A Great Read, Especially If You Need Your Spirits Lifted
926982
With nearly 400 previous reviews, it is not necessary to rehash the plot and characters.  I am glad that I had no clue this was a modern retelling of a biblical story, because I might have passed it by. Uplifting and full of hope, I recommend this as a fun, fast paced read that will leave you smiling and thankful for the experience.
2349627
Bring some lightness back into your life with this treasure of a book.
2878243
At a time when all of the news is so grim, it is a great escape to be able to read such an uplifting book. The anecdotes remind us of who we once were and who we can once again become. Thank you Mr. Noah for a wonderful read for these precarious times. The Jouney to Greatness has been a light at the end of a long tunnel!
4844343
Even when there is nothing left, picking up this book is not impossible when you're depressed. If you can bring yourself to do nothing much at all, read a little of this. Julie's obvious first hand experience with the illness allows her to really validate the way you're feeling even if no one else "gets it".  A long-term sufferer, she has collected along the way a large and extremely useful list of tips, observations and advice. Her stories and observations are easy to relate to for those who have been or are depressed and provide a great deal of comfort and hope. Every time I read a chapter of this book (don't worry, they're short and useful), I come away feeling better than when I started reading - with more motivation, more  determination, and armed with ever more weaponry to fight off the most cunning of mental assailants.
1013407
"Refreshment In Refuge" will do just that, it will refresh your spirit and remind you of God's unwavering love.
A compilation of short stories, from the authors own life experiences make this book very easy to relate to. You can easily feel the authors emotions as she shares her inspirational and uplifting stories of faith.

 I found myself completely drawn into this book after reading the first story titled The Refreshing, in this story an owner of a garage thinks that he has run over his beloved family pet Alfie, and unable to bear taking the animal home to bury he places it in a dumpster. He worries all day about how he will break the news to his family, especially his daughters, so when he blurts out the news, and as the family mourns, the heavens open up and rain begins to fall, it was as if God was sharing in their grief. When the man arrives at his garage the next day, a neighbor of the body shop informs him that his dog has been barking in the dumpster, what joy the man must have felt, and what a celebration his family must have had that night. What Alfie needed was a little reviving. Sometimes as Christians we also need a little reviving.
Their is also a chapter titled 10 things a christian must know, and eleven things one cannot live without, that I have found myself referring to several times even after finishing the book. I think because of the straightforward, clear way this book is presented it would be perfect for Bible study groups, but individuals would also find it a useful study tool as well. I feel like it would also make a great gift for anyone who needs a little encouragement or spiritual "refreshing" in their life.

Even though I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the author, it in no way alters my opinion of this book.
1475946
Having a hard time?  Seeking some comfort and strength through literature?  If yes, then buy this book today.  I purchased it years ago when I was down in the dumps and it helped to lift my spirits.  I have purchased copies for a number of friends and know that I will be buying this book as gifts forever.  Everyone I have blessed with this book have benefited from it.  It speaks to your heart in an easy and direct manner as if you are in conversation with a friend who tells it to you straight.  I love this book and I think you will also.
3289594
I can safely say that this book jumped off the shelf in a bookstore precisely because my life is coming apart. Had I read the reviews first, I probably wouldn't have purchased it, but having read the book now, probably two or three times, I highly recommend this gentle, easy read which has a way of making the reader feel that he/she is not alone. You are encouraged to read the chapters as needed and not necessarily in simultaneous order.  The ten things outlined are not rocket science, but they are so logical and comforting to read, whether you are experiencing job loss, death, or any other various tragedies that are mentioned, but not singled out or dwelled upon. I started with the chapter on Simplifying, clearly a common theme in today's news, but this one hits home in a precise, memorable way, which encouraged me to not just clean out once, but go back and get rid of more and more.  As the author explains, you cannot hope to deal with the clutter around you even when you are feeling 100%, but when everything else is coming apart, it is essential to free up your surroundings.

The chapter on "Letting Go", again not a new concept, but written in a conversational way that makes sense when your life doesn't... says, "You can't begin to fly when you have concrete on your feet."  Take it for what it's worth.  If you think this is corny, so be it, but for me it is a great spiritual and uplifting go-to manual. My head is swimming, thus I need the gift this author handed me at this specific time in my life.... order, peace and hope.  And, one last thing, a chapter on the great healing value of crying. I really enjoyed the quick read, quick lift quality.
1141200
I read this book during a particularly brutal relapse. It not only immediately lifted my spirits but gave me great insight into treatments and strategies for recovery. I saw myself in many of the stories in the book and seeing that they got better gave me even more of a boost. I now return to the book whenever I need a pick-up or tip. In short, this book is a MUST for those with the syndrome and maybe more importantly for those who love them.
881961
I'd recommend this book to anyone who's felt lost after a breakup, and is fighting or has fought to find themselves after. This is one of those narratives that wrap you in a gentle hug and remind you you're not alone.
1541403
This is a really great short read. It just uplifted me and helped me feel validated in many of my thoughts these days. Thoroughly enjoyed it!
4250882
Right off the bat I was hooked, I found the book very easy to read in fact I read it in one sitting. This book is relatable for anyone whose had to deal with a sudden and unexpected life event; as a man I may not have related to everything the author went through in terms of her pregnancy, but I certainly identified with feeling as if you had been dealt a raw deal especially when youve tried your best to be a decent person. This book takes you on a journey of pain, doubt, joy, and most importantly hope. I found this book to be well written and encouraging. While I wouldnt wish what the author went through on anyone, I find comfort in knowing that the experience happened to someone who was able to write about it and perhaps bring some sort of comfort to anyone else going through a similar experience.
819976
This book, a follow-up to Thompson's "Happy Tuesdays", is a series of encouraging short anecdotes intended to edify rather than to instruct. If you or someone you know suffers from depression, bipolar disorder, or any other challenging illness, this book will provide you with insight into what it is to live successfully with your illness. Each little vignette is less than four pages long, and the book is double-spaced which makes for quick, easy reading, even with problematic eyesight like mine. I found myself laughing and grinning with each of the small stories, and always coming away with the idea that I can do more on a bad day than I thought possible.
2263208
This book leaves you feeling hopeful in so many ways. It lifts your spirit knowing the ones you love are with you always.
1090106
The life stories and triumphs of the author regarding his professional career and personal issues with his over-weight remind us that "life goes on" despite temporary setbacks, disappointment, or disillusionment.  There is indeed light at the end of the tunnel, if we just allow hope to emerge in our life outlook always. As long as we price things right, e.g. placing self-integrity, health and family, friendship above the pure money pursuit, we'll find ourselves shrouded by happiness, and devoid of any despair.  The uplifting message that things will be OK, despite how gloomy the situation may look and feel at the moment, is to be kept for the present tough economic times, where family tragedies seem to hit the headline news everyday. The sheer dark humor, which I can appreciate through personal experience, about how dysfunctional the workplace and the office politics can be is worth a read all by itself!  This book is a must read for anyone impacted by
the layoff phenomenon and want to reach the key understanding necessary to recover from it! I give it a 5 star.
3588890
A great book that will make you feel happy and joyful.
3865228
I read Michaels' book with great interest. I found his story paralelling mine on many aspects. I could relate to the smallish town, the old truck, the unusual call hours of the life within his profession. As he balanced that with his passion for writing, and upon the decision of fixing that old heap, a newly found light shone through.

It's a feel good, genuine book, about people, hope and second chances not only for the truck, but for Mike as well. Read it.
1214963
I found this book in a thrift shop one day after having a serious quarrel with a loved one.  My spirits really needed lifting as I was quite down in the dumps.  I read a passage or quote each day.  This is a great pick me up and helps me to count my blessings even during the trying times of life. My grandmother used to say, "Life isn't so much what you make it as how you take it."  She was one of the happiest people I ever knew in spite of living in difficult circumstances.  Giving thanks changes your outlook on life. I purchased three copies from Amazon to give to friends.