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An Intentional Life: A Life-Giving Invitation to Uncover Your Passions and Unlock Your Purpose
A joy-filled life is possible...And you can have it right where you are. Those desires that tug on your heart and keep you up at night—the big dreams, grand adventures, new experiences—require purpose and planning, time and effort. Is it possible to follow your passions while still finding joy and meaning where God has you right now? With the voice of a close friend, Kara Stott offers insight and inspiration from her story of juggling motherhood and multiple businesses while leading Pursuit, a global entrepreneurial community. You will be empowered to... If you are aching for more than a cycle of never-ending demands and not-enough peace, be inspired by how God can help you discover your purpose and cultivate An Intentional Life .
240 pages, Paperback
Published May 1, 2018
9 people are currently reading
116 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
August 3, 2022
I truly love this book. In fact, I have read it twice. The author has a gift with words. She writes so beautifully, yet also clearly. Each chapter is a quick read, but also full of so much meaning. Karen touches on so many topics - Living with purpose, pursuing our passions, savoring life, following the Lord’s lead, finding contentment where we are, making space to be still and embrace the quiet, and so much more. It is time to slow down, and take inventory of our lives. We need to carve out our days with intentionality. As they say, our days become our life. And we get choose how our days and life will look, if we greet each day with intention.
July 5, 2018
I chose this book from Net Galley because I liked the title. I thought it would offer suggestions on how to live a more intentional life.
An Intentional Life is not a how-to manual. It’s the story of a woman who has had a lot of experiences that she uses to guide her readers to greater intentionality.
When we think about something that is intentional, we think of something done on purpose or with purpose. Is that the way you’re living your life? Or are you, like me, sometimes sleepwalking through choices and life experiences?
The introduction starts: “Do you ever ache for more?”
Yes! Of course we do. We want what she has, or at least what social media tells us she does. The noise from the era we live in is so great that sometimes we can’t even hear our inner desires. We have learned to tune out the still, small voice that echo the desires of our Creator, the dreams that God has placed in our hearts.
An Intentional Life is divided up into three parts: Passion, Purpose and Presence. As you would expect, each section goes into detail about how each of the three Ps tie into intentional living. Karen invites us to change the way we think about our calling. No longer should we look at it as something static that takes forever to find and can only be done in the context of our careers. “A calling isn't a destination.” she says. “It’s a lifestyle.” Are you ready you involve your calling in every aspect of your life?
This was a good read. It showed me how to look at my calling in a slightly different way. A way that makes me see that I have been walking in my calling all along. And because I now understand what it is, I can embrace it instead of shying away from it.
An Intentional Life is not a how-to manual. It’s the story of a woman who has had a lot of experiences that she uses to guide her readers to greater intentionality.
When we think about something that is intentional, we think of something done on purpose or with purpose. Is that the way you’re living your life? Or are you, like me, sometimes sleepwalking through choices and life experiences?
The introduction starts: “Do you ever ache for more?”
Yes! Of course we do. We want what she has, or at least what social media tells us she does. The noise from the era we live in is so great that sometimes we can’t even hear our inner desires. We have learned to tune out the still, small voice that echo the desires of our Creator, the dreams that God has placed in our hearts.
An Intentional Life is divided up into three parts: Passion, Purpose and Presence. As you would expect, each section goes into detail about how each of the three Ps tie into intentional living. Karen invites us to change the way we think about our calling. No longer should we look at it as something static that takes forever to find and can only be done in the context of our careers. “A calling isn't a destination.” she says. “It’s a lifestyle.” Are you ready you involve your calling in every aspect of your life?
This was a good read. It showed me how to look at my calling in a slightly different way. A way that makes me see that I have been walking in my calling all along. And because I now understand what it is, I can embrace it instead of shying away from it.
May 1, 2018
I can't lie the cover of this book is what made me pick it up. I could not get over the beauty, but it is what is within those pages that kept me coming back. I think many of us feel the struggle between living with intention and living to please the world. Karen's words reminded me that life is meant to be lived with purpose, and not to fulfill other people's purposes. That reminder empowers me and I think this book will fuel you up to spend your days living instead of surviving. You have beautiful things inside of you to go out and set this world on fire. This book is like sitting across from Karen over coffee, it feels like an authentic and intentional conversation. I am excited for you to read this book. Perfect mothers day gift and summer book club; great discussions to be have in your community.
May 19, 2018
One definition of intentional is done on purpose; deliberate. Oftentimes, it looks like society is wandering around looking for their "promise land." We often feel like we don't know what our purpose is or if we think we do then we're often not sure how to fulfill it. We wander from season to
season in our lives, often looking back or ahead instead of living in the now while remembering our choices often affect others.
The author shares her walk of learning to live an intentional life following her creator. She shares encouragement for others. She helps us see the need to be connected to one another, but at the same time guard our hearts, both in what we take in and put back out into the world. An intentional life is made up of many parts, many choices. We live an intentional life one day at a time, often the days look the same but they are each a new day with many opportunities to impact our world and that impact others lives and our communities. I love that the author shares from her heart, which is a reminder that none of us is perfect.
This is my first time reading anything by this author but will look for more. I'd recommend this book to others, she speaks in an easy to understand relatable way. I loved the stories she shared in it. I especially love how she reveals her intentional life with God as the center of it.
I received an advance readers copy of this book.
season in our lives, often looking back or ahead instead of living in the now while remembering our choices often affect others.
The author shares her walk of learning to live an intentional life following her creator. She shares encouragement for others. She helps us see the need to be connected to one another, but at the same time guard our hearts, both in what we take in and put back out into the world. An intentional life is made up of many parts, many choices. We live an intentional life one day at a time, often the days look the same but they are each a new day with many opportunities to impact our world and that impact others lives and our communities. I love that the author shares from her heart, which is a reminder that none of us is perfect.
This is my first time reading anything by this author but will look for more. I'd recommend this book to others, she speaks in an easy to understand relatable way. I loved the stories she shared in it. I especially love how she reveals her intentional life with God as the center of it.
I received an advance readers copy of this book.
May 2, 2018
This book is full of Karen’s personal experiences and how she handled things in her life. How she has learned to be sensitive to God’s promptings.
Something awakened in me as I read this book. I was reminded that I have lost a lot of what God spoke to me several years ago. I am starting to see that maybe the reason I haven’t been happy lately is because I am not being obedient to what God has called me to.
This book reads almost like a personal journal. So if you enjoy that style of writing you will enjoy this.
Sometimes the chapters seems a bit short, I felt like it was just getting started and it was done and I wasn’t sure what happened. But otherwise a nice read.
A copy of this book was given to me through Netgalley.com. All opinions are my own.
Something awakened in me as I read this book. I was reminded that I have lost a lot of what God spoke to me several years ago. I am starting to see that maybe the reason I haven’t been happy lately is because I am not being obedient to what God has called me to.
This book reads almost like a personal journal. So if you enjoy that style of writing you will enjoy this.
Sometimes the chapters seems a bit short, I felt like it was just getting started and it was done and I wasn’t sure what happened. But otherwise a nice read.
A copy of this book was given to me through Netgalley.com. All opinions are my own.
June 3, 2018
I chose this book because I want to be more intentional in my life. The title intrigued me and knowing that we always choose how intentional we are in our daily living. This book is not as a conventional book, flowing story from chapter to chapter. It more has each chapter focus on a specific area that we need to be more intentional about. I enjoyed the personal stories from Karen’s life and how I could relate to many of them. Karen is real in her writing and directs us to Christ. She reminds us to have our hope in the right thing, Christ, and how often we do need that reminder. I would certainly recommend this book and am thankful that I can be more intentional in my life!
May 1, 2018
A beautifully written book reminding us to intentionally seek God's purpose for our lives. Each person has their own story and their own way to handle life. By seeking God first, we can truly find the calling He has given to us. As I read this book, I smiled, I cried and I thought, "Yes, I can relate." This is a very special book. I received a copy of this book and this is my personal honest opinion. No review was required.
May 16, 2018
I am loving the heart of this book. Karen speaks to woman who have dreams but who also are wives and moms. She addresses the line between living your passion and also being present in the moment because our families are the dream that we had as children. She is a voice encouraging women to press forward intentionally to become who God has called them to be as a person, not necessarily as a person with a title but as a person with character and values that are reflected in the lives we live.
May 18, 2018
Sometimes the struggle is so hard to live our purpose out instead of helping others live theirs out. God’s plan for us is to fulfill his plan for our lives in whatever calling he has for us. The author reminds us to refocus, pull back and get on the path set for you.
This book couldn’t have come at a better time for my life. It is time to be “intentional”
I highly recommend this book.
This book couldn’t have come at a better time for my life. It is time to be “intentional”
I highly recommend this book.
July 12, 2018
The author's life is very different from mine, but I was amazed at how many of her struggles and joys were similar to mine. It's inspiring and easy to read, and it's made me look at parts of my life with fresh eyes.
May 2, 2018
This book... I’m in total awe. Wow. I saw it on netgalley and knew I had to pick it up immediately. This year I’ve been reading more Christian books and this has to be one of my top books of that category. I was highlighting quotes on quotes on quotes from this book. ‘I don’t believe we were created to be go, go, go people all the time. God isn’t up in heaven right now preparing an obstacle course or a checklist for us when we see Him face-to-face. He’s up there, right now, preparing for us a home. A table. A seat.’
4 out of 5 stars.
4 out of 5 stars.
May 12, 2018
Should you read this book? Sure! I found the book very interesting. Getting to know Stott, a totally new to me author, was a pleasant way to pass the time. Her life interesting and her writing very descriptive.
I think the only downside was that I found the title a bit misleading. From the title alone, I figured Stott was going to share tips, ideas, etc that would help me discover MY intentional life. I don't think we get that much at all. Instead, she uses personal life stories to inspire intentionality in different areas of life.
The book is beautiful, so a hardcopy may well be worth the investment over an ebook copy. The cover colors and photo are beautiful and the inside includes several page length calligraphy quotes. I read an e-galley, so missed out on this fun.
"We weren’t put on this earth to fulfill our great dream. We were put on this earth to follow God’s great plan."
Overall, I would read more from Stott in the future. I'm sure she must have a blog that I should look for. I'm glad I picked this one up on a whim. Don't pass it up if you see it on the shelf or on Amazon. It would make for a great book club read.
I think the only downside was that I found the title a bit misleading. From the title alone, I figured Stott was going to share tips, ideas, etc that would help me discover MY intentional life. I don't think we get that much at all. Instead, she uses personal life stories to inspire intentionality in different areas of life.
The book is beautiful, so a hardcopy may well be worth the investment over an ebook copy. The cover colors and photo are beautiful and the inside includes several page length calligraphy quotes. I read an e-galley, so missed out on this fun.
"We weren’t put on this earth to fulfill our great dream. We were put on this earth to follow God’s great plan."
Overall, I would read more from Stott in the future. I'm sure she must have a blog that I should look for. I'm glad I picked this one up on a whim. Don't pass it up if you see it on the shelf or on Amazon. It would make for a great book club read.
November 6, 2018
I tend to read books with pen in hand. Ready to underline thoughts that resonate with me, challenge me, or inspire me. Karen's book not only had me underlining on page after page but writing notes and thoughts in the margin as well as making notes on the front page of the book those pages and chapters I would want to revisit again.
I love that Karen vulnerably shares with us her own pursuit of living out her calling as a wife, mother, and business owner. In sharing her story with us, even the messy parts, she draws us in and brings us along on the journey. I believe her journey will resonate with most women. She inspires us to find our own God-given purpose and nurture in ourselves the desire and drive to lead an intentional life with joy.
This will be a book that stays on my shelf to be read again and again. I highly recommend An Intentional life.
I love that Karen vulnerably shares with us her own pursuit of living out her calling as a wife, mother, and business owner. In sharing her story with us, even the messy parts, she draws us in and brings us along on the journey. I believe her journey will resonate with most women. She inspires us to find our own God-given purpose and nurture in ourselves the desire and drive to lead an intentional life with joy.
This will be a book that stays on my shelf to be read again and again. I highly recommend An Intentional life.
May 1, 2018
Living intentional is something I love and dream of, yet often come up short. "We weren't put on this earth to fulfill our great dream. We were put on this earth to follow God's great plan." I love this. Karen is teaching me so much about living intentionally. This is a great book for women in all seasons and walks of life.
May 11, 2018
This book was absolutely incredible. From the moment I saw friends of mine posting about it online, I felt really drawn to it - like I knew I had to read it. Karen’s beautiful words were something I really needed to read in this season of my life right now, and I’m so grateful for this book and her wisdom! I highly recommend it!
October 17, 2019
Loved every truth filled word of this. Such a great reminder to stop hoping for your circumstances to change and instead find the beautiful moments in everyday life.
May 22, 2018
Karen Stott's book was one I picked up on a whim - of sorts.
I had never heard of Karen or her ministry, but read the back cover description and was hooked.
I'm not going to lie - I read this book fairly quickly! Karen's writing made it easy to read and hard to put down. I would sit down to read a chapter, and end up reading five! The words just flowed on to the pages and in turn, into my heart.
A few highlights from Karen's book:
1. The mixture of conversation about family & work. I loved the way that at times, she focused on important family habits, and at other times, she focused on work and calling. At first, I was a little confused by the fact that there weren't sections on "work" and then "family", but as I continued the book, I actually enjoyed the way the chapters flowed back and forth between the various topics - which I think is representative of the intentional life Karen advocates in her book.
2. There were so many good one-liners and tidbits of truth that I'll tuck away, write in my journal, or stick up on my wall. Many of Karen's thoughts were simple, but powerful. I appreciate it when a book contains great prose, but also powerful one-liners and simple sayings that can be remembered quickly.
3. Karen's honesty and transparency. I didn't feel like I was reading a book from an expert, but from an everyday woman who had walked the same path that I walked.
At the same time, my only qualm with this book is, as refreshing as Karen's honesty and transparency were, at times I found it to be a little overwhelming. There was so many ups-and-downs in her personal story that I sometimes found it hard to follow the personal narrative along with the teachable points of the book. This isn't to downplay Karen's story - which I think is incredible - but simply to say that perhaps it being arranged in a little more of a chronological way, or being reserved for certain parts of the book, may have made it read a little more clearly.
I had never heard of Karen or her ministry, but read the back cover description and was hooked.
I'm not going to lie - I read this book fairly quickly! Karen's writing made it easy to read and hard to put down. I would sit down to read a chapter, and end up reading five! The words just flowed on to the pages and in turn, into my heart.
A few highlights from Karen's book:
1. The mixture of conversation about family & work. I loved the way that at times, she focused on important family habits, and at other times, she focused on work and calling. At first, I was a little confused by the fact that there weren't sections on "work" and then "family", but as I continued the book, I actually enjoyed the way the chapters flowed back and forth between the various topics - which I think is representative of the intentional life Karen advocates in her book.
2. There were so many good one-liners and tidbits of truth that I'll tuck away, write in my journal, or stick up on my wall. Many of Karen's thoughts were simple, but powerful. I appreciate it when a book contains great prose, but also powerful one-liners and simple sayings that can be remembered quickly.
3. Karen's honesty and transparency. I didn't feel like I was reading a book from an expert, but from an everyday woman who had walked the same path that I walked.
At the same time, my only qualm with this book is, as refreshing as Karen's honesty and transparency were, at times I found it to be a little overwhelming. There was so many ups-and-downs in her personal story that I sometimes found it hard to follow the personal narrative along with the teachable points of the book. This isn't to downplay Karen's story - which I think is incredible - but simply to say that perhaps it being arranged in a little more of a chronological way, or being reserved for certain parts of the book, may have made it read a little more clearly.
June 2, 2018
I really enjoyed Karen’s writing style for this book. By getting personal about experiences she lets readers in more deeply about living a purposeful life filled with your God-given passion. I recently became a work-at-home mom and Karen’s book came at just the right time for me. Each chapter is short and blog-post like, making it easy and quick to read!
July 8, 2018
An Intentional Life by Karen Stott is a phenomenal book. I expected a book that would be a call to living intentionally and fulfilling my purpose, just as the title says. This book definitely did that. But this book is so very much more than that. This book is a call to live every moment to the fullest, to embrace the abundant life that God has given us. It is a call to make every moment with our children and family members count. I highly recommend this book to anyone. It is an important message for all. Pick up this book! You'll be so glad you did. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher. These opinions are entirely my own.
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