The Way of Abundance: A 60-Day Journey into a Deeply Meaningful Life

by Ann Voskamp

What do you do when you wake up and feel like you're not enough for your life? Or when you look out the kitchen window as dusk falls and wonder how do you live when life keeps breaking your heart? As Ann Voskamp writes, “great grief isn't meant to fit inside your body. It's why your heart breaks.” And each of us holds enough brokenness to overflow—to be given as the greatest story of our lives. In sixty vulnerably soulful stories, The Way of Abundance moves from self-weary brokenness to Christ-focused givenness. Drawing from the critically acclaimed, New York Times bestseller The Broken Way and Ann's online essays, this devotional dares us to embrace brokenness as a gift that moves us to givenness as a way to draw closer to the heart of God. Christ Himself broke like bread, giving Himself to us so we might have a lifelong communion with Him. Could it be that our brokenness is also a gift to the world? This gentle but exquisitely profound book does nothing less than take you on an intimate journey of the soul. As Ann writes, "The wound in His side proves that Jesus is always on the side of the suffering, the wounded, the busted, the broken." Discover how surrendering in unexpected ways is the first step toward receiving what you long for. Discover the good news that your beauty is not in your strength but in your fragility. Discover why your healing shines radiant through your wounds—and how only in brokenness will you ever be whole—and find the way to the abundance you were meant for.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian, Faith, Religion, Christian Living, Devotional, Self Help

256 pages, Hardcover

Published March 13, 2018

About the author

Ann Voskamp is a farmer's wife, the home-educating mama to a half-dozen exuberant kids, and author of One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are, a New York Times sixty-week bestseller..
Named by Christianity Today as one of fifty women most shaping culture and the church today, she's a global advocate for needy children with Compassion International, a loser of library books, a stirrer of soup, a loud laugher, a kid snuggler, a Jesus lover and honestly, a bit of a mess. It’s okay really. Grace is the most amazing of all.
Her online journal, one of the top 10 most widely read Christian blogs online, is a relief of quiet vulnerability and an oasis of sacred, seeing God in the everyday ugly beautiful.

Connect with Ann on:
AnnVoskamp.com
Facebook
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Reviews

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Way of Abundance is a perfect follow up to her previous book, The Broken Way. Voskamp continues her story of pain and struggle but with a new light and a deeper path to healing. This book is perfect for women who have been suffering in silence. For women who have been nursing broken hearts, loss, grief and feeling like they may never find healing. Each chapter is easy to read and gently pushes the reader to discover how God can bring healing to their broken soul. She embraces the broken and hurt parts of our lives and challenges us with the notion that we can live an abundant life through and with our pain.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Way of Abundance: A 60- Day Journey into a Deeply Meaningful Life is one of the most wonderful treasures by Ann Voskamp. Personally, I love her words and the way she speaks on every single page, so I was enthralled at the opportunity to read this book. Her words are stunning as you marvel at the mystery of Christ and His abundance.

The Abundant life is something every single person wants, especially in a culture and world that forces it down our throats. However, abundance looks different when you enter to world of our Big God who takes our broken pieces, the messy parts and makes them into an abundant, overwhelming, amazing life! The Abundant life is found in places where you least expect it, in the hidden places of your heart and where brokenesss meets life.

This book is a gorgeous hardcover with a Bible marker. The devotional starts out with a Bible verse, then you read a devotion and have questions to ponder. I think this would be a devotional to do with friends or a small group as it is rich and full of life. I highly recommend this book! I give it 5/5 stars.

[Katrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ann Voskamp is one of those rare writers who speaks straight to your heart with overwhelming beauty and understanding, and yet is revolutionary, honest, and very relatable at the same time. I highly recommend her books. This devotional was beautiful and I did a lot of highlighting of challenging concepts. 💯

[Rachael Marsceau · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again Ann Voskamp takes verses and concepts I've been familiar with since childhood and gives them a completely new face and application without stretching them beyond biblical context. Convicting but in a gentle, humble, transparent way. My only complaint is that some passages get too poetic. Like, there is NO WAY your kids talk to you like that. But whatever. Most of it I loved.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Way of Abundance: A 60-Day Journey into a Deeply Meaningful Life is the latest book by Ann Voskamp. Ann is a Christian teacher, speaker and writer. She writes beautifully. She has a way with words that speaks to me. Her words are profound. I discovered Ann's work with One Thousand Gifts which I found to be so enlightening. The Way of Abundance is another great work by an insightful Christian woman.

In the Introduction of The Way of Abundance, Ann explains her understanding of abundance:
"Brokenness multiplies into abundance. This seems impossible—unlikely. And this is the unfailing way of God. Multiplication happens out of brokenness. And the sum is abundant life."

Abundant life is something we all strive for. Abundant life is found in unexpected places, in the broken places. There are 60 devotions for readers of The Way of Abundance. Each begins with a bible verse, then the devotion and finally some questions for reflection.

The Way of Abundance: A 60-Day Journey into a Deeply Meaningful Life is an insightful devotional. I am finding peace with Ann Voskamp's words of wisdom. I know you will too. I highly recommend The Way of Abundance.

[Create With Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

In her latest devotional, The Way Of Abundance, Ann Voskamp invites us to explore the broken places in our lives through six questions that form the framework for her book:

How can the brokenhearted keep going?
How do we live like the brokenhearted, cruciform Christ?
How do you let your broken heart receive?
How can the brokenhearted receive real communion?
How can the brokenhearted release control?
How do the brokenhearted get to love?

At the end of each devotional you’ll find thought-provoking questions that invite us to reflect on the day’s topic in greater depth.

Fans of Ann’s will appreciate her signature story-telling prose and her emotionally evocative style of writing. They’ll also appreciate the many great takeaways she presents throughout the book such as:

Do not ever be afraid of broken things – this is the beginning of abundant things.

This is a must-read book for fans of Ann Voskamp.

This excerpt is part of the original review that is published on my blog. To read my review in its entirety, please visit Create With Joy.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own, based on my assessment of this book.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still good, still heartbreaking, still relevant.

[Aurelia Mast-glick · Rating 4 out of 5]

A 60-Day Journey into a Deeply Meaningful Life

Ann has a way with words, I don't think anyone will deny that. I will confess that sometimes the almost poetic way she uses words can leave me a little confused as to what she is saying. Sixty days, sixty devotionals and the theme is brokenness leads to abundance. And she's right. What she says makes sense.

Did you sense a pause at the end of the last paragraph? There was, I think. Reading 60 devotionals back to back in less than a week is not the way to really soak in the content. Instead, it starts to feel a bit redundant. You need love and to really love you need to be broken. You can't have walls around your heart if you want to love. To care about other people, you need to love, and to love you must be willing to be broken. It's broken people that know how to care, it's broken people that can swim deep in God's grace. What she said was so true. I feel like I need to go back and reread these devotionals and really soak them in.

On the other hand, I think we need to exercise caution here as well. I like Ann's writings, don't get me wrong. I do believe love could cure a lot of evil, being willing to be broken, to take the brokenness that comes with life and allowing it to make me a better person, allowing it to shape me into Christ's image. But as with all writings and authors, there is a balance here. Just loving people isn't going to save them for eternity, just loving people isn't going to save me for eternity. There is the other side of love and that is God's justice. I'm not sure how to tie this all together, but for me I just felt a caution to find the balance and not going leaping over into, it's all about love.

That being said, I know I also needed to hear some of this. I needed to be reminded that my pain can be used for God if I am willing to surrender it to God. I needed to hear that I need to be the GIFT to other people, that I need to be willing to be used of God all day every day. I need to sift my words before I speak. I need to be willing to say, I'm sorry. There were many good reminders in this book as well.

Again, there were also lots of quote worthy things said as well, but I'm just going to share one. "Every one of us, in one hurting way or another is in this club (broken with all your heart). The grace that's in this moment is your manna. Wish for the past and you drink poison. Worry about the future and you eat fire. Stay in this moment and you eat the manna needed for now."

That struck me. I need to live here and now, not wishing for the past or longing for the future, but enjoying the present so that I can take full advantage of right now, even with all it's struggles and trials.

This would make a beautiful gift. It's hard cover with a classy look and a ribbon marker. The inside is more of a rustic off-white, cream pages. At first glance, it felt like it cheapened the book, but I got used to it and it works.

I received this book from Book Look Bloggers and was not required to write a positive review.

[Crystal ✬ Lost in Storyland · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full review at Imaginary Reads

The Way of Abundance is a sixty-day devotional. Each day features a bible verse, a personal anecdote, and questions for reflection. Ann Voskamp's poetic language brings to life the mess of emotions and the wholeness to be found in the midst of our brokenness. Her story gives hope that our brokenness will lead us to Christ on our journey to abundant life.

WHAT I LIKED
Inspiring Message that Conveys Biblical Truth
When we're breaking inside, it's easy to feel alone, to feel like nothing can make us whole again. Voskamp speaks to the broken ones where they are. She does this by sharing her own experiences with brokenness and by professing the hope that is to be found through Christ, who also understands our pain and suffering.

Captivating Use of Poetic Language
Voskamp's language is poetic and beautiful to read. They not only paint a picture for the reader but the emotions brought about by the moments she describes. I enjoy reading the words over and over again to appreciate the beauty captured by her words.

Short and Sweet Devotionals
The devotions are short, no more than a few pages long each, and there are only two questions at the end for reflection. It's encouraging for the busy individual or the one who has a hard time sitting down for long periods of time to journal. The questions can spark reflection at various levels; you can get as much as you want out of this depending on how much time you want to invest in answering the questions.

WHAT I DISLIKED
Purpose of Bible Verses Not Clear
At the beginning of each chapter, Voskamp includes a bible verse. However, they aren't referenced in the actual devotional, so the reader is left to guess why that particular bible verse was included. This purpose isn't always clear.

"Stream Of Consciousness" Style of Writing
Voskamp's poetic use of language beautiful and heart stirring, but it does take its time reaching the message for the day. I confess that there were times when I wanted something more concrete and to the point.

FINAL THOUGHTS
Overall, I enjoyed Voskamp's devotional and would recommend it to individuals struggling to find purpose in their brokenness or hardships and to individuals searching for abundant, joyful living. A beautiful hardcover book with a ribbon bookmark, this would make a good gift.

A copy was provided for review by Booklook Bloggers. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Victoria W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Way of Abundance by Ann Voskamp is a 60 day devotional that highlights Ann's unique style of storied teaching underscored by timeless truth.



The format and delivery is familiar.

I appreciated the hard cover and sewn in bookmark. This not only saves me from utilizing whatever's closest as a bookmark, but the hardcover definitely adds a sturdiness and longevity to the book (which is lovely if your toddler decides the book needs to play with him).

The delivery itself was standard for a multiweek devotional. The sixty days were divided into 6 subsections with each daily reading consisting of: a main verse, 3-4 pages of teaching, and a section of reflective questions.



For readers familiar with Voskamp's work, The Way of Abundance will be familiar territory with familiar topics. For those unfamiliar, Voskamp's method of teaching through story may take some adjusting. While I love Voskamp's skill at weaving a story with gospel truth at the center, like a modern day parable, my husband's analytic mind prefers a more straightforward approach. Ann's work cannot simply be skimmed, you miss the essence of the message. In my opinion, this is part of the strength of the message, topics such as brokenness, sorrow, struggle, community, sacrifice, love these need to be sat with, thought through, and processed.



As I read more of Voskamp's work I am always struck by her heart and her willingness to lay her passion and vulnerability out on her pages. She doesn't shy away from pain but instead gently urges the church through her stories into discussion which should be happening in our homes and congregations.



4.5 stars out of 5





Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

[Savannah Farr · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5 ⭐️s for this beautiful book of meditations.

Starting my day with a reading from this felt like an easy “good morning” to both God and myself. Because it is light on scripture, I frequently accompanied it with a more intentional “quiet time” scripture reading. And yet, it was also the lightness of this that set my heart with a reminder of freedom. A refreshing assurance that quiet, poetic, and honest moments with God can sometimes be as meaningful as a deep dive into the Word.

Voskamp has truly woven this book into a beautifully raw masterpiece. Opening up with remarkable vulnerability into her own background, the story of her mother/hero, and the struggles and joys of marriage and parenting, she constantly drives home the point that brokenness is human, but it’s also holy. And to live broken — cruciform — is to live given and to live love.

I am the hugest fan of poetry, but there were some days that it was a bit much/cringy for me (hence the 4.5 instead of 5 stars). Other days, the truth and lyricism brought me to tears. Most days, though, it was just a sweet reminder of the power of God to redeem every part of my story and the power he has given me in the ability to live broken and cruciform, and ultimately to live in abundance.

Some (of probably 100) quotes that stuck out powerfully to me:

“Fall in love with God in the faces that tell stories different than yours.”

“That which we refuse to thank Christ for, we refuse to believe Christ can redeem.”

“It is the scarred ones who make the body of Christ sensitive.”

“We are now Christ’s only earthly body—and if we aren’t the ones broken and given, we are the ones who dis-member Christ’s body.”

“If Christ is in you—can God ever stop believing in you? Because doesn’t he always believe in Christ in you, believe in the redemptive story Christ is writing through you, believe in Christ working to make all things in you into a gift back to the world?”

“Who knows why God allows heartbreak, but the answer must be important enough because God allows his heart to break too.”

“What if any craving for the beautiful is really a craving for Jesus?”

“Sometimes the proof that God exists is that lightning doesn’t strike, but quiet grace rains straight down.”

[Zachary Houle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sometimes it’s good to give certain authors another attempt to prove that your initial opinions about them are wrong. This is the case with Ann Voskamp for me. I read one of her previous books, The Broken Way, and found it to be vague — whether it was sketching out details of her family life or talking about how God has moved her spirit. Overall, I found the book to be lacking in colour. But then I read Voskamp’s latest tome called The Way of Abundance, a devotional for women, and I notice that she references a suicide attempt as a teenager and seeing her sister being killed as a youth, and I seem to recall reading about those things in The Broken Way. So maybe I’m wrong — Voskamp’s writing isn’t vague at all, and it was just me that skimped over things. I think I have to ask Voskamp for forgiveness for I was incorrect in asserting, as I have elsewhere on these pages, that she’s all style and little substance. There is substance; you just must go looking for it sometimes. And if I had previously found any aspect of the author’s work to criticize, maybe what I’m really doing is being critical of my own failings. The Way of Abundance made me realize that.

In any event, I can say that I was slightly moved by The Way of Abundance. There were sections of the text that stopped me dead cold and made me reflect. Again, that sort of thing wouldn’t be the hallmark of someone whose writing is vague. If you do continue to think that way, it might be because Voskamp has a rare gift as a Christian writer in that she’s a bit of a prose stylist. Read just a paragraph of her work and you will determine that it’s Voskamp’s. She has a unique flair, and I had to wonder as I read this book what it would be like if the author decided to write a piece of literary fiction. I think it might be scrumptious.

Read the rest here: https://medium.com/@zachary_houle/a-r...

[Renee Knoblauch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ann Voskamp has a heartfelt way to tell short stories with passion and meaning. She starts out by talking about stars and realizes that stars are, “Breaking – and then blazing.” She goes on to talk about how brokenness multiplies into abundance and that we need to die to ourselves to get that full abundant life. We know that Jesus says, “We must die to ourselves.” Sounds easy? Well we know that it’s easier said than done.

Ann Voskamp is a unique writer and a storyteller. She is good at getting her point across in telling stories about her life. She just has a gift of drawing you into her devotions.

This 60-Day Journal to dig into. The book is small and perfect to fit into your purse for reading during your busy day or just to lay it by your bedside to read. This is a hardcover book that has a ribbon bookmark to keep you place. This particular book doesn’t have all the photographs in it as her last book. Her books always look so classy to me. The cover is lovely and the cream colored pages just look so classy.

The devotional is set up into six subtopics that cover a certain theme. The top of each page has a scripture to begin with. I would say that the devotion for each day is around two to three pages long. The book ends with, “For Reflection.” These are simply questions for you to ponder for yourself. One thing that puzzled me was that I didn’t always get the point of some of the scriptures and how they go with the day’s devotion.

I don’t agree with everything Ann Voskamp says. I don’t see anything that goes against scripture. Truly she writes beautifully and has a way to make you stop in your tracks and go back over something she says. She draws out something that makes you really reflect on her words.

The Way of Abundance is a well done devotion to read for yourself or to give as a gift.
I received a free copy of this product from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest review.

[MT · Rating 5 out of 5]

Books can impress or inspire you. This book will revolutionize your heart and open your mind to possiblities you didn't know existed. Voskamp is genuine. That is what makes her books so appealing. She is down in the mire with you but not wallowing! She has felt devastating pain but she not only suvived she is willing to share so others can truly live. Her relationship with God comes out in the pages of this book raw, unfiltered and deeply moving. This book encouraged me so much in my trials and gave me hope to carry on. Her words are sensitive and yet strong, bold and pack a punch. The book is divided into six units all about how the brokenhearted can find a way of abundant life. How the brokenhearted keep going, live like Christ, receive God's grace, find communion, release control, and get to love. Each unit is divided into chapters. Each chapter begins with a scripture and ends with questions for your reflection journal. This book is designed to be a 60 day experience towards abundant life. It can be a personal study. I can imagine it also being a great women's prayer group or book club endeavor. This book will not disappoint you.

I received this book from BOOKLOOK but was not required to write a positive review.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ann has a way of peering into the dark corners of my soul and whispering healing words with her wisdom through Scripture. Her latest devotional book, The Way of Abundance is a collection of stories with timely encouragement for all stages of life. I found myself nodding my head in and thinking “me too” and then allowing the tears to sweep away the heartache. Her words speak of parenting, marriage, friends, career, and all sorts of relationships, especially ours with our Savior.

We don’t have to have it all together to come to Him. Quite the contrary. He uses us broken people for His glory and our good. This set of devotionals give us a humble, comforting look at how God gently holds us where we are and encourages us to keep obeying in the hard, busted up, and broken parts of life.

How do we live broken? “Not one of us is ever too broken”, she states in Devotion 33. Our brokenness is useful. God will use those broken parts to help heal others. “Those who’ve known an unspoken broken can speak the most real healing. Stay weak and dependent. This is how you stay strong in God.” (Devotion 46)

Such encouraging words for the everyday broken.

[MykeWeber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am going to really miss my daily visit with Ann Voskamp. Her thoughts, insights and encouragement have been priceless. While I am Christian, my experience has been expressed and described in different terms than those Ann uses. I like that fresh view. The principles are not different, but the way of describing them have busted me out of linguistic ruts that are common to every religious culture. Time after time, she prompted me to look at things differently or in a different light. Her candid and honest approach to living righteously has been a God-send and I am truly grateful. I don’t think there was a page in the book that I didn’t mark some gem. I will return to this over and over again!

[Michele Kearns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ann's words from her latest book, The Way of Abundance, will stay with you. Her wonderful words are meant for a time such as this, for a broken world such as ours.

The questions at the end of each devotion will cause you to contemplate how they fit into your life and will change your life little by little as you move closer to a more deeply meaningful life.

Thank you Ann, for another beautiful book.

As a member of the book launch team, I received a few devotions for free and then purchased a copy for a discounted price.

[DarthBDarcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s been a long time since I’ve found a devotional that actually felt impactful. I stumbled on this book in a discount shop and remembered I enjoyed her book “The Broken Way” and decided to give this devotional a try. I’ll definitely have to go back through this one again sometime soon. I really enjoyed the way Voskamp puts things in perspective in emulating the realities of living out the Gospel in being vulnerable, enduring and not ignoring suffering, and what it means to die to oneself. This was both convicting and encouraging all in one.

[Tammy Mashburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Way of Abundance is a beautiful sixty-day devotional book and is a great follow up to Ann's last book, The Broken Way. Each day begins with Scripture, followed by a devotion and reflection questions.
The Way of Abundance takes our eyes off of our brokenness, moving us to a life lived focused on Christ and the abundance He offers.
I love all of Ann's work, and The Way of Abundance does not disappoint.
This is a great book to gift others as they struggle in their brokenness.

[Mary Vogelsong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoughtful, Unassuming Devotions

Ann Voskamp's devotionals are very thoughtful, always going a step beyond the obvious.

What energy, vigor, and love she must have to be the wife of the Farmer, the mom of all those kids, the home educator, and the writer of books!

And yet she keeps circling back to grief and brokeness. Perhaps that would be the only way someone with such talent would find God, in the midst of brokeness. Perhaps that's where we should all start.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully written, thoughtful. Each daily reading is short, never more than four pages, but filled with insights beyond the usual. Ann Voskamp weaves together her own experiences, the experiences of others, scripture, and something else that I just can't name to bring the reader who comes with an open (even a little bit) heart to a better understanding of how the broken-hearted Jesus heals the broken-hearted, then lets them heal others.

[Christine Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional and uplifting, the perfect devotional for each day. The hardcover is durable and lovely, the daily affirmations giving you a chance to connect your heart to God's in a very thoughtful and intentional way with powerful excerpts from Anne's latest books.
Would make a beautiful gift for any season!!!

[Mary Huff · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a re-read for me, it is a good book and helps me keep my mind focus on Jesus. I will say that Ann Voskamp is a hard author to follow if you have never read any of her books before, but this one being a devotional means the chapters are short and easy to understand. I would recommend it to anyone who is struggling with life.

[Lisa P Clement · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by Ann Voskamp. I love that this one is set in a devotional style. I really enjoy how she writes.
She always takes you deeper than you think about going
I highly recommend this book.

[Lynn Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful devotional! It makes you think of where you are in your walk with the Lord.

It makes you think of where you are in your walk with the Lord. It is a wonderful devotional. Strongly recommend

[Melinda Bush · Rating 5 out of 5]

The one whose name is love defines love and He defines it through the cross. We follow Him because we love Him. He is near those who suffer. He suffered for them, for us! Sacrifice is there greatest satisfaction we will ever experience.

[Tracey Wharton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

So many thought-provoking, encouraging points to ponder throughout! Ann Voskamp has a gift of revealing the true heart of God for us and for how to share that same heart to others each day!

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ann’s words are rich and engaging. The title of the book does not reflect the theme, which is brokenness. I found the book somewhat melancholy but it probably just isn’t the right season for me to be reading it.

[Ginger Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I took the 60 day journey. I feel challenged by it! Every morning sitting with a friend who shared and challenged me to share. It’s one I need to repeat because it’s full of so much.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another beautifully written book. Ann writes in snippets about brokenness and love. Each one is so filled with deep thoughts I had to ponder them for a while. Definitely will re-read.