My heart to yours

Thursday
November 1, 2018

Dear Readers,

Welcome November! 2018 has zoomed by and 2019 is just around the corner. My thoughts are all over the place this morning as I pray, meditate (or try to), and read. Pull up a seat next to the heater and let's ramble....

October is Domestic Violence Awareness month and I usually do a blog to educate on this subject that is so close to my heart. I wondered how I could address this subject and I'm afraid my fingers stayed silent as I placed them on my keyboard. This morning as I prayed for ALL the people mixed up in these seemingly "no win" situations, God reminded me that my part was to do that next right thing and leave it to Him to orchestrate results NO MATTER WHAT TRANSPIRES. Wow! Simple but oh so complicated.

I'm always praying for peace on earth, goodwill towards men. I must say though the caravan of invaders nearing the Texas border the umbrella of gloom covers us, I wonder if the thousands of uninvited guests will respect the laws of the land they wish to enter by storm? Mark my words, they will get to the border, place women and children in front and the media will pick and choose the atrocities they want to feed the public. (Ever watch those ads asking for money for Holocaust survivors, dogs, cats, children who are sick?) My question is... Why would men put women and children in danger knowing they are breaking the laws of the country they want to enter? Those are not loving caring men...they are preying on the sympathies of Americans. Simple as that. Are they coming to America holding the American flag or are they bringing the chaos they left behind? 

First of all, America is a nation of immigrants (except for the Indians who were here first). My maternal ancestors came to this country in 1630 and my paternal ancestors came in the 1800's, Both came to this country excited about what they could contribute. Although they held their former lands in their hearts, they assimilated into the American way of life offering life, liberty, and the pursuant of happiness. They came with the purpose to get and give back. They were Americans. There was no free anything, just opportunities.

As a philosopher, I often sit and ponder what is happening in the country that I love so much. The word that keeps coming up is ENTITLEMENT. Former President John Kennedy's words of "Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country" ring loud and clear. Today, Socialism is being pushed as good and this caravan reminds me that they aren't bringing anything except violence to our borders. They carry the flags of their homelands but WANT all the benefits America has to offer. While there are others who are becoming citizens legally and take an oath (see end of blog), there are those who feel entitled.

Sometimes, when life gets so complicated, I think of examples to clear my mind. As a mother raising 3 children, life was tough. One Winter's night, we slept in the living room beside the fireplace to save on heat. Many times enough food was a luxury. What if someone knocked on my door and wanted to come into my house, use my electricity, and eat my food? Would I forgo providing for my own children leaving them to have no heat and growling bellies? Would I allow those standing at my door to bring disease to my family? Is our country any different? We must provide for our own citizens first.

As I have done for many many years, I pray for the President and his staff to make wise decisions on my behalf. Can you imagine the amount of information they have on their plates that I know nothing about? I love to study history and find that there is nothing going on today that hasn't gone on in the past ~ poverty, domestic violence, unfairness ~ the list is endless. Unless history is studied, how are we to learn?

As a parent, I always encouraged my children to be independent thinkers. When they asked my opinion, my first response was, "What do you think? Have you researched ____________ and, let's discuss." I led my life (the good, the bad, the ugly) always welcoming their input. Today, they are strong, determined, and knowledgeable. Their most valuable teacher? Making WRONG decisions, adjusting their sails, and moving on.

I really am rambling aren't? I came across this post the other day and it sums up my thoughts regarding domestic violence and the violence being perpetuated in our country:

Don't break a bird's wings and then tell it to fly.
Don't break a heart and then tell it to love.
Don't break a soul and then tell it to be happy.
Don't see the worst in a person and expect them to see the best in you. Don't judge people and expect them to stand by your side.
Don't play with fire and expect to stay perfectly safe.
Life is about giving and taking. You cannot expect to give bad and receive good. You cannot expect to give hate and receive love. So if you want to see positive change in your life, you need to be that change itself. (Author unknown)

I really listen to people (including myself) as we speak. The 12 Step Program I work, reminds me that I am responsible for what I do, say, think, project. I must question my motives, examine my part, and adjust my own sails. When I get to Heaven, God won't ask me what so and so did. He WILL ask me what I did with the life He gave me.

From my heart to yours ... peace be still.

PS Food for thought: If you believe the caravan should come into the United States, why don't you sign up to sponsor a family, pay all their bills, offer them a room in your home, feed them, find them a job, teach them English, and introduce them into the American way of life?? There IS a way to enjoy the heritage we have while being the best we can be for our new homeland. Back in the 1970's my church did just that. Mae Varoon and his family were met at DFW with love and welcomed with all they needed to start over again. I was part of that and have beautiful memories. Freedom isn't free folks ... never has been, never will be. Why expect our government to do what we won't do ourselves???

PSS: For your information, this is the oath a new American citizen takes~

Naturalization Oath of Allegiance to the United States of America

Oath

"I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty, of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God."

  

A voice from the grave..

Tuesday
October 28, 2018

Good morning! Welcome to my world of rambling thoughts. It's cloudy, warm, and the leaves from the big tree are falling steadily to blanket my gardens. I itched and scratched all night so my mind and body are tired. My back scratcher got a real workout ... looks like I got whipped! I haven't been eating much sugar and yesterday I over indulged. Yikes! Back to eating healthy.

One crazy thing I like to do is visit old grave yards. It's the first place I head when I return to my hometown, Glenwood, Minnesota. I walk among my ancestors, talking to them and feeling such a peaceful presence. Oh if only they could talk back to me. Well, maybe they do from the written stories left behind, newspaper clippings, and stories passed on from generation to generation. My maternal ancestors were more salty while my paternal ancestors more sweet. I'd like to think I'm a perfect combination of both. (Smile)

My friend, Sharon, tracked me down Sunday morning and handed me a hand written poem copied over 60 years ago by her great grandmother Eutha. Sharon said, "I'm supposed to give this to you." I couldn't wait to get home to do a little googling to see what I could find out about this lady who was speaking from the grave. I learned she was a daughter of Elex and Rosa; wife of Charlie; mother to Ofelia, Celeste, and Wesley; AND, sister to Grace, Hilman, Claude, Arthusa, Ruby, Fay, Carl, and Cecil. I know she was born in Mississippi in 1900 and died there in 1997. Other than that, the Internet was silent. My curiosity still peaked, I read and reread what she wrote. I prayed that she would help me understand why these words from an unknown author meant so much.

A Strong Faith

I've dreamed many dreams that

 never came true.

I've seem them vanish at dawn.

But I've realized enough of my 

dreams, thank God, 

To make me want to dream on.

I've prayed many prayers when no 

answers came

Though I waited patient and long.

 But answers have come to enough of 

my prayers 

To make me keep praying on.

I've trusted many a friend that failed,

And left me to weep alone. 

But, I've found enough of my friends 

true blue

To make me keep trusting on.

I've sown many seeds that fell 

by the way,

 For the birds to feed upon. 

But I've held enough golden

  sheaves in my hands, 

To make me keep sowing on.

I've drained the cup of disappointment 

and pain. 

And gone many days without song. 

But I've sipped enough nectar 

from the roses of life 

to make me want to live on.

I don't know about you but when I copy and pass something on, it means something to me, it's touched my heart, and I ponder over it's content. That being said, I wonder if this poem mirrored Eutha's life and made her as real in 2018 as she was in the 1900's. I think so, she knew someone, including me, needed to read this.

We have dreams; we have faith; we pray; we weep; we sow seeds; AND, we experience joy, pain, success, and failure. Life is a journey, a tale of our walk alone and with others. In October 2010, I began to tell my story via my blog Family for Better or Worse. I have four years of blogs  published and hopefully I will be able to publish additional years. No one in my family will ever need to wonder who the real Dottie was and is. I have invested in a continual learning process, my family, the people who have joined me on my walk, and being a servant to my Lord. The legacy I leave behind will be one of love and encouragement. If I can, you can!!

My life is not how I hoped it would be yet it is my life. To wallow in self-pity and isolate myself hasn't been an option. I have learned to live in plenty and in famine. My worth is not defined by either for God says I am His. I was hand selected to be placed on the front lines of God's army and given strength to do what I need to do. You see, I made a decision to surrender my life to Him and THAT DECISION has made all the difference!

Peace be still... Miss Dottie

PS I ALWAYS encourage my Readers to journal their life's story. How else will people remember you and your purpose if you don't share it. Thank you Eutha for sharing just a bit of what was in your heart and thank you Sharon for keeping this bit of your great grandmother alive!

Spins, Swerves, Recovery...

October 6, 2018

Glad to be alive and ramblin' this Saturday in October:

The first words coming out of my mouth yesterday morning were, "Thank you Jesus and thank you Graycie."

Spins and swerves..  Late Thursday afternoon I was headed from Hillsboro to Whitney for a quick visit with my friend, dinner with another friend, and to attend an evening meeting. I had just reached 70 mph and was sailing. There were two cars in front of me. (Thank God I'm not a tailgater!) In a split second I saw the second car slam on his brakes. Smoke was coming from his tires as he swerved to the right to avoid hitting car one who had stopped to make a left turn. As he swerved, his car began to spin and we were dancing on the pavement ~ I had no where to go. I stomped on my brakes and my car began to fishtail and smelled like burnt rubber. I avoided spin one and narrowly missed spin two. The driver of car two finally got his car under control and zoomed on down the road. Graycie, recovered from the swerves beautifully and maneuvered like a race car (she's a feisty old broad!). I was thankful that I had learned to drive on icy roads in Minnesota. I thought I was going to need to hit the ditch to avoid hitting his car but at the last second, I was able to straighten out and avoid disaster. Graycie smelled awful but I was singing, "Thank you Jesus for saving me..."

Recovery..  Life's like that isn't it? We never know from one moment to the other when a tragedy may strike or we're dodging bullets. We can do everything perfectly and still, accidents happen, we choose the wrong road, the weather grows wicked, we lose jobs, family and friends pass away, fires break out, we get ill, and on and on. I am human and get weary when trials come back to back asking my Father if I've pissed Him off. That's human nature. When that happens, I go back and read the book of Job ... "The Lord gave, the Lord takes away, blessed be the name of the Lord."~1:21 That's sure a tough pill to swallow when you're at your wit's end.

All that being said, there are times when I wonder just how often the Lord has prevented accidents, saved my butt from bad decisions, opened doors where there seemed no possible way, and closed doors leaving me whining 'cause I didn't get MY way.  Ouch!!

Today..  I guess I could concentrate on the stupid driver in front of me and how he wasn't paying attention. I could concentrate on how close I came to meeting my Waterloo in a deep ditch. I could moan and groan about my sore neck, sides, and stress headache. I sure could, but I won't.

What I am doing is soaking in my claw foot tub, taking Ibuprofen for my aching neck and right side, and meditating on the beauty of life itself.  I am so grateful to be alive and kickin'.

Peace be still!

PS  I truly believe that every challenge we successfully conquer serves a purpose to not only strengthen our confidence and our ability to master future obstacles. 

A Thursday Morning in October..

October 4, 2018

Miss Dottie's ramblin' thoughts this beautiful sunny Thursday morning in N Central Texas:

As I prayed this morning, I began to realize that God has wanted me to be still, to listen, to use my eyes to see, my heart to feel, and my common sense to rule. If I truly believe in the power of the Almighty, then, no matter what, "things" are going to be okay.

Let's ramble!!

Do NOT be afraid ~ finding serenity.. I woke up extra early this morning and my mind was darting from this to that ~ my chest was tight, my breathing labored, and salty tears flowed from my sleep filled eyes. I literally had to get out of bed to refocus, replacing all the concern and frustration inside of me with purpose, truth, and asking God to direct my steps. Associate Pastor Rick at church had posted some words from the book of Nahum in the Bible and I slowly read each word. "The Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in him." Amen!

"There is a way that seems right to a man 

but its end is the way of death."

~Proverbs 14:12

My way or God's way.. My mother used to tell me that some of the first words out of my mouth were, "I can do it." I was a bossy, stubborn little girl hell bent on being independent and self sufficient. I used to love the song sung by Frank Sinatra, "I Did It My Way."  Then, I reached a time in my life, where I wanted to live my life God's way and I surrendered my will to Him. I began to read and study my Bible. I took the class The Mind of Christ and applied it to my thinking and doing. I had mentors come alongside me and worked a 12 Step Program. I put aside my flawed thinking and, instead, began to walk in the light.

Trials in America.. These past weeks, I witnessed something in our nation that has nearly ripped my heart apart. As I began to put my independent thinking cap on, I shut out emotion and began to concentrate on facts. Having been molested myself, commissioned as a Stephen's Minister to come alongside women going through life's trials, worked with battered women, plus, my career time as a relationship coach, I always tend to wrap my arms around the victim. In this case, it took me a long while to identify the victim as well as examine the law of the land whereas a man or woman is assumed innocent until proven guilty. I spent hours doing research and listening before making up my own mind. Perception is NOT fact.

Faith.. My faith in the Almighty gives me peace as I know that EVERYTHING IS FATHER-FILTERED. My sadness comes from the evilness that has surrounded this entire ordeal. People have become sheeple allowing influential orators and the media to brainwash them. Creeps me out!! I had been a proud Democrat for years but no more. I am a strong successful woman who has worked in Corporate America and built my own businesses. At one of the places I worked (in the 1980's) it was a game among the women to see who could seduce the men (especially executives) to their benefit. I've lived long enough to remember the sexual escapades held in the White House and among our elected representatives including Presidents. Yes, I remember lots of STUFF that the media has turned a deaf ear to. Oh the hypocrisy of today.

Feminism.. Women received the right to vote in 1920 which gave us power at the ballot box for change. We still have that right. I believe in peaceful protests and free speech. I may not like what you say but I will defend your right to speak. Am I a Feminist? Nope. Why? I have been embarrassed at how women have chosen to parade naked, shouting obscenities, and blaming men for all the discord in their lives. God says we are equal. If that is true then both men and women are responsible for their choices. MY choices have resulted in some nasty consequences and I take full responsibility for them. There are good men and some evil men ... there are some wonderful women and there are some that are evil to the core. I CANNOT take the side of women who lie, cheat, steal any more than I can a man. WE ARE EQUAL AND SHOULD BE LOOKED AT EQUALLY.

12 Steps to Freedom.. If you have ever been addicted to anything (alcohol, work, porn, drugs, bad people, food, the rush of danger, etc), you know the shame, the trials, and the memories that keep you in bondage. If what you did wrong defines you for your entire life, then, I guess you should just put a scarlet letter on your forehead and be whipped daily. You might as well remain in prison. Right? NO!!!! Jesus Christ said, "Go and sin no more." He has declared me forgiven and worthy!

Today.. I am remembering the Prayer of St Francis of Assisi

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,

Where there is hatred, let me sow love;

Where there is injury, pardon;

Where there is doubt, faith;

Where there is despair, hope;

Where there is darkness, light;

Where there is sadness, joy;

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek 

to be consoled as to console;

To be understood as to understand;

to be loved as to love.

For, it is in giving that we receive;

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;

And, it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Peace be still!

Miss Dottie

PS  I sat on the jury of a trial where a man (the husband of the babysitter) was on trial for molestation. The 5 year old victim took the stand and the whole trial that lasted several days still haunts me. We found the man guilty but my spirit never rested (I was a hold out). Several years later, the father of the boy came into my office as a new member of the dating service where I worked. I introduced myself, explained how I knew him, and asked about his son. He said, "The man was not guilty, try living with that." He left and I never saw him again. Why am I telling you this? I don't know... Maybe, it's just that it bothers me that I helped convict an innocent man.

On the flip side, I was involved in a nasty situation, went through a 6 1/2 hour deposition where my life was turned inside out and upside down. I answered pages and pages of interrogatory questions and was stripped of my dignity. My story made the front page news and I lived in fear. I quickly found out that the scales of justice were tipped in favor of those who could afford unscrupulous attorneys to defend them and WIN. The guilty, in my case, went away unscathed. THE GOOD NEWS? In the end, God used my pain for good as I was on the Board of Directors who established the first Women's Shelter in Collin County Texas. Yes!

Always remember that God loves you and I do too!

Who shall I believe?

"I appreciate honesty more than anything. If you tell me what it is up front, you gave me the option to take it or leave it. I respect that!!" ~Robert Dawson

September 29, 2018

Miss Dottie's ramblin' thoughts on a damp Saturday in September:

One of the things I value most is honesty and truth. I came across this statement by Fyodor Dostoevsky. I read it once, twice, maybe even ten times digesting each sentence. 

"A man who lies to himself, and believes his own lies becomes unable to recognize truth, either in himself or in anyone else, and he ends up  losing respect for himself and for others. When he has no respect for anyone, he can no longer love, and, in order to divert himself, having no love in him, he yields to his impulses, indulges in the lowest forms of pleasure, and behaves in the end like an animal. And it all comes from lying~ lying to others and to yourself."

~Fyodor Dostoevsky

When I was a little girl, I stole some Blue Waltz Perfume from the local Ben Franklin store. My conscience hurt so badly that I had to tell my mother what I'd done. She took me by the hand and we walked to the store to return the perfume and to confess my deed. To this day, I remember taking it, where I hid it, confessing to my mother, and the trip to the store. Funny thing though, it didn't matter that the lady at the store gave me a hug and called me a big girl for returning the perfume, I still felt so awful.

Fast forward to today... The moment I do something less than honest, my conscience goes into high alert. There is something inside me that brings me to my knees. I think that's good ... the not so good part is that I have expected other people to be as honest. That, my Readers, has caused me deep despair and grief when I have found out that what was told was simply a way to my heart and a way to prey upon my vulnerable side.

In John 8:31-32, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then, you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." So often, we only quote the last part of what He said ... "the truth will set you free" forgetting the first part "if you hold to my teaching." Hmmm...  What does Jesus teach? If you don't know what He's about and what He taught, truth may be variable depending on our own human thoughts and experiences.

Do I depend on my own ideas of truth? Who do I listen to? Do I pick and choose?  Sometimes God's ways do not make sense to me. Isaiah 55:9 says, "My ways are higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts." God possesses infinite knowledge and perfect wisdom. He is eternal, Almighty, and all knowing. He sees the end from the beginning and is totally aware of the final outcome of ALL THINGS.

I don't know about you but sometimes I crater and cry out in pain.
Me: "Help me!"
God: "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye on you." ~Psalm 32:8
Me: "How're you going to do that and how about right now??!!"
God: "When the time is right and it's best for you."
Me: "I'm going under."
God: "Then swim!"
Me: "If I sink will you throw me a life jacket?"
God: "I already did."

You may be laughing but my conversations with God can get pretty detailed. 

Today is a new day, a day to celebrate every single good person walking on this Earth. A day to raise holy hands and pray for wisdom and guidance. Yesterday, someone called me an ideologist. Maybe so.. I believe one by one each man and woman CAN make a difference

Let me end with this for today...

For you Christians reading my blog, you will remember the story told in John 8:7-11 regarding a woman accused of adultery: "So when they continued asking Him, He raised himself up and said to them, 'He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.' And again, He stooped down and wrote on the ground. Then those who head it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, 'Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?' She said, 'No one, Lord.' And Jesus said to her, 'Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.'"

Dear Lord, let us join hands in praying for our nation and the people who reside in it. Grant our President, his staff, family, and those in power wisdom and judgment as they set the bar for either bringing us together in peace or dividing us by seemingly righteous hate. Forgive us for all the times we've judged others for what we do ourselves. Uncover lies and liars giving us clarity. Move mightily amongst your people giving us backbones to follow YOUR WILL and YOUR WAYS! In Jesus name I pray, Amen!

Peace be still.

The Cycle of...

September 4, 2018

Dear Readers,

My purpose in blogging has been to share my journey of life and the love I have for my Savior. It's also been to get people to think, to communicate, and to step back and hit the logic button. Have I accomplished that? Sometimes. My blogs have traveled across the globe and some of the comments are in languages I cannot read nor understand. They may be cussing me out or praising me, no matter.

Going to tackle a controversial topic today. Last night, on the way home from a meeting, I tuned in to listen to a radio talk show on the cycle of a democracy. I love love love history, and anytime someone talks history, my ears perk up and they have my utmost attention. First thing I want to assure you, this blog is NOT about one political party or another.

Anyway, the name of the Scottish philosopher Alexander Tytler was mentioned. My ears really zoned in because I also REALLY love philosophy. I believe that history ALWAYS repeats itself and why we don't recognize the stages, I don't know... I guess because we are too stupid to "get it."

If you're a history nut like me, you know that the average age of the world's greatest civilizations has been around 200 years. In our own country, why did so many folks come from England in the Great Migration ... they were escaping England's tyrannical rule regarding religion that's why. Why is this important to me? My own gggggg grandfather, John Hall came to this country during the Great Migration (Winthrop Fleet) in 1630. Moving forward.. Why was the Revolutionary War fought (another gggg+ grandfather, Captain Nathaniel Hall, fought in that war) and America established by our forefathers? Hopefully, y'all studied that in American History.

Alexander Tytler, way back in the late 1700's, wrote about the cycle of a democratic society beginning with bondage. Why bondage? Well, being in bondage causes people to turn to God and turning to God gives us courage to fight for freedom and on and on (follow the arrows in the diagram).

As you follow the arrows, think about what's transpired in our own country and see if you can think of examples.

After you think of examples, put these stages in your memorex, otherwise known as your brain, and let's move on..

I write a blogette entitled Life in Seidler Dogdom. Today's was on getting out the vote for Finnegan Ezekiel (my Malchon). Finn promised we'd have the biggest and best dog park in the country with FREE treats if people would just vote for him. Funny? Maybe so BUT that's what's happening in our country. Candidates promise more and more benefits from the nation's coffers ~ government gets bigger, we want more free stuff, and we become dependent.

Now, I know that money doesn't grow on trees so where's that money going to come from to waive student debt, raising minimum wage, lift up the inner cities, pay for abortions, free college, free medical care/housing/clothes for illegal aliens and on and on and on. The appetite to be compassionate and not hurt anyone's feelings has become insatiable. Emotions have taken over and, often times, common sense has gone out the window.

It is amazing to me how a candidate can run for office with the promise that he or she will make things right ~ IF VOTED INTO OFFICE. Uh huh... The most convincing orator who can present the most heartfelt case wins. Add in the media in our country ... they report what people want to hear. Videos are posted of idyllic family life and we swoon. Never mind what's really going on in the country. Hypocrisy reigns. Think about that for awhile (and add that to your memorex).

The United States of America, having been founded 240+ years ago, has surpassed the average age of history's great democracies. Today we are $20+ trillion in debt have over $100+ trillion in unfunded liabilities. Google if you don't believe me but I promise you, we are well on our way to collapse. Look back at the stages of a democracy and tell me where you think we are. I think we're somewhere between apathy and dependence on big government.

In 1958 US Senator John F Kennedy of Massachusetts wrote a book entitled A NATION OF IMMIGRANTS. It's one of my favorite books. My family immigrated from England in 1630 and from Norway in the 1800's. It was true then as it is now. Men, women, and children came to America in search of a better life. However, they came in the right way, learned English, and became devoted to our country. I loved to listen to my Norwegian Grandmother Maggie talk about how proud her parents were to be Americans. She taught her children to speak proper English and to value the American way. I come from a long line of patriots.

After doing mega research on the Deep State (covers both political parties, folks), I became a Patriot, an Independent. Unless we halt this binge of selfishness, apathy, and hate we're headed down a vicious cycle to bondage. If you're wondering if I would be willing to fight like Captain Nathaniel Hall did in the Revolutionary War, you bet I would. I was raised to be a peace loving, nation loving gentile lady capable of waging war to protect my freedoms given me in the Constitution, Declaration of Independence, and Bill of Rights. At this point in history, trees and animals have more rights than our unborn, disabled, veterans, and elderly. What do you value? Status, your paycheck, your job, your home, your faith, your family, friends, pets?? Do you help others or think the government should offer more entitlements? Free is NEVER free ~ with each entitlement comes a cost to someone. The Revolutionary War was fueled by taxation ... the Colonists were in bondage to Great Britain.

As a Christ follower, I know that God is in control. He knows the past, present, and future. I also know that the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. (James 5:16)

It is my hope that everyone who reads this blog will bathe our country in prayer and that the deceivers would be brought to justice. Let us come together and fight for our country and all that is honorable and good.

As I press the publish button, I cry out... My God, my God, do not forsake your people. Restore an atmosphere of respect as those in places of influence embrace differing opinions and at the same time honor the laws of the land. Protect and guide those in office to make wise decisions. May our land wave the flag proudly. Amen

Always in Christ's love,

Miss Dottie

PS "We the people are the rightful masters of both Congress and the courts, not to overthrow the Constitution but to overthrow the men who pervert the Constitution." ~Abraham Lincoln

The Pedestal and Stuff..

August 8, 2018

Dear Readers,

Welcome to my world. Grab yourself a cup of coffee, a glass of wine, a soft drink, water, or whatever suits your fancy and let's chat a bit. Checked my stats a bit ago and see that I'm making some new friends in Russia and China. How cool is that to be able to share some of Texas and my love of the Lord with all of y'all! I do tend to ramble from subject to subject so hang on and bear with me...

Despite the continued brutal heat wave of Summer 2018, it's been a great day to have a great day.  I have my water sprinkler going and almost wish I was 5 again to run through the waves of water crisscrossing my gardens. Sadly, I have many shrubs that have succumbed to the heat and my gardens will definitely take on a new appearance come Autumn and into the Winter. 

Last Monday, I attended a conference on the book of Revelation. I've been to several in year's past and found this one equally as informative if not more. It certainly got the wheels churning in my brain and I was convicted that I needed to be less concerned about being politically correct and more vocal about what the Bible says about the past, present, and future.

I was standing at the sink in my bathroom brushing my teeth and all of a sudden, this little voice within said, "Pedestal, write about pedestal and stuff." For those of you who have followed my blog journey over the past 10 years know that when the little voice inside me prompts, I obey! I place my fingers on the keyboard and away we go...

What is a pedestal? Simply put, it's a base on which something is placed. As a teenager, I wrote to movie stars asking for autographed photographs. I would pin them up on my walls and ooh and aah over how handsome and beautiful they were. As I grew older, I was enamored by writers, professors, and men and women of stature. There were people I put on pedestals thinking they were perfect. I'm not sure I would say I worshiped them; however, I sure did think they were right next to God almighty. My parents never questioned doctors, lawyers, or the local pastor and it was years before I dared speak up when I had questions of those on pedestals. The good news was that a youngster, I learned to have respect for those in authority ~ the bad news was that even people in authority can mess up and if I have my eyes on them instead of my God, I can get quite depressed over their fall from perceived greatness.

The Summer I graduated from high school, I spent many a day on the beach and met a young man who was a professor at the University of Minnesota and studying to be a Lutheran minister.  He saw so much in me that, at the time, seemed so, well, crazy. He saw me as a writer, a philosopher, a woman of great grace. Uh-huh... It wasn't until years later that I began to emerge from my shell, start thinking for myself, AND challenging those who were on pedestals. I learned that I could hold my own with the richest of the rich and come alongside the poorest of the poor. I worked in Corporate America, started my own companies, and started picking the brains of those I admired. There were no more pedestals; however, I did learn from the best.

About 17 years ago, my life changed dramatically. I lost a company I had worked so hard to build, went through a horrible divorce, spent some time in the Women's Shelter I helped to establish, and my feet and spine began to deteriorate. Instead of bringing in a pretty hefty paycheck, I was laying on the sofa writhing in pain. One more time, I took jobs just to pay bills; AND, for the first time, I experienced bullying by other women in the workplace due to my (gulp) age. My body, mind, and spirit shut down and I retired. 

One thing about hitting bottom is that with that bottom came choices. I could either wallow in the mud OR pick myself up and redefine myself. The tough part was realizing that what God was calling me to do wasn't going to earn me a fat paycheck. He was calling me to wrap my arms around the entire world and start blogging. In October 2010, I posted my first blog entitled Don't Quit. The rest is history.

I am on the last leg of my life yet still pushing forward learning, growing, and doing what God created me to do. I have lost most of my savings. Gone is my company, big house, and fancy car. My body is held together by pins and screws. I live in a tiny cottage with 5 furry kids. Am I a failure? I guess by today's standards I am. By God's standards, I am a General on the front lines of His army. I hold out my hand to fellow travelers and I give all that I have ~ my time, my talents, my treasures.

Who are you putting on a pedestal. A politician? A sports figure? Your pastor? Maybe a parent or child? Please remember that the Lord God is the only perfect person to walk this earth and it is He that we need to look up to and worship. Be the best you that you can be. Hold your head high. Admit your flops and failures, make your amends, and keep on truckin'. 

Tonight, the sky is so very dark. Mr Owl sits high in the tree hooting and the scent permeating the night air warns me that a skunk has meandered through my gardens. It's time to call it a day, kneel beside my bed, and start my ritual of "Now I lay me down to sleep..." Silly? I don't think so.

May God bless and keep you safe. Until we chat again...

Miss Dottie

PS We pass through so many seasons, our lives in tune with what we must do to survive and thrive. In the end, we all end up in a dark hole leaving behind our legacies. My only wish is to have my Father say, "Well done my good and faithful servant..."