Not So Fast: Slow-Down Solutions for Frenzied Families [Paperback]

Ann Kroeker (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 2009

Frenzied families find themselves fragmented in this high-speed, fast-paced, goal-oriented society. Even while racing to second jobs, appointments, lessons, practices, games and clubs, we crave an antidote. How do we counteract the effects of our over-committed culture? Replenish our depleted selves? Restore our rushed relationships?

Not So Fast: Slow-Down Solutions for Frenzied Families explores the jarring effects of our high-speed, high-pressured, highly-scheduled lives and offers refreshing alternatives. Author Ann Kroeker relates her own story of how embracing a slower everyday pace has resulted in a richer, fuller, and more meaningful life.

Practical ideas and insight will spark creativity and personal reflection. Plus, ponder real-life stories from parents who put the brakes on the high-speed lifestyle and reaped the rewards of richer relationships. Not So Fast offers hope that families struggling with hurried hearts and frantic souls can discover the rejuvenating power of an unrushed life.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: David C. Cook; New edition (August 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1434768880
• ISBN-13: 978-1434768889
• Product Dimensions: 0.7 x 5.3 x 8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #732,743 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Speaker and author of Not So Fast: Slow-Down Solutions for Frenzied Families (David C. Cook) and The Contemplative Mom (Shaw Books), Ann Kroeker has been published in such magazines as Decision, The Student, Christian Home and School, and Indianapolis Woman. She also contributed to several books including Experiencing the Passion of Jesus, an award-winning study guide by Lee Strobel and Garry Poole.

Ann serves as Content Editor (Family) for TheHighCalling.org, teaches writing to high school students, and maintains her own blog at annkroeker.com.

She laughs loudly and prays often, living a life full of wonder and curiosity. She also drinks a lot of tea.

Married for 21 years and mother of four children, Ann is committed to encouraging and inspiring families as they face the demands of daily living.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A terrific resource for families. August 25, 2009

By Holly VINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback

You can find a lot of talk around the Internet and news about the busyness of life, and the busyness of families. We live in a 24/7 world that never shuts down. Email and cell phones have made our lives "easier", but they've also made us accessible 24/7. In the drive to succeed, many of us put our children in as many activities as we can, hoping to make them into better people. Is that necessary? It's your decision. In this book, however, Ann Kroeker has had the courage to step up and say, no it isn't necessary.

In her book she talks about the effects that an overcommitted culture can have on our families. Her perspective is Christian and she shares her own story about how embracing a slower pace of life has impacted her family in positive ways. I love the parts where she talks about the importance of letting children have a somewhat unstructured childhood, and encouraging them to explore and play and have fun.

With chapters called, Slowing Down Childhood, Too Fast to Care and Too Fast to Rest, or Slow Enough to Savor Traditions and Slowing Down Spending, Ann gives honest practical advice. Each chapter ends with Slow Notes, a section with practical ideas you can implement immediately. Each chapter also ends with Live From the Slow Zone, with anecdotes and experiences from people who are actively living a slower paced life. Applicable scriptures are sprinkled throughout the book.

One highlight for me was the family Load Line, where much like a ship has a load line or limit to how much cargo it can carry before it is unsafe, so a family has that same load line where too many activities can negatively impact family life. Another highlight was about traditions and the importance of not only having family traditions but taking the time to savor and enjoy them.

I love the resources at the end of the book. Ann has extensive footnotes which give references and sources for her information. She also lists blogs and other resources at her website.

I thoroughly enjoyed this gem of a book. It is one I will reread as I look to find ideas and ways to simplify my family's life.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars inspiring, practical book September 18, 2009

By Elissa Tomasini

Format:Kindle Edition

I purchased Ann's latest book, because her first book, The Contemplative Mom, was such an inspiring book I chose to use it in our mom's group. I love the way she uses real life examples, ideas, spiritual insights and scriptures to encourage more spiritual living. The picture on the cover made me laugh. It can be easy to become wrapped up in all the potential activities available to develop our children. I find that even if I don't over schedule activities, I still wonder if I am doing enought. Ann brings us back to our values, and priorities, and helps us think about the choices we are making and the impact. Some of my favorite quotes guide me in making decisions - "If we can't slow down to devleop that relationship with the living God who invites us to something deeper and richer, we're going too fast". "Walk lightly and in all things, love". I highly recommend the book. I could feel God's Spirit shine through her words. It would also make a good book club, or mom's group read.
Elissa

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Ready to slow down? August 26, 2009

By Cara Putman VINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback

Ever feel like the pace of life has you meeting yourself coming and going? Feel like your children are running so fast they don't have time to be kids? Tried to slow down, but don't know how? Then this book can be a great help to you. It is an easy to read with bite sized chapters that can be read while waiting for your child to finish a lesson or sports practice. The author has given lots of ideas and possible solutions in the book -- enough to help you creatively adapt it to your family. She addresses many issues including slowing down spending, sexuality, high tech, adding time to create and love. There's so much in this book. Lots to ponder and adapt to your family.