What do you say yes to? Are you choosy about what you agree to? Or do you have trouble saying, "no," and have found yourself overextended? Susie Larson claims she can give you a calmer life, and a much more fulfilling one. You just need to say yes to twelve things. Those affirmations will also bring you closer to God, and His will for your life.

Some of the twelve are: necessary change, humility, and God's wisdom. Another one, my favorite, was "your worth," which is seeing yourself as God sees you. He sees us as having great value, someone that was worth dying for. Quoting the author:

"You are blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 1:3). Say it: I am blessed beyond measure, rich beyond comprehension! I will live the full life God has promised me!"

Ready for a change!

Each "yes" has a chapter in the book devoted to it. Those sections explain how the author defines each quality, and she has a situation from her own life that illustrates the point. Bible passages and deeper discussion of the attribute is included, along with questions that will cause you to deeply examine your life as regards that quality. The author has a section called, "A Wise Word" in each chapter, as well as, areas called, "Personal Reflection" and "Faith Declaration."

Use this book as a personal devotional, or go through it as a group study. Her website has a Workbook that can be downloaded that has in-depth Bible study questions. A DVD Study Companion is available as a separate purchase. A bonus chapter at the end of the book is meant to be used over a time period of six weeks. It is a combination of physical and faith challenges.

This 5-star book is easy and interesting to read. The book can be used without getting the extra purchase items. I liked the personal examples the author shared, and was glad explanations of each topic were included. Some of the suggestions might be hard to do, but the benefits, I think, would outweigh the effort. I recommend it to anyone who would like to make their life simpler, as well as, gain a stronger relationship with God.

The publisher has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of Your Sacred Yes through Bethany House Publishing for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255.

When this book came out for review, I just knew that I had to read it. This review is my own, personal opinion. I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House book review program in exchange for my reading and honest review.

The title caught my eye; "Your Sacred Yes: Trading Life-Draining Obligation for Freedom, Passion & Joy". That title sound EXACTLY like what I wanted to read. As soon as it arrived, I immediately dug right in. I liked the first couple chapters so well, that my husband borrowed the book to his side of the bed to read. :) But most importantly, this book spoke to my heart.

Susie Larson has done a wonderful job writing these chapters, applying scripture and then concluding each chapter with a prayer, personal reflective questions, A Wise Word tidbit, group discussion questions and finally ending with a prayer. This book is NOT one you can just power through, read it and move on. If you want to get the most out of this book, slowly and prayerfully read each chapter. There is so much to think about and how it applies to your own life.

One of the things that spoke to me was the chapter on Busyness vs. Abundance. The author speaks to how busy we are, doing all these good works. But how many of those good works are things that God wants us to be doing? We feel tired, exhausted, worn out and just plain sick from our day to day running. Running for things that are good and noble to be doing, yet should we be living exhausted 100% of the time?

When I was pregnant with my fourth child, I became extremely sick for the entire pregnancy. I spent many hours laying in bed, too sick or tired to move. My husband had to stay home from work to care for the other kids. It was at that time that we pulled back from almost all of our commitments. We just couldn't do everything. Something had to go. I had so much guilt over pulling my kids out of everything, saying 'no' to my commitments and just slowing down. But that is what that time in my life called for.

Following the pregnancy, I realized how good it felt to not to be involved in everything that everyone wanted me to be in. I still had guilt over saying 'no' but I had had a small taste of what God wanted for me and my family. I wasn't going back.

It wasn't until I read this book until I realized that God doesn't want us running full speed ahead 100% of the time with no rest. There are times when we need to be running, other times walking, and other times just resting. Before we start saying 'yes', we need to pray over those future commitments and ask God if that is what he wants us to do. Seeking God to lead you will give you that peace to saying 'no' when God says no.

My other favorite chapter was chapter 10, Simple Sacred Steps. In that chapter we read about the power of consistency and how that is necessary for a fruitful life. Small acts and disciplines add up to huge changes in life. Susie Larson has a large list of small disciplines that can be life change. Things like: daily devotions, daily prayer, exercising regularly, drinking enough water, going to bed early enough, giving generously, etc. This chapter invigorated me to return to those small steps taken each day to help improve my life.

After reading this book, I felt inspired, refreshed and had drawn closer to God. I would highly recommend it to everyone, especially those who are tired and worn out. Prayerfully read though the chapters and ask God what He would have you change in your life. I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did!

Thanks as always to Bethany House for their superb quality books they have allowed me to read for free in exchange for an honest review.

"Your Sacred Yes" has become one of my very favorite NON-fiction Christian books. Susie Larson writes w/Godly wisdom and genuine love for her fellow sisters in Christ. I just know you'll love it as much as I did. I used it as a devotional type book and it spoke to my heart all the way through. Susie asks thought-provoking questions at the end of every chapter and always a beautiful prayer to be repeated. All her chapters, thoughts and prayers are backed w/scripture.

The author opened my eyes to really look for the things that God actually wants me to say 'yes' to, not just saying yes to something worthwhile or even church-related or because there's a need. She teaches you how to really search your heart to listen to His voice and timing on different areas of your life and she gives personal stories of how she and others learned to do so. Susie explains how to say 'no' to the things that don't truly matter in your life and how to discern God's best that He wants you to have or be involved in and His invitation to things He wants for you.

I would like to use a quote from the book, "Part of what it means to embrace a sacred yes is simply to give our next yes to God. And then give Him the yes after that, and then the yes after that. Whatever He tells you to do, do it. Whatever He asks of you, trust Him; He'll see you through it."

I totally HIGHLY recommend this awesome book!! I loved it so much I didn't want it to end, so recently I bought one of her other books she has written. I have learned so much from her and I'm sure you will too!! I cannot say enough good about this book and I've already gone back to it several times just to re-read some of the chapters. She encourages each one of us to truly seek God for His Sacred Yes in any area of our lives.

The DIVINE INSIGHT in Susie Larson's book "Your Sacred Yes" has been so penetrating to my heart and soul! I am quick to say yes to the demands of this world, requests upon requests can dismantle my heart and my ability to hear the prompting of God...which in turn leaves me spinning doing many things...but not necessarily God appointed design in my day. When I am not following the heart of God in my day and in my decisions, frazzled days turn into fractured moments, which in turn leaves my heart dry and unable to pour out into my family and friends, not to mention my own heart feeling depleted and discouraged. As it says in Susie's book, "It's so easy to give away our time to things un-appointed by God," and I so know that to be true. "I don't want to miss one thing the Lord has for me," again a quote and a riveting, compelling cry of my heart from "Your Sacred Yes." I don't want to miss His glory! And the insight and call from this book urges me to listen to the Lord before I respond to the business of the world. My heart is quieter already and I am grateful! Thank you Susie, for walking in intimacy with your Savior and in turn sharing that insight with us!!!

Susie's readers often say the same thing, and i have to echo here also - reading Your Sacred Yes was like sitting with a friend who knows you so well theyre able to offer the advice and support yoi need. I highly recommend the DVD study as well, it comtains new and powerful material which ministered to my heart. Susie continues to find the places women need to be challenged and encouraged. Your Sacred Yes does both :) so grateful i found this book!