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Putting Joy Into Practice: Seven Ways to Lift Your Spirit from the Early Church
Putting Joy into Seven Ways to Lift Your Spirit from the Early Church is an invitation to a life of joy. Phoebe Farag Mikhail explains what joy is and how to experience it through seven spiritual practices that cultivate our inner lives and connect us to our communities. These seven practices, which include giving thanks, hospitality, praise, and more, take us on a journey that leads to joy through the giving and receiving of sacrificial love. She describes her own experiences and struggles with joy and offers practical ways to implement these practices to increase joy in our own lives and in the lives of all those around us.
174 pages, Paperback
First published April 16, 2019
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115 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 23, 2019
I can only describe this book in one word: Phenomenal. I consider it the ultimate Christian roadmap for living and enjoying the deep Joy that can only be found in our Lord.
Never have 173 pages had such an impact on my spiritual life. The book is written in a friendly, easy to read and easier to understand tone. While the book is loaded with biblical references and quotes from the early fathers, it does not feel like a long sermon and does not intimidate the reader. On the contrary, it is such a soothing book like a warm blanket and a cup of tea on a rainy day- but for the soul!
If you are the type of person who likes a step-by-step list of “what to do to experience Joy”- this book is for you. The author has outlined 7 spiritual practices that can transform our lives. Let me assure you that this book is NOT full of clichés- I guarantee that you have not come across these ideas before, in any other Christian book. The ideas can be tailored to your family situation, age, geographical location. They can be put into practice by anyone, anywhere and the result will be the same: JOY.
The author’s honesty about her own struggles to find Joy is so refreshing, here is a woman who is not preaching, she is sharing what she has learned from her own experiences because she wants to help us live a Joyful life starting today!
Here is one of my favorite quotes (there are so many. Actually, most of the book is highlighted!!!):
“We might not be happy every day; in fact, we might face suffering every day. But we can have joy every day.”
The author has managed to convince me to explore specific ministries that I find intimidating such as visiting the sick. It was an eye-opening experience when she explained that not all visits will go according to plan. Her reassurance of the benefits of this ministry and how it outweighs our own misgivings have won me over!
Consider this beautiful quote regarding visiting the sick:
“Where do we draw our joy from if the visitation itself is so thankless? The key to having more joy is being joy itself, and the way to be joy is to be filled with the Spirit, not with our own pride or power.”
This book is full of inspirational quotes from the Ancient Church- I am amazed by the sheer amount of research that has gone into this work. And yet, my review does not do it justice. You have to read it to realize how every page is a gift. You have to read it to finally find the answer that modern society has been searching for: stop chasing Happiness, live a life of Joy in our Lord.
Never have 173 pages had such an impact on my spiritual life. The book is written in a friendly, easy to read and easier to understand tone. While the book is loaded with biblical references and quotes from the early fathers, it does not feel like a long sermon and does not intimidate the reader. On the contrary, it is such a soothing book like a warm blanket and a cup of tea on a rainy day- but for the soul!
If you are the type of person who likes a step-by-step list of “what to do to experience Joy”- this book is for you. The author has outlined 7 spiritual practices that can transform our lives. Let me assure you that this book is NOT full of clichés- I guarantee that you have not come across these ideas before, in any other Christian book. The ideas can be tailored to your family situation, age, geographical location. They can be put into practice by anyone, anywhere and the result will be the same: JOY.
The author’s honesty about her own struggles to find Joy is so refreshing, here is a woman who is not preaching, she is sharing what she has learned from her own experiences because she wants to help us live a Joyful life starting today!
Here is one of my favorite quotes (there are so many. Actually, most of the book is highlighted!!!):
“We might not be happy every day; in fact, we might face suffering every day. But we can have joy every day.”
The author has managed to convince me to explore specific ministries that I find intimidating such as visiting the sick. It was an eye-opening experience when she explained that not all visits will go according to plan. Her reassurance of the benefits of this ministry and how it outweighs our own misgivings have won me over!
Consider this beautiful quote regarding visiting the sick:
“Where do we draw our joy from if the visitation itself is so thankless? The key to having more joy is being joy itself, and the way to be joy is to be filled with the Spirit, not with our own pride or power.”
This book is full of inspirational quotes from the Ancient Church- I am amazed by the sheer amount of research that has gone into this work. And yet, my review does not do it justice. You have to read it to realize how every page is a gift. You have to read it to finally find the answer that modern society has been searching for: stop chasing Happiness, live a life of Joy in our Lord.
February 27, 2020
This is a good have-your-highlighter-handy book. There were several thoughts I highlighted to make it easy for me to go back to when I need a reminder about being joyful. Reading this book came at a great time when my women’s group at church is getting ready to begin reading the Psalter and our church is heading into Lent, much of which coincides with ways to find joy as a Christian as mentioned in the book. Our women’s group is also reviving our caregivers ministry, another point brought up by the author. It seemed I was meant to read this book at this time of my life. I could easily relate to the joy thieves and find those in my life and the author does give actual practical advice on how to counteract joy thieves, how to bring joy into one’s daily life. And, the “arrow prayers” . . . My new best friends!
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June 29, 2021This is a book to savor. You'll want to read it really fast because there's just so much goodness in it. Don't. Take some time to practice the things in this book before moving on. That's what makes it transformative.
I also really enjoyed learning about the author's Coptic Orthodox faith, seeing the similarities and differences with my own. It was just beautiful and made me want to learn more about the history our churches share. So much beauty to behold, so much joy to share.
Recommend 100%
I also really enjoyed learning about the author's Coptic Orthodox faith, seeing the similarities and differences with my own. It was just beautiful and made me want to learn more about the history our churches share. So much beauty to behold, so much joy to share.
Recommend 100%
April 23, 2019
Recently I wrote a column for Ruminate Magazine in which I spoke of how joy is our birthright, one we must reclaim when it is taken from us. I was referring to joy stolen by huge evil acts: school shootings, hate crimes, all kinds of abuse. But joy can also seep away from us through tiny holes, the perforations caused by everyday frustrations: spats with our spouses, yelling at the kids, worries over unpaid bills. Add it all up and joy drains away, a river pouring out of our souls.
How do we even begin to get it back? How do we cultivate it when we have none? How do we better hold it in our hands when we recognize its presence?
Author Phoebe Farag Mikhail addresses these questions with her helpful and insightful new book, Putting Joy into Practice: Seven Ways to Lift Your Spirit from the Early Church. Through moving anecdotes and fresh takes on Scripture she guides you through seven specific actions you can take to let light in when all seems dark. Mikhail writes from the heart of her Coptic Orthodox Christian faith and I appreciated her including practices on finding joy through focusing on others—visiting the sick and offering hospitality—practices that marked the uniqueness of the early church and helped it to flourish.
There’s an authenticity to the Mikhail’s voice and I learned after reading her epilogue it’s because she wanted to ensure she was walking her talk. She shares how her writing of the book slowed when she realized she was weighed down by life’s cares and not seeking her own joy and indeed was far from it. Readers will find a friend and kindred spirit in Mikhail, a mother of young children who knows what it is to struggle with household mishaps, find time to write, and get everyone dressed and out of the house in time for school and church. But this is life and sometimes all we need is a little change in perspective to see the beautiful, hectic whirl going on to help us siphon the joy into our hearts. Mikhail does a fine job with giving us ways to gain that perspective.
Disclaimer: This book is published by Paraclete Press, publisher of the spiritual memoir I co-wrote with my son, This Child of Faith: Raising a Spiritual Child in a Secular World. Mikhail even quotes from it in her own pages. That aside, Putting Joy into Practice is a wonderful book and I do recommend it.
How do we even begin to get it back? How do we cultivate it when we have none? How do we better hold it in our hands when we recognize its presence?
Author Phoebe Farag Mikhail addresses these questions with her helpful and insightful new book, Putting Joy into Practice: Seven Ways to Lift Your Spirit from the Early Church. Through moving anecdotes and fresh takes on Scripture she guides you through seven specific actions you can take to let light in when all seems dark. Mikhail writes from the heart of her Coptic Orthodox Christian faith and I appreciated her including practices on finding joy through focusing on others—visiting the sick and offering hospitality—practices that marked the uniqueness of the early church and helped it to flourish.
There’s an authenticity to the Mikhail’s voice and I learned after reading her epilogue it’s because she wanted to ensure she was walking her talk. She shares how her writing of the book slowed when she realized she was weighed down by life’s cares and not seeking her own joy and indeed was far from it. Readers will find a friend and kindred spirit in Mikhail, a mother of young children who knows what it is to struggle with household mishaps, find time to write, and get everyone dressed and out of the house in time for school and church. But this is life and sometimes all we need is a little change in perspective to see the beautiful, hectic whirl going on to help us siphon the joy into our hearts. Mikhail does a fine job with giving us ways to gain that perspective.
Disclaimer: This book is published by Paraclete Press, publisher of the spiritual memoir I co-wrote with my son, This Child of Faith: Raising a Spiritual Child in a Secular World. Mikhail even quotes from it in her own pages. That aside, Putting Joy into Practice is a wonderful book and I do recommend it.
January 16, 2020
This is a valuable and practical guide even for the non-religious. I found Phoebe's search for joy so inspiring, and I loved her personal tales woven throughout the book. Too often we think of joy as ebullience or happiness and Phoebe deconstructs that idea to show us how to build a practice around true joy. My favorite chapter was on hospitality - how we should both give AND accept it. I enjoyed these Coptic lessons and could easily adapt as necessary. Phoebe is so passionate and knowledgeable, which made reading it a delight.
May 1, 2019
Joy? What is it? Where does it come from? How do we get it? Can everyone have joy? Questions I am sure we all ask because they are questions I, and many I know, have asked many times. When I saw Phoebe Farag Mikhail was writing a book on how to practice joy in our daily lives I knew I had to be among the first to read it! I jumped at the chance to be on her review / launch team and receive an advanced reader copy. Putting Joy Into Practice: Seven Ways to Lift Your Spirit from the Early Church is an easy read, not too long and not too short while being full of so much wisdom from so many! Saints, family members, friends, authors (C.S. Lewis), spiritual leaders, and more. Phoebe is down to earth and writes like she’s talking to a friend and is honest about her struggles and ensures us that she is not perfect and still struggling and practicing joy in her life. The main point in all seven practices is love and self-sacrifice and that we are not and can not do this out of our own love but through Christ’s love for us and those we are loving on for and through Him. One of the practices she talks about is Arrow Prayers, little prayers in the moments of life. Praying ceaselessly doesn’t have to mean we are praying big prayers for big things all the time but little breaths of “Lord have mercy” or “Help us, save us, have mercy on us, O God by thy grace”. Another of the seven practices in the book is hospitality, one I struggle with because I feel like I have to be like Martha and serve and make things perfect when I am much better at being like Mary and sitting and enjoying the company (Luke 10:38-42), but even getting to the point of inviting someone into my home, my space can feel overwhelming. It can be difficult for me to accept invitations to others homes or to join them in an activity, and Phoebe reminds us that we are stealing others of an opportunity to experience and share Christ’s joy when we turn down an invitation or don’t invite others in. Phoebe reminds us that it’s about giving and receiving in the small things in life, not about great feasts in a perfect home. This beautiful book has given me many steps that I can take to be better at practicing joy in my daily life. Each of the Seven Practices has suggestions of how to start practicing joy right away. I have loved getting to know Phoebe through her book and hope to meet her in person someday, she has such a loving heart and it comes through in her book. Get to know her and learn more about her book at her blog at beingincommunity.com
April 6, 2019
Simple easy to read, yet very deep! A very practical book, with humble and honest experiences from the author on how she herself struggled with experiencing joy in certain situations (that we all go through), and how those practices helped her live the joy of the Resurrection ona daily basis. The book also beautifully shares a vast number of sayings from the early church Fathers and Mothers, who experienced joy and passed their teachings from generation to generation. A great read, that I will certainly go back to again and again. Makes a great gift too! I already bought 3 copies to give to dear friends for an Easter gift.
April 12, 2021
Loved this book. Transformed how I operate in “seeking” joy
April 3, 2019
PRACTICAL!!!
The thing I truly love about this book is that it cannot get any more practical, organized, and life applicable than this. Any time I read a book I wonder "how can I use this information for my life?" and this book makes that very clear. We live in a time where life is too busy, too fast, too stressful, and we can end most days feeling less than joyful. I think this book came at a perfect time for me. I have learned 7 ways (that have been handed down to us, so its like they're tried and true!) to really infuse joy into my life and to really live it. I am forever grateful for this book and it is one that I will revisit often and recommend to everyone!!
The thing I truly love about this book is that it cannot get any more practical, organized, and life applicable than this. Any time I read a book I wonder "how can I use this information for my life?" and this book makes that very clear. We live in a time where life is too busy, too fast, too stressful, and we can end most days feeling less than joyful. I think this book came at a perfect time for me. I have learned 7 ways (that have been handed down to us, so its like they're tried and true!) to really infuse joy into my life and to really live it. I am forever grateful for this book and it is one that I will revisit often and recommend to everyone!!
April 17, 2019
This was an absolutely phenomenal book! Why? Because it was
1. Practical
2. Funny
3. Spiritual
4. And most importantly, RELATABLE!
But more than anything, I especially loved the personal stories that Phoebe shares. It brought conceptual and abstract ideas down to the here and now, making them that much more accessible and understandable. Plus, I got really invested in the stories! In one line she made me cry and then laugh (or laugh and then cry, I can't remember the exact order).
Bottom line is, I truly enjoyed reading this book, and can't wait to start using her methods to put joy into practice.
1. Practical
2. Funny
3. Spiritual
4. And most importantly, RELATABLE!
But more than anything, I especially loved the personal stories that Phoebe shares. It brought conceptual and abstract ideas down to the here and now, making them that much more accessible and understandable. Plus, I got really invested in the stories! In one line she made me cry and then laugh (or laugh and then cry, I can't remember the exact order).
Bottom line is, I truly enjoyed reading this book, and can't wait to start using her methods to put joy into practice.
October 22, 2021
Such a wonderful book. A reminder that Joy is found in Christ. Filled with practical ways to focus our attention on Christ and away from the “Joy Thieves” of our modern life. You do not have to be Orthodox to find much that will enhance your Christian Journey.
Highly Recommended!
Highly Recommended!
March 8, 2025
I listened to it and then bought the book to take notes and underline. I found it to be an inspirational book to read as we begin the new year. I'm glad to see she has another book.
May 19, 2020
This book is a delight! Insightful, practical, and very down-to-earth.
July 31, 2019
How many of us can say that our day-to-day life is infused with joy? I'm talking about true, lasting joy, in all circumstances, not the temporary high that comes from whatever little pleasures life can give.
I recently had the privilege of reading this book, which asks how we can practice joy. The author turns to the ancient church and individual practices that have stood the test of time, and then puts them in a modern context.
In this season of the Resurrection, what better time to reflect on infusing our lives with a deep joyfulness? To anyone looking to deepen their spiritual journey, I cannot recommend this book enthusiastically enough.
I recently had the privilege of reading this book, which asks how we can practice joy. The author turns to the ancient church and individual practices that have stood the test of time, and then puts them in a modern context.
In this season of the Resurrection, what better time to reflect on infusing our lives with a deep joyfulness? To anyone looking to deepen their spiritual journey, I cannot recommend this book enthusiastically enough.
July 11, 2021
A must read for those seeking joy in their lives
A truly inspiring book which looks at putting joy into our hearts, despite the circumstances we go through. Quoting extensively from the Bible and the saints, Phoebe Farah Michael's book makes you focus on the source of real joy - God
A truly inspiring book which looks at putting joy into our hearts, despite the circumstances we go through. Quoting extensively from the Bible and the saints, Phoebe Farah Michael's book makes you focus on the source of real joy - God
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November 1, 2019Enjoyed this book surprisely.
December 31, 2023
I pick up my copy of this book, as a spiritual practice, each fast of the Coptic Calendar. As the Nativity approaches, I invite you to join me.
July 4, 2024
One of my absolute favorite spiritual books that I like to reread annually as a good reminder and motivator! It’s designed to be practical for and real with the reader.
May 15, 2020
Sometimes as comforting and humbling as books can be, they don't always leave as secular people with practical ways of being spiritual beings, Christ like beings and this book definitely does that! Coptic FEMALE author, so I'm proud.
January 10, 2021
A helpful, clear, compassionate guide. Practical and wise.
January 16, 2023
Not bad. Took me a really long time to read though.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews