Well, sweet moms, Thanksgiving is over. Don’t you sometimes get to the end of the Thanksgiving meal and just say … “Whew! I did it!” I hope you had many hands to make light work of the cleanup. Perhaps today there will be time for a cup of tea and a bit of reflection.
But wait–now it’s time to start shopping for Christmas, right?
There’s always something new to do! There can be so much stress during this season, and the running around and constant busy-ness gets to me, too. This year I’m actually thinking I’ll probably miss all the extra activities having school-aged children in the house afforded, truth be told! And so if it’s not one thing, it’s another. There will still be presents to buy, meals to prepare, friends to host and surprises to plan, but most of all my heart will need to be reminded of the reason even the shops and the malls are full of worship songs–Jesus has come!
This seems a perfect time to introduce my friend Karen Ehman’s newest book! With all the pressures of this time of year, it’s a good time to think about the fact that we really *don’t* have to manage every detail of life (since that’s impossible, anyway!) Here’s a bit about it–and you may even win a copy! Here’s what Karen has to say …
LET. IT. GO. How to Stop Running the Show & Start Walking in Faith
By Karen Ehman
Foreword by Candace Cameron Bure
Women are wired to control. We make sure the house is clean, the meals prepared, the children are dressed, and everyone gets to where they’re going on time. But sometimes our strength of being conscientious can morph into the weakness of being a slight—or all out—control freak! This humorous, yet spiritually practical book will help you to:
- Take control of your schedule yet welcome interruptions from God
- Draw the line between mothering and micromanaging
- Influence your husband instead of manipulating him
- Learn to control your emotions when you can’t control the circumstances
- Stop pursuing the appearance of perfection and start pursuing the person of God
NOTE: A 6-week teaching DVD and Bible Study guide is also available for group and individual use.
Purchase Link:
http://www.proverbs31.org/store/product/let-it-go/
Bonus:
BONUS: A Free Holiday Resource for You! From Chaos to Calm: The LET. IT. GO. Christmas Challenge
And, you might just win a Kindle Fire for participating!
Do you often have Norman Rockwell-like expectations about the holidays — the decorations, the food, the gifts, the activity — laden schedule, the family get-togethers?
There are many areas where women want to exert control ensuring the perfect yuletide season. What if we learned instead to let go of unrealistic expectations and embrace an “out-of-control” Christmas this year: relaxing and relating in a peaceful manner while letting others offer input and ultimately allowing God to call the shots?
This five-day challenge will allow Christmas to go from chaos to calm as you learn to control what you should and trust God with what you can’t. The result? Less stressing and more blessing! Details at www.karenehman.com–or you can just click the cute “From Chaos to Calm” button to find out more!
Two readers will win a copy of Karen’s book, so please leave a comment below to enter. Tell me … what’s the area of life you could use the most help in “letting go?”
I’ll have random.org choose a winner on Tuesday at 5pm EST!
I think the I need the most help in taking it back. I give things up to God all the time, but I end up taking them back from Him. I forget that he has me covered.
Exactly! That is what I struggle with too. You’re not alone!
I guess I would have to say the one area I would need help in is Letting DH run the show and be responsible for more things. Its been hard with him having health issues.
My area of letting go would have to be really practicing entrusting every single thing to God. *Sigh*
I need to have more control over my emotions when things aren’t going my way. I tend to get upset and lash out, mostly at my husband. The thing that attracts me most is the idea of not having to be perfect! It’s hard for me to admit I’m weak.
Trying to change my husband’s mind all the time…
Remembering that my children first belong to God, then to me. His plan for them is much better than mine, despite my attempts to micromanage them.
I need to let go of my ideas for my children’s futures and let God’s ideas shine in them.
I need to keep letting go of homeschooling my kids and my inability to do it the way I would like
Let go of worrying and trying to plan out every detail of our year in the Usa starting in Jan 2013.
My area that needs most improvement? Definitely getting back to mothering my oldest. Since our 7 week old was born I feel I’ve lost touch with my oldest and have begun micromanaging him. I want very badly to reconnect with him.
I would be truly blessed at this moment to win the book Let it Go, since I have a hard time with my emotions and life’s problems and making quiet time with God. Things in my life are crazy right now and most of the time I cry and at times I get angry, even angry at God when no answers come, I need to believe more that God is listening and preparing everything in the order of His will and know that not to take it into my hands and try to figure it out myself. Thank you for the opportunity to win a book that my mind, and soul needs now. Blessings.
I say I give things to God, then eventually find myself stressing over them, again:(
I am a homeschooling mother of four, nine weeks pregnant with baby number five. The past few weeks I have felt so tired, nauseous, and moody. It is hard to let go of the desire to get everything done that I was able to get done before the pregnancy and the guilt that goes along with not being able to “do it all” anymore. This book sounds like it would help support and strengthen me mentally as we head into the Christmas season. There is going to be a lot that I will have to let go of!
Angela, I’m pregnant with my 6th baby and am extremely sick. It is soooo hard to keep positive when you are fighting nausea. I just want you to know that you are not alone in how you are feeling.
Micromanaging! I try to micromanage everything! Help!
I am a recovering control freak, I need to let go of perfectionism and learn to be messy!
I need to let go of unrealistic ideals and feel comfortable doing what ~I~ can do — and what God wants to do through me!
This has been a crazy year for us. My children are getting more serious about their sports, requiring us to be at more practice activities, our homeschooling work has increased substantially with this year’s grade levels, my husband is retiring from the Air Force this summer and looking for a new job, we will be moving again, selling our house, buying a new one….I definitely need to let it go!
I NEED this! So bad! I’m so frustrated all the time from trying to micromanage everything! I’ve recently discovered that although I love and adore my husband and children, I’ve lost the joy in my job of taking care of them. I need to learn to let some things go and get the right perspective upon me again.
I need to let go of trying to be perfect in all things. I know I’m not, but that doesn’t keep me from trying and focusing on it. It ends up stealing the joy that can be possible.
I need to let go of our uncertain future and trust God for what He has in store.
Homeschool mom of 12 years… My first born son graduates this year and letting go is, well all I can do is go to God and trust Him. By far the hardest thing I have ever had to walk through.
My area would mirror that of many who have written before. I too have multiple children ranging in age from 18 – 1 and letting go of the eldest is very difficult. I could also use help in managing all the emotions of being a wife and mother.
I have 3 boys and my oldest has autism (13). I need to let go of the outcome of the therapy and work that I’ve done with my son and know that God has him in His hand. I need to do that with all 3 of my boys : )
It is difficult to wait for God to do the work that only he can do in my family. How do I trust him and continue to have joy when I can’t see any outward sign of change?
There is a specific issue with my dh that I just need to let go and let God take it. Having such a hard time just leaving it with God.
I need to let go of complaining/speaking my mind to those around me and go to God first! I know he’s able to handle all my worries and care but I make myself more stressed when deep down I know I wouldn’t be so stressed if I just went to him first.
I need to let go of the “every single detail” factor.
This book looks WONDERFUL! I especially appreciate the description of our female desire to manipulate our husbands rather than INFLUENCE. Lord knows I need help in this area. My sweet husband and I have been married for six years, and yesterday we enjoyed our first ‘family’ holiday with our 10 month old son.
My husband has a small job, but has been looking for a larger/family supporting position for almost eight months. My desire to push and “help” isn’t really supportive. I am desperate to find a prayerful way to become a soft and supportive wife.
Thanks for the chance to win. AND thank you so much for the TREMENDOUS blessing of your ministry!
I need help and intervention in my emotion and control freak. I need to let them go and have God to control my life, heart, mind, emotion and situations.
I need to learn to support, not control my husband…well, so he says. ;o)
I need to let go of my dreams and let God work out His plan for our lives. Empty nesting is hard!
I have issues with trusting God with the safety and health of my children.
I would have to say my emotions. When things don’t go “my” way I can get upset and act like a young child, which isn’t good especially when I have young children of my own!
I do need this! With five kids and my oldest now a 16 year old teenager soon to be man
, I need help letting go! Thank you Sally for all of your encouragement 
.
Trying to control my husband. That is an area I struggle with a lot. I really don’t like to admit it, but it is true. I thank God that we are working on it together.
I need to let go when it comes to my hubby and my inlaws…oh, those inlaws!
Lord, help me let. It. Go.!!
Mariel
So many areas. At the moment though, not trying to take control of a family situation that isn’t mine to deal with would be a good start.
All of that sounds good! I feel like I have gone from being very laid-back and “go with the flow” to being a major control freak. Moreso with each child added, mostly because I feel like if something is not done at exactly the scheduled time, there will not be any other time to do it.
Letting my husband take the reigns when it comes to the kids.
I need to let go of my expectation that everything should be just so!
This book looks awesome. I have a general control problem, but I feel like it comes out most when I’m parenting my preschooler!
Probably it would be what people think of me……or, maybe my time.
I have a hard time letting go of the false idea that I have to “do it all”. Homeschool, from scratch meals, clean house….it’s a physical impossibility to do everything that I often have on my mental to-do list. Relationships need to be more important at our house, than a freshly washed floor.
Letting go to allow the Lord to do the work He alone can do in my husband to break us and make us more like Jesus. Letting go to allow the Lord to use my husband’s divorce and breaking up of our family (of which neither me or God or our children want) for His glory. Letting go of the expectation of many years now to be super Proverbs 31 woman. The big keywords of this year from the Word has been Let, Be, Do.
Wow, tough questions. I think for me, I need to let go of my dreams for the future. I need to just trust that God’s best for me is good, even if it’s different than what I had hoped for my life.
I need to let go of the ideal of a perfectly clean home! With four children running around, I’m pretty sure that is impossible
Letting go? Hmm, I think it would be letting go of perfection. With 5 children, 2 in laws, 4 grandbabies under 4 and neighbors our holidays are not picture perfect! BUT, hopefully they are full of joy and sweet relationship building!
umm..letting go of control in everything!!! LOL….it feels like that some days. but mostly i need to let go of trying to control how my days go. i try to have a schedule, but my kids are so young..i really need to just relax and enjoy this season of them being so little.
I’d love to let go in the area of planning away our upcoming move back to the states from being abroad 3.5 years. I’d love to have peace and joy in it.
I need to let it go with… the interruptions. It is you Dear Sally who has made me aware of this problem recently! Divine appointments, chances to minister, to love… squandered or turned into moments of hurtful response. ;(
When it comes to my girls health issues I really need to do a better job of letting God carry this burden and not trying to carry it myself, it is so heavy.
Letting go of my kids as they are getting older. My plans arent always there plans : )
I need to let go of having my home clean all the time and also the expectations others have on me…as a homeschooling mum I find I don’t always have the time to live up to my ideals of teaching and discipling my kids because I’m so busy yelling that the house is a mess AGAIN!! I do need to just let it go and enjoy my precious babies before they aren’t here to enjoy anymore.
I need to LET GO all the expectations for an Air Force Chaplains wife in this season. LOL
Oh my goodness, I think this book may actually have been written for me! I cannot possibly say which one area I need most help with because EVERY single one on that list is me. I really need HELP. Thanks.
I need help in letting go of expections. Expections of what my children’s behavior should be, of what my day should be like, my marriage, so many other expections that when they are not meant effect my attitude poorly.
Probably my biggest area of letting go is where I expect my daughter to be academically and where she is.
The idea that I can and should do it all keeps creeping into my thoughts and beliefs.
I would have to say letting go of “me”. Letting go of every desire and motivation that I have for my life and instead entrusting God to take over.
My husband travels a lot. It is hard for me to let go when he is home from a long trip and for him to take the lead.
When I first saw “book announcement” I thought “What?? I didn’t know Sally had ANOTHER book in the works!! Oh… wait… It’s not Sally’s” lol… But I’m glad you announced Karen Ehman’s – what I’ve read so far of her work is great too
Biggest area I need to let go in? I don’t know if I can pinpoint just one area! What I need in a more general sense is suggestions for finding balance. I’m very much an “all or nothing” personality. My natural inclination is either to be overly perfectionistic and jump into something way too deep – or not bother even trying (because I know I can’t do it perfectly). You can imagine the sort of chaos that flip-flopping wreaks on things like housework, schedules, etc. It’s finding that “happy medium” that is always the struggle for me.
I know the area I need the most help in is letting go of expectations and going with a new way when the plan I had is thwarted. I tend to get very frustrated and take a while being ok with the new plan, usually at my husband’s or children’s expense unfortunately.
Interruptions! I need to “see” interruptions as divine appointments. I get stressed out when unexpected things happen during the day!
Surrendering myself to the will of God.
I really hope I win this book! I need this!
The area I have the hardest time letting go is – everything! I have a huge tendency to try to micromanage everything, and it’s so stressful! But I am trying to let go and continually submit to God. I definitely need help – this book sounds great! Blessings to you! *u*
This is a hard one, always wanting everything to go “just so”. I need to let go and allow God to work… In all areas.
today I would say getting everything I “think” i need to get done every day. It’s just not possible.
For me the hardest thing to let go of is my problems. I try to pray about them and give them to the Lord then I take them back to stew and chew trying to figure out what to do
) I rarely just leave them at His feet the way I should.
Thank you for this giveaway!!
I am at the age that holidays are no longer fun. With working just to survive that is all I can do. Then college full time. I am just wiped out. Let go let go let go~~~
Leaving it with God. I’m a little OCD so I want to take control
I need to let go of my expectations for my kids, and allow God to be in control of their lives. They are 7, 6, and twin 4 year olds. I don’t want to hinder who God wants them to be by trying to form them into perfect little ladies.
When I saw the highlights of this book, my heart leapt! I am struggling with each of those issues and more! But to name one area that I would like help in right now is the area of encouraging my husband and being a life giver to him and not a life taker.
This topic has clearly hit a nerve (judging by the long list of replies and the fast beating of my own heart:) – thank you for addressing it!
With my mouth, I confess that I trust God…but I’m afraid my actions often speak otherwise. Too often I feel anxiety about whether I’m teaching my children enough about God or leading a life worthy of their emulation. Instead of gently leading or pointing them to the Lord, I push. Recently the Lord reminded me that I am not to do the Holy Spirit’s work. It is his job to convict, to reveal himself, and to bring my children’s hearts home…Lord, teach me to step aside and let you. How refreshing! I can’t wait…
Going through one of the most difficult seasons of my life so far. (kids in college plus younger ones). Am learning that the interruptions to my agenda are actually God’s specific will for my life. My brain knows it, but I have trouble transferring it to my heart as of late.
I need to let go that I’m not here to please and impress anyone but the Lord. Also that when my children act up that it’s not about their outward behavior and how others see them, but their heart and turning their hearts towards God.
I’m so thankful for your ministry! I found your book Ministry of Motherhood on a friends’ bookshelf and I am LOVING it! Thank you for such a wonderful tool! We live overseas and it’s always encouraging to me to come across a ministry like this. Thank you for what you do!
I need to let go of my stress and anxiety about the house. I need to improve my home management skills without sharing my stress with the kids.
I need to let go of perfectionistic tendencies.
Honestly, I couldn’t pick just one of those points that I need help in letting go. I struggle with each one.
I need to let go of the perfect house and meals when we have someone over. I tend to get on an emotional roller coaster.(not pretty)
Letting Go…. So many of us deal with this problem. Reading all the posts made me reflect on just how difficult it is for so many in our busy world. Having just lost my Dad, and my brother a cople of years ago, I was feeling I needed to do it all for my mother. Her needs came first,. God gives be my strength each day to move forward, and I need to let him walk with me through this journey as care giver. My heart feels lighter just reading all the posts, as I know when we let go of our feelings like writing them down, we are asking for Gods help, and He hears. Blessings to all who take the time to post.
Oh how I struggle with micromanaging my children…Thank you for the chance to win this book!
Letting my kids grow up. Letting them explore their physical limits outside, their not toddlers anymore. I knew when our youngest at three began alpine skiing I’d have a challenge in this area when we as a family thrive outside. I don’t want to be left behind as their abilities increase, nor be the mom whose telling them to “be careful” needlessly, nor be excluded because I can’t let go of the anxiety that wells as I think about the what ifs.
The hardest area I struggle with letting go is the desire to control everything. I often feel like my children’s struggles are mine to fix or that they are a direct reflection of something I’ve done. I need to let go and remember that God is in control of their futures.
For me it would be family relationships. I really struggle trying not to get anxious when it looks like our teen or young adult children (or even my husband
) might make a choice that will not be the wisest or best, and especially if it might lead to problems. But I struggle with anxiety even more when it involves the spiritual welfare of our children, when it looks like their thinking might be clouded too much by our culture instead of by God’s Word. I want so much to have the right words to say that will fix it and help them see and understand so they will make a wise decision, but often the only right words are words of prayer to my dear, heavenly Father who know how to handle the situation far better than I do. Giving the situation to Him and then leaving it there and not becoming anxious anyway can be a difficult thing for me.
I need to let go of keeping my house impossibly clean and play with my children instead. It leaves me so uptight about everything I cannot even enjoy relaxing with my family!
It is always something to do with tomorrow and usually starts with “what if”. Sunshine
Things I need to let go:
1. Past hurts, especially concerning family
2. Paper–I cut out & “pin” too much.
I need to let go when my kids get sick…I know I cannot control the situation but I always try and I ALWAYS get overwhelmed! Instead I know I need to give it to God…and let Him heal my children. I really could use this book to show me how to do that! Thanks for considering me
I micromanage way too much. It’s driving me nuts!
I need to let go of worry!
After being out of the home for the past 10 years GOD has allowed me to be a full time homemaker once again. I need to let go of trying to “do it all”! I am back to daily Bible study but I still want to “tell” GOD how my day is going to go rather than let GOD have the control.
The area I struggle most with is trusting God with those I love. I fear for my husband and children and it’s crippling at times. I know God wants me to trust Him and let that burden go!
I need more help learning to let go of my expectations for others (especially when I don’t speak them and just assume.)
Where do I not need to learn to let go? My mantra of late has been “God is in control.” Now if I could only start trusting in that fact.
My emotions and giving completely to God!
I would love to win this book. There is so much in my life that makes it hard to be in control. It makes for very difficult days. I need to learn to “Ket It Go”! With 4 kids (youngest is 17 months) and a mother in law with dementia every day is out of control. Thanks for the opportunity to win the book.
This book sounds great! I need help in all of these areas!!
Where not to learn how to let it go?? I would love to win this book!
I need to let go of the Martha Stewart mentality-that every detail of our home/parties and gifts need to be “perfect”…I also need to downsize what all I do-last year I landed in the hospital after 5 holiday parties we hosted and over 100 gifts we gave- including a gazillion homebaked goodies..phew, makes me tired just thinking about it…I just want to bless all those I love..it is a struggle…Merry Christmas all!
I need to let go of the right to BE RIGHT ALL THE TIME! Especially with my husband….. I need to let him be the leader God has called him to be.
I immediately knew I needed this book! I need to let go of my expectation! Thank you!
Mine right now is letting go of trying to keep the body and face that I had 10 years ago. (You know, before I had three humans pass through it!) Such an ungoldly waste of time!
Fear of my husband losing his job, then our home. Way too many things I try to control.
Wow! Seems like i need this in every area of life…but especially with regards to my kids who have special learning needs…..
Oh how I want to let go of the messes that the children make when eating, crafting, living. I can really take the fun right out of those events.
Those looks great! I’m really interested in her perspective on parenting, yet not micromanaging!
My biggest need is to let go the cultural expectations and what my performance says about me, so I can focus fully on Jesus instead. If we don’t have a Southern Living home and a Martha Stewart gift exchange, Jesus is still King and worthy of worship.
I really need to learn to let go of the way I think things should go and invite interruptions. I need to let go of my own expectations of what I think should be happening.
I really need to let go of the control I think I have over my children’s lives and how they turn out. I really need to let go and let God.
Hello! You have one a copy of Karen’s book! Please email your address to mom heart at gmail dot com to have it sent your way. Congratulations!
Sally,
I sent my address to you. Thanks!
Lisa
I’m definitely learning to let go of trying to do/be everything. I can’t have a perfectly clean house allthe timme.
Being a mother of two 2-year-olds, I need to let go of the fact that I can manage everything I want to. Truly at this point my focus and priority is on my little ones and I need to be content with that alone. I don’t have time or energy for me or hobbies. Of course I also need to better reserve energy for my husband too who deserves all of me and not my leftovers. Too often feeling overwhelmed.
I struggle with letting go & trusting God in regarding ongoing health struggles & my children’s health as well. Also in letting go of my plans, hope & dreams when God’s plan is different than I’d thought it would be… this book sounds like such a blessing!
One word. Perfectionism.
I am slowly learning that I have to let go of trying to be or have the perfect life as a Christian to non-believers… The LORD is teaching me that the greatest witness we can be is just living REAL through the trials of life, the difference is holding onto God’s promises and our faith in Christ…
It’s been a hard year, and lots of chances for “letting go”. Trouble is, I haven’t let go where and when I needed to, and now, things are very hard for me. It’s been hard to cope. What I know is that I need to find a new calm. I know that peace is a Person and comes in the form of Jesus. Oh, how I praise Him for being my Peace. And so, it is this that I must rest in… despite circumstances and feelings (that change day to day).
Stuck.In.A.Rut.
That sums up the last 2.5 years for myself. Thank you Sally for this blog post! I can (unfortunately) relate to what you’ve written.
Like some of the other readers commented, I let it go, but take it back from God–like I don’t trust Him. And I do. But I am not allowing myself to let it go completely. It’s a struggle.
Thank you so much! God bless your kind heart!
I need to let go of the “shoulds”. I should get more done, have better behaved children, have a cleaner house, be a better mom, be a better wife, spend more time with the Lord, and get more sleep.
I need to let go in my parenting. I sometimes feel like I’m suffocating my children by trying to control everything. Looks like a good and timely read for me.
I need to let go and trust my future to my God instead of worrying about what may lie ahead.
I need to let go of my house…it’s a royal mess, and I’m slowly taking it back from the chaos, but I need to let THAT go. It’s ok if I never get it exactly the way I want it…with 3 boys under age 6 it will be like this for a few years, I think.
I need to let go of my schedule/to do list trumping any and everything, especially where my kids are concerned…the “hurry-up” syndrome I suffer from, in getting out the door, to running in and out of the store so I can move on to the next place, to even rushing through school sometimes, all so I can get stuff crossed off my list.
It has been difficult trusting God in the future of our country ( the USA). To know that we will be paying tax dollars for abortions, and that marriage is not defined how God intended it, makes me fearful of our religious freedoms in the near future
I need to let to go of worrying about my children’s choices.
I think I most need to learn to delegate. Sometimes I just think it is easier to do it myself even when the job is too big for me alone! Letting others lead in their own way.
Over-analyzing things.
Allowing others to help me when I am sick, allowing others to know about my illness and the struggles that go along with it.
I have to let go of the idea of “perfection” – both in myself and in others. In letting go of that it would be much easier to accept and extend grace!
O my how this post spoke to me! I just got finished telling my husband,….I am only one person, how can I possibly do all that is required of me in the next few weeks? Daily bread is what I need. Hope I win.
Letting go of the outcome of my children is often what I think about. I can do all I can to disciple them and discipline them and produce right behavior, but it is God alone who can change their hearts. And sometimes I slide back into acting like it’s MY job to change them to become more like Christ, which only produces frustration.
Letting go of my perfectionism in regards to myself…I want to be supermom, superhomeschooler, superfriend, etc., etc….
What area DON’T I need to let go?
I need to let go feeling like I have control over my circumstances.
Letting go of appearing like I have it all together at all times.
I think in pretty much everything. I never realized what a control freak I was until having children.
Wow, reading through all of these is such a blessing, knowing that we all struggle is somewhat comforting. I need to let go of the control-issue in general. I don’t think I realize how much of an issue it is, or that it is ok to let go and relax a bit until I read things like this. I have to purposefully and intentionally go about it. Thank you for a chance to win, and thank you for recommending the book! It is very timely.
Letting go of my expectations of myself, those that are not from God.
For me it is letting go of my fears. My husband has early alzheimer’s and parkinson’s both, and my whole vision for our family has shifted. I have been moved completely out of my comfort zone and am learning to trust God for one day at a time. I am learning lessons I thought I already knew.
I need help in the area of letting go with my children, letting them becoem who God has created them to be.
I need help saying “no” and focusing on what’s important – my family. I stay very busy, too busy. I want to slow down and enjoy my life!
The thing I struggle most with giving up control in is our finances. I need to learn to rest and trust in God’s provision.
I get migraines 16 days out of every month, sometimes a tad less, sometimes a tad more. I am on my 6th doctor with visits 2 and 3 times a week. As a mother of 3, this is A LOT. I have begged God for direction. My hormones seem to be out of whack and they are trying to find a balance. Out of whack hormones affects all aspects of my life. I have such high standards and ideals and want to live a full life….if only the pain would stop. I have been pleading with God to help me in this area, as well as to give me a close friend that lives nearby. I crave connection and need it badly in my life right now. I have been pleading with God in these two areas for years. I need to be able to let go and embrace the moments.
Amanda, I just wanted to let you know that you’re not alone. I’m a mother of four, homeschooling, lonely as a military wife with NO local close friends. I have battled migraines for 20 years. And I know that you know that unless you actually struggle with migraines, it’s hard for anyone to truly understand. So…I just wanted to reach out quickly here and let you know that I’m praying for you, and hope that God will give you the grace to continue to endure whatever He brings into your life, and that you will be able to rest in Him fully. Whether we have any good friends nearby on earth, and my faith is too small to live this out most days, Jesus truly is ALL we need! But I will ask Him to give you a local dear friend, too.
Please just know that you are not alone…I’m walking a similar journey, and God will never leave or forsake you, as I’m sure you know. Praying His presence brings you peace and comfort today – especially if it’s a migraine day! Blessings to you in Christ….
With 4 littles ones under foot our lives seem in constant chaos. There is much to let go, but my own expectations top the list.
I need to let go of the idea that I can not do it all and be it all. I have to learn to delegate and then let it go!
I need to let it go of being in control. I need to learn to delegate and could really use this book!
I need help letting go of unrealistic expectations of my young children. Looks like a great book!
Trying to be everything to everybody
Mine is letting go of trying to control/direct every minute of my children’s little lives! Homeschooling has made this a big issue for me. They are getting older and I’m trying to ease up a bit but it’s hard!
I have an issuing in wanting to control my children’s career. Can you say STAGE MOM! Did I just say children and career in one sentence???? UGGGG
I need help in a lot of areas, but especially in dealing with my brother.
unrealistic expectations….. what I “think” others should do or what I think others are thinking of my choices
LOL what shouldn’t I let go:) Mainly trying to do everything, be everything, control everything… this book would be good…:)
I need to stop feeling like everything has to be perfect…because it NEVER is, and then I get stressed out!!
I need to let go in controlling my children.
I need to let comparing myself to others and trying to make myself into the person I want to be and start being the person, friend, mother, and wife who God made me to be. Thanks for the chance to win this book!
Letting go of “order” – sometimes the kids just need to play and it’s OK that toys are everywhere.
Hmmmm…… I think my biggest struggle is letting go of perfectionism and yet not “giving up” on goals and ideals altogether out of weariness or frustration. Finding the balance between the two extremes can be hard for me.
Ione
My biggest problem is my to-do list. I look at all the things that need to get done, the things I would like to do and become so overwhelmed. It becomes something so much bigger than it should be. If only I could take a task at a time and enjoy the moment. I want to view work as a blessing. Not be fearful because I become overwhelmed and feel incapable.
the holidays are hard – trying to create “perfect” memories like my childhood ones. the reality though is that when my sister and i reminisce, it isn’t about the times that were Normal rockwell like, it the silly things that went wrong! trying to remember that and stay sane!
I find letting go of all my good intentions difficult… perfect decorations, activities, baking, advent devotions, clean house, etc…
I find it hard to let. it. go when it comes to cooking in my kitchen. I like having control – I prefer to do the cooking. But when my husband tries his hand at it, I sort of freak out, internally. I assume he’s not going to do it “right”, or should I say, “my way”. I cannot seem to loosen the strings!
I need to let go of wanting to do every little last memory maker that I come across and keep it simple and significant.
I definitely struggle with trusting God with my life. I have been working on that for a long time!
I struggle with being flexible with my time; allowing interruptions from God, family, friends, etc!
What do I need to let go of? Pretty much everything. Right now…the biggest thing is pain. Hurt. Oh, but there’s so much more. Thank God He is able to help us to do this!!!
I need to let go of thinking I have to do it myself if I want it done right.
I definitely need to let go of expectations I have for my family and others around me including myself
I need to let go of thinking that I am the only one that takes care of people in my home.
I need to let go trying to get things done by certain deadlines…….I stress myself out when really it wouldn’t hurt for things to not get done once in a while!
I’ve JUST discovered you, Sally! How have I homeschooled for these past 6 years and not heard of you???
I am so thankful for your heart and your writing! Also for introducing us to other Godly women that encourage us to live this life God has given us and live it WELL! My unrealistic expectations is what I need to LET. GO. of. Hard, hard. God has given me a few set things to do, but I choose to pile it on until those things get pushed to the back all in the name of what others think and usually also what I THINK I need to be doing…. it’s the rat race that God did NOT design. Thank you again. So, so encouraging!
I need to let go of trying to control outcomes. God’s plans are so much better than mine!
Trying to do everything for everyone without any help, and not asking for help is my issue.
Committing the future of my daughters into God’s hands is an area I need to “let go”
I need to let go of my soon to be adult kids. It is really hard to let them make their own decisions but they need to learn to be responsible for their actions.
I can really use this dealing with my teens….I need to let them make choices and hold them accountable for the choices they make.
This book sounds lovely! I struggle with trying to micro-manage everything.
I need to “let go” of guilt and trying to achieve perfection. It only makes me an “angry mom.”
Amber, you are one of our winners! Please email your address to momheart at gmail dot com and we will have your book sent! Congratulations!
I would be thrilled to win the book Let.It. Go. Books are my mentors and to hear her thoughts on control, I am sure would bring even more growth to my own soul. Cheers to the winner!
I would like to let go of trying to keep my house perfect–it seems to be the only thing that gives me peace–when every thing is done on my list. But I never seem to enjoy life because my list is never done. I want to let go and enjoy my husband and kids.
We adopted our two oldest children. We later learned our daughter has fetal alcohol effects. She has once again moved home with two children (3 & under 1). Letting go of her future and that of her children as we watch her make poor choices is my greatest difficulty.
No doubt about it. My biggest struggle with letting it go is my children’s walk with the Lord.