The Best of Barbara Johnson

by Barbara Johnson

Barbara Johnson's whimsical and uplifting sense of humor is the unforgettable hallmark of these three bestsellers, Stick a Geranium in Your Hat and Be Happy!, Splashes of Joy in the Cesspools of Life, and Pick Up Your Gloomees in a Great Big Box, then Sit on the Lid and Laugh!   These encouraging works are filled with bittersweet stories of tragedy and triumph.  Each short, easy-to-read chapter is packed with cheerful anecdotes, funny quotes, and biblical advice.

Genres: Humor, Womens, Nonfiction, Christian, Biography

696 pages

First published January 1, 1996

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

[Gina Clabo]

All I can do right now is Recommend to all ages 12 yrs and up. Anyone can read this and get so much out of it, wherther it be parent's that are dealing with the hardest life situations for their children, or just dealing with life in general. Barbara has a way not only to make you laugh during your crying fits, but also giving the most sound advice that will hit you up side your head. Barbara is a Christian and she does give the Lord's voice all through these books. I can say even if you don't know the Lord, or believe in him this book is still great for you too, it sets no judgement on anyone just gives comfort in the times when life is at its craziest and you feel like you can't deal anymore. Mrs. Johnson puts it just how it should be and that is give it to the Lord and then go live your LIFE! The Lord wants happiness, peace and Love for you, just because things are not going your way does not mean God does not have something better down the way. Don't be in such a hurry or busy in your life that you can't stop to breathe and enjoy one day at a time. God said don't worry about tomorrow, when you don't know what today will bring. Recommend all day long. This was 3 books in this collection & I have Tagged so much that I could not even begin to tell you my favorite quotes, sayings, verses, or just funny saying but know when I say they are beautiful, funny and just all out awesome. Get this you will not be disappointed.. Gina Clabo

[Andrea Nicole]

If anyone has been through tragedy in their lives, this is a MUST read. After the death of a loved one, a friend gave me Stick a Geranium and to this day I can remember reading it for the first time. She has made me laugh, she has made me cry and find myself turning to her books when in need. I loved the compilation of her books and have shared it with many.

[Michaelpatrick Keena]

Barbara was not a comedian; but a humorist. She could take the tragedies that God has carried herself and others through, with laughter that breaks pass the tears.

[dawn]

Loved reading this book

[Christina Sizemore]

Thus woman is the most amazing human ever. Her work will help you smile and laugh when you didnt think you would again.

[Kathryn Brandt]

Good for uplifting phrases / stories. Not interested at this time.

[Alan Garner, author, “The 16% Solution” ’endorsed by “ Rich Dad, Poor Dad” author. How to safely double your passive income. GARNER]

Barbara Johnson was a funny lady and a good friend of mine.

[Sharon Sipos]

Encouraging, uplifting, funny and enjoyable!

[Penelope Marzec]

I loved this book. A friend gave it to me when I was going through a tough time. It was the perfect gift.

[Debra]

LOVE this book. This lately has endured some hardships in life and she can still laugh and makes others laugh too.

[Wyvonna]

EXCELLENT READ

[Debbie]

Great collection. She is so funny yet so real. Shows how humorous real life is.