Choose Joy Because Happiness Isn't Enough

Title: CHOOSE JOY BECAUSE HAPPINESS ISN’T ENOUGH
Author: Kay Warren
Publisher: Revell
April 2012
ISBN: 978-0-8007-2172-5
Genre: Inspiration/Christian living

Why are some people—even in the tough times—always filled with joy, while most of us can’t seem to find lasting joy no matter how hard we search? Do joy-filled people know something the rest of us don’t?

Everyone feels joy in the peaks of life – graduation, engagements, finding a job, having a baby, or being declared cancer-free. But what about in the valleys, when everything is going absolutely wrong. Can you find joy then?

In CHOOSE JOY Kay Warren shares how to find soul-satisfying joy no matter what. Joy is deeper than happiness, lasts longer than excitement, and is more satisfying than pleasure and thrills. Joy comes from God...and it can be yours.

CHOOSE JOY is the first book I’ve read by Ms. Warren. It is not exactly written in an “across the kitchen table” style, this voice is more teaching than friendly. And the chapters are longer than a typical devotional. Still, if you have about twenty to thirty minutes to spend, like during a lunch hour, it will be good to read. The chapters start with an inspirational quote, go into the story form with personal stories and biblical truths, then go on to an application, prayer, and reflection questions. You will want to have a notebook handy for notes and to answer the questions, as this book isn’t designed to write in.

If you are looking for a book for a small group study then CHOOSE JOY would be a good book to consider. There is a mentor’s guide and other curriculum available for this book as well. Excellent for women, men probably wouldn't relate. Recommended for a church library. Further information and discussion can be found at www.KayWarren.com/MyJoyStory/. $21.99 hardcover. 259 pages.