Slowing Down

Anne-Louise offers an antidote to society’s tendency to measure the value of life by our busyness. In Slowing Down, she shows us how to live meaningfully, open to God’s calling day by day, finding contentment where He’s placed us and trusting that 'small acts can achieve great results'. Honest, down-to earth and compassionate, she encourages us to face the often less-than-ideal realities of life with faith and hopefulness. Every lesson learnt (and there are many) becomes an opportunity to comfort others with the comfort she has discovered in Christ’s love. This is a timely reminder that God’s kingdom isn’t built through grand schemes or strategies but by the obedient, faithful sowing of seed in the often ordinary places life takes us.

Anne-Louise thoughtfully combines lessons drawn from the Bible with her own wide pastoral experience to give a wise and accessible guide to pastoral care. There are insights, encouragement and challenges for anyone engaged in this ministry. Her open and clear writing style models the care she describes. I warmly recommend this book.

This very readable book brings together biblical themes with the writer's wide pastoral and personal experience. It provides 'sanctified common sense'. I have personally learnt much from Slowing Down and will carry many points through to my own lay ministry and particularly my bereavement/funeral visits.

We may find ourselves slowing down in our older years, but this does not prevent us from continuing to be useful in God’s service. Indeed, slowing down will help us to listen to others, reflect on God’s goodness and faithfulness and focus on what is really important in life. This helpful book by Anne-Louise Critchlow, reflecting a lifetime of practical wisdom honed by God’s grace and His Spirit, will encourage you on in your service of Christ. The questions at the end of each chapter are practical and searching and will help you to discern what God is saying to you. I thoroughly recommend this book.