it’s all words, until it’s not

Me, Myself, and I have frequent conversations.
I often have to sit myself down and have a heart-to-heart talk.
Sometimes it’s telling Myself to just “STOP IT!” like this.
Other times it’s offering grace and forgiveness to Me.
More often than not,
it is conversations where I need to be reminded to choose  joy.

It seems that there is no way around the fact that LIFE IS HARD!
Marriages struggle,
 financial troubles abound,
bodies grow old,
friends disappoint,
sickness robs,
dreams die.
We don’t have to look far to see
pain, evil, destruction, greed, corruption…
and on we could go.

If a glass-half-full person is not careful,
depression will quickly and quietly move in and take over.
What’s a girl to do?
Well, in James chapter one, God doesn’t beat around the bush…

Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren,
whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials
of any sort or fall into various temptations. {amplified bible}

My brothers and sisters, when you have many kinds of troubles,
you should be full of joy {new century version}

Consider it a sheer gift, friends,
when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. {the message}

Difficult to do some days?
Most days, I would say.
But I love these thoughts shared with me this week
from a kindred-spirit friend.
See if they ring true for you like they did for me.

“i discredit my Savior when
i am unhappy with where HE has me…
i am unhappy with who HE has me with…
i choose sad… i reject JOY !!
am i on TOP OF IT ALL … nope…
but I LOVE THE ONE WHO GAVE ME THE
FREE WILL TO CHOOSE !!!
 but… it’s all words .. ..
until it’s not !”

it’s all words, until it’s not
enough said.

let’s choose joy,
Ruthi

{photo was taken in the old town area of Montreal}