Count it all WHAT?

Mama, you were right. As you get older, time does pass quickly. Has been a month since I've tapped away at these keys to document some of what is floating around this brain of mine. Partially, because I've been busy and partially because I wasn't sure what would come out. Ever go thru one of those funks? When it seems like life is just kinda beating you up? Just when you don't think another frustrating thing could fit into your day----BLAMO! There it is? Kinda just getting over the hump of one of those kinda seasons at the moment. It has been exhausting to speak very honestly. And then when those moments or situations arise, what do you do? How to you handle it? I am wired in such a way that I'm maybe a little bit more emotional than some---to what degree would be in the eye of the beholder I suppose. But it is especially noticeable in matters of the heart.....my family and kids, my relationships with others, the feelings of needing to right-the-wrongs-around-me....you know, that kind of stuff. Was feeling pretty desperate for a way to "fix-the-funk" I found myself in and walked myself into the Christian bookstore about 3 Saturdays ago. Wasn't sure what I was looking for so when the smiling teenager sales clerk asked me if she could help me find something, all I could mutter was, "Well, I'm just looking...". Looking for what though? That's the question.
I guess I was hoping for a word from God. Only seems feasible that it could happen among all the numerous titles in a Christian bookstore, doesn't it? I wasn't totally sure that it would hit me but, lo and behold, it did. A book about eye level caught my attention and I knew right away it was what I was looking for. The title said it all...."Finding God's Path Through Your Trials" by Elizabeth George. Bingo. Read the overview on the back of the book and went and slapped down my $14.95on the counter and off I went. Now to find the time to read it....well, about an hour later I found myself sitting in a parking lot waiting for Hongru and he was running late. Hmmmm....just me, the book, and almost an hour of quiet time. Chance? Not thinking so. Read the first 50 pages and had to stop for there was so much there to chew on that I felt like I couldn't move on. The biggest theme seemed to talk of "finding the joy" in ALL situations. How the heck can ya do that? Seems like a tall order, doesn't it? I mean really--especially with all that I've currently got going on! But, the author reminded me to "Count it all joy---counting trials as joy is a matter of faith, not feelings." ugh... What does that really mean? Well, basically, life is full of trials. No one will be exempt so there are a number of ways to you can respond. You can give in to anger, depression, or discouragement--all of which I have been guilty of in recent times. OR---you can choose to surrender your attitude and outlook to that of a joyful one and turn it around. Makes sense--but can be a difficult thing to implement. But, as I sit here and think about that, I am, once again, determined. Determined to make today a better day than yesterday--one that is pleasing to God. It's a daily decision to live a life of joy---and, like everything, the decisions you make can affect not only you but those around you. So, for me, today I choose joy. Even when I've got to ask Kyle for the four thousandth time in 10 years to put his seatbelt on when I pick him up from school. I'm gonna do it today with a smile on my face....but, I can't vouch for tomorrow! LOL

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all tribulations.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4