Refresh in 2014

May this new year wish fill your heart with hopes of a brighter tomorrow and unfold new dreams to realize God has great faith in you.

January 1, 2014

Dear God,

HAPPY NEW YEAR!! This morning I was watching the Today Show and they were talking about asking you, Lord, to give someone one word for the new year.  The word REFRESH immediately came to mind. It is a perfect word for me as I move into 2014.

"For I will satisfy the weary soul, and every languishing soul I will replenish."

~Jeremiah 31:25

Yesterday, I looked back over 2013.  It was one of those years that, in so many ways, I'd like to forget. BUT, when I began posting photos, I found myself smiling remembering the good times and the blessings you bestowed on me. I will count the challenges as building blocks and the blessings as gravy (or shall I say the ala mode of life?).

I've always loved talking to you and listening to what you've had to say to me. I don't always like it but then, when I do listen, things work out better. I'm such a sinner, Lord, always have been and always will be. There were times when I didn't think I was but you managed to reveal my faults and fumbles as I could handle truth. On the flip side, you've loved me in spite of my humanness and we've worked together one day at a time towards truth, light, and service.

My progress journal is going to be a good thing.  I write down 3-4 things that I want to accomplish that day. If I do more, I add them to the list. If I don't do them, I write down my (lame) excuse and put the task on the next page. It's kind of like losing weight. I do great when I write down everything that I put in my mouth. I didn't realize what a grazer I was and still am.

I look around me and feel your hand on my shoulder. I've read through the Bible so many times that when I go through the trials and blessings of life, Bible verses automatically come to mind and it's through your word that we converse. I have a hard time memorizing scripture and putting an exact book and verse to what I remember is difficult. I keep on trying...

"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand." ~John 10:27-28

Harmony loves her dental bones!

One thing I REALLY celebrated today was how far my little adopted rescues Harmony and Ruffles have come. Harmony has always been the bold one and, believe me, she is a tough old broad. You'd think she would be totally traumatized since her two altercations with Sadie but she has rallied.  She has been my constant companion ~ when I sit down, she wants to be beside me or in my lap. Ruffles has been the shy one and the toughest to bring around. At first, she would only follow Harmony ... gradually, she has taken on her own identity and Michael and I clap with glee with each step she masters. Today, we were talking about how "Ruffy" fits her. She now has a voice ~~ oh my does she ever have a voice. Her red coat has doubled in thickness and that plume of a tail she has goes a mile a minute. Ruffy has become a little princess to be reckoned with!! She still won't allow me to pick her up outside so we will work on that in 2014. I think these little puppy mill girls are truly going to come in to their own this year. In the meantime, they're doing just fine!!!

"Hello world, I'm Ruffy!"

Tonight, I came out to the cottage to spend some time. It was a glorious day ~ sunny, warm, restful. A perfect way to begin the new year.  Oh yes, Lord, I did eat some black-eyed peas and had some cornbread. I'm not a big fan of the peas BUT they are supposed to bring good luck besides being healthy for me. I also sauteed some fresh squash, onion, zucchini, and tomato for dinner tonight. Nothing like starting the year on a healthy note.

Father in heaven, I thank you for bringing me through another year. I just know that together we can bring light and love to those whose lives I touch. I pray for my Readers ~ that you would bring forth faces of those needing prayer and that you would reveal yourself to them as they go about their daily lives. I thank you that my blog has been read in many countries throughout the world and that my story has touched lives giving you glory.  Amen and Amen.

Miss Dottie

PS  "Maybe this year, we ought to walk through the rooms of our lives not looking for flaws, but looking for potential." ~Ellen Goodman

You know, Ellen, that sounds pretty darn good to me. Thanks Lord for a new year and new beginnings!!