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Moment Maker: You Can Live Your Life or It Will Live You
How to Make Every Moment of Every Day Count
Every moment of every day, you have a choice to make. You can either let the minutes pass you by or you can claim them for what they are: opportunities to unlock the full depth of life's potential. For Carlos Whittaker, renowned blogger, musician and worship leader, and husband and dad, living deliberately is a way of life. Making moments that are significant, memorable, or impactful are a part of how he navigates each day, and it has forever changed the landscape of his story.
In Moment Maker, Carlos explains his methodology for living intentionally and claiming moments that touch the lives of others, whether that be his family, his friends, his colleagues, or total strangers. Carlos isn't asking anyone to make a big investment in time, energy, or money. He is simply uncovering the investment of attention. You don't have to buy tickets to special events or orchestrate elaborate surprises. You just have to be aware—of your surroundings, the people you encounter, the things that interest those important to you, the opportunities that present themselves—and be prepared to seize those moments and see lives changed.
Every moment of every day, you have a choice to make. You can either let the minutes pass you by or you can claim them for what they are: opportunities to unlock the full depth of life's potential. For Carlos Whittaker, renowned blogger, musician and worship leader, and husband and dad, living deliberately is a way of life. Making moments that are significant, memorable, or impactful are a part of how he navigates each day, and it has forever changed the landscape of his story.
In Moment Maker, Carlos explains his methodology for living intentionally and claiming moments that touch the lives of others, whether that be his family, his friends, his colleagues, or total strangers. Carlos isn't asking anyone to make a big investment in time, energy, or money. He is simply uncovering the investment of attention. You don't have to buy tickets to special events or orchestrate elaborate surprises. You just have to be aware—of your surroundings, the people you encounter, the things that interest those important to you, the opportunities that present themselves—and be prepared to seize those moments and see lives changed.
176 pages, Audio CD
First published March 25, 2014
66 people are currently reading
1265 people want to read
About the author
Carlos Whittaker
11 books338 followersCarlos Whittaker is a best-selling author and expert storyteller to all kinds of audiences– from parents to corporate America to the non-profit sector. No matter who you are, his message is for you.
Carlos uses his vast and varied personal life experience to captivate and engage audiences in ways that few else can.
In his books, How to Human, Enter Wild, Moment Maker, and Kill the Spider, Carlos reminds us that when we are connected to God and good to ourselves, we can be even better for others. Humans do not exist in a vacuum, so when we address every facet of our lives, we create a greater capacity for relationships, ministry, work, creativity, and patience.
Carlos excels at encouraging people to to show up for their neighbor, regardless of who they are and what they believe. Join Carlos and countless others in the pursuit of being human together.
He and his wife Heather live in Nashville, Tennessee, with their three amazing children, where you can find them working on the family farm, planning trips around the world, and preparing to be empty-nesters.
Carlos uses his vast and varied personal life experience to captivate and engage audiences in ways that few else can.
In his books, How to Human, Enter Wild, Moment Maker, and Kill the Spider, Carlos reminds us that when we are connected to God and good to ourselves, we can be even better for others. Humans do not exist in a vacuum, so when we address every facet of our lives, we create a greater capacity for relationships, ministry, work, creativity, and patience.
Carlos excels at encouraging people to to show up for their neighbor, regardless of who they are and what they believe. Join Carlos and countless others in the pursuit of being human together.
He and his wife Heather live in Nashville, Tennessee, with their three amazing children, where you can find them working on the family farm, planning trips around the world, and preparing to be empty-nesters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
April 2, 2014
This is such a good book! I can honestly say that it is the only e-book I have ever highlighted anything in.
I tend to be very comfortable in routine, but this book really made me think about how I could step out of my comfort zone to make great memories for myself, my family, my friends, and complete strangers.
It's a quick read, with great flow. I highly recommend it if you are looking for ways to really live life instead of just letting life happen to you.
I tend to be very comfortable in routine, but this book really made me think about how I could step out of my comfort zone to make great memories for myself, my family, my friends, and complete strangers.
It's a quick read, with great flow. I highly recommend it if you are looking for ways to really live life instead of just letting life happen to you.
April 5, 2014
My brother turned me on to this book - Carlos is an old friend of his. I picked it up last night and really couldn't put it down. This book is full of stories that I would love to have been part of. Carlos inspired me to be better at making moments, and making them count.
It is a very quick read. Carlos is not a trained theologian, so you get an honest look at the Scriptures through the eyes of a guy who simply loves Jesus. That is what we should all strive for.
Definitely worth a look, friends!
It is a very quick read. Carlos is not a trained theologian, so you get an honest look at the Scriptures through the eyes of a guy who simply loves Jesus. That is what we should all strive for.
Definitely worth a look, friends!
April 27, 2019
Too much Christianity references, but saved by decently interesting personal anecdotes. The book is pretty short, but I wish it was more substantive.
April 3, 2014
I've followed Los' blog for many years and I loved this book just as much. I appreciate the importance of making moments and that life is so much more than your bucket list. (And the elf story totally made me laugh out loud!)
November 11, 2021
Every day holds 24 hours - although we do not know what each day holds we have two choices: either wasting time or investing time. Our culture seemingly is good at wasting time. We look forward to events (parties, birthdays, milestones) all the while wishing we could quickly move past the not so exciting times. In the "Moment Maker" Carlos Whittaker challenges readers not to live with this mindset. Instead of waiting for those "special" moments, readers are encouraged that they can make those moment. Instead of waiting for life to happen, enjoy each moment that God has given and make the most of it. It is a change in perspective, it is being wise with what God has given you.
October 3, 2023
Not bad. I think a lot of the books I have been reading are about saying yes to whatever life has to offer. I think God will take us on some crazy paths if we just say yes to the moments/circumstances that are presented to us. But all in all, I found the author to be almost obnoxious. Idk why tho. I liked what he had to say. Just sometimes came across as obnoxious. Bob Goff seems like a better fit for me.
October 31, 2017
I hadn't heard of Carlos Whittaker until he was on a podcast I love. Then I wanted to hear everything about him. I wish there was some more biblical teachings in the book (because I especially love his retellings of scripture), but I still think it's great! Hearing it in Carlos' voice makes it come alive all the more.
March 25, 2025
Great book. I've followed Carlos Whittaker for YEARS on the Instagram and am ashamed this is the first time I've read one of his books. So. So good. Lots of inspiration about living life with intention - about making every moment count for God - about being intentional about helping others feel seen and loved.
I think you'll love it...
I think you'll love it...
May 4, 2017
I really enjoyed this as an audiobook because he is so funny! Hearing him talk thru his experiences was so entertaining. Not your typical heavy scripture Christian book. His family's personal stories are light and fun and hilarious and woven with the important message of making special moments and recognizing God's blessings.
May 11, 2017
the author is constantly talking about god, but on the other hand spanking his kids. this is just not right!!!
the advise given is ok, but just too generic.
listening to the book was a waste of time!
the advise given is ok, but just too generic.
listening to the book was a waste of time!
September 3, 2019
Humorous and insightful
I really enjoyed this book. The stories were often humorous and insightful. Really got me thinking about paying attention to everyday ordinary moments. Loved the author’s story telling abilities.
I really enjoyed this book. The stories were often humorous and insightful. Really got me thinking about paying attention to everyday ordinary moments. Loved the author’s story telling abilities.
January 15, 2020
The audiobook was difficult to hear, the editing allowed for the listener to hear swallowing and breathing. The content was good, but seemed more simplistic than I expected with some cheesy stories. Would be good for someone new to self reflection though.
October 9, 2020
Listened on Hoopla. Good reminder that we are not to let life pass us by but to be making moments for Christ. These aren’t big spectacular splashy Pinterest posts, but moments where we lean in to Gods leading and are changed.
February 2, 2021
I really enjoyed the lessons of creating, receiving and rescuing moments in our every day lives. I also enjoyed reading the links to Bible stories and verses and how Jesus is the ultimate Moment Maker to live by.
September 18, 2025
I was really reluctant to start this book. I started reading it chapter by chapter and actually found myself thinking, God put this book on my soul and I understand now. This was made for me!! Loved it!!
January 13, 2021
I listened to this book in I think 3 days! So so good! I highly recommend it!
Read
September 6, 2021wow, great insights on daily life. great stories, great advice!
November 2, 2021
This book was wonderful! It has practical ideas for making even the smallest of moments feel like a celebration.
November 29, 2021
"Live with purpose and ON purpose!" Moment making isn't just about planning and having experiences; it's about the journey.
February 15, 2022
Entertaining and thoughtful book..nothing mind-blowing, but thoughtful and an easy read/listen (I listened to the audio book.)
April 3, 2022
I appreciate the simplicity and examples offered. Being present is definitely something that requires intentional posture.
October 27, 2022
Listened to the audiobook. Loved all his stories about moment making.
September 19, 2017
my review is under private notes
March 13, 2017
Wonderful read. Uplifting and real. Bring out the kleenex-this one will take you right to Jesus
April 11, 2014
This book is engaging, entertaining, and enthralling. Through Carlos stories and examples of the lifestyle he introduces us to simply as "Moment Making", we find ourselves poured into his steps and thrown into memory after memory of how he has been challenged to make other people feel seen, important, and loved. The moments that he has shared with us, though some very personal and bright burning failures in his own eyes give the reader a chance to see that even if the moment making isn't exactly one for YOU, it can still impact others, and it can still help redeem that place in your heart that may still be full of shame even years upon years later. We all have that tape reel re-playing and reliving moments in our heads every now and again of where we fell short, or what we should have done differently- and Carlos invites us to grab hold of those moments when they are happening, or even before they happen to accept them, and put yourself out there living your life, not letting it live you.
Some of my favorite quotes from Moment Maker are "Jesus served everyone he encountered. He was all about making the moments with them about them-- showing them they were loved, that they were valued by their Father in heaven."
"When someone feels the true worth of who they are because you stopped what you were doing and made life about them, you can have hit on an essential component of Moment Making."
"Jesus came to do something incredibly special for us. He came to make sure we knew our worth, our value to God."
"It's about making someone feel valued through that moment. Because of the thought you put into it. Because they know they are worth that much."
"That initial act is all that is needed sometimes to induce the little bit of bravery in someone that will set them free."
This book shatters our hiding in that place of inadequacy and doubt and teaches us that no matter where we are in our lives, no matter what kind of Ragamuffin shape we are in, we can have an impact on the lives of others just by making an investment in them with just a moment of our time. Shed your life of insecurity one moment at a time, loving others and setting their hearts free from the bondage of being unseen, unheard, and unknown.
I will very happily recommend this book as I embark on my own journey of Moment Making!
Some of my favorite quotes from Moment Maker are "Jesus served everyone he encountered. He was all about making the moments with them about them-- showing them they were loved, that they were valued by their Father in heaven."
"When someone feels the true worth of who they are because you stopped what you were doing and made life about them, you can have hit on an essential component of Moment Making."
"Jesus came to do something incredibly special for us. He came to make sure we knew our worth, our value to God."
"It's about making someone feel valued through that moment. Because of the thought you put into it. Because they know they are worth that much."
"That initial act is all that is needed sometimes to induce the little bit of bravery in someone that will set them free."
This book shatters our hiding in that place of inadequacy and doubt and teaches us that no matter where we are in our lives, no matter what kind of Ragamuffin shape we are in, we can have an impact on the lives of others just by making an investment in them with just a moment of our time. Shed your life of insecurity one moment at a time, loving others and setting their hearts free from the bondage of being unseen, unheard, and unknown.
I will very happily recommend this book as I embark on my own journey of Moment Making!
June 16, 2014
I have to admit, when I first began reading Moment Maker, I thought, “Oh no. It’s an autobiography filled with uninteresting stories and wasted pages.” That’s bad, right? You see, I’m a highlighter-in-hand, let-me-find-the-cool-quotes, idea-seeking kind of book reader. However, Carlos Whitaker does an amazing job of captivating his readers with real and raw stories from his life that challenge us to make the most every moment. He makes sure that his readers come to grip with the fact that every moment is a gift and without them we miss out on our purpose for being here. These moments come from our failing, learning, connecting, loving, feeling, and being!
There are lessons about how to handle those moments that disrupt, the moments that call us to wait on God for something more beautiful, and the moments that can only be rescued through silence. Each reader is encouraged to embrace their weaknesses to find their strengths, persevere and push on, find hope from the moments that scar us, and to seek the great possibilities that can be outside of our comfort zones.
One of my favorite parts of the book arrives early on, when Carlos encourages us to create value with our moments. Nothing is quite as important as helping others experience moments of greatness, compassion, and being. He states, “When someone feels the true worth of who they are because you stopped what you were doing and made life about them, you have hit on essential component of Moment Making.”
Your story matters and you can make a difference in the life of others when you create these moments of values for those you come in contact with each and every day. I took a few moments this week to write a short hand-written note of encouragement to a few of my students. The three notes resulted in a smile, a tear, a “thank you”, and a couple of hugs. They felt valued and I knew I had (at least for a moment) impacted a life for good.
“Dear Lord, I’m here again. I’m unsure of our future and where you will have us minister next. As we wait, my prayer is that you will allow me to be aware of those moments where I can speak life and show value into someone else’s life here and now. Like never before, help me make the most of each moment in the life of my students, my family, and those you bring my way. Amen.”
There are lessons about how to handle those moments that disrupt, the moments that call us to wait on God for something more beautiful, and the moments that can only be rescued through silence. Each reader is encouraged to embrace their weaknesses to find their strengths, persevere and push on, find hope from the moments that scar us, and to seek the great possibilities that can be outside of our comfort zones.
One of my favorite parts of the book arrives early on, when Carlos encourages us to create value with our moments. Nothing is quite as important as helping others experience moments of greatness, compassion, and being. He states, “When someone feels the true worth of who they are because you stopped what you were doing and made life about them, you have hit on essential component of Moment Making.”
Your story matters and you can make a difference in the life of others when you create these moments of values for those you come in contact with each and every day. I took a few moments this week to write a short hand-written note of encouragement to a few of my students. The three notes resulted in a smile, a tear, a “thank you”, and a couple of hugs. They felt valued and I knew I had (at least for a moment) impacted a life for good.
“Dear Lord, I’m here again. I’m unsure of our future and where you will have us minister next. As we wait, my prayer is that you will allow me to be aware of those moments where I can speak life and show value into someone else’s life here and now. Like never before, help me make the most of each moment in the life of my students, my family, and those you bring my way. Amen.”
May 27, 2014
In the Moment Maker, Carlos Whittaker encourages readers to live each moment and make it count because you will never get to relive the special moment. In the book, he explored three different types of moments including created moments- we are in control of creating special memories, received moments- we received a surprise gift, and lastly rescued moments- making every day count. Throughout the book, he shared immeasurable stories about living your live to the fullest.
One of these stories that Carlos Whittaker shared was about meeting a transgender at a coffee shop named Nicole. He sat down next to her and began to ask her questions in order to understand her story. She opened up about the struggles about being transgendered and what it truly means. Later that night, Carlos went to a honky-tonky with her and a couple of her friends. They all started fighting a crowd and they were trying to prove a point to the world. Carlos reached out to Nicole and told her to stop fighting and that she was worth so much more than this. His words eventually got through to her and she stopped fighting. And Carlos word’s deeply touched Nicole because no one has ever told her she was worth anything. Carlos took this special moment and decided to instill hope into her life.
I would recommend this life changing book to anyone who is longing to make their life count for something significant. I immensely loved the stories that Carlos Whittaker revealed about the many different moments that has impacted his life. He is an excellent teacher and writer and he was very relatable. This book has reinforced to me the importance of living my life to make a different and to enjoy and seize the opportunity in the present moment. This book was a wonderful reminded to me that my destiny is essential and the many moments will add up to a legacy good or bad. If you’re looking for an inspiration book, then please read this book!
"I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program."
One of these stories that Carlos Whittaker shared was about meeting a transgender at a coffee shop named Nicole. He sat down next to her and began to ask her questions in order to understand her story. She opened up about the struggles about being transgendered and what it truly means. Later that night, Carlos went to a honky-tonky with her and a couple of her friends. They all started fighting a crowd and they were trying to prove a point to the world. Carlos reached out to Nicole and told her to stop fighting and that she was worth so much more than this. His words eventually got through to her and she stopped fighting. And Carlos word’s deeply touched Nicole because no one has ever told her she was worth anything. Carlos took this special moment and decided to instill hope into her life.
I would recommend this life changing book to anyone who is longing to make their life count for something significant. I immensely loved the stories that Carlos Whittaker revealed about the many different moments that has impacted his life. He is an excellent teacher and writer and he was very relatable. This book has reinforced to me the importance of living my life to make a different and to enjoy and seize the opportunity in the present moment. This book was a wonderful reminded to me that my destiny is essential and the many moments will add up to a legacy good or bad. If you’re looking for an inspiration book, then please read this book!
"I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program."
April 14, 2014
I am really glad that I read this book. So often I watch moments happen around me and fail to jump into them. I think those moments are for others and maybe not for me. Carlos does a great job of being raw and open his stories and how the moments he has jumped into have not only changed him, but helped others.
Story after story tells of times that Carlos jumped into a moment and loved people for who they were and not for who or what he thought they should be. He shows how living out the gospel will not always fit in the mold of what our traditions have made Christianity to be and how loving people means reaching into the moment and taking hold of it.
One of my favorite quotes speaks volumes about who we are as a society, content to let moments happen, and speaks to our need to jump in to moments:
"When we are the moment, the moment become engrained in us. But when we are more concerned with having something to show for it, we miss out on the experience. We may have a photograph of our child's smile when they discover something new, but we didn't get to experience the discovery with them. When we are in the moment, the moment stays with us." (pg. 149)
If you love stories, this book will captivate you. If you love redemption, this book will encourage you. If you want see how loving like Jesus loves really looks, this book will show you.
As you will see Christianity isn't always pretty and taking advantage of a moment will sometimes lead to things you may not normally do. Carlos never asks you to compromise your faith, he simply asks you to take advantage of moments, to show others love, to make a difference in the world.
"Be a moment maker, not a moment taker."
Story after story tells of times that Carlos jumped into a moment and loved people for who they were and not for who or what he thought they should be. He shows how living out the gospel will not always fit in the mold of what our traditions have made Christianity to be and how loving people means reaching into the moment and taking hold of it.
One of my favorite quotes speaks volumes about who we are as a society, content to let moments happen, and speaks to our need to jump in to moments:
"When we are the moment, the moment become engrained in us. But when we are more concerned with having something to show for it, we miss out on the experience. We may have a photograph of our child's smile when they discover something new, but we didn't get to experience the discovery with them. When we are in the moment, the moment stays with us." (pg. 149)
If you love stories, this book will captivate you. If you love redemption, this book will encourage you. If you want see how loving like Jesus loves really looks, this book will show you.
As you will see Christianity isn't always pretty and taking advantage of a moment will sometimes lead to things you may not normally do. Carlos never asks you to compromise your faith, he simply asks you to take advantage of moments, to show others love, to make a difference in the world.
"Be a moment maker, not a moment taker."
December 2, 2019
Carlos is a great storyteller!
April 7, 2014
"Every day we have an opportunity to make our lives meaningful, to make them matter. Yet, for so many of us, we let too much of life happen without taking notice." ~Moment Maker by Carlos Whitaker
I feel a pattern in my reading this year - how to make the most of the life we are given. Having read several books on this topic this year written by women, I was interested in reading something written by a man.
I loved the comedic real life stories. I loved the premise of the book.
Unfortunately, I felt like the first several chapters missed the mark. The story of his meet-up with a transgender female was just odd (not the transgender part, but rather the part where a married father is going out at night to a club to hang with these complete strangers). The moral of the story was lost in the strangeness of this decision.
The second chapter had me lost as well, especially the part where Carlos and his wife are quite obviously talking sexually in front of a child. I don't find it appropriate to say "I can't wait till tonight. I need you right now!" and "Okay kids, go pick out a movie. Mommy and Daddy are gonna go have special time." in front of or to a child. This just made the chapter seem creepy and awkward.
In many of the stories Carlos just comes across as annoying and too self-assured. Too up in everyone's business.
But. But. But. This was an overused word in the book. So much so that it started to grate on my nerves.
It was a quick read and there were many things that hit home for me. So even with all the faults I found it is worth reading.
Disclaimer: This book was given to me by BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest opinion.
I feel a pattern in my reading this year - how to make the most of the life we are given. Having read several books on this topic this year written by women, I was interested in reading something written by a man.
I loved the comedic real life stories. I loved the premise of the book.
Unfortunately, I felt like the first several chapters missed the mark. The story of his meet-up with a transgender female was just odd (not the transgender part, but rather the part where a married father is going out at night to a club to hang with these complete strangers). The moral of the story was lost in the strangeness of this decision.
The second chapter had me lost as well, especially the part where Carlos and his wife are quite obviously talking sexually in front of a child. I don't find it appropriate to say "I can't wait till tonight. I need you right now!" and "Okay kids, go pick out a movie. Mommy and Daddy are gonna go have special time." in front of or to a child. This just made the chapter seem creepy and awkward.
In many of the stories Carlos just comes across as annoying and too self-assured. Too up in everyone's business.
But. But. But. This was an overused word in the book. So much so that it started to grate on my nerves.
It was a quick read and there were many things that hit home for me. So even with all the faults I found it is worth reading.
Disclaimer: This book was given to me by BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest opinion.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews