Almost Holy Mama: Life-Giving Spiritual Practices for Weary Parents (Aspire Press)

This book was just the breath of fresh air my soul needed. Even though I am far beyond the parenting stages Courtney finds herself in, the principles and practices she teaches in this book are still just as necessary and applicable to my life. Courtney doesn’t load us up with a list of “should’s”. Her authenticity is inviting, and her winsome honesty gives us permission to fail. At the same time, she invites us into life-giving practices that transform our hearts and re-align them with our Father’s heart. I serve in leadership on a missionary team with a lot of young families. Many of our young moms are struggling to raise thriving children in a culture foreign to them, while serving alongside their husbands in ministry. These practical suggestions are possible, and do-able, and transformational! We all need to be reminded of the grace that is ours…even on the hard and challenging days when we feel like we have failed. Courtney doesn’t give easy answers, rather, she offers us what Jesus gave to her when she sought the Giver, not the gift...blessed truth. I will definitely be recommending this book not only to the young moms I am mentoring, but to "allthepeople"!

This book was such a breath of fresh air, I had to stop by and write a review. If you are a mom, especially of littles, and your spiritual life has taken a hit since you've had babies, this book has ways you that you can actually continue to grow spiritually amidst the chaos and somehow make the exhaustion and dailyness more bearable. And what makes it so great is that she writes this as someone who is in the thick of it with you, and she is so REAL, SO FUNNY, and reading it is kind of nuts because it's simultaneously so easy to read yet so rich with depth. I bought a few to give to friends, it had a real impact on me! Not sure there is any other book like this out there. Highly recommend!!!

What a fantastic book! I am only a few chapters in and I can honestly say that I am enjoying this funny and candid read by author Courtney Ellis. Being a mama of three littles, the youngest being seven months and also a Postpartum nurse working nights, it is hard to say I am not either tired or busy every moment of the day. This book has provided both practical and enjoyable ways to find God in this crazy and sometimes chaotic journey we call motherhood. I strongly recommend this book to any parent who is searching for a deeper way to connect to their Heavenly Father while navigating the late-night feedings, mountains of dishes, stepped on Legos, and piles of mismatched socks. Ellis is sincere and genuine in her storytelling while integrating “life-giving spiritual practices”, which makes this book an incredible find!

And like any good wine or fine chocolate, it’s meant to be enjoyed, so start it now and linger a while! Ellis maintains her voice and humor, familiar from her first book, “Uncluttered,” but shares from a more vulnerable place in “Almost Holy Mama.” What a relief when I read the line near the end of Chapter 2: “It was days like these, so back-breakingly exhausting that I could barely pour my own coffee...that I hated this spiritual disciplines experiment.” Whether you have kids at home or not (I don’t), that exhaustion is familiar, and this book is for all of us. For all of us that want to be more holy, but sometimes really don’t. For all of us that feel like maybe there just isn’t time or space for one more thing. Start here.

This book is for 21st century moms like me with a deep longing to know and love God and to live out real-life faithfulness despite the busy/crazy/fatiguing life of parenthood. Courtney's voice draws me in from the very start. I love her lead-ins, I love her tone. The funny bits keep it real, and the depth of intention and purpose make it worthwhile. Let's be honest, I'm an Enneagram 1 and I need my reading to be productive. (Ahem—still working on that striving thing.) She’s funny and sincere. She weaves personal stories and practical resources to help modern moms nurture a deeper spiritual life, and she doesn't live in la-la-land. I'm personally grateful for this book and recommend it to fellow spiritually earnest parents.

As a father whose youngest just turned 20, I wasn't sure this book would hold much for me. I was wrong - this book is great! Courtney brings pragmatic application of ancient Christian spiritual practices into real everyday (busy) life. Too busy to do one more thing? Good news - Courtney points out “It’s one of the paradoxes of the Christian life that often what God wants from us is not for us to be on the move doing things for him. It’s for us to be with him, accepting from his hand what he has chosen for us, and allowing him to shape and form us so we will be prepared for the next action he will ask of us.”

If I could put one book in the hands of moms, this would be it. Each chapter addresses a different spiritual discipline, giving busy and tired mamas ideas on how to practically practice them. It feels like the kind of book to read one chapter per month, but I couldn't put it down. Courtney’s engaging and relatable writing always draws me in, so I couldn’t pace myself. She shares her own struggles candidly and highlights her successes with a “you can do it” humility. It’s easy to feel less-than or incapable when reading a book centered on spiritual disciplines. I never felt like that as I turned the pages of Almost Holy Mama.

“Almost Holy Mama” offers practical ways to engage in spiritual practices while parenting young children, in a way that is wise, honest, and entertaining. Written like a journal, Ellis breaks down the practices she engages in month by month, details how she incorporates them into daily life as a busy parent of young children, and honestly conveys when they are working and when things take don’t go according to plan. Funny and real, Ellis demonstrates how to engage in spiritual practices in the season of parenthood, one faithful step at a time.

Courtney Ellis captures the intensity of early motherhood and beauty of a life with God in this diary-style book. Full of digestible nuggets of deep truths, I found myself laughing and crying, even as a mama of older kiddos! The spiritual disciplines are all practical and full of life, fitting in with the lives we lead as parents and followers of Jesus. Don't let the bottle on the cover dissuade you. I highly recommend this authentic book for anyone wanting to see God more in their everyday lives.

Courtney's words in #AlmostHolyMama are just as hilarious and wise as those in her first release, #UnclutteredBook. Her writing is always honest and Christ-centered but lighthearted and refreshing at the same time. This is Courtney's gift--teaching deep biblical truth and entertaining her readers with her humble hilarity in the same sentence. She gives exhausted parents permission and practical advice to meet God where we are, and she makes us laugh out loud in the process. 💗

This book was just the breath of fresh air my soul needed. Even though I am far beyond the parenting stages Courtney finds herself in, the principles and practices she teaches in this book are still just as necessary and applicable to my life. Courtney doesn’t load us up with a list of “should’s”. Her authenticity is inviting, and her winsome honesty gives us permission to fail. At the same time, she invites us into life-giving practices that transform our hearts and re-align them with our Father’s heart. I serve in leadership on a missionary team with a lot of young families. Many of our young moms are struggling to raise thriving children in a culture foreign to them, while serving alongside their husbands in ministry. These practical suggestions are possible, and do-able, and transformational! We all need to be reminded of the grace that is ours…even on the hard and challenging days when we feel like we have failed. Courtney doesn’t give easy answers, rather, she offers us what Jesus gave to her when she sought the Giver, not the gift...blessed truth. I will definitely be recommending this book not only to the young moms I am mentoring, but to "allthepeople"!

This book was such a breath of fresh air, I had to stop by and write a review. If you are a mom, especially of littles, and your spiritual life has taken a hit since you've had babies, this book has ways you that you can actually continue to grow spiritually amidst the chaos and somehow make the exhaustion and dailyness more bearable. And what makes it so great is that she writes this as someone who is in the thick of it with you, and she is so REAL, SO FUNNY, and reading it is kind of nuts because it's simultaneously so easy to read yet so rich with depth. I bought a few to give to friends, it had a real impact on me! Not sure there is any other book like this out there. Highly recommend!!!

What a fantastic book! I am only a few chapters in and I can honestly say that I am enjoying this funny and candid read by author Courtney Ellis. Being a mama of three littles, the youngest being seven months and also a Postpartum nurse working nights, it is hard to say I am not either tired or busy every moment of the day. This book has provided both practical and enjoyable ways to find God in this crazy and sometimes chaotic journey we call motherhood. I strongly recommend this book to any parent who is searching for a deeper way to connect to their Heavenly Father while navigating the late-night feedings, mountains of dishes, stepped on Legos, and piles of mismatched socks. Ellis is sincere and genuine in her storytelling while integrating “life-giving spiritual practices”, which makes this book an incredible find!

And like any good wine or fine chocolate, it’s meant to be enjoyed, so start it now and linger a while! Ellis maintains her voice and humor, familiar from her first book, “Uncluttered,” but shares from a more vulnerable place in “Almost Holy Mama.” What a relief when I read the line near the end of Chapter 2: “It was days like these, so back-breakingly exhausting that I could barely pour my own coffee...that I hated this spiritual disciplines experiment.” Whether you have kids at home or not (I don’t), that exhaustion is familiar, and this book is for all of us. For all of us that want to be more holy, but sometimes really don’t. For all of us that feel like maybe there just isn’t time or space for one more thing. Start here.

This book is for 21st century moms like me with a deep longing to know and love God and to live out real-life faithfulness despite the busy/crazy/fatiguing life of parenthood. Courtney's voice draws me in from the very start. I love her lead-ins, I love her tone. The funny bits keep it real, and the depth of intention and purpose make it worthwhile. Let's be honest, I'm an Enneagram 1 and I need my reading to be productive. (Ahem—still working on that striving thing.) She’s funny and sincere. She weaves personal stories and practical resources to help modern moms nurture a deeper spiritual life, and she doesn't live in la-la-land. I'm personally grateful for this book and recommend it to fellow spiritually earnest parents.

As a father whose youngest just turned 20, I wasn't sure this book would hold much for me. I was wrong - this book is great! Courtney brings pragmatic application of ancient Christian spiritual practices into real everyday (busy) life. Too busy to do one more thing? Good news - Courtney points out “It’s one of the paradoxes of the Christian life that often what God wants from us is not for us to be on the move doing things for him. It’s for us to be with him, accepting from his hand what he has chosen for us, and allowing him to shape and form us so we will be prepared for the next action he will ask of us.”

If I could put one book in the hands of moms, this would be it. Each chapter addresses a different spiritual discipline, giving busy and tired mamas ideas on how to practically practice them. It feels like the kind of book to read one chapter per month, but I couldn't put it down. Courtney’s engaging and relatable writing always draws me in, so I couldn’t pace myself. She shares her own struggles candidly and highlights her successes with a “you can do it” humility. It’s easy to feel less-than or incapable when reading a book centered on spiritual disciplines. I never felt like that as I turned the pages of Almost Holy Mama.

“Almost Holy Mama” offers practical ways to engage in spiritual practices while parenting young children, in a way that is wise, honest, and entertaining. Written like a journal, Ellis breaks down the practices she engages in month by month, details how she incorporates them into daily life as a busy parent of young children, and honestly conveys when they are working and when things take don’t go according to plan. Funny and real, Ellis demonstrates how to engage in spiritual practices in the season of parenthood, one faithful step at a time.

Courtney Ellis captures the intensity of early motherhood and beauty of a life with God in this diary-style book. Full of digestible nuggets of deep truths, I found myself laughing and crying, even as a mama of older kiddos! The spiritual disciplines are all practical and full of life, fitting in with the lives we lead as parents and followers of Jesus. Don't let the bottle on the cover dissuade you. I highly recommend this authentic book for anyone wanting to see God more in their everyday lives.

Courtney's words in #AlmostHolyMama are just as hilarious and wise as those in her first release, #UnclutteredBook. Her writing is always honest and Christ-centered but lighthearted and refreshing at the same time. This is Courtney's gift--teaching deep biblical truth and entertaining her readers with her humble hilarity in the same sentence. She gives exhausted parents permission and practical advice to meet God where we are, and she makes us laugh out loud in the process. 💗

This was by far the most helpful book I have ever read as a mom. The author is super hilarious, relatable, very practical, and mentions deep Biblical truths we all need to remember.

With humor, wit and humility, Courtney delivers once again in 'Almost Holy Mama.' Like many mothers, I struggle to find Jesus in the everyday mundane moments of motherhood. Courtney's book offers a fresh perspective and challenges the reader to find Jesus in the everyday routines of laundry, bath-time, and beyond. I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to incorporate more spiritual disciplines into their lives. Courtney's book will leave you encouraged, motivated, and ultimately closer to Jesus.

I love Courtney Ellis's writing style. I read Uncluttered earlier this year and loved it! I just knew I would love Almost Holy Mama too. And I was right! Courtney presents practical and understandable ways to practice spiritual disciplines in your everyday life. Once again Courtney is able to offer great advice with real-life stories and humor. I highly recommend this great book!

FINALLY! A book that recognizes that I’m too tired and too busy to be a perfect mama much less a perfect Christian. Courtney once again knocks it out of the park with this humorous, honest, and helpful work on how to find Jesus in the midst of poopy diapers, snacktime, and the realities of parenting. I’m going to buy a copy for every parent in my church.

Courtney Ellis is a “real life” Mom, Wife, Pastor, and Author. This book is written from her heart full of wisdom and experiences that God has given her and her family. I love that we can “Join her Journey” by reading scriptures provided and make the spiritual practices fit into our everyday lives! All ages will enjoy her humor and honesty and be blessed!!

Ellis has done it again! With her humor, insight, and deep commitment to the life of faith, she challenges and encourages parents into deepening their spiritual practices...while pushing strollers and spooning applesauce. Whether a parent, a pastor or just someone who wants to learn how to engage spiritual practices in the busy rush of life, this is a book to read.

The author is encouraging, knowledgeable, challenging, laugh out loud funny and so REAL!! I have been comforted and encouraged to know I am not alone in my struggles and daily failures of parenting and being a Christian in the world we live today. Courtney shares real life stories, real struggles and practical helps for daily life!

LOVE LOVE LOVE! This is for the SAHM or working mama! For the 1 million things we are doing every day Courtney gives extremely valuable tools and examples to keep your relationship with Jesus growing and making time with God a priority, even while folding laundry :)

I am halfway through this book and absolutely loving it! It is very well-written and incredibly eye-opening. I am learning so much and enjoying how funny and inspirational this book is. You must read...

Don't let the baby bottle fool you. This book is for parents of all ages and stages. Courtney's journey through the spiritual disciplines is refreshing and thought-provoking. Her diary of successes and failures encouraged and challenged me in the best ways.

This book both inspired me and made me laugh. It made me feel less alone in my parenting and in my faith. This is such a good read for those looking to incorporate tangible ways to grow one’s faith.

I listened to the audio version of this book and found it very humorous and helpful, and oh so relatable!! I really enjoyed it and was sad when it was over!!! She is a great writer and narrator and offers a great perspective on incorporating spiritual practices into real life situations. Her honesty is refreshing!

You can’t wait until your kids are grown to nurture your soul or your relationship with God. Or as author Courtney Ellis puts it, “Spiritual practices protect us from one of life’s greatest tragedies — living the daily grind as if God wasn’t there.” This book aims to introduce some spiritual disciplines into the life of the bone-tired busy parent. The author tried out several disciplines and reflects on her experience from her own perspective as a working mom (pastor) of two tiny tots, who at the time was also enduring a difficult pregnancy. My own kids are older (teens), and I found that her observations really resonated with me despite the different parenting stages. I never feel like I have enough time in the day, and this book helped me imagine how I might incorporate some spirituality in the space that is there. The key is not to insist on a separate alone time of complete solitude; that’s a pipe dream. Instead, consider Jesus while doing the things you are already doing: Driving. Showering. LAUNDRY. Courtney Ellis’s writing is an absolute breeze to read. It’s friendly and down to earth in tone, and often laugh-out-loud funny. (She talked about bribing her boys with a doughnut in church if they would “just please sit quietly in the pew for an hour without flopping around like a trout.” Ha! – who hasn’t been there?) At the same time, she can lay down some truths that really made me stop and think. Like “Sometimes the voice of God and the voice of self-care and the voice of a kind husband are one and the same.” Highly recommend!

After reading Almost Holy Mama by Courtney Ellis, I wished I could have a do-over of my two decades of raising children. If I'd had a copy of Courtney's book next to my bedstand and another copy on my kitchen counter, and maybe a 3rd copy on the coffee table in my living room (okay, a 4th copy in the car!), I may have navigated that time better. I definitely would have felt less alone and more encouraged and supported in that very important role as a parent of emerging little people and young adults. I love Courtney's book at this stage of my life because I can do empty nesting and grandparenting better by adopting some of the spiritual practices she describes in Almost Holy Mama. I need more Jesus and less stress in all the stages and spaces of my life, and I am already implementing a few of them. They are easy to commit to, especially if you try them one at a time and practice them for 30 days. That's not so scary, right? With Ms. Ellis by your side, coaching you through the lens of her life, it's not.so.hard. Thank you, Courtney, for introducing me to some spritual practices that show me that Jesus loves me and is there with me in those hard times and places!

You don’t have to be a parent or have children to read this book. I found it to be encouraging, humorous, and relevant for people from all walks of life who seek to practice their Christian faith on daily basis. Ellis writes candidly and with refreshing humor about the highs and many lows of practicing the spiritual disciplines as a parent, wife, and full time minister. The reality is we all have competing priorities in our lives, and Courtney helps us see that it is possible to live a fruitful life of faith in the ordinary every day of our lives whether we are married, single, divorced, or whatever. There is a practical way forward that can work for each of us as we endeavor to know God in the nooks and crannies of our lives.

Most of my discussions around spirituality include something about spiritual practices being difficult to engage with as a parent of a toddler - then I found this book! I read it hungrily, hoping to find practical tools to help me deepen my spiritual life in the exhausting stage of parenting a 2 year-old. What I found was the story of a parent, Courtney, trying, succeeding, failing, and trying again to engage in spiritual practices and deepen her relationship with God. There are no fail-safe tricks offered here, but an honest reflection about the joys and struggles she faces when incorporating different spiritual practices into her life. That is not to say it is not immensely helpful in practical starting points and tips to help you along your own spiritual journey--there are loads! It is, however, a healing balm to hear Courtney's story and how the failures are part and parcel of strengthening our spiritual life and building our relationship with God, I laughed. I cried. I prayed. I was inspired. I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to deepen their spiritual life--most especially parents of young children. It was a complete joy to read.

Courtney Ellis' new book deserves a larger readership than the title might suggest. True, she has drawn upon her own exhausting, exhilarating, often amusing experience as a mother of three young children. But the point she is illustrating is that all of us, no matter how busy, can find ways to incorporate spiritual discipline into our lives. One by one, she examines traditional spiritual practices and records her experience at following them each for a month: contemplation while driving the freeway, listening prayer while folding laundry, meditating on scripture while showering (with the help of Bible verses written in Sharpie on the shower wall!), and so on. Her deeply personal sharing is backed up by pertinent quotes from a wide range of Christian thinkers. So the reader feels that she is simultaneously chatting with a friend and being gently educated. Each chapter ends with a list of appropriate scripture for further thought and inspiration. So, if you are a "mama," you should definitely read this book, and even if you are not in that stage of life you should give it a try.

Good gracious, did I ever need this book. Having a mother and pastor as insightful and hilarious as Courtney writing to us fellow full-time caregivers of small children is desperately needed. The nature of the relentless, sometimes-joyful, all-consuming, insanity-inducing task of parenting small children is often such that our own nourishment and thriving appears impossible to access. Courtney offers a way to do this: to be fully present to ourselves and our God as well as to our families. I love her gentle, quirky, down-to-earth voice and am so grateful for her reminder to us to make space in our lives to let the living water in—that we need not put our well-being on hold in a belief that one must sacrifice all of one's own needs because of the children. Her ideas are practical, attainable, and rejuvenating, and she generously shares her own journey with all its sorrows, stumbles, and joys as a way of showing these spiritual practices in action.

I have read about half of the book so far. I really appreciated Courtney’s reminder that we don’t need to be Jesus to our kids. Our kids need Jesus just as we do. “How can I be their mom in the deepest, truest way that I can be, out of the gifts God has given and the virtue he is working to grow in me? How can I serve them as he serves me?”

Another fabulous book written by Courtney Ellis! (I read "Uncluttered" earlier this year and loved it!) In "Almost Holy Mama," Courtney walks the reader through a handful of spiritual practices. This is a great read for mothers who want to connect more with the Lord amidst the daily chaos of having young children at home. As Courtney puts it, “God is intensely practical and interested in the ordinary, everyday, mundane elements of our lives.” I loved the "Join the Journey" devotionals at the end of the chapters where Courtney provides Scriptures that relate to that particular spiritual practice. Her writing is honest, humble, and humorous. A must read!

I am about halfway finished with Almost Holy Mama because, well, I’m a mama! Haha! The subtitle initially caught my attention and drew me in! “Life giving spiritual practices for weary parents” I am pregnant with daughter #4 and in the midst of a lot of transition in our household. The spiritual practices that Courtney has worked to pull together along with valuable scripture and (sometimes hilarious) personal experience has not only shown me that I’m not alone in my quest for rest, but has made it more approachable. I HIGHLY recommend this book for any mama on that same search for rest and reconnection with the Lord!

Almost Holy Mama is a honest, real-life look at what it’s like to strive for a more enriching relationship with God while surviving the chaos of this season of life we call parenting! Courtney’s style of writing is informative while entertaining. What a refreshing read! As a mom of two very busy boys I love the idea of starting out my quest to become “almost holy” with paying attention to how God is always all around us. This book is a gift to busy family’s allowing a guide to simplify and appreciate Gods presence in our every day chaos!

Author Courtney Ellis has a way of writing that draws you in. I love how in Almost Holy Mama she is completely real in how she does in the spiritual practices. She's not perfect, nor does she try to convey that she is. With lots of humor and grace she encourages other weary parents to join her in these spiritual practices. Ellis breaks it down into manageable bite size pieces for even the most weary of parents. This is a must-read for not only for weary parents, but anyone who wants to grow in their spiritual walk.

This book is a wonderful resource for parents of young children. Written in an honest, earnest, warm style that engages the reader immediately, this books talks about the reality of how challenging it is to grow in faith (or even practice faith with depth) while being sleep-deprived and exhausted from parenting. Even though my kid is a bit older than the author’s children, I could entirely relate! The author keeps it real: this is not “Pinterest Prayer Life Parenting.” She’s honest about her failures, but also explores what she’s learning during the year long practice of the book.

I've been struggling for a while with the practical question of how to be a disciple of Christ AND a mom, wife, etc. What does that look like? Is there time for both? Courtney Ellis gets it; she's in the trenches with toddlers every day, and asking the same questions. This book follows her journey as she weaves spiritual disciplines into her daily routines. She shares with honesty and humor her many ups and downs, what works for her, what doesn't, and ultimately how she has grown closer to God through the experience. I recommend this book!

Courtney embarks on a journey to integrate spiritual practices into the everyday life of parenting. She tackles contemplation, service, the examen, listening prayer, scripture meditation, fasting, stillness, gratitude, pilgrimage, and celebration, honestly sharing her failures, successes, and lessons. She helps us see that even in the midst of parenthood it is possible to draw closer to Jesus with intentionality. Very encouraging and inspiring! Even though my kids are out of the baby and toddler years I still felt it was quite helpful for learning how to integrate various spiritual disciplines into my life without feeling burdened.

This book is a breath of fresh air in a season of life where adding more often feels like it leaves you with less. Courtney recognizes the joys and struggles of parenthood and invites readers to meet God in the midst of the chaos of life with small children. It was a joy to receive an advance copy as that’s meant reading it during my pregnancy with my second child, who’s due date is just a week after this book’s release. Having Courtney’s encouragement and humor as a companion in this journey has been such a gift.

Almost Holy Mama by Courtney Ellis is an important book for moms of all ages. The author simply but beautifully describes her attempt to pursue the spiritual disciplines in the midst of a crazy mom life with little children. I absolutely loved the sincerity of the author and the way she made pursuing God seem easier and worthwhile. Tired mamas— you need this book! I highly recommend it to all. I received a digital copy of this book from the author with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

I go through days where I think, do not add one more thing- I’m going to have a break down!!! I appreciate Courtney’s honesty, humor, and ability to do... just one more thing!!! Courtney helps the reader realize if I make time for God, everything else falls into place!!! Now, I’m not going to lie, I’m half done with the book... but I had to review it because it is awesome... and I want all my friends to read it, it is how we all feel!

In "Almost Holy Mama," Courtney examines several spiritual disciplines and shares her year long journey of attaching them to the regular, ordinary, daily activities of motherhood. You’ll laugh out loud while being challenged, encouraged and inspired to look for God where He’s always been—right here, in the mess of traffic and chaos of toddlers, the piles of laundry and the exhausted tears…in our typical, day-to-day life, waiting for us to discover Him and all He has to offer us. -Jen Alward, author of Hope and Healing at Home

Almost Holy Mama is an engaging and enjoyable read with an encouraging message, not only for parents of young ones, but for anyone that is challenged with too much to do and not enough time to do it. Courtney Ellis invites us to follow her year long journey to creatively and practically infuse spiritual practices into her busy life as a mother, author, and pastor. Ellis humbly shares her experiences in an honest and humorous style that is a joy to read.

If you haven't read this author before, you're in for a treat. Her writing style is conversational with a sprinkling of humor. I've been thrilled to see a new wave of books making spiritual practices like contemplation and examen and pilgrimages doable for any of us without taking hours or big bucks to do so. These practices have drawn Christ-followers closer to God for thousands of years and as Courtney shows her readers, it can do the same for them. Day after day.

Thank goodness for a book that doesn’t challenge me to find my dream or do great things. If you are looking for a guide to move you slow and steady along towards a quiet peace and strength then this is a book for you. I devoured it in a day but will now use it to delve into some spiritual practices a chapter at a time. Great for individual or group study. Thanks to the author for this gift.

In this book Courtney Ellis gives you practical ways to focus on spiritual practices amid the everyday craziness of being a mama! I love her writing style filled with humor and real life examples from her own life as a busy mom and pastor. This book encouraged me to strengthen my spiritual walk, it made me laugh, and helped me know I'm not alone! I will definitely be reading this one again! I would highly recommend this book!

I enjoyed the way Courtney tells it like it is. Being a mom is so difficult and crazy making some days. Taking time to have a relationship with Jesus sounds like an impossibility. She is so down to earth and honest about her spiritual life she makes it sound like there is hope for me, too. You need to be able to laugh at yourself, accept your failures and keep on listening to Jesus.

Mamas will be inspired by Courtney Ellis' transparency as she tries to traverse motherhood while trying to keep up a relationship with Jesus. It is written in short (yay, mamas) chapters that read like a conversation with a friend. It gives hope without being preachy and provides practical ways to incorporate spiritual disciplines into mommy life (ex. Memorizing scripture and praying). It was an honor to receive and read it before it was released.

This book is a breath of fresh air—especially to parents in the busy years of raising children! Courtney shares her journey of finding ways to embed spiritual practices into the messy, busy, and unpredictable landscape of family life. Scripture in the shower, contemplation in the car, gratitude in the middle of the mess—this book shows a grace-filled, realistic picture of seeking God right in the ordinary swirl of family life.

Finally, some practical & very doable habits to bring Jesus into the chaos of motherhood. Courtney's ideas have transformed my most menial tasks into opportunities to sit in His presence. I particularly loved the chapter on Eating & The Examen as it has been an impactful tool in helping my adolescent children open up about their struggles, desires, and high points of their daily lives. This book gets all.the.stars!

When you are so tired your hair hurts, how do you connect with God? Courtney’s experiment of integrating classic spiritual disciplines into daily life as a mother of young children offers creative & practical ideas. She shares her (ongoing) journey to grow nearer to God with hope, humor, and humility. A quick, well-organized read with potential to change your spiritual life.

Not only does Courtney share practical ways for moms to incorporate the disciplines into every-day life - she ALSO includes journal entries she wrote as she was learning to live out these disciplines! This is by far my favorite part about this book! Courtney shares her insights, successes and failures along the way, all in a very witty and relatable style.

This wonderful, wonderful book has brought so much joy back to my life. Ellis has opened the eyes of this tired, overwhelmed and frustrated Mama. Her journey has showed me just how much God truly does meet us where we are, even if it's knee deep in laundry piles and drawn out bedtime routines. All you Mama's out there, READ THIS BOOK!!

This is the best book that I have read in a long time. I love Courtney Ellis's style of writing and humor. She combines this with a fresh take on practicing spiritual disciplines in everyday life as a mom. I would highly recommend that every mom out there read this book! Loved it!

ALMOST HOLY MAMA IS FUNNY, THEOLOGICALLY RICH, AND AN ENCOURAGEMENT TO ANY MAMA TRYING TO GROW CLOSER TO JESUS! THE REALITIES OF MOTHERHOOD CAN FEEL EXHAUSTING AT TIMES, BUT THIS BOOK’S WALK THROUGH SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES HELP THE READER FIND WAYS TO RECONNECT THE SOUL. IF YOU ARE WORN OUT AND LOOKING FOR REFRESHMENT, THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU.

I am still reading this book but am loving Courtney’s down to earth writing with humor to keep you turning the pages. I love how there is no shame here but just grace for worn out mamas. .Get this book - you won’t be disappointed!

Courtney Ellis doesn't disappoint in her second book! This is the perfect book for anyone who is tired but still craving more of Jesus in their life. As always, Courtney writes in a way that is relatable, motivates, and will make you laugh!