| Choosing rest is a very readable, practical and inspirational book full of heartdeep concepts and inspirational stories which reach out beyond the popular how to's of time management and stress busting strategies to the very core principles of spiritual rest. Anyone who struggles with intense or low grade anxiety or stress knows the vicious cycle of trying to contol life circumstances by using an exhaustive supply of creative resources only to continue to feel chronically overwhelmed, exhausted and frustrated with God ourselves and others. This book encourages women at all stages of life and circumstances to look at the deeper heart issues which often get us demanding of God and others to have guarantees of victory, freedom from pain and suffering or at least a "doable" life. Using relevant scripture stories and modern examples Sally respectfully challenges us not to absorb the stress of our secular and Christian cultures as inevitable but rather to take responsibility to understand and continually reframe them into realistic gateways to long term peace and rest. I have learned greatly from Choosing Rest in my own walk and have used many ideas in teaching and speaking. Sally uses an engaging, clear writing style with just enough personal input to let you know she is a fellow struggler. Because "choosing" rest involves daily discipline and a passion for long term change this is a book to read and reread and use as a constant resource and reminder of the need to deliberately and prayerfully make space for rest in our lives. The chapters successfully identify and address specific themes problematic to rest and several will no doubt speak directly and powerfully to areas in your life that present ongoing struggles. I have recommended this book to several women in my counseling practice and am using it in a small group women's study I lead. There are several thoughtful questions at the end of each chapter for further introspection or discussion. Geri Fitch
Chartered Psychologist
Marriage and Family Therapist
Calgary, Alberta | 
