Here's a different angle on humor--it can be a spiritual practice, an expression of a theology of joy, hope, and grace. Humor is so valuable, for it offers self-care, healing, and renewal, precious gifts in times of pressure and tension. Olson begins by telling of three unforgettable friends who lived their lives with joy and zest--a practice that opened doors and aided their own sense of well-being. Playfully, he continues by exploring the known benefits of humor. Next considered is the amazing variety of humor in the Bible, a basic theology of a laughing God, and the caring ethic of humor that emerges from this theology. Finally, there is a discussion of how this practice of humor enriches worship, caregiving, and administration. Laughter in a Time of Turmoil draws to a close considering spiritual disciplines/practices and why humor belongs among these practices. Suggestions are then offered on how to grow in this spiritual practice. Discussion questions are provided for each chapter to help groups enjoy their conversations about the book. This book will help you think and laugh, or laugh and think (take your pick) and then be on your way rejoicing.

This book addresses the fact that Americans tend to live under a considerable amount of stress, tension, and anxiety, and suggests that humor can be helpful in alleviating their distress. It posits that humor is a useful placebo in this regard; cites studies that show that humor moderates life stress; considers the relationship of religion and humor, especially as means to alleviate anxiety; proposes that Jesus had a sense of humor; suggests that his parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard has humorous implications for the relief of occupational stress; explores the relationship of gossip and humor; and suggests that Jesus and his disciples were a joking community. It concludes that Jesus viewed the kingdom of God as a worry-free existence.

A Guide to Ministry Self-Care offers a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of both the causes of stress and strategies for effective self-care. Written for both new and long-time ministers, the book addresses a wide range of life situations and explores many forms of self-care, from physical and financial to relational and spiritual.

Timeless advice about how to use humor to win over any audience Can jokes win a hostile room, a hopeless argument, or even an election? You bet they can, according to Cicero, and he knew what he was talking about. One of Rome’s greatest politicians, speakers, and lawyers, Cicero was also reputedly one of antiquity’s funniest people. After he was elected commander-in-chief and head of state, his enemies even started calling him “the stand-up Consul.” How to Tell a Joke provides a lively new translation of Cicero’s essential writing on humor alongside that of the later Roman orator and educator Quintilian. The result is a timeless practical guide to how a well-timed joke can win over any audience. As powerful as jokes can be, they are also hugely risky. The line between a witty joke and an offensive one isn’t always clear. Cross it and you’ll look like a clown, or worse. Here, Cicero and Quintilian explore every aspect of telling jokes—while avoiding costly mistakes. Presenting the sections on humor in Cicero’s On the Ideal Orator and Quintilian’s The Education of the Orator, complete with an enlightening introduction and the original Latin on facing pages, How to Tell a Joke examines the risks and rewards of humor and analyzes basic types that readers can use to write their own jokes. Filled with insight, wit, and examples, including more than a few lawyer jokes, How to Tell a Joke will appeal to anyone interested in humor or the art of public speaking.

I WAS DELIGHTED TO RECEIVE THIS NEW SUBMISSION BY Daniel Keller. The Laughter Factor presents laughter and humor as a form of therapy. The author claims laughter is essential to the emotions, the body and soul, and the survival of civilization.We all know that 'laughter is the best medicine' and Keller succeeds in proving this theory in his book. Humor is at the core of a whole and healthy personality. Kellar adroitly describes the healing power of laughter -- based on case studies from individual and group therapy sessions. He notes that we, as humans, neglect the power of laughter in our lives by taking humor for granted. We ignore the healthy impact of a good hearty laugh on the body:What happens, when our cheeks blush and our belly shakes the spasm of a guffaw, is more than a good feeling. Our vocal cords are sounding an elixir as old as Solomon's praise of a 'merry heart.' And modern medicine tells us that we are measurably cleansing our somatic pores. We now know that laughter catalyzes the endocrine system. Our pituitary gland releases pain-reducing chemicals. Endorphins and enkephalins trigger the sensation of pleasure.With a clear and lucid style, Keller offers the reader a wealth of information that applies humor to therapy, laughter, and life as a preventative medicine of salvific proportions. This makes for insightful and entertaining reading."Dan Keller's book touches what I felt when I wrote One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. Both I and Randall Patrick McMurphy suggest you read it." -- Ken Kesey"Keller's book reminds us that laughter is the best medicine, far better than a dose of medicine. I recommend The Laughter Factor without a single reservation." -- Virginia Durr"Keller writes about humor with humor. He proves his point in story after story that humor really does make a difference."-- Conrad Hyers"I am delighted to see a book of the caliber Dan Keller has written on the role of humor in psychotherapy. I believe its value will be in the stories it tells." -- Gerald Piaget"Keller's work is masterful. It probes the light side of life, and the philanthropic justice of laughter." -- Tonea Stewart"Keller reminds us that when we go off the rails, laughter picks us up and puts us back on track. The Laughter Factor is a terrific book."-- David BouchierOne may judge the importance of a book partly in terms of content and partly in terms of need. On both counts Keller's The Laughter Factor is important. There is a dearth of literature available to the psychotherapist that applies humor theory to humor therapy. Anyone who has done counseling surely senses that humor - on the part of both therapist and client - can be a significant ingredient in the healing process, yet few have given the matter systematic reflection and application. Freud made a preliminary effort in this direction in his Wit and the Unconscious, and Keller draws upon his study; but many aspects of the subject remained to be developed, especially the uses of humor by the counselor and client. The Laughter Factor corrects this lacuna in our knowledge.Before Freud, none other than the great American therapist Mark Twain credited healing powers to humor (and to his profession) when he wrote in Tom Sawyer of the old man who "laughed joyously and loud, shook up the details of his anatomy from head to foot, saying that such a laugh was money in a man's pocket because it cut down the doctor's bills like everything!" That, in essence, is what Keller's book is about, including a chapter on recent research indicating the various positive effects of shaking up the details of one's anatomy from head to foot in hearty laughter.A book that might profitably be read in conjunction with Keller's book is Ken Kesey's One Flew Over the Cu

Awakening to Love is a romantic adventure about Marcus and Shaylas journey to the Enlightening Zone. Marcus is more focused on thrills and chills, while Shayla allows her fears to hold her back. Join them as they learn about life and love from another perspective. Watch them grow and stumble through their challenges, and root for them as they embrace all life has to offer. Have you ever wondered about fate and destiny? These words have been used to describe unusual events over centuries. Have you ever wondered why certain things happen? Sometimes it would be nice to know Gods plan for us. But, what if God was at his wits end trying to create more love in the world? What if he decided to bring all humans to an Enlightening Zone to teach them lessons about love?