Good morning, world. Things are looking pretty good from the front porch of my farm in Virginia today. I watched the Master wake up the world and I stood in awe of His glory as He painted the sky and whispered “good morning” to the world around me. There aren’t words to describe the beauty of this new day from the inside out, but my heart has been filled with an attitude of Gratitude because of it, and there’s a big smile on my face that will probably carry me through to the end of it. God Almighty is the source of my Joy, but I have to do a little work to be happy too. Isn’t that the way it is with everybody?

Taking the time and taking the steps that lead toward true Joy in my life is worth more than gold to me. There are plenty of “reasons” that I could dwell on to be sad or bitter or angry over my life circumstances, but I refuse to live with a heavy heart so I take the steps toward restoration each day. There are plenty of reasons I could find to cry and whine about what I do have, or what I don’t have, but I focus on all of the blessings in my life and I count them one-by-one each day instead. There are plenty of times I could have complained about loneliness and abandonment when I’ve relied on another for my fulfillment, but I choose to fill my time with the One who loves me Unconditionally and who will never let me down instead. There are more than enough reasons that I could find to be angry with people around me when I’m wronged or when things don’t go according to my plans, but I choose to examine my own heart each time and I “let go and let God” deal with the wrongs instead.

Making the choice to be happy each day is the source of my Peace – it doesn’t come from an anointed, problem-free life that so many would like to believe that I have here at my farm in Virginia. There is no doubt in my mind that I’ll hear from people who have read these words today and who will attempt to paint a picture that justifies their unhappiness or their heartbreak, but it won’t fly with me. As they try to “sell” me on their right to be miserable, and they suggest that I would be too if I were in their shoes, I’ll do my part to explain what it means to make the choice to be happy. As they attempt to fill me with details over what’s going on in and out of the White House, I’ll remind them that the Master of the world is in control. As they paint a picture of heartbreak and loneliness because they put their trust in another instead of the Living God, I’ll do my part to explain the love and fulfillment that ONLY He can satisfy. Making the choice to be happy in spite of the circumstances is the key-to-it-all but one so many overlook as they remain focused on themselves and their own desires. I hope and I pray that one day soon they’ll learn to die to their own needs as they focus on the King and all of the wonderful Plans that He has for them…IF they make the choice to be happy.

I’ve done the Work on me this morning and I’ve turned to the Living God for it all. He’s the One with the Keys to Hell and Hades, and He’s the One with the Perfect Master Plan and I won’t be relying on anything or anyone but Him today. I’m happy, I’m content, I’m at peace, I’m Grateful and I’m fulfilled this morning after a little attitude adjustment of my own as I made the choice to be happy today.

How about you?