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Talk Yourself Happy: Transform Your Heart by Speaking God's Promises
Former cohost of The 700 Club Kristi Watts reveals the pitfalls that keep Christians from true joy and demonstrates the transformational power of speaking the words and promises of God. How does a person bounce back after being beaten down personally, professionally, and emotionally? What impact do words, thoughts, and beliefs have in determining one’s level of happiness? Kristi Watts asked herself these questions after her marriage dissolved and she left a high-profile position as a cohost of The 700 Club . Initially excited to walk into a new season of life that she thought held the key to happiness, she soon stumbled into emotional pitfalls that left her discouraged, disappointed, and distant from God. Known as the upbeat host who was always filled with joy and laughter, she was anything but—yet she was determined to get her happy back! But how? By learning, as Kristi did, that true happiness is not simply acquired but rather cultivated. When one’s words focus on faulty perspectives, faith is quickly derailed, but by remembering God’s blessings and verbally claiming His promises, hearts change. Using biblical principles, Talk Yourself Happy illustrates the importance of relying on God to tame our tongues and train our minds, and it exposes the hidden traps that keep Christians from living lives of happiness, empowering readers with the ultimate transformation of their hearts.
224 pages, Paperback
Published January 3, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
February 5, 2017
As I have some rather critical things to say about this book, I would like to state at the outset that this book did a good job at pointing readers to the Bible and to God's promises and also told a compelling story about the author's own long personal struggle with depression and her own crisis of faith, her "dark night of the soul [1]" after having lost her position as a co-host of the 700 Club and her marriage crumbled and she faced what she viewed to be ruin. The account is more than a little scattered, organized in a thematic fashion rather than a chronological one and there are a lot of flashbacks and flashfowards and the like, making it difficult for the reader to get the sense of what it was like although the author is very engaging and a sympathetic figure. This is a book that will no doubt encourage many people, especially women, as this book is directed specifically to them as is often the case with books written by women, given its references to the author being a chocoholic and her struggles as a single mom who would very much like to get remarried, but who (at least in this account) has not yet. Suffice it to say that I know a lot of people who can relate to this book and what it talks about.
This book is a bit more than 200 pages, but that comes with a bit of an asterisk. There are two elements that add length to this book to give it the general size of books published by this publisher. The first is a large appendix called a scripture wrap that includes biblical citations for the book's chapters, and this is the kind of additional material few readers, least of all myself, would complain about. The second sort of padding is more objectionable, as there is a substantial number of pages that in this book that are taken up by repeats of quotes from the book whose main purpose appears to make the book appear larger than it is, to get it to that 200 page threshold, the sort of puffing of book size that I have seen and commented on before [2]. Given the quality of the material in the book, this appears unnecessary. Why did the designers of this book feel it necessary to add fluff pages to make the book appear larger than it was? It does not add to the book's contents, but rather is an exercise in pretense, which directly cuts against the message of the book.
It is to the message of that book that we should now turn. This book features chapters on such commonplace themes as: compassion, trust, identity, obedience, forgiveness, praise, help, and promise. The author encourages readers to take advantage of the power of positive thinking and to rewire their negative and depressing self-talk. The author also manages to discuss a variety of matters here from divided families and our lack of awareness of other people and their struggles and even more than a hint of discussion of spiritual warfare, which plays a large role in the author's own story. At the end of the book's chapters there are steps to talk oneself happy and action steps to take the message of the chapter, speak it, and live it, often with the help and encouragement of others. There is little that is new about the author's suggestions, but she has a sound reading of scripture and her own personal story is compelling, albeit somewhat opaque in some ways, as the author discusses her feeling that her sins had made her feel unable to speak out for God's ways but spends much of the book talking about the sins of others, especially her ex-husband, against her. At its heart, this book exists in a tension between a design and structure that makes it sound like a lot of other books on encouraging people through dark times and a compelling personal story that encourages readers to embrace honesty and vulnerability, even if there are elements of the book's design that are patently dishonest. As a result, this is a book whose message is to be found encouraging, even if the book itself could have used more work in other respects.
[1] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2013...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2012...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2015...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2014...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2013...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2012...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2011...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2011...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
[2] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
This book is a bit more than 200 pages, but that comes with a bit of an asterisk. There are two elements that add length to this book to give it the general size of books published by this publisher. The first is a large appendix called a scripture wrap that includes biblical citations for the book's chapters, and this is the kind of additional material few readers, least of all myself, would complain about. The second sort of padding is more objectionable, as there is a substantial number of pages that in this book that are taken up by repeats of quotes from the book whose main purpose appears to make the book appear larger than it is, to get it to that 200 page threshold, the sort of puffing of book size that I have seen and commented on before [2]. Given the quality of the material in the book, this appears unnecessary. Why did the designers of this book feel it necessary to add fluff pages to make the book appear larger than it was? It does not add to the book's contents, but rather is an exercise in pretense, which directly cuts against the message of the book.
It is to the message of that book that we should now turn. This book features chapters on such commonplace themes as: compassion, trust, identity, obedience, forgiveness, praise, help, and promise. The author encourages readers to take advantage of the power of positive thinking and to rewire their negative and depressing self-talk. The author also manages to discuss a variety of matters here from divided families and our lack of awareness of other people and their struggles and even more than a hint of discussion of spiritual warfare, which plays a large role in the author's own story. At the end of the book's chapters there are steps to talk oneself happy and action steps to take the message of the chapter, speak it, and live it, often with the help and encouragement of others. There is little that is new about the author's suggestions, but she has a sound reading of scripture and her own personal story is compelling, albeit somewhat opaque in some ways, as the author discusses her feeling that her sins had made her feel unable to speak out for God's ways but spends much of the book talking about the sins of others, especially her ex-husband, against her. At its heart, this book exists in a tension between a design and structure that makes it sound like a lot of other books on encouraging people through dark times and a compelling personal story that encourages readers to embrace honesty and vulnerability, even if there are elements of the book's design that are patently dishonest. As a result, this is a book whose message is to be found encouraging, even if the book itself could have used more work in other respects.
[1] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2013...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2012...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2015...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2014...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2013...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2012...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2011...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2011...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
[2] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
November 10, 2017
4.5 stars
Kristi Watts, former co-host of The 700 Club, has written a book which explores the factors keeping Christians from being truly joyful. It is designed to remind the reader that “true happiness is not simply acquired but rather cultivated.”
It is apparent that Watts has a genuine faith in God, despite the trials encountered, such as a divorce, being a single parent, and job loss. Watts is very open about a dark period in her life, but she is just as transparent about what helped her through the difficulties. She learned that happiness can be achieved, but it must be worked on. Watts found that it is possible to talk yourself happy. She was able to find power in God’s Word and promises versus focusing on faulty thinking.
The book focuses on eight principles: Compassion, Trust, Identity, Obedience, Forgiveness, Praise, Help, and Promise. In addition to explaining the steps she used, Watts also blends Scripture verses and biblical truths throughout the book. A simple prayer and Scripture wrap-up are included at the back of the book.
You can read the full review on my blog: https://lmckeeediting.blogspot.com/20...
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of the BookLook Bloggers program. A positive review was not required.
Kristi Watts, former co-host of The 700 Club, has written a book which explores the factors keeping Christians from being truly joyful. It is designed to remind the reader that “true happiness is not simply acquired but rather cultivated.”
It is apparent that Watts has a genuine faith in God, despite the trials encountered, such as a divorce, being a single parent, and job loss. Watts is very open about a dark period in her life, but she is just as transparent about what helped her through the difficulties. She learned that happiness can be achieved, but it must be worked on. Watts found that it is possible to talk yourself happy. She was able to find power in God’s Word and promises versus focusing on faulty thinking.
The book focuses on eight principles: Compassion, Trust, Identity, Obedience, Forgiveness, Praise, Help, and Promise. In addition to explaining the steps she used, Watts also blends Scripture verses and biblical truths throughout the book. A simple prayer and Scripture wrap-up are included at the back of the book.
You can read the full review on my blog: https://lmckeeediting.blogspot.com/20...
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of the BookLook Bloggers program. A positive review was not required.
October 16, 2017
Though Kristi Watts is well-known as a former co-host of the 700 Club show, I never watch that show, so she’s a new author to me. I am impressed with her honesty, vulnerability, warmth, and Bible knowledge. It’s an ideal book for someone like me who has struggled with negative self-talk and outlooks for most of my life.
Kristi writes through many memories and struggles with her divorce, single-parenting, and job loss. She talks openly about her doubts and fears and how God carried her through her trials. This book has a sound biblical foundation, which I deeply appreciate. Kristi shows how the Bible has transformed her thinking and her character.
In her chapter “Compassion,” I was moved by her story of helping her abusive ex-husband when he had serious health problems. God taught her that talking herself happy is not only for her own benefit, but for the benefit of others. This story illustrates that truth so powerfully.
I recommend this book for its friendly tone, humor, openness, encouragement, and practical tips.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Kristi writes through many memories and struggles with her divorce, single-parenting, and job loss. She talks openly about her doubts and fears and how God carried her through her trials. This book has a sound biblical foundation, which I deeply appreciate. Kristi shows how the Bible has transformed her thinking and her character.
In her chapter “Compassion,” I was moved by her story of helping her abusive ex-husband when he had serious health problems. God taught her that talking herself happy is not only for her own benefit, but for the benefit of others. This story illustrates that truth so powerfully.
I recommend this book for its friendly tone, humor, openness, encouragement, and practical tips.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
June 29, 2017
I don’t like reading self-help books and find that many Christian self-help books read like devotionals. I like devotionals, but when combined with opinionated truths and a lot academia, it simply does not appeal. How happy and relieved I was to find that Talk Yourself Happy wasn’t like that.
Yes, this book is firmly set in Christian doctrine with scriptural references, but I didn’t feel like I was taking an independent study class while I was reading it. Kristi tells a compelling story; her story, and then backs up her revelations with Biblical principles and scripture for those who want to seek out the knowledge for themselves.
This book came to me at a time when I was ready to hear its message and I think it made all the difference.
Recommended to Christians and anyone looking to bounce back in life.
Yes, this book is firmly set in Christian doctrine with scriptural references, but I didn’t feel like I was taking an independent study class while I was reading it. Kristi tells a compelling story; her story, and then backs up her revelations with Biblical principles and scripture for those who want to seek out the knowledge for themselves.
This book came to me at a time when I was ready to hear its message and I think it made all the difference.
Recommended to Christians and anyone looking to bounce back in life.
February 17, 2019
Good scripture references and actually encouraged me to start memorizing scripture. (The major premise of the book is reminding yourself of God's promises by saying them aloud to help yourself through dark times). Could have benefited from stronger editor support though as the story is very disjointed and does not flow well. It was half biography/half devotional and it would have been better as one or the other.
August 15, 2022
I regrettably admit that I came close to abandoning this book several times while wading through. I kept returning to it, however, in order to glean any nuggets that were tucked away inside. As I progressed, I discovered helpful inspiration, which came mainly from the scriptures that Kristi refers to in her writing.
I had difficulty staying on track, as this author skipped around a lot while writing about her personal experiences. This feature, along with her excessive wordiness, makes the book a challenge to follow.
Watts restates her personal testimonies to the point of sounding superfluous. Her book would have been more appealing to me, had she written more concisely. While Kristi does share some profound insights, these don't necessarily need to be repeated to this extent.
In "Talk Yourself Happy", Watts utilizes plenty of jargon that is popular with many church-raised Christians (which describes me). I'm wondering if many of us, who grew up hearing these phrases, may have become calloused to these poetic-sounding thoughts and have possibly come to accept them as mere "spiritual" words without realizing their significance. I'm also wondering if readers who are not accustomed to these expressions will have difficulty making sense of them. Let me say that I don't disagree with or disapprove of anything Kristi writes, I just prefer literal language as opposed to religious-sounding, spiritual cliches.
By now, I'm feeling quite apologetic for sounding so critical of Watts' book! Kristi has faced significant trials and offers sound advice on how to pull yourself out of the pit of discouragement. She reminds her readers of the importance of using our words in ways that will affect our attitudes positively. This is where this author shines by offering verifiable instructions on how to accomplish this! Some of her suggestions include...
-Choose to speak words that reflect the heart and mind of Christ.
-Verbally claim his promises.
-Don't use words to contradict the Word of God and the promises of God.
-Speak God's words back to God.
This aspect of the book was very beneficial to me.
I had difficulty staying on track, as this author skipped around a lot while writing about her personal experiences. This feature, along with her excessive wordiness, makes the book a challenge to follow.
Watts restates her personal testimonies to the point of sounding superfluous. Her book would have been more appealing to me, had she written more concisely. While Kristi does share some profound insights, these don't necessarily need to be repeated to this extent.
In "Talk Yourself Happy", Watts utilizes plenty of jargon that is popular with many church-raised Christians (which describes me). I'm wondering if many of us, who grew up hearing these phrases, may have become calloused to these poetic-sounding thoughts and have possibly come to accept them as mere "spiritual" words without realizing their significance. I'm also wondering if readers who are not accustomed to these expressions will have difficulty making sense of them. Let me say that I don't disagree with or disapprove of anything Kristi writes, I just prefer literal language as opposed to religious-sounding, spiritual cliches.
By now, I'm feeling quite apologetic for sounding so critical of Watts' book! Kristi has faced significant trials and offers sound advice on how to pull yourself out of the pit of discouragement. She reminds her readers of the importance of using our words in ways that will affect our attitudes positively. This is where this author shines by offering verifiable instructions on how to accomplish this! Some of her suggestions include...
-Choose to speak words that reflect the heart and mind of Christ.
-Verbally claim his promises.
-Don't use words to contradict the Word of God and the promises of God.
-Speak God's words back to God.
This aspect of the book was very beneficial to me.
February 23, 2017
Definitely recommend
Particularly enjoyed how the author used her circumstances to draw the reader to God's faithfulness. Well written and definitely a book I would recommend..
Particularly enjoyed how the author used her circumstances to draw the reader to God's faithfulness. Well written and definitely a book I would recommend..
April 23, 2018
Easy to read. nice intro to scripture passages in the context of how they helped the author navigate her life.
June 9, 2019
Faith Walk
Action word
Trust
Forgiveness
Blessings
thanksgiving
Remembrance
Forget not what God has done
Gratitude
Healing
Restoration
Grace
Peace
Joy
Love
Action word
Trust
Forgiveness
Blessings
thanksgiving
Remembrance
Forget not what God has done
Gratitude
Healing
Restoration
Grace
Peace
Joy
Love
August 14, 2024
Loved this book!!! Want to keep forever
February 6, 2017
"Talk Yourself Happy" is a memoir about a dark period in the author's life and some lessons that God taught her through those trials. I'd expected the book to be focused on God's character and promises and contain a lot of Scripture quotes, but there's not much of this. The focus was mainly on the author and the hard things she went through.
The author came to realize that some of her attitudes and actions were standing in the way of God's blessings. There was an ongoing theme about not speaking negative thoughts aloud. I agree that words have power and that blaming or criticizing other people can stand in the way of your healing and joy. However, I felt burdened by the repeated idea that any negative thought will stand in the way of God blessing me--though I doubt the writers of the Psalms would agree with this idea.
Overall, though, her points were good ones. We feel happier when we remind ourselves of the things God has done for us (and others) and about his character than when we focus on our problems. Reaching out to help others, showing compassion and forgiveness, praising God, and seeking God's perspective about our identity and situation are all good ways to find happiness. So, overall, I'd recommend this book, especially if you're interested in "what ever happened to Kristi Watts?"
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher through BookLook.
The author came to realize that some of her attitudes and actions were standing in the way of God's blessings. There was an ongoing theme about not speaking negative thoughts aloud. I agree that words have power and that blaming or criticizing other people can stand in the way of your healing and joy. However, I felt burdened by the repeated idea that any negative thought will stand in the way of God blessing me--though I doubt the writers of the Psalms would agree with this idea.
Overall, though, her points were good ones. We feel happier when we remind ourselves of the things God has done for us (and others) and about his character than when we focus on our problems. Reaching out to help others, showing compassion and forgiveness, praising God, and seeking God's perspective about our identity and situation are all good ways to find happiness. So, overall, I'd recommend this book, especially if you're interested in "what ever happened to Kristi Watts?"
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher through BookLook.
February 3, 2017
Kristi Watts has a bubbly personality, but also a genuine faith in God… With her personal experience on divorce, being a single mom, and raising her boy, she shares how she came out from being broken, worthless, lonely, and rejected to be joyful, Christ-like person who roots in the Word of God and bring encouragement into other’s lives.
Journey with her to become happy again in the fullness of it….
Journey with her to become happy again in the fullness of it….
January 14, 2017
I recevied a complimentary copy.
Using God as a tool to happiness? Immersing in faith to uplift you? This book will share a connection for you and let you as a reader feel deep in your heart this author's story. I would recommend this to anyone on the downside of life that would like a pick back up.
Using God as a tool to happiness? Immersing in faith to uplift you? This book will share a connection for you and let you as a reader feel deep in your heart this author's story. I would recommend this to anyone on the downside of life that would like a pick back up.
February 2, 2017
I liked it and found suggestions I will take with me. Talk Yourself Happy offers great suggestions in overcoming the discouragements and sadnesses of life by knowing and speaking the promises of God.
January 15, 2017
Read the review bit.ly/talkUhappy
March 25, 2017
Sometimes books leap out at you when you go to a book galley or just plain book download website, and this one was no exception. I was enticed by the blurb for Kristi Watts’ Talk Yourself Happy, because, well, it was a book about happiness. Seeing as though I’ve had my share of disappointments, difficulty and anxiety, I thought it would have a good message for me to parse. Indeed, it did. Basically, it’s a book about how you can go from a bad place to a good place by speaking the promises and such of God, found in His Word. I found the book to be largely compelling, as the author shares intimate details of her own faith journey. Now, a bit of a warning: the author was a former co-host of The 700 Club, which I haven’t seen in years, but recall from my youth as being particularly evangelical. So there’s some stuff here that I found myself reacting against. But not too much.
Essentially, while the tone is evangelical, and there are things here such as “Jesus died on the cross for you sins” and so on and so forth, there isn’t a lot of it — so that made me feel thankful and as though I wasn’t being bashed over the head with a theology I don’t really agree with (which I find in some books). In fact, the message of this book is rather universal and fairly mainstream. We all have trials in life. But if we hold onto the Word of God, good things are bound to happen in their own time.
Read more here: https://medium.com/@zachary_houle/a-r...
Essentially, while the tone is evangelical, and there are things here such as “Jesus died on the cross for you sins” and so on and so forth, there isn’t a lot of it — so that made me feel thankful and as though I wasn’t being bashed over the head with a theology I don’t really agree with (which I find in some books). In fact, the message of this book is rather universal and fairly mainstream. We all have trials in life. But if we hold onto the Word of God, good things are bound to happen in their own time.
Read more here: https://medium.com/@zachary_houle/a-r...
April 17, 2017
I have to say that I'm glad that I was turned onto this book by a family member as I probably would have missed out on it otherwise. I'm not a very religious person, so I do not watch the 700 Show that's mentioned in other reviews, but reading this book with an open mind has done wonders for my attitude.
I've been through a lot of rough times in life and generally have a hard time being positive about almost anything and have often wondered how some people keep that positivity. Through Kristi ' s book, I was able to learn some new tools in order to try and do just that.
The author goes into some deep personal details and what lead her to her current ideology that lead to her writing this book. Through sharing her personal journey, I was easily able to connect in a personal way with the author, which is great when reading this type of book and makes it a lot easier to take their advice seriously.
I have continued to speak to others and myself as suggested in the book and, thus far, it seems to be helping.
I've been through a lot of rough times in life and generally have a hard time being positive about almost anything and have often wondered how some people keep that positivity. Through Kristi ' s book, I was able to learn some new tools in order to try and do just that.
The author goes into some deep personal details and what lead her to her current ideology that lead to her writing this book. Through sharing her personal journey, I was easily able to connect in a personal way with the author, which is great when reading this type of book and makes it a lot easier to take their advice seriously.
I have continued to speak to others and myself as suggested in the book and, thus far, it seems to be helping.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews