Champagne for the Soul: An Experiment in Joy

First time through it was sort of like reading Greek. I just had great difficulty grasping the concepts. I put it down for six months and picked it up again at the beginning. For some reason, it resonated with me and has since. Sadly, I am sure there is more than one evangelical that won't touch it because "champagne" is in the title. Their loss.

This is a very easy to read, practical book on joy. Joy and happiness are not hidden things, but can be experienced daily, as the writer of this book shares. This book has helped me to realize that I don't have to search for happiness as I have done previously in my life. As the author shared his practical experiences of daily joy, I have identified similar events in my life that I realized were moments of happiness. As I practice looking for the happiness that already exists in my life, I am more aware of what's been there all along for me--gifts of happiness from God.

The book is wonderful! It's just like a delicious taste of champagne that really fills you with joy. When I feel down I go pick up this book for a quick "pick-me-up" as the chapters are short and "just enough". I am so in love with this book and I would highly recommend it.

I started reading this book like I do most books - by devouring it. But its too good! I had to go back, re-read and savor each chapter like a really good meal. I found myself discussing the chapters with friends and sharing our thoughts and desire to live a life of Joy - the only true joy - from Jesus! I recommend this book to anyone tired of striving to be joyful day to day - it is changing my life and the lives of those closest to me.

As a pastor in California, I have just completed a two-week series on joy, and much inspiration came from this book by Mike Mason, who continues to be a personal favorite. Now my congregation loves him, too! We are a group of people who have been greatly touched by the Father's relentless love for us. Champagne for the Soul was a superb reminder that there is more still--and one of the next great things God has for us is joy. We have doubled our blessing, then, by pressing in for love and for joy. Thank you, Habakkuk, and thank you, Mike Mason, for reminding us of Habakkuk, who, when surrounded by trouble, chose joy.