Martha to the Max: Balanced Living for Perfectionists - Softcover

Martha to the Max caused me to laugh myself right into conviction.  yikes, I had no idea there were so many of us pick, pick, picking our way through life.  And even though I like things orderly -okay, okay, perfect - I don't care for the internal pressurization that comes with it.  Nor does my family who has been at times the recipients of my friendly fire when they didn't measure up.  Join me if you too are tied up in perfect knots and together we'' allow "Martha" to help us loosen up before we all unravel.
- Patsy Clairmont, Woman of Faith speaker and author of Stardust on my Pillow

With her engaging conversational and humorous style, Debi Stack leads her readers out of perfectionism and into grace, out of a high-pressure, wearying lifestyle into one with more balance and joy.  This book will be a welcome read for maxed out women!
- Cheri Fuller, Speaker and author of When Mothers Pray

Many times in my life I have felt as Martha did - overwhelmed with details and demands, trapped in working and worry, empty of purpose and peace.  If you know those same feelings all too well, Martha to the Max is for you.  Debi Stack is an extraordinary communicator who understands the struggles and the stress associated with perfectionism, yet her insights are infused with energy, humor, and most of all, hope.   This book is destined to become a classic for maxed out women everywhere.
- P. Bunny Wildon, Speaker and author of Liberated Through Submission

You could call this book right-on-target, relevant, timely, convicting, helpful, incisive, playful, entertaining, therapeutic, or just-what-the-doctor-ordered, but you will have to choose your own words, because I'm too busy laughing!
-Richard A. Swenson, M.D., Author of The Overload Syndrome

Ours is a world of frenzied activity.  From childhood to old age, we live in a constant rush of doing.  In Martha to the Max, Debi Stack humorously convinces us that who we are in Christ counts infinitely more than all the works we do.  Let this book change your life.  If you read it seriously, it will!
-Grace Ketterman, M.D., Author of The Complete Book of Baby and Child Care

Debi Stack has struck a nerve and has shed needed light on the area of "perfectionism."  I have to admit to being a Martha to the Max.  However, this book has helped me see the need to not only mellow and moderate my expectations but has also motivated me to continue my pursuit of the "better focus."  This book is a compassionate, yet poignant exhortation to the "Martha's" in our lives.
-Annie Chapman, Author, with Steve Chapman, of Wednesday's Prayer

For those who struggle with expecting perfection from themselves and others, this book offers some wonderful advice.  Debi Stack is masterful with her insights into the famous Martha in the Bible, and with humor and knowledge, she gives us a more in-depth understanding of her.  This book can bring back the joy that is often missing in the lives of those who strive to do everything to the max, and in the doing, place great burdens on themselves and unrealistic expectations on others.  It also provides understanding for those who live or work with a perfectionist.  Debi is a good writer, but she is more than that.  She writes with practical understanding and biblically based solutions.
-Mary Whelchel, Author of The Christian Working Woman and The Snooze-Alarm Syndrome

As a recovering Martha (not cured, just in remission) and the author of a book about perfectionism, I appreciate Debi's light-hearted yet powerful insights.  She offers practical and life-changing wisdom so that we can find the balance we need.  In her book, you'll find the meaning ofthe "one thing" Jesus refers to and you'll discover peace.
-Kathy Collard Miller, Author of Why Do I Put So Much Pressure on Myself?

Debi is one of the most talented writers in today's market.  Martha to the Max is witty and intelligent and fun, but the message does not get lost in the cleverness.  Debi gives me hope that God has a special place in His heart for us overcommitted, underappreciated, stressed-out-21st-century moms.
-Rhonda Wheeler Stock

Martha to the Max is a fun, fresh, and fast read full of insight for recovering perfectionists that is both practical and applicable while leading her to the "one thing that will never be taken away."
-Marita Littauer, President CLASServices, Inc., Speaker/Author, Personality Puzzle, Come As You Are, You've Got What It Takes

What a delight!  In the fast paced, dot com world in which I live and work, Martha to the Max provided me with the tools to delete some unnecessary programs (and files) still on my "heart" drive.  I giggled, gulped, winced, and sighed relief as Debi led me to a better understanding of myself.  While a perfectionist like myself doesn't often experience warm fuzzies--it seems like I experienced at least one on every page as Debi seemed to rewind and fast forward through my life journey--replaying for me many of the same Martha-inducing experiences I knew as a child, teen, young adult, and parent.  While I just loved her engaging and witty style, perhaps the greatest gift Debi provides is the biblical and practical solutions for containing our Type A personalities.  I WILL recommend this book to our readers--and giggle as I do.
-Jennifer and Philip Rothschild, Publishers, WomensMinistry.net . . . your source for women's ministry news events, ideas, and speakers.

A classic "been there, don't do that" handbook, Martha to the Max illustrates with humor and sensitivity Debi Stack's rise from the ashes of burnout, while offering a cool drink of water to those still morphing into Marthahood.
-Cheryl Gochnauer, recovering perfectionist and author of So You Want to Be a Stay-at-Home Mom

For those of us who struggle with putting our "work" before our "worship"--I highly recommend Martha to the Max.
-Jan Brown, Interactive Producer, Christianity Online (Christianity Today, Inc.), Author of Meet Me at the Well

Martha to the Max is a must-read for today's busy Christian woman.  With the scriptural insight of a careful Bible scholar, the graphic metaphors of an accomplished wordsmith and the passion of one who's walked in Martha's sandals, Debi Stack presents a solid antidote to the project-filled, control-oriented lifestyle of so many Christian women and men.  I've studied Martha and preached about her for years, but I learned a lot from reading Debi's book.  It's packed with potentially life-changing insights for the Marthas of the New Millenium.
-Don Hawkins, Cohost, Back to the Bible

You are an incredible treat.  Any woman who has struggled with overcommitment, stress, and perfectionism will find hilarity, help and especially hope in these pages.  Readers will enjoy Debi's fact paced storytelling while they gain new tools for managing their maxed out lifestyles.  I will be recommending this often in my counseling practice.
-Dr. Chuck Lynch, Author of I Should Forgive, But . . .