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Finding God at the Kitchen Sink: Search for Glory in the Everyday Grime
Did you know you can find glory everywhere? Finding God at the Kitchen Sink is a collection of reflections for those seeking solace in this fallen, confusing, and disorderly world. Did you know you can find glory everywhere—in God’s creation, in His Word, in relationships, and in the details of everyday life? Maggie’s gut-honest perspective will help you see that God shows up even where we least expect Him, like in the pain and ache of life. With stories that teach us to pay attention to His Presence, to the God who is always here and is always for us, Finding God at the Kitchen Sink changes the way we see everything. Those with bruised up hearts who are plodding along, simply existing , will come away with a heaping amount of hope that there is indeed purpose in the mundane and glory in the grime.
208 pages, Hardcover
First published July 28, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 22, 2014
I received a copy of this book thanks to the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, my thanks for the opportunity.
This book is like a memoir of a family's journey in their home, life and with God. It's a nice read, intended to focus us on finding God in the everyday moment of life, that He is there no matter where we are.
There are lots of personal anecdotes and reflections from the author of this book mixed in with some scriptural references. At times I felt it was like TOO much of a personal book, that it may not reach the wider audience with some of the reflections, some of it just seemed to insular, it's hard to put it into words.
It's a nice book to encourage someone or remind them that God is with them in the everyday, but for me, it was nothing outstanding, just "nice".
This book is like a memoir of a family's journey in their home, life and with God. It's a nice read, intended to focus us on finding God in the everyday moment of life, that He is there no matter where we are.
There are lots of personal anecdotes and reflections from the author of this book mixed in with some scriptural references. At times I felt it was like TOO much of a personal book, that it may not reach the wider audience with some of the reflections, some of it just seemed to insular, it's hard to put it into words.
It's a nice book to encourage someone or remind them that God is with them in the everyday, but for me, it was nothing outstanding, just "nice".
August 1, 2014
A special thank you to Moody Publishers and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
FINDING GOD AT THE KITCHEN SINK: Search for Glory in the Everyday Grime by Maggie Paulus is a collection of inspiring and insightful writings, from the heart—to help others seek God in the midst of everyday life—as a mother, father, husband, wife, friend, son, daughter, or co-worker.
When we think God somehow cannot possibly be with us in a bad situation, to allow us go through our nightmares--Maggie leads you through some thought-provoking scripture verses, prayer and ways He speaks to us even through those trying times. Finding God in a broken world –when you lie awake at night worrying, the latest headlines, days when it does not feel God is there and sometimes we do not always understand.
The author uses photos of everyday family life messiness and chaos in a disorderly world to demonstrate how we can seek Him anywhere. Even when a young woman was abused as a child, when no one was there to protect. How does He allow these things to happen?
He can take all the ugly meant to mar us and turn it into something beautiful. Paulus speaks from the heart, as she fights it out with the Maker, and asks hard questions and begs for answers. She urges readers to continue praying to God. We all have doubts—cynicism will come looking for you, to hunt you down.
When we feel insecure and feel we do not measure up, or just wake up and need encouragement, or at the kitchen sink as we scrub away yesterday’s grime, God can speak to us through simple things such as our little boy or girl.
God wants our messy hearts and when we are weighed down and we are depleted. When we are a train wreck and do not have what it takes, God is there for us and aims to give us rest. God speaks to us day and night, even when we are not happy with our children, parents, or husband, or friends.
A special book, as the author recounts the brokenness of her past and the hope she has found. Recommend especially to working wives and mothers, trying to balance work and personal lives, and the overwhelming task. I read the e-book; however, would recommend the beautiful packaged hardcover, as readers will enjoy the photos, and nice to make notes for daily reference.
Grab a quiet place and enjoy this incredible gift as Maggie shares her journey with her readers. (in addition, check out her blog)
http://www.judithdcollinsconsulting.c...
FINDING GOD AT THE KITCHEN SINK: Search for Glory in the Everyday Grime by Maggie Paulus is a collection of inspiring and insightful writings, from the heart—to help others seek God in the midst of everyday life—as a mother, father, husband, wife, friend, son, daughter, or co-worker.
When we think God somehow cannot possibly be with us in a bad situation, to allow us go through our nightmares--Maggie leads you through some thought-provoking scripture verses, prayer and ways He speaks to us even through those trying times. Finding God in a broken world –when you lie awake at night worrying, the latest headlines, days when it does not feel God is there and sometimes we do not always understand.
The author uses photos of everyday family life messiness and chaos in a disorderly world to demonstrate how we can seek Him anywhere. Even when a young woman was abused as a child, when no one was there to protect. How does He allow these things to happen?
He can take all the ugly meant to mar us and turn it into something beautiful. Paulus speaks from the heart, as she fights it out with the Maker, and asks hard questions and begs for answers. She urges readers to continue praying to God. We all have doubts—cynicism will come looking for you, to hunt you down.
When we feel insecure and feel we do not measure up, or just wake up and need encouragement, or at the kitchen sink as we scrub away yesterday’s grime, God can speak to us through simple things such as our little boy or girl.
God wants our messy hearts and when we are weighed down and we are depleted. When we are a train wreck and do not have what it takes, God is there for us and aims to give us rest. God speaks to us day and night, even when we are not happy with our children, parents, or husband, or friends.
A special book, as the author recounts the brokenness of her past and the hope she has found. Recommend especially to working wives and mothers, trying to balance work and personal lives, and the overwhelming task. I read the e-book; however, would recommend the beautiful packaged hardcover, as readers will enjoy the photos, and nice to make notes for daily reference.
Grab a quiet place and enjoy this incredible gift as Maggie shares her journey with her readers. (in addition, check out her blog)
http://www.judithdcollinsconsulting.c...
February 21, 2015
My thanks to NetGalley and Moody Publishers for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
This book came across to me more as a stream of consciousness memoir than a religious/theological tome. I loved the pictures included of nature, but could have done without the pictures of the author's children and husband. It seemed to detract, rather than enhance the love for God the author was trying to convey. Maybe if I was a mom I would understand this work better. It seems to be for a more specific audience than I was expecting.
It's not a bad book, but it didn't really speak to me on a personal or spiritual level, which is what I was looking for. I'm trying to be more contemplative re:God this Lent and this book didn't work for me in that capacity. Again, not a bad book, just not the right one for me right now.
This book came across to me more as a stream of consciousness memoir than a religious/theological tome. I loved the pictures included of nature, but could have done without the pictures of the author's children and husband. It seemed to detract, rather than enhance the love for God the author was trying to convey. Maybe if I was a mom I would understand this work better. It seems to be for a more specific audience than I was expecting.
It's not a bad book, but it didn't really speak to me on a personal or spiritual level, which is what I was looking for. I'm trying to be more contemplative re:God this Lent and this book didn't work for me in that capacity. Again, not a bad book, just not the right one for me right now.
April 8, 2024
I enjoyed it.
August 25, 2014
Being a mom is tough work! It's hard to not get lost in the mundane tasks of laundry, cooking and cleaning day in and day out. Fellow mom and author Maggie Paulus relates to that and beautifully demonstrates how Finding God at the Kitchen Sink and in other areas of our day to day life is possible!
Paulus's personal journey in the Preface is what immediately connected me and drew me into this book. She just writes with such honesty and heart that you can't help but hang onto every word. It made me want to read more and learn about her and her story. Sometimes it seems that only people who have experienced the depths of darkness can really write with a unique quality that makes what they say ring true, because they have actually been there.
Her experience of being taken away from her parents at such a young age and being accepted into a new and loving family is probably what makes her an incredible mother and enables her to see life from a very unique perspective. I would assume she wants to give her children everything she didn't have and get from her birth parents as well as everything she did get from her adoptive family.
Each section or chapter is very short so you can read it every day as you would a devotional or drink up large sections at a time as I did. She writes about things we all experience as mothers including titles such as "When it's Hard to Rest," "Because Sometimes Life Hurts" and "How to Really Enjoy Your Life."
She shares her personal journey as well as corresponding Bible verses that go right along with it and her personal pictures that just capture exactly what she's discussing.
I really expected this book to be "just" another typical devotional and was pleasantly surprised at the depth of her words and what I took from them. Finding God at the Kitchen Sink was a true joy to read and one that brought on much soul searching and heart warming in my own parenting.
Paulus's personal journey in the Preface is what immediately connected me and drew me into this book. She just writes with such honesty and heart that you can't help but hang onto every word. It made me want to read more and learn about her and her story. Sometimes it seems that only people who have experienced the depths of darkness can really write with a unique quality that makes what they say ring true, because they have actually been there.
Her experience of being taken away from her parents at such a young age and being accepted into a new and loving family is probably what makes her an incredible mother and enables her to see life from a very unique perspective. I would assume she wants to give her children everything she didn't have and get from her birth parents as well as everything she did get from her adoptive family.
Each section or chapter is very short so you can read it every day as you would a devotional or drink up large sections at a time as I did. She writes about things we all experience as mothers including titles such as "When it's Hard to Rest," "Because Sometimes Life Hurts" and "How to Really Enjoy Your Life."
She shares her personal journey as well as corresponding Bible verses that go right along with it and her personal pictures that just capture exactly what she's discussing.
I really expected this book to be "just" another typical devotional and was pleasantly surprised at the depth of her words and what I took from them. Finding God at the Kitchen Sink was a true joy to read and one that brought on much soul searching and heart warming in my own parenting.
November 12, 2014
Since school started I've felt kind of like a passenger on the run away bus from the movie Speed - if I go slower than 55 miles per hour everything will explode! This isn't a complaint exactly, we're having a lot of fun, but it's a challenge to remember to breathe and enjoy. Finding God At The Kitchen sink by Maggie Paulus is all about looking for peace and glory in the midst of everyday chaos. It's a book that I've turned to again and again this Fall when I need a reminder to look for solace in the midst of car pool, or a bit of grace while volunteering at scouts camp.
Maggie Paulus is honest about her struggles with her young family, and in return helped me realize that I'm not alone. Though I've read this book once, I'm going to keep in in the drawer next to my bed for those days when I just can't face the laundry any more and retreat to bed early.
{Note: I was given a copy of this book in return for a honest review. I was not compensated in any other way.}
Maggie Paulus is honest about her struggles with her young family, and in return helped me realize that I'm not alone. Though I've read this book once, I'm going to keep in in the drawer next to my bed for those days when I just can't face the laundry any more and retreat to bed early.
{Note: I was given a copy of this book in return for a honest review. I was not compensated in any other way.}
August 19, 2014
Author Maggie Paulus shares her everyday life with readers through words and pictures.
She encourages us to find God in the everyday circumstances of life and in everyday moments, even at the kitchen sink. She reminds us that our hearts should always be open to experience whatever God has in store for us each day.
Her heart and soul are shared with the reader and she tells us how God brought her to the place where she is today even though she had a very difficult early childhood.
Each small chapter ends with a bible verse.
What you take away from this book is a thirst and hunger to know more of God, to seek Him and be his hands and feet to others.
I received this book from Goodreads First Reads.
She encourages us to find God in the everyday circumstances of life and in everyday moments, even at the kitchen sink. She reminds us that our hearts should always be open to experience whatever God has in store for us each day.
Her heart and soul are shared with the reader and she tells us how God brought her to the place where she is today even though she had a very difficult early childhood.
Each small chapter ends with a bible verse.
What you take away from this book is a thirst and hunger to know more of God, to seek Him and be his hands and feet to others.
I received this book from Goodreads First Reads.
September 2, 2014
Maggie Paulus, in her new book, Finding God at the Kitchen Sink, said this: "We don’t have to wait till heaven to be with God. We can live with Him here."
The only problem is…you and I both know it's sometimes hard to find Him in the midst of our busy, messy lives.
This book is all about looking for God with a kitchen sink full of grimy dishes. It's about seeking Him when all you really want is another hour or two of sleep. It's about learning to find Him when life is hard and He seems hard to find.
The book is filled with beautiful images that will make you smile and words that will remind you God is very near you…if you'll only make an effort to see Him.
*I received this book for free for review, but all opinions are my own.
The only problem is…you and I both know it's sometimes hard to find Him in the midst of our busy, messy lives.
This book is all about looking for God with a kitchen sink full of grimy dishes. It's about seeking Him when all you really want is another hour or two of sleep. It's about learning to find Him when life is hard and He seems hard to find.
The book is filled with beautiful images that will make you smile and words that will remind you God is very near you…if you'll only make an effort to see Him.
*I received this book for free for review, but all opinions are my own.
September 24, 2014
Very different from what I have read, this book is a family chronicle that makes you learn a lot of christian values:
Patience
Loving others more than you love yourself
Value your family
And most specially: put God first place, something that we forget most of the time...
With this book you will get a new perspective of every day life.
I thank Netgalley and the publishers for giving me this reading.
Patience
Loving others more than you love yourself
Value your family
And most specially: put God first place, something that we forget most of the time...
With this book you will get a new perspective of every day life.
I thank Netgalley and the publishers for giving me this reading.
July 25, 2015
Wow. This book is gorgeously written, and the truth within its pages is so comforting. Whenever I have an iffy day, I know I can open it to any page and find hope and love and all things good. Mine is now dog-eared with hearts next to my favorite passages and verses. I'm going to buy hard copies for the special people in my life, because Maggie's words are a balm to the soul.
December 22, 2014
I received this book for free via Goodreads First Reads giveaways. Thank you very much!
I love the style and content of this book. She says everything that wives and mommas need to hear more often. I think I'm going pass this on to a momma and see if they like it as much.
I love the style and content of this book. She says everything that wives and mommas need to hear more often. I think I'm going pass this on to a momma and see if they like it as much.
September 16, 2014
This memoir meets devotional was perfect for me. She kind of reminds me of a more simple Ann Voskamp. Good personal insights and her own story was very moving. It wasn't anything revolutionary, just reminded me of some basic truths about finding God in the simple daily things.
August 11, 2015
Loved, loved this book! I've been reading it once a week for months as my Friday morning devotional. Encouraging yet real thoughts from a Mom in the trenches on life, kids, beauty, meaning and how to see God in all of it.
January 27, 2019
I had actually already read it. But I wanted to start the new year, reading through Finding God at the Kitchen Sink again. There are so many gems and blessings inside this book. Many times you'll find them right when you're needing it. I hope Maggie will do another book!
April 7, 2017
Loved it, I felt like I could really connect to what Maggie was describing and it helped me to connect more with God and the world.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews