An Intercessor's Prayer

Saturday
September 19, 2015

Well good morning, Readers! I took a walk in the wee hours of the morning around my backyard gardens. When my daughter, Jill, was visiting last Monday, she made the comment that my gardens were full. Really? (Smile) I am always finding room for one more plant! My friends are always bringing me parts of their gardens and I love that!! I have some Moonflower seeds planted in a seeding container and a couple cactus leaves that I am babying. Jill brought me some packets of Texas Bluebonnets and I need to get those out this Fall.

The last night I was on Facebook, I felt drained and exhausted. I was having a tough time believing how naive so many of my fellow believers are. Our country is in such a mess and I am shocked at what a circus some of the presidential candidates have made of their bids to run our country. They should get academy awards as actors!

That being said, I decided to take a break from social media. My brain was getting fried with all the negativity that was being posted and I was spending too many hours doing research and fact finding. You're probably going to say that this is silly, but the Lord has really been impressing on me that I needed to be taking the time I was spending on Facebook to do more Bible reading and praying. I needed to soak in the Word, be wiped clean in the blood of Christ, and saturated with the oil from the light of Jesus's lamp.

One of the gifts given at my baptism was the special honor of standing in the gap for others. The Lord puts before me people needing immediate prayer. I see visions and faces which moves me to stop and pray. Sometimes, I am awaken from a sound sleep and in a sleepy haze am moved to pray. No, I am not insane and hearing weird voices, it's something I can't explain but other intercessors have assured me that it's real.

Thanks to my friend, Susan, I was planted in the Open Range Cowboy Church in Whitney, TX. Every Sunday I take careful notes and am growing continually. I like having a pastor who teaches from the Bible. I listen and leave on Sundays wanting to be a Christ-follower and doer. Believe me, it's a tough road to walk.

Not too long ago, I was given some information on a woman who hurt me and my family deeply. She was the type of woman that God talks about in Proverbs. She was once beautiful and alluring. Now? She is old, haggard, broken, and alone. She lives like a pauper, has COPD, and is frail.

You'd think that once I heard this I would be joyful. No, I really wasn't. I felt sad for her and wished that she would find her way to the Lord. Yes, she hurt me but I survived and have thrived in so many ways. Her choices in life have brought forth her destruction. It is true... "Vengeance is mine saith the Lord"!! It was my responsibility to follow His ways and His ways gave me peace. Today, here I am, praying for her and standing in the gap with absolutely no feeling of hatred. Now, that's how God works (if we let Him)!!

For sure, I'm not a saint and, believe me, I've struggled with slapping her upside the head, being jealous of her prettiness, and wanting her life (or what I thought her life was). I thought many times of giving her a piece of my mind; but, for whatever reason, I have remained quiet and kept giving the situation to the Lord.

Not sure if anything ever changed in her heart towards me but something did change in mine. My hurt began to lessen and I could actually speak her name in prayer without bitterness. When the Holy Spirit came to dwell inside of me, I became changed in every area of my life. For that alone, I am forever grateful to my Lord, my Redeemer, my Savior.

There have been quite a few people who have spoken to me (privately, thank goodness) about my allowing others to (seemingly) take advantage of me. Satan has fed my own insecurities about feeling unvalued and it's something I struggle daily to keep under control. If there's anything of value I can pass on, it's to surround yourself with other followers of Christ, pray daily, and keep filling your thoughts with positive words. I learned many years ago in Alanon that I needed to focus on my own sins before I judged others.

Dear Father in Heaven, today is a new day, the sun is out and my Fall flowers are starting to bud. My heart is so full of love for my brothers and sisters in Christ, my family, friends, and the country I live in. Forgive us, Lord, as we judge based on the way of the world ... accepting things we ought not to and downplaying our roles as Christians. Open minds to truth and light and help us to accept what is good, pure, and righteous. Bring my countrymen together dissolving barriers of ungodly influences. For those who are ill, dealing with financial woes, infidelity, and selfishness, I pray for miracles and relief. Protect your people Father God for we seek your mercy. Amen, it is so...

Miss Dottie

PS Let me share a little story.

My Ohio-planted daughter rang me up yesterday before I had opened my eyes. It's always fun to chat with her and catch up on what her family is up to. I was laughing because in mid sentence I heard her yelling at Teddy to "come back." Teddy (her sweet Corgi) was in the field next to their house munching on Goose Grease. Yuk! Oh the things our pets consider delicacies!

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

A bit of advice: listen to the One yelling "come back." We're all guilty of munching on Goose Grease thinking it's a delicacy!  Think about that one today ... (Smile)

Less than 1%

Friday
September 4, 2015

Come in to my world ~ if you dare..

Miss Dottie is feeling really dooby doo doo down today. Ever look forward to something and then afterwards feel like you want to walk into a dark cave and boo hoo?

Ever hear "love you" and get that knot in your throat that doesn't want to go away?

Can you ever really look honestly at people, not make excuses, and say, "That just sucks"?

Today was one of "those" days. No matter how many pep talks I gave myself, I just wasn't feelin' it. I listed all the things I had to be grateful for and crumpled up the paper and threw it in the waste basket. I yearned to walk along a lake or sea shore feeling the watery spray on my face and the sound of the gulls and loons filling my ears with music of nature. As it is, I took a walk among my flowers and listened to some crows cawing. Somehow, it didn't help.

I threw a real temper tantrum and poor Kennedy got an earful. What'd he do? He just jumped up in my lap and licked my ears. Thank God for my therapist, Kennedy ~ he didn't tell me I shouldn't feel miserable and sad, he just wagged his tail, and gave me a dog smooch. He hasn't left my side the entire day.

Michael reminds me regularly that I am in that less than 1% personality group (INFJs) and that most other people don't think like me, respond like me, behave like me, write like me, or love like me. He says I am deep. I am not part of the mainstream of people ~ not normal. Now isn't that just a kick in the pants?! Lordy, Lord, what did You do when you created me??

Ever feel that way? Like you're one of those misfits that wanders around trying to fit your round person into a square hole? Betcha have.

All that goobilty gook being said, God created each of us uniquely for a purpose; and, like it or not, we are who we are. To change our inner self means God made a mistake. Now, I'm not talking about manners or being a decent human being. I'm talking about personality types. We need to discover God's purpose for our lives then as Nike says, "Just do it."

When I'm feeling really confused and bombarded with thoughts, I have to stop and really ground myself. I take time to pray, meditate, and learn more about other people like me (that helps me not feel weird and crazy). Most people would not consider me an introvert but I am. I have always loved people and that has helped me to be more outgoing. I am passionate about causes I believe in and have a hard time backing down when I really believe in what I am supporting. I like what Pastor Dudley says, "If God said it, I believe it. If you don't, then take it up with Him." Sometimes, I just know what I know... Michael says he's learned to not second guess me.

Speaking of passion: When I step inside the Open Range Cowboy Church on Sundays, I literally feel the presence of the Holy Spirit. The first time, I walked through the doors, it nearly took my breath away.  I know, weird, BUT very true. Immediately that song, "I Am Standing on Holy Ground," flooded my brain cells.

I hope you will listen to the song I posted. If you're not feelin' it when you go to church, maybe you need to rethink where you're spending your time. Just my opinion. I might add, if where you're parking your blessed behind only makes you feel warm and fuzzy and doesn't teach from the Bible, you might re-examine your place of worship. I like it when I am confronted with my own junk that is keeping me from leading a more Christ-like life. I want pure, unvarnished truth about the Bible, about Jesus, and me, a sinner.

So, in all this chatter today what would Jesus do? I looked over at the chair across the room and imagined Him sitting beside lil Zoe. She's not a lamb but looks similar with her new haircut. I imagine Him looking at me with piercing eyes and a half smile on His face. "Hey there, I hand picked you to be in that INFJ group of 1% in order for you to carry out my plan. I am counting on you to count on Me." Well then...

I'll be me and you be you and let's try to get along in this crazy mixed up world. God's counting on his kids to reach up and out. He's given us a plan in a book called the Bible. Inside are the 10 Commandments (written in simple English), Proverbs (31 chapters ~ 1 for each day of most months) for learning wisdom, and a wealth of information about what happens when his kids go astray and how to get back under His wing. I learned a long time ago that I needed to get outside my own thoughts and do life His way. Somehow, it just works out better that way.

Proverbs 3:5-7 says, "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. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and turn away from evil..."

In all my thoughts and rants today, I finally found a peace in allowing myself room to throw myself a pity party. Life's not fair ... never has been, never will be. I can't fix other people nor can I make them value me as a person.  Sooo, I took out my little sweet book where I make notes on taking care of little Miss Dottie and did a little plotting, I gave my heart to Jesus and I'm excited to see what He's going to do.

Thanks for listening. I am human and I'm sure as heck not perfect. My scars cover my body like train tracks and my heart looks like a little patchwork quilt. Yet, through this day and until I take my last breath I am because HE IS the great creator, the great I AM.

Thinking about all of you Readers and praying that your day was a great one and that you joined me in wearing blue today to honor the men who wear the shield that protects us. Texas did it up right ~ our Governor Greg Abbott called for state wide backing of our officers calling them sir and ma'am!! I have no problem showing respect and doing that.

Miss Dottie

PS You may or may not like J Edgar Hoover but I am with him when he said:

"Truth telling, I have found, is the key to responsible citizenship. The thousands of criminals I have seen in 40 years of law enforcement have had one thing in common. Every single one was a liar."

Reaching out in retirement

September 2, 2015
Wednesday

Good Morning Readers!  I am perched up in bed, enjoying the first fruits of my day ... time with the Lord, time with my precious furry kids, and writing. I just love the early morning hours when it's still just a little dark outside. I turn on the lights to the Fall Tree in the cottage, light a few candles, and relish those moments of serenity.

When I started blogging in October of 2010, I really didn't comprehend where it would take me. I had reached a point in my life that retirement was staring me in the face, my children had lives of their own, and I was in a state of limbo. What next?

What started out as letters to my children and blogs of healing in my own mind, body, and spirit turned into much, much more. I knew that in being so open and honest, I would subject myself to criticism and some not so nice comments. I promised myself that I would leave no stone unturned and that others would know of my struggles from childhood through the years to adulthood. It was of paramount importance that I share the reason that I remained sane ~ my faith and the love that Jesus showered on me every step of the way. I wanted wellness more than I cared about being embarrassed and scorned.

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear;

but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

~2 Timothy 1:7

What surprised me the most, was that my blogs started moving ~ first to Germany, then Russia, then to places across the globe that I'd never heard of. As I was praying this morning, I realized that God gave me a way to serve Him in my retirement years. He blessed me; and, in turn, I could bless others with hope and joy in the journey.

I had no idea when I retired that I would end up with six precious pups - most of them rescues. My days began being filled with new adventures and causes. I also had no idea I would be led to the Open Range Church where I would find a joy in worship. Before I knew it, my life was, once again, full.

We go through different seasons in life ~ all of them important in their own way. I had an idea of how I wanted to live my life but God had different ideas taking me down some pretty uncharted territory. I wanted to grow old with my first husband, raising our children, and cherishing our grandchildren. That was not to be and for such a long time, I mourned that. As a single mom, I re-entered the workforce scared to death ~ God knew what I needed to raise my children and I excelled. I got jobs that I wasn't qualified for yet God equipped me. I look back in awe...

This past week, I received a friend request on Facebook from one of the ladies that attended the class I taught on The Power of a Praying Wife. Her beautiful smile immediately brought back memories of that particular group of women who became such fast friends meeting long after the class concluded ~ what an honor it was to shepherd them and touch each of their lives.

My neighbor has a deep aversion to anything involving the church and God. I see the hurt in her eyes and have wondered how I can reach her in the name of Christ. I share my stories of the Lord working in my own life AND continue to invite her to the Open Range Cowboy Church. She has such a big hole in her heart and I grieve for her. I thank God that I was able to go beyond bad church experiences and keep my faith intact. So many can't, calling churches places for hypocrites.

I could go on and on sharing stories of how God used the crap in my life for good. All I know is that as He walked with me, I not only survived but flourished. I wake up every morning wondering how I can reach others and make their day a little brighter. Today's words and actions determine tomorrow's steps to wholeness ~ for myself and maybe, just maybe, for someone else.

May the glory of the Lord shine upon you this day, my precious Readers. May you set aside your defensiveness, anger, bitterness, and hurt long enough to feel the warmth of the living God. Look about you ~ surely there is something for you to smile about. To live one's life without purpose is to have an emptiness that never goes away. God via his messengers will knock on your door ~ He will not break it down, you must open it and have trust in the one who never lies. Listen to the sounds about you ... watch people ... read The Holy Word ... let go of the pain and feel the sun-drenched freedom that moving forward brings! I did and you can too!!!!

Miss Dottie 

PS  Have a blessed day! Join me in stretching your wings and flying on a new adventure!! The sun is shining, the music of nature beckons, and I am saying, ready? set? gooo!!

Cotton Bolls

"Autumn carries more gold in its pocket than all the other seasons."

~Jim Bishop

Tuesday
September 1, 2015

"Best part of waking up is Folgers

in your cup!"

Wellll, a top of the mornin' to ya! It's a beautiful day in North Central Texas. It was cool this morning and I enjoyed some coffee on the back patio while the Sensational Six played chase. I love waking up slowly and preparing for my day. I don't know ... something about having to rush, rush, rush, just doesn't put me in the proper mind set.

We were coming back from Cleburne a few days ago and I spied some cotton in a field just outside Hillsboro. Michael screeched to a stop and agreed to get the cotton I wanted. He was sure he was going to get shot but there wasn't anyone nearby to ask.  Breathless, he got into the car with one stalk and I said, "More, I need more!" He rolled his eyes and gave me that look BUT headed back into the field for two more stalks. I was a happy camper and we headed home. I just knew the cotton bolls would fit in my farmhouse cottage decor.

I had posted this story on Facebook and my friend, Pam, said "Shame on you." Yep, Miss Dottie stole some cotton bolls. Luckily, I'm a sinner saved by grace. (That's what I'm telling myself.)

The stalks have been on the back patio for several days while I worked in my gardens but today I decided that it was time to do a little creating. I proceeded to cut the cotton boll stems off the stalks. I was surprised that I got so many cotton bolls to play with!

I gathered up my bolls, a wreath, some twine, wire, and set about looking for places to make some decorations. I had everything on hand so for the next few minutes, I was a worker bee, singing as I created. When my decorating juices are flowing, the joy thermometer goes bonkers! he he

Above the bed, a wreath:

By the back door in the bathroom, tucked a few loose bolls in the Autumn Blessings sign:

On my desk, a little bouquet reminding me of Fall and how much I enjoy the cooler weather:

On the chest, another bouquet to set beside my blessings pumpkin:

On the table next to my chair where I do my devotions and reading ~ another little bouquet to complement Mr. Squirrel:

Ah yes, Fall is in the air ~ in the cottage and in my gardens. Walmart had a wonderful selection of Fall Mums for 96 cents so I filled my cart and had hours of fun planting and cleaning out the beds for Fall yesterday. I was humming and feeling the presence of the One who created the first garden.

Fall is about bringing in the bounty of crops and being grateful for the blessings bestowed upon God's children. I am happiest in the Fall when the leaves turn and tumble to the ground ... when my gardens come alive with the colors of red, orange, gold, purple, and yellow ... when I can see the steam rising from my coffee as I snuggle up on the settee on the back porch. It's a time to breathe deeply appreciating and giving.

As I revel in my serenity and joy, there are others who are facing trials of impending death, chronic disease, cancer, deformity, surgery, heart disease, adultery, abuse, financial upheavals, job losses, aches, pains, and long recoveries. I pray for those on my prayer list and for those that my Lord brings before me. I pray for hope, for strength, for courage ~ I pray for wisdom for the doctors, nurses, and others who are involved in diagnosing and treating. For those traveling, I pray for safety. For those who have received good news, I thank you. For those new parents holding babies, I thank you. My God, You are the great I AM. You hold us all in the palm of your hands comforting and directing our paths. For that, I praise You! I don't understand why bad things happen to good people ~ yet, my faith tells me that You are in control. All of our days are numbered and I pray that we all make the most of the minutes we are given. Amen, Christ Jesus, it is so!!

Miss Dottie

PS  I hope that you will do a little creating of your own today. We all have God-given talents in many different areas ~ it's a shame not to use them.  Always remember how much you are loved and prayed for.  Until next time we chat...

  "Creating means living." ~Dejan Stojanovic