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Holiness Here: Searching for God in the Ordinary Events of Everyday Life
Do You Recognize Holiness in Your Own Life and in the Here and Now?These days, brokenness feels more comfortable to discuss than holiness. It’s easier to say that we are messy than holy, that healing is a long way off. To say that we are holy seems like one step away from holier than thou, and no one ever wants to be that.Holiness Here offers practical and inspiring ways to transform your life by helping you see the holiness within your ordinary, everyday life. Holiness isa warm invitation to a new and better way to livea calling for our lives in Scripturea search that marks the life of a Christian (even when we don’t live fully into that reality)a most basic urge—to live and love differently that we did before—because what we believe changes the way we actAs a fellow pilgrim on the journey, Karen Stiller weaves together captivating stories, theological insights, and spiritual reflections to help you discover holiness in the mundane moments of your life. With her engaging style and accessible voice, Karen invites you to embark on a journey of spiritual growth, discipleship, and wisdom. You will explore holiness from a fresh perspective, from the importance of community and the role of the church to ways to cultivate a deeper relationship with God and live out your faith. Karen also explores topics like the fruit of the Spirit, money and work, hospitality, and humility.Read on your own or with a group, Holiness Here is a rich spiritual formation and discipleship resource that will inspire you to seek out the beauty and wonder of a holy life.
184 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 9, 2024
18 people are currently reading
775 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
May 2, 2024
There are (at least) two different kinds of “good books” in my mind. There are books that are good because the substance of the content is great. Then there are books that are good because the writing is spectacular. Sometimes you find a book that is both; this is one of those books.
This book is a beautiful tour through the reality of holiness in us. Stiller can write; she is an artist. I found myself at the end of sentences holding my breath because of what I just read and how it was written. She is a master of her craft.
However, none of this takes away from the content itself. Stiller wasn’t just saying beautiful things beautifully — she was saying deep things that stir the reader. This book left me encouraged, challenged, inspired, and crying with my wife (once).
There are books that you have to read in chunks and put down. Sometimes that’s because they are bad. Sometimes it’s because they are dense and require some “thinking through.” Sometimes it’s because they are like a great glass of your favorite beverage and you need to savor each sip. This is one of those books to savor.
This book is a beautiful tour through the reality of holiness in us. Stiller can write; she is an artist. I found myself at the end of sentences holding my breath because of what I just read and how it was written. She is a master of her craft.
However, none of this takes away from the content itself. Stiller wasn’t just saying beautiful things beautifully — she was saying deep things that stir the reader. This book left me encouraged, challenged, inspired, and crying with my wife (once).
There are books that you have to read in chunks and put down. Sometimes that’s because they are bad. Sometimes it’s because they are dense and require some “thinking through.” Sometimes it’s because they are like a great glass of your favorite beverage and you need to savor each sip. This is one of those books to savor.
July 16, 2024
Exquisite and honest writing. I read this one slowly because I didn't want it to end. I'll spend the next many weeks copying all of my underlined passages. Stiller's chapters on holiness were enlightening and her style engaging. I was particularly taken by her writing about the church, it made my heart sing and my head nod as I read.
"Church is a kind nurse and a stern doctor. She wraps us in bandages, sets our brokenness for healing, and then pushes us back out into the world to keep living in a way that, to do well, means we will have to stretch a bit. It's okay to be stretched."
"A worship service organizes our holiness like books on a shelf. It sets holiness straight out in front of us, then spells it out clearly for those of us slow to learn. Going to church gathers us together and lines us up and sits us down neatly for an hour and a bit once or twice a week so that we can be holy together. So much of what we are asked to do and to be happens best together with those big splashes of encouragement we need to try to be holy."
And yet, this book is not at all about church but about personal holiness. The sparkling specialness of it happens to shine when the author writes about the Body and then also about the bread and wine of communion and the connection of the Christian and remembering…every page was wonderful.
"Church is a kind nurse and a stern doctor. She wraps us in bandages, sets our brokenness for healing, and then pushes us back out into the world to keep living in a way that, to do well, means we will have to stretch a bit. It's okay to be stretched."
"A worship service organizes our holiness like books on a shelf. It sets holiness straight out in front of us, then spells it out clearly for those of us slow to learn. Going to church gathers us together and lines us up and sits us down neatly for an hour and a bit once or twice a week so that we can be holy together. So much of what we are asked to do and to be happens best together with those big splashes of encouragement we need to try to be holy."
And yet, this book is not at all about church but about personal holiness. The sparkling specialness of it happens to shine when the author writes about the Body and then also about the bread and wine of communion and the connection of the Christian and remembering…every page was wonderful.
January 28, 2025
Karen sees, feels, and experiences life in a special, dare I say holy, way. I wondered about some of the things she mentioned, but I felt like I was right there with her for so many others. Was she somehow there with me on that trip or at that wedding? Her words felt familiar and comfortable, and often vivid the way dreams can be.
But she opened my eyes to see moments of holiness I certainly recognized in some way at the time, but never had the words for them. In a few cases, I have tried many times to express whatever happened, but it seems Karen’s words were what I needed to pull it off.
Reading this book felt like working dough. The hands of the pages worked the dough of my heart. Karen’s gentle encouragement to engage even the holiness of myself, acknowledging my own holiness (I did say it out loud) when all I want to do is hide from my callous thoughts.
The honesty of Karen’s thoughts sprinkled on these pages—acknowledging the bad thoughts, even when she’s sure they won’t be there, but there they are. And she uncovers them for all to see, no doubt a terrifying decision for her, but wildly inspiring for her readers. I hope I have the courage to do the same.
I knew what was coming at some point in this book, but I wept all the same. I finally came to that moment on an airplane, hours before sunrise, a woman sleeping to my left, a man reading on my right with arms spilling over the rest into my space. Two flight attendants sat awkwardly in front of me, facing the rear of the airplane and my tearful eyes. Would they notice? How could I worry about that in the midst of this story? What is wrong with me? How am I not acting more holy this far into such a volume? But I know Karen has been there. She remains a patient guide in the struggle for holiness, all the way to the final word. There is no rush.
But she opened my eyes to see moments of holiness I certainly recognized in some way at the time, but never had the words for them. In a few cases, I have tried many times to express whatever happened, but it seems Karen’s words were what I needed to pull it off.
Reading this book felt like working dough. The hands of the pages worked the dough of my heart. Karen’s gentle encouragement to engage even the holiness of myself, acknowledging my own holiness (I did say it out loud) when all I want to do is hide from my callous thoughts.
The honesty of Karen’s thoughts sprinkled on these pages—acknowledging the bad thoughts, even when she’s sure they won’t be there, but there they are. And she uncovers them for all to see, no doubt a terrifying decision for her, but wildly inspiring for her readers. I hope I have the courage to do the same.
I knew what was coming at some point in this book, but I wept all the same. I finally came to that moment on an airplane, hours before sunrise, a woman sleeping to my left, a man reading on my right with arms spilling over the rest into my space. Two flight attendants sat awkwardly in front of me, facing the rear of the airplane and my tearful eyes. Would they notice? How could I worry about that in the midst of this story? What is wrong with me? How am I not acting more holy this far into such a volume? But I know Karen has been there. She remains a patient guide in the struggle for holiness, all the way to the final word. There is no rush.
May 1, 2024
It's not very often that I finish reading a book and immediately want to turn it over and start at the beginning again. But this is one. Reading Karen's book feels like sitting in your favourite cozy chair with a cup of tea, while talking to a dear, wise friend. In this book, Karen takes what can at times feel like an abstract theological concept (holiness) and makes it tangible. You are already holy and beloved, she tells us, because God has spoken so. And we work together to be holy, or, more like Jesus, alongside each other in the nitty-gritty moments of each day. Through beautiful and tender stories, her own honest confession, and gentle exhortation, Karen demonstrates that the road to holiness is a complex but worthwhile journey - one that is as much about our external actions as it is about our internal dialogue and motives. We don't do this work of holiness alone, she reminds us, but we do it because the Spirit of God works in us, and we do it as deeply loved children of God who stumble alongside one another, pick each other up, dust each other off, and say "thanks be to God" for His infinite grace.
TL;DR version: I loved this book. Y'all should read it.
TL;DR version: I loved this book. Y'all should read it.
November 6, 2024
Holiness Here is a gentle, earthy book about holy living—a life both amiable and attainable, nothing whatsoever to do with being holier-than-thou. Holiness, Stiller writes, has an everydayness to it. It’s relational and embodied. It’s a gift we receive from God, something we offer to others in turn.
Read more at timhoiland.com.
Read more at timhoiland.com.
September 5, 2024
In this excellent and moving book, writer Karen Stiller meticulously weaves daily life together with the spiritual formation aspect of holiness.
This book found me in just the right season. I gleaned immensely from its pages and found myself deeply moved often as I read. I especially appreciated the practicality of this book paired alongside the poetic, thoughtful connections of the writing—from words and phrases to ideas and narrative.
In her chapter titled “Remembering,” she draws us deeper into these words of the Eucharist and our celebration of the Lord’s Table: “This is my body, broken for you. When you do this, remember me.” She writes,
“Communion is the very way that Jesus told us to remember. Remembering is baked into holiness since the beginning. With the Eucharist we remember physically by walking up to receive the bread and the wine, which we will chew and swallow in these bodies that are set aside for God.”
“We stand and kneel, maybe. We watch others move up for Communion in that line that holds so much sorrow and so much joy in the hearts of those who stand in it with us. We see that we are not alone, that we are part of this body. And that helps us be the holy people God has told us we are and asked us to be.”
I heartily recommend this book and can see myself re-reading it yearly as I seek to grow in the character of Christ. It will gently inspire you to grow in holiness in daily life.
Highlights:
“Loving what you are doing every moment is not a part of being holy in the world. Doing it anyway is.”
“Trying to avoid sad people and heartbreaking topics works against the practice of hospitality.”
“There are some losses that are so devastating, it will take us a long time to search for the lessons. That's okay too.”
“We will need to remember when we saw God so closely or felt him like the gentlest of breezes, because there will be so many times when we feel like God is distant.”
Readability: 5 Impact: 5 Content: 4.75 Enjoyment: 5
Thank you so much to NavPress for the gifted copy. No review was required and all opinions are my own.
This book found me in just the right season. I gleaned immensely from its pages and found myself deeply moved often as I read. I especially appreciated the practicality of this book paired alongside the poetic, thoughtful connections of the writing—from words and phrases to ideas and narrative.
In her chapter titled “Remembering,” she draws us deeper into these words of the Eucharist and our celebration of the Lord’s Table: “This is my body, broken for you. When you do this, remember me.” She writes,
“Communion is the very way that Jesus told us to remember. Remembering is baked into holiness since the beginning. With the Eucharist we remember physically by walking up to receive the bread and the wine, which we will chew and swallow in these bodies that are set aside for God.”
“We stand and kneel, maybe. We watch others move up for Communion in that line that holds so much sorrow and so much joy in the hearts of those who stand in it with us. We see that we are not alone, that we are part of this body. And that helps us be the holy people God has told us we are and asked us to be.”
I heartily recommend this book and can see myself re-reading it yearly as I seek to grow in the character of Christ. It will gently inspire you to grow in holiness in daily life.
Highlights:
“Loving what you are doing every moment is not a part of being holy in the world. Doing it anyway is.”
“Trying to avoid sad people and heartbreaking topics works against the practice of hospitality.”
“There are some losses that are so devastating, it will take us a long time to search for the lessons. That's okay too.”
“We will need to remember when we saw God so closely or felt him like the gentlest of breezes, because there will be so many times when we feel like God is distant.”
Readability: 5 Impact: 5 Content: 4.75 Enjoyment: 5
Thank you so much to NavPress for the gifted copy. No review was required and all opinions are my own.
April 15, 2024
This book is a gift to all of us that desire to be holy but feel like we fall short more often than not. I picked it up to read after a particularly difficult week. In the first few pages I felt like I had unwrapped and received a gift I didn't know that I needed. As you turn the pages you will likely chuckle out loud and shed a tear or two. You will find yourself - your imperfect holy self - just as I did. I wanted to "read it in one sitting" but knew I needed to take my time and read a bit a day. If you have already bought this book -please open it! If you haven't bought it yet I encourage to do yourself a favour and purchase it. Purchase one for a friend too! I am confident it will be a usual companion along the path of desiring to live a holy life AND it will provide you with comfort for the days that you feel you have fallen short.
March 25, 2024
I was glad for the privilege to read this book and the author's message. She shares a message that will resonate with many people. I believe this book will encourage many.
November 5, 2024
Holiness can be such an abstract or distant concept, perhaps even daunting. Not so here. With arresting honesty and humility, Karen helps bring holiness to our human embodied level while lifting our gaze to Christ.
As a seasoned journalist, writer, and editor, Stiller’s prose is easy and pleasant to read. Her storytelling brings you in quickly. The meaningful terrain it covers made me think, cry, reflect, and pause often. The honesty is arresting, convicting, and comforting all at once. There is so much beauty in seeing Christ with all our humanity. Holiness Here was a balm to my soul.
As a seasoned journalist, writer, and editor, Stiller’s prose is easy and pleasant to read. Her storytelling brings you in quickly. The meaningful terrain it covers made me think, cry, reflect, and pause often. The honesty is arresting, convicting, and comforting all at once. There is so much beauty in seeing Christ with all our humanity. Holiness Here was a balm to my soul.
March 22, 2025
A timely, encouraging read for those who crave a long walk with a wise friend, the comforting hug of someone who is not anxious about the state of their faith, the reminder of Jesus with us in our failures just as much as our successes.
Stiller invites us to turn aside from spotlight-celebrity Christianity and walk with Jesus in the quiet, unspectacular places where growth in holiness more regularly takes place. As she writes in her last chapter,
“Humility is the dark, rich soil from which holiness can stretch and bloom like a sunflower, face turned toward the sun. There is so much hope for all of us who think we are just too broken to be mended. We are mendable; we are holy; we can be the broken brave, and the brave broken, together.
What would it be like to talk honestly about holiness together? To reach up and bring the dusty word off the top shelf reserved for precious things and toss it around? Can we talk about it more, and be honest? We could remind each other that we are all trying together to lead a holy life. We can cheer each other on. We can confess that it is hard. We can talk about the incompleteness of our belief and our effort. That’s when the grace can pour in. That’s when we can be stitched back together. That is the very place of our strengthening. Holiness never pretends. Pretending is a waste of time and a waste of love. If you’re pretending to have it all together or to know things you don’t know, please stop. “Life is too short to pretend,” [the author’s husband] would say. He was exactly right. We must not wallow for long in all our failures at living into and out of holiness.”
Absolutely worth the read—or the listen, which Stiller herself narrates—and a fitting companion for my 2025 Lent.
Stiller invites us to turn aside from spotlight-celebrity Christianity and walk with Jesus in the quiet, unspectacular places where growth in holiness more regularly takes place. As she writes in her last chapter,
“Humility is the dark, rich soil from which holiness can stretch and bloom like a sunflower, face turned toward the sun. There is so much hope for all of us who think we are just too broken to be mended. We are mendable; we are holy; we can be the broken brave, and the brave broken, together.
What would it be like to talk honestly about holiness together? To reach up and bring the dusty word off the top shelf reserved for precious things and toss it around? Can we talk about it more, and be honest? We could remind each other that we are all trying together to lead a holy life. We can cheer each other on. We can confess that it is hard. We can talk about the incompleteness of our belief and our effort. That’s when the grace can pour in. That’s when we can be stitched back together. That is the very place of our strengthening. Holiness never pretends. Pretending is a waste of time and a waste of love. If you’re pretending to have it all together or to know things you don’t know, please stop. “Life is too short to pretend,” [the author’s husband] would say. He was exactly right. We must not wallow for long in all our failures at living into and out of holiness.”
Absolutely worth the read—or the listen, which Stiller herself narrates—and a fitting companion for my 2025 Lent.
July 10, 2024
If you’ve ever doubted that holiness is possible in the here and now, if you imagine that holiness is something that went out of style with white gloves and pillbox hats, it may be because you’ve given up on seeing God in your ordinary life. Holiness Here by Karen Stiller invites readers into a conversation about holiness that takes into account the annoying behaviors of our fellow humans and the perversity of inanimate objects.
Maybe you would even be surprised to hear that God calls you “a royal priest, a holy nation.” New Testament writers refer to believers as saints, and on that basis, Stiller encourages us to live our way into that incredible reality. And she does it with beautiful writing that kept sending me back to reread sentences and highlight her unique way of turning a phrase.
I appreciated the reminder that the believer’s holiness happens in the context of the church, that obedience is not a uniquely Christian discipline, and that “hospitality is holiness lived out in practicality.” It’s reassuring for regular people to read that holiness is work in the form of opening doors we’d rather keep closed and making the lasagna whether we feel like it or not.
Stiller demystifies the Christian life in all its repenting and starting over again, with all its miserable losses that we must not waste. When she writes about loss, she speaks with authority born of experience, and she reassures us that God’s warm welcome is not contingent upon our deserving it.
Many thanks to Tyndale and NetGalley for providing a copy of this book to facilitate my review, which is, of course, offered freely and with honesty.
Maybe you would even be surprised to hear that God calls you “a royal priest, a holy nation.” New Testament writers refer to believers as saints, and on that basis, Stiller encourages us to live our way into that incredible reality. And she does it with beautiful writing that kept sending me back to reread sentences and highlight her unique way of turning a phrase.
I appreciated the reminder that the believer’s holiness happens in the context of the church, that obedience is not a uniquely Christian discipline, and that “hospitality is holiness lived out in practicality.” It’s reassuring for regular people to read that holiness is work in the form of opening doors we’d rather keep closed and making the lasagna whether we feel like it or not.
Stiller demystifies the Christian life in all its repenting and starting over again, with all its miserable losses that we must not waste. When she writes about loss, she speaks with authority born of experience, and she reassures us that God’s warm welcome is not contingent upon our deserving it.
Many thanks to Tyndale and NetGalley for providing a copy of this book to facilitate my review, which is, of course, offered freely and with honesty.
May 9, 2024
This thoughtful book should be a modern Christian classic. Karen Stiller is an exceptional writer (think Anne Lamott, but not as out there). I trusted her smart, candid, humble voice from the start. Well-crafted phrasing and deftly told vignettes make this book very readable. They spring from family life, friendships, quirky strangers, travel, reading, a temper tantrum (hers) with a redemptive outcome, and life with her husband, an Anglican priest. Weaving in those vignettes, reflecting on Scripture passages, and briefly citing theologians, the book explores holiness in everyday situations such as hospitality, money, humility, and beauty. Its greatest strength is its gentle but compelling invitation to grow into holier living. Try it, she says, through practice and daily choices, and get over the fact your progress will likely be two steps forward, one step back. In this way, Stiller rescues “holiness” from the misconception it is unattainable (and would be no fun, to boot.) This rewarding read reclaims holiness for the hurt, flawed, inconsistent, and uncertain – that is to say, just about everyone.
June 14, 2024
Holiness. As followers of Jesus, we are called to be holy. But are we? The Scriptures call us God chosen and holy people (1 Peter 2:9), but how do we live out that truth? Is it even possible?
Karen Stiller explores our call to holiness in a soul-exposing, heart-touching way that leaves us hungering for more. There is no pretension here. Living holy is hard. Failures are frequent, and grace, blended with forgiveness is essential as we walk and stumble forward. The author makes this perfectly clear as we join her on her intimate journey.
To be authentic, holiness must permeate every area of our life. So, chapter by chapter, the author builds a case for holiness with chapters on subjects such as the physical body, money, humility, beauty, remembering, and the church.
I have read other books on the topic of holiness. They were good books, but this one stands above them all. This is due to the very personal way in which the author approaches her topic. This is not an academic exercise. We see into her life and see our own struggles and momentary triumphs reflected there.
I highly recommend Holiness Here by Karen Stiller.
Karen Stiller explores our call to holiness in a soul-exposing, heart-touching way that leaves us hungering for more. There is no pretension here. Living holy is hard. Failures are frequent, and grace, blended with forgiveness is essential as we walk and stumble forward. The author makes this perfectly clear as we join her on her intimate journey.
To be authentic, holiness must permeate every area of our life. So, chapter by chapter, the author builds a case for holiness with chapters on subjects such as the physical body, money, humility, beauty, remembering, and the church.
I have read other books on the topic of holiness. They were good books, but this one stands above them all. This is due to the very personal way in which the author approaches her topic. This is not an academic exercise. We see into her life and see our own struggles and momentary triumphs reflected there.
I highly recommend Holiness Here by Karen Stiller.
July 11, 2024
What constitutes holiness may well surprise us in what it looks and sounds like and how it manifests in commonplace interactions. Karen Stiller is gifted at opening genuine accessibility to an abstract subject that seems unattainable.
By questioning the barriers and biases that put the notion of holiness beyond reach, her stories open up spaces safe enough to contain our own questions and deep-hearted yearnings for goodness and its holy fruits.
Karen’s vulnerability in confessing her unholy feelings of pride or temper tantrums invited me, as I read, to own up to my versions of her stories—instead of hiding my shame and tut-tutting hers. Her honesty created a fruitful space where I too can welcome in my own less-than-holy characters.
By following the holiness theme weaving this book together, I discovered a repository of wisdom embedded in individual sentences. My favourite expresses the holiness journey as “more loop than line.” As a bead artist who stitches together multi-looping, three-dimensional structures, this image shimmers anew with holy significance.
By questioning the barriers and biases that put the notion of holiness beyond reach, her stories open up spaces safe enough to contain our own questions and deep-hearted yearnings for goodness and its holy fruits.
Karen’s vulnerability in confessing her unholy feelings of pride or temper tantrums invited me, as I read, to own up to my versions of her stories—instead of hiding my shame and tut-tutting hers. Her honesty created a fruitful space where I too can welcome in my own less-than-holy characters.
By following the holiness theme weaving this book together, I discovered a repository of wisdom embedded in individual sentences. My favourite expresses the holiness journey as “more loop than line.” As a bead artist who stitches together multi-looping, three-dimensional structures, this image shimmers anew with holy significance.
November 4, 2025
I really loved this book. I'm a big fan of audiobooks as well, and was delighted to see that this one was available on Everand. I finished listening to Holiness Here this weekend and I wanted to share some some of the reasons I enjoyed it.
1. I love Karen's writing style! I have read plenty of books on holiness, and none of them was as enjoyable. Her generous use of stories kept me engaged and wanting to hear more. I don't know if this will come as a compliment or not, but it reminded me of Max Lucado's writing style. Her vivid imagery and poetic descriptions brought her stories to life
2. I loved how Canadian it was. I'm so used to reading works by American authors that use typical American illustrations. And, don't get me wrong. I'm American myself! But hearing Karen talk about poutine, Quebec City, and other aspects of life in Canada (and Ontario and Quebec specifically) made it feel like I was listening to a friend.
Go out and buy this book for a friend for Christmas. You won't regret it.
1. I love Karen's writing style! I have read plenty of books on holiness, and none of them was as enjoyable. Her generous use of stories kept me engaged and wanting to hear more. I don't know if this will come as a compliment or not, but it reminded me of Max Lucado's writing style. Her vivid imagery and poetic descriptions brought her stories to life
2. I loved how Canadian it was. I'm so used to reading works by American authors that use typical American illustrations. And, don't get me wrong. I'm American myself! But hearing Karen talk about poutine, Quebec City, and other aspects of life in Canada (and Ontario and Quebec specifically) made it feel like I was listening to a friend.
Go out and buy this book for a friend for Christmas. You won't regret it.
May 14, 2024
I chose to read this book slowly, although it is so readable, I could have sped through it in one afternoon. However, this is not a book to be sped through, it’s a book to be savoured, contemplated, turned over in your mind and heart. I love Karen’s breezy style of writing about weighty matters. She makes holiness feel within reach. The stories she shares and the transparency with which she writes about her own life helps the reader learn humility while holding onto hope that we can change, become more Christ-like, holier. But never holier than thou! I keep thinking of friends who would find healing through the pages of this book, so am ordering a small supply to give away. It’s a healing, hopeful book.
July 5, 2024
Karen Stiller writes really well, putting words and phrases together in creative ways, using juxtaposition as a disarming device. Added to her competence with the craft, is the presence of a cheeky sense of humor which brings lightness to a heavy subject.
Her take on the topic is refreshing, invitational and empowering. She avoids the risks of triumphalism, but does not minimize the centrality of aspiring to holiness. I am most struck by the permission-giving thrust of the book, where she gives herself and the reader grace in the midst of failure. In that sense, the book has a unifying thread of pastoral nurture.
A well written book on holiness is a unique gift to a Christian culture that, in 2024 is obsessed with a many less important subjects.
Her take on the topic is refreshing, invitational and empowering. She avoids the risks of triumphalism, but does not minimize the centrality of aspiring to holiness. I am most struck by the permission-giving thrust of the book, where she gives herself and the reader grace in the midst of failure. In that sense, the book has a unifying thread of pastoral nurture.
A well written book on holiness is a unique gift to a Christian culture that, in 2024 is obsessed with a many less important subjects.
November 6, 2024
A mutual friend gave me Karen's book, and it instantly snuck deep inside my soul. Her writing is impossibly beautiful and refreshingly real and relatable, which is wonderful because holiness is often portrayed as anything but. Karen reintroduces us to the possibility and expectation of being holy as God is holy, which could be threatening and terrifying but instead is made compelling and even exciting by her handling of it. It is all invitation and zero indictment (well, maybe a little indictment, but the kind you can handle and nod knowingly about). I will re-read this many times, and as both a pastor and a person I will do my level best to recommend it to everyone I know.
November 29, 2024
Karen is one of my favourite writers, so I was very much looking forward to reading this and it did not disappoint!
This deeply enjoyable book made me both laugh and cry. Deeply relatable, I came away with more understanding of what it means to be holy. As she so aptly observed: “Being holy is deeply associated in our culture with being a pain in the butt rather than a balm to the soul”
Highly recommend reading for anyone who is interested in contemplating what really matters in life - or who just enjoys a good piece of writing.
This deeply enjoyable book made me both laugh and cry. Deeply relatable, I came away with more understanding of what it means to be holy. As she so aptly observed: “Being holy is deeply associated in our culture with being a pain in the butt rather than a balm to the soul”
Highly recommend reading for anyone who is interested in contemplating what really matters in life - or who just enjoys a good piece of writing.
May 22, 2025
A Christian life observed, Karen Stiller is a gifted observer and describer of how God works in our lives and how we walk by faith - especially through growing less sinful and more holy. I was in awe of her ability to spot the beauty in daily life, and felt her calling me to do so out of my hurry and stress. For me this book was about taking in new perspectives from a life and faith that is different than mine, and yet it is easy to see the fingerprints of the same God in what she describes. A great read for a retreat or vacation when life slows down and you want to take time to reflect.
July 2, 2025
At first, I tried reading Holiness Here like a novel. I sat down and tried to speed read through. But I realized, it was meant to be read carefully, a little at a time. A page here, a paragraph there, with room for reflection.
So I saved it for my morning coffee time, after the older kids went to school and the younger kids are playing downstairs. I savoured it.
I so appreciate the author's honesty and insights. I could so relate.
My only regret is that I couldn't see Karen Stiller speak in Saskatoon this winter due to a huge snowstorm that kept me away! Next time!
So I saved it for my morning coffee time, after the older kids went to school and the younger kids are playing downstairs. I savoured it.
I so appreciate the author's honesty and insights. I could so relate.
My only regret is that I couldn't see Karen Stiller speak in Saskatoon this winter due to a huge snowstorm that kept me away! Next time!
January 10, 2025
Holiness here is a refreshing reminder of how practialy our faith is outworked in the mundane. It uplifts and reminds us of the grace given, and directs us gently towards being kinder to ourselves and others. In terms of equipping the saints, Karen Stiller has done a great service in providing the church a modern and tangible reminder of what living a holy life looks in the modern context. Even when faced with the difficulties and grief of life.
January 27, 2025
“Holiness is about being and doing, taking love in and giving love out.�� Karen Stiller takes her readers along as she searches and ponders, shares stories and honest reflections, finding holiness in the ordinary every day. We seekers fail at holiness but do not wallow for long; we try again because failures are the material of repentance. Being and Doing; Love in, Love out. Highly relatable, highly recommended.
May 27, 2024
Such a beautiful book from a beautiful soul! Stiller gives hope to us ‘ordinary holy’ ones. Deep insight packaged with humor, story, and skillful writing. It changed my thinking and I will return to it again!
July 11, 2024
Karen wrestles with the honest, practical essence of what it means to lean into holiness on a day to day, moment to moment basis.
She’s so skilled at writing that it’s a delight to read, even when the truth stings a bit.
She’s so skilled at writing that it’s a delight to read, even when the truth stings a bit.
November 8, 2024
“Excellent read! This is what sanctification looks like in the everyday trenches of life. Thoughtful and engaging, the author's reflections have given me much to consider.” — Danny Covey, author of Scar Tissue
November 9, 2025
Real, down-to-earth talk about about things
This book is a jewel! Written with lightness about what could be a very heavy subject. Full of humanity and humor. The author’s honesty makes it easier to look at ourselves with the same honesty.
This book is a jewel! Written with lightness about what could be a very heavy subject. Full of humanity and humor. The author’s honesty makes it easier to look at ourselves with the same honesty.
July 16, 2024
"Holiness" is a challenging subject. Karen Stiller's book "Holiness Here" helps make this subject approachable while being inspirational. I could not put this book down.
November 5, 2024
Beautiful, profound, relatable. I laughed and I cried. This book was a joy to read, I savoured every word narrated by this author.
November 6, 2024
Karen’s book is engaging and accessible . Her stories of life, love, and loss are relatable and help one recognize holiness developing in life .
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