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Bread for the Journey


Sunny side up, first thing that comes to mind is the way eggs are prepared but in this case it has nothing to do with eggs.
I remember my Dad using the phrase 'keep the sunny side up' which he meant as keeping a cheerful and positive attitude, seeking to find the bright side of circumstances that want to drag us down. This is not easy and we need to lean on God to take us through hard times. When our son was diagnosed with tuberous sclerosis and autism I had a hard time finding that 'sunny side up' but kept asking God for strength to take care of my son and to give me joy in doing so. I often reminded myself that things wouldn't change by being depressed so I might as well try to 'keep the sunny side up'.
"For nothing is impossible with God."..Luke 1:37 NIV

These lyrics from long ago came to mind:
"Keep on the sunny side, always on the sunny side, keep on the sunny side of life,
It will help us every day, it will brighten all the way
If we keep on the sunny side of life."
from the kitchen of

19 comments:

  1. Kathy ~ Artful AccentsAugust 14, 2011 at 5:35 AM

    Betty, thanks for this encouraging post today. Many times I have prayed for strength, but only recently have I added the most important part , just as you mentioned, "help me find joy."

    Choose joy! :-)

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  2. Lovella ♥August 14, 2011 at 5:40 AM

    Betty ..this is such an encouragement. I'll be singing that song today. Beautiful post.

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  3. AnonymousAugust 14, 2011 at 5:42 AM

    Beautiful post and so very true.
    I was diagnozed with Asperger's Syndrome (autism ) a few monts ago.
    We now are a completely autistic family ( my husband, my two children and me), but this doesn't bring us down. We try to find the positive things we have because of our autism and there are a lot of those too fortunately : )Try to find the strong points and don't give up, that is most important.
    Have a wonderful day.

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  4. happy in KYAugust 14, 2011 at 5:49 AM

    [quote]"I often reminded myself that things wouldn't change by being depressed so I might as well try to 'keep the sunny side up'." I LIKE this advice :)

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  5. AnnelieseAugust 14, 2011 at 6:15 AM

    Betty, having observed you life, I know you do not share this flippantly. For one who could have reason to complain, you have exuded a peace and joy that just amazes me. May God continue to give you His joy!

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  6. TrishAugust 14, 2011 at 6:53 AM

    Well my dear Prairie friend...you and I have had many many discussions on this very thing. What an inspiration you have been to me. What an amazing path we chose when we chose to stay on the sunny side of life. Who knew there were even greater blessings between the obstacles of life! We just have to find them.

    Still finding joy in the moment...

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  7. KathyAugust 14, 2011 at 7:00 AM

    Your life is a testimony to the truth in your post. Choosing the sunny side......I have not heard that expression for a long time. Thank you for sharing what you have learnt and lived out. You have often encouraged me along the way.

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  8. Judy August 14, 2011 at 7:56 AM

    And now when I see those bright, cheery sunflowers, I will be reminded of your post...of 'keeping the sunny side up'. May we all find joy even in the difficult circumstances we find ourselves in. Thanks for sharing from your heart, Betty!

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  9. AnonymousAugust 14, 2011 at 8:44 AM

    What a blessing this is to me today. Thankyou for reminding me of this, I feel new joy already.

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  10. LauraAugust 14, 2011 at 8:49 AM

    Thank you for this encouragement, I often have a hard time finding the sunny side, struggling with accepting things that happen in life and dissapointments, but I do try and I always tell myself it's one day at a time.

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  11. AnonymousAugust 14, 2011 at 8:52 AM

    I too, havent heard that experssion said in a long time, but I will sure remember to use it more myself. I remember that song being sung in the little country baptist church I went to when I was a small child. thanks for the memory!

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  12. KarinAugust 14, 2011 at 8:55 AM

    Inspirational post. Just linked the lovely photo to Pinterest which links back to here!! Blessings!

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  13. JulieAugust 14, 2011 at 9:24 AM

    A truth you live, Betty! Your lovely smile is always "sunnyside up!"

    I haven't heard that song in a very long time ! thank you for the reminder!

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  14. Beth MaureenAugust 14, 2011 at 10:03 AM

    Thanks so much for sharing today. I was beginning to feel sorry for myself - my 15 yr old son was diagnosed with scoliosis this week and we have been given a 3 - 6 month waiting time to see a specialist to find out how serious it is. Thanks for the reminder to be joyful and thankful.

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  15. MargAugust 14, 2011 at 10:14 AM

    Yes, I can hear my father singing those words...beautiful post...and hopefully we can sing these words to our own kids also...
    I knew you would come alive!!

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  16. NormaAugust 14, 2011 at 1:55 PM

    Oh Betty how true!
    Yes,I do remember Dad saying that....thank you for the words of encouragement!!

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  17. kaylanicoleAugust 15, 2011 at 6:53 AM

    and she was singing this allll day :)

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  18. Ocean SoulAugust 15, 2011 at 10:18 AM

    If anyone is sunny side up, it's you! Thanks for sharing your sonshine!

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  19. BrendaAugust 17, 2011 at 7:44 PM

    Thanks for sharing Mom, this really touched my heart. :)

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