WayMaker: Finding the Way to the Life You’ve Always Dreamed Of

WayMaker: Finding the Way to the Life You’ve Always Dreamed Of

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  • Type:Epub+TxT+PDF+Mobi
  • Create Date:2022-03-15 10:51:51
  • Update Date:2025-09-06
  • Status:finish
  • Author:Ann Voskamp
  • ISBN:0310352193
  • Environment:PC/Android/iPhone/iPad/Kindle

Summary

We can trust that God, the WayMaker, is always at work creating the life of our dreams, through ways we never would have dreamed for ourselves。

In a disorienting world, with obstacle after obstacle, and the landscape of our lives shifting in ways we never expected, we can trust that as we look to our Maker, the WayMaker, our road will lead us to arrive exactly where we always hoped it would, though maybe not at all in the way we imagined。 And those dreams for our lives? They can still happen—in ways only He perfectly dreamed of。 

It is true: heartache, grief, suffering, obstacles, they all come in waves。 There is no controlling life’s storms; there is only learning the way to walk through the waves。 In WayMaker, bestselling author Ann Voskamp hands us a map that makes meaning of life, that shows the way through to the places we’ve only dreamed of reaching, by a way we never expected。 Voskamp reveals how God is present in the totality of our lives, making a way


for the marriage that seems impossible,
for the woman who longs for a child of her own,
for the parents who ache for the return of their prodigal,
for the sojourner caught between a rock and a hard place, and
for the wayfarer who feels as though there is no way through to her dreams。  
We can encounter the WayMaker in surprising ways and begin to see Him not only making poetry out of pain but working in every miraculous detail of our lives。 Even now, the Way is making the way to walk through waves and into a life more deeply fulfilling than our wildest dreams。

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Reviews

Melissa

This book took me through a very vulnerable journey of Ann's adopting her little girl and the corresponding difficulties that came in her life。 I truly appreciate other's sharing of hard stories and how they persevered。 This is part memoir and part poetic spiritual guide。This is the first book of Ann Voskamp that I actually finished。 I really love her messages and the heart she puts into her writing, but it gets pretty flowery for me。 I get a bit lost in the poetic nature of her reflections。 Tha This book took me through a very vulnerable journey of Ann's adopting her little girl and the corresponding difficulties that came in her life。 I truly appreciate other's sharing of hard stories and how they persevered。 This is part memoir and part poetic spiritual guide。This is the first book of Ann Voskamp that I actually finished。 I really love her messages and the heart she puts into her writing, but it gets pretty flowery for me。 I get a bit lost in the poetic nature of her reflections。 That said, there were enough concrete portions of harsh reality here that kept me engaged and consequently encouraged to bear witness to another's conquering of a time of flailing。 Or maybe it was more bearing witness to laying oneself down and letting our Maker walk her through。If you have read any other of Ann Voskamp's books you will be prepared for her lyrical prose。 If not, take small bites and work through this one like I did and you will be glad for the messages, encouragement, and reminder of Who has always been the One to make a Way when it feels impossible。Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for this digital ARC。 This is available in print form on March 15, and if you preorder from her site, she has a ton of free gifts available! 。。。more

Heidi

The WayMaker is a beautiful, heartfelt novel by Ann Voskamp。 In her latest book, Ann is incredibly transparent with her life story in a poetic and God-inspired way。 Whenever I read the author's words, it is like she is speaking to my soul。 She has a gift for words。 Drawing on her own personal experiences, she show us the way through。 She offers us encouragement through disappointment, trials, and life's hardships。 God is with us before, in, and after the waves that are a part of life。 I found so The WayMaker is a beautiful, heartfelt novel by Ann Voskamp。 In her latest book, Ann is incredibly transparent with her life story in a poetic and God-inspired way。 Whenever I read the author's words, it is like she is speaking to my soul。 She has a gift for words。 Drawing on her own personal experiences, she show us the way through。 She offers us encouragement through disappointment, trials, and life's hardships。 God is with us before, in, and after the waves that are a part of life。 I found so much encouragement in this book。 It is a timely read that I highly recommend。 Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the ARC。 。。。more

Meagan

Review to come on release date!

Shelly

Ann is one of my favourite authors, I love her poetic style of writing and how she goes deep into the things of God, and of life。 Waymaker is filled with beautiful and vulnerable stories of her own experiences, woven with truth and deep teaching from God's Word。 I love how this book has encouraged me to dig deeper into my faith journey, and I'm grateful for the reminder that I am chosen and seen by God, and that He is ALWAYS making a way for me - and all of us。 Ann is one of my favourite authors, I love her poetic style of writing and how she goes deep into the things of God, and of life。 Waymaker is filled with beautiful and vulnerable stories of her own experiences, woven with truth and deep teaching from God's Word。 I love how this book has encouraged me to dig deeper into my faith journey, and I'm grateful for the reminder that I am chosen and seen by God, and that He is ALWAYS making a way for me - and all of us。 。。。more

Julie

Started reading the sample chapters, and when i began i had no idea how much i would need it right now。 Ann's way of writing is so unique, and speaks right to the heart。 Her story grabbed me from the 1st chapter。 Started reading the sample chapters, and when i began i had no idea how much i would need it right now。 Ann's way of writing is so unique, and speaks right to the heart。 Her story grabbed me from the 1st chapter。 。。。more

Sarah

Ann's book, WayMaker is a true gem! The words in these pages are laced with Truth and Love, reorienting the heart and soul to find their way back to Christ in the midst of unexpected pain, disappointment, and everyday life。 The words on these pages will leave you pondering the extravagant and seemingly upside-down love of God, seeing His hand in every detail of your life。 Ann's book, WayMaker is a true gem! The words in these pages are laced with Truth and Love, reorienting the heart and soul to find their way back to Christ in the midst of unexpected pain, disappointment, and everyday life。 The words on these pages will leave you pondering the extravagant and seemingly upside-down love of God, seeing His hand in every detail of your life。 。。。more

Sarah Poling

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers。 To view it, click here。 Ann Voskamp's gift is the ability to share her spiritual growth, grasp of the Word of God, greek/Hebrew words, and their meanings, and her personal story for others to learn from her experiences。 This book is her most vulnerable and personal of all her books。 Because of this, I suspect it is not as applicable for all readers。 It's more complex, more biblically, and theologically in-depth than her previous books。 In some ways it builds on some concepts, she's lived out loud for her readers before Ann Voskamp's gift is the ability to share her spiritual growth, grasp of the Word of God, greek/Hebrew words, and their meanings, and her personal story for others to learn from her experiences。 This book is her most vulnerable and personal of all her books。 Because of this, I suspect it is not as applicable for all readers。 It's more complex, more biblically, and theologically in-depth than her previous books。 In some ways it builds on some concepts, she's lived out loud for her readers before, but in many, she is sharing her own personal journey and exodus of sin and losing her way, as well as remembering just what truly her life's focus is。 As a biblically literate person, about her age, I appreciate her thoughts, her self-discovery of how to focus on God, abide in the Way, focus on stepping into cruciform, and praise, over choosing to curve to your own desires, addictions, and way。 She continues with the repetition and building on concepts throughout the book as she has in previous writing, but she has learned through her marriage, adoption, and broken heart, each as their own metaphor and dimension, which I believe is more complex than her other books。 As well as the shocking events in her life that many of her readers will not comprehend her experience at all。 But we can all choose to learn from her。 She continues to share her learning from therapeutic concepts, attachment/adoption with real-life experience, and she is brutally honest about her own experiences。 In her poetic way, she reveals how to live a life focused on dying to self, living in Him, and how easy it can be to alter your own course with minor life changes, but how large an impact that has on your soul your people。 This book is not as easily replicated in the reader's life, as her daily habits and focus require a lot of commitment to the Word of God, the Holy Spirit, and personal soul-care/reflection。 But for me, they are healthy habits to weave into who I am, and it encourages me to press on and grow in Him。Thankful to read an Advanced Netgalley copy。 。。。more

Christine

"God doesn't keep us from suffering; He keeps us through it。"I know Ann Voskamp's writing style is not for everyone but she does have a uniquely beautiful way of putting her soul on paper。This is the most vulnerable writing of hers so far and there are alot of bits of wisdom and truth about marriage, life, suffering and pain that I think are worth toughing through the flowery, poetic prose for。 It is a very honest look at her relationship with her Waymaker when the road ahead seems to have no ho "God doesn't keep us from suffering; He keeps us through it。"I know Ann Voskamp's writing style is not for everyone but she does have a uniquely beautiful way of putting her soul on paper。This is the most vulnerable writing of hers so far and there are alot of bits of wisdom and truth about marriage, life, suffering and pain that I think are worth toughing through the flowery, poetic prose for。 It is a very honest look at her relationship with her Waymaker when the road ahead seems to have no hopeful way。Thanks to NetGalley for giving me a chance to read it! 。。。more

Katy Rose

Ann has brilliant a way of taking trending cultural ideas and, rather than reacting adversarially, she responds with something akin to a beautiful counter-offer。 I have always loved this about her writing and her heart, and this book is no different。 She points to a WAY of hope, peace, and life。

Allison Byxbe

Ann takes the words right out of your heart and holds them up to the heart of God。 💜 I loved the sacred rhythm of reflection Ann invites me into。 All at once both a sheer, breathtaking portrait of God’s goodness and also simple, clear steps toward a path to connect deeply with God。 Definite must read 🙌🏻

Millie

This book and the beautiful words of Ann are exactly what I needed in my life right now! This book shows you the Light that is present in the darkest valleys in our life。 Ann so perfectly depicts how our Father is making a way in our life even when we do not see it。 Her vulnerability is captivating, this is a must read!

Shannon

After turning the last page in WayMaker, I'm left completely captivated 。。。 not only by the beautiful writing (it is stunningly beautiful), but more so by the heart of the Father, who always makes a way to Himself。 This book has allowed me to dare to believe again that God can make a way through my seemingly impossible and write His story in my life for His glory。 I know it will do the same for you, friend。 After turning the last page in WayMaker, I'm left completely captivated 。。。 not only by the beautiful writing (it is stunningly beautiful), but more so by the heart of the Father, who always makes a way to Himself。 This book has allowed me to dare to believe again that God can make a way through my seemingly impossible and write His story in my life for His glory。 I know it will do the same for you, friend。 。。。more

Lane

Ann Voskamp's vulnerability take us straight to the heart of WayMaker Himself。 Come prepared to sit with Jesus in raw moments。 Come prepared to hear fresh invitations to healing。 Come prepared for more hope in the midst of deep sorrow。 Come with tissues, your journal, and your desire to draw near the WayMaker。 God has much to say through Ann's story。 Ann Voskamp's vulnerability take us straight to the heart of WayMaker Himself。 Come prepared to sit with Jesus in raw moments。 Come prepared to hear fresh invitations to healing。 Come prepared for more hope in the midst of deep sorrow。 Come with tissues, your journal, and your desire to draw near the WayMaker。 God has much to say through Ann's story。 。。。more

Tammy Kennington

Less about discovering the perfect life and more about recognizing the paradox of joy and pain in life, Waymaker guides readers to a place of holy recognition。 In her poetic voice, Ann Voskamp reveals the wounds of young bride’s heart, the ache of a mother longing for her prodigal’s return, and the wilderness experience of a wandering orphan。 If you prefer practical application and to the point text, this book isn’t for you。 If lyrical artistry and the heartbeat of faith appeal to you, however, Less about discovering the perfect life and more about recognizing the paradox of joy and pain in life, Waymaker guides readers to a place of holy recognition。 In her poetic voice, Ann Voskamp reveals the wounds of young bride’s heart, the ache of a mother longing for her prodigal’s return, and the wilderness experience of a wandering orphan。 If you prefer practical application and to the point text, this book isn’t for you。 If lyrical artistry and the heartbeat of faith appeal to you, however, you’ll love Ann Voskamp’s newest book。 #waymaker #netgalley 。。。more

Favour

I tell ya, just wow!The words in this book are like a hug from God。 It is factual that we all have crashing waves at different folds in our lives。 Here in Waymaker, Ann shares hers and shows us how the attached-love of God is always with us。 How God is always there before, in, through, and after the waves。 I highly recommend Waymaker。 This book is for everyone - in all stages of life。 We see the God who parted the Red Sea, pathing and making ways in ways we would never think。 The same God beckon I tell ya, just wow!The words in this book are like a hug from God。 It is factual that we all have crashing waves at different folds in our lives。 Here in Waymaker, Ann shares hers and shows us how the attached-love of God is always with us。 How God is always there before, in, through, and after the waves。 I highly recommend Waymaker。 This book is for everyone - in all stages of life。 We see the God who parted the Red Sea, pathing and making ways in ways we would never think。 The same God beckoning us to Himself first。 God be praised always! 。。。more

Terri Fullerton

Incredibly transformative story of Ann’s story of love, loss, and finding her way through pain。 She opens her heart to readers about how she messed up and what she realized in being found, forgiven, known, and adoption。 It’s a tender-hearted book with her deep reflective thinking and passion for God。 It offers hope to many who wonder how can I make it through this。 I give Waymaker 5 stars。

Nancy

This book。。。I always love her stuff but it hit me because it was so personal。。。So much about her own hurt, but even though it was her story, I could see me in it。 One of the questions she just throws out there is "How could you believe you are chosen if you would never choose you?" Hit me in the gut。 I wouldn't choose me。 But after reading this。。。it opened my eyes to how God views me。 Now I'm going to go through it again SLOWLY like a devotional so I can't let it all sink in This book。。。I always love her stuff but it hit me because it was so personal。。。So much about her own hurt, but even though it was her story, I could see me in it。 One of the questions she just throws out there is "How could you believe you are chosen if you would never choose you?" Hit me in the gut。 I wouldn't choose me。 But after reading this。。。it opened my eyes to how God views me。 Now I'm going to go through it again SLOWLY like a devotional so I can't let it all sink in 。。。more

Deborah Flora

Waymaker is soul-stirringly beautiful in its vulnerability, truth, and compassion。 It continually points us to our True North, our need for the One Who Makes the Way。 Through her story, hardships, heartaches, and rejoicings Ann brings us alongside, reminding us of how chosen we are in Him and how gratitude and grace intersect binding our hearts in His。This book is for the weary, the walking wounded, the wanderer, the weeping, the waylaid。The words will speak rest and renewal, empathy and encoura Waymaker is soul-stirringly beautiful in its vulnerability, truth, and compassion。 It continually points us to our True North, our need for the One Who Makes the Way。 Through her story, hardships, heartaches, and rejoicings Ann brings us alongside, reminding us of how chosen we are in Him and how gratitude and grace intersect binding our hearts in His。This book is for the weary, the walking wounded, the wanderer, the weeping, the waylaid。The words will speak rest and renewal, empathy and encouragement, truth and triumph。 I received an early copy to read and all opinions are completely my own。 。。。more

Amy

This book is absolutely brilliant! For every woman that’s experienced life disappointment, hard seasons, grief and pain… this is for ALL of us。 (Cause who hasn’t experienced a hard season?!)。 This book is a hug for your weary heart, healing balm you had no idea you needed, a safe place to rest and heal, and practical tool to move forward and THRIVE。 RUN to get this book in your home, for your heart。

Emilee Kurt

WayMake was the book I didn’t know I so deeply needed。 I love how Ann continues to bravely, tenderly share pieces of her story with us to both convict and encourage - not just one or the other。 To be met in your mess and still called to repentance! As a bride and future-someday-mother growing in love (and frustration) everyday, this book held me in my loneliest places and took me to Christ again and again。

Mhughessc

Ann Voskamp is known for her almost poetic form of writing。 In her latest book, "WayMaker", Voskamp details her personal life。 From her wedding, honeymoon, marriage, family health issues, and the adoption of her youngest daughter, nothing is off limits。 I appreciated her transparency and honesty。 However, her poetic writing was a little difficult to understand at times, and I often wish she had a more straightforward form of writing so I could understand what she was saying better。 I really enjo Ann Voskamp is known for her almost poetic form of writing。 In her latest book, "WayMaker", Voskamp details her personal life。 From her wedding, honeymoon, marriage, family health issues, and the adoption of her youngest daughter, nothing is off limits。 I appreciated her transparency and honesty。 However, her poetic writing was a little difficult to understand at times, and I often wish she had a more straightforward form of writing so I could understand what she was saying better。 I really enjoyed her chapters on adoption, since that is a topic that I'm passionate about。Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC。 All opinions are my own。 。。。more

Mel

#WayMaker #NetGalley #bookreview Publisher: Thomas Nelson - W PublishingISBN: 9780310352198Release: March 1, 2022I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review。 The Promise (Descr from Publisher): In WayMaker, bestselling author Ann Voskamp hands us a map that makes meaning of life, that shows the way through to the places we’ve only dreamed of reaching, by a way we never expected。 Voskamp reveals how God is present in the totality of our lives。The Expectation (mine af #WayMaker #NetGalley #bookreview Publisher: Thomas Nelson - W PublishingISBN: 9780310352198Release: March 1, 2022I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review。 The Promise (Descr from Publisher): In WayMaker, bestselling author Ann Voskamp hands us a map that makes meaning of life, that shows the way through to the places we’ve only dreamed of reaching, by a way we never expected。 Voskamp reveals how God is present in the totality of our lives。The Expectation (mine after reading the promise, etc):I debated about requesting this book from NetGalley because while I have friends and connections who love Voskamp, I find her depressing and not hopeful at all。 I was angry in one of her books that was recommended to me by several people - when I got to the end and it was still depressing。 So, while I'm hoping this is better; the description reads like it could very well be that same book just rewritten and updated; if so, I hope it contains more hope and peace。 I hope that I don't get to the end of the book and discover that I have more hope here in this moment for this book than the book has。 I'm giving Voskamp a chance to redeem herself in Waymaker。 Favorite/Summary Quote:Whenever we choose to connect, we disconnect from more pain。 It’s never about the storm - it’s always about your sail。 Welcome to life, where Plan A transforms into Plan Z to transform you。 Life is the art of the turn。What I connected with:She has some good one-liners & quips。 My favorite was about how Love lays down … and the remarks the pastor shared at her wedding。 What I struggled with:If a modern day Job was female and wrote her biography today, this would come pretty close。 Only I think Job was better。 I struggle with not saying “I hate her writing。” Hate is such a strong word。 Her writing is not for me。 She time leaps。 She throws in random stuff and wanders - often -off course。 I literally got a headache every time I picked up this book。 She jumps from story to story。 There is no map。 The description to this book is so far from what this book is。 This book is a biography of her marriage and family and all of the trauma and drama with Scriptures to show she relied on God。 Her depression oozes through her writing。 For people who like this kind of book, then it’s definitely a good read if you can follow it。 But it’s definitely not my kind of book - I’m disappointed that this is not what the description was in NetGalley。 But I’m not surprised because of who wrote it。I know what it’s like to suffer from depression。 It’s hell。 So I’m not judging the depression of the writer。 I just don’t want to be taken back into that journey and be reading a book that focuses on all of the bad stuff。 I’d rather read the book of Job。 But here is some redemption。 If an aggressive editor for a hold of this and gave it some boundaries, easy to follow timeline, removed the unnecessary side bars, and actually tied in applicable, relevant Scripture and and created the road map that was in the book description, I think there’s content here that would make an amazing book - which is why I am giving this 3 stars instead of one。 For her fans who enjoy her writing style, they will probably like the book。 What I learned:I won’t be reading any more of her books。 How it transformed me:It didn’t。 I don’t be recommending this book to friends and family。 I don’t want a hard copy of the book。 All I want is for my headache to go away after trying to follow this book。 Where’s the ibuprofen? 。。。more

Ann

Ann Voskamp is my go-to when I need to refocus and recharge my faith and spirituality。 Waymaker, Ms。 Voskamp's newest guide to practicing religion that can really make a difference in one's life, is incredibly crafted。 The beauty in Ann's writing is that it is evident to a follower that she is not merely writing, rather God is creating and scripting her every thought and written word。 She is truly led by a higher power, and the sheer brilliance and beauty in her compilation is evident on every p Ann Voskamp is my go-to when I need to refocus and recharge my faith and spirituality。 Waymaker, Ms。 Voskamp's newest guide to practicing religion that can really make a difference in one's life, is incredibly crafted。 The beauty in Ann's writing is that it is evident to a follower that she is not merely writing, rather God is creating and scripting her every thought and written word。 She is truly led by a higher power, and the sheer brilliance and beauty in her compilation is evident on every page。 My only regret with this latest book is that it did not apply to my life as well as her other books, One Thousand Gifts and The Broken Way, did。 Nonetheless, anyone familiar with Ms。 Voskamp's style and sterling voice will appreciate each page and accept it as the gift that it is meant to be。 Thank you NetGalley for this amazing spititual gift that you granted me。 。。。more