Do you worry a lot? Is it common for you to dread upcoming events? Does pressure or stress trigger outbursts of anger, isolation, depression, or feelings of failure? Do you have a hard time finishing what you start? Do you find it impossible to work in the middle of chaos? Do you wonder if God is really going to come through for you in difficult times?In Still, Jenny Donnelly teaches you how to … teaches you how to experience true, life-giving rest even in the midst of chaos. While most of us think of rest as something we do, Jenny shares how rest is a place from which we live and work. Sharing her own personal story of struggling with life’s pressures and spiritual exhaustion, she introduces you to the source of peace and rest: Jesus. She shows you the steps to take to access rest anytime, anyplace, under any conditions. And she reveals how operating from a place of stillness powers your identity, creativity, relationships, and so much more.
If you’ve been stressed and anxious, operating on autopilot as life whizzes by, it’s time you discovered the resting place God designed for you.
more
Jenny Donnelly’s “Still: 7 Ways to Find Calm in the Chaos” is a very timely read for me, even more so than when I requested it a few weeks ago. Ironically, due to multiple deadlines and an overall crazy month, I had to read it much more quickly than I would have preferred; I absolutely intend to read it again at a slower pace in order to let the suggestions sink in and reap the maximum benefit. This is a wonderful resource, with personal anecdotes from the author’s life woven in and lending it a warm, conversational tone. An interactive element makes this book appropriate for individual or group study, with lines to write out answers to personal questions and also prayers included in several of the chapters. An appendix includes advice and instructions on how to implement rest into daily life.
Regardless of your background or vocation, “Still” addresses the ubiquitous chaos and turmoil that challenges each of us daily and offers insight into how to move beyond it to calm refreshment and renewal. A point that Donnelly makes early on gives new perspective; she writes that resting is not about avoiding chaos or waiting for things to slow down, but rather being peaceful in the midst of it. Rest has always seemed like something that comes when activity ceases, i.e. a relaxing activity in itself, but here the author makes a clear distinction, remarking that “It is critical to understand where REST exists: REST is an inside place. It exists within you.” How profound! That means that we can rest anywhere, anytime. One of the best ways to make the most out of this gift is by praying continually; as Donnelly articulates, “Dressing yourself in constant expressions of praise is one of the fastest ways to enter the place of REST!”
First and foremost, however, in order to rest we need to relinquish control over all aspects of our lives to God. Focusing on Jesus rather than on the storms raging around us is also an essential part of the process. One of the seven ways to rest that I found most enlightening was the concept of “wrestling into rest.” Donnelly explains that this entails releasing every single thing (an apt acronym for REST), seeing others through God’s eyes of love, and sometimes merely waiting for God to act. Resting, I think, is an ongoing learning experience as we draw nearer and closer to Jesus, whose open invitation is “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Thank you in advance to Revell Books for providing a review copy. A positive review was not required, and all words are my own.
In an effort to expand what genres of books I read – I chose this self-help book to see how it would help me in finding some calm in the chaos of life. Despite not really working, there is always something to do around my house – some things NEVER get done. And, sometimes I don’t always have help to do it. Often I don’t feel like I get any real “REST”. Admittedly, there are times I get frustrated.
So, this seemed like a relevant and appropriate read.
“Still” is a self-help guide providing the reader with a faith based approach to find calm, and more importantly “REST” in the chaos of life.
The author recounts her past life and how it led her to understand why she was doing certain things and how it held her back from fully enjoying life, and finding ways to REST. There was a story about a pile of hangars and I found myself relating to what the writer had felt in the moment.
The cover is very simple – and symbolizes the “still” in the calm or eye of a storm. It also symbolizes clarity and focus. The author has a clear, fluid, and coherent style that made this book easy to read, and I enjoyed reading it.
Donnelly delves into finding what is wrong, and uses both God and Jesus as instruments in leading the reader to easing moments of anxiety, depression, being overwhelmed.
She talks about temporary fixes that don’t get to and solve the root of the problem, how many think it is their circumstances that cause it. Additionally, Donnelly recognizes that many of us believe there are outside influences that surround our own happiness and keep us bogged down when it is our reactions.
Much of what was said in the first chapter was so relevant, especially to me.
The author doesn’t shy away from using scripture to guide the reader through a chaotic existence. What I found interesting was the DO-ING vs. BE-ING. IN that we’re busy DOING and not BEING. That we spend more time worrying about what we should be DOING, but not “BEING” in a moment. Such as us being physically present in a situation, but mentally we’re someplace else.
Often “hurry” can steal the moment as well – but, why are we in a “hurry”?? Donnelly carefully examines that as well.
Another aspect I enjoyed was the CONTROL vs. CHAOS. She explains that while we try to control things in our lives, we have less peace. In chaos, we have some moments of calm. While that wouldn’t make any sense to some, Donnelly has a way of putting it into perspective.
For example, there are certain things, situations, and people we cannot control. Influence? Yes. Control – not so much. But, that despite the chaos, we tend to find those calm moments.
She uses certain scriptures, and bible stories, to put things into perspective.
This is not a one-time read. This is a companion type book, or rather a “workbook” to use for daily reassurance, self-motivation, and reflection. Whether or not a reader feels this book has helped them; will depend where they are in their faith journey and relationship with God.
There are points where the author asks the reader to examine, and analyze their relationship with God. Some might feel as though they’re judging themselves and that relationship – or lack thereof. Perhaps that is the entire point of this book.
I would consider this a relevant read to those of the Christian faith, and perhaps even for those who are Jewish-Christian.