September was that long awaited time. My husband and I had longed for an extended vacation at the beach in the fall.  At this time in our lives we were free of the things that had encumbered us previously; now retired from our clock-punching jobs, our children are grown with children of their own, our beloved parents, for whom we counted it an honor to care for, had already made their heavenly journeys. Only our dog Angel and our horses Smokey and Sisco needed attending, which my niece volunteered to do.

 We had invited various sets of friends, ones with whom we could freely discuss our various ailments and medications, to come down for a few days to enjoy the beach with us.  Of course, we invited our children’s families, but because of school, only our youngest, who lives nearby, could come on a weekend.

 During my daily walks down the beach, I realized how God provides for all His creatures.  Beautiful jellyfish were in abundance; I mean big ones, ones as big as a Thanksgiving platter.  Sea gulls weren’t lacking either.  One day they lined the beach like football players prepared for a kick-off. I even observed a Dolphin show, one I didn’t have to pay for.  I looked out as I walked and several yards out were Dolphins flipping and chasing each other in circles.

 Not only does He provide for the sea creatures, but he also does for the human variety.  Realizing my speaking engagements would be put on hold for the month (therefore, my book sales would dwindle), I came anyway.  Sometimes God sends aid in unexpected ways.  I’ll just admit here that one of my greatest faults (no, sins) is being too judgmental. On my first trip to the pool to relax and read, I encountered a Chatty-Cathy.  She was loud and talked to anyone who would listen; no, it didn’t matter if they listened or not.  But one thing I will say for her is that her conversation was always about what God had done in her life.  After inquiring about who I was and what I did, she became my publicity manager at the pool.  She told everyone that I was an author and Christian humorist.  Well, I sold quite a few books to poolside guests and many asked for my card to call me later for engagements.  I know God had to look down and laugh at me for having a negative first-impression of his servant and my advocate.

 Not only did He take care of my career at the pool, but also who would have expected Him to do His work at Dollar Tree?  Soon after we arrived, I had to make a stop for cleaning supplies.  I had only a few items at checkout, and the lady behind me had her arms full.  I told her to go ahead of me.  A conversation ensued where she obtained my vital info and assured me she would be calling me to speak at her church at Bon Secour.  When I got to the car, another lady tapped on my window.  “I noticed the sign on your door saying you are a Christian humorist.”  After getting more details, she said would call me to speak to their ladies’ group at First Baptist Orange Beach while I was in town.  She scheduled me to speak on a Monday night.  We attended worship on the Sunday prior to my appointment. 

 In his sermon, the pastor spoke against false prophets.  He even named ways to recognize modern-day ones.  I nodded in agreement as he talked about those who preach a generic God.  I concurred on some others, but then he stole my thunder for the next night.  He said, “Beware of those who say God wants you to be happy.  Your happiness is not God’s main concern.”

 I’ve told people for years that God does want His children to be happy, just as we want our earthly children to be.  But after he qualified his remarks and after I explained that being in the center of God’s will and making our first priority showing His glory, I realized we were on the same page.

 God does care for His own and shows it through so many unexpected avenues.  Enjoy his mercies and blessings today.  Be aware and thankful for His abundant blessings, just as I am.

         I always looked forward to the first Sunday in May – our Decoration Day (the set day each year when people memorialized their deceased relatives by placing flowers on the graves)  at New Macedonia – when I was a child.  The appeal wasn’t the walking around in the cemetery and putting flowers on our relatives’ graves nor was it the slobbery kisses from relatives and family friends that we saw only once a year.  Neither was it hearing how much I had grown nor how much bigger I was than my older sister.  What really held appeal was showing off my new outfit, running and romping with other kids and filling my plate with delicious food spread under the old oaks. 

            Mother made me two new dresses each spring and bought new shoes and matching accessories – one ensemble for Easter and another for Decoration Day.  The dresses were usually made of some light-weight fabric and were either sleeveless or short-sleeved so they would carry over to summer.  Inevitably, a cold snap would hit that Sunday; the adults called it blackberry winter.  That brought on a major conflict.  Mother would insist I wear my winter coat over my new pretty dress, and I would insist I wasn’t even cold (a major fib.) Even if she won, I would manage to get the coat off after a while so everyone could admire my new frock.  Usually this happened when we went inside the church for the singing.  Four-part harmony echoed throughout that old wooden church.  We sang peppy, fast songs to the top of our voices.  We kids would sometimes make up new words for the songs.  When we sang “Where could I go,” and came to the line “needing in a friend to save me in the end,” we would sing “needing a friend to kick me in the end.” We were quite creative on other songs, too.

            I’ll have to admit, Decoration Day isn’t nearly as much fun as an adult, although I still go out of respect for my parents, and  I still don a new outfit on that day.  The first time I attended after my mother had died, I came in church a bit late because I had taught my Sunday school class at another church before I came.  I walked down the aisle in my fitted, new blue silk dress confident that I looked nice enough for the occasion.  When I sat down by my dad, who was very hard of hearing at that time and seemed to think everyone else was, he loudly proclaimed, “Babs, that dress is about too tight for you, isn’t it?” Many giggles revealed his comment had not gone unnoticed. Perhaps I should have desired the clothes of righteousness more.

           
Isaiah 61:10  says, I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness ---.

“Who is this Barbara Eubanks?  What does she do?  What’s she about?” you might ask.

First of all, I am a member of a royal family – a child of the King.  That being said, I attempt to live out the principle set down in Proverbs 16:3 - Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. NIV That philosophy hasn’t failed me yet.

Presently, I fill my days telling people, through my writing and speaking, that God WANTS His children to be happy – to laugh and enjoy the blessings he provides.  I begin most of my presentations exclaiming, “Rejoice, and again I say rejoice.”

Yes, I’m an author.  I have written three humorous, yet inspiring, devotional books – Humorous Happenings in Holy Places (Tate Publishing, 2004),  And the Angels Laughed (Tate Publishing, 2006) and Laughing with the Lord (Tate Publishing 2010).  Each of these contains  humorous, true anecdotes which have taken place in church or which have spiritual implications.  I have chapters in two compiled books – Whispering in God’s Ear and 101 Great ways to Improve Your Life Vol. 3.  I also write a monthly column - Humor in Holy Places -  for Anniston/Gadsden family Christian Magazine.

I find humor wherever I am whether it is in church, with family, or with friends.  I believe we should Remind  An English proverb says, “Laughter is the best medicine.”  The Bible says it a little differently: Proverbs 17:22 -A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. We should Remind ourselves to look for something to laugh about every day.

Secondly, I believe we should Remember the funny stuff when it happens.  That’s why I write down these funny stories.  Another way I remember is by doing the third R – Retell it.  That is what I do as a Christian humorist.

The last week has been a roller coaster - high times followed by low ones.  What could be more exciting than going on a cruise to Western Caribbean?  Maybe having a book signing scheduled on the ship escalates the anticipation even more.  Plans were made and every detail, covered to make sure this would be a time of fun, relaxation, and book promoting.

Since Port Canaveral is a new port for the Norwegian Sun, the boarding process was less than efficient.  Still handling the inconveniences well, we were high with great expectations.  We noticed several same-sex couples in the queues, but thought little of it.  It wasn't until we were actually on board getting lunch at the buffet that the realization we were in the minority as a straight married couple.  Word quickly spread throughout the ship that, at the last minute, a tour agent arranged rooms for 540 homosexuals.  Needless to say, this brought quite a shock to our conservative religious mores.

I visited my 100 year old dad last week before making my trek to Mustang, OK, to voice my newest book - Laughing with the Lord -  for audio. I try to keep him abreast of my comings and goings so he will know why I might miss a few days visiting him in his home at an assisted living facility. 

It falls my lot to start conversations and keep them going, because he just doesn't think of much to say.

"Pop, I'll be gone for a few days."

"Where are you going?" he asked.

"Steve and I will be traveling to Oklahoma for me to record my new book for audio."

He looked up a bit astonished and replied, "That's a mighty far piece, isn't it?"

"Yes, it will be a long drive."  He asked more about what an audio book is, and I tried to explain.

Being the pragmatist he is, he asked in his most serious tone, "Is that completely necessary?"