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Calm My Anxious Heart : A Woman's Guide to Contentment
by
Linda Dillow
If you feel like worry is ruling your life or you only trust God when things go right, this twelve-week study and companion journal will help you focus on growing in contentment and faith as you learn to trust God completely.
Kindle Edition
Published
(first published May 1st 1989)
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Sep 09, 2007
junia
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
women
Shelves:
fires-of-sancti
I'm not going to lie - the way the book was written is not my style, and it sometimes felt dry but there are a lot of true, clear points. It took me... almost a year to read it (around 6-8 months?)
I especially loved her discussions on forgiveness, and my favorite part was the end where she finished with discussing the "if diseases" of "What if" and "If Only."
I was also especially encouraged by her closing prayer which is her own personal adaptation of Psalm 23, and her little survey of Habakkuk...more
I especially loved her discussions on forgiveness, and my favorite part was the end where she finished with discussing the "if diseases" of "What if" and "If Only."
I was also especially encouraged by her closing prayer which is her own personal adaptation of Psalm 23, and her little survey of Habakkuk...more
"contentment is essentially a matter or accepting from Gods hand what He sends because we know that He is good and therefore it is good."
A challenge to trust Gods sovereign hand with every detail of my life...knowing that He knows what's best for each one of us. I need to live one day at a time w an eternal perspective and a thankful heart for the portion that he has given to me.
This was an excellent book that spoke to many of my struggles as a woman. I ate up everything that she said because i...more
A challenge to trust Gods sovereign hand with every detail of my life...knowing that He knows what's best for each one of us. I need to live one day at a time w an eternal perspective and a thankful heart for the portion that he has given to me.
This was an excellent book that spoke to many of my struggles as a woman. I ate up everything that she said because i...more
I previously read Linda Dillow's devotional on worship Satisfy My Thirsty Soul: For I Am Desperate for Your Presence and it was really and truly an incredible read. It touched my life and made me approach my relationship with God in a completely new way.
In light of this, I was truly looking forward to reading Calm My Anxious Heart. But I think my expectations were too high. Calm My Anxious Heart was written earlier than Satisfy My Thirsty Soul, and I think Dillow took some of the things from Cal...more
In light of this, I was truly looking forward to reading Calm My Anxious Heart. But I think my expectations were too high. Calm My Anxious Heart was written earlier than Satisfy My Thirsty Soul, and I think Dillow took some of the things from Cal...more
The book was very helpful to me. The author believed one can write a true story (example was her life in Hong Kong as a missionary)with a positive and negative perspectives. Both stories are true depending on what one dwells on. However, simply viewing one's life with only positive points do not seemed to sit right with me. I am used to present a more balancing viewpoint by including a little of both. However, one's viewpoint is never objective. My mud version could sound like a star version for...more
pg 13
1. Never picture yourself in any other circumstances or someplace else.
2. Never allow yourself to complain about anything - not even the weather.
3. Never dwell on tomorrow - remember that it is God's, not ours.
4. Never allow yourself to wish this or that had been otherwise.
5. Never compare your lot with another's.
Her eyes were fixed on eternity. Her tomorrows belonged to God. She had given them to Him. And because all her tomorrows were nestled in God's strong arms, she was free to liv...more
1. Never picture yourself in any other circumstances or someplace else.
2. Never allow yourself to complain about anything - not even the weather.
3. Never dwell on tomorrow - remember that it is God's, not ours.
4. Never allow yourself to wish this or that had been otherwise.
5. Never compare your lot with another's.
Her eyes were fixed on eternity. Her tomorrows belonged to God. She had given them to Him. And because all her tomorrows were nestled in God's strong arms, she was free to liv...more
0 stars is what I would give this if I could. I can sum up the secret to contentment as told by this book in one sentence: Read the Bible, pray, and don't worry because God will take care of everything. The Bible already tells me these things; why do I need another book to tell me? I thought this book would explain how to turn that Bible reading and prayer into contentment, but it does not. All it does is tell stories about women that were discontent, read the Bible and prayed, and became conten...more
Jan 16, 2012
Rachel
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
favorites,
christian-inspirational-non-fiction
I read this book about 3 years ago - our family was going through some really hard times; I was going through some emotional struggles and feeling unsure of God's plans for my life and future. It's always been difficult for me to battle my fears and worries and this book was a great foundation for beginning to set aside my doubts, fears, and worries and look to Christ as my hope and joy. :) This book inspired me to write out a life-goal,which I have had pinned on my wall as a reminder and encour...more
I initially wanted to give this book a lower rating because in my mind it makes the same mistake that many Christians make when trying to coach or assist people through anxiety. Simply TELLING people who are suffering from anxiety to trust in God or to have more faith does not work. I find it rather frustrating after a while.
Giving us dozens and dozens of examples of how others kept faith through their TREMENDOUS trials does NOT help either. It just makes those of us with our "less important" t...more
Giving us dozens and dozens of examples of how others kept faith through their TREMENDOUS trials does NOT help either. It just makes those of us with our "less important" t...more
The book definitely had it's good points, however, the message throughout about simply trusting God didn't sit well. We must trust God in all things, yes, but I thought it took away personal responsibility and free will, at least in the way it was presented. God is always with us and knows our choices before we do, sometimes we don't make good choices though and we (or others) pay the price, for whose benefit? Ours or as a lesson to others? Perhaps I am missing the point here. I agree with the f...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
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This was a possible study for my women's small group Bible study. We decided to study something else that quarter, but I did skim through this at least enough to recommend it to my group. A study to help women let go and let God.
I started this book back in April and finished it at the end of September. This is a wonderful book if you're struggling with contentment. Imagine what your life would be like without worry. With this book, you CAN learn to let go of your anxiety and experience the contentment that comes from Trusting God. If you're tired of worrying
about all the "what ifs", "if onlys", and "whys" in your life, then this book is for you!!
Filled with encouragement & practical help for overcoming your anxiet...more
about all the "what ifs", "if onlys", and "whys" in your life, then this book is for you!!
Filled with encouragement & practical help for overcoming your anxiet...more
Chapter 1
- Never allow yourself to complain about anything - not even the weather
- never picture yourself in any other circumstance or someplace else
- never compare your lot with other's
- never allow yourself to wish this or that had been otherwise
- never dwell on tomorrow - remember that [tomorrow:] is God's not ours.
Having eternal perspective relieved the stress of tomorrow and granted freedom to just live for today. One day at a time we can make the right choices and grow to possess the holy...more
- Never allow yourself to complain about anything - not even the weather
- never picture yourself in any other circumstance or someplace else
- never compare your lot with other's
- never allow yourself to wish this or that had been otherwise
- never dwell on tomorrow - remember that [tomorrow:] is God's not ours.
Having eternal perspective relieved the stress of tomorrow and granted freedom to just live for today. One day at a time we can make the right choices and grow to possess the holy...more
This is a must read for every Christian. It is written especially for women, but men would benefit from it too. Whether you have a problem with anxiety or not, it is great. If you do struggle with anxiety, it is a Godsend.
I've read my share of books on anxiety, but this may be the best one yet. My Bible Study group decided to do it at the most perfect time in my life.
I can't say enough good things about it, I highlighted most of the book. It is a very easy read, Dillow's style of writing is very...more
I've read my share of books on anxiety, but this may be the best one yet. My Bible Study group decided to do it at the most perfect time in my life.
I can't say enough good things about it, I highlighted most of the book. It is a very easy read, Dillow's style of writing is very...more
Solid topic, but I just wasn't feeling the overt feminine metaphors, such as we are all works of art, etc. Of course we are. I also felt like it lived too much in the "satisfaction realm." As in, "Shit, I'm a pastor's wife. I have 5 kids and I hate myself. I need to be ok with this." She writes: "1. Never picture yourself in any other circumstances or someplace else." This is also what they told SLAVES. This is what creates passive, shallow, blank pages of women. It's fine and good to be content...more
Dec 22, 2011
Michelle
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Christian women
This was my second time reading this book in roughly two years, and I would read it again.
The book itself is an easy read. There are discussion questions at the end of the book for each chapter, as well as recommended scriptures for memorization. We did this book for small group, one chapter per week, and found that was about the right amount of work outside of class and enough for discussion one night per week.
I was hesitant to read this book the first time, because "Anxious" seems like such an...more
The book itself is an easy read. There are discussion questions at the end of the book for each chapter, as well as recommended scriptures for memorization. We did this book for small group, one chapter per week, and found that was about the right amount of work outside of class and enough for discussion one night per week.
I was hesitant to read this book the first time, because "Anxious" seems like such an...more
Oct 22, 2010
Stacey
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
women
Recommended to Stacey by:
Jorene
rereading this treasure...pertinent to my current challenges...
***
I really loved this book. When my friend Jorene lent it to me, I dug right in. Then, I found it at a yard sale for a quarter. Once I owned it, it became less of a priority (why is that?).
ANyway, it has really blessed me these last few days. I particularly enjoyed most of it-- but since that is not very helpful... I enjoyed the chapter on faulty focus as the author shared a few "mature women's" stories on how they set their course,...more
***
I really loved this book. When my friend Jorene lent it to me, I dug right in. Then, I found it at a yard sale for a quarter. Once I owned it, it became less of a priority (why is that?).
ANyway, it has really blessed me these last few days. I particularly enjoyed most of it-- but since that is not very helpful... I enjoyed the chapter on faulty focus as the author shared a few "mature women's" stories on how they set their course,...more
Advice for women on how to be content as a Christian. Quite readable with some personal anecdotes and stories of other women who struggled with anxiety and worries. However, a couple of days after finishing it, I don't recall anything particularly mind-blowing. There were some interesting sections and the advice was sound, but it was nothing new.
I liked the style of writing which was clear and easy without being condescending, but found myself puzzled as to why it was written for women. In my p...more
I liked the style of writing which was clear and easy without being condescending, but found myself puzzled as to why it was written for women. In my p...more
Excellent book - such good reminders to trust God and not let worry run your life. Learning to be content in the circumstances you're in instead of thinking about the what ifs or the if onlys. When we worry, we are not trusting that God is in control and has our good in mind. Examples were given of believers living in very difficult circumstances in other parts of the world and yet their outlook is one of praise to God.
This book was chosen as a discussion book for the Parents (currently it is all moms) group I am co-leader of. I admit I wasn't terribly excited to read it as most of the time I do not feel like I have anxiety or worry much. However, the book made some excellent points and reminded me to embrace what I have, what God has given, and the roles and responsibilities I have ~ even if they aren't the ones I want.
This was truly a life-changing book for me. Even after 2 - 3 pages I shut the book and thought - WOW. SO many wonderful ways of talking about anxiety and worry in a REAL way that holds you accountable for the role your faith SHOULD play in these thigns without berating you and making you feel worse for the times you do lose sight of your faith. This is a book I will read and re-read to keep these mantras close in my head and in my daily living. There is also a 12-week bible study at the end.
it i...more
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This book is at the top of my favorite book list. It is so easy to get caught up in life to forget what it means to find out contentment in God, even if we are reading the Word and praying. Linda Dillow does a great job of reminding readers that God is the Blessed Controller of all things and how we must remain focused on His world rather than our own circumstances.
An excellent reminder to stop worrying about the what if's and if only's of life and to trust God with the outcomes. She includes practical advice in getting rid of things and attitudes that keep us from being content. I enjoyed the snippets from her experiences around the world, but that may because I serve cross-culturally as well.
This could quite possibly be the best book I have ever read in the genre of "women's spiritual growth" and/or "anxiety/fear". Dillow takes the everyday feelings of a woman -- some that we wish we could conquer but can't seem to -- and puts them into a context of understanding, not a context of condemnation. Her narrative examples align with many situations I have walked through, and the triumphs at the end of each are encouragement that fed me during a very anxiety-driven time of my life.
Also, j...more
Also, j...more
Jul 01, 2008
Stephanie
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Everyone
I've you have ever struggled with finding contentment in your circumstances, your relationships, your appearance, or your role as a woman (and lets face it, we all have), then this book is a must read. It's written from the perspective of a woman who was a missionary in China for several years and how she learned to be content from the different women she met along the way. She discusses what the Bible says about being content and how we (especially Americans) are so quick to complain about wher...more
I would probably give this 2.5 - 3.0 stars. The forward grabbed my attention, but I felt like the book wandered and gave almost canned answers for a long time after that. I appreciated the use of many Scripture passage by the author, but once in a while I did question her interpretations of them. I definitely pulled some good thoughts, quotes and verses from throughout the book, but the meat for me was in the last three chapters. I'm glad I didn't quit before I read that far. I'll probably go ba...more
I loved this book! It really challenged me and help me to develop my own purpose statement. I love her encouraging personal stories, and that she is rooted in scripture. It made me fall in love with the book of Habukkuk. I feel like this is a book I should read once a year! I would recommend it to every woman I know!
I love her stories and her thoughts on how to prepare your heart for God. I recommend it to everyone...and I gave it to my mother-in-law who has always been a worrier. I think it helped her put things into perspective a bit more. Fantastic. :)
A Yada Bible study group of 13 women used this book as our study book the past several months. We all have agreed that the 12 week Bible Study was very good for calming women. It wasn't written to one particular population and it's excellent chapters, examples and scripture were very helpful in given us hope and faith in whatever we are going through we can be content that God is in charge. The what ifs and if onlys as well as not having enough were especially helpful. Linda Dillow is an excelle...more
One of my favorite books - a keeper. Filled with the author's own true stories of anxious situations and how she dealt with them by accessing her faith in Christ. Shares many other stories and quotes from others which are equally inspirational.
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FROM WEBSITE:
Linda Dillow is no stranger to publishing and adventure. She's the author of Creative Counterpart, Calm My Anxious Heart, and The Blessings Book. Linda and her husband Jody lived in Europe and Asia for 17 years training Christian leaders in closed countries with Biblical Education by Extension, During this time, Linda traveled extensively in Romania, Russia, Hungary, Poland and Asia....more
More about Linda Dillow...
Linda Dillow is no stranger to publishing and adventure. She's the author of Creative Counterpart, Calm My Anxious Heart, and The Blessings Book. Linda and her husband Jody lived in Europe and Asia for 17 years training Christian leaders in closed countries with Biblical Education by Extension, During this time, Linda traveled extensively in Romania, Russia, Hungary, Poland and Asia....more
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