Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Review # 242: 40 Days to a Joy-Filled Life - Living the 4:8 Principle by Tommy Newberry

Description: (from GoodReads)
     Drawing on the core message of the New York Times bestselling The 4:8 Principle, 40 Days to a Joy-Filled Life is a fun and highly practical action plan providing readers with time-tested strategies and exercises for experiencing joy by design—God’s design. Fans of The 4:8 Principle will love the fresh format and timeless reinforcements offered in 40 Days to a Joy-Filled Life, while new readers will be introduced to the life-changing power of The 4:8 Principle for the first time! All readers will benefit from the uniquely packaged inspiration and encouragement delivered in bite-size chunks for easy consumption and in a “sticky” style custom-made for easy retention and long-lasting joy.

Review:

     Usually, Christian self-help guides bore me to tears with endless lines of scripture, strange, sometimes unrelatable, anecdotes, and chastising tones that are more annoying than helpful. Believe me, as a reviewer I have read my fair share of overly-preachy and downright confusing Christian literature that has made me very skeptical. However, Tommy Newberry's 40 Days to a Joy-Filled Life has redeemed my faith in the genre. In this 40-day devotional, Newberry encourages readers to experience more joy in their daily lives by taking advantage of the principle dictated by apostle Paul in Philippians 4:8 -
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy, meditate on these things. (NKJV)
     Every day of this 40-day devotional contains three to five page readings on specific topics, (Think This, Not That; Deal or No Deal; Harboring Gratitude; Your Mate!; Feeling vs. Fact; We Are Sponges; Words of Mass Destruction; Motion Rules Emotion; Occupy God Street; etc...), as well as "Activate 4:8" Drills, Exercises, "Thoughts of the Day", and daily prayer. I love that this is more of an interactive workbook than the typical devotional. Everyday, (minus the twelve days I still have to go), I was excited to read and reflect on the provided topic. The material is presented in an easy-to-read-and-understand format, and does not have the "stale" quality of other "recycled" self-help guides. I appreciate the length of each daily passage, simple enough to fit one into any schedule, no mater how chaotic. I am definitely impressed by this little book and the inspirational/motivational atmosphere that surrounds it. I look forward to completing my 40-days with the 4:8 Principle, as well as continuing my journey to a  "joy-filled life". This is an excellent holiday gift that I will be sharing with family and friends! Highly recommended for any Christians seeking the tools for their own journey to joy.

Rating: Clean Getaway (5/5) 

*** I received this book from the author (Tyndale Blog Network) in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.


About the Author:

     Tommy Newberry is a New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author and head coach of The 1% Club, Inc. an organization dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and their families maximize their full potential. As a pioneer in the life-coaching field since 1991, Tommy has equipped business leaders in more than thirty industries to work less, earn more, and enjoy greater satisfaction with the right accomplishments.

     He is the author of several books, including the #3 New York Times bestseller, "The 4:8 Principle" and the motivational classic, "Success is Not an Accident" both translated into seven languages. His other titles include "366 Days of Wisdom & Inspiration," and numerous audio programs, such as Success Is Not an Accident: Secrets of the Top 1%, Make Your Life A Masterpiece, The Joy of Success, and Living the Strong Life.

     Known for highly practical, no-nonsense coaching style, Tommy has earned the title of America's Success Coach® with his clients. His passion for developing the whole person is clearly evident throughout his live workshops, key-note presentations, books and audio courses. Tommy's annual Couples Planning Retreat at Blackberry Farm takes world-class planning tools into the family realm, allowing husbands and wives to design a more balanced, simplified, and enriching life together.

     A dynamic speaker, Tommy is frequently invited to speak at schools, parent support groups, churches, and business conferences. He has appeared on numerous radio and television programs including Living the Life, Everyday with Lisa & Marcus, and Good News. He has also written articles for The Atlanta Business Chronicle, New Man Magazine and Success Magazine, and has been featured in publications such as The Atlanta Journal Constitution, Business to Business, Buckhead Living, and Stand Firm. An avid goal setter, Tommy has earned certification as an emergency medical technician and PADI rescue diver, as well as a black belt in the Korean martial art of Choi Kwang do. 
Tommy lives in Atlanta with his wife, Kristin, and their three boys.

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