Welcome Home: Our Family's Journey to Extreme Joy

Personal tragedy-and-triumph stories seldom hold my attention. They seem to border on either the sensational or the redundant. The sheer magnitude of a family's struggles as revealed in this book is its "holding factor", the draw that will keep you reading, turning pages, and alternately crying, laughing or cheering each single member on through those few trial-packed years from page one to the end. This book takes us on a journey with a family much like yours, like mine. But the Woodhouse family has been on a very different journey almost from the start, one unlike either yours or mine, and one that likely reduces ours to a picnic in the park by comparsion. While reading this I promised myself I would never complain again. I was blest to have Kim write the foreword for my new book, and now I'm thankful I've been able to read hers. It has given me an amazing appreciation for both her, her family, and our mutual God. Please find the time to be inspired; read this book.

If I could figure out a way to give this book TEN stars, I would do so. I guess five will have to do. Let me start by saying I thought I knew Kim. I've "known" her through American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) for years. I've "known" her as the recipient of my thoughts, love and prayers. I've "known" her from watching her story unfold on Extreme Home Makeover (and on Mystery Diagnosis on the Health Channel). I've "known" her as a mom who came to my local writing group to share the story of her daughter's rare health disorder and their struggles and victories. But I have to be honest. Until reading this book, I did not know Kim Woodhouse at all. To know someone, you have to walk with him/her, hand-in-hand, through life's ups and downs. Now that I've read this book, I feel that I have. I've cried with Kim as she received the difficult diagnoses for her children. I've traveled with her from state to state, house to house, looking for a "cool" place to stay. I've hoped, dreamed, wished and cared. . .about all of the things she hoped, dreamed, wished and cared about. Most of all, I've been given a rare glimpse into her spirit, where the real story lies. My faith has been increased as a result of reading this book. In fact, I can't wait to buy another copy to give to a loved one who's going through a trial so that her faith can be increased, too. Instead of going on and on and on about this book (which I could do), I will simply say, "If you're going through a difficult time and need a resurgence of hope. . .read this book." It will be the shot in the arm you've been needing. For in this book you will find the one true answer, the source of hope. Oh, and one more thing. I've come away from the book with a new appreciation for James 1:2: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds." I've been marching around my house with those words on my lips. May they forever remain!

I am primarily a pleasure/escapist reader. I love a story that takes me out of my life and transport me to another. Most of my book selections are based on how far it will take my from my own world, but occasionally, I read a book that causes me to look at my life in a different light. Welcome Home is one of those books. I haven't been gut-checked this hard since I read The Hole in the Gospel by Richard Sterns. The tagline to this book is "Our Family's Journey to Extreme Joy." Extreme is a perfect word to describe this journey. The Woodhouse family's story in this book drives home the point that bad things happen to godly people, but God is able to sustain them through them all. I think that is greatest message I gained from this book. As I read this book, I thought to myself, I don't know if I could have handled all that. And Woodhouse makes it clear that she didn't think she could either. But the book is full of examples of God's ability to take care of His children. The second greatest message of the book, for me, was that I need to stop whining about the challenges in my life. No, I don't have as many challenges as the Woodhouse family did, but I serve the same God. If God brought them through (and continues to do so), then He is able to handle my problems. If you find yourself whining about the problems you have in your life, then this book is for you. It is a wonderful perspective change and it will show you how the possibility of having real, practical joy in your life.

Every now and then I come across a book that touches my heart. As I read such a book, I find myself laughing and crying as if I am part of the story. Kim Woodhouse's book is that kind of book. I knew a good bit about the story of this family before I opened the book. However, nothing prepared me for the faith and joy woven into every page of this book. This family has suffered a vast array of trials and tribulations, but I never found myself feeling pity for them. While I felt like they certainly deserved a break, I witnessed a family that truly grew stronger in their faith and love for each other through trials. The Woodhouse family has learned to 'count it all joy' whether they are in good times or bad. As a long time fan of the show Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, I was moved by the story of the Woodhouse family getting their home. It also inspired me to know that the staff of the show is as sincere and dedicated as they appear on TV. This book is a must read for everyone. Buy it now, read it tomorrow. You'll not be disappointed. Then, the next time you find yourself in a difficult situation you may decide to 'count it all joy' as the Woodhouse family does.

I loved this book so much that I wish every family in America could read it. I believe the Woodhouse Family's story will set hope deep in the hearts of everyone who reads it. Be sure to check out Kim's site [...] and pick up a copy of this book wherever books are sold. This is an amazing family who overcame trial after trial. Parents who wouldn't give up until doctors found a diagnosis for their daughter. This family and their story was truly an inspiration and a stellar example of people who have taken both the hard things as well as the honored things that life has given them and their family and humbly allowed God to use all of it for the noble purpose of reaching out to others and imparting true joy of the lasting kind. This book would also make a WONDERFUL gift for anyone in your life who is struggling to maintain joy in the midst of struggle. If you are in need of encouragemnt and inspiration, don't miss it! Cheryl Wyatt