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Cover of Rest Now

Rest Now

  • Christian Living
  • Women
  • Publisher: Baker Books (Baker Publishing Group)
  • Published: 2020

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Publisher's Description

If you feel overwhelmed, you're not alone. Three out of five people admit to doing more than they can manage. Thinking God requires this, we say, "I must be everything to everyone." Then we struggle and feel selfish and guilty when we say no, grow weary, or snap at someone out of sheer exhaustion. Is this what God desires? Somewhere along the line of being a good Christian, wife, daughter, or friend we lose sight of who we are in Christ. We put our performance above God and who he says we are. But what if we chose a more soul-full way? Rest Now offers permission to breathe. It exposes the lies that distract, tire, and bully us, so we don't strive for rest but love from it, like Jesus did. Learn how to - create boundaries that allow you to overflow with love- say no so you don't hate yourself later- ditch passive-aggressive behaviors in favor of healthy conversations- embrace permission-giving thoughts to create mental space for God


Endorsements (15)

“If you are ready to be set free from the nagging stress of feeling chronically overwhelmed, then Rest Now is the book you have been looking for. Filled with practical takeaways and transformational ideas, it is sure to gain a place at the top of your favorite books list.”

Mandy Arioto

“We all need a friend who understands the struggles of life. More importantly, we need a friend who points us to Jesus. Kelly Balarie does both in Rest Now. With transparent and tender compassion, Kelly shows us how to access the peace of God—as well as His joy—even in the midst of chaos.”

Joanna Weaver

“Kelly helps you dig deep into why you may not be experiencing true rest. She lovingly walks you through practical and biblical solutions to get the kind of rest that brings about transformation, freedom, and success. This book is a must-read!”

Rebecca Garcia

“Reading Kelly’s book reminds me of the beautiful relationship between sisters—with Kelly taking the role of a spiritual sister for her readers. She guides us through pages of wisdom and personal stories. Most evident is her heart for listening. In each chapter, Kelly brilliantly identifies challenges, applies a biblical solution, and assigns an action plan. Her book will impact several generations. Perfect for mentoring, book clubs, or small group discussions.”

Christine Abraham

“Roshanda “The Rosho Live” Pratt, storyteller, live video strategist, and producer “The fact is, I didn’t want to rest now. I felt like I was bad at it. I’d rather run my furious race on the hamster wheel of life and skip the inner soul work. But Kelly has a way of cheering us on and leading us to healthier practices. There’s no one more gracious and loving to encourage us toward greater peace and joy.”

Melanie Dale

“Full of practical application and a few touches of ‘ouch’ from conviction, Rest Now partners with the Holy Spirit for specific wisdom and boundaries to be able to navigate and put wholehearted focus, effort, and work into what God is calling us to build. This book has me declaring its truths aloud and asking for forgiveness when I feel a check in my spirit.”

Adrienne Young

“Rest seems like it should be simple, yet why is it so evasive? Perhaps it is because we have a one-dimensional view of what rest means and how to experience it. In Rest Now, Kelly brings her honest, enlightening, and refreshing perspective on how to make rest our reality. With heartfelt prayers and practical application, she leaves readers equipped and encouraged to rest.”

Lisa Bishop

“doyoulalu.com “Not only is this book engaging and well written but it also taps into the universal weariness that’s numbed American society. As Kelly beautifully reminds us, there is hope—hope to overcome the fear, anxiety, and depression defining our generation through the strength and love of Christ. With humility, real-life stories, and actionable steps, Kelly shows us how to make rest a natural rhythm of life and reclaim our joy. She leads us to a place of peace that speaks to the soul.”

Kari Kampakis

“I jumped at the chance to read Rest Now—not just because Kelly Balarie is known for her positive encouragement but because I am so tired. God’s true rest eludes me. If I’m being honest, I am so far from living in that place that I don’t even know how to aspire to it. Rest Now is full of practical advice for identifying the lies we tell ourselves that keep us from being able to embrace rest, as well as straightforward tips for overcoming the barriers we’ve put in the way of getting there—and ways to implement boundaries so we can remain there. This book shows us we can have that beautiful, peaceful life of rest God promised. Not someday. Not later. Now.”

Kelly O’Dell Stanley

“Rest has always been a recurring theme in my life. No matter the season I am in—wife, mother, entrepreneur—God reminds me of His gift of rest. Then Kelly comes along in her book to remind me rest is for now and not just for later. This book helped me to understand total rest in God includes boundaries for myself and others. I am encouraged by knowing I can set boundaries, seize joy, and rest in God. Thank you, Kelly, for this much-needed book for the body of Christ.”

Roshanda Pratt

““In Rest Now, Kelly Balarie provides a real-life and applicable antidote for all who find themselves shuffling for approval in the pursuit of more, busy, and perfection: the ability and the wisdom to rest in the here and now, knowing we were made for this life by a God who simply wants us to rest in His arms when we feel weary.”

Kara Lawler

“In Rest Now, Kelly Balarie’s unique gift of storytelling, relevant spiritual insight, and raw humanity beautifully collide. The result is a deep and wide panorama of Christian self-care for hurried and harried souls. From the very first lines of the introduction, you feel her brand of authenticity. The lessons are fresh. The approach is practical. The spiritual impact will be deep. So, get ready to be redirected and restored to strength in Christ as you revel in Kelly’s hard-won truths. Don’t wait! Read it and you will surely rest now. It’s time!”

Marlinda Ireland

“There are few writers who resonate with my understanding of life and the joys and challenges of truly desiring the life God created us for like Kelly Balarie. Kelly writes in a way that makes me think that she has been ‘in my head’ or ‘reading my mail.’ When I read her, I hear Kelly’s voice as if she is speaking the words to me. And as she shares about herself, she somehow holds up a mirror so I see myself in most of her own stories and circumstances. I sat down to read Rest Now and ended up feeling like it read me. Kelly outlines practical pathways to live a life of rest and renewal that will satisfy the most restless of souls through some of the least-practiced spiritual disciplines—along with showing us how to create boundaries that help us maintain a lifestyle of rest that represents the life Jesus intended for us. This book is a gift for all of us who are becoming.”

Dan McCandless

“This book speaks right to the heart of this recovering prodigal who spent many years trying to make up for past mistakes. Kelly reminds us that doing or being more isn’t the way we get to deep, soulful peace. Instead, it comes from intimately knowing God, knowing who He says we are, and learning to resist anything that tries to corrupt either of those things. It’s a must-read for any Christian woman, especially those in leadership!”

Angela J. Herrington

“Kelly opens our eyes to the emptiness of the culture’s attempts to fill our God-shaped vacuum with more people, possessions, or position, and she gives us biblical biblical and practical steps leading us to the only One who can—Jesus.”

Sharon Jaynes

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