April Storms

April 27, 2015
Monday

Dear God,

Come on, let me push the branches off the chairs and let's sit awhile. That was quite a display of fireworks You put on last night. I came to Texas in 1970 and I don't think I've ever experienced a storm like that.

Many years ago, Dad Seidler had a storm shelter put in the back yard. It has walls over a foot thick, a heavy door that locks from the inside, and is equipped with vents and electricity. Thanks for thinking ahead, Dad!! Once I got inside, I snuggled down in my soft smell-good blankets with the 5 furry kids and felt very safe. Ruffy, Zoe, and I nearly fell asleep. How about that!! With a nasty storm raging, how could I have felt so peaceful? Maybe it was that everyone that mattered was in the shelter and we were safe. Maybe I knew You were in control. I said a prayer for the storm trackers and those who didn't have a shelter. Michael also said a prayer and we waited.

Storms seem to come when I least expect them. It looked like the storm was going to travel just north of us but, at the last moment, I heard the weatherman say, those in Hillsboro need to seek shelter immediately. What?? I wasn't quite prepared. I yelled for Michael to take some blankets and water to the shelter. Our 5 furry kids were nervous and were jumping up and down barking their heads off. By the time Michael took the blankets and water to the shelter and got back to the house, it was pouring rain. I handed Toby and Harmony to him and I grabbed Kennedy, Zoe, and Ruffy. We were all soaked with cold rain by the time we were all down in the shelter. Sure was glad to have the blankets to wrap up in.

We were listening to the rain and hail come down ~ I was trying not to think about my flowers and rose bushes. Michael had turned the light on but for some odd reason, I was wishing that I'd brought candles to light. I shut my eyes to heighten my senses ... when the hail pelleted the metal door, my heart skipped a beat. I opened my eyes wide when the pitter patter of hail and rain sounded more like a freight train. I doubt if we had any tornadic activity, (probably more like really loud thundering rain). We weren't in the shelter too long before there was a quiet stillness calling calling us back to the house. The storm was over as quickly as it started.

I remember when I was 7 or 8 and my brother a year younger. We were living in an old house on Franklin Street in Glenwood, Minnesota. My mother called from work and told us that there were bad storms in the area and possibly a tornado. We were to go to the cellar and stay there. I wasn't afraid, it was just another adventure. Now, let me tell you about the cellar ~ it had a coal bin, a dirt floor, and had wooden shelves lined with canned goods. There were clothes lines and a wringer washer & tubs in the center of the room. It was nasty, dank, and dark. My brother was scared but I told him if if the storm took our house, we could live in the cellar I was so sure that no matter what happened outside, we would be safe and still have a place to live. I'd remembered to bring my colors and paper with me so I drew a picture of our (possible) future dwelling. My dad got home at 4 o'clock and I couldn't wait to tell him of my plans. I am happy to report that we didn't have to live in the cellar ...ever!

Children have a way of making bleakness, sorrow, and destruction a stepping stone to something better. Maybe that's why You love kids so much. They trust, they celebrate, they dream. Even in the midst of storms, they are often able to flourish. It was a sad day for me in 2002 when I had to move out of my beautiful home, get rid of most of my worldly goods, and go to a small apartment. By the time, everything was loaded up, given away, and gone, my eyes were filled with tears. My little granddaughter, Madison, grabbed my hand and rallied everyone in the den. She proceeded to teach us the "Tooty Ta Song". I will be forever grateful to her for her caring nature and in giving me a pleasant memory to cherish forever. I decided to add the song to my blog. Don't feel silly dancing around in your living room!

Father, so often we don't understand the trials and tribulations of this earth. There are so many going through storms: illness, divorce, infertility, broken hearts, death of loved ones, and crushed bones.  Homes have been ripped off foundations, trees ripped from their places in the soil, and who knows what else. Please quiet the masses and deliver them from the unknown. Comfort their fears, and give them a reason to keep on keepin' on. Lord, the evil one lurks in dark corners and is ready to pounce on our hearts.  In your infinite wisdom, you know what your children need. Bring forth  that feeling of peace. One day at a time ... one storm at a time. You are in control, let us rest in that. Amen, it is so!

Miss Dottie

NOTE TO READERS:  "There's always another storm. It's the way the world works. Snowstorms, rainstorms, windstorms, sandstorms, and firestorms. Some are fierce and others are small. You have to deal with each one separately, but you need to keep an eye on what's brewing for tomorrow." ~Maria V. Snyder

The Termites of Life...

April 20, 2015
Monday

Dear God,

I am really feeling the need to talk with you this afternoon. It's our daily chats that keep me keepin' on. There are times when I kneel to talk to you but, for some reason, I like these times when I can envision you sitting beside me outside in one of the comfy rattan chairs close to me. Your presence calms me no matter what is going on.

I have had termites in the cottage. Easter morning, I put on my "high-heeled" shoes and oops(!) the heel went through the board in front of the closet. After a couple of tries to find a termite guy, we got a great fellow to come out and spray. Termites? GONE!! Lupe, the contractor who did the cottage, will be replacing the floor boards and repainting. He also has to sand, restain, and put a poly coat on some of the floors in the lil casa. I figure we will be back to normal by the end of May. Yay!! 

Termites are a common problem in redoing old houses and turning dilapidated garages into something livable.  Often times it's not if those pesky bugs will appear but when. Anyway, I am grateful that they didn't do more damage than they did ~ the boards can be replaced, and I can go on down the road handling the next hiccough on this path called life.

I was sitting outside yesterday, and I thought about how termites are like the sin that eats away at our lives. They appear pretty non-threatening; and, for quite some time, work behind the scenes. They flourish in wet, dank, darkness.  Seemingly invisible to the naked eye, they're eating away one bite at a time.

Ever been tempted and thought, "just this one time, no one needs to know." Unless I am unique, when we are tempted by the evil one (Satan knows our weaknesses, our Achilles Heels, our fears, and fantasies), the taste is there ... yummy, feels good! We can get puffed up, thinking we are bullet proof. But, before long, just like termites, the damage is done and oops, we fall. Not only do we fall, everyone around us knows ~ our sin is in the light. GASP!! SHAME!! BLAME!! Unless, we can find an accountability person and do some cleaning out ... mentally, spiritually, and physically, we are apt to live some pretty shallow, sinful, lives. I need an accountability partner because, left to my own devices, I can talk myself into anything. I hate that but I am aware that it is the truth.

You and I do business every morning and every night, don't we. There's just something about being transparent with You that helps me have a great day and a restful night. I want to be a better person because I love You and your son, Jesus. Psalm 139: 23-24 says: "Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way." I really want to see my faults. After Jesus died on the cross, the law was no more and gave way to grace. How grateful I am for the love ... pure unadulterated love. You loved us sinners that much!!

I think about this love note in the Bible:  For You so loved the world that You gave your only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  I wonder how many people would put their sons or daughters on a cross to be crucified for sinners, no less.

I experienced abuse as a child. Some from my parents but the major abuse came from predators known by my family. Now, think about this ... what if my parents put me on a cross to save my abusers? Tough one, eh? Well, You, my God loved us that much ~ incomprehensible to the average person.

There have been times when I've been so battered and my heart broken into a gazillion pieces. There have been times that I've felt so alone and vulnerable. I thank my paternal grandmother and my parents for taking me to church as a child where I learned about You, Jesus, and the Holy Ghost/Spirit. By the time I was confirmed and a member of the Lutheran Church, I knew, without a doubt that You were my best friend. As I weathered storms, I knew I could count on you to take care of me and You didn't disappoint.

I wonder. The news is full of teens who experience being bullied, pregnancy, and a host of other atrocities. If they don't know about Jesus, who can they turn to? So often, abortion, murder, or suicide seem like their only options. It saddens my heart because I know that without Jesus, Satan would have led me into promiscuity, drugs, alcohol,cheating, lying, and the list goes on and on. As it was, my conscience was too big for me to enter the world of darkness. I had a therapist say to me during a particular tough session, "God has been with you from birth and has had his hand upon you. Most people who have gone through what you have wouldn't be sane."

My secrets had to be brought into the light, evil tapes in my subconscious needed to be addressed and replaced with Your words of affirmation. I'm not kidding You ~ there were times that I didn't think that I could face my demons ~ but, I did and my Readers can too!!

Thank you for giving me the gift of eternal life. Thank you for opening the door and for me having the courage to walk on through. Life is good now. Amen!!

Miss Dottie

NOTE TO READERS:  Why is it that we, so often, shape God into who we believe he is?We look for relationships and churches that meet our idea of a moral life forgetting about what God desires? Why do we not read his word? Food for thought...

I am continually finding myself taking my salvation for granted. Why do I say this? I say it because I don't spend nearly enough time giving thanks to the Lord Almighty for all He has done for me.  I attend a church in a little town just 14 miles away that is filled with love for the Lord and for it's members and community. Each Sunday, I am aware of how little I give and how much I get. I guess I could find a church close to home but I know I am where God wants me. I have been asking for a car for months now but I need to be patient and do the things I can without wheels! I pray that as you reflect on your own salvation that you consider what you can do to show God how much you love Him. Amen?

I am a big fan of people who offer words of wisdom as I move forward in life. Kristin Armstrong said: "I write about the power of trying, because I want to be okay with failing. I write about generosity because I battle selfishness. I write about joy because I know sorrow. I write about faith because I almost lost mine, and I know what it is to be broken and in need of redemption. I write about gratitude because I am thankful ~ for all of it."

Always remember, my Readers, you are loved and prayed for ... Ya You!!

Thank You for the Past, Present, Future!

Thank you!

April 10, 2015
Friday

Dear God,

I heard you at the front door of the lil casa ~ go around to the side of the house and let's sit on the patio today. The Trumpet Vine is really tooting it's horn and it's so peaceful there. I am feeling very filled with gratitude this morning. Oh, I know I have things that I wish were different yet those don't seem to matter and I am remembering the good, the fresh, the blessings! Sorry, I don't have any wine but how about some sweetened iced tea? You're in your robe, I'm in my robe. We're good!

Last Sunday was Easter. I was in kind of a purple funk because I spent most of the day by myself. I am a big family person so I decided to recall those happy Easters when I was surrounded by family and close friends.  I remembered what You did for me on the cross and that little voice, "If all you have is Me, am I not enough?" (John 14:8) Yes, You are! I remembered this song we used to sing at Grace Church. I dug around in UTube and found it. All the glory of past, present, and future is good and I smiled.

Father, all my days were ordained of You (Psalm 139:16). Looking back I can see why things happened the way they did and today, I know for certain that You are there ... period ... past, present, future. I attended the Open Range Cowboy Church on Easter morning and, as usual, was so filled by the Holy Spirit that I was overflowing. When we had the opportunity to shake sumbuddies hand, I said a little prayer for each person I touched. I knew that there were probably others who would dine alone that day and I wanted to give them a blessing and a smile.

If the Open Range Church would have presented itself years ago, I don't think I would have been receptive. I was a city girl entrenched in the doctrine of Martin Luther. When we were thinking of moving to be closer to Mom Seidler, I prayed and knew that it was the right thing to do. When I got here, I was so unhappy. I was away from family and friends that I'd known for years and boy howdy, I was downright sad. I'd say, "Why Lord, why did you bring me here?" I hit bottom, and hit it hard. I think that if I'd had a flush bank account, I would have flown the coop, not looking back. I had to decide and I chose to be obedient to You and trust that You knew what was best for me. All I needed to do was get up off the ground and be open to your promptings. Look at what I would have missed had I packed up and left. You knew ~ I just had to be patient!

Along came Susan and John ... they invited and invited and invited. One day, I just said, "Michael, whether you go with me or not, I am going to church." I've never looked back. My life seemed to fall into place and I felt that radiance coming back into my spirit. I must write about obedience in another blog because that's another story that needs telling. I am feeling a little cut off from extra church activities because I don't have a car but, I know You are working on that for me and I am going to be a happy camper. For now, I must be content meeting those that attend on Sunday mornings. I figure that this is Step 3, in my journey there (the first was accepting Susan's invitation, the second was joining the church). Step 3 has been being a regular attender ~ learning names, and doing what I can to encourage.

Whoa! Homer, Carolyn!!
I want to climb on and go where y'all are going!!

For whatever reason, I have met some salt of the earth folks who love You a lot! Branden made me a church diary and pen to record each Sunday's songs and messages. Pastor Rick made a leather cover for a Bible (as it turned out, it was the exact same version of the Bible that I used in a two-year Word and Witness Study. Now, it's MINE! AND, last Sunday Edwin (the Open Range Band drummer) gave me the sticks he used to record the band's second CD. From more women than I can count, I have received wisdom, encouragement, and an offer of friendship. It's blowing my mind. One Sunday, a woman that I had not seen before tapped me on the shoulder and said, "I don't know how old you are, but as I grow older, I want to be like you." Now, that's another story for another time but I knew it was You affirming that I was beautiful in Your eyes. Nancy B also gave me a message Sunday and I almost lost it. Angels unaware!!

I have my own version of Naomi & Ruth...
Gosh, there's two ladies that always make
my day a bit brighter. Vivian & Susie...

Thank you my King for where I am now in life. My natural personality would be that of a Type B ~ low key, steady, creative. HOWEVER, push me against a wall and my Type A tendencies come out and my nails are sharp as daggars!! God says I am wonderfully complex. Others, might say I am ... well, complex with a driving edge.  I am because You are I AM! (John 8:58) Think on that one awhile!!

Father, Son, Holy Spirit, thank you for restoring what the locusts have eaten (Joel 2:25). I am reminded that I live on Your time. My prayers for Miss Vivian were answered and I could have hugged the stuffing out of her at church. I am missing someone and haven't seen him in awhile (Crazy Mike). Please touch him wherever he is and bring him back to his seat on the front row. I want to lift up my friend, Peggy, whose son just passed away ~ oh Father, comfort her at this time. For those on my prayer list, I pray for tenacity when the going gets rough, for peace in doing what You ask and leaving the consequences in Your hands. Death has come calling over the past week ... some expected, some sudden and tragic. Be with those as they grieve. One of the pastors I admire so much, Pastor Steve in Costa Rica, has had the crud. Just as he prayed for my concerns, I prayed for his. Isn't that what it's all about? Helping to carry our brothers' and sisters' burdens (Galatians 6:2) should come naturally but, alas, so often it doesn't. It's about to rain AND my friend, Beverly just invited me to lunch. Help me to reach her for You!! She's such a good person but very anti-Christian anything. To You goes my glory, to You goes my praise, to You, I give my life!! Amen, it is so!!

Miss Dottie

NOTE TO MY READERS: When life gives you lemons, I have a great recipe for not only lemonade but some mighty good lemon bars that you can sink your teeth into. My Gratitude Journal overflows and I welcome this day and the days ahead!!

I read something about prayer the other day: While one person is praying for rain, another is praying that it would stop. While one person is praying that a loved one may live, the loved one is praying to "go home." We can rest in knowing that God sees the big picture while all we have is our feelings and a snapshot in time.

Always remember how very much I love you and pray for you.

YA YOU... every single one of you!!