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!!
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