises, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
(2 Peter 3:9, NIV)
The questions are thought provoking, and caused me to dig deeper at times. The digging brought clarity and understanding:
God will grow things according to His will, in His way, and in His time.
I am very much looking forward to slowing my heart and doing the remainder of this study. This is a wonderful study to do in a group or alone.
*** I received this book from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
May 30, 2021
In Growing Slow Bible Study, Jennifer Dukes Lee follows mainly along with her book Growing Slow. It isn’t required but it’s helpful. The book is divided into six sessions of the growing season: cultivate, plant, grow, harvest, celebrate, and heal. It also explored a key Bible verse, my land, your land, the holy land, un-hurry your heart, and a prayer. Throughout the book, she will look at how to slow down, laying down your burdens, growing into the areas you need to grow into, and finding the value of what is already growing, and healing. In the book, she explained how she was a rock picker for her first job. She was amazed by how there would be new rocks every single year. They were there hiding under the surface all along and she explained how winter helped to heal the land. The reason why they looked for and picked up rocks was to not harm the farm equipment. She used this story to explain how she had her own buried stones in her life from hurtful words, beliefs of not being good enough, secret fears, and past sins. She revealed how important it is to remember the stones and to seek true freedom. She also explored 1 Samuel 7 and how Samuel chose to remember the stones and how God performed goodness towards the Israelites. She looked at the year of Jubilee and how that fits into healing the land and healing us. She also included a cutout or a printable version of a stone where they can write down some of their stones and throw them away.
I would recommend this incredible Bible study to anyone who is ready to enjoy their life and they are wanting to grow deeper. I liked how transparent she was in sharing examples from her own life about how she was able to unclutter her heart and to slow down. My favorite lessons in the book were about healing and letting God assist you in releasing the stones that are weighting us down in life. There is freedom that is available if only we will go through the process. I also liked how she included special free videos and a leader’s guide to provide readers with the extra tools that they may benefit from. I haven’t read her original book and after this study it does seem to be like a book I will have to check out.
"I received this book free from the publisher, Bethany House/ Chosen for my honest review.”
May 5, 2021
Do you sometimes feel you can’t keep up anymore? After reading all the productivity books and setting worthwhile goals, do you ever feel you’re still barely holding on to the back bumper of the train called Life and wish there was another way? If yes, then Growing Slow is for you.
In a world full of shirts, signs, and coffee mugs that encourage us to hustle, Jennifer Dukes Lee challenges you to focus on growing what is meaningful and long lasting. With the temptation of FOMO looming overhead, my worry of missing out was focused on the wrong things.
One quote I’ve loved is “If you saw your progress the way God does, you’d never doubt for a moment that you’re making a difference.”
As I went through this study guide and book, I realized that the hurried mindset opens me up to comparison and discontentment. I want to rush away certain seasons of parenting because they don’t feel worthwhile or appear to bear much fruit. Jennifer’s teaching has challenged me on that, and I’m grateful.
With the truths presented in this study guide and book, I am taking more calming breaths while I stop hurrying and start resting. I am resting in Jesus and enjoying Him and His Word far more than the obligation I felt before to get my quiet time done to be able to start my day.
I enjoy the free teaching videos included, the reflection questions and the fill-in-the-blank verses for digging into the Word, but the prayers at the end of each week are my favorite!
In a world full of shirts, signs, and coffee mugs that encourage us to hustle, Jennifer Dukes Lee challenges you to focus on growing what is meaningful and long lasting. With the temptation of FOMO looming overhead, my worry of missing out was focused on the wrong things.
One quote I’ve loved is “If you saw your progress the way God does, you’d never doubt for a moment that you’re making a difference.”
As I went through this study guide and book, I realized that the hurried mindset opens me up to comparison and discontentment. I want to rush away certain seasons of parenting because they don’t feel worthwhile or appear to bear much fruit. Jennifer’s teaching has challenged me on that, and I’m grateful.
With the truths presented in this study guide and book, I am taking more calming breaths while I stop hurrying and start resting. I am resting in Jesus and enjoying Him and His Word far more than the obligation I felt before to get my quiet time done to be able to start my day.
I enjoy the free teaching videos included, the reflection questions and the fill-in-the-blank verses for digging into the Word, but the prayers at the end of each week are my favorite!
August 15, 2021
When we listen to the word, grow we never think slow. We want and maybe think need things now and fast. On this six-week Bible study, Jennifer Dukes Lee takes us on a journey of discovering. In this bible study, I could learn God works slow, steadily, and with a purpose. Even when it seems like nothing is happening on the outside. Each week we took to have a theme, the main focus, my land, holy land, and un-hurried your heart section.
One of the things I like about this bible study is that no matter the age or occupation you can participate in this bible study, we don’t have daily activities, so each person doesn’t have the pressure on working a specific time each day. I like that since some days we have more time than others. Also, the videos posted on her website are also useful for the study.
This bible study shows me, good things can grow in the soil of adversity, I need to be grateful in the season I am right and not try to push faster to another one that maybe God is just preparing me. It takes time, but I believe like Jennifer Dukes says: God wants us to have peace and joy, so instead of running or rushing my recommendation is to slow down and see the beautiful things God wants to do now.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free digital copy for review, all opinions are my own.
One of the things I like about this bible study is that no matter the age or occupation you can participate in this bible study, we don’t have daily activities, so each person doesn’t have the pressure on working a specific time each day. I like that since some days we have more time than others. Also, the videos posted on her website are also useful for the study.
This bible study shows me, good things can grow in the soil of adversity, I need to be grateful in the season I am right and not try to push faster to another one that maybe God is just preparing me. It takes time, but I believe like Jennifer Dukes says: God wants us to have peace and joy, so instead of running or rushing my recommendation is to slow down and see the beautiful things God wants to do now.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free digital copy for review, all opinions are my own.
April 19, 2021
I had read Jennifer Lee's previous book, It's All Under Control, and so was interested in this new book. This is a companion Bible study to the book, Growing Slow. You do not absolutely have to read the book to use the study, but it would be helpful. There are six sections in the Bible study, designed to be completed over a six week time period. The book has a farm and growing theme and would be especially interesting to Christian women who garden or like nature. This Bible study is designed to help women "un-hurry" their hearts and live in the present moment.
This study would best be completed in a small group and the study also includes a leaders guide in the back of the book as well as links to companion videos that are available on-line. I encourage women's Bible study leaders to check this book out as a topical study guide.
I received a complementary copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This study would best be completed in a small group and the study also includes a leaders guide in the back of the book as well as links to companion videos that are available on-line. I encourage women's Bible study leaders to check this book out as a topical study guide.
I received a complementary copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 29, 2021
While I didn't read the accompanying book, I did watch the videos that go along with this study. The author references the other book in this study, so not having the book didn't take prevent me from benefitting from this Bible study.
The book is divided into six weeks, and the author relates each one to the land. The sections are: Cultivate, Plant, Grow, Harvest, Celebrate, and Heal. There are stories, Bible references, fill-in-the-blank, and reflection sections for each week. I've been told for some time (by friends, family, and my body) that I need to slow down, so this study came at the perfect time.
One of my favorite quotes: "The very thing that has caused you the most hurt might be the thing God wants to repurpose for moments of greatest growth."
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.
The book is divided into six weeks, and the author relates each one to the land. The sections are: Cultivate, Plant, Grow, Harvest, Celebrate, and Heal. There are stories, Bible references, fill-in-the-blank, and reflection sections for each week. I've been told for some time (by friends, family, and my body) that I need to slow down, so this study came at the perfect time.
One of my favorite quotes: "The very thing that has caused you the most hurt might be the thing God wants to repurpose for moments of greatest growth."
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.
January 8, 2024
Jennifer Dukes Lee guides the reader on a beautiful journey through Scripture as they seek to embrace a life of slow growth. Putting behind the frantic pace of the world is difficult, but it is possible!
Each week in this six-week study invites readers with interactive sections they can apply to their lives. With Bible verses, stories from Lee's farm life, invitations to consider their own lives and how to apply the Truth of Scripture and prayer, readers will learn to live a less hurried life with Jesus.
Each week in this six-week study invites readers with interactive sections they can apply to their lives. With Bible verses, stories from Lee's farm life, invitations to consider their own lives and how to apply the Truth of Scripture and prayer, readers will learn to live a less hurried life with Jesus.
June 1, 2021
The moment I read about this title by Jennifer Dukes Lee, I knew I wanted to read the book. At first, I did not plan on getting the study right away. But I am so glad that I own the whole package. This is a study that I will probably need to complete several times, so that the message truly sinks in to my heart.
I do recommend buying the actual book to use with the study. Yes, the Bible is definitely important as well. But I think that there are enough additional insights provided that having the Growing Slow book would be helpful. That could probably be read as an e-book, but I think there are enough blanks in the study that buying the paperback for this title is preferred. Of course, that is my own opinion.
There is one study chapter for each of the six week sessions. Each section is less than 20 pages long. The chapters are not divided into daily homework assignments. Instead the participant can choose how to break up the information.
I would say this study is accessible to all women including those completing their first study to those who have completed dozens of studies. With fill-in-the-blank answers, the guide is not challenging to fill out. Yet because of how this topic is presented, a person who has completed many studies will not get bored. Verses range in topics from the land to spreading the seeds of evangelism. Some studies can feel intimidating to complete. This is not one of them.
I like the one word themes: cultivate, plant, grow, harvest, celebrate and heal. Additional notes are provided for those who want to lead the study. One of the activities is emphasized for group study - sending your burdens away.
Although I have not filled in all of the blanks yet (as I want to "go slow",) I did read through enough of the information to be able to give a solid review. I am hoping to lead this study. I was provided a preview copy through NetGalley. I wanted to look over it in the hopes of being able to have others complete the study with me. These thoughts on the guide are my own.
Bonus: This six week study includes optional videos. Filmed at the author's Iowa farm, they continue the message of not being in a hurry. Each video is less than 15 minutes long and is the perfect addition to this study. Those who purchase the study have access to the complimentary videos.
I do recommend buying the actual book to use with the study. Yes, the Bible is definitely important as well. But I think that there are enough additional insights provided that having the Growing Slow book would be helpful. That could probably be read as an e-book, but I think there are enough blanks in the study that buying the paperback for this title is preferred. Of course, that is my own opinion.
There is one study chapter for each of the six week sessions. Each section is less than 20 pages long. The chapters are not divided into daily homework assignments. Instead the participant can choose how to break up the information.
I would say this study is accessible to all women including those completing their first study to those who have completed dozens of studies. With fill-in-the-blank answers, the guide is not challenging to fill out. Yet because of how this topic is presented, a person who has completed many studies will not get bored. Verses range in topics from the land to spreading the seeds of evangelism. Some studies can feel intimidating to complete. This is not one of them.
I like the one word themes: cultivate, plant, grow, harvest, celebrate and heal. Additional notes are provided for those who want to lead the study. One of the activities is emphasized for group study - sending your burdens away.
Although I have not filled in all of the blanks yet (as I want to "go slow",) I did read through enough of the information to be able to give a solid review. I am hoping to lead this study. I was provided a preview copy through NetGalley. I wanted to look over it in the hopes of being able to have others complete the study with me. These thoughts on the guide are my own.
Bonus: This six week study includes optional videos. Filmed at the author's Iowa farm, they continue the message of not being in a hurry. Each video is less than 15 minutes long and is the perfect addition to this study. Those who purchase the study have access to the complimentary videos.
June 21, 2021
Jennifer Dukes Lee’s books have never let me down, and I know I’ll love this new Bible study, based on her book Growing Slow, which I ordered today. The book and study urge us to slow down and enjoy God’s presence, with Jennifer’s trademark warmth and whimsical stories. I’ve fallen for all the hype about these books and can’t wait to dig into both of them.
I received a preview copy of this book from the publisher.
I received a preview copy of this book from the publisher.
January 4, 2024
Excellent companion to the book!!!!
January 1, 2026
I read the Growing Slow book and Bible study together. Both books are excellent resources to help “unhurry your heart” as Jennifer puts it. Our world today is so fast paced. We think we have to keep pushing to accomplish more. But at some point our speed leaves us just going through the motions. As a result, we miss so much of the life that God has placed around us. Jennifer uses the analogy of her farm, as well as the four seasons, throughout these books. But don’t let that deter you. I have read other books where the authors use too many analogies and poetic writing, leaving me lost and confused about what they were talking about. Not so with Jennifer. She writes so clearly and down to earth, which is something I very much appreciate. These books will help you learn to grow slow in your life. You will find time for the little things. And you will discover that the little things really are the big things.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews