Tired of Trying to Measure Up [Paperback]

Jeff VanVonderen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1990

Written to point the way to freedom for Christians who live under an unwritten religious code of expectations and rules that drain them of spiritual strength.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Jeff VanVonderen is a highly sought after speaker and consultant both nationally and internationally. For over 25 years, individuals, families, and organizations have benefited from his skills and understanding in the areas of addiction, family systems, and recovery. Several magazines and journals have featured Jeff's work, and he has been a featured guest on radio and television shows across the country.

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House (January 1, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1556610300
• ISBN-13: 978-1556610301
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #296,978 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Discovering God's Love and Grace, December 17, 1999

By 

M. White - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tired of Trying to Measure Up (Paperback)

This book will help to set you free from legalism and the shame of rejection by other people. Jeff Vanvondren clearly explains the reason for shame, using examples from his own life experience. I highly recommend this book. It should be read by anyone struggling with religion, God, rejection, shame, or any kind of dysfunctional background. It is especially helpful to those who have been mistreated in a church or religous setting. This book is timely, relevent, and offers practical solutions. Due to the nature of the subject matter, this book is not light reading. Instead, it is worthwhile, thought provoking, and will prove to offer lasting help to those who read it. More than mere inspiration, and even more than compassionate encouragement, this book is truly life-changing.

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This book offers a way out for those trapped in legalism, October 21, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Tired of Trying to Measure Up (Paperback)

Jeff explains his concept of "a shame based society" as one in which "performance" is the key to acceptance. The problem with shame based societies (whether they be at home, work or church) is that they lead to legalism. Jesus came to do away with legalism....the free gift of grace. Jeff then explains three cycles we all need to understand: 1. The TRY HARD cycle where by shear will we try to measure up. 2. The GIVE UP cycle where (after trying hard) we give up due to absolute failure 3. The RELAX cycle....let Jesus do the work in you.

This is an excellent book!

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, January 26, 2004

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Tired of Trying to Measure Up (Paperback)

Reading this book has been both painful and lifechanging for me. I have struggled for almost all my Christian life with shame and feeling like I'm never good enough. I could identify so much with the section on shame based relating. This book not only helps you pinpoint the problem, but also offers sensible, down to earth solutions. For the first time, I have come to believe, deep down in my heart, that God's love and acceptance of me is not based on my performance. I can't even begin to describe all the ways that God has used this book in my life. If you struggle with feelings of never measuring up, shame and feeling like you have to earn God's approval, do yourself a favor. Order this book.