Today I am reviewing Everywhere Holy by Kara Lawler. Thank you to TLC Book Tours and Thomas Nelson for a copy of the book.
About the Book (from the Publisher):
Popular writer and blogger Kara Lawler shows women how to embrace the sacred in mundane, ordinary life – and in the process, discover themselves.
Life doesn’t have to be lived on grand mountaintops for it to be meaningful. We can see God at work right where we are: in our ordinary and mundane routines, in the faces of our family and friends, and–especially–in nature.
Kara Lawler speaks to the hearts of those who find themselves lost in the midst of their chaotic schedules and weary attempts to be all that is expected of them. Everywhere Holy addresses our deepest struggles, including:
- How to feel joy, despite depression and anxiety
- Dealing with hardships and understanding unconditional love
- How to view life as an adventure, even when that feels too hard
- How to feel more connected, more grateful, and more at peace
In beautiful prose, Lawler describes the unique sacredness found in God’s creation and offers 15 inspiring insights for cultivating it day-to-day. She encourages you to make this lifestyle change through the observance of small acts. In so doing, you will discover a holy space that honors God and the life you’ve been given–and will discover yourself and your unique place in the holy that is everywhere, whether it’s in the woods behind your house or in the face of a stranger on a bus in a busy city. No matter where you are, there is holy free for the taking.
My review: I have, throughout the course of my 12 years of blogging, resisted writing anything that might be considered ‘religious.’ Spiritual? Yes, occasionally. But my resistance stems from my upbringing, where I was taught that religious beliefs were intensely personal and private and that one did not preach to others, but respected their beliefs or non-beliefs. That is why I do not read blogs that are what I would consider ‘preachy.’
That being said, I am intensely spiritual and my beliefs have changed and grown over the years and one of the things I am absolutely sure of is the presence of God (or a Higher Power, Divine Intelligence, the Creator, Buddah, Allah, whatever word you use) in the world around me; in nature, animals, people. Kara Lawler writes about this very thing.
Her essays, drawn from her own life, are lovely explorations and realizations of God everywhere. She is a young mother, therefore her writing will really resonate with women of a certain age. But the truths realized should resonate with anyone who has sought peace, looked for a sense of guidance, a sense of the wonder of life in a bird or a beautiful rock or in the smile of a child.
Kara writes beautifully. This is the sort of book that can be opened at any chapter, though there is a progression in the storytelling, for some sustenance in the course of a day. She lives in the country with her husband and two young children, a host of pets, and the Allegheny Mountains as a backdrop. She has struggled, as we all do, to find her identity. In the course of her journey, she discovers holiness everywhere and finds who she really is.
If this is the kind of book you are drawn to, I think you’ll like it very much indeed.
About the author:
From Kara: Through my writing, I hope to help people see beauty, remember their own identities, and find God, right where they are. It seems hard, really, in the shuffle that makes up this beautiful (but not always easy) life. How can we even focus on beauty or God, with full lives and the current state of the world? Quite honestly, that’s a struggle that has left me out of breath and on my knees. But, by doing this–by noticing beauty and looking for God all around–, I believe we really can discover who we are and who God meant for us to be. I try to see the beauty in the mundane, the extraordinary in the ordinary, the holy in the everyday, and as St. Ignatius said, “God in all things.” Join me on this pursuit of holiness amidst the chaos of an everyday.
Kara Lawler lives in the Allegheny Mountains of Pennsylvania with her husband, Mike, and their children, Matt and Maggie. Kara holds a BA in English and a MA in education and has been teaching high school English for close to two decades. She is the co-author of A Letter for Every Mother and has been published on various sites to include Today Parents and Huffington Post. Find Kara on www.karalawler.com and on Facebook to follow to join her journey of identity, faith, friendship, marriage, and motherhood.
Good news! One of you will win a copy of this book. If you are interested, leave a comment on this blog post. (It has to be here, not via email.) I’ll pick a winner on Saturday evening. (U.S. readers only.)
Happy Thursday.
Hi Claudia,
This sounds like such an encouraging book. Thank you for the opportunity to own a copy. My best to you and Don. Stay well!
Dearest Claudia, I would love to receive this book, be inspired and pass it on to someone else. (After Lysol wiped). Thanks for considering and thank you for your daily blog posts. You are a silver lining in these clouds. Peace and Love
Jacque
Thank you for bringing this author to my attention, I need to stay calm in the middle of this chaos that has me separated from my grandbabies, my heart aches for them. Looking for the Lord in ordinary places has become my norm this days. Please stay safe and healthy!
This sounds like a book I’d enjoy! Take care.
This would be an excellent time to read a spiritual book. I am reading a few pages each day of “The Book of Happiness” The description is a book expressing the joy of great writers. It contains little short poems or quotes from a play or book. First published in 1928. Take care and stay well.
Sounds good-the reason I like your blog is because of what you write on it…I have deleted some blogs that I can’t stand because of their politics…you and I are on the same page with that…As a Christian, I don’t usually read blogs that are preachy either because my beliefs are my own. Keep writing. Day 13 for me…getting ready to Facetime grands for home school…
Thank you for bringing this book to my attention. It sounds like a good read for the soul.
What a timely book!! I’m sure it will resonate with each of us. Thanks for your review and for offering a copy to one of us. I hope you and Don continue to do well. My husband and I have fallen into a routine around here, but anxiety is high for both of us. Take care.
This book seems to be what so many of us need, especially during these uncertain times as we do our best to settle into new routines.
May everyone stay safe and be smart and try not to worry-yes, easier said than done. Sigh.
Good morning Claudia,
Please pick me as I really need a guide during this trying time. I need a little spiritual guidance to help me through my typical day of job hunting and depression that has set in because of my difficulties. Your blog is a highlight of my day as your pretty pictures of your everyday life make me smile on the outside as well as the inside.
Dear Deanna, What a difficult time to be job hunting! I hope you can spend some of the day in a more gratifying pursuit. I was touched by your heartfelt words, and I will hold you in my thoughts and prayers. Peace be with you.
Thank you so much Leslie. I may have a work from home job starting next week. I think it was sent from God, and I hope I can manage from home.
Thanks for the review, Claudia. You write so thoughtfully, it really helps explain the book and if it’s our thing. Like you, I’m less on religion, high on spirit and faith. This sounds lovely.
What a perfect book for these uncertain times. Take care
We saw Don on an old episode of Frasier today.
I know that the past 3.5 years have made me question my faith. I have always questioned, but I haven’t been able to find any answers to what has happened in these last years. That is why I just can’t believe in one religion; but, instead, I believe in a greater power and using all of the power of grace we can in every day. These past weeks have been so uncalming for nearly everyone. I know that people with greater faith than I have must find it easier to cope. I am trying………
I have always loved what the Dalai Lama said … ever since I read it.
when asked… he replied very simply… “my religion is kindness.”
I aspire to that also. and when I fall short as I often do… I get up and aspire again!
someday we’ll know how all this works. in the meantime keep well!
With all the challenges I’ve experienced the last several years, and now with trying to navigate an uncertain world I find that I am depending on my faith so much more. That has lead me to read more faith based books, use devotional apps. and develop an even greater appreciation of nature.
This treasure would be a book which I would cherish and then give to a dear friend who needs soothing and cheering up desperately. Challenges in life require strength and now we are faced daily with this adversity. Wishing you well and stay safe.
would like to be included in the drawing Claudia
As it gets harder and harder to stave off anxiety these days, I find myself trying to read something inspirational every day. That book sounds like a good one to include, as is your blog, which I do read every day though I don’t comment as often as I should. Condolences on the loss of your amazingly accomplished friend, Terrence McNally. Wishing you and Don well.
Sherry in Little Rock
Connections are what keep us strong as we struggle through this very challenging time. This book sounds like a tonic!
Keep well, friends, and stay home. Wishing you decent weather so that you can enjoy the beauty of nature as she wakes from her winter’s nap.
Thank you for your review, Claudia. This book sounds lovely.
This book sounds very encouraging. Thanks for an opportunity to win a copy.
Although, I don’t subscribe to organized religion anymore, I do believe more than ever in being kind, and showing grace. Finding kindness and grace can be a challenge at times. Perhaps I will through this book.
Thank you for sharing this book. I’ve come to rely on your book choices as each recommendation has been a good read. (Still working through Night Circus, though)
In these days when it seems life has been turned upside down, Kara Lawler’s book, if nothing else, shows us that we aren’t alone. We need authors like Kara who will give us solace and maybe an aha for why we feel the way we do. Day 13! Ominous or lucky?
yep, this will be my next read! I’m in between books and you posted this review at the right time!
ps. did you get the cross-stitch book?
I haven’t been to the post office, Nancy, and most likely won’t get there until all of this is over.
all good, it will give you something to look forward to!
This sounds like a lovely book to read for comfort and contentment. Thank You for the review.
Marilyn
Such a lovely review of what sounds like a book that could bring comfort in this very strange time. After reading it, I would add it to my Little Free Library and share it with others. Thanks Claudia!
Sounds exactly like something I would enjoy reading in these troubling times.
Sounds like the perfect book to read during this time in the “New Wilderness”. Learning to find God and grace is a life-long journey for me. Peace be with you!
Hi Claudia,
Sounds like the perfect read for these trying times. I would love to have a copy, and as others have stated, learn from it and pass it on
Cheers, M
This sounds like a wonderful book, I’d love to read it.
I hope this is the correct place to put my name in for the book drawing. Susan
Would love to read this. Our faith will get us through. Take care
Sounds like a lovely book. Thanks for the chance to win it!
Dearest Claudia, this sort of hit me like a thunderbolt. While, as you stated , you are very private about religion and spirituality, I somehow knew by your writings that you were a deeply spiritual soul. I am too. I am a Blessed Mother devotee. She has guided me since childhood. But nature, music, meditation and a warm smile are my salves. Thank you so very much for making me aware of this writer. Win the book or not you gave me a huge gift today.
Thank you.
Best
Susan
This sounds like the perfect read for my daughter and I to read together.
As someone who struggles with severe depression, I absolutely need to read this one. Thank you for being on this tour. Sara @ TLC Book Tours