FYI

My NEW blog address is
bj-sweetnothings.blogspot.com

and I have a link to where you can receive
SWEET NOTHINGS posts in your EMAIL ACCOUNT.

Please go to the NEW BLOG.
thanks, bj

Sunday, March 4, 2012

HOUSTON.......we have a problem

PROBLEMS  face us every single day...
sometimes, they are small....really tiny...we almost don't recognize them as PROBLEMS..
Others can be HUGE ...so large, we can't see past them.....

Every single morning, when we get out of bed,
WE HAVE A CHOICE
of walking in the SUNSHINE or in the SHADOWS....
It's dark and lonely, walking in the shadows.
No COLOR to our lives...
not much HOPE....no JOY.
Every where we look, all we see is COLORLESS  NEGATIVITY...
we can't seem to work on solving our problems.
We surely can't focus on our BLESSINGS and THAT is the saddest part of
WALKING IN SHADOWS.
Things look bleak.....ALL THE TIME
soooo.....
just TAKE A LOOK AT THE DIFFERENCE
between
SHADOWS and SUNLIGHT
If you are feeling overcome with problems....be they small or large,
try choosing the SUNLIGHT in the morning when you wake up.
Try looking at THE BRIGHT SIDE of things,
even if things seem a little bleak.
We've all heard of the SILVER LINING....
even our problems, dark thoughts, hopeless feelings
have a BRIGHT side.
Sometimes, we just have to LOOK a little harder....
search out the BRIGHT side of things instead of focusing on the SHADOWS.  
 HOW in the world could we NOT feel better, 
walking in the colorful SUNSHINE.
and you know I'm not talking JUST about sunshine....
but the brighter side our thoughts and feelings.
Oh, I know, believe me, how it feels when you are worried about that next car payment....
the mortgage payment that just MIGHT be a couple weeks late...
the purchase you made on your credit card that you REALLY didn't need...and surely don't
need that extra payment.
I know how MONEY ISSUES play such a huge part of our ability to be......well......HAPPY.
We just HAVE to try not to worry to the point of letting it ruin everything else.
Hard to do.....I KNOW....(been there.....done that).
THIS is the time I go into prayer, give my worries to GOD, back my ears and TRY to
come up with ways to HELP THE BUDGET or to help WHATEVER problem might be going on.
I've found that JUST TRYING actually helps my feelings a lot...
and this is with ALL OUR PROBLEMS.
So, join me in learning to be happy...
to get out of the shadows....
I PROMISE YOU...
things are MUCH MORE DELICIOUS on the SUNNY SIDE OF THE STREET.
....and just so ya know...

NOTE*...just so you know......
This post comes from my feelings about several emails I've had lately concerning happiness and good attitudes.



COLOR ME HAPPY !!!!

and I want YOU HAPPY, TOO ! 

56 comments:

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

Oh Sweetie, I hope it wasn't me that dropped tears on your head! I quickly ran back to check. No..no tears but surely have felt like it in the past from time to time. Just a part of life but then you and I have learned from living I guess.
No matter what, time is a great healer.
Funny that you wrote this because I am just working on my post and it ran along a similar vein, but different in a way.
What a nice uplifting post! Very encouraging...give it to God.
As my husband used to say "Let go and let God!" We always did and somehow made it through lots of storms.
Much love to you for this, bj!!
Mona

Susie said...

I would love for us all to be happy. I prefer the sunny side of the street, always. Now pass me one of those delicious rolls. Smiles to you and yours. xo, Susie(She Junks)

Sonny G said...

You are so wise and the visuals you used are Perfect.. Its one thing to write ones thoughts and quite another to SHOW them, as you did.
I have always admired you but no more so than Today..
Its a joy to have you as part of my life.

xoxo
Sonny

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

I am glad you are happy! and I love you too!
I try everyday to be joyful about something...some days it is harder...but I want to enjoy the days, how ever many there are...not waste them!!

TexWisGirl said...

thanks for the uplifting words (and images) today, dear bj... :)

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Super post. Yes, I have been there so many times I can't even count, but I am really an optimist and just totally believe there is a way out of everything, not always the one I want or without pain, but there is a way. So thinking happy thoughts and finding a solution always brings the sunshine. Love the sun. Have to live there. Love you too. Hugs, Marty

Vee said...

Sweet, sweet message from Sweet Somethings this morning.
Blessings... I'm listening to a song at Janette's Sage that complements your post perfectly!

Ralph said...

Hey, the cinnamon rolls looked great in B&W, a bit more heavenly in color...you are so right about worry, money being our issue with massive debt, much due to medical costs. Yet, what is money now with Patti doing so well now (and her growing back FAST), money is not to worry about. Actually we are attempting to set up a writing LLC to make enough to pay off the debts - should be set in a couple of weeks. So there is an out - our faith gets tested routinely, we should never worry. God expects us to turn to him and not worry...

Deserae said...

Thank you for writing such an inpsirational post....I really needed that today :o)
~Des

Pondside said...

What a perfect Sunday post, BJ.
My mum taught me that worry was a sign of a lack of faith. I still worry sometimes, but I remember what she said and it helps.

Tracy said...

Lovely post BJ...and I prefer to define them as 'inconveniences' rather than problems...it's truly ALL in the attitude!

Patti @ Pandoras Box said...

great post - well said!

Anonymous said...

A great post. Thank you!

NanaDiana said...

Bj- I am with you! I get up every single day and try to find the very best in it I can. I try to turn all my anxieties and worries over and put them in God's hands. Not always an easy thing to do..and sometimes I want to grab them back and "own" them because it is scary, on some level, to let them go.

I look around me everyday to see the beauty in the small everyday things and love the moment I am in.

GREAT POST! BTW...I have a recipe for an easy over-the-biscuit "sauce" that YOU are going to love. (kinda like that chocolate gravy one) I will post it later this week! xo Diana

Mindy said...

What a great post!
Even when I'm not commenting, I'm reading your words every day and you always have the greatest attitude and can put a smile on my face every time.
I definitely strive to have even a little of that positive rub off on me.
And yes, you're right, it IS a choice. One that I need to make more often!
What is that song, from one of my favorite movies - White Christmas - ???? Darn it...I can see them singing it in my head. Something about counting your blessings...it will come to me as soon as I hit Publish I'm sure. Anyway, I shall begin counting my blessings for this dry day I had hoped for, that I am able to spend in the garden with my kids.
Happy Sunday BJ!

Unknown said...

Wonderful reminder BJ!

A happy follower,
Kathy

Sweet Tea said...

Your blog is always a feast for the eyes!
I sent you a private message on facebook - I look
Forward to hearing from you.

Rettabug said...

Thank you for the sweet, sunshiny message...you brightened my day with your thoughts & photos, for sure.

Hugs,
Rett

Kelly said...

Wonderful photos AND wonderful message. :)

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hi BJ...

What a wonderful message, my friend! Thank you sooo very much for sharing it with us today. Sometimes we just need to be reminded of how very blessed that we are! I never have liked the shadows!!! Jesus has "colored my world" soooo beautifully and I'm very grateful!

I hope that my little note is finding you and your sweet family all doing well, Darlin'! Have a super Sunday!

Love ya,
Chari

Audrey said...

Great encouraging, beautiful post BJ ... hitting nails square on the head for a lot of us. Thanks; reminders are always welcome so we keep alert and don't sink into that dark trap.
Thanks for visiting Timeless Treasures and leaving such a nice comment. Glad you like the lamp and wish I could hand deliver it to you.
Blessings,
Audrey Z.

Gemma Wiseman said...

A beautiful, inspiring post with lots of delightful photos interspersed through it! I always tell myself that where there are shadows, sunlight must be close by!

Lighthousegal said...

You photos are wonderful, so full of color and Sunshine.
Walking in the shadows can bring you down and keep you from seeing things clearly. I try not to dwell there, but at times find it hard to come out of them. But, then the sun shines brightly and with it comes the promise of a new day.

Beth said...

Beautiful post, BJ! Our attitudes are so important!
God bless, Beth

Liz @ the Brambleberry Cottage said...

Wonderful post, sweet friend!

The funny thing about shadows is they are distortions of truth...AND the favorite tactic of our greatest enemy. Remembering to remain in the "Sonshine" keeps our focus where it NEEDS to be - on Him and not ourselves. Yep...I'm lookin' in the mirror as I type this! ;)

Hugs,
Liz @ The Brambleberry Cottage

On Crooked Creek said...

BJ,
You are such a precious treasure stored up in this vessel we all call "blogging"! You just made me feel as if I'd had a "sit down and visit" with my MoMa...she's been gone 16 years and I still miss her in my life every single day! Like you, I try to add sunshine and JOY to every person I meet. One just never knows what kind of baggage a person might be carrying around. Hope my visits to Sweet Nothings help to bring a ray of "Sunshine" to your day as well. Hm~m~m..."Sunshine" was my nickname in High School!
Fondly,
Pat

Lynn said...

Good advice BJ! Something we all need to hear every once in a while. Happy Sunday:@)

Stacey said...

BJ, I just love you. You are always inspirational and fun. I do realize 100% that things are not always sunny but you choose to see it that way as much as possible and I do too. Life can be absolutely overwhelming each and every day if we let it be that way. Thanks for the sweet reminder. :)

Something Nice and Pretty said...

I decided about ten years ago to walk in the sunshine and oh, what a difference it makes to your soul!

Anonymous said...

BJ,
What a great post. It's the 5th post I've read on light today. Thanks for the ongoing affirmation/confirmation!

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Hi BJ,
I needed to hear your thoughtful words today. I've been sad and down for several days over a run in with a former friend. I have been so hurt and lied about and I've been on a real pity party.
I'm slowly coming out of it.
So reading your words today has inspired me to keep moving on.

hugs
Sissie

Theresa said...

Hi there friend, that is the way I live! I believe that we can always find a bright side even to a dark day! I enjoyed your dark/light pics to explain what you are saying! BIG HUGS dear BJ!

sabri said...

You couldn't of said it better bj...

Linda @ A La Carte said...

You said it all and so well! I choose to be happy and see the world as a good place. Each day is a chance to enjoy life to it's fullest! Hugs, Linda

Anonymous said...

We all have those gloomy days but they make us appreciate the sunny colorful days that much more!

Have a blessed Sunday.

Gina

Blondie's Journal said...

I love this post, BJ. We try so hard to live in the moment, but what if that moment is filled with dread of a late car payment or not enough money for groceries? We always manage to get by and it becomes a memory, tucked away. So why not live in the sunshine, regardless? I live to have joy in life and spread it. That makes me happy!

XO,
Jane

sabri said...

bj..it's not you sweetie..i only have one place to comment..haven't even thought about adding another...i am not into the fancier blogs...just plain ole' kinda blog..that was actually meant for my dad to visit and i kinda started a little more..than that..xo..~sabri~

Neabear said...

Loved your post and loved your images to go with it. I always feel better when I come over here. Thank you for that! Makes me wish we can sit together and just chat....

Take care,

~Linnea

Sonya@Beyond the Screen Door said...

Wonderful post bj! I haven't confirmed this yet, but I heard that Picnic is starting a new program called Pic Monkey to fill the void. Just thought I'd pass that along!
Have a great week!

doodles n daydreams said...

A lovely post, so bright and uplifting. The contrasts are very dramatic and are a great visual complemnt to your words.
Blessings,
Diana

chateau chic said...

Such a good and inspiration reminder to begin the week. I'm a new follower and hope you'll visit and follow me on GFC.
Mary Alice

keshakeke said...

Thank you so much for these words of encouragement this morning! God knew that I needed to read this. I was trying to walk in the shadows this morning, but god put some SUNSHINE in my heart! Have a blessed day:)

Debbiedoos said...

You are such a wise woman Bj! I told you I aspire to be like you when I am your age, and I mean that. You can see you have a POSITIVE colorful outlook. Sure no days are perfect, and absolutely stumbling blocks get in our way. However, those are what makes us strong and who were are. I hate negativity, I hate the word HATE lol...so I make a conscious effort to speak positive happy feelings. If you want drama and negativity, turn on the news, which btw I rarely watch. Have a good day. XO

Brenda Pruitt said...

Sometimes we don't get to choose. We look for sunshine and the shadows cover it. But yesterday, I saw sunshine.
Brenda

Rita said...

Another fantastic post to make us stop and consider where we have been and where we are going.
I also prefer the sunny side; but today it is raining and I am going someplace bright and cheerful; not sure where, but I will find it. Wishing you a sunny week.
Rita now in Victoria

Full-On-Forward said...

BJ,

Color me uplifted after this post! I so needed it today!

Much Love in the SON,

John

Pink Roses and Teacups said...

What a lovely post Bj! So true, and very encouraging! Been there, done that.

Love you back!
Debbie xxoo

Gypsy Heart said...

You know, I really needed to read this today so a HUGE thank you for sharing! I know I'm not the only retiree that finds challenges living on a fixed income and everything continues to escalate in price. We also have those unexpected things that come our way. I try so hard to "let go and let God" ~ somedays it's easier than others. But I totally agree, the sunshine is so much better!

Enjoy your week ~
xo
Pat

xinex said...

Great post, BJ. Attitude does make a big difference in life...Christinke

nannykim said...

Good post; I have been off line for a while with a broken computer! I finally had to get a back up--well , my hubby got it because I was getting to blue, lol! I had 600 emails waiting for me (after a week and a half!--crazy). I think the blog world does help us to focus on the happy things and things to give thanks for...

Unknown said...

A wonderful post to remind us to put everything in God's hands! Without Him we can not be happy! This post was a great pick me up.
Blessings My Friend,

Kathleen Grace said...

So true, we all have our blue moments, but we have to pick ourselves up and dust ourselves off and look on the bright side.
You are a day brightener for certain BJ:>) I love the pretty colors of those mugs!

thistlewoodfarm said...

Oh Bj....this is sooooo true! You have made my day with this post. I could not agree more than if I had written it myself.

blessings,
karianne

Carole Burant said...

Well I can tell you one thing, just visiting you on here brightens up my day all the time:-) I loved this post and it's so true, no matter what problems are facing us, we need to look around us and see the brightness, not only the shadows. I know sometimes it's easier said than done but attitude has a lot to do with it and having walked in the shadows at one time, I only walk in sunshine now:-) xoxo

Honey at 2805 said...

I came by to comment on the Coke post, which is so cute, and then saw this one!

You are absolutely right. What an uplifting and encouraging reminder.

Sue said...

This is really inspiring. I think we all have those days where we throw a little "pity party" for ourselves and you are so right...it is at those times we should try to remember to count the blessings we have.