OnlineBookClub.org

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Splash Joy! Secrets of Living Forgiven and Clutter-Free" by Beth Hope Steigerwalt.]

Are you one of the millions of Americans who have so much stuff that you need a storage unit to store it all? Do you have clutter in your spiritual life as well? Is there a hurt in your heart that has kept you from reaching your full potential in life? Beth Hope Steigerwalt wants to help you live clutter-free, in your physical and in your spiritual life. Jesus forgives you, and you can forgive! Come and splash in the waters of forgiveness that Jesus offers you!

Splash Joy! Secrets of Living Forgiven and Clutter-Free is the story of several painful episodes in Beth's life and her struggle to forgive the people that hurt her. She buried the pain and carried it with her for many decades. Her emotional hurts led her to consider suicide, and they manifested in a life filled with clutter, shyness, and lack of motivation. Getting back to church and hearing the promises of Jesus' forgiveness broke the wall of oppression in her heart. The Holy Spirit helped her to believe that Jesus' mercy was for her and that she could forgive herself and others.

This short book of five chapters and 112 pages comes from a Christian and Biblical perspective. Each section highlighted experiences from Beth's life as she spiraled down into depression, anger, and confusion. She explained how these negative emotions were turned into joy. The chapters ended with suggestions for journaling, prayers, Bible verses for meditation, aids for organizing your physical surroundings, and coloring pages to stimulate creativity. Beth provided a link to her website and an exhaustive bibliography of all the inspirational works cited in the text.

I found Beth's story to be moving, encouraging, and inspiring. The honesty with which she related her experiences and admitted her "anger, pride, and resentment," made her seem relatable. The accurate description of her struggles, which transformed into a spirit of deep joy, motivates and inspires readers. She offered encouragement to others who think it is too late for them to forgive.

An important point the author emphasized is that the clutter in our lives can be a manifestation of the confusion in our spiritual lives. She offered practical suggestions to begin organizing and get rid of the clutter in your closets and drawers and the unseen clutter that you carry in your thoughts and memories.

The only thing I would suggest to improve the book would be an additional list of recommended prayers and Biblical verses for meditations. The author's journey to joy and a clutter-free life took many years. People who find inspiration and comfort from her suggestions and experiences might find it helpful to have an addition list of suggested Biblical references for personal meditation.

I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. The suggestions are inspiring, helpful, and practical. Beth helps readers find hope: "Though you may have experienced painful depression or abuse, you can still find hope." The text was virtually error-free with only a few minor mistakes noted. This book would appeal to anyone searching for the joy that comes from forgiveness and forgiving. Beth, unabashedly, gives all credit to Jesus as the one who can: "break chains of pain and sorrow and heal brokenness." Readers who disavow Biblical suggestions to resolve problems would not enjoy this book.

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Splash Joy! Secrets of Living Forgiven and Clutter-Free
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This sounds like a very inspirational read! The cover also sends the message that you can be refreshed by embracing the joy of forgiveness and getting rid of the clutter (both physical and spiritual). I admire authors who are able to share their stories honestly and openly with their readers. Thanks for the great review!

I would really like to read this book. It has a great message. It is important to live clutter free inwards and outwards. Thank you for the great review.

I've never related the clutter in our lives to the clutter in our spiritual life. It's an interesting concept that I'd definitely like to see explored further. I'll have to pick this one up. Thanks!

This comment in your review made me chuckle: Readers who disavow Biblical suggestions to resolve problems would not enjoy this book.

I think it applies to me, so I'll stay away. I'm glad you enjoyed it so thoroughly!

I generally steer clear of books with a religious basis so I will most likely pass on this one, but I have to say that including coloring pages in this type of book is sheer genius. As much as I love adult coloring books, it's almost enough to take a look just to see those! Thanks for the excellent review!

I like how the idea of clutter was carried over to one's thoughts and memories...though it does sound like the approach would be more suited to a specific type of audience. I might not be one of those too .

The author's story sounds like an inspiring read, and I love that she included suggestions about journaling, Bible verses, aids for organization and coloring pages, etc. Thank you, kdstrack, for your lovely review of this book. I'm adding it to my list to read.

I certainly have too much clutter in my life, but I never drew a parallel between that and my spiritual life. This is an interesting concept. I think I would enjoy reading this book. Thank you so much for a wonderful review!

I have heard the concept that physical clutter is related to spiritual clutter, and I love your review of this inspirational read. Thanks for the recommendation.

I know there's a current obsession in America with getting rid of clutter. This is apparently the Christian version of Marie Kondo. I am not Christian, so this book most definitely is for me, but for someone who is of that faith and struggling with clutter, hopefully this book could be very helpful.

Everydayadventure15 wrote: ↑23 Jul 2019, 06:33 This sounds like a very inspirational read! The cover also sends the message that you can be refreshed by embracing the joy of forgiveness and getting rid of the clutter (both physical and spiritual). I admire authors who are able to share their stories honestly and openly with their readers. Thanks for the great review!

I agree. It is an inspiring story and the details from her personal life give hope. If she was able to overcome that, there is hope for me! Thanks for your encouraging comments!

Magnify3 wrote: ↑23 Jul 2019, 08:12 I would really like to read this book. It has a great message. It is important to live clutter free inwards and outwards. Thank you for the great review.

I hope you enjoy it. The suggestions are so practical and easy to follow. Thanks for commenting.

kandscreeley wrote: ↑23 Jul 2019, 08:15 I've never related the clutter in our lives to the clutter in our spiritual life. It's an interesting concept that I'd definitely like to see explored further. I'll have to pick this one up. Thanks!

This was a unique parallel. The examples from her life explain how it occurred in her life and how it might play out in our life. This was a book I thoroughly enjoyed. The author was honest about her life experiences and offered easy and practical solutions - for herself and for her readers. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Thanks for commenting!

CommMayo wrote: ↑23 Jul 2019, 13:39 This comment in your review made me chuckle: Readers who disavow Biblical suggestions to resolve problems would not enjoy this book.

I think it applies to me, so I'll stay away. I'm glad you enjoyed it so thoroughly!

Thanks so much for stopping by and reading the review. I appreciate your comments.