Have a Beautiful, Terrible Day!: Daily Meditations for the Ups, Downs & In-Betweens

by Kate Bowler

Witty, honest, and wise spiritual reflections that invite readers to embrace the bad, not just the good--from the New York Times bestselling author of Everything Happens for a Reason (And Other Lies I’ve Loved)

Kate Bowler believes the cultural pressure to be cheerful and optimistic at all times has taken a toll on our faith. But what if we could find better language than forced positivity to express our hopes and our anxieties?

Have a Beautiful, Terrible Day! is packed with bite-sized reflections and action-steps to help you get through the day. Good days. Bad days. Totally mediocre ones. This is a devotional for the rest of us, which is to say, the people who don’t always have magical lives that work out. Written in a season of chronic pain, Bowler understands that every day can be an obstacle course. She encourages us to develop our capacity to feel the breadth of our experiences. The better we are at identifying our highs and lows, the more resilient we become.

Like a modern-day psalmist, Bowler’s spiritual reflections look for the ways we can expand our capacity for courage, love, and honesty—while discovering divine moments with God. With bonus sections to use during the seasons of Advent and Lent, this is an easy book to read along with others too.

If you want to build your daily habit of spiritual attentiveness, this book is here to May all your days be lovely. But if they aren’t, have a beautiful, terrible day!

Genres: Nonfiction, Faith, Self Help, Spirituality, Christian, Devotional, Mental Health

220 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 23, 2024

About the author

Kate Bowler, PhD is a New York Times bestselling author, podcast host, and a professor at Duke University. She studies the cultural stories we tell ourselves about success, suffering, and whether (or not) we’re capable of change. She is the author of Blessed: A History of the American Prosperity Gospel and The Preacher’s Wife: The Precarious Power of Evangelical Women Celebrities.

After being unexpectedly diagnosed with Stage IV cancer at age 35, she penned the New York Times bestselling memoir, Everything Happens for a Reason (and Other Lies I’ve Loved) and her latest, No Cure For Being Human (and Other Truths I Need to Hear). Kate hosts the Everything Happens podcast where, in warm, insightful, often funny conversations, she talks with people like Malcolm Gladwell and Anne Lamott about what they’ve learned in difficult times. She lives in Durham, North Carolina with her family and continues to teach do-gooders at Duke Divinity School.

Reviews

[Richard Propes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I sat down to read Kate Bowler's "Have a Beautiful, Terrible Day!: Daily Meditations for the Ups, Downs & In-Betweens" in the early days after my release from an 11-day hospital stay to address bladder cancer that would remove my bladder, leave me with an ostomy, unexpectedly also address previously undiscovered prostate cancer, and ultimately leave me having both beautiful and terrible days.

As my recovery continues, a combination of physical healing and adjusting to life with an ostomy while also praying that the removed cancer stays removed, Bowler's ability to tap into the wonder and holiness of what it means to live life faithfully wherever our path takes us continues to be an ability that inspires, informs, and engages with my daily journey.

While Bowler's own journey is by now well documented, I continue to marvel at Bowler's ability to both affirm faith and yet embrace those of us for whom the pressure to be cheerful and optimistic is not only unrealistic - it's downright unhealthy.

"Have a Beautiful, Terrible Day!" is inspired, entertaining, witty, vulnerable, and incredibly wise as Bowler invites readers to embrace their true paths and to resist the cultural pressure toward toxic positivity that can often feel particularly overwhelming within the world of faith.

Bowler's invitation into a different sort of faith journey feels truthful, honest, and embracing of those of us whose lives haven't always been embraced within faith circles.

This collection of short, accessible reflections with tangible action steps are proving to be the perfect companion for my own healing journey as I try, sometimes moment by moment, to get through my days whether I'm having a good day, a bad day, a mediocre day, or a day I simply can't define. My life, I would day say, would never be one held up in Christian circles as a lighthouse for the faith. Yet, Bowler gets it. She really, really gets it. Bowler composed these meditations during a season of chronic pain, a season that was often marked by the unpredictability of the life journey. She invites us warmly into feeling the full breadth of our life experiences without hesitation and without shame.

Deeply grounded in both Scripture and daily life, these reflections are typical Bowler - candid, transparent, often quite funny, and always insightful. We're encouraged to look for the ways we can expand our capacity for courage, love, and honesty and a deepened relationship with God. I've also been enthralled by Bowler's inclusion of bonus sections for use during Advent and Lent - opportunities to take these meditations and make them a communal experience.

As someone who is learning how to adjust and embrace my new physical realities, "Have a Beautiful, Terrible Day!" is a sacred, loving companion and yet another literary wonder from Kate Bowler.

[Rachel Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate Bowler should take all my money, because I will buy everything she writes, so I was genuinely excited to receive her latest collections of blessings from the publisher - you could even say they blessed me!

I've read quite a lot of the blessings in the collection already, have shared one with a friend, which was perfect for a difficult situation she is walking through, and will come back to others as they're relevant. As ever, Bowler's writing is somehow both lyrical and conversational, which I find really helpful when using a prayer written by someone else.

I particularly appreciated that each blessing begins with a verse of Scripture and is followed by a reflection prompt which gives either a practical step or practice. In this regard I feel Have a beautiful, terrible day! falls in between 2 of Bowler's previous collections of blessings/devotions; the blessings are more developed than in The Lives we actually have, but shorter than those in Good Enough.

I love this, and will return to the blessings for years to come.

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate Bowler just gets it. Have a Beautiful, Terrible Day! is the devotional for those of us leading lives that are messy, complicated, happy, sad, and real. "In moments of dull despair, I pray for Wonder." Kate's book is a reflection on life and offers blessings, reflections, and steps on getting through the highs and the lows. Perfection is impossible, but this book will steer you toward choosing an attitude of gratitude and wonder.

Thank you to Convergent Books and NetGalley for this ARC.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started and ended 2023 with Kate Bowler’s books of blessings. Her newest book, which comes out In January 2024, is a beautiful continuation of blessings for life in various situations and emotional experiences. Each blessing has a scripture focus and reflection prompt which are very accessible and written in easy to digest chunks. Her usual wit and humor shines through as well. There are blessings for each day of the Lenten season as well as the Sundays of Advent and Christmas. I highly recommend! Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Linda Hutchinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Have a Beautiful, Terrible Day!
Author: Kate Bowler
Source: NetGalley & Convergent Books
Pub Date: Jan. 23, 2024

I need to be honest. I have had trouble sleeping of late, and I am tired. So, I decided to take charge and reset my bedtime routine. No more reading in bed by the light of my Kindle, no more caffeine, complete breathing exercises, and read Kate Bowler. Have a Beautiful, Terrible Day is another winner for a writer who knows the ups and downs of life and yet covers the reader in encouragement and inspiration. Each night, I read something from Kate’s book and write the date on the page and my thoughts, then I say the prayerful thought and turn my troubles over to God. Why didn’t I think of this before? It works for me. There is a reason that Kate Bowler’s words comfort me. I would encourage you to buy this excellent book NOW and give yourself some grace and peace. #HaveABeautifulTerribleDay @katecbowler @convergent_books @netgalley #thoughtfulness #mindfulness #encouragement #kindness #empathy #life #trials #sleep #inspiration #love
❗

I received a complimentary copy of this ARC. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. Thank you to the publisher, Netgalley, and the author for the opportunity to read this novel. Pub. Date: Jan. 23, 2024
❗

#book #books #bookAddict #BooksOfInstagram #bookstagram #bookstagramer #bookshelf #reader #booklove #bookreader #reader #reviewer

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciate Bowler's transparency and rawness. She gives the audience the freedom to express all emotions because God can handle it. They aren't just platitudes for her. She is in the valley, and she still sees the light. There is a realness to this book that isn't often found in daily meditations.

[Amanda (A.NovelAdventure) · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨Book Review✨

📚 I used this book as a nightly devotional, and this book was like a soft place to land at the end of the day. It felt like talking to a good friend who could say the hard things but also listen to the hard things. The prayers felt like blessings over a terrible and beautiful life that often happens all at the same time. The writing was relatable, honest, and vulnerable in a way that made it feel welcoming. I have slowly become a fan of Kate Bowler and look forward to reading more of her work.

🌟 If you are interested in a soft devotional, something that lightly touches on scripture and truly focuses on blessing the everyday life, then this book might be for you. Be sure to save this post so you can come back to it when you’re ready.

More about: Have a Beautiful Terrible Day - Kate Bowler

📖 The setup of This Book Is that each entry begins with a short scripture, that is followed by a brief narrative, that is followed by a prayer. Entries also end with some sort of invitation to reflect. The topics covered are wide sweeping, making each day feel seen and valued for what it is.

#BookReview #BookRecommendation #Devotional

|| What to read next, nightly reading, prayer, reflection ||

Don’t forget to like and save for later!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have a Beautiful, Terrible day by Kate Bowler has just the right mix of aspiration and realness that I like. Bowler lives in the real world which is wonderful AND challenging and she holds onto and shares her faith through the ANDS. This book of reflections is a great tool for those of us who seek comfort and inspiration as we traverse the ANDS in our lives.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

How fortunate was I to win an Advance Uncorrected Proof of HAVE A BEAUTIFUL, TERRIBLE DAY! by talented author, Kate Bowler … Brava! The daily meditations for the ‘ups, downs & in-betweens’ are universal, Priceless & Precious year round. The finished copies will make perfect gifts for friends of all religions!

[Zibby Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book of witty, honest, and wise spiritual reflections that invite us to embrace the bad—not just the good. The author shares her experience with chronic pain and stage four cancer inspired her outlook on life—one that is based on resilience and transforming difficult days into beautiful, terrible days. She shares her strategies for coping with those difficult days when she celebrates even the most minor accomplishments.

Here's a passage that grabbed me. She wrote, "Every time I do something really difficult, I make an award chart. I know it is completely ridiculous. Truly, it's so dumb. But picture me attempting to get a doctoral degree from a fancy university with a lot of stone gargoyles and leather-bound books. But then I needed to read about 350 of those leather-bound books in a short period of time.

So what did I do? I made an enormous chart with a point system. Three points for a book I had never read, two points for a difficult article in a journal, and one point if I could simply recite the argument without having finished the book. Then, I bought reams of stickers shaped like stars and made each point a star.

If I could have done something similar with chemotherapy when I was diagnosed with cancer, I would have. When life is hard, I secretly wish someone out there is keeping score and clapping. I wish you could get an award for everything you do for others. I would build the podium myself. We could have a whole point system.

Make a horrible appointment? Two stars. Loved an enemy? Three stars. But instead, most of the difficult and painful choices we make to love others and get up again after being knocked down will have no audience, no clapping. At most, we will get a small sense that we are moving in the right direction. So today, let's consider the things we do and what they cost, even though we probably won't get a medal for whatever happens."

To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://zibbymedia.com/blogs/transcri...

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a collection of devotions that is unlike any other devotional book that I have ever read. It was written specifically for people who are enduring struggles and hardships, especially the kind that don't ever go away or that do not get resolved quickly. Some days are beautiful, and terrible things happen on other days. The author knows about this kind of stuff because she is a 43-year-old cancer survivor. There are separate sections for both Lent and Advent as well as other regular devotions. The devotions are not meant to be read in any particular order, although I chose to read the Lenten devotions daily during Lent. Not every devotion will speak to the reader in a special way, but that is always the case with any other collection of devotions.

[Analie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love and treasure Kate Bowler’s candor about faith amidst pain. Her book is completely different from any other devotional I’ve read. Each entry is a combination of poetry and prose written so artfully I was amazed at how she captured the hardship and beauty of life so well and how she makes the reader feel deeply seen. There is also a special series of meditations for both Lent and Advent at the end.

[Katelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️

Very similar to another devotional of Bowler’s I read earlier this year, this book is beautifully written. I’ve been using it as a daily morning prayer. I was a little disappointed with the Advent series, hoping for more depth, but it’s overall a lovely collection. Would recommend if you’re looking for a new spiritual practice or writings. Very modern and relatable.

Purchased hard copy

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Kate Bowler. Her devotions are so real and true to life. I highly recommend them.

[Steffanie Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a healing balm for my soul! I wish I had the actual BOOK instead of the audio version so I could slowly read each one daily!!! So good!

[Jayme · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read one of Kate Bowler's previous memoirs and am in awe of the strength of her faith given all she has been through. This book is different from her previous memoirs, in that it is a series of short devotionals. I think this would be a lovely book to keep and return to as various struggles impact our lives. I especially enjoyed how each devotional heading addresses a certain feeling or struggle a person might be in, making it easy to find a devotional targeted at one's particular situation at any given time. There are also sections devoted to the Lent and Advent seasons. Each devotional is brief but inspirational, and I can imagine returning to this book often.

[Mj · Rating 1 out of 5]

Eh
Didn’t realize it was a devotional.

[Cassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another great book from Kate Bowler. I really enjoyed her collaboration with Jessica Richie in The Lives We Actually Have last year, and this continued those lovely blessings plus some. I appreciated the slight change to a devotional style where Bowler introduces each blessing, sharing who it was written for and what kind of day it might be useful. I also liked that they all included a reflection prompt at the end. The questions she poses and exercises she suggests were helpful ways to take a moment out of the hum-drum of everyday life. The guides and readings for both Lent and Advent are something I will certainly come back to. The balance between suffering and hope and the focus on social justice and the Spirit of God was great. I will say there were a couple of moments that I simply couldn’t relate, not as a matter of timing in my life, but because my personality must be different than the author’s–these in particular were ones that spoke of being a giver and caretaker of others. While I do these things, it doesn’t come naturally for me and so the idea that I need a blessing to give myself permission to take a break just didn’t hit home. I can see how these would be extremely meaningful for others though. Overall, this is a book that will happily sit on my shelf of devotions and blessings and be picked up again and again.

Thanks to NetGalley and Convergent Books for the eARC of this title.

— NOTES —
Genre: devotional, spiritual nonfiction
Content: cancer and treatment, chronic pain

— MY RATING CONSIDERATIONS —
(all out of 5)

Levity/Humility: 5
Information: n/a
Transformation: 4
My Gut Feeling: 4.5
Total Stars: 4.333

[Katie Betts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Refreshing spiritual reflections challenging the societal emphasis on constant cheerfulness. Through bite-size insights and practical steps, she encourages embracing life's complexities—good, bad, or ordinary. Crafted during personal pain, Bowler's devotional fosters resilience, urging us to acknowledge diverse emotions. Similar to modern psalms, her reflections inspire courage, love, and honesty, fostering spiritual growth in everyday moments."

Kate Bowler always has an honest, sassy, and poignant way with words. This book feels very similar to her other books of blessings (“The Lives we Actually Have” and “Good Enough”) but through a new lens of emotional awareness. I appreciate her dedication to offering both the joys and trials in tandem, demonstrating that we don’t have to choose one. Her writing feels both understanding and encouraging. There are also daily entries for Lent and Advent. While I did read the book from beginning to end, the general meditations are designed to be read at any time, in any order. Even if you only read scattered entries sporadically, you will be blessed.

Thank you @convergent_books & @NetGalley for the eARC 🥰 All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Perfect for you if you like:
Bite-sized reflections and practical steps for daily living
Devotionals that resonate with real-life struggles and triumphs
Honest and witty insights on faith and life

Similar to:
The Lives We Actually Have by Kate Bowlder
Liturgies for Wholeness by Audrey Alledge and Elizabeth Moore
The Book of Common Courage by K. J. Ramsey

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a name I will check. The writer emphasizes her book as a reference to accompany any journeys, and if the sheer fight revealed in her own isn’t enough of a marvel for you, the crosshatching of faithful tradition and affection among the trials and triumphs that come along very much emblazons the impression. Several confessional perspectives shared in Bowler’s work, as much her pieces of prose as poetry, were like a healing balm for the mind. Several of her poems simplify some essential conflicts so vividly, with hallmark reflections that the reader deeply hopes served her healing fully. And in all her journey of realization and recovery, recovery and realization, Bowler embraces a sense of fun that none of us should ever lose.

I wanted to be sure to get this back to my library, but I’ll follow its incredible author, and I’m looking forward to more of her materials.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have a Beautiful, Terrible Day! by Kate Bowler contains reflections and blessings that help with feelings of anxiety and being overwhelmed. There are daily entries that do not need to be read in order.

The devotionals are easy to read, with Biblical references along with meditations and reflections for the reader to ponder. The book contains action steps that are easy to understand and implement.

I liked the simplicity of this book and the straightforward information. I would recommend this devotional, and it will be a resource I come back to many times to reset myself as needed.

#HaveaBeautifulTerribleDay #NetGalley

[Amanda Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading Kate Bowler‘s books is like having a friend who has a very rich faith life, and has compassion for all the ways in which you may be different. Her optimism and caring for the world is a breath of fresh air. It makes me want to lean in to spread quality in the face practice, whatever that looks like for me.

There is one particular devotional in here that stopped me in my tracks. It was a prayer for people who have experienced something traumatizing or have watched someone else go through something traumatizing. She almost framed it as a blessing to be able to be counted among the wounded. That was beautiful.

[Jen Postma☕️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this book! Kate's candor and "realness" about life is refreshing. Everything isn't always rosy, right? I am in awe of how she can take these honest thoughts to God and poetically find a blessing to speak over us as we wrestle with life--the uncertainties, the disappointments, the heartache, etc. Hope abounds in this book and Kate's perspectives on these situations, whether traumatic, mundane, or celebratory, leave us with a proper perspective on helping us deal with these things, or rather, surrendering them to God and letting Him work these things out for us. I especially enjoyed the Daily Meditations for Lent. A frequent "go-to" book for me.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’d like to re-read it for advent as I think it leans more in a devotional-a-day sort of read. My favorite takeaways:

• We can be faithful and afraid at the same time.

• Being a Christian encourages us to know fear in a more intimate way

• Grief - awareness that we are not drivers of our circumstances. We are unwilling passengers.

• It is a miracle when we let ourselves in desperation be lowered into the unknown and recognize our fragility. (Story of Lazarus)

• Gratitude isn’t a solution to suffering but it makes life more meaningful

• There is no scarcity of love

[Tina Mullener · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, Kate Bowler hit her mark. I love that this book can be used in so many ways. It has readings designed for specific spiritual seasons, like amazing Advent readings, but also for specific seasons of our soul, like dealing with unforgiving in our life. I could see myself giving this book to friends in need but also picking it back up time and time again to reread myself.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buy, don’t borrow

I borrowed this from the library after being waitlisted, but immediately purchased it once I realized how much and how often I would need to re-read some of these. Kate is all of us, only smarter and a much better writer (at least than me).

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve kept this gem of a book on my nightstand to read a different blessing each evening before bed and it has been wonderful. Getting to see Kate at the book signing event with the icing on the cake. Love her point of view and writing style. Relatable and transparent.

[Eline Pullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate bowler has a way of puzzling words together that is just so magnificent. Her words make you FEEL: move, cry and smile or even grin out loud.

My favorite way of reading this book is picking it up whenever there’s a feeling of MEH all around me. Like thistles are popping up all around me in my life. (Love the cover art) That’s the moment I pick up this thistle covered book. I browse through the table of contents and choose a blessing that fits the moment.

This book invites you to be honest, real, direct and as a next step to present that whole you to God, because that is who he made you to be.

The effect of this book on me is comforting: there’s humor, so much honesty about pain and life and also a giant dollop of gentleness.

Have a Beautiful, Terrible Day! has 89 meditations , some that really touched me were:
- For learning to rest
- When you judge everyone
- Feeling Meh
- Letting yourself be known
Plus there are blessings to read around Lent and Advent.

I especially liked the reflecting prompts, added at the end the meditations. They equip me to envision future moments in new perspective. I see an opportunity to use them as writing prompts while journaling.

So when life is giving you thistles, look at their marvelous blueish purple color and read a chapter or two of this book along the way.

Big thanks to NetGalley and Convergent Books | Random House for providing an advanced readers copy of this book in return of my honest review. Loved reading it!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written as always. So much to think about in each blessing. Many I will come back to often.

[Anne Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daily and specialized meditations.
Loved it so much I purchased a copy.