Rest: Living in Sabbath Simplicity [Paperback]

Keri Wyatt Kent (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 16, 2008

Keri Wyatt Kent invites readers to rediscover the ancient practice of Sabbath in this practical and accessible book. Kent's experiences as a retreat leader and a journalist collide as she offers true, interview-based stories along with scripturally based advice and guidance on how to live in a rhythm of work and rest she calls 'Sabbath simplicity.' Based on what Jesus taught about Sabbath and how he practiced it, Kent explores six aspects of Sabbath as Christian spiritual practice: resting, reconnecting, revising, pausing, playing, and praying. These are the antidote to our restlessness, isolation, and our hurried lives, workaholism, and self-absorption. Living a nonlegalistic, sanely paced, God-focused life leads us to freedom and grace, joy and connection. A group study guide is included, making this book an excellent choice for small groups.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Keri Wyatt Kent invites readers to rediscover the ancient practice of Sabbath in this practical and accessible book. Kent's experiences as a retreat leader and a journalist collide as she offers true, interview-based stories along with scripturally based advice and guidance on how to live in a rhythm of work and rest she calls 'Sabbath simplicity.' Based on what Jesus taught about Sabbath and how he practiced it, Kent explores six aspects of Sabbath as Christian spiritual practice: resting, reconnecting, revising, pausing, playing, and praying. These are the antidote to our restlessness, isolation, and our hurried lives, workaholism, and self-absorption. Living a nonlegalistic, sanely paced, God-focused life leads us to freedom and grace, joy and connection. A group study guide is included, making this book an excellent choice for small groups. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Keri Wyatt Kent is the author of several books, including Oxygen, Listen, and Breathe, and is a sought-after retreat leader and speaker. She and her husband, Scot, live with their son and daughter in Illinois. Learn more about Keri's ministry at www.keriwyattkent.com.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  
• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan (December 16, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310285976
• ISBN-13: 978-0310285977
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #390,206 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Sabbath Rest Is Not A Fluff Command, December 16, 2008

By 

Elizabeth (Illinois) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Rest: Living in Sabbath Simplicity (Paperback)

Recently Bill Clinton was asked what he would say as a word of advice to incoming President-Elect Obama. He paused a moment, and then said he would tell Obama to take some time aside to rest. Clinton went on to say that he made some of his worst mistakes when he kept going and did not take time to rest.

Keri Kent writes, "The Sabbath commandment flows out of God's desire to connect with us, to ease the ache in our hearts with sheer presence. If we dare to obey, Sabbath allows us to do a little experiment, to test the promises of God: what if I stop working, stop accomplishing, stop earning? Will God still love me? Will he love me just as much?"

Keri does not give a simplistic set of rules as to how to live out the Sabbath. She speaks to God's loving intent concerning the Sabbath, and the benefits we can reap from following it. To quote, "Resting seems wasteful, extravagant, a luxury a person as busy as we are cannot afford. But really, and here's another paradox, resting is as necessary as breathing if we are to do more than cling to the cliff of life by our fingertips."

I began the book wondering about the relevance of the Sabbath command, and ended it realizing it is a loving opportunity given to us by God. Whether you have only an hour to spare, or a whole day to give, Keri leads the reader to understand that taking on the God experiment of Sabbath Rest becomes a welcome invitation, instead of another "to do" guilt producing thing.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Joy of Rest, December 22, 2008

By 

Jennifer Feliciano - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Rest: Living in Sabbath Simplicity (Paperback)

I loved this book! Through historical background and scripture, Keri Wyatt Kent, gently encourages the reader to create space during the week to enjoy the tremendous blessing of resting with God. I appreciated seeing what Sabbath practices can look like in different homes. This book is very inviting and interesting. If you are someone who is looking for how to draw near to God, bring that desire to your family, and wants a more balanced life of work and rest, this book will be very edifying for you.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This Book Changed My Life!, January 8, 2009

By 

Mary M. DeMent (Orlando, FL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Rest: Living in Sabbath Simplicity (Paperback)

Author Keri Wyatt Kent invites, inspires and encourages us to do the unthinkable in today's culture: REST! Her words have caused me to think (and re-think) how I spend my time. This well-written, easy to read book on the Sabbath, weaves history, story telling and application all into a practical "How To" book on "rest." This should be required reading for...everyone (especially those who don't have time to read it)!