Discovering the Joys of Life


Book Description

This is an invitation that, before the big sleep, we must learn to discover the joys of life where peace, love, and serenity thrive; that God’s love is the foundation of all forms of love and a driving force to share the love through our compassion and charity. Being self-aware is an essential step in our understanding of who we are, what we do, and why we do it, and what gives meaning to us in life. The mystery of prayer is key to understand the mystery of human life; that living the present moment is the grace that we have every day. Being grateful of life, of people, of events, and moments that we are called to take an adventure and learn to be playful as children of God. I love this book. So simple and powerful! Thank you Fr. Joe for refreshing my spirit with your words and life. Bo Sanchez Best Selling Author and Inspirational Preacher Fr. Joe Blas Nolasco’s book is a very helpful guide to living a truly meaningful, happy, and fruitful life. It is the fruit of his prayerful and biblically guided reflection on his many years of experience as a priest-chaplain dialoguing with thousands of patients and people in difficulties. Fr. Joe writes engagingly and challenges you to reflect and act on your own life. Reading this book will be a grace for you as it has already been for me. Most Rev. Teodoro Bacani, D.D. This book is a ray of hope in this troubled time. It will restore our conviction and strengthen our faith in a God who assures us, “BE NOT AFRAID!” (Mt. 14:27) Most Rev. Gerardo A. Alminaza, D.D. Bishop of the Diocese of San Carlos, Philippines I commend Fr. Nolasco for writing this book and for sharing the fruits of his pastoral experience to us all. His work will surely aid us in our journey towards spiritual maturity and realization as Christians. Its publication is definitely timely. The book creatively spells out moments of joy even in most difficult situations in our lives. His Eminence Jose Cardinal F. Advincula, Jr. D.D. Archbishop of Manila




Discovering Joy


Book Description

A surprising discovery in the unlikeliest of places ... Joy Yoon and her husband spent more than ten years as humanitarian NGO workers in one of the world's most mysterious and closed societies. In this book she shares observations and insights, offering readers the chance to re-evaluate understandings of the so-called "Hermit Kingdom."




Celebrate


Book Description

Women spend so much of their lives waiting to be happy. When I meet Mr. Right . . . when the kids are grown . . . when I retire . . . What are you waiting for? Right here, right now, even in the midst of the challenges you face every day, there is so much to appreciate and enjoy. It's a matter of perspective-knowing where (and how) to look for the blessings God has given us. Join us and start noticing the joys hiding in plain sight. You'll find there's plenty to celebrate! Through this study, women will discover the hidden joys in life's circumstances, learn to live with an attitude of gratitude, and find the secrets to contentment and hope. Women of Faith Study Guides sold to date: More than 2 million




Simple Joys


Book Description

Laughter that makes your stomach hurt, the perfect cup of coffee, a few moments alone with your Bible - these are moments of joy to be found on even the most difficult days. When you know you can trust God no matter what, lasting joy will be yours. Find your joy in Simple Joys: Discovering Wonder in the Everyday by Candace Payne. Who hasn’t struggled with discontent, being overwhelmed, and the fight to be happy? You know that you have much to be grateful for, but sometimes the world feels so heavy and it’s hard to recognize the good stuff, let alone find and experience true, lasting joy. Candace Payne, better known as “Chewbacca Mom,” reached more than 200 million people when her surprise outburst of joy at the simplest pleasure of a Star Wars mask went viral. Her story of struggling with loneliness, discontent, and unhappiness came out soon after, which made the world question: What makes her different? “I could write a million words, books, and even songs to explain this,” Candace says, “but my gut feeling tells me you didn’t buy this book for a theology debate. You are reading these pages hoping to find joy - real, authentic, and unwavering in any and all circumstances. The kind of contentment that says, ‘I’m not only happy, but I’m satisfied as well. I have enough and I am enough.’ Because what I’ve discovered is this: contentment will often lead to more joy.” Do you have that kind of joy? Do you want it? Find the secret to happiness, satisfaction, joy, and more in Simple Joys, a beautiful, full-color book that walks you through Candace’s journey so that you can replicate it in your own life. Read about several simple ways you can reclaim joy in your day-to-day routine and start living more joyfully today.




This Life Is Joy


Book Description

A simple, fun instruction manual for living a more joy-filled, authentic life! By one of the most admired spiritual teachers in the country, this book shows us how every moment, every experience, and every person can be an opening for our soul--to greater understanding, more peace and joy, and an overwhelming experience of love. Divided into three easy-to-use parts, this book will: - Tell a fable that puts our spiritual journey into context. - Discuss the seven spiritual principles that are universal to all of the world's wisdom traditions, becoming a map into our purpose and destiny. - Show how nine specific challenges and difficulties (like fear, illness, and change) can be transformed into stepping stones rather than stumbling blocks. Each chapter also includes three parts: the Essence, the Experience, and the Expression. The Essence gives the spiritual teaching behind each principle, the Experience tells a story, illustrating the principles from Dr. Teel's own life or the life of one of his many followers, and the Expression gives specific instructions for readers to embody that principle for themselves. Filled with advice that can only come from a lifetime of practicing these traditions, this book will be a unique and indispensable guide to people who want more from their lives.




A Life at Work


Book Description

A job is never just a job. It is always connected to a deep and invisible process of finding meaning in life through work. In Thomas Moore’s groundbreaking book Care of the Soul, he wrote of “the great malady of the twentieth century…the loss of soul.” That bestselling work taught readers ways to cultivate depth, genuineness, and soulfulness in their everyday lives, and became a beloved classic. Now, in A Life’s Work, Moore turns to an aspect of our lives that looms large in our self-regard, an aspect by which we may even define ourselves—our work. The workplace, Moore knows, is a laboratory where matters of soul are worked out. A Life’s Work is about finding the right job, yes, and it is also about uncovering and becoming the person you were meant to be. Moore reveals the quest to find a life’s work in all its depth and mystery. All jobs, large and small, long-term and temporary, he writes, contribute to your life’s work. A particular job may be important because of the emotional rewards it offers or for the money. But beneath the surface, your labors are shaping your destiny for better or worse. If you ignore the deeper issues, you may not know the nature of your calling, and if you don’t do work that connects with your deep soul, you may always be dissatisfied, not only in your choice of work but in all other areas of life. Moore explores the often difficult process—the obstacles, blocks, and hardships of our own making—that we go through on our way to discovering our purpose, and reveals the joy that is our reward. He teaches us patience, models the necessary powers of reflection, and gives us the courage to keep going. A Life’s Work is a beautiful rumination, realistic and poignant, and a comforting and exhilarating guide to one of life’s biggest dilemmas and one of its greatest opportunities.




Discovering the Joy


Book Description

Are you ready to discover the joy of representing Christ in your everyday life? Now more than ever, it's time to learn how to actively share your faith to reach the world around you. With Discover the Joy, you will be equipped to grow in your faith, share the gospel, and see the supernatural reality of the Kingdom released everywhere you go. Through practical teaching and personal testimonies, Andrew Chalmers will empower you with confidence to overcome the fear that's been holding you back from moving into your destiny as a world-changer.In this book, you'll learn how to: - Step into your God-given identity - Share the gospel - Heal the sick - Grow in hearing God's voice - Give accurate words of knowledgeWHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING //The world is waiting for you. If you hear the call to make an impact for the Kingdom of God, this book is for you."Andrew Chalmers shares the kind of evangelism we have practiced and valued for four decades on the mission field - one that flows from personal intimacy with Jesus, from a prayerful life in God's presence. It is an invitation to a fresh identity in the family of God, the life we value above everything in this world. If you want to be a worker in this harvest, be blessed by his wisdom and testimony."- Heidi G. Baker, Ph.D. Co-founder and Executive Chairman of the Board, Iris Global"The joy of knowing Jesus and the privilege that we have to share the good news with others at times is breathtaking. "Discovering the Joy" by Andrew Chalmers will point you to the source of all true Joy and that is Jesus. There are very few equipping evangelists like Andrew Chalmers that not only desire to see the lost saved but also desire for the church to enter into the joy of knowing Jesus and making Him known to this generation. When we only have one life to live, we live in such a way that makes sense in the light of eternity. I can get behind this book because it reflects the heart of God for us and for those that don't know Him yet. My encouragement to you is that this book will become a tool for you to learn from, put into practice what you have learnt so that you can teach others as well. May God bless you."- Chris Overstreet Founder, Compassion to Action"Discover the Joy" is an open door, beckoning you to step into more of the abundant life for which you were created. Filled with inspiring stories, biblical insights, and proven principles, these pages point you to living a more Jesus-shaped life which produces good fruit that lasts. Andrew Chalmers is a living example of the joyful and impactful way of life this book describes, and through his testimony he offers you practical steps that will help you follow Jesus more closely."- Bob Rognlien Author of Recovering the Way and A Jesus-Shaped LifeABOUT THE AUTHOR//Andrew Chalmers is an evangelist who founded the missions organization, Take the City, which is located in Columbus, Georgia. His life's mission is to abide in God's love in such a way that he would inspire others to pursue God with reckless abandon and that his life would burn so brightly that it would set countless others on fire for Jesus. He is passionate about living a life on mission with his wife, Ellen, and their growing family.




Discovering the Joy of Jesus


Book Description

This easy-to-use study for small groups and individuals reveals the Bible's book of joy. The apostle Paul's words in the book of Philippians share the secret of joy—a life centered in Jesus Christ. Open-ended discussion questions, Bible passages, and helpful explanations and applications point readers to the godly characteristic of joy, which is sharing in God's life—a quality that transcends happiness based on circumstances. About This Series: Stonecroft Bible Studies encourage people to know God and grow in His love through exploration of His life-transforming Word, the Bible. Each book is designed for both seekers and new believers and includes easy-to-understand explanations and applications of Bible passages and study questions.




Finding Joy in the Empty Nest


Book Description

When the kids are gone, you can discover a richer, deeper, and more fulfilling life than you ever imagined! Whether you've been looking forward to it or dreading it, the experience of coming home to an empty nest brings with it a well of emotions, realizations, and one gigantic, all-consuming thought: Now what? In Finding Joy in the Empty Nest, Jim Burns combines his personal experiences with his expertise as a family educator to help you navigate your new life as an empty nester and find joy in this new season of life. Rather than offering shallow suggestions of hobbies you should take up, Burns encourages you to actively pursue a fresh start, reinvent yourself, and thrive. Backed by extensive research and filled with interviews with fellow empty nesters, this book equips you with practical advice and timeless principles, teaching you how to: Change the relationship you once had with your children for the better Face big issues--including aging parents, finances, and kids returning home--with confidence Rekindle your fire and purpose to live with passion day by day Amid Burns' wealth of know-how, you'll uncover what may be the most important takeaway of all: the best is yet to come. Praise for Finding Joy in the Empty Nest: "Jim Burns is smart, witty, grounded, and immeasurably practical. Whether you're getting close to the second half of marriage or are in the thick of it, you won't want to miss out on this fantastic book." --Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott, bestselling authors of Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts




Enough


Book Description

Money has great power in our lives. Used wisely, it is one key to accomplishing our goals, providing for our needs, and fulfilling our life purpose. In recent years, many of us ignored the wisdom of the past when it came to managing and spending our money. Credit card debt soared, savings rates plummeted, and our home equity became something to be tapped into and spent rather than a source of security in retirement. We felt an insatiable desire for more. And we found ourselves spending tomorrow's money today in order to have what we hoped would satisfy. The result of all of this was not greater happiness and satisfaction, but greater stress and anxiety. Enough is an invitation to rediscover the Bible's wisdom when it comes to prudent financial practices. In these pages are found the keys to experiencing contentment, overcoming fear, and discovering joy through simplicity and generosity. This book could change your life, by changing your relationship with money. "We Americans love our stuff. We're living in a fast-paced, me-first, instant-gratification world, and it's finally catching up to us. Debt is out of control, homes are in foreclosure ... even banks are going out of business. What the world needs today is the message of contentment and simplicity, and that's exactly what Pastor Adam Hamilton delivers in "Enough." Dave Ramsey, New York Times Best-Selling Author and Nationally Syndicated Radio Talk Show Host "Once again, Adam Hamilton is leading the church; 'Enough is enough' was once a Wesleyan watchword. Adam breathes new life into the Wesleyan commitment to simplicity. Amid a culture of greed and conspicuous consumption Adam calls us to a biblically based, evangelical joy of having the faith to say 'enough is enough.'" Bishop Will Willimon United Methodist Church, Birmingham Area "I pay close attention to whatever Adam Hamilton writes. His books are marked by extraordinary pastoral insight, biblical and theological depth, courage to speak the truth, and down-to-earth practicality. Enough comes like an antidote in the middle of a pandemic. I hope that classes, groups, couples, and individuals will use this book--and the economic crisis it addresses--as a challenge to get healthy again by deepening our discipleship in the vital area of money and possessions." Brian McLaren, Author/Networker (brianmclaren.net)