Dr. Catherine Hart Weber’s latest release, 
Flourish: Discover the Daily Joy of Abundant, Vibrant Living offers women the tools necessary to move from a life of mere existence. She ushers us away from the fast-paced, no-time-for-me kind of life and implores us to take time to really examine our livelihood. Does it reflect the abundant life Christ came to give us as believers? In Flourish, Dr. Weber uses a Biblical centered psychological approach in teaching readers how to lay hold of more joy, peace, hope and fruitful relationships.
I found that the book was a slow read for me. Not because it was uninformative or disinteresting but rather the questions for reflection and other practical advice contained in the book made me want to take my time in digesting the material. Although the book is specifically stated to be for women, I think anyone could benefit from not just reading the book but applying it.
What I like about the book:
- provides practical exercises to apply the truths discussed
- combines Biblical truth with medical research without being overly technical
Quotes I liked:
Did you know that you can actually spread and catch the emotions of the people around you, like you can catch a cold?
Couldn’t we all think of someone, who has a way of letting the air out of our good day, when they come around coughing out complaints and criticisms?
Overindulging yourself in what may seem temporarily pleasurable can lead to unhappiness.
In current evangelical Christian life, often the opportunity to go deeper with God in the dark moments of our life is missed, mainly because people too quickly run away from dark times and try to grab hold of surface joys and comforts.
DISCLOSURE: I was provided an advance reading copy for review purposes by Bethany House Publishers. The views and opinions expressed are my own.
I'm getting a rare indulgence right now: Up early, so I'm reading Blogs with a coffee while the baby sleeps, and having a delightful time!
Will, I can imagine with a little one it's not one that you have much opportunity to overindulge in so enjoy 🙂
Complaints and criticism…like having a doctor repeatedly tell you what is wrong without ever offering a solution. Will make any day or diagnosis worse.
Sounds like a good one, Wanda. I like what Bluebutterfly wrote…so very true. I can so see how sometimes we are tempted to grab on to surface joys while experiencing dark times of trials. It's the "get me outta here" syndrome of human nature. But true joy runs way deeper. Thanks for sharing and for stopping by too.
Sounds lovely and encouraging, Wanda. Thanks!
Wanda,
This sounds like a really good book. Have to go check it out. I really liked the final quote – how true. I often find myself trying to AVOID difficult times. I want God to FIX the circumstances, instead of TRANSFORMING me. I want my version of peace (freedom from anxiety) instead of His (total trust and rest in His wisdom and His ways…)
Thanks for sharing – GOD BLESS!
Thanks for sharing; Yes, over indulgences in chocolate results in not being happy with my hips! lol
Sounds like a great soul searching read~ xXx