Splashes Of Joy In The Cesspools Of Life

by Barbara Johnson

Barbara Johnson's approach to life 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.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Humor, Inspirational, Faith, Christian Living, Self Help

240 pages, Paperback

First published February 26, 1992

About the author

Librarian note: There are other authors with the same name

Barbara Johnson (1927-2007) died July 2nd, 2007 of cancer (Central Nervous System Lymphoma) after a valiant 6 year fight against the disease. During her illness, she added four more books to her long list of published works, including one that takes humorous pokes at her life with cancer. Affectionately called the “Geranium Lady,” a title taken from her bestselling book, Stick a Geranium in Your Hat and Be Happy, her homespun humor and hope in God in the midst of tragedy, ministered to millions.

A strong Christian woman who relied on her faith in God and her sense of humor to persevere through many devastating experiences, her life was plagued by a string of tragedies. Her husband was in a near fatal accident and slowly recovered from debilitating injuries. She lost one son in Vietnam and another son to a drunk driver. Her third son was estranged from the family while pursuing a homosexual lifestyle. But, she emerged from these experiences having learned that though pain is inevitable, people can choose to pick flowers instead of weeds.

Her compassion extended far beyond the pages of her encouraging books. Wanting to use her own pain to help others, she and her husband Bill founded Spatula Ministries, a unique organization that uses a “spatula of love” to help parents “peel themselves off the ceiling” and begin on the road to recovery. She wrote her first book after reaching the age of 50 and was voted “Celebrity Mom of the Year” for 1996. Prior to being diagnosed with cancer, she toured across the country as a popular conference speaker and part of the "Women of Faith" tour. Her many books have comforted millions of women, bringing them hope and humor in times of distress. She will be missed by many, but her life will live on in her numerous books.

Reviews

[PollyAnna Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Barbara Johnson's SPLASHES OF JOY IN THE CESSPOOLS of life is worthy of its title. I can't believe I never actually read this book! As I have been studying and reading everything I can get my hands on about Joy, I realized that I already had a few books on my shelf; this book was one of them. When I opened it, I was pleasantly reminded that it had been a college graduation gift from my favorite high school English teacher, Mrs. Godwin. How sweet! Barbara reminds us that we are capable of joy even in the worst cesspools of life imaginable. Her humor certainly brought a huge smile to my face throughout my reading of her book.

I was a little disappointed that so much of the book focused on her son's coming out, but since I know that we write what we know, I certainly understood that being a huge part of her focus. It didn't detract from the book for me; I simply wanted her to use other examples besides that.

[Beck · Rating 1 out of 5]

Could not. Simply. could. not.

Was more cesspool than splash. Pretty negative "optimist"which made for depressing reading.

The death knell came when the author shared with us some of the "tragedies" of her life. She told us how her husband had had an accident and that two of her sons had died. The other "tragedy" she shared was that one of her surviving sons was attracted to men.

What a hateful woman. Did not complete.

[Emily · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was disappointed to find out this author had already died, because I've never wanted to write hate mail more than while reading this. barbara johnson is a hateful, homophonic, holier-than-thou motivational speaker who is probably lucky she's not around in today's society; she'd be disgusted by how kind and open minded we've become

[Jodi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh! Got this off the free shelf at the library and was looking forward to a fun read. There was humor at point but it felt like the author was blowing a lot of "hot air" about the challenges she has had in her life. Granted, she has had a lot of challenges and seems to have come through them well but wasn't something I found entertaining.

Loved the quote on p. 149: "The secret of dealing successfully with a child is not to be its parent." How true!!

I can relate to the porcupine love of children too! My tween is sure sending a lot of quills my way right now. Love her to pieces but she is a challenge too!

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with all of Barbara's contributions, full of humour (some black, mostly white)...but heartfelt and yet never appearing anywhere near corny.. Her natural gift of humour and creative optomism (as opposed to just positive thinking), addresses huge issues in life in a surprising and unpredictable way. Proud to say I "knew her when". When she came alongside me and my family in very significant times and before the books were written, she walked the talk! Sorely missed. Most other people of her ilk are way too "precious" with their beliefs.

[Amy Flink · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't have any kids but I have experienced heartaches of other sorts and found joy and comfort in Johnson's books and still get a lot out of them. I enjoyed this one, especially the last couple chapers. LOVED the story of the young man named Greg. Mrs. Johnson truly went to the trenches to dig people out. INCREDIBLE WOMAN!! I am sorry to hear of her death at age 79--very recently, but I am so happy her family chooses to continue her ministry to help others.

[Suzyberry · Rating 3 out of 5]

What can you say about all of Barbara Johnsons books??? Well, she's just too darn funny for words...puts a smile on your face every time!!
And yes indeed...Christians DO have an incredible sense of humor and Barbara leads the way with great clarity and encourages each of us to 'lighten up', trust the Lord and try to find the sunny side of even our darkest problems. You WILL smile...and laugh!

[Shawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy reading Barbara Johnson books. She takes daily stresses and struggles and can find the humor or positive from it. I also liked the focus of parents role after kids turn 18. We love them but we aren't responsible for them. We need to learn to let the kids go out into the world and make it on their own.

[Cws]

248.8

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy, down in my heart!

[Ronda]

Funny and uplifting! Knowing God can get you through anything makes me full of "JOY"

[tmll · Rating 1 out of 5]

well, i won the book this afternoon at the Bradford County Senior Center's Christmas party. man, the shit looks real tight...

[Shirley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was recommended after I lost my husband to cancer, have tried to read this book for years, will red parts of it over again, very good, spirit lifting and funny.

[Wyvonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

EXCELLENT READ

[Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding humour in tough situations is an uplifting way of looking at life. I love this ladlies way of working through tough times.

[Amy Sjoquist · Rating 2 out of 5]

didn't really fit me

[T.M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book because it provided some valuable insight. A little laughter is always good too.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Barbara Johnson has had many terrible life experiences and she has managed to turn to God to lift her up. What courage and I loved the humor.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

loved this book! I am going to work on my "splashes of joy" this year!

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

At first I found this book disturbing as Johnson delves into the cesspools which occurred in her and others’ lives. The idea that pain is inevitable is not something I prefer to dwell on. As I continued to read, however, I came to understand how true Jesus statement is, "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Matt 6:34 ESV.
I could see the need for splashes of Joy in my own life, freed from worry, creating memories, laughing more, and most importantly trusting in God. Her humour is too folksy for my liking and I do not agree with some of her doctrinal beliefs, but I do believe that the advice given in this book will one day be difficult to find as Satan takes a stronger hold on this world. Families torn apart by addictive sins will find comfort. Buy it while you can, and pass it on where needed.

[Janet Wymyslo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had this book on my nightstand and read sections of it each night before bed. The author has been through a great deal of trauma and grief, so she certainly has a lot of credibility. She has learned to find joy in this life even when things are looking very bleak.

The Bible verse "The joy of the Lord is my strength" describes the outlook of Barbara Johnson. Although this world can bring trouble and sorrow, we have the assurance that God is walking with us. We have the hope of eternal life, so if we can keep the perspective that this life is only temporary and a short blip in the lives of our souls, we can keep our eyes on the horizon of God's ultimate gift.

Although the humor in the book didn't really resonate with me, I found it to be a comforting book to read, so I could fall asleep resting in God's Love.

[Susanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read three Barbara Johnson books in the past month. By far, this is my favorite among them. She addresses a variety of life's cesspool, and how she and others have found hope and joy even having been in them. One feels less along e knowing others have been in rocky places, too. I wish I'd read this one first.

[Grace Ajege · Rating 5 out of 5]

You just need to have this book in your library. It's one book I've looked all over for since I first read it in 2010. A friend of my sister's loaned us to read when we were bereaved of her husband and I learnt so much from it.

[Sue Maryon · Rating 5 out of 5]

,just finished this book. It is awesome. it helped me understand a lot.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. At times I feel like she was repetitive over and over, but her vision and hope and encouragement far out weighed the redundancy. Good read

[Kelly Chester · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book

[AnnMarie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Didn’t like it at all

[Partridge Public]

Johnson, Barbara PB