Good morning, world. Things are looking pretty good from the front porch of my farm in Virginia today. Spring is definitely in the air in Virginia and it couldn’t come soon enough for me. I’m not the only one celebrating Spring. When I stepped outside this morning I heard an orchestra of birds – geese, quail, hawks, a woodpecker, and a host of others all singing in unison. There is not an orchestra on the planet that can hold a candle to the Orchestra of the Living God. I stood in awe of His Glory as He painted the sky and whispered “good morning” to the world around me and I praised Him right along with the birds. 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 tomorrow. 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 more than enough reasons 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 instead of scrutinizing theirs and eventually “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 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 will never 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 about what’s going on in and out of the White House, I’ll remind them that the Master of the world is THE ONE 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 despite the circumstances is the key to it all, but one so many overlook as they remain focused on themselves above all. I hope and pray that one day soon they’ll learn to die to themselves and Focus more on the King and all of the wonderful Plans He has for their Future. I’m sorry to say, it does make me wonder if the whiners Know my God at all – and that’s where I come in – something that would never happen IF I chose to Focus on myself instead of the King of all kings.

I’ve done the Work on me this morning and I’ve turned to the Living God for it all. He’s the One who scattered the stars in the sky and Knows them each by name. He’s the One in Control of every heartbeat and every breath breathed into my lungs. He’s the One with the Keys to Hell and Hades, and He’s the One that will greet me in Heaven when He calls me Home. He’s the One with the Perfect Master Plan. 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?