Sara, thanks for sharing. I'm so sorry for your suffering, but so glad that you got to enjoy some french fries :) I SO relate to everything you write . . . it reduces me to tears. While I am not in the permanent "can't go into the air" phase that you are, I do suffer each and every time I leave my house too. Just walking the distance from the car to the ball field takes it out of me the whole next day. Standing in line at the grocery store makes my legs swell and my nerve pain so excruciating that I can't stand and have to wear air casts for two days (lots of other issues with this too-can't carry groceries, just being in public and handling things others have I get sick . . . yada yada yada). A weekend of "enjoying" my family means that I am on bed rest for a whole week (at least, often longer). And forget eating out . . . I am sick for days just sticking to salad and some sort of soup. I miss FRENCH FRIES and MEXICAN and CHINESE . . . I miss MARGARITAS and hanging out listening to the band play at the local pub during happy hour. I miss my life as it was and mourned the loss of "me", and sometimes still feel that twinge . . . but I also choose joy everyday and continue to be thankful for what I do have. Sorry - didn't mean to write so much about me - I'll stop there. I just wanted you to know how much I appreciate you and pray for you each day. You truly are a miracle. Blessings, Christina W.
Kimberly
· 6 months ago
With tears, I will keep praying for you and thanking the Lord for the ray of sunshine you are to me!
David
· 6 months ago
I'm not often lost for words, but ... to describe this as merely inspirational would be doing it a disservice.
Wow. Your insight and determination in attitudinal joy (I know it's not a real word) is not just inspirational, it's a kick in the pants for me. You are so right when you say that we have that choice. While I am not happy that you are feeling the negative effects of the land outside, I rejoice with you in the feel of the sun - and the fries! I hope those joyful moments carry you through the yuck. Your Joy is contagious! Keep riding that Joy-wave! (yeah, that's really corny, but it's what a far-away friend used to say who always challenged me to choose Joy, too!)
Wow! Thank you for you positive attitude and joy that you share. It's truly a bright spot when I read your blogs.
S.
Robin~All Things Heart and Hom
· 6 months ago
Oh my...this post. The complications of your illness...the simplistic interaction with the mom...and your gentle but pointed reminder that even in a complicated, frustrating, painful situation, choosing joy is a simple choice away. If most anyone else said this it wouldn't mean so much to me. But coming from you...well, I hold this as a precious, valuable key to living my life. love you so...and pray for you all the time my friend...Robin
How to type a comment worthy of such an exquisite post...You are so far ahead of most people--of me for sure. Miles ahead of me. You've landed on the lush and SUNNY island of contentment. Once you arrive, I'd imagine it's far too beautiful to venture off for very long. You've discovered how to "count it all joy." And you are coaxing so many to a new life.
Love, Julie
Tiffany Leary
· 6 months ago
With some of the things we face, nowadays, JOY is the best way to prepare yourself! And when I was younger, I learned that you put Jesus first, Others second, and Yourself last. The first letter of each spells JOY! With this awesome canvase next to my front door, what a great reminder to start out every single day!!!!!
there are many ways to consider this... I, for one, say a rousing and mixed OUCH and PRAISE GOD! because I have seen how my hardest moments have also contained the richest, fertile blessings. being tilled is painful and very uncomfortable, but seeing as how the Lord is the Farmer of our souls, you know that His ways are not our ways. I have seen Him use tremendously difficult moments in my life, say a move to another country and living with in-laws for a time, and the loss of a baby, to grow me in faith, hope, joy, and strength, and it has helped me to be more sensitive to others. It is not appreciated so much in the moment, but... looking back in hindsight, i know that my Redeemer Lives, I know He is faithful, I know that I have seen His hand moving in my life, even when I did not understand. Jesus is always faithful, and NEVER UNJUST. wow, huh? That puts putting our complete trust in God, surrendering to Him, in a new perspective. I have often thought of Paul's words, and remember that he also suffered much, "being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:6)
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13
And finally,
"...for I have learned in whatever state I am in, to be content..." (Philippians 4:11)
It is not in our own strength, our own joy, our own love, our own anything that we can go on strong, courageous, full of hope, peace, joy... it is only because of Jesus!!!
Continue to trust in, cling to, rely on, and believe in Jesus. God has a wonderful plan for you. He is using you to encourage others, to remind them of what REALLY matters in this life. They listen to you as they do not normally listen to anyone else. That is a gift, and the Lord is using it for His glory.
I am sorry for your discomfort and pain. I rejoice that when we are weak, we can always remember that our God is strong.
I pray Ephesians 3:14-21 for you... Blessings in Jesus' name!
I cannot even come close to expressing in words how much this post, and your daily bloggings have affected me. Thank you for the inspirational messages you give to us. God is definitely good with you. I'll be tugging on His ear to remind Him. Blessings, SusanD
Nolan is sitting here waiting for his turn for the computer. I'm explaining to him why I have tears in my eyes. After he has asked a zillion questions he says two things. "I'm glad she has Riley, cause dogs are love. And at least she can still blog. Mom, I know YOU love to blog, I bet Sara does too."
I think my nine year old just understood "choosing joy." Its taken him two sentences. Its taken me 20 minutes. I am still grieving, but am smiling inside with the image of you outside eating french fries.
So very thankful that you were able to enjoy the sun and choose joy. Praying for you to get back to your "normal". Thank you so much for your encouraging words. :)
Candace
· 6 months ago
Many hugs to you and Riley. xoxo
Theresa
· 6 months ago
I love your attitude! I have always said being happy is a choice you make, and you are a prime example of this.
Nancy
· 6 months ago
You are an inspiration to me.
Denise
· 6 months ago
Like Robin said, coming from anyone else this message just wouldn't mean as much. Thank you for using your words to paint us a picture today, so that we can "see" what a trip outside is really like for you ... and how you feel afterwards, even 5 days later. My first reaction is to say that my heart breaks for you, but instead I'll choose joy and tell you I'm so happy you had a chance to get outside, feel the sun, sit in those chairs, and eat some fries : )
Debra
· 6 months ago
Amen! Such truth and such joy! I try to teach my kids that all the time. It's a choice. Most of life is a choice. You are most precious, Sara. I'll pray your symptoms ease greatly and quickly. And, by the way, I love McDonald's french fries, but I can't eat them anymore. Glad you enjoyed some for me! :)
Just found your blog. Thanks. I choose joy is exactly what my sister says every day (and God is good!) She is a mom to an 18 mo old adorable boy with William's syndrome. (They go Friday to see if he has to have open heart surgery.)
Jan C.
· 6 months ago
I am almost ashamed of myself after reading your post today. It has always been hard for me to choose joy. In fact, I didn't even realize it was a CHOICE until recent years. For most of my life, I guess I thought joy was something that depended entirely on everything going right in your life each day. If I felt healthy, if my relationships were in good shape, if I had a good book to read or my favorite foods to eat, then I was able to feel joy. But if one thing went wrong, I wasted minutes, hours, even days thinking that there was no joy to be had.
But you are right. It's a choice, and I'm thankful that you reminded me of that today!
This one SPEAKS to me. You know (and with your wisdom, you probably do), Lincoln said, "Most folks are about as happy as they make their minds up to be". I love that quote and the two sayings resonate similarly in that regard.
As always, you humble me! I'm pretty sure you've made me a better person. Don't put me in for the canvass....I have that one! And I love to read it and know that I do have that choice! I pray you feel better soon, but I'm glad you got the sun and the fries!
"When something is going badly and I’m dwelling on it, I think instead of something for which I am grateful. I swear to you, it’s as simple as that. You just have to decide today, and again tomorrow. And before you know it, you’ll have an attitude of joy more than any other attitude you have at your disposal."
I think I need that statement on a canvas! I can't tell you how those simple statements speak to me. I know for a while now God has been trying to teach me about my attitude. I have a wonderful, almost charmed life. I have a wonderful, wonderful husband and fabulous parents. We just purchased our first home, and it's lovely-so much potential. But I am so focused on this job that I have... that I really don't care about. And I try so hard to think of good things. There are several about this job. But I just can't seem to make myself care a stitch! Thank you so much for the kick to my attitude!
I am crying, not for what you are missing (but that stinks too) but because of the strength you display in what you face. I am not going to tell you that you're an inspiration, because when all you want to do is have normal respiration that isn't what you want to hear. I am going to tell you that I think you are a gift; you're strong and witty and full of life. Keep choosing joy. I join you in choosing it, no matter what gets thrown my way. I choose it each and every day, and I savor that I share the choice with you. Thanks Sara. Love, Shannon
Leslie Barton
· 6 months ago
Thank you for sharing your life and inspirational words with us! Choose joy! What a way to live.
I would love to have this canvas as a daily reminder.
Aubien
· 6 months ago
Sara, I wish I could give you even one day of pain free - just as a gift for you. I wish we could do things like that for others. I learned a long time ago that hot french fries dipped in chocolate shake make things better for a few minutes anyways. Hugs to you dear friend.
I am reduced to tears right now. Your gratitude and enjoyment of some very simple things that most of us tend to take for granted has encouraged me today. Thank you for your Godly example and attitude of joy! I pray you recover quickly from your outing.
Brooke
· 6 months ago
Such a simple thought and yet something we so easily forget to remember. Thanks for reminding us of this! You are such a great writer, your blog always brings JOY to my face! :-)
I'm am simply in tears right now, Gitz. You're life is hard and I'm hurting for you to also add the burning throat, eyes, etc. I don't know how you do it. Well, yes I do. I know your faith and God's grace sustain you but you have a SPECIAL gifting. Thank you for always reminding me of gratitude. Lots of love, friend.
P.S. The canvases I have are daily reminders of you. And I'll be posting about them, and you, soon. In fact, now that I think about it, let's do an interview if you don't mind. Just let me know. :)
Sara, I don't really have words for you. I have tears, but you can't see those. I have love and respect and admiration - can you feel those?
If I try real hard not to bring the air in with me, I hope I can visit you someday. I guess then you'd be able to see my tears. :) Because, let's face it, I'd probably cry then, too!
Thank You for your joy. I struggle to have a joyful attitude every day. I let too many things ruin my attitude when it is my choice to be joyful. I think I am naturally a pessimist but have no reason to be. Thank You for your blog and helping me see things clearly! Practice makes perfect! Have a wonderful day!
Kaycee
· 6 months ago
My heart hurts for you. I am so glad you have the attitude that you do but to be honest, though I loved reading another great post, it hurt my heart. I cannot imagine the situation you are in nor how hard it would be for most people to handle it with such grace. I think that you not only choose joy, but you help others to remember it and realize they can choose it as well.
TheNorEaster
· 6 months ago
"A life story in fifteen steps?"
Well, I'm glad we get to take a long walk with you on your blog, Sara! I don't know about anybody else, but I need your perspective. You are, in so many ways, my joy.
tahnijoy
· 6 months ago
i love when you write about joy. its what i need to think about. especially being reminded to choose joy.
Laura W.
· 6 months ago
This is just exactly what I needed to hear today. Just when I am feeling sorry for myself, I realize that I shouldn't be. Earlier today a lady called to say that a patient who was due chemotherapy tomorrow wouldn't be needing it after all - her cancer has gone to her brain and she's terminal. Then I read your wonderful story of making the best out of a bad situation!! Who am I to complain about being tired/exhausted because I work 40 hrs. per week, and we have VBS from 6:30-9p each night this week, and I have a ton of things to do and no time to do it!!!! I should be kicked in the rear! Thank God I am able to do these things!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you for sharing your life with us - seeing the positive in the bad. Praise the Lord for you today and always. Praying for you, physically, mentally, and spiritually.
Laura W. (Rocky Face, GA)
Amanda D.
· 6 months ago
Oh, I am trying SO hard to work on this! It becomes so easy for me to dwell in the negative drama instead of training myself to focus on the JOY! Thank you for the reminder :)
deanna
· 6 months ago
I commented earlier this morning but no longer see it on here. (Sorry for the duplicate if you can see my first one!)
But I just wanted to say that most people are good at finding the negative in every situation and I'm so glad you decide to CHOOSE JOY. You're a great role model for that. Thank you!
Mary Grace McNamara
· 6 months ago
Even though the sun wasn't cooperating with you that day, you must know that your sharing these stories of your life are wonderfully inspiring rays of sunshine for so many others. Thanks for choosing joy and sharing it with us!
You know, you always have a knack of giving me a kick in the pants when I need one. :) Thank you for that and may god continue to bless you for your blog.
Lauratina
· 6 months ago
There are no words....simply pure emotion, dear Sara...so touched by your words am I! :'( *heavy gulp* You are deeply loved by many, including this heart!
Samantha
· 6 months ago
Thanks for sharing that insight into your attitude. I am not a person I think that leans automatically toward the sunnier side. I think I used to, but as life has gone on that has alluded me. I do know what you mean about choosing joy and I am definitely doing that, but still have times where I feel like choosing the opposite and throwing a pity party. The thing is that party is never worth it. I will learn, I am sure of it because Jesus wants me to.
Thank you so much for sharing such a sweet time in your life...that is what you shared! I cannot imagine the pain you were in...my daughters and I have asthma and that is hard enough sometimes...and it isn't even severe! I love the "Choose Joy" canvas because it is a choice to praise, worship and enjoy each moment in life...even the hard ones! Prayers for you!!!!
Susan in FL
· 6 months ago
So often I'm asked "do you always smile." I have to say that your answers sound a lot like mine. Although I never really thought of it as a choice. When I was young my mother insisted that I smile. One day I was in a bad mood and said I didn't feel like smiling. Her answer was "Then fake it until you can make. Just smile." So ever since then I've smiled whether I wanted to or not. Now it is just habit. Besides when you smile you can't feel bad. Try it onece.
Guest
· 6 months ago
Sara - usually I drop by, read your post, and feel better. Not today. I ache for you. I marvel at your spirit. I am ashamed of myself for letting stupid things get me down.
My the Lord watch over you. May He give you comfort. May He send healing blessings.
It sounds like you had an eventful day, I am sorry it didn't go too well.
I am glad you have such a good relationship with your physician that must make things so much easier. I hope your breathing and your ears/nose/throat get better soon.
Some days are harder than others; but, if we choose joy... the day will seem better. Thanks for your positive attitude and your inner strenght... it keeps me going ... debb
nursecarter
· 6 months ago
What a post. Your words are so amazing to me. This one was very touching! Thinking of you, and lifting you up!
marisa
· 6 months ago
What a beautiful post and thanks for reminding me to choose Joy. It is so easy to forget sometimes.
Kates
· 6 months ago
I am always encouraged by your great attitude. Thanks for just being you!!
Jess :)
· 6 months ago
Oh dear friend!! I'm so continuing to pray for you. As you know, this week has been a VERY tough one for me, as well. Today was honestly the first day I felt like I had a little JOY back in my life. Now, not that I didn't have JOY the other days, but after being sooooo incredibly hurt and deceived...it was tough for me to "Choose JOY!"
However, you know this is one of my ALL time favorite canvases and think it fits perfectly right now!! I'll say and extra prayer about winning!!! ;) Just kidding...well, maybe!
Anyways, praying faithfully! Let me know if you need anything! Now I'm just a SKYPE away!
HUGS
Sara Ross
· 6 months ago
Choosing joy is theme of my life. "Bring joy to your servant, for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul" (Psalm 86:4). Your post made me cry.
Really beautiful words. Thank you so much for sharing. I'm happy that the sun finally make its appearance for you - and that you will get more of those little glimpses of God's love and light.
Thank you Sara. I don't know how you do it. I try so very, very hard to choose joy and while it should be an easy choice. For me, it's not. When I consistently find myself trapped in the world of anxiety and depression... it's hard to choose joy. Actually, it's seemingly impossible. So instead I hope for more good days and I pray that I can feel God's presence again. Because my fear, worry, and anger are all keeping me from falling at the feet of Jesus. And until I can get there. I know things won't get better. The funny thing is... I know that and yet I can't seem to get there. And I can't seem to quit making mistake after mistake. And every day I lose a little bit more of that hope that someday it will be better and that some day I'll be happy.
Allie
· 6 months ago
Sara, You have such a positive outlook on life. I have much to learn from you. I will be praying for you. Thank you for sharing your life with us.
tam
· 6 months ago
"I swear to you, it’s as simple as that."
and i know you said this with all the conviction in your body. i know this, because you live this.
All Comments
Blessings,
Christina W.
Oh, and PICK ME randomnumbergeneratorthiny :-D
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S.
The complications of your illness...the simplistic interaction with the mom...and your gentle but pointed reminder that even in a complicated, frustrating, painful situation, choosing joy is a simple choice away.
If most anyone else said this it wouldn't mean so much to me.
But coming from you...well, I hold this as a precious, valuable key to living my life.
love you so...and pray for you all the time my friend...Robin
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Love,
Julie
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"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13
And finally,
"...for I have learned in whatever state I am in, to be content..." (Philippians 4:11)
It is not in our own strength, our own joy, our own love, our own anything that we can go on strong, courageous, full of hope, peace, joy... it is only because of Jesus!!!
Continue to trust in, cling to, rely on, and believe in Jesus. God has a wonderful plan for you. He is using you to encourage others, to remind them of what REALLY matters in this life. They listen to you as they do not normally listen to anyone else. That is a gift, and the Lord is using it for His glory.
I am sorry for your discomfort and pain. I rejoice that when we are weak, we can always remember that our God is strong.
I pray Ephesians 3:14-21 for you... Blessings in Jesus' name!
celita
http://daysease.blogspot.com/
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Love the blog.
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I think my nine year old just understood "choosing joy." Its taken him two sentences. Its taken me 20 minutes. I am still grieving, but am smiling inside with the image of you outside eating french fries.
Blessings sweetie! Much love to you!
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xoxo
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But you are right. It's a choice, and I'm thankful that you reminded me of that today!
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I think I need that statement on a canvas! I can't tell you how those simple statements speak to me. I know for a while now God has been trying to teach me about my attitude. I have a wonderful, almost charmed life. I have a wonderful, wonderful husband and fabulous parents. We just purchased our first home, and it's lovely-so much potential. But I am so focused on this job that I have... that I really don't care about. And I try so hard to think of good things. There are several about this job. But I just can't seem to make myself care a stitch! Thank you so much for the kick to my attitude!
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Love,
Shannon
I would love to have this canvas as a daily reminder.
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I pray you recover quickly from your outing.
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P.S. The canvases I have are daily reminders of you. And I'll be posting about them, and you, soon. In fact, now that I think about it, let's do an interview if you don't mind. Just let me know. :)
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love ya sara and i choose joy too.
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If I try real hard not to bring the air in with me, I hope I can visit you someday. I guess then you'd be able to see my tears. :) Because, let's face it, I'd probably cry then, too!
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Well, I'm glad we get to take a long walk with you on your blog, Sara! I don't know about anybody else, but I need your perspective. You are, in so many ways, my joy.
Praise the Lord for you today and always. Praying for you, physically, mentally, and spiritually.
Laura W. (Rocky Face, GA)
But I just wanted to say that most people are good at finding the negative in every situation and I'm so glad you decide to CHOOSE JOY. You're a great role model for that. Thank you!
MGM
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What you write is inspriring because it proves how much faith can overcome.
The next time Riley's hair gets long maybe you could braid it. How about cornrows, or even some dreadlocks?
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You know, you always have a knack of giving me a kick in the pants when I need one. :) Thank you for that and may god continue to bless you for your blog.
*heavy gulp*
You are deeply loved by many, including this heart!
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I love the "Choose Joy" canvas because it is a choice to praise, worship and enjoy each moment in life...even the hard ones!
Prayers for you!!!!
My the Lord watch over you. May He give you comfort. May He send healing blessings.
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I am glad you have such a good relationship with your physician that must make things so much easier. I hope your breathing and your ears/nose/throat get better soon.
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Choosing joy is a theme is my life.
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However, you know this is one of my ALL time favorite canvases and think it fits perfectly right now!! I'll say and extra prayer about winning!!! ;) Just kidding...well, maybe!
Anyways, praying faithfully! Let me know if you need anything! Now I'm just a SKYPE away!
HUGS
Your post made me cry.
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and i know you said this with all the conviction in your body. i know this, because you live this.
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BTW, Mollie wanted to tell Riley she has a big crush on him. :)