Enjoy: Finding the Freedom to Delight Daily in God's Good Gifts by Trillia J. Newbell

Enjoy: Finding the Freedom to Delight Daily in God's Good Gifts Reviews

• 
  தீபி (Debi)

  I wish the authors that write these sorts of book focused more on the content rather than trying to make into a “study” with discussion questions and a “project” — both of which are pointless if the book isn’t very deep.
  
  It’s not that the book isn’t deep, but it has the potential to be more if there were less chapters on many different topics. Trillia should have honed in on four or five. She made some good points here and there but in other chapters, she took the cliched path. The book would have been stronger without those. Her gospel presentation also wasn’t very good — it is centered on sin rather than on Christ, something that I have been becoming more sensitive to lately.
• 
  SarahO

  I loved this so much!
• 
  Vinnie

  I loved this book. Such an important message for christians who are always under the impression, life is for labor and suffering. But also one for those who think, life should only be fun and enjoyment.
  Trillia Newbell paints a balanced picture of the tension between work and play and all the things of life in between and how we can learn to enjoy what God has given to us while also staying true to his commandments (she talks about food, art, work, money, leisure time, community and intimacy). I loved how she points out in the end that all enjoyment should lead to enjoying and loving Jesus more.
  A wonderful, realistic and uplifting book!
• 
  Panda Incognito

  I enjoyed this book's playful, personal tone and wise reminders that because of God's love for us, we are free to enjoy life without feeling guilty for taking pleasure in the things that He has created. Yes, the world is broken by sin, and we should grieve and lament, but we can also rejoice in good things.
  
  One thing that particularly struck me about this book was how sensitive the author was to people's different life experiences. For example, she acknowledges in the chapter about sexual intimacy that not everyone has strong sexual appetites, and her chapter about enjoying food addresses dietary restraints in depth, not just as a passing caveat. The book spoke clearly to Scriptural truth without being narrow-minded or dogmatic about life details, and this makes it so much more accessible to readers of different lifestyles and experiences.
  
  My one criticism is that the book uses gendered language about the reader. There is nothing female-specific about this topic or the book's content, so it jarred me every time the author would say something like, "as women..." or "as daughters of God..." This popped up infrequently, but that just made it more bothersome to me, because it so easily could have been written as "people" and "children of God," without changing anything about the book's content or approach. There is nothing wrong with Christian women writing books for other Christian women, but because there is nothing inherently feminine about this book, the gender-specific language was distracting and seemed to limit great theology and life application to only one group. Men should read and benefit from this book too.
• 
  Hannah Johnson

  This book didn’t resonate with me like I thought it would. Only made it a quarter of the way through and I’m putting it on pause for now to finish some other reads.
• 
  Elaine

  Title: Enjoy
  
  Author: Trillia J. Newbell
  
  Genre: Christian, Nonfiction, Women, Self-Help
  
  Plot: Have you ever found yourself enjoying a delicious piece of dark chocolate and then feeling guilty about it later? And then your guilty feelings prompt you to eat more chocolate, less enjoyably this time around? Well, Trillia Newbell's new book will help you to break that cycle by offering you this one radical new thought: God wants you to enjoy that chocolate. Heaven is a long ways away but once we're there, no earthly chocolate will ever compare. Till then, those little bits of chocolate or walks in the sun or the pride you feel in your newly cleaned house or sex with your husband - all of that are just tiny tastes of the joy to come, and they are God's little gifts to us to remind us of His love and to help us get through each trying day till we get to heaven's door.
  
  So grab that box of chocolate, a notebook and a pen, and dive right on in to discover how you can enjoy God's daily gifts and become a happier, more content person today.
  
  Likes/Dislikes: Drawn in by the luscious raspberry on the cover, I figured this book would be a fun little thing to spend a week reading. It was actually quite surprising, very encouraging and I'll have to read it again to further absorb this slice of enjoyment and encouragement that I so thoroughly needed. I particularly enjoyed the food chapter. Some of the chapters started out well and then bogged down in the middle before trying to wrap up and conclude but most were interesting. I told my husband he has to read this book. Th sex chapter was aimed mainly at singles so I got nothing from it but that's okay; I already enjoy sex with my husband. *wink*
  
  Rating: PG-18 and up, mainly for reading level and content.
  
  Date Review Written: April 28th, 2017
  
  I received a copy of this book courtesy of Blogging for Books for my honest opinion. I wasn't required to write a positive review and the opinions expressed in the above review are my own.
• 
  Brittany Shields

  This book sets out to show us how we can enjoy things God has given us (i.e. work, people, rest, sex, creation, money, food, possessions, life) without feeling guilty. It's a fairly fast read. I think my favorite part about it was the setup, which I didn't fully utilize and probably played into my 3 star rating. After each topical chapter there is a list of ways to apply what you just read about. The author calls it The Enjoy Project. It would be ideal to read this book with one or two others and keep each other accountable to put into practice some of the application. For example, the chapter on rest ends with suggestions like- Set aside one day this week to fully rest, write a list of activities that help you rest, evaluate your schedule to identify ways you can create space for rest, etc. I didn't allow myself to engage much with the questions like I would have liked to- maybe in a different season of life than right now- but I think it's extremely helpful with books like this to have concrete application, answers to the question 'Okay, so what am I supposed to do with this information?' What I didn't really like about the book, was that it did feel a bit repetitive and nothing really stuck out to me as new information or revelation. It was not a ground-breaking book on how to enjoy God's gifts and I think a lot of the book was somewhat forgettable. But ultimately it was a good reminder to recognize everything God has given us and to be in the habit of thanking Him for it- that it's okay to enjoy his good gifts without feeling guilty, as long as we acknowledge from whom they were given. So my recommendation would be to read the book if you are willing to read it with someone and take the time to invest in the application portions more than I did.
• 
  Caitlyn Santi

  I have some mixed feelings about this book, on one hand there were some excellent moments in which I was in some cases reminded of things in a slightly new way as well as times that certain things that I had read or heard over the years finally made sense to me in the way this author broke it down for the reader. But on the other hand I found myself often feeling like it was expected that I would have forgotten from one chapter to the next that the reason I enjoy God's gifts is out of love for him and all that He has done for me, in other words, enjoying all the good gifts from God is more about enjoying, worshiping and glorifying Him and growing in my relationship with Him rather than just focusing on the gifts themselves. This truth spoke to me deeply and blossomed in my heart the moment it was first written in this book, but I did get a bit frustrated that I kept being reminded of something that was already at the forefront of my mind and heart, something that I hadn't yet forgotten. I realize that perhaps this was because the book is designed to be read over a number of weeks, but since I got this title to review I ended up with only a couple days to read it. If I had the time to read it over a longer time span then I don't think I would have been at all frustrated with that bit of repetition because I realize it is necessary if you are only reading a chapter or so a week. I don't often read non-fiction, but when I do I personally prefer to get a conversational vibe from the author (even when discussing very important things) and while there were definitely moments in this book where I did feel like the author was using a conversational tone, there were unfortunately also times where I couldn't help but feel as those I was being talked at rather than to.
  Overall though I am glad I read this book and I do plan to re-read it in the future, perhaps reading just one particular chapter that speaks to my life at a certain time. I definitely did get a lot of positive information from this book that truly spoke to my heart and I do look forward to turning to it for reminders when I am in a place in life where the truth I know may feel out of reach.
  If this book sounds interesting to you then I do recommend you give it a try, but I would suggest reading one chapter a day or a week rather than all at once in order to give yourself time to reflect and soak in the truth presented in that chapter.
  
  
  I received a copy of this book from the publisher. No review required. The above review is my honest opinion of this book. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own.
• 
  Andy Dollahite

  Warm, personal, bright. Newbell loves to enjoy the life and world God gave us, and her passion rightfully overflows. She’s particularly strong on food and relationships. At times her reflections hovered at a general/popular level, without diving deep into nuances of texts. All the usual (mostly contemporary) Christian authorities make cameo appearances in supporting quotes. It’s a collection of beautiful biblical pearls aptly strung together, but not a unique gem of a book.
  
  (As one reviewer commented, it’s apparently written for a female readership, but I’m not sure it needs that restriction.)
• 
  Hailey Hudson

  I enjoyed this book and love the concept of allowing yourself to delight in the good gifts God has given us, although I did struggle with the chapter on food and eating as that is a gift that has been taken away from me. These things are all certainly gifts not givens.
  —
  “We live in a fallen world, yet at the same time, God has given us abundantly more than we could ask or imagine.”
  —
  “There is a better feast coming.”
  —
  “We wait and long and learn to enjoy in the present age until all things are made right.”
• 
  Gina Johnson

  3.5 stars probably.
  “If I could sum up this entire book in one sentence I think it might be this: enjoyment is not about us; it’s about God.” That’s a great reminder!
  
  Easy read, theologically sound, she has lots of good things to say…but for some reason it just didn’t speak to me. That said, The last two chapters especially were very good. I’d definitely recommend it, especially as an easier read than say, something like Piper’s “The Pleasures of God”.
• 
  Jessica

  Mrs. Newbell knows how to stop you dead in your tracks & enjoy your life! I loved her writing style, more relaxed than preachy. The art work on the cover looks so real I actually thought it was a photo! This book is fantastic for the upcoming Summer season, making you look forward for those slow & steady days instead of the rat race days. It would be perfect for any adult!
• 
  Ruth

  I read this as a possibility for our church's spring women's study, and while I don't think it's the right choice for the women in our group at this point, I'm really glad I read it and happily recommend it for personal or group study. Newbell highlights both opportunities for enjoyment in God's gifts as well as barriers that can keep us from delighting in them.
• 
  Andrea

  I truly enjoyed this book entitled Enjoy! Trillia Newbell writes in such a way that is straightforward but interesting. She presents well known biblical principles and invites the reader to take them to heart with personal examples and humility. I walked away desiring to follow God more without guilt or weariness.
• 
  Heather

  This was an encouraging read! I appreciated Trillia's real heart and attitude towards many heart issues and how we can truly enjoy God through His many gifts and more importantly because of His character.
• 
  Sarah Koehn

  I really enjoyed this book. It was a fresh reminder of the reality that God gives good gifts. He created us in a physical world with physical things to enjoy.
  
  The chapters on work and food were most helpful for me.
• 
  Amanda

  A good, solid book on how to view the good things of this world, but nothing earthshaking.
• 
  Sue

  Some solid teaching, check lists were helpful, “enjoyed” discussion with friend. Not sad I read it.
• 
  Jamie Holloway

  Love! Here is my review on my blog.
  http://wp.me/s2E7xG-enjoy
• 
  Nicole

  Throughout Enjoy, Newbell incorporated references to Bible verses and also “The Enjoy Project” at the end of chapters – making this read not only perfect for a discussion setting but great for including in personal devotion time. Enjoy can be savored as a light read, but also used as an in-depth tool for spiritual growth. Having those options was one of the best parts of reading this book.
  
  Newbell's novel to encourage and show us that God's creation is a gift to us - not meant to cause us guilt, but to be savored as pointing to our Creator.
  
  Not Only For Women:
  
  Although primarily geared towards women, Enjoy is applicable towards men as well, and can be a useful tool for either sex. As evidenced by the title, Newbell crafted a novel to show us that we can enjoy (no pun intended) God’s creation without feeling guilty. Creation is one of God’s many gifts to us! Without shirking from touchier subjects (like sex), Newbell gently helps us discern whether we are enjoying something, or idolizing it.
  
  Newbell helpfully added some perspective to several verses, including Genesis 1:28 within the pages of Enjoy; on pg. 15 she reminded us that “we must steward his [God’s] world to the best of our ability”. We have dominion over the world, but also a responsibility to it because of the privilege we have been given.
  
  An immensely thought-provoking read, Enjoy helped me to notice aspects of everyday life that I never thought significant before. It also helped me realize where I have some correction to apply in my own life. For instance, on pg 7 Newbell brings our attention to the fact that God knew man would turn from Him even as He created us, and yet He still declared all that He had made, including man, very good! (Genesis 1:31)
  
  Included Recommendations:
  
  Several times while reading Enjoy, I noticed that Newbell included recommendations for works by other authors. It is wonderful to see not only that she supports other writers, but that additional support is given on various topics that aren’t addressed as thoroughly in this novel.
  
  Reading Enjoy inspired me to start a project of my own to savor God’s creation and gifts to us more thoroughly. I recommend this book to any reader who wants to be challenged and grow spiritually.
  
  This review is also found at
  https://www.allbehindasmile.com/enjoy...
  
  Disclaimer: I received this book for free from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
• 
  Rob

  The Blessing of Joy
  John Piper tells Christians that the chief end of man is “to glorify God and enjoy him forever.” In his book about how to live out this edict, how to reach our end, our goal, I feel like he’s barking at me. Others have been greatly blessed by Piper’s writing on this, but in reading his book, I felt commanded by someone I had not authorized to have power over me.
  In her new book “Enjoy,” Trilla Newbell whimsically invites me to live out this dictate of glorifying God and enjoying God forever. By the time I reached the book’s end, I wanted to do just that. Through art, exercise, nature, food, community, church, and sex (yes sex), I wanted to enjoy God by enjoying the gifts God gives and by seeing my true identity – who I am in Christ. Newbell beautifully writes about disciplines of joy. Where I was repulsed by Piper’s dictatorial tone, I was attracted to Newbell’s playful way of drawing me as a reader into her thought world.
  Truth be told, she actually is not inviting me to live out the life of enjoying God. I am a man and Newbell writes for women. I didn’t read the description of the author’s intent ahead of time. I just plunged into the book because I had enjoyed the previous work I had read by the same author. Not until I was well into the sex chapter did it dawn on me that this is a book for women, by a woman. At that point, I felt mildly voyeuristic.
  I don’t understand why women from conservative Christian backgrounds feel bound to write exclusively for women. Everything in this book is needed by men just as much as it is needed by women. I still found great benefit from the book. And I encourage the author to write for everybody because she has things to say that we men need to hear.
  "I received a free copy of this book from Blogging for Books for this review."
  
• 
  Patricia

  Trillia Newbell invites us to dive deep into God-ordained joy in her latest book, Enjoy: Finding Freedom to Delight Daily in God's Good Gifts. The author kicks things off by laying out that God has given us good gifts and these gifts point back to Him, but there are enemies to enjoying these gifts. She identifies discontentment, ingratitude, and guilt as barriers to properly understanding and freely celebrating our blessings. Over the next 10 chapters, readers learn about practical ways to battle those enemies as we seek to enjoy our relationship with God and others, work and rest, sex, possessions, food--all of life.
  
  Enjoy is immensely practical, Christ-centered, and Gospel-focused. Newbell always weaves in the Fall to Redemption narrative and every chapter is saturated with Scripture. At the end of each chapter, there are questions and ideas for what the author calls The Enjoy Project, which is a great way to remember and practice what you learn from the book. The Enjoy Project is useful for people who love to journal, for bloggers as a series of posts, as conversation starters or discussion questions for groups. The last step for every Enjoy Project section is to Preach the gospel to yourself--the best way to enjoy both gift and Giver.
  
  The book itself is a joy to read and it covers a broad range of topics that apply to a variety of people (for example, she addresses single people when talking about intimacy and does not limit the chapter to just married folks). It's a book for everyone looking to find rest and freedom to enjoy blessings with loose hands, no guilt, and overflowing praise and gratitude.
  
  I received this book from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for an honest review.
• 
  Rachel

  This book is a refreshing dose of encouragement in an otherwise dark and depressing world right now. Newbell tackles tough topics like sex, relationships, food, money, work (among other things in life) and examines, through the lens of the gospel, how they are meant for our joy and, ultimately, should lead to a deepening worship of the One who created all things. I found Enjoy to be so refreshing because, sometimes, Christianity is known more for what you can’t do or you’re not supposed to do. Rather, Newbell susses out how, as Christians, we should be people who live in freedom, and that freedom should lead us to joy and delight in the good things God has given to us. I particularly found her chapter on intimacy to be a good word to me, personally, for the season of marriage I’m in, and I would recommend it to anyone for that chapter alone.
• 
  Amanda Nowlin

  I listened to the audio version and would like to go back through a hard copy and go through the written questions at the end of each chapter. I felt like it was a practical , like minded book to Piper's "Desiring God"