Because I’m Not A Control Freak

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase through my links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. See my disclosure for more info.

Several months ago I was given the privilege to read a pre-release version of Let.It.Go.: How to Stop Running the Show & Start Walking In Faith by Karen Ehman. Initially I was more than happy to read the book because, well,

I’m not a control freak.

And it’s pretty easy to read books over which you think you will have no conviction or challenge.  Or so I thought. As I read the book though, each page provided just a little more confirmation that I indeed did have some learning to do in the area of letting God have all the reins, and not just the ones I wanted to hand over.

One of the most poignant comparisons I found in the book came down to discovering whether I was pleasing God or myself. Karen discusses the differences between tools, toys, and tangents in our lives.

tool toy or tangent

This book brought the realization that there are practical ways to implement guidelines to help you release the grip of control and truly trust God. If you live in the Columbus, OH area, our ladies’ Bible study group will be doing this 6 week study beginning Thursdays, 7 pm, Jan. 10, 2013. Register HERE.

I truly enjoyed Karen’s practical applications and relational scenarios, but the biggest impression left on my heart from this book, something I really want to remember every.single.day is this:

So whether you are like me and think you don’t really have any control issues, ahem, OR you readily admit that you are one raging control freak, I’d love for you to win this awesome book. We have two copies to give away today! Just follow the rafflecopter instructions below AND we’ll keep this giveaway open through Thanksgiving and announce the winner on Friday.

Oh, and I almost forgot!  Karen has a free resource: From Chaos to Calm: The LET. IT. GO. Christmas Challenge – a 5 day devotional email- all about NOT being a control freak at the holidays. So be sure to click over to her site to sign up!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

42 Comments

  1. Michelle C says:

    Hmmm… probably would fall into the general category of control freak…
    Looking forward to reading this book ~~ and moving forward, to grow out of that place!

  2. I am a control freak in most areas, perhaps not in the area of holidays though.

  3. I am learning to let go, thanks to a great book/bible study “The Excellent Wife”, by Martha Peace . I would love to continue it with this book, letting go and Letting GOD is the ultimate freedom, thanks for offering this book free. Blessings~ Jodi

  4. Charlsey G says:

    I have noticed that I am a control freak, and plenty of men in my relationships have told me so. It is something I am working on desperately because it stems from emotional distress. Really hoping to win this book though! If not, I will certainly buy it. I know the Lord has great plans for me and that begins with me getting out of His way 🙂

  5. Well… I’m a recovering control freak! And beginning to get a glimpse of freedom! 🙂

  6. Yes. I admit I am a control freak! I know I need this book — quiz or not!

  7. It was a control freak kind of day. The kids were cleaning, not the way I wanted them to. Needless to say, I ended up doing most of it. Would love to win Karen’s book.

  8. Nancy Silvers says:

    I really related to you!! I didn’t think I was a control freak either but the more I pray about it, the more I see I really am in some areas. I really don’t think I am when it comes to the holiday’s but I’m sure this book will open my eyes up some more lol!!

    Have a blessed Thanksgiving!!

  9. I’m a control freak, but not under too much pressure anymore because the kids are grown. I try to be more relax with the grandkids!

  10. Ugh… this hit home!!! Trying to raise a 14-year-old stepson by giving the reigns to God… I NEED THIS BOOK!

  11. I need this book.

  12. Yes. It’s a battle I constantly fight.

  13. Total control freak here, but I’m working on it. Admitting it is the first step, right?

  14. I like to say I’m a recovering control freak, but I’m not sure how “recovered” I am. Love Karen’s 5 day devotional email: From Chaos to Calm: The LET. IT. GO. Christmas Challenge. Have a Thanksgiving filled with God and family, Rachel.

  15. I definitely need to read this!

  16. Every blog post I read convicts me further. Like many, I started off with “I’m not a control freak….” then, it was “I’m not, except about….” and so it goes.

  17. Yes! Holidays, not so much – thank God, but yes I am a control freak in general!!

  18. Every time I read another review of this book I see my need to LET IT GO in another direction

  19. I don’t think I’m a control freak, but I tend to be more of one when I’m hosting a get-together.

  20. Julie Reynolds says:

    Reading the reviews of this book makes me feel like she was in my home and head. I need this book because I am a CONTROL FREAK!

  21. Unfortunately, I’m also a control freak. I’ve been working on it, though.

  22. I do like to be in control… I think I really need to read this book.

  23. Most definitely a control freak but just now beginning to realize it!

  24. michelle h says:

    can’t wait to read the whole book – the 5 day challenge was, well challenging!

  25. With each post I read I get more and more excited about reading this book and actually doing the online study with MelissaTaylor.org (don’t live in your area!). I am not a control freak either…but I have a feeling I actually am. Okay, I’m ready, Lord, bring it on!

  26. Sadly, I definitely can be a control freak 🙁 Working on that over the years. At least I (think) I’m showing “imperfect progress” – as Lysa TerKeurst says 😉

  27. Oh yes. Control freak here for sure. It is something that I have to turn over to Him every day.

  28. I am definitely struggling in the area of control. Would love to have a copy of this book!

  29. Today I am sitting here trying to not get my blood pressure up thinking of everything I have to do and I see this post about this book. I think to myself WOW this is exactly what I need. I have never thought of myself as a control freak but I realized if I am not letting God take control then I am. 🙂 I got all of that just from reading the title of the book. Can’t wait to read the rest!

  30. Julie Haldeman says:

    I’m a control freak…

  31. VeronicaS says:

    I don’t think I’m much of a control freak – in most things anyway. I do, however, need to learn to give everything to God.

  32. Helen Haack says:

    I needed to read this tonight!!!!!!!!

  33. Jennifer O says:

    We usually go to my mom’s for Christmas, but we stayed home one year. I was a wreck trying to get food ready (even for just the 4 of us), kids were itching to open presents, snow covered the ground outside, and hubby, well, he was nowhere to be found. He woke up early Christmas morning for some last minute shopping. I was out of my mind with worry until he got home. That afternoon, they built a snow fort in the backyard. The kids fondly remember that Christmas and each year ask if we can stay home.

  34. Yay! I’m so glad I caught this giveaway before going out of town 🙂 I can’t wait for January!

  35. The question I received in the blog post box above asked about our favorite Christmas traditions. We love to put our decorations up the Saturday and Sunday after Thanksgiving listening to a cd my husband and I purchased 20 years ago before we were married, and we then participate in many church and extracurricular celebrations of the Christmas season, most all of them with a spiritual emphasis, though we do purchase gifts on December 6th for St. Nicholas day and donate them to Toys for Tots. We love to talk about the meanings of our Christmons, tell a bit of the Christmas story each night and discuss it, make crafts and carol with neighbors, participate in a drive through live nativity/village, make lots of good tastes and smells of the season, and spend time with family and friends.

  36. Looking forward to the time spent studying this book together during your Bible Study in January.

  37. I too am a control freak

  38. Brenda nederhoff says:

    I think this book could be very helpful for this control freak:)!!

Comments are closed.