Here, Now: Unearthing Peace and Presence in An Overconnected World

Book Endorsements:

"If you're in the mood to sit down for coffee with a friend who is not only hilarious, but so wise and gut-wrenchingly honest, this book will do the trick. My friend Kate Merrick has uncovered the secrets to live a more present and intentional life, and we are all blessed that she is willing to share. Put Here, Now on your reading list."- Esther Fleece Allen, speaker and author of No More Faking Fine

"I love the simplicity yet powerful message behind Here, Now. Kate's writing style is so relatable and has truly opened my eyes to becoming more present and enjoying God's gifts that we encounter every single day. This book reminds us that the best things in life are not behind a screen or on social media, rather they are enjoying the world, people, and cultures for what they truly are. It is an uplifting reminder to laugh, cry, be silly, and experience the realness of life." - Lakey Peterson, professional surfer

"Here, Now is like a refreshing breeze of sage advice from a lifelong friend you've been in the foxhole with. Kate graciously brings you into her story while encouraging you to slow down and take in the scenery of your own. Whether on the mountaintop, in the trenches, or somewhere in the vast distance between, it's a reminder to pump the brakes and feast on the landscape the Artist is painting on your life's canvas-something we need to hear daily." - Kaimana Plemer, creator of HE>i

"I didn't realize it, but I have been waiting for this book. I've been waiting for permission to opt out of the noise that I keep innocently inviting in and get tired of trying to shout over. I'm so grateful for Kate's story, for her encouragement, for her testimony. I have been living wrong, making poor choices, and gravitating toward a false sense of connection. I am craving a life that is rich and a life that is real. Here, Now is a beautiful and poignant guidepost pointing me toward that realness and richness I so long for." - Lindsey Nobles, Onsite Workshops

"Here, Now may be the most important book you read this year. Timely, relevant, convicting, yet full of humor and grace, Kate speaks to the heart of the issues we all wrestle with, whether we talk about it or not. Sharing the intimate journey that has brought Kate and her family to where they are today, this book is an absolute gift to the world-a treasure not to be taken lightly. Kate lives this message every day, and after reading her book I think we all might find ourselves moving towards a less distracted and more present life." - Monica Swanson, blogger and author ofBoy Mom

"Equal parts inspiring and convicting, Kate skillfully shares hard-won wisdom and beautiful lessons of faith, courage, and perspective. Readers are invited to take stock and evaluate the true essentials of life. Down to earth, relatable, fun, and challenging, I found myself encouraged rather than shamed as I considered my choices and interactions in our tech-saturated world. This timely and relevant book is full of stories of hope and grace. Halfway through the book I deleted a time-wasting game off my phone. Rather than numbing out and unhealthy escaping, I felt motivated to seek more meaningful connection here and now. Kate's love for God and for the people blessed to know her shines through every page. Two hearty thumbs up!" -Vivian Mabuni, speaker and author of Warrior in Pink and Open Hands, Willing Heart

"Reading Here Now is like putting on glasses for the first time after failing an eye exam. Kate helps us see in a fresh way what really matters in life, what deserves our time and attention, and conversely, what does not. But what I like the most about this book is that it doesn't just pitch a tent in the showing, it also gets to the hard work of choosing and doing. Living a courageous, intentional life, free of unnecessary distraction marks the life of Kate Merrick, and she invites us into that same story of life and freedom."-Krista Gilbert, author of Reclaiming Home and cohost of the Open Door Sisterhood Podcast

"Here, Now is the ideal book for the present day faith pioneer. Kate's wise nuggets of truth and call to savor the moments in front of us are woven with intention, grace, and biblical encouragement that the very best life God has for us is the one unplugged and present to. I offer a confident high five and all the yeses to Here, Now!" - Bekah Pogue, author of Choosing REAL, listener, pasture founder, spiritual-director-in-training, and a huge fan of women on the fringe

"From the very first sentence of Here, Now I was hooked. Every page is filled with the unique combination of Kate's effervescent personality and her hard-earned wisdom from a life well fought for. This is a must-read for anyone who doesn't want to miss what God has for them, no matter the circumstances. A guidebook for those who want to see, hear, taste, smell, and feel the world in all of its beauty and pain with Kate as the ultimate guide. You do not want to miss this book."-Alexandra Kuykendall, author of Loving My Actual Life and co-founder of the Open Door Sisterhood

"The digital age has given us instant accessibility and a sense of connectedness far and wide but has left a generation thirsty for more than the shallows. Kate Merrick's voice sings prophetic to those who long for the deep. In Here, Now she not only leads readers into the gift of how to be fully awake to their real flesh and blood lives, but also to the everyday holy presence of God as a legacy to embrace and impart." - Kristen Kill, author of Finding Selah

"Presence isn't a gender issue. Men often escape into work, sports, fantasy, or living vicariously through entertainment and social feeds. Through poetic grace and humility, Kate returns us to the joy of living our real, best, and only life. It's Kate's wisdom that guides us through the greatest personal challenge of our day, but it's the beauty of her writing that opens our hearts to hear it." - Roger W. Thompson, author, woodworker, and fly fisherman

"Kate describes with clarity and compassion the 'overcrowded life.' A life I so desperately need a break from. Since Kate and I are friends, I can say with confidence she embodies the wise and liberating rhythms she describes in Here, Now. Rhythms that recenter our lives on Jesus and wholeheartedly embrace the peace and joy he offers to us in the midst of chaos."- Kat Armstrong, cofounder of Polished, speaker, and author of No More Holding Back

"Kate has developed the superpower of being fully present in every moment. And, thankfully, she is sharing that power with us in Here, Now. Her book was just what I needed in this season of my life, and I highly recommend it! I believe it will transform the way women (and men!) live their lives-more fully present in our here, now." -Renee Swope, bestselling author of A Confident Heart and former radio cohost of Proverbs 31 Ministries

Publisher Description

:Kate Merrick takes readers on a journey to drop the distractions and check back into their actual lives, discovering the good, true, and beautiful things God offers when they choose to be present right here, right now.

For too many women, life just passes by. They feel a lack, a deep dissatisfaction with their circumstances, so they busy themselves in an effort to distract from their less-than-hoped-for lives, constantly looking for what better season may be coming next. In the process, they miss the everyday glorious moments God wants to use and speak through today.

In Here, Now, Kate Merrick invites women to stop running away from their actual lives and instead to walk in the peace and fullness God offers when they quiet their souls, listen to what he's saying, and live with brave intentionality. With more than a little personal confession, humor, and honest contemplation, Kate brings readers into her journey to look deep inside her heart, identify and remove the obstacles that prevent her from being truly present, and intentionally receive the gifts of God found in all of life's moments--the painful ones, the big and beautiful ones, and also the ordinary ones.