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Eat the Cookie...Buy the Shoes: Giving Yourself Permission to Lighten Up
Engrained in our culture is the belief that unbending discipline is the only sure way to success. You must go to the gym five times a week, never order the dessert, and don't even think about buying that dress you keep staring at in the store window. Breaking from such a regimented lifestyle is a sign of weakness, right? Wrong!-and Joyce wants to tell us why. . .
Though setting rules in our lives are important, it's just as important that we break them from time-to-time. Structure is a powerful tool, but when diverging from your own goals is seen as catastrophic, it can have a hugely negative effect on us. Balance is a core value in life and every once in awhile we deserve to indulge in a guilty pleasure or two. So don't feel bad about straying from your goals every once-in-awhile and in fact, embrace it: eat the cookie and buy the shoes!
Though setting rules in our lives are important, it's just as important that we break them from time-to-time. Structure is a powerful tool, but when diverging from your own goals is seen as catastrophic, it can have a hugely negative effect on us. Balance is a core value in life and every once in awhile we deserve to indulge in a guilty pleasure or two. So don't feel bad about straying from your goals every once-in-awhile and in fact, embrace it: eat the cookie and buy the shoes!
208 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2010
99 people are currently reading
922 people want to read
About the author
Joyce Meyer
1,624 books3,920 followersJoyce Meyer is a New York Times bestselling author and one of the world's leading Bible teachers. Through Joyce Meyer Ministries, she teaches practically and candidly, openly sharing her experiences and helping millions of people to apply biblical principles to their situations and ultimately find hope and restoration through Jesus Christ. Her book Battlefield of the Mind has been a perennial bestseller, teaching people how to win the war in their minds and “think about what they think about.”
Joyce’s Enjoying Everyday Life program is broadcast to millions worldwide in 114 languages. She has also authored over 150 books, which have been translated into over 170 combined languages, including Battlefield of the Mind, which has sold over 7 million copies across the globe. We’ve also distributed over 43.5 million books around the world.
A survivor of childhood sexual abuse, Joyce discovered how to overcome the emotional pain of her troubled past and experience true joy, hope, and healing by applying God’s Word to her life. Her passion is to help others do the same. For more than 40 years, Joyce has held conferences across the United States and around the world, teaching God’s Word and sharing the message of Christ with millions. Joyce also encourages millions each day through social media and online efforts and resources at joycemeyer.org
Joyce’s passion to help people who are hurting is the foundation of Hand of Hope, the missions arm of Joyce Meyer Ministries. Each year, Hand of Hope provides millions of meals for the hungry and malnourished, installs freshwater wells in poor and remote areas, provides critical relief after natural disasters, and offers free medical and dental care to thousands through their hospitals and clinics worldwide. Through their Project GRL initiative, they rescue women and children from human trafficking, provide safe places where they can receive an education and nutritious meals, and seek to let all girls everywhere know they are loved and valued by God.
In 2023, Joyce founded Hope Mountain Ranch, an 800-acre refuge in Mount Pleasant, Utah. Inspired by her own personal journey, Hope Mountain Ranch is a place where people can experience the transformative power of God and find hope and healing. It also serves as the hub for Joyce Meyer Ministries’ outreaches across the United States.
Joyce’s Enjoying Everyday Life program is broadcast to millions worldwide in 114 languages. She has also authored over 150 books, which have been translated into over 170 combined languages, including Battlefield of the Mind, which has sold over 7 million copies across the globe. We’ve also distributed over 43.5 million books around the world.
A survivor of childhood sexual abuse, Joyce discovered how to overcome the emotional pain of her troubled past and experience true joy, hope, and healing by applying God’s Word to her life. Her passion is to help others do the same. For more than 40 years, Joyce has held conferences across the United States and around the world, teaching God’s Word and sharing the message of Christ with millions. Joyce also encourages millions each day through social media and online efforts and resources at joycemeyer.org
Joyce’s passion to help people who are hurting is the foundation of Hand of Hope, the missions arm of Joyce Meyer Ministries. Each year, Hand of Hope provides millions of meals for the hungry and malnourished, installs freshwater wells in poor and remote areas, provides critical relief after natural disasters, and offers free medical and dental care to thousands through their hospitals and clinics worldwide. Through their Project GRL initiative, they rescue women and children from human trafficking, provide safe places where they can receive an education and nutritious meals, and seek to let all girls everywhere know they are loved and valued by God.
In 2023, Joyce founded Hope Mountain Ranch, an 800-acre refuge in Mount Pleasant, Utah. Inspired by her own personal journey, Hope Mountain Ranch is a place where people can experience the transformative power of God and find hope and healing. It also serves as the hub for Joyce Meyer Ministries’ outreaches across the United States.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
December 13, 2018
I picked this up because I liked the cover and the title. I had no idea who the author was when I started reading this and I certainly wasn't expecting scriptures. But I have to say, this was a fun read. It was light and uplifting and best of all, it had a great message. It was about lightening up, rewarding ourselves and putting things into balance. I think this was especially applicable to women who spend all day nurturing others and who often forget themselves.
So, it conveyed a great message, but I had to laugh when I was done reading it because as I was giving this some thought, I was thinking of all the things I had to a change and work on, which was the exact opposite of what this book was about.
So, it conveyed a great message, but I had to laugh when I was done reading it because as I was giving this some thought, I was thinking of all the things I had to a change and work on, which was the exact opposite of what this book was about.
August 22, 2012
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads program. However, I have nine previous Joyce Meyer hardcovers on my shelves, I have seen her speak in person in a packed arena, and I watch her Enjoying Everyday Life television show whenever I get the chance.
You can probably tell I like Joyce. I like her speaking and writing style. She tells it like it is. She doesn't beat around the bush. She uses Bible verses and explanations that anyone can understand. And she uses rhymes and memory tips to help others remember important truths. But I especially like her sidebars and questions that make her books and speaking personal, asking others to look inside themselves and think about how a certain topic is affecting them.
In this book, the first chapter describes how she came to title it, "Eat the cookie...buy the shoes." By eating a forbidden cookie while on a fitness regimen, instead of helping her, her husband chastises her and she feels terribly guilty. But later she realizes that God never intended this. We are not built for guilt.
Other chapters in this book talk about celebrating many things without guilt: the ordinary, your progress, change (a requirement of progress), through giving, who you are, what you have, you, your life, and discipline (your friend, not your enemy).
Wherever you're at in your life, Meyer is an encouraging friend. While reading this particular book (at 190 pages and $19.99, every page is worth a dime!), you will learn to de-stress, give your soul a vacation, lighten up, and not feel guilty! Start rewarding yourself for progress and stop punishing yourself for everything you view as a failure. No one is perfect and we're all worth it. But, above all, celebrate Jesus Christ, because He is the absolute greatest and most awesome gift that we have.
You can probably tell I like Joyce. I like her speaking and writing style. She tells it like it is. She doesn't beat around the bush. She uses Bible verses and explanations that anyone can understand. And she uses rhymes and memory tips to help others remember important truths. But I especially like her sidebars and questions that make her books and speaking personal, asking others to look inside themselves and think about how a certain topic is affecting them.
In this book, the first chapter describes how she came to title it, "Eat the cookie...buy the shoes." By eating a forbidden cookie while on a fitness regimen, instead of helping her, her husband chastises her and she feels terribly guilty. But later she realizes that God never intended this. We are not built for guilt.
Other chapters in this book talk about celebrating many things without guilt: the ordinary, your progress, change (a requirement of progress), through giving, who you are, what you have, you, your life, and discipline (your friend, not your enemy).
Wherever you're at in your life, Meyer is an encouraging friend. While reading this particular book (at 190 pages and $19.99, every page is worth a dime!), you will learn to de-stress, give your soul a vacation, lighten up, and not feel guilty! Start rewarding yourself for progress and stop punishing yourself for everything you view as a failure. No one is perfect and we're all worth it. But, above all, celebrate Jesus Christ, because He is the absolute greatest and most awesome gift that we have.
May 2, 2010
This is a great book with many examples that teach and encourage it's readers to lighten up a little bit! How often do we let ourselves get down, stressed and overworked in our day to day life without stopping to smell the roses? Too often, if you ask me.
We get so set on the goal on the end results that we lose ourselves in the middle forgetting that God made things for us in our lives for us to enjoy whether it be a cookie or a new pair shoes. And we shouldn't feel bad about it and I know I am even guilty of this feeling like I don't deserve a little pleasure here and there.
Why should we get so stressed out and only take time away for ourselves on a vacation just once year? We shouldn't let ourselves get so burned out and exhausted! Joyce Meyer does a great job in reminding us to rejoice in all that God has given us. So I encourage you to pick up this book, grab a coffee, spend a little time alone with God and be encouraged by the words of truth found in this title!
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June 3, 2014The title of this book caught my eye. Eat the cookie? Yes, please!
When I saw that it was a Christian book, I almost dismissed it, but this author is one of my mom's huge fave inspirational people, so I figured I'd give it a chance. Especially, if even the Christian establishment (which I think of as super judgmental) thinks I should lighten up, maybe it really is ok to do so.
There are a few gems in here, but it seems like you get 90+% of the value just from reading the title and subtitle. The author seems to like to say something and then really hammer on it over and over, so I can see why her stuff appeals to my mom, but I found it a little tiresome. Ended up reading the first few chapters and skimming some of the rest.
Sadly, the origin of this book was the author's eating a third of a cookie during a conference she was hosting. Her husband saw her and gave her crap about it because they were on a diet together, and this was not cookie day. Dude, seriously, a third of a cookie?! For all this fuss, at least eat the whole cookie. Never have I seen so much sturm und drang over such a small fraction of a baked good.
Who even does that? If you take a piece of a cookie off of the cookie tray, who's going to eat the rest? Some other poor uptight soul who doesn't feel worthy of a whole cookie, either?
But anyway, the message of the book is that it's not just good but necessary to loosen up, celebrate, reward yourself, and take vacations. Definitely! She said if you never celebrate your accomplishments or reward yourself for stuff, you'll lose your motivation, and that certainly seems to be the case for me.
One part I really liked was when she described sitting down to write this book. She was tired and burned out, and she couldn't think of a thing to say. So she took some time off. After a few days, she could write a sentence. Maybe the next day, it was three sentences or something. A few days later, she was off to the races again. That's what I've been desperately hoping for on the staycation I'm in the middle of right now--glad to see it worked for her, and I hope it works for me, too.
When I saw that it was a Christian book, I almost dismissed it, but this author is one of my mom's huge fave inspirational people, so I figured I'd give it a chance. Especially, if even the Christian establishment (which I think of as super judgmental) thinks I should lighten up, maybe it really is ok to do so.
There are a few gems in here, but it seems like you get 90+% of the value just from reading the title and subtitle. The author seems to like to say something and then really hammer on it over and over, so I can see why her stuff appeals to my mom, but I found it a little tiresome. Ended up reading the first few chapters and skimming some of the rest.
Sadly, the origin of this book was the author's eating a third of a cookie during a conference she was hosting. Her husband saw her and gave her crap about it because they were on a diet together, and this was not cookie day. Dude, seriously, a third of a cookie?! For all this fuss, at least eat the whole cookie. Never have I seen so much sturm und drang over such a small fraction of a baked good.
Who even does that? If you take a piece of a cookie off of the cookie tray, who's going to eat the rest? Some other poor uptight soul who doesn't feel worthy of a whole cookie, either?
But anyway, the message of the book is that it's not just good but necessary to loosen up, celebrate, reward yourself, and take vacations. Definitely! She said if you never celebrate your accomplishments or reward yourself for stuff, you'll lose your motivation, and that certainly seems to be the case for me.
One part I really liked was when she described sitting down to write this book. She was tired and burned out, and she couldn't think of a thing to say. So she took some time off. After a few days, she could write a sentence. Maybe the next day, it was three sentences or something. A few days later, she was off to the races again. That's what I've been desperately hoping for on the staycation I'm in the middle of right now--glad to see it worked for her, and I hope it works for me, too.
February 9, 2012
This is the second Joyce Meyer book that I've tried to read.. the first that I finished. I started it several months ago and it's only due to the new more disciplined me that I was able to finish it. It's not that it was horrible.. there were definitely bits of wisdom that I gleaned from the reading. I especially liked the chapters nearer the end. I think the issue that I have with her writing (based on this book and several attempts to get through "Me and My Big Mouth!" given to me by my loving mother) is that it doesn't seem to have any obvious progression. Each chapter has varying degrees of relevancy to the book's topic and they don't seem to be in any particular order. I remember trying to explain what the book was about when I was about halfway done, and I couldn't even say. Overall, I'm glad that I read it for the helpful anecdotes, bible passages and insights, but I just don't care for the writing style.
August 17, 2011
When I asked for the book, the kid in book store gave me a look like I was Satan and said "it is in Religious/Self Help". What am I that evil looking? LOL. This was good to remind yourself that you sould treat yourself in life because you do deserve it.
April 8, 2016
There was a lot of spiritual wisdom in this book. I
Not only appreciated all the scripture references, I really loved the advice to celebrate in Jesus every day. Also an important theme was reminding me to stay seated in Christ.
Not only appreciated all the scripture references, I really loved the advice to celebrate in Jesus every day. Also an important theme was reminding me to stay seated in Christ.
January 31, 2019
Perhaps my biggest problem was that I listened to this book, and found the midwestern narrator’s voice INTOLERABLE. Mleh. The points weren’t terrible, but nothing Earth- shattering here. I guess I just already “eat my cookies” and celebrate the small things.
December 13, 2020
This book was amazing and I read it at the perfect time it seems.
July 2, 2017
Common sense combined with scripture provide the reader with ways in which to overcome the feelings of guilt, doubt, fear and confusion when taking the little pleasures in life we earn and deserve. Good read and simply written. Read it quickly but the thoughts it provoked will stay with me.
March 11, 2010
From my blog...
While the premise of the book, Eat the Cookie…Buy the Shoes is an excellent one and a message I believe many should hear, I wonder how many readers may be put off by the preaching in this novel with the fun, whimsical title, I hope not many. Meyer's message is one that should be read, yet often I found myself feeling overwhelmed by what seemed to me to be too heavy a hand on the religious end. Yes, I realize Joyce Meyer is rather popular and has her own ministry, however, with the title of the book and the message that we need to give ourselves a break now and again, that it is okay to splurge, to not be perfect, to eat the dessert, to indulge now and again, I felt those lessons were overshadowed and at times lost in the preaching. I personally would have preferred to read a more light-hearted novel, however, I realise as well that this is exactly what many want to read about and I appreciate that. While this book was not what I thought it would be and was not for me, I still believe Meyer's messages to women are very valid and hope many of her faithful following and those new to her ministry will give Eat the Cookie…Buy the Shoes a try.
While the premise of the book, Eat the Cookie…Buy the Shoes is an excellent one and a message I believe many should hear, I wonder how many readers may be put off by the preaching in this novel with the fun, whimsical title, I hope not many. Meyer's message is one that should be read, yet often I found myself feeling overwhelmed by what seemed to me to be too heavy a hand on the religious end. Yes, I realize Joyce Meyer is rather popular and has her own ministry, however, with the title of the book and the message that we need to give ourselves a break now and again, that it is okay to splurge, to not be perfect, to eat the dessert, to indulge now and again, I felt those lessons were overshadowed and at times lost in the preaching. I personally would have preferred to read a more light-hearted novel, however, I realise as well that this is exactly what many want to read about and I appreciate that. While this book was not what I thought it would be and was not for me, I still believe Meyer's messages to women are very valid and hope many of her faithful following and those new to her ministry will give Eat the Cookie…Buy the Shoes a try.
March 4, 2010
Every once in a while, I find myself reading a book that is serendipitous: the message I need, at just the right time.
Joyce Meyers' "Eat the Cookie ... Buy the Shoes" was just such an experience for me. Meyers writes about the importance of celebration in life, as well as the importance of discipline. The titular cookie and shoes are metaphors for learning to keep a proper balance in life.
Meyers' colloquial style is enjoyable, and her advice is sound. She provides examples from her own life to explain why both discipline and celebration are important factors in life, and even the need to celebrate having discipline around a problem area. A celebration can be a nice walk in the park and does not need to be something costly at all.
While Meyers writes from a Christian perspective that I do not necessarily share in its entirety, I found much encouragement and value in the pages of her latest work.
(Review based on advance readers' copy.)
Joyce Meyers' "Eat the Cookie ... Buy the Shoes" was just such an experience for me. Meyers writes about the importance of celebration in life, as well as the importance of discipline. The titular cookie and shoes are metaphors for learning to keep a proper balance in life.
Meyers' colloquial style is enjoyable, and her advice is sound. She provides examples from her own life to explain why both discipline and celebration are important factors in life, and even the need to celebrate having discipline around a problem area. A celebration can be a nice walk in the park and does not need to be something costly at all.
While Meyers writes from a Christian perspective that I do not necessarily share in its entirety, I found much encouragement and value in the pages of her latest work.
(Review based on advance readers' copy.)
September 11, 2010
This was the first book by Joyce Meyer I have read. Her writing style is very easy to read and also entertaining. She made some great points in the book that I will keep in mind as I go forward with my walk with Christ. I haven't taken a highlighter to a book in a while, but I found myself having to read with one nearby or in hand as I went through this book. It's a very encouraging book and well worth the read. One of my favorite quotes from the book is "We don't need to be sad, depressed, and discouraged about our past, not even the past of one moment ago! God does not want us to live life always looking in the rearview mirror. We need not forfeit any joy or enjoyment." In other words, once we are forgiven, stop looking back - you need to forgive yourself as well.
All in all, a great book which will probably lead me to read more from her.
All in all, a great book which will probably lead me to read more from her.
July 8, 2012
I really enjoyed this upbeat spin on Christian Hedonism (see John Piper). Meyer takes the sometimes-forgotten approach (among religious circles especially) of promoting joy and celebration, reminding us that this is an integral part of living the way Christ desires. She tempers this with calling her readers to self-control, prayer, and seeking spiritual guidance in the Word. A few sound bites: "Celebrate discipline because it is your friend and not your enemy. Discipline yourself to celebrate, because God loves a party!" If you tend to overwork yourself or if you are on a joyless journey, this book may just what you need to party hearty and serve God in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
October 18, 2015
Listened to this motivational audio book on our way home from visiting our kids. It's read by Joyce's youngest daughter which I find a heartwarming all-in-the-family presentation. I appreciated Joyce's Bible-based references to the necessity for Christians to drop the guilt (ongoing all-consuming, addictive guilt-- not from God) and get on with a relationship with God. Funny and real, like Joyce always is.
April 30, 2011
LOVE Joyce Meyer, she is one of my fave Christian authors. I love this book, it is about learning to have fun, celebrate life and not deprive yourself. Such freedom in Christ. It is okay to reward yourself, there is a difference between that and indulging yourself. When done in a balanced way, it makes life enjoyable. GO, JOYCE!!
March 13, 2012
I love Joyce Meyer's amazing ability to speak right to your heart and remind you about what is important in life. Good book especially for us who think that our house has to be perfect and we have to have thought and dealt with every matter that might occur in our life. Ahhhh loved it and I read it in my travels on a plane so it kept me enthralled and not worrying about my flight.
February 16, 2014
This book was full of content.It had alot to take in throughout the book, and it was hard for me to stay focused in the last few chapters.
Saying that, i took some notes and there are some good points to remember from it.This is one of them 'Jesus set us free from comparison and competition, and we can and should celebrate that we are unique'(see 2 cor 10v12) pg178.
Saying that, i took some notes and there are some good points to remember from it.This is one of them 'Jesus set us free from comparison and competition, and we can and should celebrate that we are unique'(see 2 cor 10v12) pg178.
October 17, 2010
Ok. Joyce Meyer is definitely a TV personality, not a writer. Her rephrasing of the parables drove me nuts.
But the message that you don't have to deprive yourself because you think that's what God wants is good.
But the message that you don't have to deprive yourself because you think that's what God wants is good.
November 18, 2010
This book caught my eye and I felt like I needed to read it. It's premise is that God wants a joyful people. It was good to remind myself to lighten up and enjoy the life I have been given. I didn't read it all because after awhile I felt like I had gotten the message. Good reminder!
January 14, 2011
Reminder to celebrate life, even during the working times. Take time to enjoy everyday life! I certainly do! Probably eat too many cookies and buy too many pairs of shoes. I live an abundant life!
June 29, 2011
This was a cute book but it's very repetitive in it's theme. I listened to her show on the radio and I felt like that hour show gave you all the main points in this book. I do love the bibical commentary on her scripture refrence she doe's an awesome job of making the bible come alive to women.
February 21, 2015
2.5 this was totally not what I expected! I was expecting a light fun book about how to lighten up a little. The whole book was very preachy and was filled with TONS of scripture. I have nothing against it and some if it was nice to read and hear but that wasn't what I thought I would be reading.
November 5, 2015
I have now read this book three times!! Every time I read it I gain more wisdom on allowing myself to live in my time, my life; with my joy. I am learning through this book and Joyce Meyer's way of teaching to "lighten up!". It's not that deep.
January 15, 2014
I am so enjoying this book... down to earth and practical.
May 23, 2010
I won this book on Goodreads
Not what I thought it would be.Thought it would be a funny one.
Not what I thought it would be.Thought it would be a funny one.
June 26, 2010
Good plan for balance in life.
Read
September 13, 2010lots of fluff, but of all the christian life advice people, i can stand her more than the others. good basic message, lots and lots and lots of fluff.
August 25, 2010
Loved the premise for this book: don't be guilty, God wants us to be happy... but it wasn't enough to keep me reading. Didn't finish, got a bit bored. Just OK for me ;)
September 14, 2010
Loved this book. I learned that I am too boring and need to lighten up and learn to celebrate the small things.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews