Not So Fast

Title: NOT SO FAST: Slow-Down Solutions for Frenzied Families
Author: Ann Kroeker
Publisher: David C. Cook
August 2009
ISBN: 978-1-434768-88-9
Genre: Christian Life/Family

Is every hour rush hour at your house? (from the back cover)

Sometimes it seems we’re raising our kids in a 24-7 world. Everything is high-speed, high-pressure, and we have to push everyone to get ahead, and cram everything possible into our days so our kids can be successful.

But, we’re paying a price. No wonder people are looking at the Amish with envy. They know how to live slowly, and aren’t so stressed out.

For those of us who aren’t ready to make the leap into a different lifestyle, Ann Kroeker offers practical solutions to help those of us in the modern day world to help us to slow down.

In the pages of NOT SO FAST, Ms. Kroeker shares her own story of how embracing a slower pace allows for more meaningful family time and a more rewarding spiritual life. She gives practical ideas and insights which will help spark creativity.

In Ms. Kroeker’s own words, she says, “I want to point to Jesus and say, ‘Start here.’”

I enjoyed reading through NOT SO FAST and reading how the Kroeker family and others have learned how to live in the slow lane. In today’s world of on-going activities, sports, work, school, after-school events, etc, frenzied families tumble exhausted into bed and jump out the next morning to start the process all over again. In the pages of NOT SO FAST, Ms. Kroeker teaches us the necessary steps to slow down, to enjoy family time, meals at the table as a family, and other restful family times. At the end of each chapter are sections called “Slow Notes” with wonderful tips and questions for the family. This alone is worth the price of the book.

If you are pushing 24/7, and looking at the Amish with envy, then perhaps NOT SO FAST would be a book for you to consider. $14.99. 240 pages.


Life’s Too Short to Live in Fast Forward

Ann Kroeker’s new book offers readers simple solutions for a slower, saner lifestyle



Today’s frenzied families find themselves fragmented in this high-speed, fast-paced, goal-oriented society. Even while racing to second jobs, appointments, lessons, practices, games, and clubs, we crave an antidote. How do we counteract the effects of our overcommitted culture? Replenish our depleted selves? Restore our rushed relationships?



For those readers whose every hour is rush hour, author Ann Kroeker explores the jarring effects of our overbusy culture and offers refreshing alternatives. Bypassing the fast lane, Kroeker’s new book, Not So Fast: Slow-Down Solutions for Frenzied Families (David C Cook, August 2009), urges families to discover how simplifying and slowing down can help restore strained relationships…and souls.



“We’re raising our kids in a high-speed, high-pressured, 24/7 world,” says Kroeker. “Pushing children to get ahead, we cram everything possible into our days to maximize their chance at success. We’re overloaded, overextended, overcommitted, and over-caffeinated. And we’re paying a price: Our relationships are anemic; our health, in jeopardy. Half-awake and half-hearted, we can’t sustain this pace.”



In Not So Fast, Kroeker relates her own story of how embracing a slower everyday pace has resulted in a richer, fuller, and more meaningful family and spiritual life. With practical ideas and insight that will spark creativity and personal reflection, Kroeker offers hope that families struggling with hurried hearts and frantic souls can discover the rejuvenating power of an unrushed life.



Not So Fast includes two practical features for those moving toward a more reflective and peaceful life—a life that makes room for knowing and loving God and people. At the close of each chapter, the “Slow Notes” section offers slow-down solutions to apply immediately. In “Live from the Slow Zone,” readers will hear inspirational stories from those who have learned to reap the rewards of life in the slow lane.



“For everyone who yearns for the benefits of a slower life, I want to point to Jesus and say, ‘Start here. Start with the One who offers true and lasting peace. Look to His Word. Meditate on that. Learn from Him, for His yoke is easy and His burden is light,’” writes Kroeker. “I wish we could see that the root of meaning and peace that we’re seeking is found not in a yoga pose or a mind-emptying meditation session, but in a rich relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.”



Author Bio

Author of The Contemplative Mom, Ann Kroeker is an acclaimed writer and speaker committed to encouraging and inspiring families as they face the demands of daily living. A contributor to the award-winning Experiencing the Passion of Jesus, she has written for numerous corporations and her articles have appeared in a variety of publications including Decision, The Student, Christian Home and School, and Indianapolis Woman. Ann and her husband, Philippe, have been married 18 years and have four children.



Not So Fast by Ann Kroeker

David C Cook/August 2009/ISBN: 978-1-434768-88-9/240 pages/softcover/$14.99

www.davidccook.com www.annkroeker.com