For those who haven't heard this, I thought I'd share. I'm not a Dolly Parton fan per se but the words to this are just the way it is now.
http://gospelman.info/christian/HelloGOD.html

Dear Lady,
I'm a huge fan of Dolly Parton. And I love that song.
I just petitoned God's help, like Liz did in her book, "eat, pray and love." Dolly's sentiments in above mentioned song, say how I feel. Life is hard. And I'm hurting so bad sometimes, I don't think I can stand it.
So I pray! And I pray! And I pray! Thanks for reminding me about this song, ladyjane.

Beautiful lyrics!

I too love anything Dolly writers...This song is one of my favorites.

Happiness is not letting the world bring you down. I paraphrase this, but in the Bible somewhere it says,
[I set before you life and death: choose life.]
Where you have choices, pick the good stuff!!! Those are my words of wisdom, for the century. HaHaHaHaHaHaHa! God loves 7!!!

Jabber, how can I even begin to explain what those words mean to me...that passsage has been the mantra that has gotten me through many dark nights of the soul...every single morning of my life for more years than I can count, I have woken up with those words...today, I set before you life and death: choose life...there have been so many mornings when that is the only thing that has gotten me out of bed, knowing that I cannot give up, that this gift of a new day is given to me because God still has a plan for me - and if He insists on not giving up on me, then neither will I!

Thank you for those words. God has been continuously sending sweet small patches of light (like Song's prayers in another thread this morning, and your posting of these particular words here) into my life to remind me that He REALLY WANTS us/me to embrace the life He's given us/me. You're an inspiration on my continuing quest to figure out exactly how to think my way around the dark mountains in my mind and into the joy.

Eagle,
Life is difficult, at best. And you know that passage where we're told the evil roams around looking for somebody to devour? Don't give that jerk a chance to pounce. "The JOY of the Lord is my strength!" That's another goodie! I pray for God's joy! Satan tries his best to destroy God's people. And we're NOT going to let that happen.
Prayers and blessings dear heart!

I too love Dolly and not necessarily for her SouthernNESS or her music, although I will say her song, I Will Always Love You, gets to me every time I hear it.

I think I admire her the most because she has stayed REAL as far as her personality and lifestyle, her marriage, and her friends. She has never waivered from being the person she is...at least if she has, I've never see or read about it. What a tribute! I wish I were more like that.

Thanks for this. I have several favorite Christmas CDs, one of which is the Kenny and Dolly one. I just love it!

Eagle,
I've been thinking about what a struggle life is sometimes.
But you and I are fortunate in that we have this site where we can come and vent our frustrations. What a blessing this is. And Dotsie is an angel for setting it up. Look how many women can go to their posting buddies and share what bugs them. Look at how many women can get advice and find out new receipts for living. You and I and every member here have been blessed by this particular mode of expression. I know you've been through a lot. Please remember, some of the rest of us are right there with you, in that same emotional boat!!!
Prayers and blessings from my spirit to yours....