Laughter—the GPS System for the Soul Laughter was honored by the ancients as a spiritual healing tool and celebrated by the world's great religions. So why aren’t we laughing along the spiritual path today? What would happen if we did? In this personal and funny look at humor as a spiritual practice, Rev. Susan Sparks—an ex-lawyer turned comedian and Baptist minister—presents a convincing case that the power of humor radiates far beyond punch lines. Laughter can help you: Remove the fearful mask of a God who doesn’t laugh Debunk the myths that you don’t deserve joy Find perspective when faced with adversity Exercise forgiveness for yourself and others Reclaim play as a spiritual practice Heal—emotionally, physically, and spiritually Keep your faith when God is silent Live with elegance, beauty, and generosity of spirit Whatever your faith tradition—or if you have none at all—join this veteran of the punch line and the pulpit in reclaiming the forgotten humor legacy found in thousands of years of human spiritual history.

Happiness is not a once a year event! Stress, unforeseen crises, commitments, aging parents, kids, money worries . . . none of it goes away. But if you manage it right, you can recreate the joy of Christmas every day of the year no matter what the circumstances. Through the tools taught in this book (and the FREE accompanying journal workbook and online Advent calendar), you will be able to: -Reduce stress and develop consistent self-care; -Claim and prioritize time for yourself; -Reframe your perspective; -Discover tools for dealing with negativity, difficult people, and corrosive emotions; -Restore your sense of purpose; -Renew your ability to see miracles in everyday life. Just a few minutes a day and you can go from Grinch to gratitude - any time of the year! But don't wait around . . . years of stress and silent resentment can lock in like the weight of the Grinch's sled. Remember happiness is not a once a year event. Join the Miracle on 31st Street Community and reclaim your joy today! ABOUT THE AUTHOR "A preacher with a motorcycle, cowboy boots, a wicked sense of humor, and a heart that warms you like a huge Southern-style breakfast. That's my pastor!" -Tamron Hall, Broadcast journalist and television host A trial lawyer turned standup comedian, and Baptist preacher, Susan Sparks is America's only female comedian with a pulpit. Susan is the senior pastor of the historic Madison Avenue Baptist Church in New York City (and the first woman pastor in the church's 170-year history). A TEDx speaker and nationally syndicated columnist, Susan is also a professional comedian touring with a standup Rabbi and a Muslim comic in the Laugh in Peace Comedy Tour. Her work with humor and healing has been featured by O (The Oprah) Magazine, the New York Times, CBS, and the History Channel.

Includes music.