Florida morning thoughts...

"This is the day which the LORD hath made;

we will rejoice and be glad in it."

~Psalm 118:24

May 8, 2014

Dear God,

Hello from Florida!! It seemed so odd to not sleep with Kennedy on my right side, Zeke beside my head, Ruffy on my left side, and Harmony at my feet. I kept waking up during the night, each time having to remind myself that I was in Florida. Thank you for the smooth flight to Tampa from Dallas and for the welcoming hugs and smiles from my family. I am feelin' filled with gratitude and joy!!

"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also you are called in one body; and be you thankful."~Colossians 3:15

I woke to the scent of a small bouquet of Gardenias placed on my night stand. I closed my eyes and opened my senses drinking in the beauty of that moment. I am in a gardener's paradise with all the tropical plants blooming around me. Jane has a sitting area on the front porch that draws me out for that morning cup of coffee. I almost don't know what to do with myself ~ at home I hit the deck running in the mornings and don't stop til my head hits the pillow. My body is adjusting to the slower pace and I already feel more refreshed.

Several days ago, I posted on FB that I was having to stop reading political posts before bed because I was having nightmares. I have done that. That being said, I am still driven to seek out truth and realize that I must encourage my fellow travelers to do the same. To believe what the media dishes out can be quite confusing ~ especially if one is affiliated with a certain political party. My parents were died in the wool Democrats as was I most of my life. It wasn't until I moved to Texas that I began doing more research what each party stood for and learned more towards the Republican platform. Today, I find myself disenchanted with both parties and am on the lookout for men and women who can get our country back to the basics. I'm a pretty decent judge of character and, even as one voice, want to advise wisely. Father help me to be even more discerning and to uncover truth and walk in light.

A couple days ago, I had an email regarding an incident in one of our elementary schools. I shed tears of sadness wondering what in the world is going on right beneath our noses. I also beamed with that knowledge that there was a young man who dared to stand up for what he believed. Bless him Father, girding him with strength in the days ahead. I wonder why it is that the unbelievers have such thin skin never wanting to be exposed to another view. Why is it so threatening? Why not say, "Thanks for sharing" then drop it. When I used to attend Alanon, the facilitator would say, "There is to be no criticism, take what you can use and leave the rest." I've lived my life that way ever since. I welcome people telling me why they believe the way they do and seek to understand rather than judge. I hate this business of "the race card." Have we become so thin skinned that we cannot just allow others to voice their own opinions without whining and suing? Must we erase our past not embracing how far we've come?

100% of murders left
victims DEAD!

Even some of our criminals claim they are being inhumanely executed. In Oklahoma, a convicted felon's vein collapsed resulting in a prolonged death. His family is outraged at the inhuman treatment he received. Well, I tend to believe that You had a part in this for You say, "Vengeance is mine." Where was this man's conscience when he took part in a girl's torture and burying her alive. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. I may get some back lash on my beliefs but hey, this is my blog, and I can state my own opinions and beliefs.

Today, in the midst of flowers, family, grandpets, and love, I pray that my Readers would find their own sense of peace and truth. I pray that we would all be able to speak our opinions without fear of reprisal. I raised my children giving them the freedom to express their own beliefs. They are independent thinkers and, although there are times I disagree with what they say and their choices, I celebrate their freedom of speech and the endorsement of natural consequences. Come Lord Jesus ... let us learn from you. I ask myself every day if I am willing to take up my own cross and follow you. The answer is always the same, "Yes." If I must suffer, I pray it would be for You!! Grant peace to my Readers and light their paths. I thank you for the new job that Laura has after so many months of unemployment. Her faith and perseverance paid off for sure! I thank you for answered prayers for my friend's son bringing him home from the hospital. What a joy it is to see You in action, caring for your children. In the name of your own son, Jesus, I lift up holy hands proclaiming You Lord Almighty!!

Miss Dottie

NOTE TO READERS: If you've followed my blogs for the past several years, I hope that you have seen me move from that of a wounded woman to a lady filled with joy, peace, and wonderment. I still have work to do but that is just because I will always be a work in progress. My country is quickly becoming one that I do not recognize and that makes me sad. My ancestors came to this country, Bibles in hand, fleeing oppression and welcoming the opportunity for a better life. My generation has enjoyed the good life but, as history always repeats itself, the clouds of moral degradation, wanting something for nothing, and believing the lies told by corrupt politicians has reduced us to politically correct sheep. God forgive us!!