The Joy Model

A Step-by-Step Guide to Peace, Purpose, and Balance

By: Jeff Spadafora

Narrated by: Tom Parks

"Weaving together his own spiritual journey, stories from his experience coaching others, and down-to-earth principles and practices, management consultant and Christian life coach Jeff Spadafora helps readers find the joy in a life that is more vibrant and real than any they have experienced before.

An increasing number of American Christians are frustrated. Even as they read their Bibles, listen to sermons, and hang out with other Christians, they become painfully aware that something is missing: joy. As a result, many have given up on their faith being a source of joy, and instead they seek meaning, purpose, and joy through their Christian service, work, relationships, hobbies, possessions, or even more destructive and hollow substitutes.

The Joy Model offers a better way, showing readers that joy comes from balancing the practical and spiritual sides of our lives—the “Doing” and the “Being” of the Christian life. Jeff Spadafora reveals a plan to uncover significant increases in joy, including:

• tried and true disciplines to engage God practically
• a blueprint to move from knowing about God to actually experiencing him
• practical steps to let our new understanding of God transform relationships, attitudes, finances, service, and work

©2016 Jeff Spadafora (P)2016 Thomas Nelson Publishers

Difference Maker

I’ve read a lot of books on this subject matter, both secular and Christian. I never feel led to post reviews because they’ve only scratched the surface for me and leave me in the same place where I started. Reading and experiencing “The Joy Model” was a completely different experience and message. By far, this is the best book I’ve ever read on this topic (for me and my place in life) because it gets to the heart of the subject matter and provides a clear path to finding joy in a biblical and unbiased way. Definitely in my top 5 most favorite books of all time. Good work Jeff, thanks for answering your calling.

#1 Gift I Am Giving for the Holiday & 2017!

Would you consider the audio edition of The Joy Model to be better than the print version?

I liked the audio because I could listen to, The Joy Model, while driving in the car. I also purchased the book so I could reread, highlight, use for a book club, and keep for future reference.

What did you like best about this story?

The step-by-step allows me to start evaluating my life and putting my findings into action. I've already made progress and loving it!

What does Tom Parks bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Tom Parks has a nice, soothing voice that is easy for listening. I would purchase another Audible book that he narrates.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Yes, I was only on chapter 3 when my mind was racing about who else would love this book. After reading the whole book, I made my list and bought several copies as gifts.

Any additional comments?

#1 gift for the holidays and 2017 that I'm giving to family, friends and co-workers. I feel like, "I'm spreading the JOY!"

Amazing and inspiring

love this book! It's so helpful with practical but highly valuable insight for true joy and purpose. Covers every aspect I could have needed. I've listened 3 times and plan another when I can sit and take notes

Excellent, thought-provoking guide to seeking joy and fulfillment in the second half of your life

Being a quantitative person, I liked the formula-based approach that the author uses to finding joy in the second half. I was quickly able to identify where I have overindexed and where my deficiencies are in finding joy and fulfillment. He doesn’t attempt to resolve the reader’s particular issues in the book, but provides references to resources to address that particular issue. I feel like I have a guide to the next steps I need to take to get to a better place in my life.

Some constructive feedback: this is from the author’s personal POV, so most relevant for rich, successful (based on career achievement), likely white, married men. He does touch on those of us that are outside of those boundaries, but the reader still has to get through the parts that may not be relevant or even accessible given the reader’s set of circumstances.