The Essence Of Joy: An Uncovering of Its True Meaning

Review “This book, The Essence of Joy, by my friend, Shirley Kelly, is not only important for understanding the difference between joy and happiness but for understanding how life changing that difference can be.  I encourage you to take every word of this book to heart and allow it to awaken your spirit, revive your faith and give you a new life filled with God’s love and endless joy.” -Victoria Osteen Co-Pastor, Lakewood Church Houston, Texas  “How do I find joy?” - It’s a question we all ask at some point in our lives, often preceding an understanding of the unfailing love of God and its power to change us. In Shirley’s new book, The Essence of Joy, you’ll find a roadmap designed to unleash the power of the Holy Spirit in your life through the fruit of the Spirit, joy. Building a solid biblical foundation that establishes an understanding of Christ’s loving nature, this easy to follow 21-day guide walks you through the channels of joy as God designed them. Her stories will help you tap into the innumerable, continual source of joy that you have access to through the power of the Holy Spirit.  If you’ve ever asked yourself, “What is joy and how do I experience it in my life?” Shirley’s book is for you!” -Craig Keeland President, CK Companies Plano, Texas  “Vibrant and on-target to rally hearts, Shirley’s new book has the passionate hallmark I’ve known to be true of all her ministry.  “The Essence of Joy” is clear, sparkling, & LIFE-lifting thru Love!”-Rev. Lee Andrews, Founder & Director Make Love Your Aim Ministries, Houston, Texas  “In Shirley’s book, you will find sound Biblical teaching, life lessons learned from an anointed author (sprinkled with humor) and ultimately, you will find a practical guide to the source and unlimited supply of pure joy! I am so thankful for the pages of wisdom in this book that so clearly define what TRUE JOY really is.” -Sarah Ridgeway Women’s Ministry Development Coordinator Lakewood Church Houston, Texas  “Shirley Kelly is able to take the often-misunderstood topic of joy and explain it in a way that makes all of us want to embrace it. Her careful teaching of the Scripture and use of personal experiences will inspire you.” -Ron & Nina Sebesta Senior Pastors The Light at Mission Viejo Santa Fe, NM  “The Essence of Joy unveils the origin and nature of true joy in a way that is insightful, relatable and thought provoking.  The combination of scriptures and anecdotes Shirley has chosen, teach the reader that true joy is obtainable in any life circumstance.  Her insight reveals God’s intentionality and proves that hope and joy can be found in the realization of His providential care, provision and blessings for those who put their trust in Him.” -Adrienne M. Bridges, Entrepreneur & Christian Speaker, Houston, Texas   Having known and followed the leading of the Lord Jesus for over forty years, I have discovered true joy. Attaining to the precepts and concepts of joy will bring a calmness of mind and heart; a hope, contentment, and confidence you never had before. One of the many facets of the Holy Spirit is joy. How beautiful is the fact that when the character and nature of God are alive in a believer, there is no spiritual law that can be binding upon that person?  When you are walking in the Spirit, you will not allow the flesh to dictate what you do! You are truly walking in the freedom Jesus promised you. Maybe you have questions like I did: So, what exactly is JOY? Where is its origin? What does it encompass? How is it expressed? How can I make it mine? You can find those answers and more as you delve into the following pages of this book and learn how to experience joy in your life. Why twenty-one chapters? Experts say it takes twenty-one days to form a new habit. By reading one chapter a day for the next twenty-one days, you will form a new opinion of the definition of the word joy based on the truth of God's Word. And, with that understanding, you wil