Well, the best month of the year is almost over. August never disappoints. People may wonder why I celebrate and enjoy my life so much. Well, I have not always been “happy go lucky Ouida”. There have been a few times in my life in which I depressed. The one that affected me the most was when my mother passed away. I learned through that process that God does not put more on us than we can bear. In my lowest days I still had hope, and faith. I also learned who my true friends were. It is in the lows of my life that I found that God is the source of my joy, my peace, the reason that I am still alive.

I learned though my depression. I learned after I lost both my parents from cancer. I learned after my first practice closed due to a diagnosis of cancer by the primary owner. I learned after my condominium  caught on fire and left me potentially homeless. I learned after a few loves broke my heart. I learned after too many running injuries to list. I learned to count it all joy

 “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,  because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”             James 1:2-4New International Version (NIV)

So I smile, and share my happy, joyous moments in life. Tomorrow is not promised. I take time to smell the roses.

I want to say a special thank you to everyone who shared  in any way with me in my month. I love my friends, and family they make my life so very special.  I will continue to celebrate life and live to the fullest, with a special turn up in August!!