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Discovering Joye: Uncovering the Treasures Inside Ordinary People, Places, Things and Ourselves
Sometimes, the greatest treasures that life has to offer go unnoticed behind the frantic pace of modern society. What if the people, places and things we have categorized in our lives as no more than average turned out to be something quite extraordinary? Discovering Joye is the amazing discovery of Joye Kanelakos’s life’s work in poetry. It was at her deathbed where Kanelakos told her children about a hidden box that held the secrets to her creative passion―a compilation of poems that had gone unnoticed… until now. Bestselling author, Jim Stovall takes us behind the facades that shroud our everyday lives and helps us to see the masterpieces that lie beneath the people, places and things we thought we knew.
- GenresChristian
176 pages, Hardcover
First published September 17, 2013
About the author
Jim Stovall
395 books177 followersJim Stovall has been a national champion Olympic weightlifter, the President of the Emmy Award-winning Narrative Television Network, and a highly sought after author and platform speaker. He is the author of the best selling book, The Ultimate Gift, which is a major motion picture starring James Garner and Abigail Breslin. He is also author of The Ultimate Life and The Ultimate Journey, which have inspired another major motion picture to be released September 2013.
Steve Forbes, president and CEO of Forbes magazine, says, “Jim Stovall is one of the most extraordinary men of our era.”
For his work in making television accessible to our nation’s 13 million blind and visually impaired people, The President’s Committee on Equal Opportunity selected Jim Stovall as the Entrepreneur of the Year. He was also chosen as the International Humanitarian of the Year.
Steve Forbes, president and CEO of Forbes magazine, says, “Jim Stovall is one of the most extraordinary men of our era.”
For his work in making television accessible to our nation’s 13 million blind and visually impaired people, The President’s Committee on Equal Opportunity selected Jim Stovall as the Entrepreneur of the Year. He was also chosen as the International Humanitarian of the Year.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
November 18, 2013
Discovering Joye
Uncovering the Treasure Inside Ordinary People, Places, Things and Ourselves.
(C) 2013 Jim Stovall
In Discovering Joye Jim Stovall shows us how to uncover the treasure in the Ordinary everyday people in our lives and in ourselves.
We do not have to be extraordinary to be treasured to be used of God...
This book spoke to me in a very real way simply written and easy to read it contains to me a very important message. No matter where you are in life don't give up. Don't let yourself doubt your own self-worth.
Discovering Joye also speaks to me of not living in regrets as well. We can not live our life wondering what could have been and expect to be fulfilled. We need to look at our blessings and we need to reach out, and move on yes. We need to reach for our dreams yes, but sometimes the good Lord changes those dreams.
Jim Stovall very aptly describes friends in tis book not as those we just knew, very often we tend to call anyone we know even a casual acquaintance as a friend, and in a world of digital social media, like Facebook and twitter the defintion even becomes loser, but as Jim Stovall points out in Discovering Joye true friends are those that complete us.
In Chapter Nine a chapter on problems. Jim Stovall points out that problems that do not serve us, pray a role in helping define us. In no way does that have to be a bad thing. We can learn to let go and move on, not merely become a victim of our problems.
In Discovering Joye we are also reminded that learning is a lifelong process, and that no family is perfect...Giving is one of the most significant acts we can perform, but though money is part of that it is one of the least important parts. We should in fact give a portion of ourselves in servigs others and doing what we can.
We are reminded too in Jim Stovall books that being grateful, being full of gratitude needs to be a lifelong pursuit. We need to count our blessings everyday...
If you are looking forward to a book that is full of inspiration, motivation, and encouragement look no farther than Discovering Joye
Uncovering the Treasure Inside Ordinary People, Places, Things and Ourselves.
(C) 2013 Jim Stovall
In Discovering Joye Jim Stovall shows us how to uncover the treasure in the Ordinary everyday people in our lives and in ourselves.
We do not have to be extraordinary to be treasured to be used of God...
This book spoke to me in a very real way simply written and easy to read it contains to me a very important message. No matter where you are in life don't give up. Don't let yourself doubt your own self-worth.
Discovering Joye also speaks to me of not living in regrets as well. We can not live our life wondering what could have been and expect to be fulfilled. We need to look at our blessings and we need to reach out, and move on yes. We need to reach for our dreams yes, but sometimes the good Lord changes those dreams.
Jim Stovall very aptly describes friends in tis book not as those we just knew, very often we tend to call anyone we know even a casual acquaintance as a friend, and in a world of digital social media, like Facebook and twitter the defintion even becomes loser, but as Jim Stovall points out in Discovering Joye true friends are those that complete us.
In Chapter Nine a chapter on problems. Jim Stovall points out that problems that do not serve us, pray a role in helping define us. In no way does that have to be a bad thing. We can learn to let go and move on, not merely become a victim of our problems.
In Discovering Joye we are also reminded that learning is a lifelong process, and that no family is perfect...Giving is one of the most significant acts we can perform, but though money is part of that it is one of the least important parts. We should in fact give a portion of ourselves in servigs others and doing what we can.
We are reminded too in Jim Stovall books that being grateful, being full of gratitude needs to be a lifelong pursuit. We need to count our blessings everyday...
If you are looking forward to a book that is full of inspiration, motivation, and encouragement look no farther than Discovering Joye
July 20, 2014
Ordinary People, Extraordinary Lives
"Discovering Joye" by Jim Stovall is a beautiful volume of both poetry and faith. Jim Stovall discovered the poetry of Joye Kanelakos and combines it with stories and anecdotes to put the spotlight on the extraordinary that is hidden in our and others very ordinary lives. The book is broken down into small sections making it an easy read and an inspiring way to begin or end your day.
I received this book through bookfun.org in exchange for my honest review.
"Discovering Joye" by Jim Stovall is a beautiful volume of both poetry and faith. Jim Stovall discovered the poetry of Joye Kanelakos and combines it with stories and anecdotes to put the spotlight on the extraordinary that is hidden in our and others very ordinary lives. The book is broken down into small sections making it an easy read and an inspiring way to begin or end your day.
I received this book through bookfun.org in exchange for my honest review.
August 28, 2014
I’m thankful for the review copy of a book that introduced me to Joye Kanelakos and her poetry. I also appreciated the fact that I was able to get to know Jim Stovall (one of my favorite authors) better.
I liked how Jim incorporated Joye’s poems into the narrative. At the end of each chapter the author had points to ponder. The section is called “Discovery”
This novella size hard back book is filled with inspiration and entertaining stories from this author’s life. It’s enjoyable to read. This novel would make a great gift. The title page has typed on it Presented to: and FROM: there is also a place for you to write in the date you gave the gift and sign it.
This author has met some fascinating people. Some of whom became mentors to him at a young age. He met Katherine Hepburn, Frank Sinatra, and Steve Allen just to name a few.
Jim Stovall started losing his sight at age 17. His world became completely dark by the time he turned 29. Jim would watch movies he’d seen dozens of times and thought he’d remember every scene. But that wasn’t the case. He thought there would be others like him. This gave him the idea for a narrative television network. He’s still doing narratives for T. V. a quarter of a century later. He says, “We make movies, T. V. shows and Educational programing accessible for the 13 million blind and visually impaired Americans and millions more around the world.
One of Jim’s mentors passed when he was young. He said, “We must savior each moment with the special people in our lives as we never know which moment with them will be our last.”
Jim gives readers a peek into his world, and says, “In my world, they always lie to the blind guy. And they think they get away with it…I guess they do get away with it, but I just like to remind them that I know they get away with it.” I can just imagine how he does that. Grin!
He goes on to state, “We need only three things to be happy. We require something to do, someone to love and something to look forward to.” I like how he puts that.
Here’s a “Discovery” statement. This is where he makes readers stop and think, He says, “Every season is a gift, every day is an opportunity and every moment is a treasure. Spend them wisely.”
Coach John Wooden said to Jim Stovall, “Things turn out best for those who make the best of the way things turn out! We can only share that which we possess and that which possesses’ us. To give love away, we must first accept it, then embrace it, then become it.”
There’s a lot in this little book! You’ll be rereading it again to catch what you missed the first time. I’ll leave you with this thought from the author. “Sometimes in order to hear, learn, and understand that which we seek, we need only to be still…often, the best way to move forward and hold on is to simply let go!”
This is a book to be enjoyed and shared!
Disclosure of Material Connection: #AD Sponsored by publisher.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins www.bookfun.org
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
I liked how Jim incorporated Joye’s poems into the narrative. At the end of each chapter the author had points to ponder. The section is called “Discovery”
This novella size hard back book is filled with inspiration and entertaining stories from this author’s life. It’s enjoyable to read. This novel would make a great gift. The title page has typed on it Presented to: and FROM: there is also a place for you to write in the date you gave the gift and sign it.
This author has met some fascinating people. Some of whom became mentors to him at a young age. He met Katherine Hepburn, Frank Sinatra, and Steve Allen just to name a few.
Jim Stovall started losing his sight at age 17. His world became completely dark by the time he turned 29. Jim would watch movies he’d seen dozens of times and thought he’d remember every scene. But that wasn’t the case. He thought there would be others like him. This gave him the idea for a narrative television network. He’s still doing narratives for T. V. a quarter of a century later. He says, “We make movies, T. V. shows and Educational programing accessible for the 13 million blind and visually impaired Americans and millions more around the world.
One of Jim’s mentors passed when he was young. He said, “We must savior each moment with the special people in our lives as we never know which moment with them will be our last.”
Jim gives readers a peek into his world, and says, “In my world, they always lie to the blind guy. And they think they get away with it…I guess they do get away with it, but I just like to remind them that I know they get away with it.” I can just imagine how he does that. Grin!
He goes on to state, “We need only three things to be happy. We require something to do, someone to love and something to look forward to.” I like how he puts that.
Here’s a “Discovery” statement. This is where he makes readers stop and think, He says, “Every season is a gift, every day is an opportunity and every moment is a treasure. Spend them wisely.”
Coach John Wooden said to Jim Stovall, “Things turn out best for those who make the best of the way things turn out! We can only share that which we possess and that which possesses’ us. To give love away, we must first accept it, then embrace it, then become it.”
There’s a lot in this little book! You’ll be rereading it again to catch what you missed the first time. I’ll leave you with this thought from the author. “Sometimes in order to hear, learn, and understand that which we seek, we need only to be still…often, the best way to move forward and hold on is to simply let go!”
This is a book to be enjoyed and shared!
Disclosure of Material Connection: #AD Sponsored by publisher.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins www.bookfun.org
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
August 14, 2014
What a beautiful book! Not only does the cover appear rich and inviting, the inside has the grace and beauty of two Christian authors. Jim Stovall has shared some of the beauty of his heart and that of Joye Kanelakos, whose poetry graces the pages of Discovering Joye. During her final days, Joye (mother of a colleague and co-worker of Jim) told her family found about a special box in her home. After her passing, her family found a treasure of poetry that Joye wrote during her life that spanned most of the 20th century. With at least one of Joye’s poems central to each chapter, Jim Stovall adds his wisdom, prose, and poems with a “Discovery” summarizing them.
The subtitle of the book is “Uncovering the Treasures Inside Ordinary People, Places, Things, and Ourselves”. It is absolutely accurate as Joye and Jim look for the best in everybody and everything in their writings, including family, work, problems, and holidays, among others. The positive and uplifting readings in each chapter make this little volume an excellent start or ending to one’s day. This reader used it at the end of each day, and could sometimes see it as a source of re-adjusting how I perceived various events of the day. It adds a bit of wonder, a bit of joy, and a new appreciation for our daily walk.
I highly recommend Discovering Joye to adults of all ages, and young adults, who appreciate poetry and prose that bring inspiration into their daily life. Discovering Joye also can be a welcome gift to those in your life who need a touch of wonder to help restore and revive their spirits or for those going through challenges in their health, business, or family life – even one beginning a new career or graduating.
I received a copy of this book through the “For Readers Only” group at The Book Club Network, in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.
The subtitle of the book is “Uncovering the Treasures Inside Ordinary People, Places, Things, and Ourselves”. It is absolutely accurate as Joye and Jim look for the best in everybody and everything in their writings, including family, work, problems, and holidays, among others. The positive and uplifting readings in each chapter make this little volume an excellent start or ending to one’s day. This reader used it at the end of each day, and could sometimes see it as a source of re-adjusting how I perceived various events of the day. It adds a bit of wonder, a bit of joy, and a new appreciation for our daily walk.
I highly recommend Discovering Joye to adults of all ages, and young adults, who appreciate poetry and prose that bring inspiration into their daily life. Discovering Joye also can be a welcome gift to those in your life who need a touch of wonder to help restore and revive their spirits or for those going through challenges in their health, business, or family life – even one beginning a new career or graduating.
I received a copy of this book through the “For Readers Only” group at The Book Club Network, in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.
June 28, 2014
Review Title: 19 Short Chapters of Long Lasting Joy! (review of Discovering Joye by Jim Stovall)
Reviewer: Janice S. Garey
*****5 Stars
Discovering Joye is so appropriately titled, along with its subtitle, Uncovering the Treasures Inside Ordinary People, Places, Things, and Ourselves. I just finished reading it and immediately ordered two copies to give as gifts to a family member and a friend. I want my loved ones to experience the joy, beauty and goodness in this quick read that can be cherished and reread for future doses of encouragement. Jim Stovall's brilliance in storytelling shines forth on each page. Chapter Four is about Discovering Laughter, and I thought it would be mildly amusing, but it made me laugh more than any other writing I have read in a long time.
The poetry in the book is so well encased within the chapters. As the poetry flows using condensed phrases that carry much greater meaning than the quantity of words suggest could be done, the prose is similarily condensed but super effective. I am thankful that Jim Stovall brought to light this treasure of poetry from Joye Kanelakos. He has done another great service to this needy world by putting her thoughts into the public realm.
I received this book through bookfun.org in exchange for my honest review. I consider this book to be a book of blessings. It's a good book to keep handy when you need uplifting moments to counteract the negative forces in the world that try to bring people down.
Reviewer: Janice S. Garey
*****5 Stars
Discovering Joye is so appropriately titled, along with its subtitle, Uncovering the Treasures Inside Ordinary People, Places, Things, and Ourselves. I just finished reading it and immediately ordered two copies to give as gifts to a family member and a friend. I want my loved ones to experience the joy, beauty and goodness in this quick read that can be cherished and reread for future doses of encouragement. Jim Stovall's brilliance in storytelling shines forth on each page. Chapter Four is about Discovering Laughter, and I thought it would be mildly amusing, but it made me laugh more than any other writing I have read in a long time.
The poetry in the book is so well encased within the chapters. As the poetry flows using condensed phrases that carry much greater meaning than the quantity of words suggest could be done, the prose is similarily condensed but super effective. I am thankful that Jim Stovall brought to light this treasure of poetry from Joye Kanelakos. He has done another great service to this needy world by putting her thoughts into the public realm.
I received this book through bookfun.org in exchange for my honest review. I consider this book to be a book of blessings. It's a good book to keep handy when you need uplifting moments to counteract the negative forces in the world that try to bring people down.
June 23, 2014
"Discovering Joye" by Jim Stovall
I am a fan of this author since reading "The Ultimate Gift"..amazing man that has faced his fears and now helps others to be able to see more in life...
This is a small book packed with gems of wisdom that you can take and share each day. His phrase on the cover "Uncovering the Treasures inside ordinary people,places,things and ourselves", is just how he lives his life.
He makes me want to be a better person and I am sure you will agree after reading too.
Joye Kanelakos was just an ordinary woman with a hidden talent that was found after her death, in her poetry. Jim list much of her work in this little book and you will be amazed at the heart of this woman...
one stands out for me that I will list here:
"Today"
Remember,
God this day unfurled
to everyone
Throughout the world
Unblemished Day;
BeJeweled and Pearled~
A Gift to you and me.
For each man's tower
or just a stone.
Born to climb higher
or be left alone.
Time is the Gift.
Use it with care.
Climb to the Heights~
Our dreams flourish there.
~This woman points out what so many refuse to see in a lifetime~
I was given this book by The Bookclub Network to read and review, thank you for this opportunity....
I am a fan of this author since reading "The Ultimate Gift"..amazing man that has faced his fears and now helps others to be able to see more in life...
This is a small book packed with gems of wisdom that you can take and share each day. His phrase on the cover "Uncovering the Treasures inside ordinary people,places,things and ourselves", is just how he lives his life.
He makes me want to be a better person and I am sure you will agree after reading too.
Joye Kanelakos was just an ordinary woman with a hidden talent that was found after her death, in her poetry. Jim list much of her work in this little book and you will be amazed at the heart of this woman...
one stands out for me that I will list here:
"Today"
Remember,
God this day unfurled
to everyone
Throughout the world
Unblemished Day;
BeJeweled and Pearled~
A Gift to you and me.
For each man's tower
or just a stone.
Born to climb higher
or be left alone.
Time is the Gift.
Use it with care.
Climb to the Heights~
Our dreams flourish there.
~This woman points out what so many refuse to see in a lifetime~
I was given this book by The Bookclub Network to read and review, thank you for this opportunity....
July 14, 2014
Sometimes wisdom comes in the most unexpected and ordinary places. Jim Stovall combines his life experiences and the work of deceased poet Joye Kanelakos to create a book filled with relavant words of wisdom. He also shows us moments in his life that did not perfectly as he would have liked and showed what wonderful lessons could be learned in the imperfection of the moment. And we see how problems may be our opportunity to grow.
This book is a fantastic “thought for the day” type of book. Each chapter is fairy short and filled with some great insights. I found myself reading a chapter and then pausing to meditate on all the treasures that Jim Stovall revealed before digging into the next chapter. It is definitely not a book to be read quickly. “Discovering Joye” needs savored one morsel at a time.
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.
This book is a fantastic “thought for the day” type of book. Each chapter is fairy short and filled with some great insights. I found myself reading a chapter and then pausing to meditate on all the treasures that Jim Stovall revealed before digging into the next chapter. It is definitely not a book to be read quickly. “Discovering Joye” needs savored one morsel at a time.
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.
July 21, 2014
When one of Jim Stovall’s staff members brought him a collection of her recently diseased mother’s poems, he felt he had found a treasure. These were previously unpublished poems about the ordinary happenings in life. He proceeded to put together a book which includes her poems. Each chapter is a new discovery. In fact their titles all begin with Discovering … As an inspirational author and speaker, he writes an inspiring word about the topic and then includes one of Joye’s poems.
While this book would not be considered a devotional book, it has no scripture references or mention of God, Jesus, etc, it is an inspirational book. There are nuggets of truth which would inspire anyone and the poems are definitely delightful. I also enjoyed its "pocket size."
I received this book from the Book Club Network in exchange for my honest opinion.
While this book would not be considered a devotional book, it has no scripture references or mention of God, Jesus, etc, it is an inspirational book. There are nuggets of truth which would inspire anyone and the poems are definitely delightful. I also enjoyed its "pocket size."
I received this book from the Book Club Network in exchange for my honest opinion.
December 14, 2011
I picked up this book while browsing in the library waiting for my little girl to get her books. I was intrigued by a page in the front:
"Our destiny is waiting from our choices.
I am as healthy as I believe myself to be.
I am as wealthy as I believe.
I am only as blessed as I consider myself blessed.
I am as happy as I will allow myself to become blessed.
My life is as productive as I, myself, will permit.
Anyone old enough,
Having failed often enough,
Wept hard enough,
And laughed regularly enough,
Can find a flame of hope enough
For each of us.
From the personal diary of Joye Kanelakos"
But...unfortunately, the book is very simple and I found myself making myself finish the book hoping it would get better. The idea is good...unfortunately the writing was a little disappointing.
"Our destiny is waiting from our choices.
I am as healthy as I believe myself to be.
I am as wealthy as I believe.
I am only as blessed as I consider myself blessed.
I am as happy as I will allow myself to become blessed.
My life is as productive as I, myself, will permit.
Anyone old enough,
Having failed often enough,
Wept hard enough,
And laughed regularly enough,
Can find a flame of hope enough
For each of us.
From the personal diary of Joye Kanelakos"
But...unfortunately, the book is very simple and I found myself making myself finish the book hoping it would get better. The idea is good...unfortunately the writing was a little disappointing.
October 13, 2014
This was recommended by my up-line as this month's inspirational and motivational book.
It's a book that you can go back to time and again for insight and motivation, appreciating each time of your life for what it means. The author's life experience mixed with the poetry of Joye Kanelakos cemented each discovery into your heart and mind to remember. Joye's poetry was to the point and very direct in a poetic manner that touches the heart. Life's lessons given in a practical way that you can relate to in beautiful written words.
A book I can recommend to all who are looking for more positive words of affirmation, and keeps you focused on the things that really matters.
It's a book that you can go back to time and again for insight and motivation, appreciating each time of your life for what it means. The author's life experience mixed with the poetry of Joye Kanelakos cemented each discovery into your heart and mind to remember. Joye's poetry was to the point and very direct in a poetic manner that touches the heart. Life's lessons given in a practical way that you can relate to in beautiful written words.
A book I can recommend to all who are looking for more positive words of affirmation, and keeps you focused on the things that really matters.
July 26, 2014
This is a very nice collection of nineteen essays on the unexpected discoveries of life. The first discovery is that of the poetry of Joye. Her creative work came to light after her death. Stovall incorporates one or more of her poems in each of his essays. The discoveries are good ones of insight and wisdom. The books small size and design makes it a good gift.
See my full review at http://bit.ly/1qEZtnm.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through the Book Club Network for the purpose of an independent and honest review.
See my full review at http://bit.ly/1qEZtnm.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through the Book Club Network for the purpose of an independent and honest review.
July 27, 2014
I loved that no matter where I was, or how I felt, when I picked up this book I was able to smile at the little things. So many times we forget to see the how beautiful and precious the world is because we are to busy complaining or wanting more. This is a great book to lighten your mood and remind you to smile. This is also a great book to give to loved ones. I am giving this book a 5/5. I was given a copy to review from Book Club Network Inc., however all opinions are my own.
September 9, 2014
Discovering Joye is a small treasure of sweet nothings. They are small poems of inspiration and stories to entertain. At the end of each chapter are points to ponder. It is light reading but yet it has deep meaning. I found it fascinating and enjoyed it tremendously!
I received this book from the Book Club Network in exchange for my honest opinion.
I received this book from the Book Club Network in exchange for my honest opinion.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews