Thanksgiving 2012

Thanksgiving, November 22, 2012

Happy Thanksgiving, Readers!  I hope that you've all had your share of turkey, dressing, and all the trimmings!  We were going to get together with our neighbors and share a meal ... Beverly was doing the turkey.  Wellll, Beverly got the flu and decided that a huge meal wasn't something she wanted to mess with.  Sooo, we had to change horses and ended up having a quick meal of ham, baked sweet potatoes, corn, fresh baked bread, and pumpkin pie.  Nontraditional but we were full and grateful for our sumptuous meal.

I had watched a documentary on children in poverty in America a few nights ago.  It was the story of three different families and how they were coping.  Oh man, I had a lump in my throat from start to finish.  What did these kids want?  A job for mom and/or dad -- food -- to be able to go to school without moving every other month -- a bed to sleep in.  When parents lose their jobs, families often spiral downward out of control.  When they lose their homes, or can't afford an apartment, they end up in shelters, living in their cars and doing what they need to to survive.  How many of these kids would complain about ANY kind of a home cooked meal?  What I noticed the most was the fading of hope over the course of the documentary.  I am grateful for my home and the food in my pantry.  I want to help these families and will be investigating ways I can do that...

We made a trip to the nursing home to visit with Mom.  She's been struggling ... she's been retaining her urine so they had to put in a catheter yesterday and get her on some antibiotics.  There are times when she is able to hold a great conversation then other times when she is disoriented and can't find the right words she wants to say.  Mom didn't want to get out of bed today but her aide wouldn't hear of it. Nicki got her all dolled up -- earrings, rouge, lipstick, a beautiful Autumn outfit.  She looked wonderful.  Although it saddens us to see her slipping farther away from us, we are grateful for the care she receives and the love that goes beyond what the job requires.

Family - For Better or Worse

In October of 2010, I began a journey of blogging.  I am grateful for the thousands of readers that share my life.  I'm an average lady, I am me.  I have scars (some visible, some not) because I have a history.  Some people love me; some like me; some even hate me (I've reached a place in my life where any of those are okay).  I've done some good and I've done some bad.  I love my long skirts and boots ~~ I have fun with my gray hair and wear it proudly.  I'm an independent soul who loves to have fun and laugh.  I don't pretend; what you see is what you get.  Whatever I do, I do it with my whole heart.  I love deeply.  I make no apologies for who I am; I do make apologies and amends to those I hurt.  Most of all, I love the Lord God with all my being.  He is my creator, my mentor, my all...  He guides my hands as they whiz across the keyboard.

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

Miss Dottie

PS   This Thanksgiving I am reminded that as God has blessed me, I am to be a blessing to others. As long as I have breath, my work is not done... As long as my fingers move, my work is not done... As long as I am, let me be thankful with a heart of gratitude!




 

The Magic of the Moment

November 26, 2012

A cheery Good Morning, Readers!  Looks like we are in for another sunny day in Central Texas.  It's been so nice to pull out my sweaters and boots.  I've been rejuvenated by the crispness of the air and find myself thinking about the upcoming holidays.

Luke 2:14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

Last year, I just sort of meandered into the holidays with no plans other than my trip to visit my daughter and family in Florida.  Before I knew it, the holidays were over and I didn't get to do a lot of the things that I enjoy.  I missed Dickens on the Square in McKinney, the Christmas Festival production at Prestonwood Church, and many other events I usually go to.  This year, I decided to make some plans ... Several Sundays ago, I ordered tickets to the Christmas Festival at Prestonwood.  I am so excited ... their pageant is better than a musical on Broadway!  This Thursday, we are going to attend a Christmas concert featuring the combined college and community choirs and instrumentalists who are presenting a winter celebration including John Rutter's "Gloria."

Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men of good will.
We praise You,
we bless You,
We adore You,
We glorify You,
We give thanks to You
For your great glory,
Lord God, Heavenly King,
God the Almighty Father.
Lord Only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ,
Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father,
You Who take away the sins of the world,
have mercy on us.
You Who take away the sins of the world,
hear our prayer.
You Who sit at the right hand of the Father,
have mercy on us.
For You alone are holy,
You alone are the Lord,
You alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ,
With the Holy Spirit
in the glory of God the Father. Amen.   

This morning I opened my eyes ... the sun was shining through the french doors and I had this uplifting sense of magic.  I have much to be grateful for despite all the crazy things going on in this world.   I knew it would be up to me to put a smile on my face and enjoy every moment afforded me.  Hope ... I felt hope deep inside me.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Today will be a day of getting my house in order.  I feel so fortunate to have a home to clean!  The little casa and cottage are decorated and I have Christmas music playing.  As I walk through my rooms and out into the garden, I am overwhelmed at the beauty around me.  Awhile ago, little Valentina, peeked through the fence and said, "Whatcha doin' Miss Dottie?"  I wondered if her family would be able to afford Christmas this year...  Maybe I could help Santa a little for two beautiful little girls?!

Proverbs 28:27 He who gives to the poor will never want,

but he who shuts his eyes will have many curses.

The wreaths I made for the doors on the cottage sparkle in the sunlight.  My roses continue to bloom and offer bouquets for Mom in the nursing home.  There are times when I miss the snow of my youth in Minnesota ... then, I remember that I am where I am supposed to be.

Today will be a day of prayer and Bible reading.  I am reading in Proverbs ... one chapter at a time.  There is so much to ponder over.  The magic of God's living words mystifies and elevates me to a place of "all's right with the world."  Why do I say that?  Because in Revelation, the good guy wins!!  "If God is for me, what can mortal man do to me?"  Never in the history of mankind has such a book (The Bible) influenced so many great men and women.

The magic of the moment is NOW!!  I celebrate my moments cramming all I can into the live I have been given.  As we enter this Christmas season, let us remember that the magic that comes from within is God's gift to us each and every day!

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

Miss Dottie

PS   It is Christmas every time you let God love others through you... yes, it is Christmas every time you smile at your brother and offer him your hand.~~Mother Teresa

Poor Pitiful Dottie!

November 19, 2012

Holy Smokes (as my Aunt Lorna would say!), Thanksgiving is just around the corner.  Where in the world has the time gone this year?  I can remember putting away the holiday decorations last January and making the usual notes to self for 2012.  Now, here I am thinking back and hoping that I made good use of the year, accomplishing what I wanted (and needed) to do.  I think I did a pretty good job.  There were two things on my list that were important to me (finding a new church home here and making the trip to Minnesota to rendezvous with my gal pals) that I didn't get to cross off my list.  They'll need to move to the forefront of my list for 2013!!!

Last week was one of those weeks that I struggled with the feeling that I'd been put on this earth to do laundry, load and unload this dishwasher, tend to the lawn and gardens all by myself ... in other words, if it was to be, it was up to me.  I wanted to go to my grandsons playoff baseball games and the hours in the day didn't seen to be enough to get everything done before I could make the drive.  Poor pitiful Dottie!  A flash of the Poor Pitiful Pearl doll of the 1950's flashed before my eyes.  I even was miserable about that because I wanted that doll and never got it!  Oh, then, I really started naming my woes...  Before long, I worked myself up into a dither.  Life sucked, it wasn't fair, and I was miserable.  I grumbled as I wielded my dust rag ... I complained as I shoved another load of wash into the washer.  Good grief, the washer was sounding like a threshing machine.  All I needed was for that to break down.  This old house I live in had two cracks in the walls ... more repairs.

Isaiah 41:10 fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

I did a walk through of my gardens ... oh good grief, my rose bushes had some bugs, Sadie had found a new way out of the fence, leaves were piling up, the french doors in the cottage wouldn't lock, and Toby managed to christen a chair on the back patio that I needed to clean up sooner rather than later.  My sinuses were aching, my back in pain and I was having difficulty moving.  I hated growing old.  Mom was losing ground mentally and visiting her was getting harder for me.  The heater in Michael's Passat went on the kafritz so I was without my car when I wanted it.  Get the picture here?!  Poor pitiful Dottie!  If you've ever had days, weeks, months, or even years like that, you know what I'm talking about.  Life isn't to our liking!!

Psalm 18:32-34 the God who equipped me with strength and made my way blameless. He made my feet like the feet of a deer and set me secure on the heights. He trains my hands for war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. 

It didn't take long for the Lord to work on my (ahem!) attitude ... I was sitting in the cottage praying and all of a sudden, there was the reminder that I realized that some friends and family were dealing with bad news -- cancer diagnoses, divorce, job losses, deaths, the loss of homes and on and on.  I began to feel pretty selfish...  Life was okay, it was my outlook needed tweaking!  I was thinking about moi.  I was thinking about how others had disappointed me, hurt me ... I was thinking about how others had time to play but I didn't.  My wants were dominating my thoughts and I was ungrateful for what I had to endure in this time called life.

1 Peter 5:6,7 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

 

Thanksgiving is a time of adjusting our thoughts to being grateful ... a time of turning lemons into lemonade.  I needed to count my blessings not my have nots.  I needed to be grateful for those in my life not those who were not.  I needed to remember that God was in control and that I needed to trust Him and be thankful for His blessings showered on me.

Since God intends to make you like Jesus, he will take you through the same experiences Jesus went through.  That includes loneliness, temptation, stress, criticism, rejection, and many other problems.

~~Rick Warren

I went back outside with a renewed spirit ... I grabbed the bug spray for my roses (gotcha you miserable bugs!); I surveyed the hole where Sadie was escaping and closed the opening; I scrubbed down the chair leg then decided to do the whole chair; I sang a song while I folded clothes.  I even decided I would look on the Internet to see if I could find a Poor Pitiful Pearl doll.  I knew that many of the things I complained about were outside of my control and I said the Serenity Prayer.  I knew that I could do all things who Christ who strengthened me (Philippians 4:13) and I was responsible for my own outlook.  If I looked for the bad, I would find it; if I looked for the good, I would find that too.  That old statement, if it is to be it is up to me?  Well, it's true.  My attitude of gratitude was up to me.

When you arise in the morning, give thanks for the morning light, for your life and strength. Give thanks for your food, and the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies with yourself. ~Tecumseh

As we celebrate Thanksgiving, let's remember that we do have choices.  We can be as miserable as we want to be!  Or, we can invite others to share our joy and stuff ourselves with turkey and dressing!

Miss Dottie

PS  Many of the things we should be thankful for get forgotten because we are so used to them, and it is only when we lose them that we remember how fortunate we were. Some time ago, I had my right foot rebuilt which made me realize how precious the ability to walk really is!  Don’t wait until something’s gone before you are grateful – your sight, your health, your family – take some time to appreciate these wonderful things.  Happy Thanksgiving Week y'all!!! 

The Power of a Woman...

November 13, 2012

It's downright COLD here in North Central Texas this morning.  The cottage is heated by a fireplace which I don't keep going at night.  The first thing I did this morning was get my fire going.  I snuggled back in bed enjoying my morning coffee and planning my day.  I thought of you, my Readers and grabbed my computer.  (Aren't laptops wonderful?)

I was praying for our country and for our leaders this morning.  We need men (and women) of good character to lead us, to guide us, to be an example. 

This issue of the power of a woman goes way back to Biblical times.  We all know what happened in the stories of David and Bathsheba and Samson and Delilah.  How about the story of Adam and Eve?  Are we really the weaker sex?  As women we need to realize the power we do have and channel it in to good areas.

The news is filled with the scandal of David Petraeus, the former head of the CIA who had an affair with Paula Broadwell. This morning I read that General John Allen is now under investigation for inappropriate emails with Jill Kelley. So many prominent men have been brought down by their wandering eyes ... the allure of a pretty woman who for a moment makes them feel alive ... puffed up.

"A woman's family is held together by her wisdom, but it can be destroyed

by her foolishness."~~Proberbs 14:1

I wonder how Paula Broadwell's family is dealing with her indisgretions?  The Bible is filled with advice to women and the shelves at the bookstores are lined with how to catch a man (maybe there should be more on how to keep him?).  I don't know if you, Readers, will remember Dr. Laura who was on television and radio for many years giving relationship advice.  She wrote a book called, THE PROPER CARE AND FEEDING OF HUSBANDS.  If you've read it, you might laugh at some of her suggestions but there is truth to what she says.

Dr. Laura has always reminded women that to take proper care of their husbands is to ensure themselves the happiness and satisfaction they yearn for in marriage.  From the time we are small, most women want to fall in love, get married, and live happily ever after.  Yet, disrespect for men and disregard for the value, feelings, and needs of husbands has fast become the standard for male-female relations across the globe.  Look at our sit-coms on TV ... men have become the brunt of many a joke.

Women have incredible power over their men to create the kind of home life they yearn for.  Are there instances where a women does all the right things and her man strays?  Absolutely.  I'm not letting men off the hook for the choices they make.  The lure of knowledge, pleasure, freedom, or the assurance that no one will ever know what you have done are powerful temptations.

My mother and father had a close relationship and a good marriage.  I don't remember them ever fighting but my mother told me they did (out of earshot).  What I remember is how they served each other ... how they were best friends ... how they worked together as a couple.  They were devoted to the love and care of each other.  When we moved, I re-read the love letters my father wrote to my mother in WW II.  They were real people caught in the middle of a nasty war.  It was obvious how much my father coveted the letters from my mother ... they kept him going.

"A man's treasure is his wife -- she is a gift from the Lord."~~Proverbs 18:22

I thought about that today.  Would my  husband say that I am his treasure, a gift from the Lord?  He's told me that I am.  The part that has been mine is to be a gift not a source of pain, hurt, and torture.  Although there have been times when I wanted to strangle my  husband, I honor and respect him.  I have a strong, independent personality while his is more introverted and quiet.  If I am not careful, my words can wound and sting.  I recognize my power in our marriage and weigh carefully my actions.

"Bad women and unfaithful wives are like a deep pit -- they are waiting to attack you like a gang of robbers with victim after victim."~~Proverbs 23:27-28

 

Sounds like a country western song, doesn't it?  The wiles of a woman have brought down the strongest of men and raised others to heights of esteem and power that have changed the course of the world.

 

I would encourage all women to use their strength, intelligence, and compassion to make the world and our homes a better place.  We have the power!  Let's use it wisely!!

 

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

 

Miss Dottie

 

PS  "A truly good wife is the most precious treasure a man can find!  Her husband depends on her, and she never lets him down.  She is good to him every day of her life."~~Proverbs 31:10-12

 

  

 


 

Neath the Autumn Skies

"Once the wicked are defeated, they are gone forever, but no one who obeys God will ever be thrown down."

~~ Proverbs 12:7

November 12, 2012

It's 12:04am so I might as well say, "Good Morning, Readers!"  Yesterday was Veterans Day.  A few times, my eyes filled with tears remembering the sacrifices rendered so that we could live in a country where freedom reigns.  It was also my brother's birthday.  We are now the same age ... at least until my birthday in a few weeks!

"An evil person tries to hide behind evil, good people are like trees with deep roots."~~Proverbs 12:12

My father fought in WW II and gave his all.  My brother fought in Viet Nam and gave his all.  I come from a family of warriors who have given their all whether fighting in the wars on American soil or abroad.  Their blood runs through my veins and the veins of my children and grandchildren.  We are all overcomers ... fighters for what is right and true.  My forefathers battled the wilderness to become leaders in their communities going back to the Mayflower.  I am proud to be an American; and, just as my forefathers fought for freedom, I know it is my responsibility to carry their torches. My father used to say, "You do not know fear until you look that enemy straight in the eye and it's just him and you.  The instinct of survival takes over and you do what needs to be done."  If you're reading my blogs from heaven, dad, I hope you know how much your strength shaped my life.

"Sharp words cut like a sword, but words of wisdom heal."~~Proverbs 12:18

This morning I read Proverbs Chapter 12.  If you are new to Bible reading, I highly recommend The Promise Study Edition written in contemporary English.  No thees and thous ... just plain English!!  As I read, I wanted to tell you about the wisdom imparted in this book of the Bible.  I had a hard time picking one verse and decided I would interject a few in my blog today.

"Truth will last forever, lies will be found out."~~Proverbs 12:19 

Temperatures are falling and the wind is picking up.  The light in the garden enables me to look out into the night and marvel at the beauty before me.  The heaviness of the cold encourages me to wrap my shawl around me and appreciate the warmth of the cottage.  I have a fire going in the fireplace, soft music is playing, and the lights twinkling on my Fall Tree give me a sense of all's right in my world.

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

Miss Dottie

PS  "A helpful wife is a jewel for her husband, but a shameless wife will make his bones rot."~~Proverbs 12:4  Now, how's that for some powerful words?!

Who do you identify with?

November 9, 2012

I decided to do a little web surfing this morning.  I wanted to hear from the people's mouths why they voted for their presidential candidate of choice.  I guess I wasn't surprised how many said that they identified more with President Obama rather than that rich guy, Governor Mitt Romney.  Seriously?  Seriously...

Many years ago, I learned in Alanon that if I was to be successful in life to stick with the winners.  Problem is, most people are intimidated by successful people calling them "those high muckity mucks" or those "snobs."  Why is that?  All I know is that I love to read about those successful in the areas that mean the most to me.  Who has the most fabulous marriage?  How'd they get there.  Who has the most peace and serenity?  How'd they reach that inner place of calm?  I decided early on in life that I wanted to be open-minded and teachable.  I never pretended to know it all and I made some huge mistakes.  Most of all, I grew in knowledge.  I was hungry and tackled the unknown by digging deep.

Staying in our comfort zones can be cozy, snugly, and warm.  Even staying in bad situations can have some benefits.  Victims get lots of attention.  Who expects anything from the status quo or those down on their luck.  Hands are out, they need, they want ... give it to me!!!  YOU solve my problem, I can't!!!!!  Well, that's all well and good but along with that comes slavery.  I don't want that, do you?

When I left home at 17 to attend college, I was in for a rude awakening.  The big city was quite different than what I was used to.  It was the first time, I spent much time with people of different races and different socioeconomic statuses.  Not everyone came from the same background as me nor did they think like me.  I was glad my roommate was my high school bestie Lynda.  I think for a long time we were comfort blankets for each other.

Just when I got used to college life, I got married and moved across country to Yuma, AZ.  Now, THAT was culture shock.  My husband was in the Army and I worked at the local hospital.  Most of our friends were from the Army or Marines.  We lived in this little compound of tiny houses and we identified with each other.  With each move -- AZ, MN, TX, MN, TX -- I was introduced to different people and different life styles.

Okay, where am I going with this...   I started out in life in a little town in west central Minnesota.  Had I remained there my entire life, I would not have had the life's experiences I've encountered and I would not be the woman I am today.  The people I identify with have had similar experiences and are adventuresome.  They are fact finders, independent thinking, and optimistic in nature.  They can sit on the floor and eat pizza or dine at the best restaurant in town and be comfortable in their own skin.  As a single mom, I learned to work my way up the corporate ladder to support my children.  I identify with real, hard-working people who find ways to not only survive but thrive!!

Are you getting my drift?  Like people like to bond no matter what the circumstances.  Dopers have a tendency to gather with other dopers because that's their comfort zone.  Optimists tend to gather with other optimists because that's their comfort zone. 

In the most recent election, it was blatantly obvious that people were looking for the candidate who would make their lives easier and solve their problems.  John Kennedy was famous for his "Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country."  Our culture has changed.  We have changed as a nation.  There are the rich and the poor ... the middle class is fading into oblivion.  It's like a train in motion ... tough to stop!

I come from a line of trail blazers and courageous pioneers.  They banded together with other pioneers to tackle the wild wilderness.  Their blood runs through my veins and I rose up as a victor not a victim.  Tell me I can't do something and I'll find a way.   I identify with the hard workers of this land ... I identify with other Christians who raise holy hands ... I identify with the people from small town America and with those from the city.  What I can't identify with are those with a victim mentality ... those who have their hands out but choose not to work.  I used to tell the women I counseled that they could overcome their circumstance.  I didn't just talk to hear myself talk ... I lived my talk.   There is help available but it's takes work to research and work to get out of bed and work.

Who do you identify with?  Your friends and comfort zones will tell you.  Are you groveling with the turkeys of this world or are you soaring with the eagles?  Are you grateful to be alive, making the most of each day or do you complain and look at every reason why you ... can't.

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

Miss Dottie

PS  "Tomorrow is the most important thing in life.  It comes at midnight very clean.  It's perfect when it arrives and it puts itself in our hands.  It hopes we've learned something from yesterday."~~John Wayne  Gotta love that man!!



 

It's a good day...

 

"Sow sparingly...reap sparingly...sow bountifully...reap bountifully."

~~2 Corinthians 9:6

 

November 8, 2012

Good Morning, Readers!  It's been awhile since we've gotten together for a chat.  I am out in the cottage and the welcome mat is always out ... come on in and let's have a cup of tea.  It's chilly so I have a nice fire going in the fireplace.  The sound of the squirrels running on the roof of the cottage sound like little elephants tap dancing!

My Fall gardens continue to bless me with colors of yellows, reds, purples, and deep pink.  The yellow roses are especially beautiful and smell so heavenly.  I have my own little Eden!!

Speaking of my garden, I discovered a new toy ~~ a blower!  Pretty darn cool!  I used it to blow the leaves off the patio and sidewalk.  Then, I got the bright idea of using it to blow the leaves on the lawn into the flower beds.  Worked like a charm!  No raking.  If you don't own a blower, you're missing something!!

Ever pour yourself a cup of tea and hold the mug feeling the warmth?  Ever put your nose over your cup inhaling the aroma?  I do that with tea and with coffee as well.  Somehow, it calms me and awakens my senses with serenity.  Last weekend, Beverly and I went to the Paw Pals annual fund raiser sale.  I purchased a wonderful old tea pot for $2.  It was all corroded and nasty looking but with some (well, actually LOTS) elbow grease it is lovely.  I've always wanted one but have felt that they were an extravagant purchase.  Now, I smile thinking of my gift and the unveiling of it's beauty.
 

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."~~James 1:17

 

The tea pot got me thinking...  Sometimes our gifts come to us corroded and covered with gunk.  What we need to remember is that with some effort on our part, they can become beautiful.  The prize is worth seeking ... working for ... cleaning up.  Oh the loveliness of seeing the diamond in the rough!!  As a visual person, I love beauty ... in nature, in interior design, art, people.  I touch, I smell, I see, I envision...  I will probably be creating beauty until I take my last breath!   As a child, I used to create mini mansions out of shoe boxes ... now, I have my own cottage to play in.  Who would have thought an old dilapidated garage would turn into such a fun place for me to hang out in!!

"It is the child in man that is the source of his uniqueness and creativeness and the playground is the optimal milieu for the unfolding of his capacities and talents." ~~Eric Hoffer 

Last Tuesday was election day.  The American people decided that Barack Obama should have a second term.  And, behind them, in the mystery of providence, God has decided that Barack Obama would be re-elected.  As a Christian, I can admit my disappointment that my man of choice wasn't elected; however, I am also commanded to be respectful to those in office and to pray for them.  I have made a commitment to do just that.  I believe that God sent a BIG message to his people.  I spent election day listening to and watching different programs and commentators.  We are no longer a conservative, God-fearing nation. (fewer and fewer people have a church affiliation or feel that Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven)  We have become numb to the erosion of moral and ethical actions (and inactions).  That being said, I also know that God has a plan and I trust his judgement.

Today is a magnificent day ... the sun is shining, my family is experiencing the blessings of being obedient to God, and, although my body is filled with pain today, I am able to celebrate God's goodness and tender mercy!

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

Miss Dottie

PS  "You have enemies?  Good.  That means you've stood up for something, sometime in your life."~~Winston Churchill    

A Different View of Halloween via Jane

November 1, 2012
 
Happy November!!

Our Autumn has been absolutely beautiful this year ... my flower gardens are ablaze with color, our nights are cool and days warm and sunny.  I like to blog sitting on the sofa in the cottage ... every now and then, I look up to see what's going on outside ... today, the begonias are fiery red, roses deep and light pink, and Freddy the Scarecrow is keeping watch over his domain.  All's right with the world.
 

Daughter Jane; Husband Tim

Don't you just love differing opinions?  Yesterday, my daughter read my blog on Halloween Tidbits and gave me her opinion...  I think it's worth passing on.  I've taught my children to open their hearts and minds and speak freely.  I laughed when I read the first sentence of her comment!

Here'ssssss Jane!!!!

"Yes, I think we can agree to disagree on this topic. I remember a time when you diligently sewed costumes for your children. Do you remember the horrible plastic costumes that were available back then?! Well, I have some great memories of patiently waiting for dark....dressing up in a hand sewn costume (Raggedy Ann comes to mind), and heading out to gather candy. When we got home we would divide our candy into categories....gum, lollipops, candy bars, etc. Then came the trading between the siblings. All innocent fun with no feeling of evil in the event.

As for today, my neighbors use Halloween as a chance to gather in the cul-de-sac and catch up on life. I love an opportunity to get together!!

This is from Grace Church: The day does have religious significance for some people, particularly wiccans and druids. For some people and in some regions, Halloween or some of its elements may have a non-Christian religious meaning. Some Halloween activities could be considered anti-Christian, and would, therefore, be avoided. Christians would want to avoid demonic associations, for example. With these things in mind, it would be appropriate for Christians to consider carefully their activities on this holiday.

For most children, however, there is no religious significance involved in either the day itself or in such elements as pumpkins or costumes. It’s true that such things as jack-o’-lanterns, bonfires and black cats, which are part of the Halloween tradition, may have roots in pre-Christian activities. But when children go trick-or-treating or visit "haunted houses" at the local shopping center, they are not thinking about participating in any religious festivities at all. They are just trying to "have fun" as they would at a movie or amusement park.

Most Christians believe they can celebrate Halloween (in some respects) as a purely secular day of fun. We should remember that much of the television we watch and many movies we see are what we often call "mindless entertainment." Many other things we do for fun, we do precisely for entertainment and for no other reason. That’s the way entertainment is. Playing checkers or a video game, for example, has no redeeming features of a cosmic nature except that it’s fun, and sometimes relaxing. Many classic children's stories include magic or other elements that children know are make-believe.

Love ya!
Jane"

Chats with my Grandsons are extra-special!
They have opinions too!!

Let's encourage our family members (coworkers, friends, acquaintances) to be open and honest with us.  There should be no punishment for telling the truth and offering a different opinion.  Years ago, in Alanon, I was taught ... "Take what you can use, and leave the rest."  Be secure in who you are but never so closed that you aren't able to listen to another opinion.

This morning on Facebook, there were many postings of teenagers gathering candy for the needy ... of trunk & treats at churches ... and, many other ways Halloween was celebrated last night.  Love to hear those stories of how God is using what could be evil for light and good!

Have a wonderful day ... always remember you are loved and prayed for ... YA YOU!!

Miss Dottie

PS  “A Native American elder once described his own inner struggles in this manner: Inside of me there are two dogs. One of the dogs is mean and evil. The other dog is good. The mean dog fights the good dog all the time. When asked which dog wins, he reflected for a moment and replied, The one I feed the most.”~~George Bernard Shaw

PSS  Jane, I don't remember the Raggedy Ann costume but I do remember the indian costume I made for you ... brown dress and headband with red rick rack trim ... also put a feather in your headband and strung some red and yellow beads for your necklace.  I painted your face and you were the cutest indian that Halloween!!  Ah yes ... good memories!!