Fresh Joy

Author: Heidi McLaughlin
Genre: Christian Living

After the crushing loss of both of her first and second beloved husbands, author Heidi McLaughlin desperately needed joy that was sustainable and fresh. She was startled to discover that pain and joy can co-exist. In spite of disappointments, pain and losses, joy is available at all times because joy is an endless resource of heaven through our connection with God. Fresh Joy takes you by the hand and guides you through honest and raw stories, biblical truths, and practical steps to help you find and grow deep, fulfilling and lasting joy.

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Reviewer: June McCrary Jacobs

An inspiring and practical guide to filling your life with joy . . .
 
The warm and empathetic feeling tone of this author's writing was a blessing to me as a reader. Heidi McLaughlin knows her subject matter very well after losing both of her husbands unexpectedly. I felt as if she is able to place herself into the shoes of everyone in her audience with her experience with personal tragedy along with her knowledge of and her faith in God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.
 
The author shares openly about her struggles as a widow, and she calls on some friends to share their powerful experiences with feeling grief, depression, disappointment, etc. throughout the book. Many examples of the way things can go and do go wrong in life provide a pathway for readers to see a way out of their own doldrums and into a more joyful life.
 
Helpful scripture references are inserted throughout the text, and I was pleased to see many of my own personal favorite verses included. Many Biblical stories and truths are related in an effort to bring to life the example Jesus set while he was living and ministering on Earth.
 
Perhaps my favorite part of the book was the S.T.O.P. devotional at the end of each chapter. Scripture, Thanksgiving, Observation, and Prayer notes are provided in order to guide individuals on their journey toward Fresh Joy. I have added my copy of the book to my set of devotional books that I regularly read and study along with my Bible.
 
I highly recommend this book for anyone who is looking for practical ways to add more joy to their life even if they are not 'in the midst of loss, hardship and suffering' as the sub-title says.
 
I received a paperback copy of this book from the author through Interviews & Reviews. The opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.

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Reviewer: Kandace Perry

Fresh Joy by Heidi McLaughlin is uplifting and refreshing. It is filled with raw honesty about the pain and hardships of life mixed with discovering joy in the small moments of day-to-day life.

Fresh Joy was such an encouragement to my spirit, reminding me that life can be fulfilling in all sorts of unexpected ways. Heidi reminds us through her personal experiences how important relationships are; relationships with family, with friends and above all else, our Lord Jesus Christ.

Fresh Joy is a wonderful book about love and healing, and that it's okay to just take time...to rest, to reflect, to heal, to simply enjoy a moment.

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Reviewer: Laura J. Davis

Fresh Joy by Heidi McLaughlin is something the entire world desperately needs right now. And this reader needed it more than she thought.

​With great insight, vulnerability, and honesty, Heidi wastes no time sharing how desperate she was to find her joy again after her second husband's sudden and tragic death. With a determined spirit, she fought through her PTSD and grief and found a way to find God's joy during it all. With practical lessons and applications, Heidi helps you find that "Fresh Joy" amid loss, hardship and suffering.

As someone who has endured sickness for the last 20 years, I will admit that "finding joy" has been a struggle. When each day seems to run into the next with no hope of it ever changing, you gradually lose whatever joy you thought you had. I didn't realize I had become so morose in my thoughts until I started reading Heidi's books. I want the kind of joy she talks about back in my life again.

With a time to S.T.O.P. (Scripture, Thanksgiving, Observation and Prayer) at the end of each chapter, you will find time to reflect and put into practice what you learn.

​If you long to find the joy of the Lord in your life again, I highly recommend picking up Heidi's book. 

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