Monday, August 24, 2009, Nashville, TN., 12:30 a.m., D.S.T.~

Dear Journal~

Ronee' Le-Anne Reaux here.  Hope this finds y'all well; as for me, right now, I consider myself one of the happiest people on the planet. 

Life is very good for me.

I mean, look at me.  Look at my family.  I am loved, cherished by two parents who care about me; I have a passel of wonderful brothers and sisters I can always confide in when things go wrong, and they are raising me to love God, my country, and everyone around me.

How many kids can say that?  I mean, so many kids are out-of-touch with their families or don't get along or even care for them, which is sad.  Many kids would do anything to switch families; they aren't happy with the ones they've got.

Many kids are also getting into drugs, gangs, or various other kinds of trouble when their parents try so hard to give them a stable environment to grow in.  Many kids are unhappy because of life choices they made or because of what's happened to them in this game we call life.

I'm just thankful that I never got into drugs, joined a gang, or suffered from failing grades.  I could have easily taken that route if it were not for my convictions, beliefs, or the fact that my parents raised me to love God.  Church activities keep me focused, grounded, and if it were not for that, I could have taken the same route many of my constituents have done.

I have the love and saving grace of Jesus, my Lord and Saviour, whom I asked into my heart when I was only seven.  I've only been a Christian for nine years, but God's been using me in ways that would have never been possible hadn't I put my trust in Him.  I know He is using me in a big way to help others, and it is exciting to think what He might have in store for me in the future!

I have my health (such as it is).  While it isn't great by any stretch of the imagination, it is, however, a lot better than it was when I was little.  I used to spend time in the hospital at least several times a year; now I'm lucky if I go in more than three times, max.  The last times I were in were mild compared to what I'd gone through when I was small, with my breathing.  Now my breathing's fine; I mainly have problems with my JRA acting up ("flares").  The worst thing I suffer is excruciating joint pain, nausea, an annoying, itchy, red rash, and a fever.  Not fun.

I can walk (with help:  my canes, or at times, my crutches), I can play music on several different musical instruments, sing (country, gospel, pop/rock, rap, anything!!), and entertain people with my God-given talents.  I find much joy in making people smile with my musical abilities and knowing that I can also share the love of Christ in whatever I choose to do.

I can love the unlovable, see them as people with worth, and give them encouragement whenever they're feeling sad or bad about themselves.  I can lead a person to Christ just as easily as a duck takes to water, and I can be rest assured that because of my actions, I have saved someone from potentially going to Hell because I told them about Jesus.  That is probably one of the biggest joys in my life because I impacted their lives in a small way. 

I can teach people about what it is to live with chronic illness or disability and make them see that even though I may have a problem, I'm still a person, and I should be treated as anyone else.  It's not easy at times, but I can teach them how to cope and live to the fullest of their abilities.

God has blessed me in so many ways; this is just a few examples of what He's done for me.  I just wanted to write, as my way of thanking Him, and to spread His love, His joy, to others.  I guess that's why I do what I do.  Besides, it's commanded of me as a Christian, so as long as He asks me to do it, I will, no questions asked!  :)

Well, it's late, so I will go to bed.  I will write in here again soon; until then, this is Ronee' signing off!  Take care, and may the Lord bless you as much as He's been blessing me; He's really been doing a number on my life!  I just pray and hope it continues; I can get used to this! :)

Love y'all!

~As always, your friend in Christ, Ronee' Le-Anne Reaux in Tennessee.  :D