Joy That Lasts [Paperback]

Gary Smalley (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1988

Gary Smalley shares freely the secrets of having Joy That Lasts, often produced by trials. It's a joy that comes from the source of refreshment that never runs dry.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

"Trials can be our greatest experience for they can lead to the source of lasting joy." "Reaching bottom is the first step up." These words of advice come easily, except to those who are hurting. Gary Smalley learned the pain of rejection from a friend so dear, one he considered a near brother. He recovered from his emotional devastation to become a best-selling author, respected marriage counselor, and sought-after public speaker. But it took him two years and a career change to heal from his hurt and turn back to God. It was then he discovered the secret to a life so fulfilling, it would be virtually impossible for circumstances to rob him of his joy. Gary Smalley shares freely the secrets of having Joy That Lasts with his readers. He explains how the trials of living can work for us to produce love and a strong feeling of self-worth. He makes a strong case that most of our prayers are answered, even if we may not recognize them when they are. And he points the way to finding the true source of refreshment that never runs dry.

About the Author

Gary Smalley teaches seminars throughout North America on marriage and the family. Among his books are The Joy of Committed Love, If Only He Knew, and For Better or For Best. His counsel on marriage is also the focus of the film series Love is a Decision.;;Al Janssen has authored or coauthored 22 books. He is currently senior director of product development for Focus on the Family. Al and his wife, Jo, have been married for 22 years and live in Colorado Spring. They have three children--Joshua, Jonathan, and Anna.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan (June 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310462916
• ISBN-13: 978-0310462910
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,515,463 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Gary Smalley is one of the country's best known authors and speakers on family relationships. He is the author and coauthor of 16 best-selling, award-winning books along with several popular films and videos. He has spent over 30 years learning, teaching, and counseling. Gary has personally interviewed hundreds of singles and couples and has surveyed thousands of people at his seminars, asking two questions: what is it that strengthens your relationships and what weakens them?

Gary's books combined have sold over 5 million copies. Many of them have even been translated into various languages. "The Blessing" and "The Two Sides of Love" have won the Gold Medallion Award for excellence in literature. "The Language of Love" won the Angel Award as the best contribution to family life. All other titles have been top-five finalists for the Gold Medallion Award.

In the last 30 years, Gary has spoken to over 2 million people in live conferences. He has been presenting his live two-day workshop, "Love Is a Decision," once a month for the last 20 years. Television audiences all over the world have viewed his award-winning infomercial, "Hidden Keys to Loving Relationships." Several versions of the infomercial--first with Dick Clark, then with John Tesh and Connie Sellecca, and also with Frank and Kathie Lee Gifford--have been aired. This 18-videotape series has sold over 4 million tapes.

Gary Smalley has appeared on national television programs such as "Oprah," "Larry King Live," "Extra," "The Today Show," and "Sally Jessy Raphael," as well as numerous national radio programs. Gary has been featured on hundreds of regional and local television and radio programs across the United States.

Gary and his wife, Norma, have been married for 40 years and live in Branson, Missouri. They have three children, Kari, Greg, and Michael, and six grandchildren.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Life Changing becuase of Life Changer, January 10, 2000

By 

Chris Lemanski (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Joy That Lasts (Paperback)

This book has changed my life. The simple princicples that only Christ can meet our deepest needs is key. He (Jesus) should be our only expectation. Everything else in life: job titles, cars, houses, trips, even family members, will dissappoint us.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A MUST READ, June 28, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Joy That Lasts Revised (Hardcover)

I have just recently completed this book. What a terrific experience. Not only did it enhance my relationship with the Lord, it made me realize the importance of trusting him and having unwavering faith. The topic on "getting in your prayer line" was something I needed. If you are having trouble in your relationship, you must read this book. I strongly recommend it to engaged couples or anyone wanting a fulfilling relationship with their spouse.

5.0 out of 5 stars Anything but smalley., August 25, 2011

By 

Bill Albanese "Billy 5" (Fordsboro, ME) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Joy That Lasts (Paperback)

If you are married and are having woes, or, if you are married and wish to not have woes, ANY book by Gary will set you straight, but be warned it does not come easy. Gary gives common sense advice, knowledge and practices that will work, but they won't work if you're not willing to look yourself in the face and poke yourself in the eye. I tell you the truth though, if you are both WILLING TO CHANGE for the better you don't need any books at all, but who is that? We all fall into marital funk sooner or later, if you're not then you're probably married to a petrified moose. Just be honest with yourselves when you pick which book of his to read (there are also a few he co-wrote which are of equal excellence). In my case, only I read the book and that says a lot as to why I bought it now doesn't it! But Gary uses no gimmicks or secret potions, if you're willing to change he will guide you in the right direction (even if your spouse doesn't care).