The 4:8 Principle: The Secret to a Joy-Filled Life »

Tommy Newberry’s message is simple, relevant, powerful, and timeless. In this New York Times bestseller, Newberry takes a single biblical principle and teaches us how one simple truth can magnify the joy we experience in our marriage, with our parenting, and in our life as a whole. Unfortunately, we live in a society bent on nursing old wounds and highlighting what is wrong with just about everything. As a result, we have grown accustomed to viewing the world, our lives, and ourselves through a lens of negativity—and that negativity stands in direct contrast to the passionate, purpose-filled people God wants us to be. This is where The 4:8 Principle grabs our attention. First, the author skillfully persuades us to acknowledge the link between the thoughts we choose to think and the joy we experience. Next, he shows us how we can grow our potential for joy by refusing to dwell upon the problems and pressures that are enduring and inevitable. Finally, he challenges us to pay the price of joy by becoming "extraordinarily picky" about what we read, watch, and listen to on a consistent basis. The strength of the book, though, is in Newberry’s ability to clearly explain how to put this principle into daily practice through a series of quick, easy and even fun adjustments. The 4:8 Principle is loaded with specific suggestions and helpful advice for going beyond the ordinary and experiencing life as it was meant to be.

Contents

Acknowledgments....................xiii
Introduction: Thinking Like God Thinks....................5
Chapter 1: Life as It Was Meant to Be Discovering the Secret to a Joy-Filled Life....................19
Chapter 2: A New Beginning Focusing on What Produces Joy....................39
Chapter 3: Wow, That's Me! Embracing Your God-Given Identity Part One Summary: Discovering Your Joy....................63
Chapter 4: Your Potential for Joy Fortifying Your Self-Concept....................81
Chapter 5: You Make Me So Mad! Taking Charge of Your Emotional Life....................103
Chapter 6: Head Games Starving Negative Emotions Part Two Summary: Developing Your Joy....................129
Chapter 7: Your Personal Firewall Developing Habits to Protect Your Heart....................147
Chapter 8: Junk-Proof Your Mind Strategies for a Healthy Mind....................171
Chapter 9: Thanks for Everything Living with Gratitude Part Three Summary: Defending Your Joy....................193
Afterword: You Are What You Think!....................219
About the Author