Laughter is an instant vacation.  ~Milton Berle

I've always thought that a big laugh is a really loud noise from the soul saying, "Ain't that the truth!"  ~Quincy Jones

"A cheerful disposition is good for your health; gloom and doom leave you bone-tired." ~Solomon in Proverbs 17:22

Everybody needs a good laugh every now and then, and laughter is such a generous giver! Long after the moment has ended, laughter just keeps on giving, boosting us again and again throughout the day. There's a great article about the health benefits of laughter on HelpGuide.org. You should take the time to read it, because the list of benefits is incredible! Of course, Solomon knew that years ago when he wrote those words in Proverbs 17:22 . I can't tell you how many times I have attended a church function or other gathering feeling gloomy and completely unsociable; and, by the time I left, I had smiled and laughed enough that it almost felt like I was going home a split personality. I want that for you. Not a split personality! You know what I mean!! Anyway, I'd like to take this opportunity to share a couple of personal stories I hope will bring you a little chuckle and boost your spirit in the process! Take Solomon's words to heart and laugh a little!

• Who Let the Dogs Out?? Woof! Woof!

After years of dreaming about it, my son finally moved his family from the big city to the country. It wasn't long before they brought home new playmates for their city dog Schnauzer. The first addition was a cat from the Humane Society followed by a kitten they collected from a friend; a mixed breed, long haired Dachshund they got from a fellow church member; and a "Heinz 57" pup they brought home from the neighbor's house down the road. It was quite a hodgepodge of critters, but my son was living the dream! The only thing missing now was a shed for his lawn mower and a play set for his three children, ages 8, 6, and 4.

Building materials were bought for these projects, and his father and a friend were quickly recruited to help. The day construction began just happened to be my birthday, so Justin's wife, Leslie, prepared dinner for us. She cooked the perfect country meal of rice and gravy, mac 'n cheese, peas, and fried chicken; and it was mmm mmm good! When my grandson, Gavin, saw that I had gravy on my rice and he didn't, he wanted some on his too, of course. Leslie took his plate and added a little gravy and an extra piece of chicken while she was at it. Just as she was approaching Gavin's chair, he swung around to see if Mom was coming back with his plate yet. Well, you know what happened next. It was the perfect storm. The chair tilted, and Gavin's flailing arms met a moving plate. Food went everywhere! I sprung into action and caught the chair mid-air. Jolie "oooooo"ed at the fiasco as only big sisters can. Talon just sat there wide-eyed, clutching his chicken wing. Gavin applied the 5 second rule to his chicken. Justin immediately started scrambling to pick up the food that had spilled on the floor. And, without missing a beat, Leslie delivered the classic country mama remedy for a food spattered floor and said, "Just leave it alone and let the dogs in!"

• Parlez-vous francais?

My husband and I attended a family reunion, which was the first of its kind in over 15 years, so we took our daughter's two children, Kaeli and Kaden, with us. Since the Southern heat discouraged any outdoor activities, everything took place in the dining hall - which is okay for adults, but young ones can become disenchanted rather quickly. Thankfully, several had kindly interacted with the children in an attempt to entertain and include them, but both of them found it particularly interesting when they met my oldest cousin's husband, Pierre. I walked up just in time to hear Papa explaining to the children that Pierre's name was of French origin, and that he was originally from France. Pierre looked at Kaeli, leaned in slightly, and asked, "Parlez-vous francais?" She, of course, looked at him totally bewildered! After all, how many 9 year old little girls know French? Well, Papa mercifully stepped in to inform her that Pierre was asking if she spoke French. Previously only a curious bystander, Kaden quickly determined that this was a question he could easily answer - quite impressively too, even for a 6 year old boy. He confidently waved off the question in the negative, rolled his eyes at the absurdity of such a thought, and blurted out in his distinct Southern drawl, "Naw, she speaks country!"