Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life

"Cloud and Townsend are very popular speakers and writers when it comes to Christian audiences and those in the recovery field. I've heard them and read them. But I believe the thrust of this "take control" work does not give enough attention to what God can do.By the Power of God: A Guide To Early A.A. Groups and Forming Similar Groups Today (Why It Worked; A.A. History). Christians, I believe, start with belief in God (Hebrews 11:6). Then they go to the necessity for a new birth which enables them to become children of the living Creator (John 3:1-6). This in turn leads them to Jesus Christ as the Way and the Truth and the Life. And see Romans 10:9.A New Way In: Reaching the Heart of a Child of God in Recovery with His Own, Powerful, Historical Roots.
This was the early A.A. approach when A.A. was a Christian Fellowship and was achieving a documented 75% to 93% success rate.Why Early A.A. Succeeded: The Good Book in Alcoholics Anonymous Yesterday and Today. The formula from the Bible, particularly the Book of James in early A.A.. meant: (1) Controlling your own mind (Romans 12:1-2); (2) Controlling your own tongue (James 3:8-13); and (3) Being a doer of the word, not a hearer only (James 1:21-27). This simply meant that we were to be about our Heavenly Father's business, not just our own.The James Club and the Original A.A. Program's Absolute Essentials.
The point here is not just to quote Scripture. It is to point to the one, true, living Creator who is able to provide the wisdom, strength, guidance, and deliverance that must accompany the human effort to "take control."Dr. Bob of Alcoholics Anonymous: His Excellent Training in the Good Book As a Youngster in Vermont.My judgment is that "taking control" means uncertainty if it is not accompanied by looking to God for the road map, the instructions, and the driver education--not to mention the power of God.A New Way Out: New Path - Familiar Road Signs - Our Creator's Guidance."
~ Written on 2008-07-21

"good information. too much bible talk. wish they would stick to the boundaries message and not refer to the passage and verse of the bible..perhaps give bible reference at the end of each cd."
~ Written on 2008-07-18

"This book/CD is very informative. It gives reasons for actions taken by people and ways to resolve actions. Good information to pass on to others as well to use in one's own life. I recommend this book/CD to anyone wanting to improve their life, to find peace, to be a better person in today's society."
~ Written on 2008-07-13

"I have enjoyed this book tremendously. I really don't have to feel guilty by saying no. We all have limits, and especially in the Christian community, we have to be careful. Some would call us selfish and other names, if we have to say no to money, time, etc. requests. I really needed this book at a critical time in my life! I'm fed up with others thinking that my husband and I are at their beck and call. We cannot save the world from all the problems of others!!! This book goes into reaping and sowing. To learn and grow, we MUST reap and sow. We all MUST be responsible for our own knapsacks-daily cares. Read the book and you will know the difference between something catastrophic and other's daily woes and cares. We can't handle everything that is sometimes thrown at us. THANK YOU for this book!"
~ Written on 2008-06-18

"Excellent ! Boundaries were totally lacking in my life. This is a Christian book that clarifies how to be a Christian and have strong boundaries instead of confusion and chaos. Too many Christian ministers preach against boundaries knowingly or unknowingly and boundaries are NOT unbiblical--this book saved my life from depression and ruin. I now understand how my destructive patterns in relationships got me in my messes and now I know how to prevent the messes. I am happy, emotionally healthy, and those around me are no longer guessing. They know who I am and can trust me. When I say something, I mean what I say. No more games. BOUNDARIES set me free. I was raised in my family of origin without any healthy boundaries, but it is NEVER too late in life to develop healthy boundaries. I was yearning and so hungry for this information. THANKS BE TO GOD THAT THESE AUTHORS PROVIDED BOUNDARIES."
~ Written on 2008-06-18