Love Your Life: Living Happy, Healthy and Whole

by Victoria Osteen

Do you ever feel like your life is moving at the speed of light? Are you constantly trying to keep up with all of your commitments and responsibilities? In this day and age when modern communication and technology cause our lives to move faster than ever, many people struggle to strike a balance between all the segments of their lives -- family, friends, career, social obligations, and self.As co-pastor of Lakewood Church -- America's largest church -- Victoria Osteen understands intimately how day-to-day responsibilities can pile up and at times feel overwhelming. As a wife and mother, she sets the tone for her household and acts as a role model for her family. As a minister, she reaches out to an enormous community of people who look to her for guidance, strength, wisdom, and encouragement. She knows as well as anyone that operating in so many different roles can be extremely demanding, yet she has managed to find balance, living her life in the unforced rhythms of grace. If you ask her, she'll tell you that she loves her life and she wants you to love your life, too.

No matter where you are in your life, no matter what responsibilities you may carry, you can find peace, balance, and enjoyment in every area of your life; but it all starts with you. You have more power inside you than you realize; all you have to do is learn to tap into what you already have! As you begin to recognize your own abilities and influence, and use them in healthy ways, all the other areas of your life will fall into order.

In "Love Your Life, " Victoria shares from her personal life experiences and her journey of faith the lessons she's learned that have made her the woman she is today. As you read, you'll feel like you're in a conversation with a trusted friend as Victoria shows you how to tap into all that God has given you to live effectively -- as a positive influence on the world around you. You'll be inspired by stories of victory and challenged to live at a higher level. You'll read about people who have accomplished incredible things by overcoming their fears, and people who have changed the world around them by simply recognizing their own value.

A life well lived does not come easily; you have to set out for it, look for it, and make it happen. "Love Your Life" shows how to turn the challenges of each day into opportunities to love and appreciate all that you are.

Genres: Christian, Self Help, Nonfiction, Faith, Religion, Inspirational, Spirituality

240 pages, Hardcover

First published October 14, 2008

About the author

Victoria Osteen is the wife of inspirational speaker Joel Osteen. They are both professing Christians and travel the world speaking positive messages into the atmosphere. They have written books too.

Reviews

[D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Victoria Osteen's great character was displayed throughout the book. I enjoyed the example of how after a funeral, she had asked her husband to mail off the massive number of thank you notes for all the support and prayers. She told her husband that she felt like she could "move on" past the grieving by doing this. Her husband put the notes in a tennis bag, and forgot. When Victoria discovered them, she could have been angry and punitive. Instead, she chose to forgive him for making a mistake, when it would have been so much easier and more understandable to react. Throughout the book, she gives really good tips on how to react in a Christian manner under all kinds of trying circumstances. Reading the book, you also get a "feel" for how Victoria really tries to support and understand her husband even when he seems to be ignoring her, but what he is doing is the work of the Lord. She is definitely an example of what God wanted women to be in the Bible, even though no human is perfect. I was wondering if I would learn anything "new" from the book, and I felt like I did. It was very well-written. I would recommend this highly to other women, even single females on the brink of marriage. May you be blessed and inspired!

[Debra Ham · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned that I must daily renew my mind and keep it on spiritual things. I must think positive thoughts and apply the word of God to my life if I am to have a victorious life!

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

A coffee shop chat..

That's what "Love Your Life" seems like--sitting at a Starbucks table with Victoria Osteen, talking about family, friendships, work, commitments, and a woman's ever-challenging quest to spend time with God amid everything else.

It's fun to hear stories about her own busy life, peppered with gently-shared insights she's gleaned along the way. The tone of her voice communicates a heartfelt desire to connect with the person on the other side of the page. When she says, "It's essential to hold on to this truth: you are important! The way you live your life matters!" it seems like she earnestly believes it.

All in all, Ms. Osteen makes for pleasant company over a cup of coffee.

MY PARTICULAR STARS: 3

Every person is so different. For me, this book wasn't as packed full of endlessly useful information as "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World"--but it did fill a very nice couple of hours and give my sense of self-worth a lovely boost.

Definitely worth a couple trips to the coffee shop. :)

[Colleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was fairly good. It had a positive message but it seemed a little sing-songy to me. She writes just like Joel does, so a lot of this book was like reading what I had already read from him. I'd give it 3 1/2 if I could.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like the Osteen's. I don't think Victoria tells us anything we don't already know but she does tell it in a way that gives us maybe more of a perspective. And, a different way of looking at things.

I really like the "Anchor Thoughts" after each chapter. I liked the sections about "Letting things Go" and the section on "Encouraging Words". Encouraging words though really spoke to me and made me think about a family member who needs encouraging words and just letting them know those words may change their attitude and the direction in their life. Love this saying in Victoria's book..."Encouraging words put people on their feet and bring out the best in them." We should all strive to give others encouraging words and let it bring out the best in them. It's always better to praise than to put down something.

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

In her motivational book, Victoria Osteen, co-pastor of the Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, shares her life's experiences, her journey of faith and the lessons she learned along the way. She does repeat some of the same stories as her husband, Joel Osteen, also co-pastor of Lakewood, has in his books but after being married for so many years, that is bound to happen. She, however, writes with a woman's flair. She has a infectious passion and enthusiasm for life, and is a woman who truly loves her God, her family, and others. I found it to be a very enjoyable and easy read. I highly recommend this feel good, positive attitude book to everyone, especially if you need a little inspiration and confidence builder to live up to your own potentional. I give it 4.5 stars.

[LuAnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, I enjoyed this book. Osteen has an easy way of writing that makes you feel like you're listening to stories and advice from an old friend. Her points were well taken, althought perhaps not as thoroughly discussed as I've read in similar books by other authors. That didn't really take away anything from the book's message however, so it wasn't a problem. The only negative I found was that she mentioned at least a half-dozen times in the last three chapters of the book that she and her husband had been married now for twenty-one years, and the repetition became annoying.

[Karen & Gerard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book moves right along and gave me the feeling that Victoria was a friend chatting with me. It is packed with lots of good advice and is very encouraging and uplifting. I liked that she included summaries of “anchor thoughts” at the end of each chapter.

One thing that especially made an impact on me is to keep a list of everything I like about my husband and everything he does to make my life easier. Instead of keeping track of his mistakes, or things he did that made me mad, this will help me stay focused on his good points and help me not to forget these things.

[Pamela Hawley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Victoria Osteen has beautiful, clear writing that relates to so many things in life. She speaks lovingly about others and the importance of gratitude. She also offers practical lessons and examples from her own life encouraging others to do the same.

It’s such a joy to read something that is inspiring and helpful. She doesn’t use big words, as it feels like a conversation. There’s a sense of calm and joy throughout the book. I highly recommend Victoria’s book. Victoria we encourage you to write more!

[AshO · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book and it has some wonderful messages.

It took me a while to read it though, because I kept putting it down. As much as I enjoyed the messages in the book, it didn't keep me totally focused and into it 100%, so I did have a hard time picking it up every time I would put it down and then starting where I left off.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Positive and encouraging book. Well written with a style that allowed me to visualize the what and wheres she was writing about. Recommend you find it at the library because Joel Osteen is on TV (Dec 2016/Jan 2017) giving the same stories and messages. Victoria's book has many more than Joel can pack in 30 minutes, so it is worth the read; I just wouldn't spend money on it.

[Cleta · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I finished this book, I looked at my husband and said, "this is the best book, aside from the Bible, that I have ever read!" It just "spoke" to me! Victoria is very uplifting and motivating. If I could describe her (just from reading this book) with one word, I would use the word "gentle."

[Heather Fineisen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this book a few years ago when I really needed it. And it provided me with what I needed at that time. Easy anecdotes are relayed throughout which I cannot really remember, now. But I am in a different place now.

[Montre Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A practical guide for living life to the fullest, learning how to respond to offenses, and focusing your attention on things that matter most.....loving yourself...loving others and learning to forgive.

[Rachelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve always loved listening to Joel. I’ve never listened to Victoria though. This is a good but, but the repetitiveness of each chapter made it a little difficult for me. Easier to hear, harder to read.

[Shirley Conley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Uplifting read that emphasizes changing the only thing you can change – yourself. The main theme is to love God because he really loves you. There are lots of Osteen isms – like live out your destiny and such. Lots of good ideas on loving your family and how to make family time more enjoyable.

[Phoebe · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Osteens are AWESOME -- reading their books makes me want to be a better person. But be warned: Don't pick up unless you are able to swallow a lot of shit..

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Victoria writes very similar to her husband, Joel. A bit repetitive but overall, a good book on keeping balance, peace, and joy in your life.

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love reading this book!It inspired me a lot.

[Cathy]

I needed a little lift as I was physically suffering with a bad hip a few years ago and saw her on a talk show. Didn't know anything about the woman, I live overseas and am not in tune with these people in the states, so I just decided to order it. Wow. Talk about uplifting and inspirational. I loved it. I know, empire aside...she is one good story teller and motivator. All things positive. Great examples, and since I am not very religious I just skipped and replaced G O D with anything else, someone else, luck, fate, faith..and continued reading her stories. She has many good lessons, and I was happy each time I read a chapter. It's just a real FEEL GOOD sort of book, so if anyone is interesting in reading some positive, uplifting story, I recommend this. I really loved it. It made me feel happier and better able to take on the pain and negativity I was feeling at the time to deal with life. New hip now..feel great!

[Katelyn P · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the novel Love Your Life: Living Happy,Healthy and Whole by Victoria Osteen. I thought it was a fantastic book due to how the author Victoria presented her life's work and how she helped others along the way by the faith of god. My favorite character is Victoria and how she inspired others by the works of god. My least favorite character would probably be the negative people that surrounded the stories she told. I also enjoyed a event that took place was when she met her husband Joel at the jewelry store. I felt the writing style was very nicely proceed as the pace of the novel wasn't to fast or slow at all. The connection I made was almost the author Victoria was a motivational speaker that inspired others. I would highly recommend this book. I would give it a 5/5. In conclusion as you can see Victoria Osteen creates an inspirational novel.

[Mai · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been rereading this book over and over again. And I always get the same feeling of happiness every time. But this is the first time I finished the book, and I’m telling you, the chapter gets better.

Like everyone else, I drove into a twisty road that gave me a hard time in life. But thankfully my cousin gave me motivational words and suggested this book. The first time I picked it up and read every page, everything made sense and lighter. This book is a wonder and it’s one of my most prized possession right now. I felt like every time I go through something, this book helps me back up. Thankful for this beautiful book. <3

[Alexis Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book changed my life for the better. There is a chapter in there that covers forgiveness in it, and the suggestions Victoria made on how to forgive someone helped me to forgive and heal from hurt the people I forgave had caused me. I have been recommending this book since I finished reading it back in 2010, and still to this day recommend people read it. Victoria Osteen is very insightful and gives amazing advice that truly helps.

[Marine Mirzabekyan]

I read this book at a period when I was going through hard times, and I needed someone to give me advice and guidance for life, and there I found it, each advice there was so necessary, practical, and calming, as if I was heling through this book. Highly recommended for those who feel lost in life, no energy to keep living. It truly heels.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

GREAT READ!!!!!!

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This will not be my last Victoria Osteen book. It was very up-lifting.

[Derek Wong · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book for my wife.
This is a good collection to my 200 books shelf.

A good read and book.

[Blanche · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook - most of the advice is common sense but alot of good reminders and some food for thought.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Upbeat and positive.

[Hannah Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved reading this book. It has helped me in so many ways.

I would recommend it to anyone who feels like they need a pick me up. Someone who needs comfort. Words of Affirmation. Their faith restored.

I picked up this book because i had been feeling so insecure, anxious and worried about my future. I kept wondering what am i doing with my life?

But this book has just been there and really made me look at a lot of different things in a different way. It motivated me to do my best and that my best would be enough.

That no matter where i am in life, God still loves me no matter what and that he is always there❤️.

I would hold these lessons i've learned so deep in my heart and try my utmost best to adapt it into my daily life🙏.