e is positive, uplifting, therapeutic and fun. Barbara Johnson is far from being a cock-eyed optimist?blind to life's grief and disappointment. In fact, her entire ministry of joy and encouragement began in the "slimy cesspool" of her own pain. She is a clear-eyed optimist. And that's why her laughter is so infectious and her widom rings so true in this joy-giving book, which offers giggles and guidance to help you:

• shore up a sinking self-esteem
• reach the other side of your grief
• weather your stress and get rid of your guilt
• restore the joys of motherhood
• repair broken relationships with your children
• learn to live with your illness
• cultivate your patience?even when you just don't think you can wait
• sustain an effective prayer life
• make peace with aging?and go for healthy maturity

"Almost everyone needs a splash of joy to get through the mess, to get cleaned off and get sweetened up?refreshed and ready to go again," Barbara Johnson says.