Time to Reset arrived in my mailbox just before Easter. That in itself said “Take this opportunity, Leslie. Now is the time.” Easter, for me, is a day of renewal. A chance to start fresh. A time to reset. 

The release of Time to Reset couldn’t be more timely since it comes to us as we are beginning to see an end to a pandemic that has upended or changed the course of life for so many. 

Karen Brown Tyson, author, begins her book with a letter to our heavenly Father. This prayer has become a regular recitation for me as it puts into words a message I send to The Lord daily, although not in such eloquent prose. “Create in me a clean heart and renew in me the right spirit.”

Like Karen, I recently said goodbye to corporate life to devote my time to something bigger, more meaningful. In studying scripture for the first time in my life, I’m slowly finding my purpose. Yet unlike the author, I failed to become educated in areas that would have enriched my life in countless ways—English Literature and Theology. This book is a testament to Karen’s purpose to educate, inspire, and fulfill the call from our Father to be a disciple of His Word. 

The timing of my reading this book is relevant as I’m in the midst of writing a memoir that reveals how I allowed my life’s path to go in directions I would not have planned for myself. Unexpectedly, my personal plan unfolded just two years ago when I left a long, successful career to follow my dream to write. And after reading Time to Reset, I realize it wasn’t really my plan. It was God’s plan. The right plan for me. One that has allowed me to enjoy the gifts I had all along but didn’t recognize or appreciate. This revelation came to me in the first paragraph of Karen’s book introduction. People might make many plans, but what the Lord says is what will happen. (Proverbs 19:21) 

Time to Reset is written in a way, and at a level I could comprehend and relate to from start to finish. I’ll mention here that although this is a 21-Day Devotional, I finished the book in about three days and will likely read it again. Karen’s GLOW Philosophy is simple to remember and easy to incorporate into daily life: Grateful, Listening, Observation, Witness. 

What I find most helpful about the structure of the book is its readability. Each daily reflection begins with a prayer and a reference to scripture, followed by a story from the author’s personal experience. Each chapter offers take-aways and opportunities to reflect on God’s message and presence in our own lives. 

Here are five of my favorite quotes / takeaways from Time to Reset:

1. God always invites us to get close to him. The invitation’s significance isn’t based on our accomplishments, race, wealth, job title, or gender.
2. Sometimes the change we resist is precisely the change needed to improve our life. 
3. See the beauty in the threads that connect my life experiences.
4. God wants to help us find our way. But to do so, we must connect with him daily through prayer and his word.
5. Following Christ doesn’t always mean “smooth sailing.” Storms will come. But Jesus will never leave us to go through the storm alone. 

I urge you to order your copy now and make time to reset your spiritual life. 

About the Author: Karen Brown Tyson is an award-winning author. Her first book, Time to Refresh: A 21-Day Devotional to Renew Your Mind After Being Laid Off, Fired or Sidelined, was named Finalist in the Religion: Christian Inspirational Category of the 2019 Best Book Awards.

She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from West Virginia University and a Master of Arts in English from National University.  In addition, Karen has a Master of Arts degree in Christian Ministry and postgraduate certificates in Christian Leadership, Theological Studies and Biblical Studies from Liberty University Rawlings School of Divinity. She is a graduate of the Jerry Jenkins Christian Writer’s Guild apprentice program. As a writer, she has developed several Christian ministry tools and training materials for her local church. Karen and her husband of 25 years, Kelvin, have one son and they live in North Carolina. Find Karen online:  www.karenbrowntyson.com