Holey, Wholly, Holy: A Lenten Journey of Refinement

by Kris Camealy

Though the season of Lent occurs once a calendar year, the reality is, as Christians, we live the Lenten experience again and again. Daily, we undergo the grief that often comes with self-reflection and the recognition of our imperfections, the sorrow of confession, the joy of atonement and the blessings of grace through the resurrection. God’s call on the life of the Christian is clear: “Be Holy, as I am Holy” (1 Peter 1:16)

In Holey, Wholly, Holy: A Lenten Journey of Refinement, Kris walks along side the believer and offers encouragement and hope for the journey from holey (broken in sin) to wholly (surrendered unto God) to holy, (claiming the gift of grace through Christ). The road to redemption comes at a cost: “Only when we have given up our own ambitions and desires, from that death to self, can we be used to produce much for His kingdom”. Holey, Wholly, Holy is for anyone who longs to grow closer to Christ, and hungers to accept that grace that His resurrection offers. We need not fear the refiners fire, glory awaits!

Endorsements:
"The Church Father Irenaeus said that the glory of God is a human being fully alive. That's Kris Camealy's goal in Holey, Wholly, Holy. She wants to help me--and you--come fully alive to the risen Christ who is fully alive in us." –Kimberly Conway Ireton, Author, Circle Of Seasons: Meeting God in the Church Year

“Whether you observe lent regularly, or are completely unfamiliar with it (as I was!), Kris’ book is for every believer. She addresses the issues of suffering and sanctification with grace and elegance, painting vivid word pictures for her readers.” -Rachel O’Neil, writer at The Purposeful Wife

Genres: Spirituality

72 pages, Paperback

First published January 16, 2013

About the author

Kris is a freelance writer with a passion for using her words to encourage, inspire, and lead others. She embraces the writing life while homeschooling her four children, and coordinating the MOPS ministry in her church. Kris also serves as an advocate for Compassion International which seeks to set children free from poverty in Jesus' name.
She blogs weekly at KrisCamealy.com and is a contributing author to the book, Finding Church (Civitas Press). Her first eBook, Holey, Wholly, Holy: A Lenten Journey of Refinement releases February 1, 2013

Reviews

[Leah Beecher · Rating 5 out of 5]

*{Second review for the second time I have read this book}*
Last day of Lent 2015
Re-read this book again for Lent.
It is an interesting experience, and a good one, to go back and re-read a spiritual book; especially a book you underlined quite a bit. Kris Camealy's little book, relating her own spiritual journey was just as good the second time. What grabbed me the most this second time:
The revelation that our continuous refinement as we live out the Christian faith is for the SOLE PURPOSE for the hidden glory of Christ to shine in a dark world "that receives him not". As she puts it, being a better wife, mother, friend, and happier is a side effect; NOT the purpose.
A pretty radical idea for modern American evangelicals. The majority of Christian books on the best sellers list are geared towards self improvement, marriage improvement,family improvement. And don't even get me started on the number of supposed Christian books geared towards finding happiness through financial gain. What this book, and the overall experience of the practice of Lent is about, is actually temporary dis-improvement {which I think is not an actual word} for eventual holiness; which brings genuine wholeness, and that is the true ache of humanity.
She puts in so many scriptures and suggestions for scripture exploration that I used this book again, as an outline for my Scripture reading during Lent.
*************************
2014
Just finished this book. Not a 40 day Lent devotional by any means, but more of a confessional/inspirational memoir of what true fasting, true sacrificing, true getting down bare and broke like Jesus looks like, feels like. Kris Camealy does not write about getting spiritual and religious for six weeks, she tells about her journey that was years in the making, years in the refinement, and will last for the rest of her life. The only detraction is that I wished she could of revealed a bit more about herself, her personal story. But Lord knows there are enough Christian-chick-bios out there that do nothing BUT wallow in the details of their lives. I guess the 5-star-rating was given because I related so very much to the refinement journey that Kris experienced that was a slow burning away that took years, but nevertheless so significant and so life changing that you never, never, will go back to being a safe Christian. Never, ever will you be the girl who had all the answers, and knew what was everyone else's problem, all the while missing the whole point of the Gospel and Christ suffering and serving. Never, ever, by God's grace go back to making every single stinking second about you. That is what I loved about Kris Camealy's book.

[Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kris came with a heart open wide, obedient to share the teeming truth surging in her soul about what Lent should mean - what it can mean - and what it was never meant to mean.

I had a hard time not lapping up this book in entirety as a pup attacks fresh water after a day under hot sun's scald. I wanted to be patient. Turning sections in steadiness rather than eager quickness. Trust me, the pages may be few, but the content is filling. I took my time. I sipped and paused and prayed.

Within the pages of Holey, Wholly, Holy, the chapters are broken up in beautiful signature, keeping beat with the heart yearning. Kris answers questions such as "Why Lent?" and "why can't I hurry?" and "why is confession really necessary?". She drips with sincerity as she spills forth her own self, her own lessons from such seasons. She describes the beauty of obedience, feasting, fasting, holy, bravery. She challenges you to think differently after and change your perspective on much that you may reap fruit refreshingly rich.

Grip the pages (or your reader) with teeming thankfulness for what God is trying to show you. Through Kris, He seeks your heart, soul and mind within the unfolding of His truth.

There's still time you know. Even if you haven't even heard of this book. Even if you don't read until Lent is already over - for we are never confined to regulations of legalistic charts. Oh He is a God of gorgeous diversity. And He uses all things, at all times, for His refining purposes. So do not be afraid if you're reading this late review. Don't think you can't pick this book up and be enriched by it. Such would be a saddening detriment to your heart.

Breathe deep the aroma of grace. Run, sister. Run, brother. Wrap your hands in His spacious love and live. And let this book be an accompaniment to such a race. By His glorious Word, we are free.

*I received a free ebook copy of this book, yet was not required to write a review for such generosity. These words are my own, from my heart, and ones I will stand behind strongly. This book is a blessing. The author, a brave and obedient woman of God. Read for yourself to know what opinion you will hold. Mine is unwavering, for I am blessed because of its wisdom.

For my full review - you are welcome to hop over to my blog: http://dailyrefined.blogspot.com

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lent is my favorite time of the Liturgical Calendar. I have always taken it seriously, and I often find myself growing so much during these weeks.

When I saw Kris had written a book on Lent I was excited. My excitement was deserved. This is a great book explaining how Lent will change you. I enjoyed following the path in writing.

I think Kris wrote what many of us feel, but we can't put into words. She beautifully talks about the importance of fasting during the season and the refinement that takes place. I found myself highlighting phrases and words that touched my heart.

Overall the book is great. I imagine like me, my fellow Catholics will notice right away the commentary on the Sacrament of Reconciliation about halfway through the book. I actually had to sit the book down for a day and come back, because I was frustrated and hurt that the Catholic sacrament was implied to be confessional coercion. I wish that had been researched more (why we do it this way, why it is a sacrament, etc), because as any Catholic knows it is not coercion...quite the opposite.

That was my only issue with the book. I truly enjoyed it, and I plan to read it year after year.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I grew up knowing about the liturgical season of Lent. I started noticing God's pursuit of me when I sat in a pew toward the back of a Catholic church. But it hasn’t been until recent years that I've begun to really understand what a Lenten season is really even about.

Reading “Holey, Wholly, Holy” helped me mesh my past with my current faith. It encouraged me, inspired me, challenged me and kept me thinking. I wished it was longer and included more personal stories, but the words in there are obviously carefully chosen from author Kris Camealy’s heart.

It's when I try to battle for myself that I am reminded I need this personal savior of mine who already hung on a cross for me. That savior and his message are summed up beautifully in “Holey, Wholly, Holy.”

[Jesse · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful Lent companion.

[Cheryl Rutledge-Brennecke · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have read this twice now. I had to delete because of a glitch. I gave it two stars but I forget why now and my review is gone.

[Teri Lynne Underwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

My friend Kris has written a beautiful book. Holey, Wholly, Holy: A Lenten Journey of Refinement is an invitation to travel the uncomfortable terrain of Lent. Kris shares her own awkward and stumbling journey. As you read this book, slowly and carefully, the journey becomes your own.

I love this book. Whether you have "done Lent" your whole lives or you really know nothing about it, Holey, Wholly, Holy is for you.

[Amy Dunham · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have been traveling with a kindred spirit over this Lent season. Kris has been like a good friend who feels the things I feel, who groans the way I groan, and who searches the way I search. Her words and guidance to Scripture have been such a gift and I am sad to be coming to the end of this little journey "with" her. This book is a treasure that has helped me through some very difficult moments the last few weeks and to her I am so thankful. I can not wait to read more from her!!

[Tammy Perlmutter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kris Camealy has written a book about the refinement of the Lenten season, how we give up and what God gives us. Kris is an exceptionally insightful writer with an engaging depth of spirit; drawing you in with her vulnerability and honesty, while challenging the reader to encounter Jesus in a new way. Read the rest of my review on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/review/R2ORWIEY...

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This only exists as an eBook and I bought it (on sale!) to read at the recommendation of Shannan Martin, one of my favorite online writers. The book is definitely amateurish in formatting, references, and layout. It's short- 60 pages- but I really enjoyed the loosely strung together reflections for Lent.

[JENNIFER COOK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kris has a heart that pours forth abundance, authenticity, and encouragement. I read it start to finish in one morning, but I intend to re-read it during Lent. I need to process it more slowly next time, but I really liked her words, insights, and her praise.

[Bridget · Rating 4 out of 5]

I agree with much of the content of the book. As Christians, we are called to die to self. However, I kept waiting for the book to start. I felt like these musings read like a prologue.

[Sarah Tummey]

Very disappointing. I read this with a group of women and they built the book up to be really something, but I didn't feel there was anything new in here; I didn't get anything lasting out of it.