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One of my favorites lines from the Beyond Boundaries webcast that Dr. John Townsend did several weeks ago was: "You've learned how to say no, now you can learn when to say yes." This really resonated with me and I tought that it would be great to share with each other about saying no.
How to Enter:
In 75 words or less, tell us about a time you said 'no' or how impotant one of the original Boundaries books was to you.
The Prize:
We have several (quantity will be a surprise) signed copies of Beyond Boundaries to help you learn when to say yes.
Deadline: Comment before 8:00am Thursday November 3rd, 2011. We'll randomly select and anounce the winners before noon.
Legal Stuff: Due to shipping restrictions the giveaway is open to residents of the US and Canada only. Everyone is free to share their stories though. Zondervan Blog's managing editor (Adam Forrest) will contact the winners via email to retrieve their shipping address.Winners will need to provide a physical address, no P.O. boxes.
Looking forward to your stories!
- Caleb, Zondervan Internet Team
(This post does not represent the views of Zondervan or any of its representatives. The writer's opinions are their own, and are shared for information purposes only. To receive new blogposts in your reader or email inbox, subscribe to Zondervan Blog.)
Since it's not fair for me to ask you to share without sharing myself, here's an example:
After some tough stuff in my life I was down and out and changing churches to boot. I had been a longtime volunteer with the youth group, but needed a break. I said 'no' to volunteering at my new church until I was back on solid ground. Over time I have learned when to say 'yes' to volunteering, and I am really enjoying the time with the youth group again.
Posted by: Caleb Williams | November 01, 2011 at 03:59 PM
As hard as it is to say no to one's child, I knew that my son shouldn't go with his cousins to the lake. The cousins decided to ride 4 wheelers and 2 out of the four were seriously hurt in an accident. I feel that saying no, when you know God puts that "God feeling" in your heart can save a lot of heartache.
Posted by: Tammy Griffin | November 01, 2011 at 08:47 PM
This isn't going to sound like a big deal, but it's significant.
I've said "no" to a lot of playdates for my young kids because the calendar was filling up too fast and getting the kids out the door in the morning was beginning to be too much for them and me. By saying no, I felt like I was cutting off socialization opportunities that they needed, but it's made our house and children so much more peaceful. We still go out one day a week, and it's more of a treat than a chore.
Posted by: Tiffany | November 01, 2011 at 09:03 PM
When my fiance's sister was living with us, she was exhibiting some pretty challenging behaviors. Being that she had just turned 18 and had stolen from us, brought drugs into our home, etc., we decided that it was finally time to say “enough is enough.” We did not want to enable her behavior because it wouldn’t help her in the long run. It hurt, but her progress was out of our hands.
Posted by: Roxanna | November 01, 2011 at 09:54 PM
It was a simple thing yet even now my sister-in-law hesitates when she wants to ask me a question. On more than one occasion she has asked me to say the grace before a meal. I have always felt uncomfortable doing so. I had mentioned to her once before that someone else could do so and yet she chose a very public place to tell me to pray. I said no.
Posted by: Marsha L. Randolph | November 01, 2011 at 11:59 PM
I am part of many ministries at my church and the chapel on our military base. I was recently asked to become a teacher in the preschooler class and I had to tell them 'no'. That would just be the cherry on top that would cause a burn out I'm sure. Someday I will be able to, but not right now.
Posted by: Michele | November 02, 2011 at 02:04 AM
Our family was ministering at a church plant when our babies were nursery/toddler age. I spent 3 out of 4 Sunday's in nursery duty. It was TOO much. Now, our children our older, but I have learned to say NO.
Posted by: annette | November 02, 2011 at 12:42 PM
Thank you all for sharing your stories of saying 'no.' We will be praying that each of you continues to grow and be strengthed to set boundaries in your lives.
The winners are:
- Marsha
- Roxana
- Michele
- Tiffany
- Tammy
We will send an email to each of you with next steps.
Thanks again!
Posted by: Caleb Williams | November 03, 2011 at 11:14 AM
During a difficult time with my mother's illness, I struggled to stand my ground with my brother as he delayed making time to see our mom. He responded with excuses and although it was difficult, I told him I would not accept his behavior or bullying and that my feelings were just as valid as his were. It was one of the first times I didn't back down with him.
Posted by: Elle | November 04, 2011 at 02:46 PM
Today the winners should have received an email with the next step from our blog editor, Adam Forrest. Thanks again to everyone who shared a "no" story, it's a blessing to hear them!
Posted by: Adam | November 16, 2011 at 11:09 AM