Peace for a Lifetime Book Review (and Giveaway)

Peace is not something I feel like I have in my life. With four little ones, I realize peace and quiet isn’t about the level of noise, but the state of my heart. I decided to read Lisa Murray‘s new book: Peace for a Lifetime: Embracing a Life of Hope, Wholeness & Harmony Through Emotional Abundance. I am so glad I did.

Before reading Lisa’s book, I never would have connected my emotions to the peace in my life. Yes, peace is a “feeling” – but is more connected to my emotional well-being then I had originally thought. I love Lisa’s ability to give us permission to feel. I am definitely a person who is afraid to feel all of the “bad” feelings. Lisa’s book was so refreshing, as it gave me the ability to recognize the negative emotions (such as anger, depression, sadness, etc.) can lead me to a path of healing.

Lisa also gives us permission to self-care. She describes why it might look different for different people. She also explained why self-care is not an excuse for selfishness. I love that. Sometimes I feel selfish doing some of the things I love. Although I have the ability to become self-centered in pursuing my passions, Lisa helped me find that balance.

I loved her chapter on “Identify Investment.” I’ve never thought I needed to know more about me.  I was pretty sure I was aware of who I was. Yet, Lisa encouraged me to follow some simple steps to discover more about myself. It was eye opening and heart healing to look at the sheet of paper titled: Strengths and Weaknesses. I began to identify areas in my life I hadn’t noticed before.

At the end of each chapter are discussion questions. Most of them are great for individual reflection. Or with a trusted group of friends. She calls them “Stepping Stones.” I found the questions at the end of the “Identity Investment” chapter to be so helpful! I especially loved: Take a moment to affirm each strength and validate the qualities God has designed and built into you that are good. Now take a moment and read through the list of weaknesses. Can you accept yourself even with those weaknesses? Are there any weaknesses you can change or improve? Are those changes realistic? 

When discovering and trying to live in pace, we realize emotional wounds will surface. Lisa offers this hope and encouragement: “{In dealing with past emotional wounds} As memories surface, take note of them. What were the beliefs you formed about yourself, about others, about God based on that memory or experience? Are those beliefs true today?…..Begin to steak the beliefs about yourself that are true today.”

At the end of the book, Lisa reveals the result of cultivating emotional abundance. Our other relationships will be affected by our emotional state. We know this, so it makes sense that our other relationships will grow and mature as our roots grow down deep into the foundation of peace found in God.  In this final section, she shares practical help in listening to others. I’m a talker. I love words and use a lot of them to get my point across. Listening is definitely a weakness. I loved Lisa’s thoughts on listening:

Actively, attentively listening requires me to feel safe enough with myself so I can truly lean in and hear my partner or friend speaking. As the listener, I am to lay aside any agenda I have so I  might simply be with another. I need to try and understand their experience as different, as real, and as unique as my own experience. Active listening allows space for two experiences to be shared, heard, and potentially understood. Listening nurtures connection and builds intimacy. – Lisa Murrary

Check out Lisa’s book here! (affiliate)

Follow Lisa on Social Media!  // Twitter // Facebook //

After reading Peace for a Lifetime, your heart and mind will be encouraged. Peace is something very attainable. Win a copy of Lisa’s book below. I’ll be picking TWO winners next week.

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In honor of living in the daily during the month of March, I’m giving away this amazing Daily Grace journal to help organize your house and your heart by Kristin Schumaker and a pouch made from vintage fabric by Marine Parents. Enter to win here.

I’m linking up here.

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