This book was the inspiration and guide for my own personal retreat into the concept of abiding myself in Jesus. Through the well-written chapters and the exercises that they included, I was able to dig deeper into my own history and challenge my existing mindset. Connecting these concepts with both Scripture and the CCC helped me to gain a wider perspective while also providing a pathway into deeper connection with Christ..

To be honest, I didn't know what to expect with this book, but this was not it. I ended up stopping around 30% in.

As far as I can tell, it's basically a memoir with sprinkles of scripture in it. As someone who needs help with some healing and difficult times, this wasn't doing it at all for me.

I'm not saying it can't help someone else and that no one should try reading it, it just isn't what I thought it would be and isn't in anyway helpful to me.

Thank you to Netgalley and Ava Marie Press for an ARC. My opinions are mine and mine alone.

Abide by Heather Khym explores what it means to truly abide in the Lord. From knowing him personally to bringing the parts of you that you don't want anyone else to see. I loved reading this book and would definitely recommend this book

The Promise (Descr from Publisher):

Break through the barriers that prevent you from trusting and experiencing the deep love of Jesus… trade self-protective tendencies for recognition of own need for healing so can be the person you were created to be.

The Expectation (mine after reading the promise, etc):

I chose this book because I am focusing on a closer walk with God in 2022 & felt like it would be a great companion for my journey.


Quote:

We were made for more. We were not meant to live a mediocre life; rather to live a life of abundance in Jesus, abiding in him at every moment… The world desperately needs people who have been restored by the power of Jesus… it must begin with us.


What I connected with:

I connected with every page of this book. Lots of highlighting done via my Kindle! Khym is personal & relatable while also taking a strategic approach to God’s healing for your life. It was easy to read; but I had to stop after each chapter just to soak it in and reflect. All of her charts, diagrams and the reflection pieces at the end of each chapter certainly add to the worthiness of this read.

What I struggled with:

I didn’t find anything that I really struggled with on this one. I was continually thirsty for what was on the next page!


What I learned:

That I desperately need to surrender to my overwhelming thirst for God in the stillness & quietness of prayer & I can be assured that God not only will show up, He’s already there waiting on me… expecting me. .. knowing that I am coming. All I have to do is ask for Him for his blessing. Jesus’ name is enough.


How I was transformed:

I can’t put my finger on it exactly, but my daily quiet time in prayer and God’s Word is more focused. I show up with a more open & expectant heart. I get to be with God- who is “all in” when it comes to loving me.


I will recommend this to friends and family. I definitely want a hard copy of this book!

If you are a fan of Catholic podcasts, chances are you've heard Abiding Together, an exceptional program which brings together three female friends who navigate the spiritual waters with grace. One of the hosts of that fantastic podcast, Heather Khym, has written a gem of a book entitled Abide: A Pathway to Transformative Healing and Intimacy with Jesus.

This powerful work encourages readers to find healing and hope in the person of Jesus, who longs to restore us to a place of comfort and peace.

Near the beginning of the book, Khym poses the question, "What if God's promises are real?" She then writes, "What if we could truly live a life of abundance as we abide in him? What if God really is who he says he is? What if the same Jesus who healed the blind man, cleansed the leper, and raised Lazarus from the dead wants to and can perform powerful miracles that we desperately desire in our life as well?"

All of us are wounded in some way--each of us needs the divine healer to be restored. Khym has provided a helpful roadmap to that healing each of us longs for.