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Simple Secrets to a Happy Life
"Everyone falls in love with Luci. Everyone reads one of her books and wants to know this woman personally. Everyone feels that sweet sense of connection, where it seems that she is sharing from her plainest, deepest self, and seeing into yours . . . She's the world's soul mate." -Anne Lamott Is it possible to stay full of life, laughter, love, and the Lord through eight decades in this crazy world? Is that even realistic? Yes! There is hope, and Luci Swindoll is living proof. With heart and humor, this best-selling author and beloved speaker lays out the truths that can help us all become a little more creative, organized, healthy, and happy. This is not a complex prescription for how to become superwoman. These are simple secrets, the wisdom produced by years of walking with God and living well. We don't need more tips for "having it all," but we could all use insight on "having what matters ," and there is no better guide than Luci Swindoll.
Luci has spent eight decades accumulating the stories, memories, verses, and practical tips that make up Simple Secrets to a Happy Life . Whether traveling the world or building life-long friendships, singing in the opera or working for Mobil Oil, every step has taught her a little more about how to love God, love her neighbor, and love herself. The result is both personal and universal. Organized into fifty short chapters, her reflections form a simple and profound outline for making the most of the lives God has given us. We could all use a little more joy in our lives, which means we could all use a little more Luci. Visit her through these snapshots of wisdom. You'll find yourself drawn back again and again.
Luci has spent eight decades accumulating the stories, memories, verses, and practical tips that make up Simple Secrets to a Happy Life . Whether traveling the world or building life-long friendships, singing in the opera or working for Mobil Oil, every step has taught her a little more about how to love God, love her neighbor, and love herself. The result is both personal and universal. Organized into fifty short chapters, her reflections form a simple and profound outline for making the most of the lives God has given us. We could all use a little more joy in our lives, which means we could all use a little more Luci. Visit her through these snapshots of wisdom. You'll find yourself drawn back again and again.
- GenresChristianSpirituality
208 pages, Hardcover
First published March 13, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
April 22, 2012
In the Christian World, I don’t think no one has ever heard of Chuck Swindoll, but his sister Luci can stand on her own for writing
books that will elevate you and inspire you.
This is one of them.
Indeed, Luci shares a simple secret.
Happiness is not having it all.
In this book, she shares 50 chapters to get you in the right direction and it is brought upon years of experience.
She has a zest for life and she encourages you to take an adventure, to live a life of purpose. She shows 50 different ways to make the most of everyday and mind you this is not just applicable to most western countries. It’s message is universal.
It is something you wanted to give as a gift, something that you want to read over and over again. She has this gift for words, she shares stories, verses and that thing I like reading the most: PRACTICAL TIPS!
Each chapters are a surprising delight and written especially for women who wants to have a more balance life. There are some chapters which you can apply in real life, but this book doesn’t not guarantee that you will find true happiness rather find happiness in the most simple things. In her own words or opinions, she shares us how to get organized, be creative, how to be kinder to others among other things.
books that will elevate you and inspire you.
This is one of them.
Indeed, Luci shares a simple secret.
Happiness is not having it all.
In this book, she shares 50 chapters to get you in the right direction and it is brought upon years of experience.
She has a zest for life and she encourages you to take an adventure, to live a life of purpose. She shows 50 different ways to make the most of everyday and mind you this is not just applicable to most western countries. It’s message is universal.
It is something you wanted to give as a gift, something that you want to read over and over again. She has this gift for words, she shares stories, verses and that thing I like reading the most: PRACTICAL TIPS!
Each chapters are a surprising delight and written especially for women who wants to have a more balance life. There are some chapters which you can apply in real life, but this book doesn’t not guarantee that you will find true happiness rather find happiness in the most simple things. In her own words or opinions, she shares us how to get organized, be creative, how to be kinder to others among other things.
October 21, 2025
2.5 stars. This book was okay. Definitely some things in here that made me think. However, the book overall was very shallow. It was made worse by the fact that the author chose to use “the Message” as her Bible translation of choice.
April 5, 2012
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Luci Swindoll simple secrets to a happy life ~*~ 50 ways to make the most of every day
Luci Swindoll shares simple pleasures in a "complication" world. Not out there ~*~ but where I live. Do I complicate the journey, by keeping on heavy winter boots when I could be putting on spring waders to walk in the puddles that will surely come? When I was a young woman, I remember running down the sidewalk barefoot to get a quart of milk at the grocer on the corner. The response to me was, "We know you enjoyed every minute of being in the rain, with an excuse of being out of milk!"
Yes, that would describe me. I love fun, adventure, and indeed, simple pleasures, not complicated as I could make them. So, definitely, I was drawn to this title by Luci Swindoll, simple secrets to a happy life. I have had the blessing of being at a conference where Luci Swindoll spoke. I love her sense of humor and her timing! I had taken three of her books that I loved and had the pages marked that especially delighted me, saying, "Will you please sign here?"... and to my next little bookmark, "and here, and here, please?" And... she did.
Simple secrets to a happy life is so full of treasures. I could not hurriedly read this one, as is practical with all of her books, because of the wisdom and care in them. This is tried and true advice of one who has experienced life and enjoyed every moment of choosing to live as the Lord has provided for us.
Practical, attainable insight to what we can do and be to enjoy a happy life. Fifty times three equals 150 pages of snippets of a life well-lived and being lived. If you have ever wanted an older sister to help you along, in your quiet talks together, you may borrow Luci. Each topic is kept to three pages. So very full in three short pages. There are five sections; Beginning with the Basics, Developing Your Style, Achieving Balance, Living a Good Life, and Staying Connected, with ten topics within each section. I thoroughly enjoyed it and will be reading it again more than once. There are notes on journaling, which I especially liked; letting others know you care in practical ways; treating yourself well to stay well; and experiencing God fully. Actively valuing God, others, self; a practical partaker in all of your life.
Thank you, BookSneeze, for providing a copy to me for this review in my own words. I am reminded of Colossians 2:2-3, "My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." Thank you, Luci Swindoll, for your simple secrets to a happy life of looking beyond ourselves, sharing who we are, truly listening to others, and the reminder to make scrumptious meals just for ourselves!
Luci Swindoll simple secrets to a happy life ~*~ 50 ways to make the most of every day
Luci Swindoll shares simple pleasures in a "complication" world. Not out there ~*~ but where I live. Do I complicate the journey, by keeping on heavy winter boots when I could be putting on spring waders to walk in the puddles that will surely come? When I was a young woman, I remember running down the sidewalk barefoot to get a quart of milk at the grocer on the corner. The response to me was, "We know you enjoyed every minute of being in the rain, with an excuse of being out of milk!"
Yes, that would describe me. I love fun, adventure, and indeed, simple pleasures, not complicated as I could make them. So, definitely, I was drawn to this title by Luci Swindoll, simple secrets to a happy life. I have had the blessing of being at a conference where Luci Swindoll spoke. I love her sense of humor and her timing! I had taken three of her books that I loved and had the pages marked that especially delighted me, saying, "Will you please sign here?"... and to my next little bookmark, "and here, and here, please?" And... she did.
Simple secrets to a happy life is so full of treasures. I could not hurriedly read this one, as is practical with all of her books, because of the wisdom and care in them. This is tried and true advice of one who has experienced life and enjoyed every moment of choosing to live as the Lord has provided for us.
Practical, attainable insight to what we can do and be to enjoy a happy life. Fifty times three equals 150 pages of snippets of a life well-lived and being lived. If you have ever wanted an older sister to help you along, in your quiet talks together, you may borrow Luci. Each topic is kept to three pages. So very full in three short pages. There are five sections; Beginning with the Basics, Developing Your Style, Achieving Balance, Living a Good Life, and Staying Connected, with ten topics within each section. I thoroughly enjoyed it and will be reading it again more than once. There are notes on journaling, which I especially liked; letting others know you care in practical ways; treating yourself well to stay well; and experiencing God fully. Actively valuing God, others, self; a practical partaker in all of your life.
Thank you, BookSneeze, for providing a copy to me for this review in my own words. I am reminded of Colossians 2:2-3, "My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." Thank you, Luci Swindoll, for your simple secrets to a happy life of looking beyond ourselves, sharing who we are, truly listening to others, and the reminder to make scrumptious meals just for ourselves!
March 29, 2012
Luci Swindoll gives you motherly advice on how to have a happy life. In 50 short chapters, Swindoll passes on life's secrets to you.
Only, Luci Swindoll isn't a mother. And Luci Swindoll is telling you all the things a mother tells her children. None of this is revolutionary. Some of it is even counter productive. I'm not sure Miss Swindoll has much grounds to give anyone life advice. It seems her only qualification is that she has lived. I know this sounds harsh, and it is nothing agianst Miss Swindoll, I'm sure she's a swell woman. I'm just not sure what publisher thought this book was a good idea to publish.
Honestly, Luci lost me at number one. It was just bad advice, honestly. Chapter one was "honor your father and mother". The advice given might have been great for those that have relatively normal parents and normal circumstances. But it is downright terrible advice for those of you who have abusive, narcissistic, or sociopathic parents. Of course, Miss Swindoll cannot possible know all of our circumstances, but she comes at it from the angle of "knowing" someone with a difficult relationship with her horrible mother and he still honored her and she took the verbal abuse to take care of her. I think Miss Swindoll is downright wrong on this one. She claims you don't have to like them, but you should continue to honor and respect them. She doesn't mention abusive, manipulative, controlling parents who make your life miserable. (If you are dealing with parents of this type, try "Boundaries" by Cloud and Townsend and ignore Miss Swindoll's advice.
Luci goes one to talk about being on time, taking Jesus everywhere, keeping your work, reading your Bible everyday, value what you have, allow yourself to be sad, writing down important things, establishing integrity in your life, thinking before you speak, and so on. None of this is new. None of this is more than any of us have been told all our lives. Honestly, it seems like this book is Luci's baby. She's telling all the motherly advice in book form that she never got to personally share as a mother. I just can't see how this is helpful.
I really didn't like this book. This feel good, superficial, common-sense reading just isn't for me. Maybe there is an audience for this somewhere, it just isn't found in me.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
Only, Luci Swindoll isn't a mother. And Luci Swindoll is telling you all the things a mother tells her children. None of this is revolutionary. Some of it is even counter productive. I'm not sure Miss Swindoll has much grounds to give anyone life advice. It seems her only qualification is that she has lived. I know this sounds harsh, and it is nothing agianst Miss Swindoll, I'm sure she's a swell woman. I'm just not sure what publisher thought this book was a good idea to publish.
Honestly, Luci lost me at number one. It was just bad advice, honestly. Chapter one was "honor your father and mother". The advice given might have been great for those that have relatively normal parents and normal circumstances. But it is downright terrible advice for those of you who have abusive, narcissistic, or sociopathic parents. Of course, Miss Swindoll cannot possible know all of our circumstances, but she comes at it from the angle of "knowing" someone with a difficult relationship with her horrible mother and he still honored her and she took the verbal abuse to take care of her. I think Miss Swindoll is downright wrong on this one. She claims you don't have to like them, but you should continue to honor and respect them. She doesn't mention abusive, manipulative, controlling parents who make your life miserable. (If you are dealing with parents of this type, try "Boundaries" by Cloud and Townsend and ignore Miss Swindoll's advice.
Luci goes one to talk about being on time, taking Jesus everywhere, keeping your work, reading your Bible everyday, value what you have, allow yourself to be sad, writing down important things, establishing integrity in your life, thinking before you speak, and so on. None of this is new. None of this is more than any of us have been told all our lives. Honestly, it seems like this book is Luci's baby. She's telling all the motherly advice in book form that she never got to personally share as a mother. I just can't see how this is helpful.
I really didn't like this book. This feel good, superficial, common-sense reading just isn't for me. Maybe there is an audience for this somewhere, it just isn't found in me.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
September 17, 2012
Luci Swindoll begins her book by telling the reader that her mother would speak to her and her two brothers in five word sentences that began with a verb when she wanted her children to do something. I really like that. Kids can't remember a long list of things to do - keep it short and sweet!. One of Luci's favorite sayings of her mother is "Start with what you know." To this day, that is what Luci does, even in her 80s.
What she offers are not really secrets. They are common sense ideas that most people already know to do. She organized the simple secrets into 50 chapters of a book. Each of the chapter titles follow the pattern that her mother used, five word sentences starting with a verb - Look For Ways To Help, Thank Others For Their Efforts, and Read Your Bible Every Day, to name a few. Within each chapter, she gives an example from her life as to how she lives that simple secret.
Luci has several Bible verses scattered throughout the book. It's good that she uses the Bible but I don't care for the version she mostly used, The Message. It's wording is very different and to me not even saying the same thing as other versions of the Bible, such as the New International Version and King Version.
The cover of Simple Secrets To A Happy Life caught my eye. I couldn't wait to read it. But as I read through the book, I discovered that I didn't learn anything new.
Simple Secrets To A Happy Life would be a great read for someone looking for more organization or structure in their lives. I would recommend reading one chapter a day, more like a devotional, instead of reading the book start to finish. Luci's love for others and God shows through this book. If you enjoy uplifting personal stories you will like Simple Secrets To A Happy Life.
I received a free copy of this ebook from BookSneeze for my honest review.
What she offers are not really secrets. They are common sense ideas that most people already know to do. She organized the simple secrets into 50 chapters of a book. Each of the chapter titles follow the pattern that her mother used, five word sentences starting with a verb - Look For Ways To Help, Thank Others For Their Efforts, and Read Your Bible Every Day, to name a few. Within each chapter, she gives an example from her life as to how she lives that simple secret.
Luci has several Bible verses scattered throughout the book. It's good that she uses the Bible but I don't care for the version she mostly used, The Message. It's wording is very different and to me not even saying the same thing as other versions of the Bible, such as the New International Version and King Version.
The cover of Simple Secrets To A Happy Life caught my eye. I couldn't wait to read it. But as I read through the book, I discovered that I didn't learn anything new.
Simple Secrets To A Happy Life would be a great read for someone looking for more organization or structure in their lives. I would recommend reading one chapter a day, more like a devotional, instead of reading the book start to finish. Luci's love for others and God shows through this book. If you enjoy uplifting personal stories you will like Simple Secrets To A Happy Life.
I received a free copy of this ebook from BookSneeze for my honest review.
July 30, 2012
Simple Secrets to a Happy Life
by Luci Swindoll
Contentment, gratitude, generosity, faith, common sense, self-awareness and independence are just some of the themes in this inspirational book.
Swindoll’s writing style is warm, friendly, and encouraging. The stories she tells on herself make the book relatable to life, interesting, and authoritative. Sometimes they add humor. But more often than not they have an “ouch” quality that makes it easy to see why they have stuck with her and underline the important life-lesson they illustrate. For example, there was the time she got an invitation for breakfast from a co-worker, said she’d attend, but come Saturday morning simply stayed away. Later she discovered that her friend had anticipated her visit all week, prepared for it at length, and was deeply hurt by her no-show — told in Chapter Two: “Be On Time for Everything.”)
...Simple Secrets to a Happy Life would be good to read any time, but would be an especially great choice for when one is at one of life’s crossroads like graduation, starting a new career, marriage, retirement, or simply as preparation for making the next set of New Year’s Resolutions.
Excerpted from a review on Blogcritics.
I received this book as a gift from the publisher for the purpose of writing a review.
by Luci Swindoll
Contentment, gratitude, generosity, faith, common sense, self-awareness and independence are just some of the themes in this inspirational book.
Swindoll’s writing style is warm, friendly, and encouraging. The stories she tells on herself make the book relatable to life, interesting, and authoritative. Sometimes they add humor. But more often than not they have an “ouch” quality that makes it easy to see why they have stuck with her and underline the important life-lesson they illustrate. For example, there was the time she got an invitation for breakfast from a co-worker, said she’d attend, but come Saturday morning simply stayed away. Later she discovered that her friend had anticipated her visit all week, prepared for it at length, and was deeply hurt by her no-show — told in Chapter Two: “Be On Time for Everything.”)
...Simple Secrets to a Happy Life would be good to read any time, but would be an especially great choice for when one is at one of life’s crossroads like graduation, starting a new career, marriage, retirement, or simply as preparation for making the next set of New Year’s Resolutions.
Excerpted from a review on Blogcritics.
I received this book as a gift from the publisher for the purpose of writing a review.
March 27, 2012
This is a sweet, easy to read book on 50 things that can help improve the happiness of your life. I found most of them things I could do better and some I could start doing. A few I was on the fence about and may or may not try them in my life.
It was a hard book to put down since all the chapters were short and each led into the next. I think reading one a day would be a great way to really use this book to its fullest. That way you could bring that secret into your life during the day you read about it.
Being happy is a choice and I think that Luci makes that clear in the idea that you can improve your own happiness with a few simple steps and ideas. Make the choice to be happy, or make the choice to be miserable it really is up to each of us to decide how we will face each new day. I love the saying, “If Mama ain’t happy, ain’t no one happy.” So true in my life, I set the tone for my family each and every day. I would much rather set a happy tone for all seven of us to follow then an unhappy one.
Do you want to be happier? Who doesn’t? Give this book a try and I think that anyone can find something that they can use between its pages. Change is sometimes a good thing ;)
It was a hard book to put down since all the chapters were short and each led into the next. I think reading one a day would be a great way to really use this book to its fullest. That way you could bring that secret into your life during the day you read about it.
Being happy is a choice and I think that Luci makes that clear in the idea that you can improve your own happiness with a few simple steps and ideas. Make the choice to be happy, or make the choice to be miserable it really is up to each of us to decide how we will face each new day. I love the saying, “If Mama ain’t happy, ain’t no one happy.” So true in my life, I set the tone for my family each and every day. I would much rather set a happy tone for all seven of us to follow then an unhappy one.
Do you want to be happier? Who doesn’t? Give this book a try and I think that anyone can find something that they can use between its pages. Change is sometimes a good thing ;)
June 12, 2012
I could sum this review up in one sentence.
Everyone should not just own this book, but read it multiple times. Everyone!
I don't know Luci Swindoll, but I honestly felt like I was sitting on the front porch sipping iced tea, listening to her remind me of what's important in life. It seems that some of the Simple Secrets are things our parents tried to teach us as kids, and as adults we seem to forget or just let slide.
When I saw "50 ways to make the most of every day," I wasn't sure I could get through a book with 50 chapters. Especially when I thought I had a pretty happy life as it was. There may be fifty chapters, but there's only 158 pages. So, don't even think twice! Go pick up this book for yourself, and a friend. You'll both be glad you did!
This book IS a simple secret to a happy life.
Thank you Luci Swindoll!
I received a copy of this book from BookSneeze in exchange for my honest review. Thank you, BookSneeze!
June 1, 2012
The beauty of this book by Luci Swindoll is precisely its simplicity. In a modern world complicated by the impulse to be frantically busy and infinitely productive, Luci's wise voice reminds us to slow down and remember what is really important. Family is important. So is doing work that you love. Luci reminds us to laugh, to keep lists of what we've done and would like to do, to have hobbies, and to approach life with excitement. I'm glad for her perspective as one further down the road than I. Too many days I'm sucked into a false impression of life, spending too much time on social media or in deep theological reflection and not enough time with people. Luci is a vibrant example of the active, joyful life. I wanna be like her when I grow up!
**Special thanks to Thomas Nelson's Booksneeze program for providing this review copy in exchange for an honest review.**
**Special thanks to Thomas Nelson's Booksneeze program for providing this review copy in exchange for an honest review.**
May 19, 2012
I love Luci Swindoll. She has such joy and faith and she is wonderful in how she shares it with the reader. I always laugh when I read her books and I also learn a lot. Lucy takes the reader through five sections and fifty "simple secrets" for a happy life.
The five main sections are:
"Beginning with the Basics" (like honor your Father and Mother, etc)
"Developing Your Style"
"Achieving Balance"
"Living a Good Life"
"Staying Connected"
The five main sections are:
"Beginning with the Basics" (like honor your Father and Mother, etc)
"Developing Your Style"
"Achieving Balance"
"Living a Good Life"
"Staying Connected"
December 8, 2021
This was a great book, easy reading, but wonderful, rich advice. Luci knows how to tell it like it is with her warmth & wonderful sense of humor. I could read this book over & over.
June 14, 2018
I love Luci Swindoll! This book is packed with advice and makes me want to live a better life every day. I think I will come back to this little book over and over to keep learning from it and growing.
June 10, 2026
Luci Knew the Secrets
This is a great book if you want to learn how to have a happy life. These are things we often overlook or fail to do because we forget that it’s little things that matter.
This is a great book if you want to learn how to have a happy life. These are things we often overlook or fail to do because we forget that it’s little things that matter.
August 26, 2018
Every woman should read this book. Luci is right on to how to live a happy life.
December 18, 2019
First book I’ve read of Luci’s. Loved it! Simple, profound, and actionable.
June 4, 2020
nice story and learn new insight from this book
January 27, 2023
Read for Januarys buzz word.
August 22, 2023
Leitura agradável, conselhos excelentes
July 10, 2025
I love love love Luci Swindoll!! I could hear her narration my mind. It took me awhile, but this book is one to read just a snippet at a time. I loved it and highly recommend!
December 23, 2021
This book has been sitting on my to be reviewed shelf for a long time. I tried to read it when I first got it but it was too much self help so I shelved it. I decided I would try again and read it in small bits. Each chapter is only 3 or 4 pages so I would read a chapter whenever I had a few minutes - heating up lunch, while letting dishes soak, etc. I think that is actually the best way so that you can ruminate on each "secret" Swindoll shares before moving on to the next one. Read my full review at Girl Who Reads.
March 30, 2012
Written in short chapters headed by five simple words, "Simple Secrets to a happy life" by Kuci Swindoll is a short sweet reminder of some of life's simplest 'secrets'.
Written by a Christian for Christians, it however can be applied to anyone's life. You simply skip over the scriptures and accept the knowledge. For Christians, Swindoll quotes from the Bible showing different scriptures which show why these little anecdotes apply to your daily life.
I personally enyoued reading her personal stories which show why these particular 50 secrets have helped her live her life tot he fullest. Many of these 'secrets' are actually well known, yet we don't all follow them. Having them in one book is a great way on which to keep track of it within your life. This book personally couldn't have come at a better time for me, many of these things are coming up within my life right now and I am mediating on how to work them. I'm seeing them as a kick in the pants that I needed to get going on them. My copy of the book now has several tabs, and highlights of things I found to be pertinent.
Cons of the book: The very first chapter speaks to honoring your parents, which is a big Christian tenet, one which I ascribe to this day. But, as I was reading it the thought popped into my head " What if your parents aren't worth the air they breathe??" Some people shouldn't qualify to be human beings much less as parents. These people shouldn't be allowed back into your life especially if they have been verbally, physically or emotionally abusive to you or your family. They don't deserve to be 'honored' just so you can say you are being a good child. Swindoll who describes her home life as happy didn't make allowances for instances like this, perhaps because she herself has never experienced it. To reienforce her point she shared a story of a family friend who kept their mother who was abusive in their life .
Being a matyr shouldn't be required to prove you are a good human being, when someone is abusive, it's best to limit contact with them otherwise they would make it their mission to get back into control.
The other item I personally didn't like was her story in chapter 25 about the 'abusive' cub scout leader, 1) she didn't know if that was the cub scouts child, 2) as a non-parent discussing discipline techniques, I feel it's a no go because you haven't been there enough to know how or what works 3) it isn't abuse to give one tap to the head, I could see if the cub scout was beating this child down, but where did this belief come from that children are to only be coddled instead of disciplined?? Even if you don't agree with hitting children as a form of disciple, be careful what you term as 'abuse'.
Beyond this I personally enjoyed the book. It's a small easily accessible reminder to make life a whole lot simpler if we simply follow the known tenets that work instead of re-inventing the wheel.
Happy Reading
Written by a Christian for Christians, it however can be applied to anyone's life. You simply skip over the scriptures and accept the knowledge. For Christians, Swindoll quotes from the Bible showing different scriptures which show why these little anecdotes apply to your daily life.
I personally enyoued reading her personal stories which show why these particular 50 secrets have helped her live her life tot he fullest. Many of these 'secrets' are actually well known, yet we don't all follow them. Having them in one book is a great way on which to keep track of it within your life. This book personally couldn't have come at a better time for me, many of these things are coming up within my life right now and I am mediating on how to work them. I'm seeing them as a kick in the pants that I needed to get going on them. My copy of the book now has several tabs, and highlights of things I found to be pertinent.
Cons of the book: The very first chapter speaks to honoring your parents, which is a big Christian tenet, one which I ascribe to this day. But, as I was reading it the thought popped into my head " What if your parents aren't worth the air they breathe??" Some people shouldn't qualify to be human beings much less as parents. These people shouldn't be allowed back into your life especially if they have been verbally, physically or emotionally abusive to you or your family. They don't deserve to be 'honored' just so you can say you are being a good child. Swindoll who describes her home life as happy didn't make allowances for instances like this, perhaps because she herself has never experienced it. To reienforce her point she shared a story of a family friend who kept their mother who was abusive in their life .
Being a matyr shouldn't be required to prove you are a good human being, when someone is abusive, it's best to limit contact with them otherwise they would make it their mission to get back into control.
The other item I personally didn't like was her story in chapter 25 about the 'abusive' cub scout leader, 1) she didn't know if that was the cub scouts child, 2) as a non-parent discussing discipline techniques, I feel it's a no go because you haven't been there enough to know how or what works 3) it isn't abuse to give one tap to the head, I could see if the cub scout was beating this child down, but where did this belief come from that children are to only be coddled instead of disciplined?? Even if you don't agree with hitting children as a form of disciple, be careful what you term as 'abuse'.
Beyond this I personally enjoyed the book. It's a small easily accessible reminder to make life a whole lot simpler if we simply follow the known tenets that work instead of re-inventing the wheel.
Happy Reading
May 21, 2012
Do you have less than five minutes a day to dedicate to getting back to a simpler way of life? If so, then grab Luci Swindoll’s, Simple Secrets to a Happy Life – in it she gives fifty ways to make the most of everyday with simple to follow ideas. I think we all long for a simpler way – whether it’s just a day without electronics or just a day to sit and relax in the shade (no, I’m not a sun girl) – we all try to find the simple things.
You don’t have to read the whole book in one day, choose one or two bits of wisdom and focus on those each day, enjoy the book, savor it. It’s divided into five parts; Beginning with the Basics, Developing Your Style, Achieving Balance, Living a Good Life, and Staying Connected and within each of these parts are several smaller areas to focus on such as:
Honor Your Father and Mother
Take Jesus with You Everywhere
Decide What Is Not Neccessary
Figure it Out for Yourself
Trust Friends for the Truth
and many, many more
This is a book that you won’t read just once, but you might find yourself coming back to refresh your insight into the simple life or maybe just to once again remind yourself that the simple is within reach and not some far off dream that only the Amish can have. There are lots of great truths both Biblical and from life that speak to the reader if you really put your mind into it and try to implement at least some of these great ideas.
**Disclaimer: As a member of Booksneeze, I received this product, at no cost to me, in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are mine.
You don’t have to read the whole book in one day, choose one or two bits of wisdom and focus on those each day, enjoy the book, savor it. It’s divided into five parts; Beginning with the Basics, Developing Your Style, Achieving Balance, Living a Good Life, and Staying Connected and within each of these parts are several smaller areas to focus on such as:
Honor Your Father and Mother
Take Jesus with You Everywhere
Decide What Is Not Neccessary
Figure it Out for Yourself
Trust Friends for the Truth
and many, many more
This is a book that you won’t read just once, but you might find yourself coming back to refresh your insight into the simple life or maybe just to once again remind yourself that the simple is within reach and not some far off dream that only the Amish can have. There are lots of great truths both Biblical and from life that speak to the reader if you really put your mind into it and try to implement at least some of these great ideas.
**Disclaimer: As a member of Booksneeze, I received this product, at no cost to me, in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are mine.
January 14, 2013
simple secrets to a happy life by Luci Swindoll is a simple, straightforward list of 50 ways to make the most of every day, all with a biblical basis.
She starts with some basics like organizing your stuff and keeping your word. She also gives nine tips for achieving balance in your life.
What I loved about this book is that all 50 suggestions are phrased in simple, five word actions. Read Your Bible Every Day. Fight Resentment Before it Festers. Trust Friends for the Truth.
What I loved about this book is it was a quick read, but is easy to reference. The table of contents is divided to into five sections and fifty chapters. It is easy to flip to a specific section and reread the tip you need a refresher course on. Each chapter is short and sweet to help you start your day on the right foot or improve your mood during the day.
Most of the concepts are not new. In fact, many of them are common sense. This wasn't a life altering book, but we all sometimes need reminders to follow these basic principles.
*Booksneeze provided a review copy of this book. No other payment was received for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.
She starts with some basics like organizing your stuff and keeping your word. She also gives nine tips for achieving balance in your life.
What I loved about this book is that all 50 suggestions are phrased in simple, five word actions. Read Your Bible Every Day. Fight Resentment Before it Festers. Trust Friends for the Truth.
What I loved about this book is it was a quick read, but is easy to reference. The table of contents is divided to into five sections and fifty chapters. It is easy to flip to a specific section and reread the tip you need a refresher course on. Each chapter is short and sweet to help you start your day on the right foot or improve your mood during the day.
Most of the concepts are not new. In fact, many of them are common sense. This wasn't a life altering book, but we all sometimes need reminders to follow these basic principles.
*Booksneeze provided a review copy of this book. No other payment was received for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.
April 19, 2012
You can read my full review at Quieted Waters.
Luci Swindoll wrote this book to help readers live a happy life. She wrote 50 very short chapters, each no more than 3-4 pages long. Each chapter is something Swindoll considers a secret to a happy life, and some are more helpful than others.
Swindoll offers three types of secrets: (1) biblically-based principles that come straight from Scripture; (2) good ideas that are practical but not in the Bible (like, “Learn to Organize” or “Be on Time for Everything”); (3) secrets that have made Luci’s life happy but may not work for people of different personalities (like her suggestion to draw pictures of concepts you find difficult to understand). Even though she has a variety of topics, Swindoll writes like every secret is of equal importance.
April 13, 2012
Luci Swindoll, the sister of famous Chuck Swindoll, was the author of this christian book. I was a little surprised that it was actually considered a christian book because it's really more common sense and very similar to reading an advice column. If you are a very new housewife or mom then this might be a good book for you but I already knew everything in the book and wasn't really impressed. I feel that you should keep your $15.99 and use it for something else. I give this book 2 out of 5 stars.
June 20, 2016
Lots of great advice in easily digestible chunks. It earns 4 out of five stars from me.
Some will say much of this advice is "common sense." I would agree, but I would also add that there are significant insights in a hand full of these simple secrets that made the read worthwhile.
I was disappointed that I didn't laugh more often. I enjoy Swindoll's stage presence and her sense of humor and hoped to find those things infused in her writing.
Some will say much of this advice is "common sense." I would agree, but I would also add that there are significant insights in a hand full of these simple secrets that made the read worthwhile.
I was disappointed that I didn't laugh more often. I enjoy Swindoll's stage presence and her sense of humor and hoped to find those things infused in her writing.
May 29, 2012
Loved it
February 1, 2013
Check out my review below:
Debra's Book Cafe
Debs :-)
Debra's Book Cafe
Debs :-)
June 13, 2014
Full of short snippets of ideas for life. There were a handful I really enjoyed and shared with my husband. Quick read that speaks to a life lived for others.
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