I know better, but I keep trying to extract joy from circumstances and keep finding the yield pitifully small, easily lost. I know better, but it takes a book like this to remind me afresh that joy is a gift and a resolve and a practice—a thing I receive and choose and walk in. I know better, but I keep needing to be taught. And what a wise, gentle, and—yes—joyful teacher Heidi is. She neither scolds nor cajoles nor spouts platitudes. Her remedy for broken hearts is no mere pep talk. Rather, out of her own experience of shattering loss and grief and from walking with others who know heartache, she takes us back to the true source of joy and shows us anew how to drink deep its living waters.
MARK BUCHANAN
Award winning author of David: Rise and God Walk
Fresh Joy is a life-giving and deeply transforming book that presents a radical alternative to our current culture, which breeds and feeds on cynicism, criticism, and fear—toxic negativity that damages and destroys the human spirit.
The stories shared in this well-written book deal honestly with the raw and painful parts of life. Yet woven throughout Fresh Joy is amazing biblical truth that digs deep into the inexhaustible love and grace of God, encouraging the reader to sow the seeds of gratitude, which have the power to produce the fruit of joy.
Heidi McLaughlin lives what she writes. Fresh Joy is a timely and much-needed book for women today. It articulates a strong challenge to live above the attitudes of our culture and embrace the radical, transforming power of joy.
MARGARET GIBB
Founder and director of Women Together, international speaker, award winning author of Faith Life and Leadership
Is joy possible or even authentic in the valley of deep grief? In Fresh Joy, Heidi McLaughlin shares profound secrets of cultivating joy even in seasons of suffering. You won’t find any easy answers here or fluffy phrases, but what you will find is deep authentic teaching on growing joy in adversity. Bravo, Heidi! You’ve hit it out of the park with this book! I will highly recommend it to many in my circles. It is a treasure!
BECKY HARLING
International speaker and best-selling author of How to Listen So People Will Talk and Psalms for the Anxious Heart
I’ve never met a single soul who didn’t long for joy. Fresh Joy tells you how to grab hold of that which your soul craves. Through honest storytelling and raw struggles, and like a faithful friend guiding you by the hand, Heidi makes joy readily attainable to any and all in need of a fresh dose, a daily cup, or a drop in their darkest hour. This is a must read to be ready for any and every circumstance life will bring.
ERICA WIGGENHORN
Bible teacher and author of Unexplainable Jesus: Rediscovering the God You Thought You Knew
Is it possible to lose the love of your life, twice, and still find joy? This is where Heidi McLaughlin found herself after the sudden death of her second dear husband, Jack. In her book Fresh Joy, Heidi tenderly points to the divine Source of her joy by beautifully weaving together her courageous journey from heartbreak to healing and the inspiring wisdom of others who have found the same Source. No matter where you find yourself, Fresh Joy gives you fresh insight into how to embrace this sweet gift from God and in the process realize a joy that will not only heal your heart but overflow to those around you.
ANN MAINSE
Host of A Better Us and author of Coffee with Him
Heidi McLaughlin’s gentle, caring spirit shines through her well-crafted words in Fresh Joy. Her honesty and vulnerability not only made me want to read more; they caused me to delve deeper and sample one helping of “fresh joy” after another.
Heidi doesn’t mince words about how shattered and broken she feels, but despite the pain, her love for God resonates throughout this entire book. She never once implies that the reader should get over whatever hardships and heartache gnaw. Instead, she respects and encourages the reader, with reflections and tenderness, to focus on the healing power of the Holy Spirit.
There are life lessons—but they aren’t preachy—and real stories that tug at the soul. There are incredible breath-holding moments where I found myself awaiting the presence of God. All we need to do is S.T.O.P., listen, and receive. Fresh Joy is a good reminder.
GLYNIS M. BELEC
Freelance writer, author, and inspirational speaker
How do you go on when your world is shattered? Not once, but twice? Heidi McLaughlin writes movingly and honestly about the trauma of losing two husbands through sudden deaths. We all suffer loss and deep disappointment at times, but how do we go on? After a crushing loss, how is it possible to embrace a rich, joy-filled life again?
Heidi’s new book, Fresh Joy, gives practical, wise comfort. Reading this book is like taking the hand of a friend who—although she has been through the worst—comes alongside you and encourages you to go on. She points you to the God who never fails. She gently encourages the discipline of choosing joy. What a perfect book for our times, when so many are suffering. Thank you, Heidi, for writing a wonderful, life-giving book.
NANCIE CARMICHAEL
Author of The Unexpected Power of Home, Surviving One Bad Year, and other books
When you meet Heidi McLaughlin, she exudes joy. She is an encourager to so many women around the globe, and yet she’s been widowed twice and has faced the brink of despair. In raw honesty, she gives us a close-up and personal view of her struggles, including PTSD. Every step on Heidi’s journey leads us all the way to our true source of Joy—Jesus!
Fresh Joy provides practical ways to weave joy and thanksgiving into your daily routine. It is beautifully written and personally scripted with love for her Joy-Giver. I’ve been encouraged, challenged, and refreshed. I know you will be too!
RUTH COGHILL
Author of WOW Bible Study Series and Unborn. Untold. True Stories of Abortion and God’s Healing Grace
“The door to the reservoir of joy is found in loving relationships, and we must learn to seek them and drink from them.” As I read these words, I hear Heidi’s voice, speaking affirmations of truth because she has done what she teaches us to do. Fresh Joy will usher you into a renewed encounter with Jesus Christ. I hope you decide to buy this book and another for a sister who needs to know how to turn to God for everything she needs. Because joy, in its fuller, spiritual meaning of expressing God’s goodness, involves more. It is a deep-rooted, inspired happiness that is not dependent on our circumstances. And that’s what Heidi McLaughlin has experienced for herself and what she freely gives away to us who decide to journey along with her by reading Fresh Joy.
SHERYL GIESBRECHT TURNER, ThD
Founder of From Ashes to Beauty, Inc., and author of It’ll Be Okay: Finding God When Doubt Hides the Truth
No one is more qualified to write this book than Heidi McLaughlin. Her experience of clawing her way back to a joy-filled existence, not once but twice, gives her a perspective found nowhere else. If anyone choosing to read this book thinks it will provide quick or simple steps to recover from life’s severe blows, they will be sadly disappointed. Heidi describes an arduous but deeply fulfilling journey back to joy.
Rev. TIM SCHROEDER, DMin
Chaplain for Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Heidi’s written a gem filled with practical helps, real-life stories, and biblical truth. She’s learned much through suffering, and now she draws from her lessons learned in the hard place to lead readers into a new understanding of how pain coexists with joy. Fresh Joy contains a message we all need to hear.
GRACE FOX
Global worker and author of Finding Hope in Crisis: Devotions to Calm the Chaos
Loss is all around us, and with it comes disappointment that threatens