Your blog was one of the first I happened upon when I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2008.  Posts like this one helped me climb out of my own pity party and realize that illness was best handled by focusing on the living.  You gave me that gift with your words, words that probably stole precious energy as you wrote them.

When I almost died in September of that same year I discovered the same peace that you so elegantly exhibit.  The peace that is found in knowing that these momentary circumstances are preparing us for an eternal glory.  An eternal glory that you are close to viewing firsthand.

When I was later diagnosed with lupus, I went back to your blog for encouragement and wisdom.

And, I chose joy for a while.

Then I ended up spending most of the late spring and early summer of this year in bed, because of my chronic illness{es}.  I stopped choosing joy and started choosing the pity party.  And a post that you wrote {back in 2009} kept echoing in my mind.  I read it over and over.  Here is a quote from that post:

“I choose the joy. 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.” ~Sara Frankl

So, I began to choose the joy again.  It is easy for me to forget how sometimes.  Thankfully, I have your words to help me get back on track.

We have never met in person and never will this side of heaven.  But girl when I get up there, we are going to be best buds!  You go get a head start on the no pain, perfect body thing.  You deserve it.

We will be okay.  We have your words.  We have your heart-filled, joy-choosing words.

Thank you, sweet sister.  May you find rest in the arms of Jesus.

To read more posts dedicated to a woman who has forever changed lives, including mine, please visit Jessica’s blog.

Hubby and I were in bed Wednesday evening, just watching the President address the nation on the economic fiasco (hey, maybe I can blame him, lol) when all of a sudden it felt like I had a 300 lb person sitting on my chest and I could not breathe. I passed out, hubby called 911 and after an ambulance ride that deserves a post all it’s own, made it to the hospital and the competent doctors were able to figure out what was wrong and start me on the correct treatment.

Since then I have had a lot of time on my hands, sitting in the hospital being watched, prodded and poked by very kind and well meaning nurses, I have been thinking about all the things that God has blessed me with. I have had so much company (it has been exhausting) but I also feel incredibly loved. My hospital room looks like a funeral home with all the flowers- good thing I don’t have allergy issues I get to see my youngest live his 11th year (even though I spent his birthday here). My husband has not left my side except to eat and use the bathroom in days. It brings tears to my eyes at what I would have been missing but at the same time I have to confess….

When I heard the ambulance driver say “dude, I think she’s gonna die” (like I said needs a post of it’s own) I was not scared. I know where I am going when I pass my final breath on this earth. What awaits me there is welcome at any time! But God wasn’t ready for me yet. He allowed me to continue to be here longer for my kids, my hubby, my family and friends and to add another chapter to my testimony.

It wasn’t my time….yet. Let us all remember to live every day for Him and the path that He has anointed for us as we do not know the day, time or hour that God could call any of us home.