Happiness Is A Choice

A few days ago a very dear friend of mine called me and we had a great time laughing and catching up as we always do.  One would never guess by listening to the cheerful banter that my friend just a few weeks earlier had lost her sister to cancer.  After our conversation it hit me.  Even the day after her sister passed she was still focusing on the positive, choosing to remember the happy times.  Choosing to stay positive.  My friend has always been this way, she is like a ray of sunshine.  Her smile and attitude  is infectious.....it is one of the qualities about her that I admire most.

Happiness is a choice.  My friend Pauline is a great example of that.  We can crumble under the pressures of life and walk around depressed and anxious or we can choose to not let ANYTHING beat us down.

I remember when my sister-in-law lost her 16 year old son in a tragic accident.  When the police delivered the news of her son's death, even though she in was extreme emotional pain, she prayed that God would give her the strength to not let this cause her to be bitter but that somehow something good will come out of her tragedy.  I was there and it was one of the most powerful things I have ever witnessed.  At the funeral she got up and spoke to other young people encouraging them to listen to their parents. She let them know that their life is precious and to live it well.  Today my sister in law is one of the most jovial persons I know.  She is choosing to be happy.

There will aways be something to worry about.  Somebody to tick you off.  Debbie downers to bring your spirits wayyyyyyyyy down.  But, we can choose to focus on the things that make us happy.  We can dwell on the things that makes us grateful to be alive. 
 I think this scripture best sums it up:

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of respect, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if something is excellent or praiseworthy, think about these things. Philippians 4:8 I say AMEN to that! Cherio!

Touched By An Angel

Wanda Mcphee

Two months ago my grandmother whom I love dearly fell critically ill and we almost lost her.  That was a sobering time for not only me but my family on the whole.  You see my grandmother, Sarah, is the matriarch of the family and is the best human being I have ever known.  She is kind, loving, encouraging, funny, nurturing, selfless, smart, wise, forgiving and I can keep on going with the adjectives.  All of them positive, all of them true.  This woman inspires me like no other.

Wanda Mcphee

So when "Grammy" as we affectionately call her fell ill it was as if someone had pushed the "pause" button on my life.  Everything stopped and all that was left was raw nerves and heart ache.  There were so many thoughts going through my head.  I tried to find the positive in it.........nothing.   Finally a call from one of my sisters made all the difference.  My grandmother told her to cheer up and let everyone know (in case she didn't make it) that she had lived a good life and was looking forward to seeing her friends and loved ones who had gone on before her.  She was happy and excited to go to heaven. 

She had experienced a vision prior to falling ill in which she saw heaven in all its splendor and vividly described it to my mother.  She saw lots of people she loved  there and was overwhelmed with peace, love and joy.  In the vision she had stood at the gate wanting to go in so badly but an angel told her that it was not her time yet.  And it wasn't.  Though she is experiencing severe complications from diabetes at the moment she still continues to live life courageously and with joy.  She is thankful for every moment, even if some of those moments are painful.   I am not sure how everything will unfold with Grammy but I know that she will be all right even if this is her time. Her faith and love for  God and the testimony of her life gives me that confidence.   I will see her again.

Cherio!