A Better Tomorrow

For A Better Tomorrow

Saturday
July 9, 2016

Dear Readers,

It's me, Miss Dottie, blogging away in hot hot HOT N Central Texas. As much as I love where I live, July and August are not my favorite months. Day before yesterday, I went to Waco with my neighbor and the temperature gage on my car registered 103 degrees. Felt like I was back in Yuma, Arizona!

I am very grateful for air conditioning in my car, the house, and cottage. I usually have the fan going in the cottage and have 6 pups laying on my bed basking in the cool air. They are so funny and always bring a smile to my soul when days of tragedy seem so dark and foreboding.

Thursday night a peaceful protest was being held in Dallas. Towards the end of the protest, shots began to ring out and people were running for their lives. In the end, 12 police officers had been shot, 5 fatalities. What I could consider a good thing (freedom of speech being exercised by a group wanting change) was turned into a solemn situation. They were protesting the treatment of blacks by the police. Strange that the very officers they were protesting against were there to protect them when shots were fired and began to ricochet.

The Dallas police chief and mayor were on TV Friday morning; and, I must say, I was so proud of them and our city. There was a prayer service at Thanks-Giving Square at noon. I wish I could have been there but was tuned in and on my knees.

Hate begets hate; love (most times) begets love. I have a warriors heart and march for the rights of ALL people to have the right to freedom and peace. I march for truth and for the unjust to face a trial of their peers. From the time they could understand, I encouraged my children to speak up and not be afraid to fight for their rights as individuals. They always have and I am proud of them for that.

You know who the biggest divisive force is in our country? The media. I was talking with my neighbor as we motored to Waco and we were sharing the news of the day. She was very angry about a report she'd heard on the news. When she was done venting, I asked her if she had heard the "whole" story and she admitted she hadn't. I knew the story behind the story and it was nothing like had been reported. I relayed the story from beginning to end. She didn't believe me. Truth be known, we hear what we want to hear based on our own perceptions.

I've been thinking about this a lot over the past few days. We are born into a specific family and culture which shapes our view of what is true and normal. We grow up learning about love and hate ~ justice and injustice. A lie becomes truth if repeated enough.

My perceptions have changed so much over the years simply because I have lived in different parts of the country and have experienced different cultures. I'm a seeker of truth and have found that even truth has layers. What is true in Hillsboro, TX may not be true in Glenwood, MN. That being said, I've learned to learn, listen, then speak.

And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit,

because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love him and are called according to His purpose.

Romans 8:27-28

God can turn tragedy into triumph. It all depends on how we view the road blocks in our lives and where we invest our energy. All I know is that hatred and anger displayed in a violent manner does not help a cause. There are good people and not so good people. If you have a criminal record (black, white, yellow, red) you're going to be on a watch list on somebody's computer. Simple as that. Miss Dottie says, "Keep your nose clean and remember all choices have consequences."

Dear Lord, I thank you for this day and for the coming together of the city of Dallas to celebrate the lives of officers lost in the line of duty. May this be a spring board to better understanding between all people. May the prayers offered up at Thanks-Giving Square be a way of mending the wounded spirits. Father, we need you in our lives to help us discern evil from good, to recognize truth not as the media reports but in knowing whole stories before we jump to judgement. Bring peace to our nation through understanding. We are either part of a problem or part of a solution ~ help us to know the difference. I pray for my Readers today. Open their hearts to what You have taught us. Help us to minister to those less fortunate and get out of our entitlement mind set. Let us all bring our offerings to you whatever they may be. In Jesus holy name I pray as your servant...

Miss Dottie

PS The person you will be in 5 years is based on the books you read, the groups you favor, and the people you surround yourself with today. Choose wisely.

One Week Down

June 26, 2016
Sunday 

Dear Readers,

It's an absolutely gorgeous Summer day in N Central Texas albeit a bit hot! I was outside at 6am this morning working in my gardens. I can tell what I've been doing outside for the past 3 months ... not much of anything. The storms we had a few weeks ago washed away some of my mulch so that's on my agenda to redo this next week. I'm so glad that most of my plants are well rooted and need less water. Hate hauling that blasted hose!

My self-improvement project is going along pretty well. I weighed at the doctor's office and it wasn't pretty. (Gulp) Today, I am down 8 pounds. (Patting myself on my back!) My clothes were feeling like I had been stuffed into them and now they are still tighter than I'd like but I am going in the right direction. I'm going to start weighing in on Mondays. To tell the truth, I hate scales but until I have something better to judge my progress, the scale will be a necessary evil.

My biggest hurdle has eliminating Coke Zero and ice cream. My neighbor and I were out yesterday and I needed to take a pain pill (I tripped over the cord to the fan and went skating across the cottage floor - kersplat ~ ouch!) and took a sip of her Coke Zero. Want to know something? It tasted funny. How about that!!

Ice cream may be another story. When Blue Bell came back I thought I'd died and gone to heaven. I LOVE ice cream with chocolate sauce and peanuts!!!

Eating out has been easy. Went to the Lone Star Cafe and had a Bubba Burger with all the trimmings and grilled veggies. Another time I had grilled pepper catfish, grilled veggies, and a bit of rice. Ordered the smaller portion and had plenty to eat. On The Border had a section where I could pick a couple items and a side (grilled veggies, guacamole tostada, and grilled chicken/salsa in a corn tortilla).  Eating at home has been a breeze. I make sure I have plenty of fruits (the ones low in sugar), veggies, cheese, Ezekiel Bread, yogurt, eggs, butter, beans, and meat on hand. I'm certainly not deprived in any way, shape, or fashion. I keep Truvia, apples, and protein bars in my purse. Just takes a little more planning. Since I eat every couple hours, I am always stuffed.

Breakfast on the patio!

I don't know if you've tried infusing water with using cucumber, lemon, lime, watermelon, and strawberries but I've found it to be really refreshing. I try something different every day. Tried Perrier with Lime and that was good too. I've NEVER been a water drinker so I thought this might be my biggest challenge but it really hasn't been. Thank you Jesus!

Patience is NOT my best virtue and, to be honest, I would like to be one of those people on TV who say they became a new person in just a few weeks. (Sigh) From my days as a Jenny Craig Director, I know that's not going to happen. I am having to go back to the 12 Step program and realize that some foods are my downfall. For now, I have to look at cakes, pies, and other high sugar desserts like they are poison which is the truth.

Dear God in Heaven: It's almost time to get in Graycie and head down the country roads to the Open Range Church. I get so excited just thinking about what's happening today ~ 20 kids accepted the Lord at camp so we're having lots of baptisms. Parents are also dedicating their children to the Lord which is always sweet. William has promised that the Open Range Band is going to be bringing us to church this morning and I know the messages will touch my heart and help me to be a better person. Lord, I ask you to move in the spirits of all pastors preaching today. I pray for hearts to be softened, and eyes turned towards You. Heal those that are sick in body, mind, and spirit ~ bring unity to our land ~ keep our children safe ~ protect our land from those who would bring it down. For those who have and are losing loved ones, grant them an extra measure of strength as they grieve. Thank you for Your Son whose blood was shed that those who love Him may have eternal life. In His name I pray...

Miss Dottie

PS I am publishing this Sunday afternoon so I added a photo of Pastor Gerald praying over Levi and his parents. Awwww!!!

PSS You gotta keep on keepin on ~ Life's a wonderful adventure!!

The Journey Begins

June 20, 2016
Monday

Dear Readers,

I am undertaking a difficult journey. A journey that I want to share with you just in case you're dealing with the same stuff that I am. I want to inspire and encourage you to come along with me and we can do this together. This is serious to me because this is something I am not excited to do. I've had good intentions in the past but you know the old saying, "The road to hell is paved with good intentions."

This past Saturday, I had one of those moments where I realized how far I had slipped in keeping my body fit. When Melissa shared her testimony of health and wellness with me and determined my body type, I half-heartedly listened. When I was in church on Sunday, I was convicted and, today, I am determined.

Let's go back over the past 4 years. I've moved from the area of Dallas that I had lived since 1972; I've had countless major surgeries that required long times of recovery; I felt lost and doubted God's leading; and, I ate my way to unhealthiness. I have felt defeated, angry with myself, and lacked any will to do anything different. I had my last back surgery in March of 2015 and it took it's toll. At that time, Dr Carmody gave me books on back and neck health and I paged through them. Books don't mean anything unless you follow directions. End of story.

In less than a year, I have developed further crumbling on my spine and stenosis which has made my life a living hell. Well, I did a couple of things: I gained 30 pounds AND I continued carrying bags of dirt and mulch to my garden. Try carrying a twenty pound bag of dog food around with you every minute of the day then add the weight of dirt and mulch. See what I am saying? It took me not being able to walk or stand to really grasp what I had done to myself.

I carry most of my weight around my waist. Oh, I can hide it well with choosing my shirts appropriately but I do have to shed those clothes at least once a day and look in the mirror. Good grief! There looking back at me is an M&M with stick legs! I was eating food like an alcoholic drinks ~ to make pain go away and fill the void, the hole in my heart.

You know the beautiful thing about my God? He accepts me no matter what; on the other hand, He shows me by way of messengers how I need to change. When the Holy Spirit convicts me of something, I know what I need to do. This is not saying I am always obedient. Sometimes, it takes something drastic.

Okay, all this being said, where did I begin? It started with Maddie making lunch for Melissa and I on Saturday as well as dinner in the evening. It was delicious and I got even more curious. Last Sunday morning I got up thinking, "tomorrow I will begin my quest." Then, I recognized the old pattern of ... I will have one last day of eating myself into oblivion then, I will ____________.  Ever tell yourself that?

I ate a slice of Ezekiel Bread with homemade jam on it before church. Our normal routine after church is to stop at McDonald's and munch on sandwiches on our way home. I told Michael I wasn't going to do that substituting a bar to hold me until I got home. Easy? HELL NO!!!

I made a casserole for Michael since that's what he wanted. I chose a salad and fruit. I was stuffed but boy I craved ice cream with chocolate, bananas, and peanuts. It was tough and Satan was hitting me right and left. I froze remembering how I had abused my body. I chose health.

Although I had two previous days of healthy eating, my real journey began today. Since I am not counting calories, I am writing down every morsel I put in my mouth. My problem is the spare tire around my waist so I am cutting wayyyy back on sugars and learning how to balance what I eat. I'm also putting my food on a luncheon plate to trick my brain into thinking I have a full dinner plate piled high with tasty morsels. Believe me, it works. The roughest part is giving up my Zero Coke. I drank many a day and love the fizzz!

My menu for today:

Breakfast:  1 egg, 1 slice toasted Ezekiel Bread/1 pat butter, Grapes/Watermelon.
Snack:  Giovanni Yogurt with Coconut
Lunch:  Cottage Cheese sprinkled with sunflower seeds, fresh peaches
Snack:  ThinkThin Protein Bar (Salted Caramel)
Dinner:  Salad (organic spinach, Romaine, tomatoes, cucumber, boiled egg & pine nuts, oil/vinegar/spices dressing)
Before bed Snack: Apple
All day: Drinking filtered water from the frig with lemon and cucumber slices in it
(I ate every 3 hours to make sure my tummy felt full)

I wish I had taken photos of my food other than with my phone but I didn't, tomorrow I will do that.

How do I feel? Full BUT the cravings of sugary and salty food is there. I won't kid you, this is really tough. I don't like the taste of the Ezekiel Bread ~ I am told my taste buds will change and I will grow to enjoy it. The jury is out. I will finish the entire loaf one slice at a time before I give up. I'm not big on meat; however, I think a nice steak, grilled fish, or grilled chicken would taste good every other day. I love beans ~ my cupboard has several cans for me to choose from. I am learning as I go. Melissa told me today that Jorge Cruise has a great book that would help enlighten me.

Many people say that to eat healthy costs a lot but I don't think so. I was eating crap and if I were honest, that cost a whole lot more because of the quantity I was eating. A bag of dry beans goes a l-o-n-g way!!

As I crawl into bed, I am reminded: One day at a time. If I liked eating this new way, I would have done it a long time ago. Since I don't, it's a mental and taste bud adjustment. For tonight, I'm kinda mad that I can't have my bowl of ice cream. My mind is playing games with me and Satan is certainly spewing forth his two cents. Just for today, I am okay and powering forward. That's all I can do knowing that God will give me strength for my day tomorrow.

Thanks for joining me, Readers. I hope we can lift each other up in prayer and offer encouragement as we make our way down this twisted path of learning and adjusting. All I know is that I will have an apple and bars in my purse at ALL times.

Miss Dottie

PS "You will never change your life until you change something you do daily." ~Mike Murdock

PSS I am not a fan of Mike Murdock, I just like some of his quotes.

Always remember you are loved and prayed for ... YA YOU, every single one of you!! I promise...

The Gift

June 20, 2016
Monday

Dear Readers,

It's a glorious day in North Central Texas. My back and right leg/groin have been so much better the past couple days. I'm singing praises because I could stand through a whole song at church yesterday. That's progress!

I received a gift that spanned from Friday to Sunday. My love languages are quality time and words of affirmation AND my God-given child, Melissa, and my God-given granddaughter, Maddie, came all the way from Georgia to fill my love bank. I'm not used to being pampered and served in my own home and it was hard to accept that they were here to simply be of help in my need.

To use Pastor Rick's story telling lead in: Long Ago and Far Away

Melissa was eighteen when I met her. I had asked around our mini church for a person who was good to cut and style hair and her name came up.  I made an appointment and it wasn't long before I was sitting in her chair. I remember it like it was yesterday.

Melissa was vibrant and excited about life. (Maybe a little too excited!). She was struggling with her own demons and needed a mom. It wasn't long until I became her Dottie Mom ~ I shared my faith, and she became a Christian. Melissa stumbled and fell while I just simply loved her. The door to my home and heart was always open. No subject was off limits for us and honesty was there from the beginning.

There were times I wondered if love was enough with Melissa. I started sprinkling my love with Bible verses and direction. She asked to be held accountable. Our bond grew stronger and stronger. She was hungry and wanted what I had. She filled an empty spot in my own heart and we served one another.

Melissa got married and went on to have 4 beautiful children. She is an accomplished chef and household engineer. She lovingly respects her husband as head of their home and takes joy in serving him. Oh, you're thinking .... she's one of those submissive wives ... yuk, barf. No, it's not like that. Melissa is the master scheduler of the family ~ she is the grease that keeps the wheels turning. With four active children (who she home schooled until this past year) that excel in soccer and all sorts of extracurricular activities, she is constantly on the go.

You might be wondering about her faith? Melissa loves the Lord more than anything in this world. She's a mighty prayer warrior and she's been given the gift of prophetic word and healing. The heads of her church have made room for her as a respected leader. Give her a microphone and she will have you in stitches laughing then bring you to your knees in prayer. She recently went on a trip to the Holy Land traveling back by herself. Let me just say that she went through some scary times. She has a mighty strength and leads by example.

I am witnessing faith being passed from generation to generation and that makes my heart sing. It's not a notch in my belt, it's that quiet hum of planting seeds and sharing with others what I needed growing up.  Some accept my outstretched hand and others don't which is perfectly okay with me ... I do it just because...

What does love look like?

Melissa and Maddie arrived like a whirlwind of fresh air. They informed me that they were there to serve and to do anything I needed doing. We planned a sort of schedule and jammed so much into a couple days. I hadn't had a professional haircut in nearly 10 years so she gave me a new "do." They bathed 6 dogs and loved on them like they were the only dogs on earth. Finn couldn't stand to be away from them following them everywhere. It really was cute. Now that they're gone, he sits on the guest room bed sniffing and whining.

The frosting on the cake came when we all attended church. Our churches are quite different and Melissa and Maddie aren't big on country music. They went because they knew how important it would be if we worshiped together. We share the love of Jesus, right? Right. They were welcomed with such love and excitement. These are city girls who got a taste of the cowboy culture big time! I felt like a proud peacock sitting with my chicks AND they began to feel the Holy Spirit alive in that room. I talked with her this morning and she said they felt such genuine love and acceptance. Even Maddie at 15 said she loved it.

William our Music Minister
Photo Bombing

Where am I going with this story? Well, the bottom line is that the Lord gave me a glimpse of the past, present, and even of the future. I am reminded that as I give to the world, it will give to me. I received the gift of encouragement and affirmation. Their energy and time was focused on serving with a grateful heart. We had praises, deep conversations, and really listened to one another. Melissa and Maddie prayed over my situation and back. We were joined as one spirit - they spoke my love language and I spoke theirs.

Today my love bank is full, my cupboards are full, my dogs don't stink, my body is healing, and my spirit is soaring. The gift I gave over 20 years ago was returned 10 fold. For you, my precious Readers, I share this with you because there comes a time when the Holy Father reveals how your love and kindness helped others. THAT, my friends, is the best gift ever.

Dear God, as I reflect over the past few days, I want to say thank you for the gift of Jesus who died that we might be redeemed. I thank you for my church that is so very loving and open to all who walk through the doors. I thank you for instilling in me a love for your people. I ask boldly for healing from mental, physical, and emotional trials; travel mercies for those away from home; the restoration of hearts to working order, bodies with cancer renewed; relationships mended; and, truth to always be at the forefront of our decisions. I thank you for the message Melissa brought to me and I ask that You give me strength to move forward. In Your Holy Name I pray...Amen

Miss Dottie

PS  "What we are is God's gift to us. What we become is our gift to God." ~Eleanor Powell

The Game...

June 16, 2016
Thursday

Dear Readers,

What an absolutely beautiful day. I can see outside from my perch in the cottage and smile. I had an epidural injection in the L2-3 this morning and I got STRICT orders to rest for at least 12 hours. I'm too tired not to.

Believe me, this "whatever it is" has totally humbled me and my get up and go nature. This morning, I got mad, I got sad, I got scared, and I got some lessons learned. I really had to get an attitude adjustment because I was beginning to let fear get the best of me.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous.

Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged,

for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

~ Joshua 1:9

The past couple years I've grown so much spiritually and emotionally. I give credit to Pastor Dudley and The Open Range Cowboy Church for teaching from the Bible and helping me in applying my new found knowledge to everyday life. The friends I have made are salt of the earth folks who accept everyone just as they are. I almost feel like I live in a time warp of long ago when neighbors gathered on Sunday to meet, greet, pray for one another, and hear a message. We really care about one another ~ not just with words but with actions.

This is an important year in America as we select our next president. As an Independent, I kept a notebook on the all the candidates ~ their good qualities and the not so good. I wrote down my own moral values and beliefs and compared my list to the various candidates. Character and being honest were at the top of my list. When Donald Trump became the Republican nominee for president I focused on him (he was not my first choice) and Hillary Clinton because she is the Democratic nominee. I was a woman on a mission.

Once I was comfortable with my choice of Donald Trump for president, I blocked all sites that were offensive to me. I wanted to fact check on my own without the bias of the media.

Politics is a game much like chess. It's a dog eat dog game of strategy. He or she with that final blow to the other wins. Checkmate!!

~Miss Dottie

As we have learned it really doesn't matter what people say in getting votes ... it's what they do after they win the game.

Tonight there is to be a Trump Rally in Dallas. I would have loved to go. I've never experienced a rally but know there's something special about being a part of a movement that I believe in. NO, I DIDN'T SAY I'D GO TO PROTEST the candidate I did not choose!!!

In the past few weeks, I have faced a very uncomfortable situation. Whenever I get backed into a corner, I ask myself, "What did Jesus do?"

As a Christian I know that to berate and bully others into believing what I believe just doesn't work. Christ touched so many lives but when faced with those who rejected him, He didn't get pissed off and spew out hatred. He simply walked away.

I have a friend, Jackie, who is a Democrat. I respect her so much and I understand where she is coming from. I think it is because we've had different experiences in life and walked different roads that our political views go in opposite directions. We both want what we think is best for our country. Our hearts are in the right place. Isn't this the way America is supposed to be? We are so blessed to have freedom of speech and the rights guaranteed to us as citizens. How can we become unified if we are always on the defensive?

On the flip side, someone that I care deeply about, told me that I'd been brainwashed and a part of those far right Republicans. I didn't know what a far right Republican was so I looked it up. After reading the definition of Far Left, Middle of the Road, and Far Right, I was totally confused and thought to myself, "I don't fit in any of these categories." What I do believe in has to do with being a Christian with deep convictions and loyalty to my God and country. I've learned that all of us have a voice and free choice as to what we believe. I can only share my own beliefs and moral code and allow others to do the same. I always listen for truth and pray to be teachable.

Today, I am resting, reading, and praying. I look about me and see total chaos needing attention. My usual self would get up and take care of what needs to be done, pain or no pain. Maybe I am getting smarter. I have some things that I want to do down the road so my concentration needs to be injecting positive thoughts and listening to my doctors.

Heavenly Father, I know in my heart that You are in control. I pray specifically today for the unification of my country in understanding and compassion. I stand in the gap with holy hands raised in honor of You who directs my path and my heart. There are so many on my wall in my prayer closet who need You and your healing. As I name them You know what each person is going through. I ask that you place a hedge of protection around America. We are at war not only with Radical Islam but with each other. Thank you for listening ...in Jesus name...

Miss Dottie

PS  "Above all, don't lie to yourself. The man who lies to himself and listens to his lie comes to a point that he cannot distinguish the truth within him, or around him, and so loses all respect for himself and for others. And having no respect he ceases to love." ~Fyodor Dostoyevsky

Why not me?

Why Me Lord
Alan Ladd, Gospel Country Singer

May 26, 2016
Thursday

Dear Readers,

I woke up this morning at 3:30 to my alarm clock buzzing. I REALLY don't like alarm clocks and rarely use one since retirement. I'm normally an early riser but if I get over tired, it's nice to sleep until 7:30. To be truthful, my alarm clocks now have fur and don't like their morning chow time to be late!!

It's been quite a process getting my body back in working order. Motored into Dallas in the wee hours of the morning to get a nerve block on the right side of the L3. The past few days I've been grimacing in pain so, believe me, I was ready. I am supposed to be quiet and rest for a couple days. I can't just lay still with bags of peas icing my back so I'm writing...

Oh, for you Readers struggling with snails and slugs: Home Depot sent me a notice that the Sluggo I ordered was at the Cleburne store. Sluggo down, zip bye-bye snails. It works great and leaves are growing back on roses.

For several years, I taught a class called The Power of a Praying Wife. At some point I would ask my ladies to virtually put on the armor of God as they sat on the edge of their bed in the morning. I often do this myself and, for some reason, it sure makes a big difference.

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." ~Ephesians 6:10-17

When I experienced believer's baptism, I prayed and asked God to put me on the front lines. My mother used to tell me I was tough as a little Banty Rooster and, over the course of my life, people have told me I was strong. Independent? Yes Stubborn? Yes Determined? Yes Focused? Yes What's more important to me was that Jesus tapped me on the shoulder and said, "I want you." I signed up and life has never been the same.

Don't you like my hairdo in the photo? Probably one of those times I did it myself. One of my first favorite sentences? "I do it myself!!!"  

I have no idea who wrote this' but I saw it, liked it, and want to pass it on:

The Soldier's Creed: I am a soldier in the army of God. The Lord Jesus is my Commanding Officer. The Holy Bible is my code of conduct. Faith, Prayer and the Word are my weapons of warfare. I have been taught by the Holy Spirit, trained by experience, tried by adversity and tested by fire.

I am a volunteer in this army, and I am enlisted for eternity. I will either retire in this army at the advent or die in this army; but I will not get out, sell out, be talked out, or pushed out.

I am faithful, reliable, capable and dependable.

If my God needs me, I am there.

I am in place, saluting my King, obeying His orders, praising His name and building His kingdom!

And it went on but I think you get my gist.

When I was little, I attended Vacation Bible School. One of my favorite songs was ONWARD CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS. We would march and place and sing. I got so into it one morning, that my teacher asked me to tone it down. (Yes, I was one of "those kids.") I do remember giving her the look of __________.  I laugh now thinking that I had the passion of worship in me wayyyy back then in my reverent Lutheran upbringing. (Smile)

So when I think about the "why me, Lord" times of life, I remember my prayer. The wounds and battles of life are upon me. I served on prayer teams that covered Christians as they went into areas where Christians were persecuted. I learned very quickly that the prayer warriors covering those Christians also needed prayers covering them. Boy, howdy, Satan was MAD, mad as hell and those tentacles reached out into all areas of our lives. It got real LOUD in my prayer room sometimes.

Our country is at a crossroads. The political players are girding themselves for a nasty fight. Believe me, mud will be flung nationwide. As Christians, it's time we became soldiers in God's Army and did battle, praying for discernment.

Even Jesus, picked up a whip and drove out the money changers from the temple. In fact, did you know Jesus cleansed the temple twice during his ministry? Jesus challenged ungodly practices and urged the people to obey God rather than convenience. Sound familiar in today's world?

 

The United States is no longer a Christian nation. Liken to Biblical times, we have called those into leadership who do not follow God's law but the laws of other religions and are making themselves like gods. I know, I know, I probably will ruffle some feathers but that's okay. I'm used to doing that.

Who will join me, sharing your voices as Christian soldiers? Who will stand up for what God says even if it doesn't follow man-made laws? Just because a majority of people want something, it doesn't make it right. Parents, will you keep quiet when boys are allowed into girls locker rooms and girls into boys locker rooms at school? What about the protection of our rights as Jesus followers? Aren't we being discriminated against?

Believe me, I believe in free speech. If you want to stand on a corner praising a rock as your savior, then you go right ahead. I'm not going to berate you or kill you for believing different than me. Just don't persecute me for voicing my beliefs.

Dear God, As I have matured in my faith, I realize that I am one of those so called fanatics ... not a religious fanatic because I'm not big on religion but a personal relationship with Jesus kind of fanatic. I pray that you will bless our country and unite us with a leader who has your heart. Forgive us for our complacency and our fear of being politically correct. I'd much rather be correct in your eyes. Help us to open our hearts and minds to what is pure, good, and pleasing in your sight. Lord, my prayer list grows by the minute and I am lifting those people with maladies, cancers, loss of mobility, family troubles, financial woes, relationship hurts, and depression up to you. Father, you are Jehovah Rapha - the Lord who heals. I know you long to heal us of resentfulness, bitterness, and pride if we will but trust You and are obedient. I pray that the Holy Spirit would examine our hearts and heal us of the diseases that ravish our bodies and souls. For those reading my blogs in Russia, Germany, and China, please know you are being lifted up. In Jesus precious name I pray... Amen

Miss Dottie

PS    
God may not protect our country; however, He WILL PROTECT his people. Just sayin'...

Tales of a Six Year Old Adventuress

May 13, 2016
Friday

Dear Readers,

It looked like rain when I got up this morning but it ended up being a beautiful sunny day. The Sensational Six and I spent a good amount of time in the garden this afternoon. The boys love to sit in the hammock with me and sway back and forth, back and forth. I've been fertilizing the trees and they've really started to perk up giving me a wonderful canopy of filtered sunlight.

As a kid did you ever have a secret place that you called your own? I was born adventurous and loved finding places to crawl into or sprawl out in. One of my favorites was near the ski chalet next to Lake Minnewaska. There was an open thicket where the bees buzzed, the flies swarmed, and butterflies were everywhere. I would lay on my back, chew on some grass, and visualize animals out of the billowy clouds in the sky. I did my best thinking when I was alone on one of my adventures.

There were old rail cars in the hills, tree roots near streams, campfires left by hobos in the sand pit, and miles of sandy beach perfect for wading and stomping. One day I took an old orange sack and started at the top of Soo Hill. I gathered treasures all the way down into town ending up at Miller's Grocery. Outside their store was a heavy grate over a hole. Odds and ends got blown into the hole and that was my last stop. I gazed into the hole and lo and behold there was a Dairy Queen sundae dish (you know, the blue plastic kind). I just had to have it. I looked around for a big stick to pry the grate off the hole but couldn't find anything. I ended up pulling the grate up and pushing the grate against the building. I snarfed up the dish and oops, the grate came crashing down on my toes.

I started yowling like a stuck pig and Mrs Miller came running out to see what the commotion was. By the time she reached me, I had pulled my red tennis shoe off and was sitting on the ground holding my toe together. (The tennis shoe saved my toe for sure!). She picked me up and took me into the store and put my foot under running water. She pushed my toe back together and bandaged my entire foot. Mr Miller carried me (and my orange sack full of treasures) home and propped me up in my bed.

My clothes were a mess, my tennis shoe had a hole in it, my toe hurt awful bad, and my face was streaked with tears. I wondered what my mom would say especially about my shoe. Mrs Miller thought I needed stitches but there was no way anyone was going to touch my foot. My mom got home from work, fixed supper, and called me to come downstairs. I couldn't walk so I shouted that I wasn't hungry
.

Miss Dottie at 6 (with brother, Roger)

After everyone had eaten, my mother came to check on me. There I was cradling my foot in my hands and sniffling. I told her what happened and she told me to be more careful next time. Phew! I nursed my toe until it healed not wanting anyone to see it. The grate had nearly taken my toe off and left me with quite a scar.

As an adult, I still like adventures and hideaways. I enjoy the hunt of a special treasure even if it takes me years of looking. I have my own special hideaway ~ Miss Dottie's Cottage. I also have my own Secret Garden that unless you know it's there, it's pretty well hidden from the street. Michael thinks I should show my garden off more ~ I tell him that it's my own private garden, a place where I can experiment and drink in the colors of serenity.  It's a place where I am happy and content when the world about me seems so crazy.

Father God in Heaven, I thank you for my fellow travelers on this earth. I pray that each and every one of them would have their own sense of adventure and secret hideaways where they are able to think, regroup, pray, and know they are safe. I thank you for taking me through times when you kept watch over a venturesome little girl, teen, and adult. There are lots of kids like I was so watch over them too. Father, today is wear purple for those fighting autoimmune diseases. You know me and purple: I think purple, wear purple, plant purple, and today I pray about purple. Go God!! I have friends facing cancer surgery and treatments. Provide them with what they need Lord going before them and seeing to every small detail. Please watch over little Finn as he heals from lip surgery and being neutered ~ watch over my granddog, Teddy, too. He's in tough shape, Lord. The whirrrr of the air conditioning sounds so comforting tonight. I will sleep well. Thanks for listening ... thy will be done.

Miss Dottie

PS Ever heard of Dale Carnegie? He said, "One of the most tragic things I know about human nature is that all of us tend to put off living. We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon instead of enjoying the roses that are blooming outside our windows today."

No one can ever say my life has been without adventure or boring. It's been quite a ride and the ride isn't over!!

Always remember you are loved and prayed for ... YA YOU!!