Last, but not least, #5

"O, Shepherd. You said you would make my feet like hinds' feet

and set me upon High Places."

"Well," he answered "the only way to develop hinds' feet is

to go by the paths which the hinds use."

~Hannah Hurnard, HINDS' FEET on HIGH PLACES

September 30, 2014
Tuesday

Dear Readers,

Here we are ... it's the last day of September. I'm looking forward to October and all the Fall Festivals being held around the countryside. There's something special about jumping up on a hay wagon and sipping on some hot apple cider that warms my heart as well as my innards!!

I have always enjoyed writing. Because of thyroid surgery (one vocal chord got paralyzed), my voice sometimes cracks and I sound like a scratchy record. It's easier to be able to write what I am feeling and thinking. Thank God for keyboards and computers.

As I prayed and was searching my heart about the fifth person to invite to my dinner, I decided that Hannah Hurnard author of HINDS FEET ON HIGH PLACES would be perfect. Maybe you haven't heard of her ~ I hadn't until a friend recommended that I read her book years ago.

HINDS FEET ON HIGH PLACES is one of the most successful works of Christian fiction ~ a classic that I read every year in the Fall. It's the story of a young woman named Much Afraid and her journey away from her Fearing family into the High Places of the Shepherd. The book shows the journey and struggles of how a Christian is transformed from an immature believer to a mature believer who walks daily with the Lord. After I first read it, I clutched the book to my chest and then placed it on my dresser ~ it's visible 24/7. I could relate to Much Afraid and cheered her on in her journey ~ was another one of those life changers. 

I know you're going to ask me this ~ why Hannah Hurnard? Well, let me tell you a little story. One night, alone in her room, Hannah cried out to God to make Himself real to her. Hannah surrendered her heart, her stuttering was gone, and she was filled with peace and joy. Hannah had experienced a miracle. The Bible she had hated became a treasure to read and study. She found deliverance from her fears, penning her famous book in 1955. Now, this is where the waters get a little muddy ~ In the late 1950's, Hannah's thoughts began to take on some very strange, Gnostic, and even occult views. Hannah left the "High Places" and headed for the lowlands. Her life was somewhat like the tragic figure of King Saul ~ starting out right but ending so very wrong.

Hannah had seen God at work in her life. He healed her and had given her peace. He gave her a voice to speak to the world yet, somehow, things got messed up and she resorted to, I am presuming, some ways that seemed right to her but very wrong to God. I want to know direct from the horse's mouth how that could possibly happen. God forbid, could it happen to me?

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight... ~Proverbs 3:5-6

Hannah passed away in 1990 shunned by most Christian Churches. You see, the sad part of all this is that in endorsing Hannah's great work, do we endorse all she offers? What a tragedy.

I wonder how she will be received by Jesus, RJ, John, and Paula Deen? Or, will she even accept my invitation? At this point, I don't know. God himself showed himself to her and she turned her back. Maybe this time the wrongs can be made right. I pray so.

For you, my dear Readers, I hope you've had fun thinking about who you would invite to your dinner party and why. I love intimate dinners where each person is able to enter into the conversation and be heard. I was thinking this would be my advisory board to help me with a difficult decision but I am a little leery of what Hannah might suggest. What do you think? Let's just say that I invited five strong minded people to my dinner and that each will have their say. Know what? It'll be Jesus who has the last word. You can bet on that!!

While you're pondering on this, always remember that you are loved and prayed for ... YA YOU!!

Miss Dottie

Dear God, when I thought about a writer to add to my dinner party, I immediately thought of Hannah Hurnard. I googled her name and began reading her bio and bits of information about her life. It saddened me to think that a woman I looked up to and admired, had fallen from grace. I almost didn't invite her then decided, "Why not?"  Is it wrong to be able to accept the good parts of her life instead of focusing on the bad? I hope so because that is the way I hope you look at me. For my Readers who are struggling about their lives, I pray that they would rise up from the ashes of sin and glorify the Savior who can save them from themselves. I pray that the seeds of faith planted would not be washed away with time but be transformed year by year into statuesque beauty. Hold us tight Lord and never let us go. Hope, there is always hope. Amen, it is so...

#4 is Seated

September 29, 2014
Monday

Dear Readers,

Tick tock, tick tock... Or, should I say (with speed) tick tock, tick tock, tick tock? The days go by so quickly. I am reminded that my dinner party with five special guests was scheduled to start before the end of last week and here it is Monday. The Cotton Pickin' Fair was last weekend and I've had been burning candles on both ends trying to get enough product that would appeal to different people.

As it turned out, the Cotton Pickin' Fair was quite some distance from where the Farmer's Market was set up. We had some regulars show up but business was s-l-o-w. Next year, I will definitely have my spot saved among the fair booths. Live and learn...

My list of those I'd like to invite grew longer than I expected and I almost found myself saying "Eeny meeny miney mo..." Ever find yourself doing that when you just couldn't seem to make up your mind? I'm laughing because I bet you have!

To narrow down my list, I figured that if I knew someone fairly well, I wouldn't need to invite them. After all this is supposed to be a group of people I wanted to know more about and who would enlighten my journey forward. All that being said, I crossed off more names. I have the Lord Jesus Christ at the head of the table; RJ Hall on His left; and John Zebedee on His right. I like that!!

Okay, here we go!! The fourth person invited to my dinner party would be Paula Deen!! I have always loved cooking and baking and got such a kick out of her cooking show. It isn't unusual for me (around Thanksgiving) to stay in my nightgown concocting this and that in my kitchen all day and into the night forgetting about everything except what I am going to make next. I knew I'd want to include someone who could cook, create, and be unique in style and character. I swayed back and forth between Paula Deen and Emeril Lagasse known for his catchphrases such as, "Kick it up a notch!" and "Bam!"

Did you know that Paula Deen is a Christian who holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Criswell College in biblical studies and in library science? She does. Some time ago now, she was beaten up pretty badly for using the "N" word ~ no amount of confessing or atonement would satisfy the savage beasts riping her apart. I was listening to a newscaster say, "She even cried fake tears." Oh boy... It always amazes me how some people get by with murder and society just looks the other way. There are those who can lie, cheat, steal, commit adultery, and we have excuses for them. Not so, with Paula ... she had to be destroyed.

There are the hate mongers who love nothing more than to dig up dirt and embellish it until the most innocent of folks is crushed. How about Jesus Christ? What did he ever do that warranted being whipped and hung on a cross? Nothin' except get some guys knickers in knots. After He drove the moneychangers out of the temple, the leaders of the Jewish establishment and the Romans realized that he threatened their power and that He had the charisma to lead a guerrilla uprising against Imperial Rome. Oh no!!

You see, we're a culture of gawkers. Specifically, we're a culture of side show and tragedy gawkers. We tune in to the 6 o'clock news to listen to the gorry details of what's going on in our country and abroad, the weather, and what movie stars are doing that is so shocking. We gasp at despicable behavior then stay tuned ~ we slow down when we pass a car wreck to survey the damage, and maybe even the body count. We respond to dangerous behavior by oohing and aahing and passing along the gossip. "Did you hear???"

You know, to be fair, there are some genuinely tolerant Americans who believe judgment should be withheld until guilt is absolutely proved; who believe a person is to be judged by the whole of his or her character and not by one flaw; who do not think one word should make a person eternally guilty; who think sins can be forgiven and that redemption is possible. Come on, raise your hand if you're one of these!!

We've all experienced the sadness of being gossiped about and abandoned without mercy. We've experienced the pain of being misunderstood and not given the benefit of the doubt. When it's all said and done, the one thing I want to do is offer hope and a hand. And, on that note, Paula, welcome to my dinner party. Hors d'oeuvres are on the buffet.

Now, y'all, please pass the butter and let's have a wonderful day. Only one more empty chair and it's going to be a hard one to fill!

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

Miss Dottie

Dear God, You are a forgiving God. A God of mercy, love, and compassion. Let us not be caught up in the rush of blame, shame, and guilt ~ the witch trials and scapegoating. As I am seating my guests, I am reminded of the amazing grace You showered upon your children as believers. Help us to listen and to remain calm in the eye of the storm. Let us not be so enamored with those in power, the rich, the famous, and the do-gooders with self-serving thoughts that we lose perspective. Provide and protect those who call upon the name, "Jesus." We are born and we will die. It's really what we do in between that counts! Amen, it is so.

A "Son"Day to Remember

It's official today at 10:29PM EDT  ... 
HAPPY FALL Y'ALL!

September 22, 2014
Monday

Dear Readers,

Come on in, grab you a hot cup of coffee or cocoa and let's gab awhile. I'd like to chat about my "Son"Day, so I'm putting off announcing the 4th guest at my dinner until tomorrow or even Wednesday.

Oh my gosh, you're missing something if you're not attending a Bible-based church that focuses reaching outward and upward. For two blasted years, I searched for a church where we now live and found that I wasn't getting anywhere. Were they bad churches? Not at all, it just wasn't that right fit where I knew I could be fed the Word of God, worship with fellow believers, and serve giving of my time, talents, and resources. You're probably thinking, "There's no such thing as a perfect church so what were you waiting on?" You'd be right. There is no such thing as a perfect church. However...

Do you remember some months ago when I wrote some blogs about imperfectness? Well, I've found that some kinds of imperfect are PERFECT FOR ME!! If you want to read about my perfect utopian world, then you're not going to like my blogs very much. If you want to deal with life on the surface then you won't like me either. I am far from perfect and my family is not perfect. What are we? REAL people who have dealt with some pretty heavy issues and, by the Grace of God are survivors!

Yesterday morning, I got out of Graycie and before I knew it, there were hands reaching out to meet and draw me in. Once I was inside, there were more friendly faces with open arms and information about what's going on in the church.

These two were really having fun
posing for the camera ... Bud & his bud!

Anyway, I finally made my way into the  sanctuary. Yep, my seat wasn't taken and I knew I would be front and center as to not miss a single thing going on. "Susan, how'd Miss Landree do in the pageant?" "Bud, how're you doing this week?" "Edwin, when am I going to hear a drum solo?" "Brandon, hello my friend." "Susie, tell me more about this horse thing that was going on. Miss Vivian ok?" I looked for familiar faces AND for new ones to introduce myself to. I am thoroughly loving bonding with my new church family.

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord!
Let's hear you beat those drums, Edwin!!

Joe plays from the heart
and it shows!!

Little private joke going on before church!
That's Rick and Will...

Sitting across from me were were 2 little girls playing clapping games. I watched them for awhile smiling ~ it reminded me of when my girls were about that age and played the same games. They caught me watching them and started upping their game. I laughed. Once the brother realized they had an audience, he began butting in and seeing if he could mess them up. Pretty soon all 4 of us were giggling. I sighed wishing these beautiful children never had to lose that innocence of this day.

I just love Miss Kitty
 & so do the little buckaroos!

Pastor Gerald brought up a subject today that got my gray matter gurgling. Do you read books written by Christian authors and take their word as the Gospel Truth? Billy Graham? Joel Osteen? Beth Moore? Max Lucado? Or how about the pastors giving the sermons at your churches? I've heard many a Christian say that so and so's books speak to them and the Bible doesn't. Hmmm. Think about it, where is their book in the Bible? When I write a blog, it is my opinion I am sharing; when an author writes a book, they are sharing an opinion. The fact of the matter is what does God say?

In the early 1990's, my husband and I were brought before a board of elders and confronted with some so called facts (all of which were untrue). They spoke saying God says this and God says that... I got up and walked out of the meeting. What happened next changed my life forever. I took out my Bible and wrote down all their charges of "God says..." I began to read, study, and scour the pages looking for anything that would slightly resemble what they'd said. I was determined to never ever take what someone said as the Gospel Truth without searching scripture. Is _____ truly what God said OR is it what we wanted Him to say?? After a year or so passed, I wrote a letter to the main pastor of that church explaining what I'd been doing and what I discovered. I got a very strange letter back telling me that the elders had the authority to speak on God's behalf. Okayyyyy...then, they needed to show me in the Bible where they were getting their information from because what I found was a direct opposite.

The other thing I learned was that anyone can pick and choose scriptures in the Bible. If you don't think that's true then listen to some politicians running for office who are trying to get a certain sector's vote. If you're a Christian, don't you want to know who you are following? I did and I do. Every year, I not only read the Bible but also read the notes and prayers I have written in the margins. Good stuff! What always amazes me is that different versus speak to me on different years. (Sigh)

My precious Readers, we, as Christians live under grace ~ the unmerited favor of God. That sure gives me the warm fuzzies just thinking about it!! Once we've accepted Christ, we begin a new journey where our wants and desires gradually align themselves with the Lord's. If you're wondering where to begin, you might try meditating on The Ten Commandments (not the 10 suggestions). (Exodus 20:2-17).

In the meantime, always remember you are loved and prayed for! Let's do this journey together!

Miss Dottie

PS Remember, "People go where they are invited and stay where they feel welcome." ~Dr Gerald Dudley, Pastor, Open Range Church, 9/21/2014

Dear God, your Word is the lamp unto my feet and it is my instruction manual on living my life your way. I wish I could be perfect at it but try as hard as I can, I still royally screw up. At those times I am so grateful for the forgiveness afforded me by Jesus and my fellowman. Lord, I pray that my Readers will be able to forgive as You forgive us.  May their lights shine no matter where they go. As we invite people into our worlds, I pray that they would feel right at home. The list of illnesses grows long in my prayer book. I lift up every single soul knowing that You will move in their lives. I don't understand why some are healed and some not but I rest in knowing that You have the big picture. Holy Jesus, our intercessor, our savior, You are King and Master of our lives. Help us to remember ~ Not my will but Thine! Amen, it is so...

#3 on the list

September 20, 2014
Saturday

Dear Readers,

What in the world did that anesthesiologist put in my sleep cocktail yesterday?? My sore throat is worse, my ears hurt, my nose is running, I am nauseated, coughing, and dizzy. I doubt if I have a cold so it must be from the procedure, biopsies, and anesthetic. I'm not a patient sickly person! Besides I don't look good with a red nose!! So much for going to the Farmer's Market this morning...

It's been really fun to work on my list of five famous people who I would want to have dinner with. Jesus is at the head of the table, GGrandfather RJ Hall is at his left, and (drum rollllll...), seated next to Jesus on the right side would be John Zebedee. I can hear the huh's as you read the name.

A couple years ago I did a study on John and grew to appreciate this "disciple whom Jesus loved." John was 24 years old and the youngest of the 12 disciples. He was a fisherman and functioned as the personal agent of Jesus. Because he was so trusted he bore the responsibility of caring for Mary, Jesus mother after the crucifixion. Sounds like an all-around great guy although he might have been a wee bit fishy smelling!

I figure that if John is Jesus right hand, he would know Him inside and out so I could get the inside scoop on what it would be like to travel with Jesus and stand by him the night of his arrest even accompanying Jesus into the jaws of death. Can you imagine? John was at the foot of the cross when Jesus gave up his last breath and was given the honor and responsibility of caring for Mary after the crucifixion. John usually sat on Jesus' right hand at a meal, was the first to truly believe in the resurrection, and the first to recognize Jesus when he came to them on the seashore after his resurrection. He was the right-hand support of Peter on the day of Pentecost. It is fitting that John should remain at Jesus right hand at my dinner.

John was in prison several times and was banished to the Isle of Patmos. While there, he wrote the Book of Revelation and that's why I chose John Zebedee. Of all the books in the BIBLE, none is so confusing to me as that book. Who best to explain it than the author himself!!

As I look at my dinner table, I am smiling. The Master, my ggrandfather, and John Zebedee are there waiting for the others to arrive. Lucky I put lots of hors d'oeuvres out!

I am shaking my head tonight. Along with the wiring, electrical panel, and breaker box, I found out that mice chewed up the pump of the dishwasher and tried gnawing on wiring, hoses, and pipes. Industrious little critters! The house is built on a pier and beam foundation and evidently they are nesting under the house. Will need to do some research on how to get rid of them. I hate putting poison out in case one of my pups would come upon a dead mouse and decide to munch a little. In my prayer time, I told God to just add this latest expense to the list of things to be repaired and paid for. Hope He heard me 'cause my list is growing by the day!! Anyone relate?

Miss Dottie

Dear God, thank you for the rain that has perked up my gardens ~ the Asters and Mums are especially colorful! Bless those who, like me, are sinking deep into things to fix, pay for, and address. I am laughing because, in all the time that I was in the work force, I never had big issues like this to contend with. At least then I could have simply written out a check. I'll just have to do the best I can. The candles are flickering, their flames dancing on the walls, and another day is but a memory. I pray for peaceful rest for my Readers and those You put before me. Strengthen and heal bodies ravaged by cancer and other debilitating illnesses. Help me to remember that Thy Will may not be my will and to give up my selfish desires when our wills collide. May my Readers always know they are loved and prayed for. Amen, dear Jesus, it is so!!

PS  God I am so excited that tomorrow is "Son"day and I get to go to church. Over the rivers and through the woods to the Open Range Church I go ... Heeee Hawwww!! BLESSINGS!!!

#2 on the list

September 19, 2014
Friday

Dear Readers,

It's Friday in Seidler Dogdom and, as usual, my pups were up wayyy early for their potty call and breakfast. I was laughing though because they were tippy toeing to the house avoiding the puddles left by last night's rain. After breakfast I took them one by one out to the grass and they hopped back to the cottage on the pathway pavers. They looked like a bunch of fuzzy frogs. Simple joy to start my day for sure!

It's seemed odd not to have my usual cup of coffee this morning but I had to be at the endoscopy center in Waco early for the EGD. I was sort of apprehensive about having a camera stuck down my throat to take photos but I made it through OK and will go back in a couple weeks for the results. Dr. Boss took a couple biopsies and I had some scar tissue in my esophagus so he widened that area. Eating should be better. I'm a little woozy today and since I'm not supposed to do much, I figured I couldn't get into too much trouble clacking away on my computer!

Hmmm... I am continuing on with my list of five famous people I would like to have dinner with. I set Jesus at the head of the table so let's see who I am going to sit next to Him on the left. You're going to be surprised at this next one ~ it's my maternal great grandfather, Rollin Joseph (RJ) Hall (8/14/1837 ~ 9/20/1923). I am choosing him because I don't know much about him yet what I do know intrigues me.

RJ Hall on the right
Civil War

I had planned to do research on my mother's family this summer scouring the historical records kept in Morris, MN. Unfortunately, I was unable to head north and will need to save that for another day. The Internet has been an invaluable tool.

There are some interesting facts about my great grandfather that would make him a wonderful dinner guest.

(1) RJ was a Sergeant in the 92nd Infantry of NY serving in the Civil War. Internet records are so awesome ~ I was able to read about him suffering a head wound in battle and follow the day to day activities of his unit. I have a fife that was his and every time I pick it up I wonder who has held it before me and what battles it was played in.

HALL , ROLLIN J.—Age, 24 years. Enlisted, October 10, 1861, 

at Potsdam, to serve three years; mustered in as sergeant,, 

Co. E , October 30, 1861; promoted first sergeant, no date; 

transferred to Co. D, June 11, 1863; wounded in action, June 

I, 1864, at Cold Harbor, Va. ; transferred to Co. K , September 

1, 1864; mustered out with company, January 7, .1865, at 

Albany, N . Y . 

Battle at Cold Harbor, VA

I am so excited about the trails left on the Internet. I looked up the Battle at Cold Harbor, VA on June 1, 1864 and could get a play by play account of what my GGrandfather was facing. How about that!!

(2) He was in Chicago with his family on the way to Minnesota when it burned in 1871. Helen Swan wrote about his son, Ernest, in the book, MY FRIEND ERN, and one of the stories was that of Ernest as a boy and what he witnessed in the fire.

(3) RJ came to Minnesota as part of the Yankee group called the St. Lawrence Colony that left New York. His daughter, Grace, wrote the book, THE WADSWORTH TRAIL, which outlined so much of what the pioneers went through to establish homes.

(4) He was a trail blazing pioneer and man of influence : Assistant Superintendent of Forage ~ MN; and, member of the State Agricultural Society representing Stevens County attending the National Congress (Agriculture) of the United States, again representing Stevens County and Minnesota.

(5) He taught the indians how to farm and was the local go-to dentist for the area. (I remember as a kid looking at his dental tools that were kept in an oak secretary in the living room at the farm.)

What I don't know is what kind of man he was regarding his relationships with his parents, wife, and children (Philo and Mary, Emma Jane, Ernest, Grace, Harry~my grandfather, Lester, and Fay. All the personal stuff has faded away hidden by the annals of time.

I think there was a portrait of RJ hanging in the farmhouse but that may be wishful thinking. In researching, there are only a couple that I've found including the one above. My great grandfather is the man on the far left of the above photo ~ my grandfather, Harry, is standing next to him then there is my great grandmother, Emma Jane (she sure was an itty bitty little lady!). This is the farm house that I remember growing up and can tell you about every nook and cranny not only in the house, but the orchards, outhouse, shed, garage, silo, barns and other buildings. All this because one man had a vision and traveled cross the country to make his dreams a reality. 

Since Jesus loved nature and the land, I would imagine that He and GGrandfather would have much to talk about. Since I love gardening, I would be picking his mind about how to make things grow AND since I love history, I would want a play by play account of the Civil War and the true life of the pioneer and, most importantly, the value he placed on family. To be honest, I want to know where he is. Paradise with Jesus? I pray so. As a Christian, I am always concerned about the salvation of my family. Life on Earth is but a moment in time compared to eternity.

It has always been my nature to get to really know people. My favorite people are the most colorful ~ those that have been overcomers, movers, and shakers ~ men and women of vision and purpose. Maybe after reading my blog, you, my Readers, will make up your own dinner list. Believe me, it will really get the gray matter working!!

Miss Dottie

Dear God,
Thank you for all the advances in medical diagnostics and the opportunity to take better care of my body, mind, and soul. I am reminded every day how fortunate I am. It would be so easy to gripe, moan, and groan about my lot in life but what good would that do? I pray for those like me who want to grow and serve, then grow and serve some more. I thank you for my interest in knowing my ancestry for it is their genes that fill my body to make me who I am. I pray that if my Readers are wondering why they are they are, that they take a gander into the shadows of their own heritage. It was Winston Churchill who said, "The farther back you can look, the farther forward you are likely to see." That certainly has been true in my case. I couldn't fix what I didn't know was there. I couldn't fix it when I found out; however, I was able to let it go and move on and that has made such a difference. I pray for courage, strength, and momentum for those whose eyes peruse my blogs. Lift my brothers and sisters up out of the pits of life and how them a new way. My head is still kind of woozy, my throat hurts like the dickens, and, good grief, what did they stick down my nose this morning? This too, shall pass!! Tomorrow will be a better day. Amen, dear Jesus, Amen!

#1 on the list

September 18, 2014
Thursday

Dear Readers,

It's raining, it's pouring!! After weeks of drought, we are finally getting a good soaking rain. We had a rather mild summer temperature wise this year; however, with no rain to speak of, my gardens were pretty uncolorful. To be honest, downright blahhh. Hopefully these showers will perk up the mums, yarrow, roses and a host of other Fall flowers. I lost about 20 mums last winter but a few survived and are budding out. Yay!

Pastor Rick stopped by this morning to give us the scoop on the Open Range Church. I want to get involved as much as I am able and am praying that the Lord will direct my path equipping me along the way. I keep wondering when the honeymoon phase is going to end ~ instead, I like the church and the people more and more. Have you ever felt like you just belong somewhere? That's how I am feeling ~ like I am where I am supposed to be at this time of my life.

Peace...serenity...excitement...joy. 

Happy as a clam, I am!

Changing subjects (you know how my mind likes to wander):

Do you ever get asked: "If you could dine with 5 famous people, who would they be?" I was thinking about that today and put together my list. Famous to me may not be famous to someone else but they are my heroes. I've met so many people who have been instrumental in molding and shaping my life as I know it today so my list started out quite long. It was wonderful to be able to walk down memory lane and thank the Lord that I have been blessed by the best!!

It would be too long to address the five people all at once so, if you will bear with me, I will do one a day for the next five days.

At the top of my list was Jesus. Without his provision and protection from infancy to adulthood, I don't know where I'd be today. When I went through childhood trauma therapy (which also included young adult trauma therapy), I had the honor and privilege of working with an amazing Christian therapist well versed in trauma cases. As she took me back into a world in which I had very little remembrance, I realized that my first recollections were looking for God. Even then, I was searching... How do I ever thank Jesus enough for guarding my heart and mind through those formative years? As hard as I try, I can't.

To be able, to feast with the Lord of my life would be the greatest gift I could ever imagine. I know that I would be speechless (that would be a first!) and that I would be able to be filled with the Spirit of the Living God. To break bread ... to drink wine ... to listen and learn from the greatest teacher ever to walk this earth would be divine. I've always been filled with questions and to come face to face with the Master of the Universe?  He'd already know my questions and I could just sit back and soak!! WOW!

I've been sort of confused about this Paradise and Heaven thing and am needing to wrap my arms around that. I like to pray about a topic (in this case Paradise/Heaven) then search scriptures in different translations. I have my favorite Bible that I use daily but my little footstool in the cottage is stacked with others. I recently read a book of how and where we got the Bible which helped me tremendously in understanding this great book. 

Yep ... head of the table would be Jesus Christ!! Am I building my ideal advisory board? Check in tomorrow to see who is number 2 on my list!!

Miss Dottie

Dear God,
Thank you for the rain that is soaking into the ground and greening up my world. You know me and nature ... I'd live outside if I could. Those pesky mosquitoes would have to go though 'cause they eat me alive!! I guess you have a purpose for those too or they wouldn't be here. Bummers! It was so cool to have Pastor Rick here today and to learn more about the Open Range Church. I love his ideas ... his creativity ... and, most of all, his dedication to the Lord and the people at the Open Range. Bless his work, Lord, bringing his ideas to fruition. Today, I ask your blanket blessing on your church (meaning people) across the globe. Protect and provide in ways that only You can do. As an intercessor, I stand with my arms stretched wide pleading for your grace and mercy as America stoops to new lows morally and ethically. Heal those that call upon your name ... "Jesus..." I thank you God for those who follow me on my journey of life ~ those loving folks that accept me warts, bumps, and all. I pray that they can take what they can use and leave the rest for another time. In the name of Jesus, I pray ... Amen, it is so!

PS It was John Adams who said, "Suppose a nation in some distant Region should take the BIBLE for their only law Book; and every member should regulate his conduct by the precepts there exhibited! Every member would be obliged in conscience to temperance, frugality, and industry; to justice, kindness, and charity towards his fellow men; and to piety, love, and reverence toward Almighty God. What a Utopia, what a Paradise would this region be?"  Think about that for awhile!!

If God asks you to bat, you'd better start practicing!

September 15, 2014

Monday

Dear Readers,

I did not sleep at all last night. For sure, I certainly didn't have any visions of sugar plums dancing in my head. It was more like one unresolved scenario after another. There are times when my humanness gets the best of me and I can't see my way through the dark tunnels and into the murky waters.  Are you like me and yearn for more days when you can sit for a few hours without thinking of something that needs taking care of, needs paying, needs fixing, or just is downright stressful?

With my head pounding, I rolled out of bed knowing that I needed to kick it in high gear if I was going to be at Dr. Boss's office in Waco by 8:30. So many have said that I need to start taking better care of myself so I am doing that. No more putting off for tomorrow what I need to get done today. The hiatal hernia I have that was diagnosed quite some time ago, has manifested itself as symptoms of having a heart attack ~ it is worse during times of stress which means it has reared it's ugly head making my life miserable these days. I guess a year or so is long enough to hope something will go away.

Although I would have preferred to go see Dr. Brown in Plano, Dr. Boss was closer, pretty nice, and asked a lot of questions as they all do.  I left thinking that I was one step closer to being back in the pink of health!!  I am scheduled for an EGD (Esophagogastroduodenoscopy ~ what a mouthful) Friday morning and I will know if the hernia is treatable or if they will need to adjust a few things back into place. Once that is taken care of, I can reschedule the fusion of the L3-4 in my back.

Don't you just hate growing older and having "parts" wear out?  I am fortunate because for a little lady, I am in pretty good shape and have a lot of strength. Being a worker bee has meant staying fit!! My husband is always commenting on how amazed he is at how much I can physically accomplish in a day.

Do you ever wonder about God's plan for your life? So many times I find myself at a crossroad wondering which direction to go. I've made enough disastrous decisions in my life to warrant careful thinking powdered with lots of prayer.

Bud, master of the harmonica,
Open Range Band

I was chatting with Bud, the harmonica player of the Open Range Band, last Sunday and he was telling me about how he got started playing the harmonica. He said he wanted to play the guitar, God said He needed him to play the harmonica. With a gleam in his eye, Bud said, "If God asks you to bat, you'd better start practicing!" That has stuck with me ever since!!

That being said, how do I move forward making good decisions and finding God's plan for my life?

(1)  Jesus said that if we want wisdom, we are to ask for it.  (James 1:5) I'm asking!

(2)  Find people that are accomplished in the direction I want to go and become accountable. Mentors and accountability partners are invaluable!! My daughter, Jane, and son in heart, Tim, have become truly God-sends in uplifting and advising in ways I understand and can accept.

(3)  Remember the Ten Commandments. "Thou shalt not" is for good reason.

(4)  Be faithful where I am serving Him cheerfully, faithfully, no matter what my lot in life may be "now."

(5)  Listen up! I must continue to study and pray watching for insights from God'sWord and the Holy Spirit. Other believers can help balance my perspective but, in the end, God and His Word never change. (James 1:17)  God will not "tell" me to do something that is against His righteous character or contrary to the principles of His Word. His Word is powerful, bringing instruction, correction, training, equipping.

(6)  Remain teachable. I don't know it all and I'm a work in progress. There was a lady I worked with at Great American Insurance that taught me a lot about compliments and criticism. It's important to beware of flattery that falsely builds up and criticism that is made inappropriately. The important thing is to be wise (back to #1).

Where am I today?  I was looking for a church in the city. God brought me (a city girl) to The Open Range Cowboy Church out in the country and said, "This is where I want you." Okay... Time to bloom (again) where I've been planted. I needed to make some extra money and God nudged me to go visit the Farmer's Market and learn to make jams and jellies.  Through trial and error I've gone from soupy jelly and watery jam to making some pretty darn good stuff!! Yes, Bud, "If God asks you (me) to bat, you'd (I'd) better start practicing."

Open Range friends, Susie & Edwin, are the best!

One thing is for sure, I am excited about the roads ahead of me and charting the course of my travels. I may have sleepless nights and unfinished business ... I may feel confused and disenchanted with people and life itself ... I may be groping in the dark as I change courses ... BUT, one thing remains constant ~ my faith in my Lord Jesus and that his plans for me include hope, love, and goodness. Things usually turn out for the best if I just follow the directions!! For a gal that colors outside the lines, that can be quite tough!!

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

Miss Dottie

Dear God,
Let us bow our heads in prayer. You are the master mind of the universe, the creator, the keeper, God. You sent your son, Jesus, to die on the cross that believers would have eternal life. I don't understand all the minute details but I don't have to. My faith is child-like knowing that you are with me every moment and that all things are Father-filtered. Across the globe, Christians are suffering for their faith. Be with them giving them that extra measure of peace that comes from knowing they will be with you in paradise. I thank you for the opportunity to live in America where we are able to go to the church of our choice without fear of being beheaded or maimed. Shame on us for abusing our privileges as citizens and for the bankruptcy of our morals and ethics. Forgive us... Be with all my Readers as they live out their days keeping them safe and secure in knowing You are who You say You are!! Amen, it is so...