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I’m really not much of a reader – I think I could be, there’s just so much I’d rather do instead of sitting down to read a book. Knowing I needed to discipline myself to start reading, and knowing I also wanted a way to get to know some of my local friends, I started a book club! This was actually one of my three personal goals for the year. I invited four ladies to read through Lysa TerKeurst’s popular book The Best Yes. We met weekly for over a period of ten weeks to discuss a few chapters at a time.
It was a great book and one I’m so glad I read. Why? Here are two reasons I’m glad I read The Best Yes.
#1 It taught me how to make decisions with the confidence that my choice will be based on God’s wisdom and not my selfishness.
The tagline on the cover of the book reads, “Making wise decisions in the midst of endless demands.” I honestly didn’t think this book would be that impactful for me, because I’m an expert at saying no. I like to control as much of my life and schedule as I possibly can, and I really don’t have a hard time saying no to something I’d rather not do. There are only a few instances where I could consider myself a people pleaser. Not only was this book about so much more than that…she taught me a better way to approach saying no.
I was surprised to read that Lysa actually encourages saying no – when it is the right decision. When you say no to one thing, you’re saying yes to something else! In the book she outlines several sets of questions that are so helpful in making decisions based on God’s wisdom and not just my selfishness. For me, it’s made the difference between a decision made with freedom and one that I feel I must constantly defend in my head.
#2 It tremendously impacted my thinking toward eating.
In my journey toward a lifestyle of healthy eating choices, I’ve struggled with a lot of fear. I followed a pretty strict eating plan for months and was afraid that as soon as I introduced some “normal” food back into my life I would lose control and end up back where I started. The Best Yes doesn’t directly address making wise decisions about eating, but these two principles in the book spoke directly to this area of my life:
- Today’s choices become tomorrow’s circumstances.
- Today’s circumstances are a direct result of yesterday’s choices.
The hope and wise instruction from those principles encourage me daily! I know the victory in this area of my life comes with each decision made. I can do this as I depend on God’s wisdom and take it one decision at a time.
If you’re looking for an easy and encouraging read, pick up The Best Yes. Better yet, invite a few friends to read it with you. You can easily discuss a two or three chapters a week (and make sure you have yummy snacks!).
What are you reading right now? If you read this book, tell me something you took away from it!
Joining What We’re Reading Wednesday
This post is not sponsored – all opinions are my own.
Come Home For Comfort 
Sounds interesting! I love a good book but often become bogged down with chores and other tasks. Will add this to my reading list.
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This is an easy read – I think you’d enjoy it!
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I am so eager to read this book and lead my MOPS group. I know that I am going to walk away with some much more confident in my love of Christ and my ability to give my best yes.
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I’m excited for you to go through the book! You’ll enjoy it!
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This book is on my “to read” list so I am happy to hear that you enjoyed it!
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I think you’ll enjoy it!
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I loved this book so much! Glad it spoke to you in areas you weren’t expecting.
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Me too! It was so helpful.
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So glad you enjoyed this book and that you started your own book club! What a fun way to get to know people, too. I really loved this book and felt like it helped me reevaluate what I was saying yes and no to. Her comment about saying yes to something means saying no to something else really stuck with me.
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I really did enjoy it – thank you for the recommendation and the encouragement to start the book club!
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That is a good point about it helping with eating. I’ve been feeling that way right now, too.
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Taking it a day at a time works so much better for me!
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I have not read the book but it sounds like a good one! I love to read in the evening before bed. I will be adding this to my list. I tend to be a people pleaser, I can say no but sometimes I rationalize I could just do it and it’s done and everyone but me is happy. This book just might be speaking to me.
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I think all of us have a tendency to be people pleasers (some more than others). This is a great book that empowers those who struggle with it the most!
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I have read all of her books and I think The Best Yes, is her best. I read Made to Crave but it concerned me that it seemed to tilt to becoming obsessive regarding food. It is one I would not recommend. As a nurse, I always tell people, moderation is the key…too far to the left or right and you are in trouble. Like you, I am trying to be healthier…that is where the emphasis should be.
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That’s good to know about that other book. Yes – I am really trying to create habits that will be healthy and sustainable throughout my adult life.
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I am proud of you for starting a life long journey Whitney. I wish I had done the same when I was younger. It is hard to break bad habits!! You are looking good!! You have always been pretty but I can see the changes when you VLOG.
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I just started reading, Adorned, by Nancy Leigh W. Its been great already! It’s so practical for women of all ages. Your suggestion sounds like one I need to add to my list! Thanks for sharing!
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I’ll let you borrow my copy! 😉
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