Live Big, Love Bigger
Getting Real with BBQ, Sweet Tea, and a Whole Lotta Jesus
by Kathryn Whitaker
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Pub Date 30 Aug 2019 | Archive Date 19 Sep 2019
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Description
Popular blogger Kathryn Whitaker is a Dr Pepper super fan, Aggie-loving, type A mom of six with a personality the size of her native Texas. The stressful premature birth of her fifth child threw her orderly world into chaos and ultimately led her to rethink her priorities. In Live Big, Love Bigger, Whitaker shares her journey and challenges you to understand that you, too, can live a life of authenticity with joy-filled purpose, love, and faith. Along the way, she’ll help you see that choosing to say no is the only way you’ll be able to say yes to what matters most—Jesus.
It’s not every family who would plan a week-long Texas barbecue pilgrimage for a family of eight, much less expand the idea to a multi-month quest to experience the state, eat amazing food, and visit some awesome religious sites along the way. But Kathryn Whitaker did it—when she decided imperfect family road trips trumped a vacation at a luxury resort. "
"Barbecue encouraged us to hit the road, while Jesus met us at every single stop along the way—proof that he loves brisket as much as we do, right?"
Ditching the fancy vacation was one way Whitaker learned to give up control and say no to perfectionism and over-achievement in order to live a new, more intentional life and discover what God truly has in store for her family.
Whitaker’s sassy authenticity will make you laugh—and cry—while encouraging you to be honest about mistakes in every area of your life, embrace them, and find a way to let God redeem it all.
A Note From the Publisher
Since 2007, Whitaker has shared on her blog—with honesty, authenticity, and a healthy dose of sass—what it’s like raising a raucous Catholic family, including a preemie, while balancing her freelance graphic design business and her love of the Aggies, keeping her obsession with the Container Store in check, and stocking the fridge with plenty of Dr Pepper.
Whitaker has contributed to Blessed is he, Take Up and Read, ATX Catholic, and Hand to Hold’s preemie blog. She has appeared in USA Today, Iowa Catholic Radio, The Son Rise Morning Show, Relevant Radio, and is a regular guest on The Jennifer Fulwiler Show on SiriusXM
Advance Praise
“You may think your own family is far from perfect, and perhaps have never considered them ‘holy.’ If so, then this book is for you.”
From the foreword by Fr. Dave Dwyer, C.S.P.
Executive Director of Busted Halo Ministries
“If you believe that pursuing a faithful life is intimidating or overwhelming, I highly encourage you read this book. Kathryn’s story, laden with numerous examples of God’s ability to work miracles in our present day lives, is a raw, down-to-earth account of a woman seeking to follow God the best way she knows how.”
Jenna Guizar
Founder of Blessed is She
“Like its author, Live Big, Love Bigger is warm, witty, and served with a side of southern sass."
Haley Stewart
Catholic blogger, podcaster, and author of The Grace of Enough
“With the tone of a friend sitting down with you for some BBQ and real talk, Kathryn Whitaker shows us how to dream big and keep our sanity in the process.”
Jennifer Fulwiler
SiriusXM radio host and author of One Beautiful Dream
“Real, transparent, and inspiring.”
Brandon Vogt
Content Director of Word on Fire Catholic Ministries and author of Why I Am Catholic (and You Should Be Too)
“This book is a gorgeous read, a shot in the arm, and a balm for the weary soul! Kathryn Whitaker’s writing is truly a gift. With honesty and hilarity, she shares own struggles and leads to deep insights that will touch your heart and inspire you to be a better wife, mom, and daughter of God. We are in this struggle together, and Kathryn Whitaker is our beloved Texan cheerleader, encouraging us with uncommon humility, wisdom, and grace."
Danielle Bean
Catholic author and brand manager of CatholicMom.com
“Kathryn Whitaker writes just likes she loves—with conviction! With sweet Southern style she shares openly about her faith and fears, triumphs and trials of raising her Texas-size family. Live Big, Love Bigger will leave you empowered to live a more authentic life by making space for a little more Jesus and a lot more love. BBQ sauce not included.”
Kelli Kelley
Founder and CEO of Hand to Hold
“In Live Big, Love Bigger, Kathryn Whitaker invites us into the sacred story of her life with God, family, and friends. The birth of the Whitaker’s son Luke called her to suffering, a more intimate relationship with God, and ultimately to a whole new life. Her story is one of dying to self in order to live for Christ and her husband, children, and friends. People of faith have influenced Whitaker; by her life and these reflections, she influences others and calls them to value family and grow in faith. Whitaker’s story enables us to get in touch with our own sacred story and discover anew God’s incredible love often shown by the other people he places in our lives."
Most Rev. Gregory Aymond
Archbishop of New Orleans
Available Editions
| EDITION | Paperback |
| ISBN | 9781594719141 |
| PRICE | US$15.95 (USD) |
Featured Reviews
Michele f, Reviewer
Sometimes we experience things in life that change us forever. In this charming memoir, Kathryn shares the profound impact her premature son’s birth on her life. In the loss of control over this situation, she experienced the transforming power of God. In this touching tale, Kathryn shares with us the the “Lessons from Luke” - intentional prayer, priestly relationships, digital life, marriage, holy friendships, joy and order, family vacations, self-care, and family culture and how they
brought her closer to Him, her family and friends. A long time lover of Kathryn’s blog, as soon as I started this book, I was immediately hooked. It made me rethink relationships, ponder the intentionality of my life as a daughter of God and how I can love my family more. Told with wit and sass, this little gem with be on my ‘books to revisit often’ shelf..
Mandie G, Reviewer
This was such a fun read! I enjoyed it so much that I ended up reading it in one sitting!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
Joan W, Reviewer
I received an ARC from NetGalley and I so enjoyed this book. The story is Kathryn Whitaker, her family, and Jesus. There were sad times, happy times, stressful times and at all times Jesus was right there with them. My favorite part of the book was when she was thinking about her family and how busy they were, it seemed like everyone was cramming as much as possible into their life now, striving for perfection so she decided to have a six-month moratorium. There were mistakes along the way, but it was ok. As she said, find a way to let God redeem it all.
Live Big, Love Bigger is not just for Catholics, it is a book that most people would enjoy and get so much from. It is life with a breath of fresh air.
Janet P, Reviewer
An excellent book, especially for moms to show how God interacts in all of our lives, including the busy ones of family life. Whitacker is honest about her struggles as the mom of six kids in Texas. She does a great job of showing how God can be present in all parts of our lives and how to be aware of this.
Wendy C, Reviewer
When I heard that Kathryn was writing a book, my prayer was that she would somehow capture her encouraging, sassy self on the pages as she pointed people back to their relationship with Christ. Well, she managed to do just that. I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review, and I have to tell you that my honest review included texting my best friend after I finished Chapter 1, telling her to preorder a copy for herself...and if she didn't, I would be ordering it for her. If you have ever struggled with trying to prioritize what the world expects of your family and what God expects of your family, Kathryn's book will provide you with the hard questions you need to ask to determine if you're on the right track. Sassy, sweet, and full of heart-stopping poignant moments, Live Big, Love Bigger is one of my favorite reads of 2019!
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