In the introduction of this new and upcoming book to be released in 2023, The Lives We Actually Have – 100 Blessings for Imperfect Days by Kate Bowler & Jessica Richie, the word blessed is describe and how it is has been misused in our culture today. I am sure you too have seen #blessed hashtag in social media posts. I agreed with the introduction of the book, as it seems to have turned into a cliche, to me it sometimes comes across as bragging, rather than grateful or we make it all about ourselves. I like how they point out about what the Bible says about blessings. Jesus said, blessed are those who mourn, blessed are the poor… So this is why the authors wrote this book, which is more devotional/prayer, to focus on everyday situations and circumstances to help us be honest with ourselves, to give courage, and hope while reminding us to turn to God.

There are 100 short devotions divided up into sections for days of: ordinary, tired, lovely, grief, overwhelm, painful, garbage, beautiful… While I found it an enjoyable read, there were parts that I didn’t agree with both personally and Biblically. I do wish it was a bit more in depth and had more Scripture. So if you are looking for something to read that will help you relate, and is quick and easy, then this is the book for you. However, if you are wanting something to help you learn and grow in faith, this is not that book.

I deeply admire Kate Bowler's work. I do however prefer her narrative work--her memoirs in particular--over this collection of prayers. Nonetheless it is a powerful book, just not one that I would use in my graduate level teaching,

This little book is full of lovely reminders that there’s beauty in the ordinary and no life is perfect, but that’s okay. I can’t wait to have a physical copy to be able to pick up and flip through on days when I need reminding that even in the dark days, the boring days, the best days, there is love.

Thank you Convergent Books and NetGalley for the review copy.

This is a book I want buy (a big step for this librarian!) and keep on my nightstand so I can easily return to it. The blessings are honest, sometimes humorous, and touch on so many moments in life.

Kate Bowler is, as always, spot on in this book. It is a beautiful book of blessings for every time abd season in a person‘s life. I know that I will be coming back to this one again and again, and undoubtedly purchasing copies to pass along to friends.

Life is not Instagram perfect- as you get older you realize more than ever to savor the sweet times
because you know hard days are a part of life. When I am in the midst of a such and such hour or season, I reach for a book from Kate Bowler & Jessica Richie. Thankful they have a new one arriving - The Lives We Actually Have -which is
filled with just the right words, blessings and prayers, for the days we all "actually have". They have a section devoted for the holidays too! And if you are a podcast person, Kate Bowler’s is soooo good!!

As a sufferer of chronic pelvic pain, this book has been Ike a balm to my soul. Written in short prayer like format, it is a wonderful look at life when our lives are messy and don't exactly match what we want them to be. Wonderful.

Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie, authors of the New York Times bestseller Good Enough, reveal how every day is worth blessing--even your average Tuesday. In a world that demands relentless perfection, Bowler and Richie offer creative, faith-based blessings that center gratitude and hope while acknowledging our real, messy lives. Formatted like a prayer book, The Lives We Actually Have is an oasis and a landing spot for weary souls, with blessings that focus on various moments, including For This Ordinary Day, For This Lovely Day, and For This Grief-stricken Day. These heartfelt blessings are a sanctuary for the grieving, the hopeful, the restless, the careworn, and anyone who needs a chance to exhale in a chaotic world.

I love that this is formatted like a prayer book, perfect for looking up specific needs. The blessings in this book are so beautifully written, and comforting to read. What a lovely refuge in an otherwise busy and chaotic world.

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book in return for my honest review.

The Lives We Actuallt Have by Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie was simply not for me. I found it incredibly cheesy and shortly after starting, I realized that I was not interested in the author's "knowledge."

I appreciate the beauty and simplicity of these prayers for different kinds of "messy" days and emotions. I also love that it is formatted as a prayer book for easier use to look up specific situations and needs. Recommended for those who love written prayers, and/or who want to share encouraging words with others. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

Lovely, lovely, lovely book with with gratitude, inspiration and hope. I can't wait to purchase a copy for myself and others. Thank you to the authors for their insight.

Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC. This is a gorgeous collection of blessings that can be used at any time throughout the year, but with helpful guides to use through Lent or Advent. The writing is gorgeous and the message is both comforting and challenging.