The Reading Warehouse

Joy is closer than you think because God is better than you may believe

Using humor, wit, and wisdom, author Candace Payne (aka "Chewbacca Mom") reveals biblical insights to unshakable joy and freedom in every circumstance. Dispel the myths that joy is frivolous, immature, or reserved for a few select "happy" people, and open your heart to receive the freedom and joy God created you to live in.

"I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete" (John 15:11).

In this six-session video Bible study, learn what it is to live a life expressed by joy

This study guide challenges groups to get honest and real in their discussion time and to explore the truth in what Scripture says about joy. It also includes a personal "Joy Lab" that makes homework a new daily practice in the art of encountering the abundance God intends for each of us when we know joy.

Sessions include:

1. Laugh It Up, Live It Out
2. Know Hope, Know Joy
3. Joy Is a Fighter
4. Joy Is Not Arrogant, But She Is Confident
5. Joy Embraces Sorrow
6. You're Full of It

Designed for use with the Defiant Joy Video Study (9780310090557) sold separately.

Kevin and Sherry Harney serve at Shoreline Community Church in Monterey, California. They have authored Finding a Church You Can Love and Loving the Church You've Found and more than sixty small group Bible Studies. Learn more at: kevingharney.com and sherryharney.com

Candace Payne is a viral sensation and one of the biggest media stories of 2016. Her infectious laugh and joy-filled spirit have gained her positive attention from press, brands and fans around the globe. After a Facebook Live video of Candace trying on a Chewbacca mask became the most-viewed Facebook Live video in history (165+million views), celebrities and everyday people alike became rabid fans of Candace, who is often referred to as the "Chewbacca mom."

Candace has appeared on major media such as "Good Morning America," "Entertainment Tonight," and "The Late Late Show with James Corden," where she participated in a sketch with Corden and "The Force Awakens" director JJ Abrams. Candace was also invited to the headquarters of Lucasfilm for a personal tour; to Facebook where Mark Zuckerberg arranged for a photoshoot for Candace and "Chewbacca", the photos of which he posted on his personal Facebook page; and to Hasbro, where she was presented with a "Chewbacca Mom" action figure in front of the entire company. Many of the videos from these appearances also went viral. All in all, Candace has been featured in more than 3000 media outlets.

Additionally, Candace was featured in the opening monologue of the CMT Music Awards, performed the National Anthem for the Houston Astros, threw the "first pitch" for the Tampa Bay Rays, appeared at the Grand Ole Opry, and has been invited to numerous red carpet events.

After the Dallas police shootings in July 2016, Candace performed her own arrangement of Michael Jackson's "Heal the World" via Facebook Live - a video which quickly went viral and created another wave of media buzz and chatter about Candace's stunning vocals. She later recorded the song, which charted in the top 30 on iTunes within the first few hours of release; all proceeds were donated to the faith-based charity, Convoy of Hope.

Candace continues to spread a message of joy through her active social media platform (830k Facebook followers/50+k on Instagram), her lively video series on TLCme, and in speaking engagements around the country. Candace released her first book in November 2017 from Zondervan.

She and her husband, Chris, live in Dallas with their two children and their pug, Opal. Connect with her online at candacepayne.me.