Lightposts for Living: The Art of Choosing a Joyful Life

by Thomas Kinkade

An inspirational message from one of America's most popular living artists discusses eighteen simple tenets that can transform lives and build the core spiritual and family values of simplicity and light

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Inspirational, Self Help

256 pages, Hardcover

First published February 26, 1999

About the author

Thomas Kinkade was known as the "Painter of Light." His works, although spurned by the secular art establishment, were very popular with Christians and many others.

Reviews

[T. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I stole this book from my mother when I was younger. No, wait, don't say it. Let me: of all the books that you can steal, right? But I was into a lot of new age stuff back then. I sought help even before I needed it. Maybe why it's backfired. But here's a snippet I try to remember each day of my life, even when I fancy myself a cynic:

"Here is a simple revelation that is brining me a lot of freedom: There is enough time...I am discovering that I have exactly the right number of hours and minutes and seconds to accomplish and do everything I need to do in my lifetime." -- Claire Coninger

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful and creative way of explaining how to choose a joyful life. Very inspiring.

[Cheryle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I used this book as my daily devotional readings. There are many points that I found good, but in the back of my mind I could not justify what he was writing to the reality that he had committed suicide and thus negated much of what he was espousing. I love his paintings and have several prints that I still enjoy but the reality of his life spoiled the effect this book should have had for me.
"Lightposts for Living" is a guide to the primary, life-affirming values expressed in his paintings: home, family, faith in God, the beauty of nature, and the joy of a simpler way of living.The chapters of "Lightposts for Living" serve like old-fashioned lightposts leading down a weathered walkway. Each illuminates fundamental choices that will enrich your days and keep you safely on the path. And from first to last, each one illuminates the thoughtful decisions, positive changes, and simplifying options inot hours filled with serenity, accomplishment, and wonder.

"Lightposts for Living" is a sincere gift from the heart, allowing you to walk the path lit by Kinkade's vision of how good life can be: a vistsa shimmering with sunlight breaking through clouds, the promise of romance, and wonderful adventures waiting just beyond an open gate...

[Mary Kenyon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I discovered this book among my mother's things after her death in 2010, and although I tried to read it shortly after, I just wasn't getting anything out of it so I gave it to my sister. Recently, however, I felt like I should read it, so I asked if I could borrow it back for a while. By the end of the book, I was crying. His message was the same as the message of faith that my mother lived her whole life. She utilized her inherent creativity in everything she did, and never forgot where that talent came from. I took six pages of notes as I read, and was so moved by the book, I immediately searched for a way to reach the author, only to discover he'd died just a couple of weeks after my husband had died in 2012. Thinking I would reach out to his wife, I discovered they'd separated only the year before. Apparently, this talented artist was fighting a few demons of his own. I'll be reading more of his non-fiction.

[Laura-Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

NOT a book of Kinkade's paintings (although there are some in it) It actually is a book about keeping romance alive, whether in your marriage or in just appreciating your everyday life. I instigated several of his suggestions in my real life and it helped me to approach life with a better attitude and less focused on life as something to ENDURE and more as an ADVENTURE.
However, it would mean more if Kinkade hadn't abandoned his wife of SO many years just before his death. But the stuff in the book I did worked good for me when I applied them so I will recommend this book to you.
Sincerely, Laura-Lee 🙋🏻‍♀️✝🇨🇦❤

[Lesa Dyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this years ago and still recall it being helpful in changing my attitude I had developed in life.

[Vicky · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Thomas Kinkade's art work. I want to live in the houses and towns he depicts in his paintings. So I picked up this book. I love inspirational books. This one was pretty good. I loved his topics, such as creativity, letting one's light shine, gratitude, and abundance. I have to admit that I got a little tired of hearing about his painting techniques. I would give the book a 3.5 of 5 stars even though I felt some of the writing seemed a little choppy.
I made the mistake of reading about him and discovered his problems with some of his business practices and his dark side. I was surprised to find he had another woman in his life. The way he wrote about his wife Nanette in the book made it sound like they were going to stay together for ever. I think learning all this kind of jaded my image of him and that may have affected my thoughts on the book.

[Rehanna Neace · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. There are a lot of inspirational words and good tips to have more joyful living.
I am so sad about how Thomas Kinkade’s life ended. I looked it up about 75% of the way through the book and struggled with it for awhile.
It sounds like things took a turn for the worse in his life, but with the way this book was written, I’d say for most of his life he had a life well lived.

[Chele Denney]

“Your life can radiate the kind of light that truly makes a difference in the world….If enough people filled their lives with light, the world would be a pretty bright place. But if even one person lives more radiantly and joyfully, the world will still be brighter than it was!” Inspiring! ✨

[Leann Mclendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a wonderful book and full of great advice/tips

[Charissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

An uplifting, inspiring read with Kinkade's beautiful artwork sprinkled throughout!

[Pat · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a gift from my Mom. I would not have bought it for myself. However, I am glad I own it. Kind of a self-help book. At first as I read his words on the art of choosing a joyful life, I coudn't help thinking "that's easy for you to say, considering your life circumstances. How about the poor and those hurt by personal tragedies?" As I went deeper into the chapters, I saw that he does look at life from more than just his own perspective. He even points out that he realizes that it is harder for some than for others. He makes some good points on how to live joyfully. Takes awhile to read because he delves deeply into each point. Of course, there are some wonderful pictures within.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just happened upon this book on a "featured" table at the library. I knew I loved his art, but I didn't even know he wrote books. What a great little gem of a book. I agreed with everything he said, and was very uplifted. Which is a good thing come Feb in Idaho! I was amazed that even though he is a Christian, but not of my faith, him and wife still fasted once a month (water and juice only), which is something my church does each month as well (no liquids though). His attitude on that made me want to have a better attitude when I also fast monthly.
I loved this so much I went and added a lot of his books to my to-read list.

[Rosa Cline · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 star
This was kind of a devotional-living a better life kind of book. I give it three stars simply because he seemed to go on and on and on once he made a 'point'; his chapters could have been cut in thirds and would have been much better. By the time I got half way through the book and half way through a chapter I started scanning the last half of the chapter because most of the time it was just stretching what he had already said. He made some really good points but seemed to 'beat a dead horse'...

But I DO give it 5 star for him including his paintings as illustrations throughout the book. Beautiful work he does.

[Kim Francescon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the one book that has stayed on my book shelf for 13 years! I was truly inspired by this book! I bought it for multiple people after reading it. As many others had mentioned, I too was surprised when I stumbled upon this book that Thomas was a writer, as well as, an artist. I felt sorry for him when I learned that he was going through tough times. He had the gift to share the light and inspiration with others yet, was hurting within. Lets remember all the beauty he brought to so many. RIP Thomas Kincade.~ KF

[May · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miraculous book!

Thomas Kinkade expresses every chapter with great examples and lets his readers know how he applies it to his life as well. I admire his writing, very discriptive, fresh, and articulate-- oh yes, and the beautiful paintings in the book had made me picture myself in it, making it more tranquilizing and relaxing to read. After I had finished the book, I actually tried researching about him and saw that he just recently passed away at age 55 (last year 2012). Rest in Peace Thomas Kinkade!

[Kaitlin Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book changed my life. It was instrumental in adjusting the lenses I've been wearing so long. I thank God for strategically placing this book in my hands when He did. He spoke to me so much through the words. Encouraged me so much. Cheered me on with every turn of the page. Praise and glory be to God - nothing is a coincidence. Not even picking up a book by my favorite artist at a secondhand store.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I do like some of Thomas Kinkade's art, this book is not among my favorites. He does give some good advice for living with joy, but it was a bit too "warm and fuzzy" for me at this time. Maybe it was just my mood when I read this book.

[Bonita Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

my bible for living for the longest time! this book is full of valuable lessons... so so good.

[Addie · Rating 5 out of 5]

aN INSPIRING BOOK ON THE JOY WE CAN HAVE NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Joseph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great really surprised me.