S8 Episode #6- Abby Kuykendall

THE ONE WITH ABBY KUYKENDALL

This week on The Collected Podcast, we are excited to welcome author Abby Kuykendall for a heartfelt conversation around her latest book, Let the Biscuits Burn—coming September 23rd and available now for pre-order! If you’ve ever felt like you need to have it all together before inviting others in, this episode is for you. Abby shares how real hospitality begins in the mess—not perfection. From discovering Jesus as a constant companion to navigating comparison and waiting seasons with wisdom, Abby offers heartfelt insight and practical encouragement for anyone longing to live more openheartedly. This episode is a warm, honest reminder that you don’t need to have it all together to open your door and your heart. Hospitality isn’t about impressing—it’s about inviting. And Jesus is already at the table, waiting for you.

MORE ABOUT ABBY

Abby Turner Kuykendall is a writer, home cook, and founder of A Table Top Affair. After years of singleness and spiritual growth, she discovered the power of the table in building God-centered community. Her first cookbook, The Living Table, reflects that journey. Abby lives in northwest Arkansas with her husband, Kyle, and their son, John Maverick. Her next book, Let the Biscuits Burn, releases in September 2025.

ABOUT THE BOOK

[Press Release] Find the deeply connected life you've been longing for when you open your home and let God transform your heart through the spiritual practice of hospitality.

Do you long for deep, Christ-centered community, but you're overwhelmed at the thought of inviting people into your home because it doesn't look “perfect”? Do you find yourself making excuses and saying things like “I can't cook,” “My house is too small,” or “I don't have the time or energy to host”? If so, you're not alone in feeling that way, but practicing hospitality is easier and more transformative than you think.

In Let the Biscuits Burn Abby Kuykendall offers practical advice and biblical inspiration that will help you reclaim hospitality as a ritual that is less about performance and perfection and more about care and connection. She also shares personal stories of imperfect but God-honoring hospitality, along with the tips, tricks, and lists she's gathered over the years to make every piece of hosting less stressful. She'll share the profound rewards of welcoming others around your table, helping you:

  • Understand the differences between cultural entertaining and Christ-like hospitality,

  • Master the art of the invite and confidently open your home and life to others,

  • Let go of the excuses that keep you from true connection and community, and

  • Gain a clearer idea of who God is and why he calls Christians to the spiritual practice of hospitality.

Building a rich, deeply connected life has little to do with the perfect charcuterie board. Let the Biscuits Burn shows you how to open the door, set the table, and let God transform your heart.

PRE-ORDER HERE 

LET THE BISCUITS BURN Sneak Peek of Chapter 1

LISTEN

WATCH

SHOW NOTES

Let the Biscuits Burn comes out September 23rd!

The heart behind the book is breaking down the barriers that culture uses to keep us from living a life of hospitality. There are so many things in this world that pressure us into trying to be perfect before practicing hospitality, but that is not the heart of Jesus.

A MENTOR’S QUESTION

Earlier in Abby’s life, a mentor asked her: “Who do you think The Holy Spirit is, Jesus is and who God is to you?” 

There is a deeper relationship that each part of The Trinity wants to have with you. 

Abby shared that at that point in her life, she had a deep respect and reverence for God, and she could dig deep with The Holy Spirit, but she hadn’t considered the role of Jesus. 

She discovered that Jesus wants to be sitting with you through every situation that you face in your life. He is the best friend. He never leaves your side. 

In the middle of your mess and chaos, The LORD is patient, He is peace, He is clam, and He is all-knowing. No matter what you bring to the table, God is meeting you there and bringing everything else that you need.

When you feel like you don’t have it all together and you are falling into the trap of comparison, that is the enemy trying to keep you from the best thing you could throw yourself into, which is Jesus. 

OVERCOMING COMPARISON 

Whenever you are with a group of women, it can be hard to be authentically and approachably yourself. There is so much comparison and we want everything to look perfect. Perfection cannot be the point. We will lose our vulnerability if we are always trying to be something that we are not. 

The world needs what you uniquely have to offer. When you come to the table as who you are created to be true transformation and growth happens. 

We need to be able to recognize that we are not perfect and do not have it all together. But Christ fills the spaces where we lack and He can create something beautiful. God is always faithful to show up and do the work. 

To go deeper in our relationships, we have to be willing to offer vulnerability first. When we open the door for intimate conversations, others may feel more comfortable to follow our lead. 

EXPERIENCING GOD 

Right before writing this book, Abby got married and then became pregnant. Through the writing of the book, Abby saw God creating a heart of hospitality in her husband. As newlyweds they have been experiencing new aspects of God’s character as they open their home and practice hospitality. 

WAITING WITH WISDOM

Ask, “God, what are you teaching me in this season?” 

Regardless of what you are waiting for, God is faithful to impart His wisdom. If you are willing, the Holy Spirit is ready and wling to share wisdom with you. 

In the waiting, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you what you can do to get to know The Lord better and reflect His glory more. 

Ask, “What is the next right thing that I can do in excellence to glorify you?”

Sometimes we need to stop pretending that we are somewhere that we are not. God wants to use you right where you are NOW.  Even if you’re not where you want to be, God can use this exact season for your good and His glory. 

REAL-LIFE HOSPITALITY

  1. Always have food. Food is the natural conduit to conversation. It’s not about the quality of the food, but food makes it easier for people to say yes. 

  2. We are entering the “Gateway to Hospitality Season”... Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, Superbowl, Galentine’s… Just invite people over, everyone wants somewhere to go around the holidays! 

CHARACTER OF GOD

God is a patient God. 

In her journey of experiencing God deeper through hospitality, Abby has seen God be so patient in showing her the ropes. The Lord is a good, patient and kind teacher as He shows us how to love people well and practice hospitality. 

Community and fellowship fill our souls and reflect who God is in a very deep and relational way. 

Hospitality can unlock an experience with Jesus that we may have never thought possible! 

NEXT STEPS

Here are a few action steps to help you dip deeper this week!

  1.  Ask yourself: Who is the Holy Spirit, Jesus, and God to me personally? Journal your thoughts and explore how each part of the Trinity relates to your life.

  2. Practice Imperfect Hospitality Invite someone over—no deep cleaning, no fancy menu. Just show up with what you have and let God fill the gaps.

  3. Spend time in prayer asking The Lord, “What are You teaching me in this season?” Let the Holy Spirit guide you in the waiting. Listen for wisdom and lean into what’s right in front of you.

Thank you, as always, for listening! Please remember that everything we do is funded by those who benefit from our ministry. Our ministry a 501(c)3, so your contribution is tax-deductible.

CHECK THIS OUT:

  • The Collected Podcast is a production of Collected Ministries, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping disciples of Jesus discover and live from their true identity in Christ, recognize and walk in their divine purpose within the Kingdom of God, and experience growth in their capacity for mature, healthy relationships.

  • Follow us!

  • The Collected Podcast is produced by Jes French and edited by Jacob Early. Cover art designed by Ben Biondo.

Most Recent, Podcast Episodes, Names of God SeriesJessica BiondorecentComment