Joy That Lasts

by Gary Smalley, Al Janssen (Primary Contributor)

Discover what it means to truly trust God, and how a deep relationship with him can bring life and joy into marriage. Renowned family counselor, seminar speaker, and author Gary Smalley gives insight into five truths that can transform marriage. Sharing openly from his own relationship with his wife, Norma, Gary shows why both husbands and wives need:

Genres: Christian, Marriage, Christian Living, Religion, Nonfiction, Christian Non Fiction

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1986

About the author

Gary Smalley was one of the country's best-known authors and speakers on family relationships. He was the award-winning, best-selling author or coauthor of sixteen books, as well as several popular films and videos. The Blessing and The Two Sides of Love have won Gold Medallions, The Language of Love won the Angel Award as the best contribution to family life, and his other titles have received Silver Medallions. His national infomercial Hidden Keys to Loving Relationships has been viewed by television audiences all over the world.

Dr. Greg Smalley graduated with his doctorate degree in clinical psychology from Rosemead School of Psychology at Biola University in Southern California. He also holds master's degrees in counseling psychology (Denver Seminary) and clinical psychology (Rosemead). Dr. Smalley is the director of research and development at Smalley Relationship Center in Branson, Missouri. He lives in Ozark, Missouri with his wife, Erin, and their two daughters, Taylor and Madalyn.

Reviews

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intro page:
"People today look to all types of places to fill their cups. In the U.S.A the first place most couples expect to find fulfillment is in their homes. Indeed, few of us can be content without the proper home. But getting our dream home can cause more anxiety than not getting it. Often we end up worried about making mortgage payments, how or where to add another room, and what security system to install to protect our investment.
A fulfilling life has nothing to do with people, places, possesions, or position. When the true source of fullfillment floods us, a deepening sense of security accompanies it, assuring us that the source of life cannot be yanked away. We live overflowing lives because the source of life, instead of the gifts of life, brings us contentment. How? By finding the well that never runs dry."

I'm sure that I will continue to need reminding to look towards God alone to fill my cup. Not only will God fill my cup, he will make it overflow! What great news! So I will continue to ask myself, "Who/what is filling my cup today?"

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this is marketed as a marriage book, it is actually more about learning not to expect any other person or thing to be responsible for your joy or for meeting all of your needs. There is definitely a lot of marriage wisdom, but much of it can apply to improving any kind of relationship through personal growth.

[Anjuli]

learning a lot from this book... reflecting on the question: where do you get your cup filled?