Sunrise on the Missouri River at Meridian Bridge Campground

Today is Sunday…September 11, 2016…the 15th anniversary of that tragic day when over 3000 lives were lost due to terrorists. Many of us remember exactly where we were at and what we were doing at the time of this catastrophic occurrence. Facebook and Twitter have been filled with stories and videos and pictures today all to remind us to never forget.

Rips my heart apart…again. 😦

One story about that senseless catastrophe I had not heard before is about the man in the red bandana. Just saw it today. Have you heard the story?  If you haven’t, or even if you have, below is a touching video that tells the remarkable story about this true, REAL hero. Watching it will be 10 minutes of your life well spent!

The video begins with the thought provoking question, “What would you do in the last hour of your life?” WHOA! How does a person answer that? I don’t know?? I pray to God that I never have to make that decision. Do you have an answer? If yes, please share it below. Or, just share what you were doing at the time when those planes hit the Twin Towers. We would love to read your stories…and to remember so we never forget.

Reading the 9-11 stories today and seeing the 9-11 pictures posted on Facebook and Twitter truly makes me appreciate the day…TODAY!  All I have is today. Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow isn’t here yet. So…I rejoice for today. I am grateful for today. For this moment. For right now.

Psalm 118:24 says “This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Please allow me to encourage you to recite that verse the minute you open your groggy eyes in the morning. Yes, even before your feet even hit the floor. Just say it. And, say it out loud… “This is the day that you have made, Lord, thank you. Let me rejoice all day long and be grateful for this day, this moment in time!”

I know…life happens. Life will (not might), WILL deliver a tornado or two…the tornado of disease, the tornado of divorce, the tornado of a lost job, the tornado of a lost friendship, the tornado of a child being diagnosed with diabetes, the tornado of Alzheimer’s, the tornado of losing a sibling or parents (many of my life tornadoes so far).

Remaining positive is a choice. Your choice. Or as a dear friend of mine who was going through cancer said to me when I told her that her positive attitude was amazing…she said “being positive is nonnegotiable.” God bless you, Steph!

So, to ALL of you…family, friends, teacher candidates, colleagues, appreciated blog readers…remember that today IS glorious. Rejoice and be grateful that you are alive.

Stay positive today, tomorrow, and every day! It’s nonnegotiable!

My hubby and me—Yankton, SD Missouri River

Stay Calm & Rejoice in Today!
Profs Dr. Wendy & Dr. V.