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Nothing Wasted: Struggling Well Through Difficult Seasons
Difficult seasons catch us off guard and make us feel like life won’t ever make sense again.
On our worst days, it’s hard to believe that God will guide us through the mess. Even on our good days, when we feel we have done all the right things, we may wonder:
Why am I working this job?
Am I making a difference?
How do I know the way to go?
Why can’t I seem to be content?
In Nothing Wasted, we see how we mature in time. Like fog dissipating, we recognize how God is gently leading us through each season of our lives. We may be struggling, but we are moving forward.
Our faith is not unseen.
Our moments are not wasted.
All the pain that comes in these seasons does lead to a full, rich life, growing in relationship with God and with others.
On our worst days, it’s hard to believe that God will guide us through the mess. Even on our good days, when we feel we have done all the right things, we may wonder:
Why am I working this job?
Am I making a difference?
How do I know the way to go?
Why can’t I seem to be content?
In Nothing Wasted, we see how we mature in time. Like fog dissipating, we recognize how God is gently leading us through each season of our lives. We may be struggling, but we are moving forward.
Our faith is not unseen.
Our moments are not wasted.
All the pain that comes in these seasons does lead to a full, rich life, growing in relationship with God and with others.
- GenresChristian
230 pages, Paperback
Published September 23, 2023
1 person is currently reading
11 people want to read
About the author
Kim Patton
6 books4 followersAuthor also writes under Kimberly Patton
Kim Patton is a wife, adoptive mama, writer, and podcast host. She lives in Jasper, Georgia with her husband, Kevin, and two daughters, Eden and Shiloh. While she is known to her community as the playdate planner always up for a social gathering, she is also vulnerable when it comes to her struggles. She writes for Waiting in Hope Infertility, Her View from Home, and Shaunti Feldhahn. She has been the host of the Book Therapy podcast since 2022 and can be found online at kimpatton.com.
Kim Patton is a wife, adoptive mama, writer, and podcast host. She lives in Jasper, Georgia with her husband, Kevin, and two daughters, Eden and Shiloh. While she is known to her community as the playdate planner always up for a social gathering, she is also vulnerable when it comes to her struggles. She writes for Waiting in Hope Infertility, Her View from Home, and Shaunti Feldhahn. She has been the host of the Book Therapy podcast since 2022 and can be found online at kimpatton.com.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
October 24, 2023
As someone who's read Kim Patton's work before, I knew this book would be well-written, and it is. She is a master at painting a picture and drawing you into the details. She is the queen of vignettes. She has themes and feelings that show through the entirety of the work in a way that paints the true ups and downs and cycles of life and struggle and faith. I started it almost immediately and then struggled to put it down when the real world called on me to fulfill my responsibilities. And I was fully reckless, knowing I had those responsibilities ready to knock on my bedroom door this morning, last night when I read the rest of Nothing Wasted until it was finished at 2 AM. While I am not sure I'll be reaching for another memoir anytime soon (not my normal genre of choice), this book did make me consider that I might enjoy branching out just a bit more.
I love this book because it is a beautiful work that can stand on its own for everything it is and can do to be an encouragement in my life, personally, and (I'm absolutely certain) in the lives of others. I love this book because it is real and honest and not all fun and good times. I love this book for making me laugh and think and cry. I love this book because it is relevant and relatable and most of all: Hopeful.
I love this book because it is a beautiful work that can stand on its own for everything it is and can do to be an encouragement in my life, personally, and (I'm absolutely certain) in the lives of others. I love this book because it is real and honest and not all fun and good times. I love this book for making me laugh and think and cry. I love this book because it is relevant and relatable and most of all: Hopeful.
November 5, 2023
I loved this book. It was like reading Kim's journal! I love getting to know the good, bad, and ugly about people all the while knowing that God uses everything to bring us closer to him. Truly beautiful.
October 24, 2024
Kim has written a beautiful and vulnerable spiritual memoir about her ordinary, wonderful life. And I think that’s why it’s so relatable. She clearly demonstrates that an ordinary life, with all its struggles and scramblings through doubt into faith, is a glorious thing. She shares honestly about her shortcomings and her growth throughout difficult seasons with humor and wisdom. So many times, as I listened to her share through this audiobook, I sighed deeply and thought, “Wow — I’m so glad I’m not the only one who feels and thinks this way.” Kim’s journey through difficult jobs, marital disagreements, various moves and transitions, infertility, and adoption was (and is) such an encouragement to me.
I’ve recently had the chance to meet and get to know Kim and I can attest that she is just as kind, encouraging, hard-working, and genuine as she seems in her memoir. Thank you for sharing your heart and your life with us, Kim. :)
(Get yourself a copy of the audiobook if you can!! I couldn’t stop listening! I love when an author reads their own memoir, and Kim does a fantastic job sharing her story in her own voice.)
I’ve recently had the chance to meet and get to know Kim and I can attest that she is just as kind, encouraging, hard-working, and genuine as she seems in her memoir. Thank you for sharing your heart and your life with us, Kim. :)
(Get yourself a copy of the audiobook if you can!! I couldn’t stop listening! I love when an author reads their own memoir, and Kim does a fantastic job sharing her story in her own voice.)
January 7, 2025
Nothing Wasted is a powerful testament to the beauty of vulnerability and the strength found in sharing our stories. Through her heartfelt words, Kim invites readers into her journey, offering an honest glimpse into her hardships and triumphs. What makes this book special is Kim’s ability to remind us that even our most challenging seasons are not without purpose—nothing is wasted. This book is not just a story; it’s an encouragement to embrace every part of our journey with faith and resilience.
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July 19, 2024I picked this up because I have been in a hard season. If you are as well this may resonate with you. While a lot of this book did not, the principles and some of the ideas were relatable and did resonate. I couldn’t resonate with struggling with infertility, but I could resonate on the pain of waiting for a dream or prayer to be answered. If this sounds like it would be helpful for you, give it a shot.
November 19, 2023
Thankful for the opportunity to write this book and share it with those who desperately need encouragement. It’s for those who struggle and want to struggle well through the challenges they face.
This world is a hard place to live in, and I pray that these stories will bring hope and refreshment to readers. I hope that every person will feel that their hard moments, seasons and years have not been wasted.
This world is a hard place to live in, and I pray that these stories will bring hope and refreshment to readers. I hope that every person will feel that their hard moments, seasons and years have not been wasted.
January 3, 2025
Kim Patton’s book is a masterpiece of emotion and faith. From the moment I began listening, I was drawn into her world in a way that felt deeply personal and profoundly moving. Her words stirred my soul, and I’ll admit—I found myself in tears more than once. Kim’s ability to craft such a heartfelt and relatable narrative speaks to her exceptional talent as a writer and storyteller.
What truly stands out is Kim’s bravery. Sharing your voice with the world is never easy, and it often comes with a mix of vulnerability and fear. Yet, Kim overcame those obstacles with grace and delivered a book that is as authentic as it is impactful. Her perseverance in completing this journey is inspiring, and the result is a work that will resonate with anyone who reads it.
The beauty of Kim’s storytelling lies in her ability to transport readers into her experiences. As I listened, I felt as though I was walking alongside her, seeing life through her eyes. This is a rare gift, and it’s what makes her book so special—it invites readers to connect with her story on a deeply human level.
Beyond the personal connection, her book is infused with a powerful message of faith and hope. Kim’s gratitude for God’s presence in her life—her husband, her two precious angels, and the courage to share her heart—shines through every chapter. Her story isn’t just a reflection of her journey; it’s a testament to the grace and truth that can only come from Him.
If you’re searching for a book that will inspire, challenge, and encourage you, Kim Patton’s work is a must-read. I am so grateful for the opportunity to hear her story and to have had her as a guest on my podcast. Her voice is a gift to the world, and her book is one that will stay with you long after you’ve finished it.
What truly stands out is Kim’s bravery. Sharing your voice with the world is never easy, and it often comes with a mix of vulnerability and fear. Yet, Kim overcame those obstacles with grace and delivered a book that is as authentic as it is impactful. Her perseverance in completing this journey is inspiring, and the result is a work that will resonate with anyone who reads it.
The beauty of Kim’s storytelling lies in her ability to transport readers into her experiences. As I listened, I felt as though I was walking alongside her, seeing life through her eyes. This is a rare gift, and it’s what makes her book so special—it invites readers to connect with her story on a deeply human level.
Beyond the personal connection, her book is infused with a powerful message of faith and hope. Kim’s gratitude for God’s presence in her life—her husband, her two precious angels, and the courage to share her heart—shines through every chapter. Her story isn’t just a reflection of her journey; it’s a testament to the grace and truth that can only come from Him.
If you’re searching for a book that will inspire, challenge, and encourage you, Kim Patton’s work is a must-read. I am so grateful for the opportunity to hear her story and to have had her as a guest on my podcast. Her voice is a gift to the world, and her book is one that will stay with you long after you’ve finished it.
June 23, 2025
Kim Patton is a gifted storyteller, intent on sharing not only the realness of life but honest faith through it all. More than just entertainment, this book is a vulnerable reminder that every struggle is meant for so much more than it seems when we are suffering. Even the shortness of the chapters is a gracious gift to all of us struggling to hold on when life gets bumpy. Great gift for anyone wondering about the purpose of their difficult journey.
December 12, 2023
This book was written really well, and each chapter left me moving to the next one. The story Kim shares brings encouragement with each phase of her life and discusses how we sometimes feel like we are missing out, or coming up short, but in reality, we are just being prepared for what's next. I really enjoyed hearing her story!
December 28, 2024
Nothing Wasted takes the reader on a journey through many of the author’s challenging life experiences to show how God’s unfailing love and presence have given her the grace and strength to carry on. Kim Patton skillfully shares her stories in a way that makes them come to life and brings comfort and encouragement to the reader. From the first paragraph until its final words, Nothing Wasted reminds us that God is present and active in our difficulties, he understands us better than we could ever know ourselves, and we can absolutely trust him to bring us through our painful seasons.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews