The Storm

Sometimes It Takes A Storm

December 29, 2015
Tuesday

Dear Readers,

Nick & Zach ~ LOVE!

Once upon a Christmas time in 2015, the people in Garland (where my family gathered), Rowlett, and Collin County were sitting in their homes opening gifts placed under the tree and offering toasts to the upcoming new year. Hoverboards were "the" gift to open along with new cell phones, Star Wars shirts and toys, clothing, tools, and a myriad of other things. There were smiles and squeals of joy as well as pouts for not having gotten what was on their "must get" list.

Christmas at the Johnson's

Miss Dottie, Nick & Zach

Grandpa Michael, Nick, Zach

Sibling love ~ Tommy & Jill

C&E (Christmas and Easter) Christians made their way to church because that was the thing to do. Other Christians gathered not because it was the thing to do but it was their reason for the season. A King was born that would save us all!!

What a blessing it was to be able to join fellow church family members at the Open Range Cowboy Church this Christmas Season. Music, worship, fellowship ... can't beat that!!

The reindeer have it!
Sara & Michael

Keith on guitar...

Pastor Rick
Long Ago and Far Away...

I think Miss Dottie's going to get hugged!!
Homer, you're the best!!

Susan and Deborah
Two of my favorite ladies!

Those in North Texas that had gathered with joy at Christmas soon experienced the devastation of tornadoes, rain, snow, and flash flooding ~ lives were lost, homes leveled to the ground, pets killed or missing. Those presents that were so crucial and important for happiness gave way to the presence of emergency personnel and neighbors gathering to search and offer assistance. Material stuff didn't matter so much anymore but human and animal life did.

Miss Dottie & Jill

Once I heard about the storms that started where I live in North Central Texas moving toward the Dallas and Collin County areas, I texted my daughter in Garland. Sirens were going off there and, like most mothers, my concern was for my child who was in the path of danger. She kept telling me they were okay but still, my mother's intuition said, "No, you're not." I kept her texting until the storm passed. Only then, did I glance up from my phone to look at the television.

I was in shock and turned my prayers to those affected by this mighty storm ravaging everything in it's path and wondered why evil always seemed to lurk under the cover of darkness.

Sometimes, it takes a tragedy or a storm to make us realize how fragile life is and what is really important. A young mother went to have her hair done and was on her way home when her car was picked up by the tornado and tossed to a road below the freeway ... her children will grow up without her and her husband grieves wondering, "why."

When you think about it, the storms of life are all around us claiming our hearts, our lives, and our souls every single day. We strive, we toil, and we gather. Yet, it says in Matthew 6:21 that the material things of this world will melt away:

"But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal, for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Where is my treasure? It's in my faith and the people I have invested my resources and time in. I have a blackboard in my prayer closet that has a little gardening lady planting seeds and a water can watering the flowers. It's a reminder that I have a purpose on this earth as long as I have breath. Should the storms of life take me, I leave behind  my love of those who chose to walk along with me!

Miss Dottie

PS  I don't know about you but I agree with Lailah Gifty Akita who said, "In the midst of the storm, my only anchor is the Saviour."

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

Christmas in Texas

It's Christmas Time in Texas

December 19, 2015
Saturday

Dear Readers,

Merry Christmas my precious Readers. This is the Saturday before Christmas and I know many of you are rustling around getting those presents wrapped, preparing for travel, or, having friends and family in. Don't you just love the sounds, sights, smells, and gaiety of the Christmas Season? I sure do.

The sun is dancing on the faces of the pansies and encouraging a few roses to bloom one more time before the cold of Winter sets in. I still like to walk through my gardens checking out what's still blooming and what needs pulling up or, as in the case of perennials, cutting to the ground. The dogren run down the paths chasing squirrels and, every now and then, find me to check in. Kennedy managed to sneak out again last week; and, I'll be derned, if I can find out where he dug out. He didn't go very far but still...

In so many ways, 2015 will be a year I will not be sad to put behind me. I had another major back surgery and Michael lost his job and then fell, breaking his hip. I managed to eat my way through down times and as this year comes to a close, I decided to sit down with myself and have one of those come to Jesus meetings. To gain weight and not exercise has put additional strain on my back, legs, and feet and added to some difficult situations that needed addressing. NOW, all that being said, I am moving on and focusing on getting back in shape mentally, physically, and spiritually. I really want to explore learning to ride a horse. I got on Susie and Terry's horse Hopper last May and loved it!

IT IS CHRISTMAS TIME IN TEXAS!!

Although Michael lost his job and we've had to really cut back, I decided not to let that get in the way of having a Merry Christmas. Jesus is my reason for the season and my focus was not only to set up an exercise program (focus on now not January) but drink in every bit of joy that came my way. I haven't been disappointed!

I started out preparing for the Winter Season and Christmas, by getting my tubs out and getting the house and cottage cheery with colors of red, green, gold, purple, and white. I dug out my old Christmas CD's and when I began to feel a little down, I put them on and sang along. I DID NOT allow my mind to dwell on anything negative.

Peace on Earth goodwill towards men ... I scrounged around the house, picking up coins that were under cushions, in jars, and laying on table tops. Those coins were designated for the Salvation Army red kettles. I began to pray for America and it's leaders. I prayed that the Lord would show us all who His choice was to run our country in the years ahead. Perceptions can be deceiving and it's so important for us all to be open minded and focus on the cost of our decisions. If something hasn't been working and is getting worse, it's time for new blood and change.

The Open Range Cowboy Church is a BIG part of my life. I cannot imagine moving forward into the new year without my brothers and sisters in Christ. The Cowboy Church reaches out to the cowboy culture but many of us city slickers are drawn in as well. Each time I attend church, I leave as a better person having worshipped with others of like minds and learning more about the Bible and it's history. Last night the children had their Christmas program. They had wagon rides, hot dogs and cocoa, and then their pageant. I hugged and got hugged, laughed, and truly felt  the joy of seeing Christmas through the eyes of children. Ahhhh yes...

This Christmas Day will be a special one. As many of my Readers know, I had been estranged from my oldest daughter for many years. It wasn't what I wanted yet I kept the porch light on and prayed that the Lord would work behind the scenes to bring her back to me. For you, Readers, who are estranged from children or loved ones, you know the pain I am talking about. Well, it's been a slow process but I am spending Christmas Day at her home. What a beautiful gift that is!! My son and family and also my children's father will be there. A few people have asked me if that will make me uncomfortable. No, not in the least ... peace on earth, goodwill to all men, remember?  Trust in the Lord always ~ I do, and He never disappoints.

Christmas in Texas means snow and/or ice some years and warm weather others. This year? Let's just say, there won't be those fluffy flakes floating from Heaven. We have tumbleweed snowmen to add to all the lights burning bright!

I will watch from afar as my Facebook friends and family in Minnesota, Montana, Oregon, Washington, Wisconsin, Nebraska, and Ohio frolic in that white fluffy stuff. I don't own a coat anymore preferring to wrap my sweater poncho around me. Kinda like walking around with a blanket!

This is baby Finn's first Christmas. We haven't been able to put anything under our trees because he thinks everything is fair game. He climbed on top of the dining room table to steal my ribbon and tissue paper yesterday and is so proud of himself when he drops whatever he has discovered at our feet. He's a very busy, active puppy yet his calm demeanor fits right in with the other dogs and us, too! We have been blessed. I still think about the miracle of how he came into our lives.

It's also Zoe's first Christmas in Seidler Dogdom. Our poor little princess has need lots of rehabilitation and has a long way to go. She loves me but is frightened to death of strangers and men (yes, including Michael). We are patient with her yet don't allow her phobias to keep her from enjoying a full life.

Christmas is just around the corner. It's wonderful to be able to slow down and soak in God's love remembering Christmas's past and present. I carry those memories with me and smile thinking about memory making moments to come. I would like to tell you that all my Christmas's have been merry and bright but I would be lying to you. What I can say is that each Christmas has been filled with hope. Yes, even in the Christmas's that I was all by myself staring into the night sky wondering what my children were doing with their dad and how my family in Minnesota was celebrating. I survived, I grew, and with each blessed year, I knew the best was yet to come...

Miss Dottie

PS  "Strange, isn't it? Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he? ~ Clarence, It's A Wonderful Life

Yes, Clarence, when he/she isn't around there is a hole in our lives. So often, we look so long at what we don't have that what we do have fades away never to be acknowledged. Knowing that, let us celebrate those people that are with us this Christmas and appreciate their presence!

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

Angels watching over Ruffy & Harmony

December 11, 2015
Friday

Dear Readers,

The countdown to Christmas continues:

We are enjoying some warm weather this week although I hear temperatures are about to drop reminding us that Winter does come to Texas. I took my furry kids out this morning for potty call and the dew was so heavy it almost felt like drizzle. Maybe the prelude to the rain we are to get tomorrow! At any rate, I feel it in my bones ... this is going to be a wonderful day.

I had a super busy day yesterday. I had been out doing errands and found my way to the Dollar Tree. If you've never been, it's a must go. I spent $15 and had my arms full with 15 items!! As I unloaded the car, I set my purchases on the patio and closed the gate behind me. It must not have latched securely because when I let my two sweet Pomeranian ladies out of the cottage, they pushed it open without me noticing. Usually they play in the backyard while I work on the patio so I didn't think much about keeping an eagle eye on them.

The other 4 dogs were in the casa yowling at the back door and I heard Michael let them out. All of a sudden, out of the corner of my eye, I saw them running down the driveway and we chased after them. When we got them back in the backyard, I counted noses and was missing Harmony and Ruffles. My heart sank knowing they must have gotten out when I got home.

Michael went in one direction and I went in the other.  Nothing...  They were out of sight and gone. My heart was pounding, tears welled in my eyes, and I could only muster, "Help, I need help." I walked back to the house, got in the car to drive the neighborhood. Nothing...

As Michael was walking west from our house, a lady in a white car stopped him and asked if he was looking for a little red dog. He said, "Yes." "Well," the lady said, "She is in the house (she described the house) down the street." Michael and I went further west and knocked on the door where we were told she would be. Those poms had traveled a long way from our home!

An older lady opened the door and we asked if she had a little red Pomeranian. She explained that she had been out and when she came home, there was a Pomeranian at the back of her driveway. Luckily, Harmony came to her. She was glad that she hadn't driven over her because she didn't see her until she got out of her car. We asked about Ruffles and she said she only saw one dog. Our hearts rejoiced at finding Harmony but saddened once we knew Ruffy wasn't with her.

Michael's hip was hurting from walking so he took Harmony in the car and they started driving not only on Franklin but covered Elm and Carr. Burning tears rolling down my cheeks, I walked back towards our house, knocking on doors and checking out bushes. All I got was no ... no ... no and no.  As I walked, I continued praying ... not just praying, begging God for help.

With each no or no one answering their door, I was feeling pretty discouraged. Finding a 4 1/2 pound dog who probably was hiding seemed impossible. I got to a house that looked like it was being renovated and nearly passed it by. Just then, there was a man who came around the house and I asked if he had seen a little fluffy red Pomeranian.

Mr. Varner explained that he had just come back to his house to feed his dogs and check on renovations and was about to head back to the motel. AND, yes (!) he had seen Ruffy when he fed his dogs. He led me back behind the house next door (no one was at home) and there, sitting in the middle of the backyard was Ruffy. Now, Ruffy doesn't see very well so until I called her, she was frozen, shaking, and frightened. Once she heard me, her big plume of a tail started waving in the air and I scooped her up. I hugged Mr. Varner and planted a big smooch on his cheek. We chatted a few minutes about why he was doing the renovations and then headed home.

I was thanking God ... singing ... skipping. Ruffy was clinging to my neck for dear life and I was hugging her. My mind was still racing and my heart pounding when I waved Michael down. He, too, gave a sigh of relief.

We could never have found Harmony and Ruffles on our own. Without the lady stopping to ask Michael if he was looking for a dog (now, who stops someone walking down a street and asks them that????) Harmony was out of sight, inside this ladies house and Ruffles was deep into the back yard of a house where no one was home. Mr. Varner had only come home for a few minutes and was just leaving... It was enough to make me understand that we had help that only could have been orchestrated by the God who hears our cries.

I wonder how many times we entertain angels unaware or how many times God uses people around us to work his miracles? As I tumbled into bed last night and was saying my prayers, I began thinking about the many times, He put the puzzle pieces together for me when all I could see was impossibility and jumbled messes.

Last evening after all the craziness, I got a text from my friend, Susie, saying, "I just want to say I love you." What timing!! This morning, my special daughter, Melissa, sent this verse to me and I've been meditating on it: "The LORD is my rock, my fortress, my deliverer, my God, my stronghold in whom I take refuge, my shield, the glory of my salvation, and my high tower." ~ Psalm 18:2

One of my
 favorite glass ornaments

It is the Christmas Season. A time to be thankful and appreciate the love of God. A love so deep that he sent his only begotten son (John 3:16) ~ a son who was born and crucified on a cross for sinners (sinners not saints!) ~ God in man form whose ministry has stood the test of time and scrutiny by naysayers. I, for one, will continue singing his praises until I take my last breath.

My God, my Savior, I thank you for answered prayers yesterday. I ask your blessings on my Readers today filling them with hope (whatever they are going through) this Christmas Season. Where there is need, I pray that those needs are met. I pray for jobs for the jobless; food for the hungry; safety for our country; wisdom for our President and leaders; and, I pray that pastors across the country would speak truth as they shepherd their flock. For the those that are sick, I pray for healing. For Kelli, eyes to see. Amen! As we gather together for Christmas parties, help to remember that You are the reason for this Christmas Season. We believe in YOU and trust in your omnipresence. Amen, it is so!!

God is good. He's so good to me!

Miss Dottie

PS  Last night at the ORCC Ladies Christmas Party, Neva brought a decoration her granddaughter made that made me think of this quote:

"Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before! What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas...perhaps...means a little bit more!" ~Dr Seuss, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

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

A Christmas to remember...

It's a countdown to Christmas Tuesday!

Pull up a chair by the fire, and let me tell you a story...

It was Christmas 1945, WWII was over. Boys who left to fight across the pond were coming home and it was a Christmas like no other. Church bells rang, choirs sang, families gathered to welcome home their husbands, wives, sons, daughters.  There were ticker tape parades and celebrations were going on from coast to coast.

FINALLY, there was peace on earth!

My father was one of those soldier boys who kissed the ground as he landed in New York City. He'd been in the thick of the worst battles of WWII and his emotions were raw. He came back to Minnesota to his family and his sweetheart. A wedding was scheduled for January 1946 and he was anxious to get on with his life and celebrate the American Dream.

Like many others, my father went back to his old job ~ a truck driver for the Soo Line Railroad. He took off his uniform preferring to wear a suit as he took my mother for his wife.  Their wedding in January 1946 was cause for celebration. Both families gathered at Grandmother Belle's farm home to wish them well. It was cold and snowing yet no one noticed.

The war had been won ... the Jews were freed from concentration camps and evil had been wiped off the face of the earth.

OR, was it??

Today, we are experiencing battles not only across the pond but on our own soil. The enemy prowls waiting to maim and kill. All we have to do is turn on our tv sets, listen to the radio, or read a newspaper ... it's there. Who knew that gathering for a company Christmas Party would bring death and terror this month in San Bernadino, CA.

As a nation, we know what we've been doing isn't working yet who do we believe can lead us forward? Personally, I am looking for a leader that is a man/woman after God's own heart. I am looking for strength in leadership that doesn't come from ranting and raving and blaming others. Good character is paramount! We are so fortunate to have the Internet to fact find ... history tends to repeat itself. Enough of smooth talking rascals...

We are experiencing battlefields in the heart, mind, and soul. Moral decay has reached new depths. We have leaders and citizens who are delusional to think that we can take God out of our government, schools, businesses, and family lives and remain untouched by the depraved and evil ones.

All this being said, as I was praying this morning, I broke out in song... Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me. I looked up on UTube and played it over and over. I realized then that I can make a difference one day at a time. As I walk in light, truth, and faith, I can pray ... I can share knowledge ... I can love my brothers and sisters in Christ, as well as my neighbors, sharing the reason for my strength, courage, and wisdom. I can stand up and not be afraid.

Let There Be Peace On Earth ~ Vince Gill

I hope you will listen to this song today. Do you want to walk with me in making this world a better place ... a country where our God reigns??

Miss Dottie

PS One of my heroes is Mother Teresa and she said "Peace begins with a smile." Join me in passing out smiles today!!

Through the eyes of a child

Dear Readers,

My goodness how time flies. It's been over 2 months since we sat down and chatted. I am of the notion that if I can't be an encourager then I retreat into my quiet place and regroup. I've had a lot on my plate, heart, and mind; and, although I know God is ultimately in control, I've struggled...

I am very fortunate to have my little cottage to retreat to ... it's like a big prayer closet!! I've been playing Christmas music and am enjoying the sights, sounds, and smells of the Christmas Season. I laugh because there are times when I am sweeping that I dance with the broom pretending I an am a child again. I look about me and hold the things near and dear and memories come flooding back.

The first Christmas I can remember was when I was a very small child. My family was invited to the home of my father's Aunt Bessie. She had a nutcracker from Norway that caught my eye and I headed for a place on the stair landing to examine it's gnarly beauty. (Actually, I was hiding because I didn't want anyone to take it away from me!) This was also the year, my Grandma Maggie took me upstairs to the room where my father was born ~ Aunt Bessie as midwife. To me, the room was so beautiful ... the fireplace was burning, the bed graced by a white quilt, and soft carpet beneath my feet. That night,  Bessie's home was filled with colorful lights, laughter, and the aroma of Norwegian dishes being prepared in the kitchen. How's that for a first Christmas memory?

Another Christmas, we traveled to my Aunt Laura's home. Aunt Eleanor had just had a baby, Michael, and we took turns going upstairs to see him. I even got to sit on the bed and hold him. The living room was decorated with a big fresh pine tree and, yes, there were gifts under the tree for all of us. We had our own new born babe that year and that was the most precious gift. Other years we feasted on chili, oyster stew, and crackers ... Uncle Harold got piles of cartons of cigarettes, the basement was filled with such loudness of talk and cheer that I could barely hear myself think ~ and, oh yes, Uncle Cloyde made sure the Christmas tree got bigger and bigger each Christmas so that we would ooh and ahh over it's beauty!

Although most of my childhood Christmas Eve's were spent at my Aunt Laura's, one Christmas I distinctly remember was at my farm grandmother's home. It was blizzarding outside and temperatures had dropped far below zero. The open farm yard was filled with cars that were covered with snow and my uncles had to get out the plow. The farmhouse wasn't very big so we scattered all around finding places to eat (my meal consisted of olives and more olives!) and open our gifts. My grandmother Belle got some high topped black tennis shoes (she raised chickens - tons of them!). I knew she got them every year out of need but I thought the beautiful light blue sweater we got her was better. Maybe not...she wore the black tennis shoes but I don't ever think I saw her wear the sweater. I learned a lesson from that ... sometimes it's important to fill a need not what I think someone should have.

My town grandmother, Maggie, always had such beautiful Christmas's. Aunt Alida played the piano and we all sang Christmas Carols. They spent the entire year making gifts for all of us ... hats, mittens, scarves, slippers, crocheted tablecloths, quilts... Grandma Maggie even made a little quilt for my dog, Tina (also known as Beans). She would greet guests at the door laying their coats on her bed. Many brought her big bags of food, and, of course, the annual bottle of Mogan David Wine. Her house was sooo small we were all literally on top of one another. No matter ... love was never more evident than at a Christmas at Bestemor's and Alida's. There too, the night was filled with laughter, song, Norwegian food, AND a toast to the next year. Everyone got a glass of wine and kids got wine in shot glasses. I also had my first taste of Coca Cola one Christmas. Grandma had a couple bottles and my cousins and I shared sips ... ohhhh, we thought it was so strong ~ it made us cough, then we would giggle...

Growing up, Christmas centered around family but also around church. Our school Christmas programs were all about singing Christmas Carols and skits. The church was filled with beautiful bows of holly, poinsettias, and a Christmas tree so filled with lights that they lit up the stained glass windows in the dark. I cannot remember ever missing a candle-lit midnight Christmas service where we held lighted candles and sang carols. I wonder if they still sing carols in Norwegian at Glenwood Lutheran?

I am so glad on Christmas Eve!

His praises then I sing;

He opens then for every child

The palace of the King.

Or, as we sang in Norwegian,

Jeg er sa glad hver julekveld

da synger vi hans pris;

da apner han for alle sma

sitt sote paradis.

Growing up in a little city by the lake was such a blessing and growing up with gifts from the heart rather than the pocketbook shaped me more than I realized at the time. I've had Christmas's filled with grandeur and gifts galore and I've had Christmas's alone without family and friends when I thought my heart was going to break. Yet, all in all, I continue to grow with each Christmas year after year...

"Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am in to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me." ~Philippians 4:11-13

God has always been with me ... wooing and loving me, speaking to me, guiding me and forgiving me. I began looking for him in the church when I was younger than 6. The door was never locked and I wandered about calling out, "God, you here?" It was there I began my journey.

"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." ~Jeremiah 29:13

It is the Season of Christmas and I am so very grateful for being able to share my life with you, my Readers, over the past years. Stories always have a beginning and mine was extra special. Although life got a little tough, I always had solid ground to stand on when the storms raged about me.

This is Christmas 2015. We live in a world of turmoil and fear. Last week 14 people were killed in San Bernadino, CA by 2 terrorists. The world I knew as a child no longer exists. America is divided by political leanings to the left and right. As a logic, fact-finding citizen, I often wonder how much longer the delusions of what is really going on will prevail. Then... I pray. I pray for my country, for our leaders, and for each citizen to open their eyes ~ for truth to be revealed and for light to cover our nation.

As for me, I have much to be grateful for. I have invested myself in the lives of others and am in a place where I can say, "My purse may be empty; yet, I am a very rich woman."

As the days move quickly to the celebration of Christ's birth in Bethlehem, I am as joyous as I was as a young child. Consider yourself hugged and bathed in prayer. The emails, texts, phone calls, and personal greetings I receive from you are as precious snowflakes falling from Heaven!

Miss Dottie

PS "Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time." ~Laura Ingalls Wilder