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God's Most Precious Jewels Are Crystallized Tears

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The Queen of Encouragement has brought a dozen amazing friends to inspire and encourage you! Barbara Johnson's heart-touching, laughter-laced story has given hope to millions of readers worldwide. Now she brings together twelve courageous women who have triumphed over challenges and endured heart-rending losses. With Christlike serventhood, they have reached beyond their own anguish to extend a helping hand to others in need, turning their tears of heartache into jewels of blessing. In their awe-inspiring stories, you will meet women who have Today these women, like Barbara, spread hope and joy wherever they go. To celebrate their ministry of encouragement, each of their stories concludes with Barbara's trademark collection of wit and laughter. Open this book and find a pathway out of sorrow and into the sunlight of a life warmed by love and filled with meaning. Read these stories and learn how to turn misery into ministry.

192 pages, Paperback

First published March 27, 2001

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About the author

Barbara Johnson

66 books93 followers
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.

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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
Profile Image for Patricia.
21 reviews
March 15, 2014
I so enjoyed this book because as a mother, I can relate to the stories of the women that were told. I felt their frustrations and grief.

I like the author's down to earth approach in her books! She was not afraid, as a Christian woman and mother to express the truth of how she felt as she experienced the challenges of parenting.

The other women who shared their stories represent many today. This book is really a good read!!!

Barbara Johnson was a real woman that anyone could relate to. She doesn't come from the perspective of being politically correct, she tells it like it is!
Profile Image for Beth Loya.
6 reviews
May 24, 2024
Some stories are really good and heartfelt others feel fake. I was constantly battling the thought of whether the story was real or fake. I did like the anecdotes, cartoons, Bible verses and silly jokes at the end as well as the stones. Overall it’s an easy read and I can see why people liked Mrs. Johnson so much.
Profile Image for Lisa.
44 reviews
November 28, 2008
I will definitely read more from Barbara Johnson. This was uplifting and she tells great stories of women that have suffered but come through it shining bright!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews

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