Seizing the Good Life: Discover Peace and Joy through the Study of John's Gospel

by Shellie Rushing Tomlinson

Living on high alert drains your energy and steals your joy. There is a better way and Seizing the Good Life will help you find it as it takes you through the Gospel of John.

Shellie Rushing Tomlinson believes we really can have a growing faith and know a surprising, sustaining joy despite the chaos of breaking news and a culture bent on erasing the Everlasting God. Seizing the Good Life takes the Gospel of John and teaches the reader how to believe and keep believing in our post-Christian world. We’re not meant to hold onto a dry faith with chewed- up fingernails. We can know peace and joy in the middle of our anxious and angry culture, and Seizing the Good Life is ready to lead the way! With the Gospel of John as her roadmap, Shellie invites readers to join her in a faith-building Bible study. Using personal stories, insights, relevant Scripture, and a sprinkling of humor, Seizing the Good Life will help the reader discover the peace and joy found in the friendship of Jesus, lover of their soul.

271 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 13, 2023

About the author

I fell in love with storytelling as a child when my paternal grandmother regaled us with stories of what it was like to come to Louisiana from the hills of Appalachia and set up house in a tent with a dirt floor. On the other side of the family tree, my paternal grandfather, a people loving preacher, was known for using humor to draw his listeners to Jesus. It's safe to say the two of them marked me. Whether in my books, speaking before audiences, or dropping a segment on The Story Table podcast I created, I love nothing more than helping hungry hearts feast on Jesus through humor and storytelling. ~Shellie


Shellie Rushing Tomlinson lives in Lake Providence, Louisiana with her husband, Phil. They have two happily married kids, six grandchildren, and one neurotic lab named Hank. There's a story there...

Reviews

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the fact this is an easy read! Whether you are a new or seasoned reader of The Bible, this book gives a great opportunity to enhance your relationship with Jesus. The conversational style allows you to see Jesus through a different lens. No spoilers but you may want to have a tissue (or two!) on hand!

The discussion questions at the end of each chapter (which coincides with each chapter of the book of John) makes me to look forward to using this in my ladies small group at church!

[Lori Jorgensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seizing the Good Life teaches you how to live a life centered around and in Jesus. Living in the post christian world is very draining and exhausting. Shellie teaches you how to live in deep faith with hope, joy and peace even though you have chaos all around you. By taking you through the gospel of John you can and will have a good life!!!

[Elizabeth Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seizing the Good Life, written by Shellie Rushing Tomlinson speaks right to my soul. I love how she writes each chapter with Dear John, Dear Reader and Dear Jesus. The book invites you into her heart for a closer walk with our Savior. Each chapter ends with discussion. It allows the reader to engage in a closer walk with Christ. This book is wonderful for personal study but could also be done as a book club or small group. Get a copy for you and all your friends!! Seize the Good Life today!!!!

[Melanie Howle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Discouragement can easily become a by-product of the constant bombardment of 'news' , cultural shifts and increasingly abnormal 'norms' IF we lose our focus on God & His Word. In Seizing the Good Life, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson offers a uniquely written and very encouraging guide for the readers of John's Gospel. The world we live in makes it challenging to keep our peace & joy... but... "When we live listening to Jesus, we can experience peace when others are panicking and we can know joy that surpasses anything the world is chasing." If you struggle to keep your peace and joy, or are just surrounded by a world that does, I highly recommend this book. Also, the discussion questions at the end of each chapter make it ideal for doing as a group study with friends!

[Lucille Gaither · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so love the gospel account written by the apostle John because it shows the divinity of Christ. And this new book by author Shellie Tomlinson does not disappoint in its portrayal of Christ. My favorite quote is that in Jesus' presence there is no death. But the uniqueness of the book is the tri-parte way it is written -- dear John, dear Jesus, and dear reader for each chapter. And the bonus part is the study questions at the end of the chapters which really is good to enhance further bible study. So consider the book not only for personal spiritual development but also for group study.

[Rhonda Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a captivating read and study on the book of John! It is broken down into individual chapters with questions and further study suggestions at the end of each chapter. Perfect for personal study as well as a group Bible study! Shellie’s unique writing style in this, her latest book, draws the reader in, expands the imagination, and causes the reader to see Jesus in a more intimate, approachable way. Reading this book not only equips the reader to stand strong in their faith but to do so with hope and joy! Thank you, Shellie! Well done!

[Deirdre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shellie’s new book is all about seizing the good life in a variety of ways: worship, trust, grief and belief. One of the early chapters discusses transformation. It is the first miracle performed by Jesus at the wedding in Cana and it is the basis of who I am in Christ: transformed into a new creation. Shellie’s style of talking to John and then to me as the reader and, finally, to Jesus is like sitting on the back porch with a tall glass of sweet tea (swatting a few gnats) telling stories and talking about the day with friends and family. Y’all come and join in the conversation.

[Sally McConnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

My ladies class did a study of John using this book and we all loved it! I really like the format the author used, personal letters to John, the reader, and Jesus made the message John was giving to the world so personal. The stories Shellie used will make you laugh, cry or shout for joy! You will have a better understanding through the eyes of John of exactly who Jesus was, the Son of God! The questions at the end of each chapter were great for good thought provoking discussion. I highly recommend you check it out! You won’t be disappointed!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read many (maybe even all) of Shellie Rushing Tomlinson's books AND they are all great! This one was so helpful to me that I suggested (and we did) that we do the study with the women's Bible study group I co-lead. Her style of writing is both engaging and entertaining but also so very impactful. Can't wait to read the next book she writes. Highly recommend this book to be read along with the book of John in the Bible!!!

[Beth Herring · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful rendering of what the Good Life looks like when lived out through the teachings in the book of John! Shellie draws you in with her words and she brings a gorgeous illustration of the text to your mind through her writing! Do yourself and your Christian walk a favor and order this book today!

[Michelle Renard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes please! This book is lovely, a great read, and well written. It has inspired me to seek God’s word even more, focus on His truth and rely on Him. I’m thankful and will be sharing this book with others. I highly recommend this book.

[Jay · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not what I was expecting.

[Carey Tomlinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for a book that will help ignite your heart to Love God’s Word more…this is it! Shellie writes in a easy to follow conversational style but she unpacks some deep and insightful truths! I’ve loved the stories, easy to understand metaphors and candor with which she shares. I’ve often picked up my own Bible and read more passages…and isn’t that what any good Bible study should do, encourage you to look at God’s Word not just the author’s. The chapters are really brief enough to be a 21 day devotional and the unique way in which they are written as letters to John and then you as the reader and finally to Jesus as a prayer…well it’s refreshing and engaging! You won’t be sorry you picked up this one!

[Noreen Sevret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written with much creativity, Seizing the Good Life made me want to continue reading until the end of each chapter. I like how each chapter started with a letter to John from Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, creatively writing her thoughts and questions as if she truly was writing him personally. The letter grabbed my attention in each chapter. She then wrote about the chapter being read and discussed, going into the background of what really was happening and being written about at the time. Her prayer at the end of each chapter was like a real-life application for me in how to apply what I had read. Having never read any of Shellie's books before, I will definitely read more of her writing. I think this book would give even someone who had never read the Bible before understanding and desire to read more. I look forward to doing a study of this book with some of my friends.

[Donna Owings · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! I'm learning so much.

[Suzy Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am currently reading this book. Thank You Shellie for writing this book in easy reading.

Y’all! This book and this Author!!!! Shellie Rushing Tomlinson Author and Bible Teacher…
She takes you on a journey through the book of John. It is laid out so that anyone can grasp the message. She is a wonderful speaker should you need a God fearing Truth speaker at your ladies conference. She’s a wonderful Author and She’s my friend and I Love her. Check out her new book that is coming out next week! #Seizingthegoodlife