Laugh Again

Rating:
Summary: Laugh and Enjoy Life!
Review: A person who experiences joy is not one who has an absence of troubles, but one who has learned to live abundantly in spite of circumstances. Swindoll tells us life was meant to be enjoyed, not merely endured. He advises us not to let circumstances control our emotions. On page 19 he writes "There is nothing better than a joyful attitude when we face the challenges life throws at us." We told to laugh in spite of, not because of circumstances. He tells us to relish the moment. Live life in the now.
The confidence such people have is based in God. They trust His love, His sovereignty, His plan, although they may not see what the future holds.
The apostle Paul is a role model of living a life of this nature. Swindoll says Paul drained every drop of joy out of every day (p. 27).
Chapter two tells us that joy is a choice we make. It is a decision made from our own free will.
Chapter three sells us on this joyful way to live. We're told to regularly deposit the right kind of emotions in our internal bank (p. 51).
This book is full of positive, solid, Scriptural principles for how to live the life Jesus intended His followers to live.
It is a powerfully strong book.

Rating:
Summary: Pleeeeeease, Don't Take Yourself So Seriously!
Review: Swindoll has written an excellent book encouraging the reader to not take him/herself so seriously that all joy is gone from life.

The book is a refreshing change from the excellent and decidedly more serious titles Swindoll has written in the past.

Each of the 14 chapters contains biblical admonitions to not be so stressed out on life and to realize the joy you can have in Jesus Christ. While life has challenges, Swindoll encourages us to not look like we have been sucking lemons or tasting vinegar all day!

Read and be encouraged to learn to just chill every so often!



Rating:
Summary: All the references in Phillipians are changed to laughter
Review: This book is a prime example of how an able Bible expositor can sometimes rework a scripture text in order to make it say what he wants it to say. Swindoll does this throughout his book LAUGH AGAIN, which is a loose exposition of the book of Philippians. He substitutes the word `laughter' for `joy' and transforms the book of Philippians into a message that helps us to laugh about life. His application of the first eleven verses of Phillipians 1 is that we begin to laugh again when we place our full confidence in God (p. 44, large print edition). Moreover, his title for the chapter on Philippians 2:12-18 is "While Laughing, Keep your Balance." When Swindoll is determined to teach something that isn't in the text, his exposition tends to go awry, and that is exactly what happens in this book.

Dr. Swindoll would have been farther ahead to write a book about experiencing more joy in your life and letting Philippians speak for itself. Not only would joy have been a relevant topic of discussion, but this approach would have modeled for his readers how to handle scripture. I do not recommend this book, but Swindoll has written other books that I do recommend heartily, including his GROWING DEEP IN THE CHRISTIAN LIFE and his book PAUL from the stories of great lives series.

Rating:
Summary: laugh again/experience outrageous joy
Review: This is probably the best study of the book of Phillipians that I have ever read. It's easy to follow, brings out a perspective that is unique and insightful, and it speaks on a subject sorely needed in today's stressed-out world. Laugh Again is truly a self-help book good for the new millenium regardless of the original publishing date. Buy it for anyone you think needs some Outrageous Joy!

Rating:
Summary: laugh again/experience outrageous joy
Review: This is probably the best study of the book of Phillipians that I have ever read. It's easy to follow, brings out a perspective that is unique and insightful, and it speaks on a subject sorely needed in today's stressed-out world. Laugh Again is truly a self-help book good for the new millenium regardless of the original publishing date. Buy it for anyone you think needs some Outrageous Joy!