It's a choice

I have come to realize that I have to constantly make the choice to be happy. Life will throw you curbe balls and challenges and I am the only one who can decide how I am going to handle the situations. No matter how rude or mean other people are to me I can still be happy and not let others ruin my day. When life seems hard and stressful I learn to work through my feelings and move on. It's not worth it to me to stay mad about anything. The Bible tells us be joyful no matter what and to not let the enemy steal out joy. I am so happy to know the truth and be able to overcome life's challenges, eventually. I have been known to hold a grudge, too. But bitterness and resentment are not worth it. I need to forgive. The sooner the better. Others don't really seem to care how you feel or react. So it's not worth it to stay mad. Facing trials actually helps me to grow stronger and learn how to more effectively deal with angry people. I recall the commendment we were given in the Bible to love God with all our hearts and to love our neighbors (everyone else).
I also liked how Carrie Underwood says in one of her songs "love is all the matters after all". I hope she makes writes more christian songs and gives God the glory. She can be an effective witness and reach a lot of people.

Spring Break in Memphis with Family and Friends

http://www.justinwsmith.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=2104

Keeping it real

On the one hand it can be fun and exciting to move to a new city. Make a new life and establish yourself. Yet it can be difficult when you don't have a sanguine personality and the people you work with are in elementary school. I don't want to complain, I just want to be real. I want to be honest and for me it is hard to build relationships. There it is, out in the open, the truth. Relationship don't happen over night. They take time, like a plant takes time to grow. In our instant world it can be easy to forget that all good things take time. I am learning a lot of new lessons. I've always had my family around and well......with them so far away....I've had to learn how to do a lot of things...I've had to become more confident and assertive.....more independent.....it's like I've just started life for the 1st time. I am surprised with lots of obstacle's and learning experiences all the time. Living without family and close friends around isn't easy. But I know with His help I can do all things. I am returning to my first love and aligning my purpose with His will. I am saying "yes" even when its hard. I am reminded of what is pure and good and lovely. I am on a new journey which I hope can build the strength and the hope of those around me, and the ones who will join me on this blogging adventure. God bless.