Many months ago I mentioned this super sweet blogger named Stephanie Page. Her posts are always so real and honest and she makes BEAUTIFUL printables to share with her readers. Like simply gorgeous. When she asked for people to be a part of her book launch team I jumped at the chance because I love her style of writing and the little bit of her story I’ve learned since starting to follow her.
In Renewed Joy Stephanie breaks down the process of finding true joy in your life again into five simple steps. She shares powerful stories in each of the five steps and the book is filled with scriptural truth. I felt myself becoming refreshed just from reading the book! I nodded along with many of the points she made since I believe them as well. Joy doesn’t happen in a moment, it’s a source in our life – Jesus. And because of Him we can choose to be thankful for all we have.
My favorite quote came from the chapter “Refocus – The Fifth Step to Joy: Give Thanks in All Things.” I feel like this chapter sums up my whole mindset – continually being thankful for what we have. It’s far too easy to focus on what we don’t have but if we practice gratitude then we will find joy in the little and big things all around us.
“When you choose gratitude, your focus shifts from your circumstances to your God, on Whom you can depend. Joy results as you walk in gratitude by faith in the One who is trustworthy.
Though it seems contrary to our natural response in the midst of hardship, giving thanks is a path to restored joy.”
I have experienced this very thing first hand. I had to focus on things I did have and a God that is faithful when I was going through multiple miscarriages. Even during the normal chaos of life (which is almost all the time with five young kids!) I’ve got to remind myself to give thanks and look for the blessings rather than the irritations or I’d fall down a well of self pity and be a total grump. It’s why I write and share my stories – to encourage all of you to do the same!
Through September 28th you can pick up Stephanie’s book, Renewed Joy: 5 Simple Steps to Lasting and Powerful Joy in the Lord for FREE if you choose the Kindle version. If you don’t have a Kindle you can get a free Kindle app to use on your computer, smartphone, or tablet. Yay!
What books have you read recently that you would recommend?
