When You're Running on Empty: Hope and Help for the Over-Scheduled Woman

by Cindi McMenamin

Many Christian women give of themselves relentlessly. In the midst of their many responsibilities they get tired, yet there's simply no time to stop and become refreshed. What can a woman do when she's running on empty? Cindi McMenamin shares how women can renew their energy and passion and press on. She touches upon every area of a woman's life, offering practical advice on Every chapter concludes with a "Pick-Me-Up Prayer" designed to help women do all things in the Lord's power and not their own.

Genres: Christian Living

176 pages, Paperback

First published March 15, 2006

About the author

I am a wife, mother and national speaker who has authored 17 books, including "When Women Walk Alone," "Drama Free" and my most recent, "12 Ways to Experience More with Your Husband."

Through my speaking across the country, personal discipleship of women, and writing and teaching, I strive to help women find strength for their soul through a more intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. Once they realize He is the Only One who satisfies, life takes a new, exciting twist. We can then take our frustrations and turn them into a deeper desire for God.

I live in Southern California with my husband of 30 years. We have an daughter who works for the Walt Disney Company.

I love writing, reading, outdoor activities and Jazzercise!

Reviews

[Melissa (Semi Hiatus Until After the Holidays) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good book if you feel stuck and are looking for more direction. I am not totally sure that all of the chapters fit with being over-scheduled, but the chapters are short and emphasize self care and focus. Kind of basic but some can be helpful.

[Deborah-Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Almost every woman has found herself having to juggle many hats at one time in her life: the friend hat, the wife hat, the mother hat, the ministering hat, and so much more. But how does she find balance in it all? In this short, easy-to-read book McMenamin focuses on three distinct (yet equally important) areas that all Christian women must become aware of: keeping focus, keeping fit, and keeping fresh. The first part of her book (Keeping Focus) addresses our spiritual needs which include areas such as making time for daily devotions with God, keeping our prayer and scriptural life active, and advice on how to discern God's will through Biblical truths rather than make emotional decisions. The second part (Keeping Fit) addresses our physical self-care needs including getting enough rest, eating properly, choosing Godly friends, and making time for exercise. Finally, the last part of her book (Keeping Fresh) focuses on ways to find God in the midst of a packed and busy lifestyle including frequent "hide-aways" with God, praying through the Psalms, and rekindling our fire for Christ when we find it has gone cold. I chose this book thinking it was about burn-out, but I found it was so much more. It's actually all about finding balance and making sure we address our own needs in order to be the most effective ministers possible. Cindi's book is helpful for all women regardless of their life circumstance and if we follow her advice, I'm sure we will find ourselves having healthier, happier, and more God-honouring lifestyles.

[Erica · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick read. She reminds us of the basic fundamental principles to prevent ourselves from burning out. This is more broadly written then her more detailed book "When Women Long for Rest." Getting back to basics is paralleled with the "child like faith." Recommend reading this especially after reading When Women Long for Rest. I enjoyed the scripture references and the prayers at the end of each chapter. Think this might be a good book for stay at home moms.

[Pauline · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm glad I pulled this off my shelf as I've been feeling overwhelmed in life-- grieving over my dad's recent death was enough but work stresses added to it. I needed to stop and get my focus back. This book, though nothing new or extraordinary helped me do so. All the. Haters weren't equally as beneficial but I'm glad I read it.