Katherine Jean Butler
A bit about me...
Hi! I’m Katy. I’m wife to Stetson, mommy to Evelyn, Penelope, and Madelynn, and an author. I am passionate about community, motherhood, and growing in a deeper relationship with God. One of my favorite things in the whole world is having meaningful conversations around the table with great friends, good food, and incredible wine. The deep desire of my heart is to help others feel worthy, valuable, and confident – not because of what they do or how they look but simply because of who they are – one who is known and loved God. My prayer is that my books will help readers live life to the fullest by learning how to better love and be loved by God. And as a result, to love others better too. If even just one person walks away from reading my devotionals feeling a little more hope, confidence, and joy from being in the company of their Creator then I consider that a great success!
Background
I first started writing when my oldest daughter, Evelyn, was 3 months old. Even at such a young age, Evelyn was feisty, energetic, and NEVER napped. During that time, I was still working part-time giving Spiritual Direction to college students at Biola University. I had my Bachelors degree in Psychology from Biola and my Masters in Spiritual Formation and SoulCare from Talbot Seminary. My degrees taught me how to help others grow both emotionally and spiritually and yet here I was, a young mommy with ZERO time and absolutely no idea how to grow closer to God in this new, crazy, exhausting season of life.
I remember just longing to spend a fraction of time with God. I wanted to feel his presence, hear his voice, and receive his comfort. However, my life just seemed to squeeze out any opportunity to spend time with him. And yet I knew that I wasn’t alone. I knew of mamas out there who have children with special needs that required 24-hour care. I knew single, full-time working parents who didn’t even have time for a shower yet alone a “quiet time.” Author and Theologian Dallas Willard says that, “a quiet time as the method for spiritual growth is like trying to take a shower one drop at a time! It’s inefficient. For many people their inconsistencies plague them with guilt. It’s much more helpful to have periodic extended times of being immersed in God.” That’s what I wanted! A life immersed with God. I wanted a way to help overwhelmed and weary souls live a life immersed with God by giving them small, achievable way to experience God and grow with him throughout the day. That’s how my idea to write “Habits of the Heart" was birthed.
One cross-country move, two kids, and three years later, I finished this book. Since then I have also written another devotional, Bible Promises for Women. I have also started this blog to give short, sweet, and simple ways to help others move towards God in normal every day life. So join me on this journey and allow me to join you on yours. I am excited to see what God does in your life!