The Artist

October 30, 2013

The rain ~ Wednesday

Dear Readers,

It's raining, it's pouring.  The sound of the pitter pat of raindrops on the roof of the cottage is so soothing.  We are supposed to get close to 4 inches of rain which my gardens will love.  The colors are so vibrant this season.  As a gardener I am assessing plans for next Spring.  It's really been trial and error to see what grows and what poops out. Most of my planting has been done ~ now, the fun part is watching everything mature and grow.

I have been trying so hard to allow my back and neck to rest the past couple weeks. The problem is that I am a busy bee and love to stay active.  I start physical therapy this Thursday and will have an Epidural Spinal Injection on Friday.  Trying to avoid another back surgery so am thinking good thoughts.  My biggest hurdle is that I get bored just sitting for any length of time.

The cottage ~ 10/30/2013
A wonderful blank slate!

When I am unable to be active, my mind goes a mile a minute thinking of things to create when I am feeling better. I just love making my space unique and giving them that "come on over and enjoy the warmth!" touch.  I've had so many postings on Facebook about Christmas and it's gotten me in the mode of what I want to do for decorating this year. I was at Dillard's last week and they had their annual Southern Living Cookbook out ~ lots of great recipes and decorating ideas.

I am an artist.  Give me a blank slate of any kind and I have this passion to make it beautiful.  My cousin Karolyn said that we have the Pederson gene that wants to keep on working until something is "pretty." My grandmother, Maggie, and her daughters (and, my dad, too) had this wonderful knack of artistry.  I see this gene in me, my children, and grandchildren.  We are all passionate people.  Get us together and there is no lack of energy!!

Fall Tree ~ 2013

To understand the artist in me means accepting that I move to the sway of color and the energy generated by visions.  My Fall Tree becomes a Christmas Tree by adding a few wintry touches and each year I create my own wonderlands depending on the season. My introverted nature is released into extroverted expression.

When I was a small child, I spent hours playing with my dolls, paper dolls, and creating homes out of shoe boxes.  My cousin and I could get lost in time barely taking a moment to eat as we spent our days developing story lines for our paper dolls.  As an adult, I still lose track of time when I am bringing my visions forward into the present.

From Fall to Christmas
with just a few additional touches!

Yesterday I mentioned my dreams for Christmas on Facebook and got some encouraging comments as well as one that said, "Hey, let's get Halloween past us first.  Maybe even Thanksgiving?"  I said out loud, "You don't understand the unique timing of my creative spirit."  It is possible for me to envision Spring in Winter and Christmas in October!! There is no set time for making my mark as the spirit moves me. Maybe that is why I keep a lighted tree up all year in the cottage.  My father used to work on his outdoor Christmas decorations all year long unveiling them the evening of Thanksgiving.  My brother and I would stand outside and ooh and aah as he plugged them in.  The burst of color would send shivers through us.  My dad would just grin from ear to ear. His artistry left a mark on the entire community.

All of us have unique talents of making this world a more special place.  I am in awe of painters who create such masterpieces and chefs who deliciously prepare feasts fit for kings and queens.  The singers, the dancers, the craftsmen ... writers, musicians, and designers all make up a population of expressionists.

Forgive me if I am  out of step with the masses.  God put me into a small percentage of people who are kindred spirits ~ the INFJ's of this world (1% of the population).  I used to worry about being so odd compared to most.  Now?  Hey, I am able to celebrate moi!!  I raise holy hands to my God for unveiling my core and thank Him for making us all with special fingerprints. On that note, I think I will pull on my rain boots and do a little singing and dancing in the rain!!

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

Miss Dottie

PS  I like what Robert Pattinson said:  "Our fingerprints don't fade from the lives we touch."  I could encourage you to celebrate your own special talents today.  Don't worry about what others might say. Push the envelope, think outside the box! Carpe'Diem!! 

Crazy Days

October 29, 2013

Dear Readers,

Maybe it's just me, but the older I get the faster the days and years go by.  I am trying my best to savor each day filling them with good thoughts and doing what I can to make the world a better place. Yesterday was one of those crazy days that involved one crisis after another.

I knew my neighbor was having major back surgery yesterday but I didn't expect a call at 8 bells asking if I would accompany her and her husband to the hospital.  She was in a panic ... their cat had gotten really sick during the night, the dog (a rescue with anxiety issues) was upset, her husband was having serious symptoms of blood clots, and they needed some help.  She took the cat and dog to the vet and I followed them to the hospital in Waco.  The plan was that as soon as Beverly's surgery started, Don would head to the ER or his doctor's office and I would stay in the waiting room to keep track of Beverly while she was in surgery.

Beverly had shared with me a few days ago that she had had an uneasy feeling about her surgery and wondered if "the universe" was telling her not to go through with it.  I had been praying that the Lord would either ease her anxiety OR show her that her gut instincts were right.  Wellll, when we got to the hospital, the nurse showed her to a room where she got undressed and answered preliminary questions.  They told her that she would be taken to a holding room at noon and her surgery would begin at 1.  The nurse left and time began to pass.  Noon came ... no activity.  A few minutes before 1, Beverly's husband went to the nurses station to see what the hold-up was.  He came back with a disgusted look on his face.  Beverly's doctor was in surgery with another patient and had put in another patient before her. Her surgery was scheduled for between 5 and 6.  She was in a cold room, sitting in a cold recliner, and hadn't even been offered a warm blanket to keep her comfortable.

Beverly asked to talk to the nurse herself to see what had happened ... no nurse came.  All of a sudden, she said, "The universe has been telling me that I wasn't to do this and I am not going to go through with this."  She got up, put her clothes back on and we headed to the nurses station.  She politely explained why she was upset and asked to sign release papers. The odd thing about all this was the impersonal treatment she received.  If I hadn't been there with her, I would have found it hard to believe that a hospital and doctor would behave in this manner.

The day got even crazier ~ Don's doctor wasn't in but he had blood tests and vitals taken and told to go back today.  Iggy the cat was in pain and on death's door ~ they had to make the decision to put him to sleep. Taffy was so restless and it took them all of last night to get her calmed down.

I thank God for my training as a Stephen's Minister and my faith in a God who has everything under control when all seems to be going bonkers.  I can't explain why some things happen the way they do yet I can accept that all things work to the good off those who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)  I applaud my friend for standing up for herself when she was being treated so poorly.  Like Ana (in my last blog), Beverly claimed her right to be treated with respect.

We all have crazy days when everything seems to be going wrong.  The car won't start, the water heater leaks all over, we get ill, our hair droops when we need to look nice, our favorite pair of jeans no longer zips, someone tells stories that aren't true about us, we get news of a dear one's death ... the list goes on and on.  Sometimes  the crazy days seem to go on and on into weeks and months.  We feel like we are at our wit's end and if one more thing happens we will break into a million pieces.

Somehow we manage to make it through those times appreciating the good times even more.  I don't know about you but in times of craziness, I choose to think about the times of feasting rather than the famine. Happiness IS A CHOICE.  I know from experience that after the biggest storms, the rainbows are the most intensely beautiful.  That has always been my message to the world.  We can't always control what happens; however, we do have control over our reactions.

Today is a new day ... a new slate.  I am grateful that I have one more day to celebrate life.  I have one more moment to love my fellow travelers on this earth and I have one more moment to make a difference no matter how small.

Remember you are loved and prayed for ... YA YOU!!

Miss Dottie

PS  "The truth is you don't know what is going to happen tomorrow.  Life is a crazy ride, and nothing is guaranteed." ~Eminem

Courage

October 27, 2013

Dear Readers,

Oh goodness, we got a nice rain last night.  I was scurrying around like a mad woman sprinkling fertilizer on roses and other flowers so that the rain could soak it in.  Now, I just need some sun to ignite more buds. I am still concerned about the old tree in the lower garden.  It has some BIG dead limbs that will come down sooner than probably later.   Golly gee, the bill will be anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000 depending on what we have done.  Ouch!  That just isn't in the budget.  Praying that the good Lord will glue those branches on for a while longer.  I hate the thought of tearing it down ... it's gotten to be an old friend.

I get messages from readers from time to time sharing stories and giving me things to pray about for them.  I love that because it makes me feel closer to them.  One of my friends sent me a story about a young lady who rose up from the depths of bullying and teasing to face her dragons. I teared up when I read it and wanted to share it with you.

If you have children, I'm sure you are well aware of the bullying going on at school.  That being said, we've all experienced the meanness of our fellow man.  School aged kids seem affected more so by the taunts because they are at a time in their lives when they are the most sensitive to any kind of criticism.

Last week, a young lady by the name of Ana (adopted from Guatemala by a family in Minnesota) attended Courage Day at her middle school.  The task given to them was to identify some act of courage that promoted character.  Ana VERY courageously stood up in front of 200 kids and teachers.  She said that she had been born with Duane's Syndrome and facial paralysis that sometimes made her face look different.  Kids had teased her about it on the bus.  Ava's act of courage was to stand up for herself, tell her story, and forgive her tormentors.  Afterwards, other students congratulated her and blessings continue to pour in.  Way to go Ana!!

Ana's story took me back to a time when, I too, stood before a congregation of people and shared my story.  My knees felt like they were knocking, and the words coming out of my mouth cracked.  Strange though, once I got started I could see my audience lean forward, I could see them wipe tears from their eyes, and there was something that broke the shackles of shame freeing me from my pain. Ana, I'll bet you are feeling that freedom and are stronger because of your courage to speak up.  Last October I shared a young woman's story which allowed her to let go of the secrets that had haunted her.  I applauded her courage and she, too, joined the ranks of many who dared stand up for themselves and say, "I am worth it!"

Others bully us and we bully ourselves by keeping that poison inside us. To speak of our pain is to allow the light to begin to shine into every dark corner of our being and for us to heal. Today, I'd like y'all to raise your hands, clap them together, and say out loud ... "Ana, I am so proud of you!!!"  Ana, a young 7th grader, has found her strength and I just know that she will be blessed for her courage to speak.

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

Miss Dottie

PS  Charlie Chaplin said, "My pain may be the reason for somebody's laugh.  But my laugh must never be the reason for somebody's pain." Amen to you Mr. Chaplin, Amen!

The Colors of Autumn

October 23, 2013

Dear Readers,

The colors of Autumn bring me such a wonderful sandwich of warmth, serenity, and joy.  I was sitting outside this morning humming Autumn Leaves remembering the deepness of the colors of the landscape in Minnesota this time of year.  In Texas, we are fortunate to have a long Fall and, although the trees aren't quite as colorful, the flowers make up for that lack.  It's a time of cool evenings and warm days accompanied by the rustling of leaves falling to the ground.

“I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” 

~LM Montgomery

Several years ago, I began transforming our barren back yard into my own little Eden.  I had to decide what shrubs, trees, and flowers to plant. I chose to gravitate towards the beauty of Spring and Fall simply because it's the time I am outside the most. The gardens have become more like English Country Gardens of whimsy as I plant specimens given to me by my neighbors, dig up alongside the road, and purchase on bargain tables.  Each stoned in area represents a different theme planted at a different time.  My gardens are works in progress.  My toughest challenge has been getting grass to grow. I did make progress on that this year and hopefully next Spring can fill in some bare spots.

“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.” 

~Albert Camus

Yesterday, I planted a few Violas and Pansies which will bloom until next April.  I just love their cute little faces.  I am trying Blood Meal for the first time so we'll see if it does what it says it will do ... stronger, more colorful plants.  The dogs went nuts smelling where I had watered it in.  Whether it is planting a new bush or flowers, they have to give it their okay. Some they leave alone ~ others they use to mark their territory. I'm not sure why they picked on my Gardenias ~ all but one has bit the dust!  The Azaleas they don't bother.

I didn't discover my passion for gardening until the early 1990's. Since then, it's been a roller coaster ride of trial and error.  Since I've moved so often and had to leave gardens behind for someone else to enjoy, I am hoping that I will be able to see my gardens here mature and flourish. I do not have a green thumb but what I do have is perseverance and determination!

“Autumn...the year's last, loveliest smile.” 

~William Cullen Bryant

Looking back over my life, I realize that my passions have changed with the seasons of my life.  Each has been so special leaving me with 
a resume' of varied goals, successes, and triumphs featuring my love of people, all things "pretty" that tell a story, animals, God, blogging, and ???.  I am still breathing which means today I might just happen upon a new passion.  When I stop growing, learning, and loving, my dust will be blowing in the wind heaven bound.

What makes your heart sing?  Is it music?  Physical activity?  A charity? We're all different and I love that.  I like learning what makes people tick and successful in whatever they are undertaking.  My daughter, Jane, started her own company offering contract pharmacy services. Instead of waiting around to see if her company would take off, she got dressed up and made calls to local pharmacies.  Her energy and passion as a pharmacist was catching and her days began filling up with new calls resulting in work!  She has a passion for her field of work and new doors are opening ... big doors!!

Speaking of the colors of Autumn, it's time for me to head to the meditation garden to read and let my furry kids get some exercise.  I've been trying to get them to fetch a ball but they all just sit and look at me like I am crazy.  Oh well... I'll take my camera and see if I can catch them doing something cute.

I always feel better getting out into the fresh air and sunshine.  Keeps my mind clear and my senses sharp!

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

Miss Dottie

PS “I cannot endure to waste anything so precious as autumnal sunshine by staying in the house.”  ~Nathaniel Hawthorne

"I got this ... love you, God"

I got this ... Love you, God

October 21, 2013

Dear Readers,

Come on in!  It's a rainy cloudy day in Central Texas ... a great day for a fire in the fireplace and reading the book I got on Bonhoeffer.  I am finding that this book requires slow reading in order to digest each thought and sentence.  At any rate, my faithful companions have settled in to my right, left, and at my feet. 

"Don't let today's disappointments cast a shadow

on tomorrow's dreams." ~Unknown

I don't know about you, but, for me, disappointment is one of life's most uncomfortable feelings.  Disappointment often leaves me at loose ends because it involves things and people I have no control over.

One thing I learned when I went through trauma therapy was to feel my feelings without trying to speed up the process by trying to fix or change them.  To tell myself I shouldn't feel disappointment is not an option these days.

The wonderful thing about owning feelings of disappointment is that I have said to myself, "I care about you."  Learning to do that was a BIG step for me on my road to wellness ~~ in honoring my "self" with grace, I am able to extend that grace to others.

When someone disappoints me, I feel like being quiet and withdrawing. The old tapes of "you aren't worthy" come back and can become a trigger of relapsing into a world I dare not go.  Disappointment can ripple through to my core.  Thank God, I have the tools necessary to take a step back, dissect why I am disappointed, and move forward knowing my only responsibility is to be open with myself AND the person or event that disappointed me.  I need to say "it" out loud!!

I choose to be an open-hearted lady with dignity and class.  I align myself with the word of God which has helped me to overcome disappointments and negative situations in a healthy way.  The challenge of disappointment allows me to live closer to my own values, stopping me from being swallowed up by negative feelings towards my worthiness and bask in the light of truth.

"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb.  I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made."

 ~Psalm 139:13-14 (ESV)

As human beings, even though we know that some things are bound to happen, we will continue to be disappointed.  That's just part of life.  I will be disappointed, I will disappoint.  Life can be disappointing but it too will pass.  As I practice that acceptance, I suffer less and notice the good things in life more. At least now, I am able to be present and aware even in the midst of negative emotions and therefore live life more fully.

Kennedy liked his treat of
apple with peanut butter!

I am trying to type on my keyboard and Kennedy keeps nudging my hand and getting closer and closer.  I am recalling the day Laura brought him to me for a meet and greet and how disappointed I was because he was not a six pound Pomeranian.  How could I have been so blind?!  My disappointment soon turned to acceptance and then to joy.  Kennedy is perfect!!  This crazy Pom-Chi makes me smile each and every day!

Are you feeling kind of down today and disappointed?  Maybe you didn't get that job you wanted; a special relationship has taken a nose dive; you looked at that scale and gained weight instead of lost; you were turned down for that loan; the list could go on and on...  Maybe you could try what I do.  I give myself some time to digest my disappointment then fill my time with something positive. I insert a new tape ~ "I got this ... love you, God."

Always remember you are loved and prayed for ... YA YOU BETCHA!!  (Can you tell that I am one half Norwegian?)

Miss Dottie

PS   “You must make a decision that you are going to move on. It wont happen automatically. You will have to rise up and say, ‘I don’t care how hard this is, I don’t care how disappointed I am, I’m not going to let this get the best of me. I’m moving on with my life.”  ~Joel Osteen

I'm Scared!!

October 15, 2013

Dear Readers,

If you've read my blogs, you know about the little Pom we rescued ... Ruffles.  As a puppy mill bitch, Ruffles suffered long hours in a cage resulting in deformed legs, a fear of people and noise, a fear of being picked up, and was very bonded to her more outgoing sister, Harmony.

It's taken months but Ruffles has become my little princess and her bond has been transferred from Harmony to me.  I have become her safe Pommy Mommy ~ the one who feeds her, talks to her, holds her, and provides for all her needs. She still has fears of anything out of the ordinary but for the most part, Ruffles has become an independent, happy little sweetheart.

A few days ago, I was in the cottage working on the computer. Ruffles, Harmony, Zeke, and Kennedy were sitting beside me. Michael came home from work and in all the excitement of the crew migrating from the cottage to the little casa, Ruffles got left.  I filled six bowls with kibble and told them all to line up ... oh, oh ... Ruffy was missing.

Michael went back to the cottage to find her and what he found was one panicked little lady stranded on the couch.  Everyone had gone and she was left behind ~ terrified.  Michael picked her up and tried to quiet her down.  She was shaking, whimpering, and had wet on herself.  She thought she had been abandoned and in a matter of less than five minutes had worked herself up into a frenzy.

We tried comforting her, petting her, talking to her in soft tones...  I wondered if all my work in helping her to feel safe had gone down the drain. She calmed down enough to eat but for the rest of the evening, she was sprawled out on my chest staring at me.  When I had to get up, Michael held her and she would stare at him, shaking.

At bedtime, I lay Ruffles beside me and she snuggled down, relaxed, and began breathing at a normal pace.  I had tears running down my face. What happened to this little one who was so very afraid?

I thought about how Ruffles is like people who have been used, abused, and/or abandoned. Trauma is a terrible thing ... something that cannot be erased.  As a survivor, I learned that humans were flawed and that no one person could make my past disappear.  Only God could fill the empty holes in my heart and make me complete.  He needed to be my centering, my rock.  My fellow travelers on earth were the icing on the cake.  I took the little girl and young woman who was so afraid and crawled up on the lap of the man who said, "Suffer the little children not..."  It took time to heal and time to learn to trust without shaking in my boots.

Maybe God knew all along that I needed my little rescues as much as they needed me.  Each holds such a special place in my heart as we move forward together.  I truly feel the best way to heal is to reach out to others and face those fears.  Many years ago I began a journey and I've seen how my courage has moved my family into a different direction of openness, honestly, and light.  Each of my children has had their own cross to bear and they are helping others.  We aren't a perfect family by any means.  What we are is a family willing to do that next right thing and leave the results in God's hands.

Today, Ruffles is back to exploring on her own, waving that big Pom tail in the air, and entertaining us with the Ruffy Shuffle (she looks like she's clogging with all four feet).  It's raining outside and she is laying beside the Fall Tree in the cottage.  The floor is littered with pillows and blankets and my Sensational Six are doing what they like best ~ being a pack of loved dogren.

It's okay if you're scared today, we've all been there.  Just look to the man who changed the world and gave us grace and hope and grab ahold of his hand.  Get yourself a Bible and start reading the New Testament.  Write down "YOU are worthy!" on your bathroom mirror.  Stand up straight and face those demons. (Personally, I tell them to leave in the name of Jesus!)

"The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid.  What can man do to me?" ~Psalm 118:6

And, ALWAYS REMEMBER, you are loved and prayed for ... YA YOU!  It's no coincidence that you're reading my blog!!

Miss Dottie

PS  "I got so scared when my brothers, sisters, and my mommy left me on the couch.  I didn't think they were coming back.  I couldn't jump down because my legs are weak.  I could hear my pack barking for their food.  Was I to go hungry?  It was dark inside the cottage just like at the puppy mill when I was stuffed into a little cage.  Old memories flooded back.  I heard the door open, 'Ruffy, you in there?' I couldn't help myself, those feelings of trust and hurt were sooo real and they wouldn't go away. My Pommy Daddy took me to my Pommy Mommy.  I was still scared. Maybe one day I won't be so scared, my Mommy tells me I'm not going anywhere. We are a family and we look after each other. That's what families do!" ~Ruffy

The Blessing

October 15, 2013

Dear Readers,

Autumn has truly come to North Central Texas.  The rains soaking my gardens have also greened up the grass I have been trying to get going since last Spring.  The mums are giving birth to beautiful flowers of orange, red, yellow, white, and purple; the azaleas are giving me a preview of what Autumn Embers look like; and, the roses are filling out with buds.  I am a happy gardener!!

For awhile now, I have been battling pain in my lower back.  I had tried ignoring it and praying it away but for whatever reason, it just kept getting worse.  I knew I needed to make an appointment with the orthopedic doctor but procrastination became my middle name!  God chose not to heal my pain; however, He gave me something better.  He showed me how to move forward and trust as He worked His wonderful magic...

"Don't be afraid, for I am with you.  Don't be discouraged, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you.  I will hold you up with my victorious right hand."

 ~~Isaiah 41:10 (NLT)

Last Friday, I received a phone call from my orthopedic doctor's nurse saying that Dr. C had been reviewing my file and wanted me to come in for a follow-up.  I looked towards the heavens and said, "Okay God, I hear you."  (Sometimes, I need a little nudge in the backside to get me going!)  I made the appointment for Monday (yesterday).

Yesterday, I got up, fed the furry kids, let them romp outside for awhile and headed north to Dallas.  It was raining but I listened to some music and the trip flew by.  I got to the clinic early,  filled out my follow-up paperwork, and before I knew it, I was in a pair of blue paper shorts and headed to x-ray for views of my neck and back.  Randy (PA) gave me a hug ... "Welcome back, stranger, how're you doing?"  He gave me the usual check up which brought tears to my eyes then looked at my xrays.  "I think you have something going on in the L3-4 plus some stenosis, let's see what Dr. C thinks."  Dr. C came in and we chatted awhile about what had been going on.  The good news was that the fusion in my neck had healed nicely and was stable!!  Yay!  The bad news was that there was something going on in my lower back.

Folks, this is where God really got things moving.  Dr. Carmody knew that I lived 2 hours south of the city.  He asked his scheduler to call to see about getting me in for an MRI later that day.  It was 11:05am.  Northland just had a patient do a no-show so I was on their doorstep by 11:30.  I filled out paperwork there and went right in for the MRI.  The radiologist just happened to have some free time so within 45 minutes I was headed out the door, disk in hand.  They were going to send the results over to Dr. Carmody's office for my 2:40pm appointment with him (another patient had cancelled because of the rain).

Can you believe it?  All that done ... bam, bam, bam.  I went back to get the results of the MRI and found out that the Spinal Stenosis is pretty advanced and that I have a bulging disk.  He was surprised that I had been doing all I had been doing (another God thing, I figure!) and put a plan in motion for me.  I will be having an epidural shot as soon as that can be arranged AND I will be doing some physical therapy.  He is trying to avoid another surgery but if that isn't possible what I have is fixable.  (Another blessing, wouldn't you say?)

My friend Etta loves my family.
I love that about her!!

I picked up a therapeutic pillow for my neck at Bed Bath & Beyond and headed back home. It was raining and I got stuck in traffic backup from an accident.  I was in pain, tired, and I guess I could have gotten frustrated and angry about inching my way through Dallas but I used the time to thank God for my day and how he had blessed every step opening doors so that my appointments went so smoothly.  I also was able to have lunch with one of my best friends, Etta, which was such a bright spot in my day.  I sure do miss her!!!  Can you believe it?  All this transpired between my 10:30am appointment and my departure time from Plano at 3:30pm!!

Hey gang,
Mom's home!

The pitter pat of raindrops sounded so soothing as I made my way home.  Sometimes, I like to raise holy hands as I listen to praise music (I do get some strange looks from folks in other cars sometimes!) and I was so at peace.  My furry kids had missed me and as I made my way from the car to the couch, I had 6 little rascals jumping up and down around me.  I sat down and Kennedy got up on the pillow behind me to my left; Toby got up on the pillow to my right; Zeke sat in my lap; Sadie sat on my feet; Ruffles sat on my left side; and, Harmony sat on my right side.  You'd think I'd been gone for days.  Michael brought me a Coke Zero and it was time to relax and enjoy the ambiance of a stormy evening.  Another blessing ... I had a family to come home to!

God never promises his children smooth sailing in this world.  What He does promise us is that He will give light to our feet, peace to our innermost being, and the hope that comes from resting in Him!  I'll bet if you just think about it, you will remember times that He has made the burden less heavy and the impossible possible.

"...But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

~~Isaiah 40:31(NIV)

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

Miss Dottie

PS  "Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

From the Heart

“If someone loves you, they should not be envious of you pouring your heart and soul and time and energy into the things that you are passionate about, but instead....they should love you MORE because you are so involved in those things.” ~Sharon Swan

October 4, 2013

Dear Readers,

It's an overcast gloomy day in North Central Texas.  We're supposed to get our first cold weather this weekend (into the 50's).  I spent over five hours yesterday feeding the roses and mums and making sure that everything had plenty of water.  I think I need to get some of that fertilizer that attaches to the hose rather than filling up my watering can over and over!  It was so nice to be outside though and drink in the fresh air.  My new Almond Bush gives off such a sweet wonderful aroma.  I found my senses heightened by the magic of Autumn!

I publish my blogs each year so my family has a record of what was going on in our lives and in the world around us.  Generations to come will be able to know what our family experienced separately and together.  I wish my forefathers would have kept diaries!

At present, I am reading the book, BONHOEFFER, written by Eric Metaxas. To those who have asked me what it is about ... Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a man with a passion for truth and a commitment to justice on behalf of those who faced implacable evil.  He was a German Lutheran pastor, theologian, dissident anti-Nazi and founding member of the Confessing Church.  Bonhoeffer died in 1945 in a German concentration camp. The book is one that I am devouring a sentence at a time ... so much savorful meat!

Winston Churchill said that the further back we can look, the farther forward we are likely to see.  I believe that ... unless there is an interruption of change, history does repeat itself whether in government, the general public, and, our own personal lives.  Once the locomotive gets going, it's hard to stop.  Hopefully, it goes forward in a positive motion but, more often than not, it hits a wall.  I know there are some who would prefer not to examine the past ~ to me, it has been instrumental in developing wisdom.

Headline 10~4~2013:  House lawmakers attempt to strike a deal with the Senate following the federal government shutdown Tuesday morning.

Senator caught napping during session

Our nation has been faced with a corrupt Democratic party, a corrupt Republican party, and a president who has been stubborn and unable to follow through on his campaign promises.  Are they to blame?  Well, we elected these men and women.  It's kind of a catch 22.  There is so much finger pointing going on that nothing is being accomplished. We may experience uprisings that this country has not seen in many years.  Many parts of our government have been shut down and our people suffer while our people in government collect their paychecks and continue to wreak havoc on our nation.  It would be nice if, we the people, could fire the whole lot erasing all their cushy pensions and perks.

I do not want to be a Chicken Little who runs about crying that the sky in falling.   I am a very logical thinking person who feels passionately about honesty, integrity, and morality. I attended Alanon for many years ~ a favorite saying, "Take what you can use and leave the rest." There are some people who get so defensive when challenged about their beliefs ~ personally, I like it.  I like people who are up front and speak their minds whether I agree or not.  I find I learn more when I am teachable and not so stubborn. Believe me, my mind (and heart) have been changed over the years.

I am so very grateful for my life and the opportunity to make a difference in my world.  I live as an open book ready to give an answer when asked, "What do you believe and stand for?"  I've made so many mistakes, made amends, and have kept moving forward.  There are days I look back and ask myself, "What were you thinking?"  Then, I realize that I had faulty thinking, bad tapes, and my life showed it. As I became teachable and open, a whole new world opened up and I am experiencing the blessings of a life changed.

Melissa

Earlier this week, I had a marathon phone visit with my special daughter in Georgia.  We chatted about our bonding when she was a very young woman, our road of faith, her children, homeschooling, and the decorating process of her master bedroom.  There was a long period of time when we lost touch but now there has been a reawakening and our relationship has become even more precious.

Why did I insert that paragraph?  Because there is positiveness and good in this world and I know that I need to balance the darkness with that realization.  Life moves forward and I want to trust and have faith that there is joy each and every day.  Who can put a price on my laughter as I watch my grandsons play baseball, experience the rewards of my rescue dogren, keep track of my granddaughters and children?  Who can put a price on my faith, my friends, and my extended family and friends?  If my world should end quickly, I know where I am going and that my heart is in the right place.

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

Miss Dottie

PS  I always like to end my blogs with a positive quote.  Today, I'd like to share the cover of the Seven Oaks News that featured my new granddog, Sir Winston Corghill, and my granddaughter, Katrina.  I like these headlines!!  Oh, I love my family sooo much!!!

e