The Lettered Cottage

You are here: Home / Books / The Best Yes

The Best Yes

By

“We have to slow the rhythm of rush in our lives so the best of who we are can emerge.”
-Lysa TerKeurst

Diamond

I’m reading The Best Yes by Lysa TerKeurst right now. Kevin found it at Lifeway and surprised me with it for Christmas.

Lysa TerKeurst | The Best Yes | Dayspring

(Dayspring)

It’s about making wise decisions in the midst of endless demands, and I have enjoyed it SO much. Goodness, that woman has such a way with words! I’ve been Instagramming some of my favorites snippets lately:

Lysa TerKeurst | The Best Yes

I picked up an extra copy at the bookstore this week because I thought it would be fun to host a giveaway here today. If you’d like to enter to win it, just leave me a comment below and I’ll (randomly) select a name tomorrow night before I head to bed. 🙂 (I’ll include it at the end of Friday’s post.)

Kevin and I had the pleasure of meeting Lysa in Virginia Beach several years ago, and we guest posted on each other’s blogs shortly thereafter. I went back and read the post Lysa shared here on my blog this morning. I had forgotten how much it gleamed…

Warm Icicles
by Lysa TerKeurst

Last year my husband and I traveled to Vermont where I woke up one morning to stare at what an overnight snow storm brought us. I had never seen such snow in all my live long day. But what really caught my attention were gigantic icicles hanging from the roof line. They were perfect. As I stared out at them, suddenly a memory flashed across the screen of my mind. It was about my Dad. My biological Dad. The one who abandoned me a long time ago and who knows nothing about my life now. I don’t have very many memories of him, and the ones I do have aren’t that great. If I let my mind dwell on the gaping hole he left in my heart, I get sad even to this day. God has been so good to help me see that I am not the child of a broken parent any longer- that I am a child of God. I am loved. I am treasured. I am wanted.

But sometimes, this nagging thought sneaks into the crevices of my heart and I start wondering, why didn’t my Daddy love me? That’s why this icicle memory brought such joy to my heart. It is a good memory of my Dad. It rushed into my mind that morning in a way that brought a fresh, gleaming perspective.

I grew up in Florida which meant no snow- ever. But I remember praying for snow. Praying like a revival preacher at a tent meeting I tell ya. If ever there could be snow in Florida, surely a passionate little girl’s prayers could open up those heavenly snowflake storehouses.

One night, the temperatures dropped surprisingly low, and the weather man called for a freeze. This was a rare thing in our area. How tragic there was no precipitation on this particular cold night. It was the one night that snow might have been possible. It broke my little snow bunny heart. But the next morning I awoke to icicles everywhere. Gleaming, dripping, hanging, light reflecting, glorious icicles were all over the trees in our back yard. It was magical.

icicles-on-tree-branch

We were the only house on the block with this grand winter display because I was the only girl whose Daddy thought to put out sprinklers on the one night it froze.

I don’t know where this memory has been hiding for too many years, but what a gift. Somewhere in the deep, mysterious, broken places of my Dad’s heart, there was an inkling of love. I pray wherever he is today, he too remembers the night of the icicle wonderland. For it is a common thread of hope that ties too very distant hearts together…and that makes me smile.

 

Click here to subscribe

Reader Interactions

Comments

  3. Michelle

    I would love to read this book! I love Lysa’s stuff, but haven’t had a chance to grab this book yet.

  4. Theresa

    The quotes on Instagram have been such a sweet encouragement this week; thank you! I can’t wait to read the book (;

  7. Dawna

    Count me in on the book giveaway,,,I enjoy Lisa when I check into Proverbs 31 Women Ministries. Have a great day!

  10. Toni

    That’s a half full glass kind of friend to have!
    I love what you’ve been posting on IG – very thoughtful stuff.
    Thanks so much!

  12. cldf

    I keep meaning to pick this up! I would love to read it! And.. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your blog and your “style!”

  15. Anya

    I have really loved the bits and pieces you have been sharing on Instagram, this sounds like a really fantastic read.

  17. Nicole Murray

    I have been following your Instagram feed and have added the book to my list! I feel it’s a book that needs to be read when the timing is right. Can’t wait for that time.

  23. Nicki

    I’ve enjoyed following along with you while you are reading the book and I’d love to read it as well. It sounds amazing!

  25. Kristan

    This is so timely, as I just put a hold on this at the library yesterday morning! I’d love to win. Thanks for the chance!

  28. Katie

    Sounds like a good one! Another recommendation, if I might make one, is Mindset by Carol Dwek. Literally changed my life (and the lives of many people I have recommended it too). It is an easy read too!

  29. Lauralee

    Looks like a great book. I may have to put that one quote up on my wall even before I read it: Today’s choices become tomorrow’s circumstances. Thanks!

  33. Betsy Reyes

    This book seems to be jammed packed with skillfull & Godly
    Wisdom what a treat to read it!!!

  36. Heather J

    I have been following your blog for a couple of years. We just adopted a child and I have loved all your feelings and insights. I hope you get to hold your boy soon. I have love your instagram posts of this book. I really would love to read it.

  37. Terri

    I recently discovered your site while looking for a white-washed dining table and boy did you do a great job! Since then I’ve enjoyed the information you’ve shared with us and the many stories that put a tear or two in my eyes. I’m not familiar with the give away book but thanks for letting us know about it!

  38. Kristi

    She is by far one of my favorite authors and speakers. She is authentic and funny! I can totally relate to her. One amazing lady! Hope I win! Haven’t read this one, yet, but Unglued was life-changing!

  42. Janelle

    I recently got in contact with my biological dad after not speaking with him for 25 years. I’m a firm believer that people can change. Maybe your Dad is reading your blog and smiling.

    As, for the book, I’ve never heard of it, I’d love a copy of it. It sounds very positive and inspirational. I might have to buy a copy for myself and my mother-in-law. Hope things are moving along with your adoption and we get and update on that soon. 🙂

    -Janelle

  43. Nancy Maners

    I actually looked at this book yesterday at the local big box but didn’t get it because I had so much other stuff to buy. Looks like a good read.

  45. Kimberly

    I am participating in a small bible study group and we are currently doing her Unglued study. This looks like a wonderful book as well.

  47. Tricia

    I love the quote about the attitude we bring to a situation. I try to remind myself and my family of this all of the time! I always look forward to your posts … they are always a bright spot in my day!