So what's the deal with Candace Payne? She's a stay at home mom who happened to become an overnight sensation due to video gone viral of her revealing a special toy: a Chewbacca mask. Filled with glee, Candace laughs wholeheartedly for several minutes. This isn't a superficial, fake laugh. It's a full belly laugh. She clearly is having fun. And yes, she got her 15 minutes of fame, but she took it one step further. She's now written a book and I'm currently attending the online Bible study entitled "Defiant Joy".

Candace is a down to Earth mom whose history of multiple moves and financial struggles have made her into the grateful and joyful woman she is today. In Laugh It Up! she shares the decision she'd made as a child that, even though happiness was fleeting, to always find the joy, despite tough moments in life. When I first saw the video, her laughter was contagious. But then I saw a list of other videos from the Jimmy Kimmel show to James Cordon, and I began to wonder if all this unexpected fame had changed her. That's not the impression I get from this book. Candace is taking that fleeting moment of fame and using it for God's glory and purpose.

I'm naturally pessimistic. I call myself a "realist". The point is, I'm not bubbling over with laughter and joy. In fact, joy typically takes middle or back seat often. When I make dinner, my catchphrase is, "I apologize in advance" because I assume it'll be awful. So many it rare is, but still...that's the type of person I am. When this book came up for review, I snatched up the opportunity to not only read it but also to get involved in the Bible study. She gives us homework?! Ok, according to Candace, it's "funwork", but still. #1 on the list is to go a day without complaining or arguing.

HAHAHAHHA.

Yeah. I failed by the time dinner was done. I only realized I was grumbling as I was washing the dishes.

Life punches us all in the gut from time to time. Some a lot more than others. And it truly amazes me, those that have gone through so much, that still exude that joy. Dive into this book to find ways to spark joy in your life. As Christians, we really should be joyful. Seriously! We have the joy of sharing the good news. For anyone struggling to maintain their joy, I highly recommended this simple and entertaining look at how we might increase our joy in life. I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest opinion. ( )