7 Followers
22 Following
ryandejonghe

Ryan DeJonghe - The Avid Reader

I didn't always read, but that changed in June of 2013. I dropped the unnecessary stuff and picked up the awesome stuff--like reading! I started posting my reviews on Amazon and within a few months rose to the top 0.1% of reviewers. My reviews then went to Goodreads, and now my blog (http://ryandejonghe.wordpress.com) and Twitter (@Ryan_Reads). If you are reading this, why not leave a comment or send me a note? I love talking to other folks about books and my reviews. Publishers and authors, feel free to drop me a note if you want me to review your book. I usually stick to mainstream publishing, but I'll consider anything. If I review your book, I’ll give you a fair and thorough review and let you know when the review goes live. You can reach me at dejonghes@gmail.com. Happy Reading!
The Approval Fix: How to Break Free from People Pleasing - Joyce Meyer

Here’s the story: while my parents were in town, we all went together to one of our kids’ homeschooling events. My mom was talking about one of Joyce Meyer’s (concerts? outings? conventions?)—I’m not really sure what you call them—but she seemed to really enjoy it. I saw this book upcoming, thought it may be similar to Brené Brown’s DARING GREATLY, and wanted to give it a try. I have a feeling many people like my mom will buy and enjoy this book. This review is for everyone else.

 

 

The “approval fix” can come in many formats: seeking ‘likes’ on Facebook, getting praise from a boss, wanting acknowledgement for cleaning the house, and such. It’s not bad, but it can be like a drug; you need a fix. Some of the other books I’ve reviewed speak to this, where there is a difference between doing things for the purpose of gaining approval versus doing things for intrinsic value and graciously accepting praise if it comes.

 

 

The things I like about the other books are footnotes. Lots and lots of footnotes. Joyce Meyer doesn’t offer any footnotes or scientific research. Some may say she “shoots from the hip.” Yes, she uses many scriptures throughout, but there are large segments of text without any reference. Most of what she speaks to comes from her years involved in the ministry and from her own life. She seems transparent in her reassuring delivery. The bottom line: God accepts us for who we are. We are loved. All the approval we need comes from Him.

 

 

Overall, this is a solid offering for believers seeking that reassurance and foundation. The advice contained here does not prohibit or inhibit, but rather sets up a path of a life not bound by expectations. When we are free to be ourselves and the persons God wants us to be, then that is truly beautiful.

 

 

Thanks to FaithWords and Hachette for providing an electronic copy of this book.