An aha moment in time...

August 21, 2013

Dear Readers,

I'm sure many of you have read the columns published by The Grumpy Gardener.  I do read them and get a kick out of the way he tackles questions.  I was standing outside looking at my back yard and feeling pretty darn grumpy myself.  I sat down in the middle of the yard and, all of a sudden, my hand felt something mossy.  I looked down and, AHA, something clicked.  I've learned so much since I started gardening and today was no different.

I've been trying to grow some grass since late Spring.  I have patches where the grass looks okay (not great) and other areas where it just plain looked nasty.  All of a sudden, I began thinking about the parable of the sower.

Mark 4:  The Parable of the Sower

"The farmer sows the word. Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them. Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful. Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop—some thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times what was sown.”

How could I expect to have my seeds produce much fruit if I was sowing them amongst weeds and a thatch that was covering the good soil?  I began to work ... I started pulling weeds and removing the thatch that was choking out the seed.  I filled one bag then started on another before my hands gave out.  It was a start.

I know in my own life, I've had to remove the thatch and weeds before there was room for consistent improvement and joy.  I've talked a lot about removing the old tapes.  What we think about gets bigger and bigger and if all we can experience (whether conscious or unconscious) is the crummy stuff, our attitudes get bogged down.  Make sense?

Jesus spoke a lot about reaping and sowing.  He liked being in a garden to pray.  I've wondered why he did but now I am fully convinced that it was his way of speaking to the masses ~ the farmers who feed the world.  As I read The Word, I am convicted, blessed, and propelled forward.

Today, I cleaned up an area about 12 feet long and 3 feet wide.  Actually, the dirt looks a whole lot better than the tufts of weeds and dead stuff covering the ground.  I feel better.  I did something positive towards growing grass.  Are you laughing at me?  That's ok...  I'll be posting some photos of my beautiful grass before long!!

Always remember you are loved and prayed for ... YA YOU BETCHA!  (Had to get in a little of my Norwegian heritage there!!)

Miss Dottie

PS  “However many years she lived, Mary always felt that 'she should never forget that first morning when her garden began to grow'.”  ~Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden

I wonder if Mary had to remove some weeds and thatch??  (giggle giggle!)

Sometimes...

I have often thought what a melancholy world this would be without children, and what an inhuman world without the aged.

~Samuel Taylor Colerige

August 19, 2013

Dear Readers,

I am sitting in the cottage this Monday morning gazing out the french doors. The birds are enjoying their breakfast of seeds, nuts, and fruits ~ I especially love the cardinals! A rather large squirrel is sitting on the back of the bench under the big tree. I have been holding Harmony wishing that she was whole and didn't have a bad heart. My grandsons went home late Saturday leaving a big hole that had been filled with their exuberant joy and activity. Today is Michael's and my 10th anniversary. My granddaughter was in a car accident this morning ~ not her fault, she's ok, boy at fault will fix her car. Lots of things for me to ponder...

Sometimes, I have this overwhelming sadness inside of me that permeates my entire being. It comes at times when life just plain hurts and steals my peace. I am usually a very optimistic, upbeat, and joyful person so I'm glad those times don't come often or last very long. I read some scripture this morning and even that didn't break up the shroud of darkness.  Tears have rolled down my cheeks and I'm not sure I know even why. Maybe, I am just being human and experiencing one of those days when I am sensing life in all its reality ... the wonderful, the good, the bad, the ugly.

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. ~Psalm 34:18

Sometimes, I wish I could travel to a cabin in the woods, next to a beautiful lake. I would walk along the shore with my dogren at my side appreciating the beauty of nature. My heart always goes back to dreams of a simple life. My little cottage will need to do for now.

Sometimes, I wish family was closer and we could experience the fun I had growing up with lots of relatives close by. There is something comforting about growing older and being able to watch the young ones as they are beginning their lives and experiencing everything for the first time. While my grandsons were here, I basked in the sunshine of their joyful spirits. They are almost 10 and 7 ... everything is an adventure to them which also fuels my adventurous bent. Spending time with them does make me smile!!

Cameron Park Zoo
Zachary & Nicholas
"Look Grandma, the snake ate us!"

Sometimes, I look around me and wonder how I got here. Oh yes, choices got me here. Some good choices, some not so good choices. The old adage, "Life is about choices," is true isn't it...  The road of life has so many twists and turns. Today I am drawn to reread HIND'S FEET ON HIGH PLACES. If you haven't read it, please put it on your list of must reads. It's a classic, chock full of wonderful messages. As children we don't always have opportunities to make good choices ~ often they are made for us. Then, we grow up and things should be different. Sometimes we get stuck.

“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, Hind's Feet on High Places

Sometimes, I just need to have a day that involves meditation, prayer, and praise. On days when all of my emotions are running around like the rabbits in my backyard, I need to remember that if all I have is God, then, that is enough.

Sometimes, I wonder if you, too, have days when you feel like there is a shroud of darkness wrapped around you and it's difficult to breathe. Times when you feel lifeless, depleted of energy, and your positive outlook is a bit off. To say "no" wouldn't be quite honest, would it...

There is one thing for sure, you can always count on ~~ me praying for you, and sending love your way!!

Miss Dottie

PS  The soul would have no rainbow had the eyes no tears. ~John Vance Cheney

Shy Ruffles has a voice...

I love to have my photo taken!

August 19, 2013

Dear Mom's Readers,

Hi, I'm Ruffles and I get to take a turn at putting my paws on the keyboard. It's been a pretty nice day here at my new home in Central Texas and I spent some time outside with my new mom while she did a little gardening and watering.  I like following her 'cause she looks down at me every now and then and says, "Hi sweetheart, how's my princess today?"  It feels so good to have someone speak softly to me in a way that makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

That's my sister Harmony in front

My sister, Harmony, and I came to Texas from a Recycled Poms rescue trip to Arkansas. They called us a bonded pair which is true.  I don't know what I'd do without my sister. We sleep together and follow each other around. Sometimes, we play like we are cats and clean each other's faces. Mom just smiles and says, "That's my girls!"  I'm glad we were adopted together, I know Harmony would have been okay but I would have been so scared. Harmony has looked out for me my whole life and I'd be lost without her.

Boo Hiss!

First of all, we got taken to Pom Central ~~ a place where all the new dogs go for evaluation and checkups. After that, we went to a foster home THEN, we went to our furever home.  All I had ever known was being born then having puppies every time I went into heat.  I was proud of my puppies.  They were so cute and brought a pretty penny in for my owner.  I guess, people call the place where I lived a puppy mill.  Lots of bitches, a few stud dogs, cages, and more cages. I didn't go outside, my cage was tiny, and I spent most of my time alone. It was hard on me (I weigh only a little over five pounds) having so many babies but at least when I had my puppies, I wasn't alone.

I hope my babies got good homes.  Dogs don't always you know. Sometimes we are dispensable when we are too much trouble.  We are often times an impulse purchase because we are so darn cute when we are puppies ... then, people realize that we need to be taken outside to potty, socialized, fed, and taken to the vet.  "That damn dog needs to go!"  Ouch...

I love hiding in Mom's gardens.

My cage wasn't very sturdy and I learned to walk on more than just my paws. That made my legs deformed but at least I wasn't falling through my cage. My legs sort of go out to the sides so I like to be held flat on my belly.  Mom sings to me about Jesus and how he loved me and saved me from a life of neglect and pain.  I don't know much about this Jesus but Mom seems to think he rocks the world!!

I must admit, I am a scardy cat.  I want to come to Mom and Dad when they call me but I wonder if they will just grab me by the scruff of my neck and put me in a cage. Mom has a cage but the door is always open.  Still... I wonder.  I've been with my new family awhile now and I'm getting used to my surroundings.  Mom says that consistency will help me get rid of my fears. I get up with my brothers and sisters about 6:30am, head out to potty, then we eat about 7am. Mom likes to do her gardening while it's still cool so we play in the gardens until 11. Then, mom says, "Everybody inside ... nap time." We get a treat and snuggle in our cuddle beds for a couple hours.  Sometimes she lets me nap next to her on the couch while she does blogs ... I like that but it still makes me nervous to be on the sofa.  That's unfamiliar territory.  I have a lot to learn and unlearn.

We all have a special line up when we eat
~ that's me in the middle.

We eat again at 4:30pm and romp and play after that. Dad gets home about 5:30pm from his job at managing the college bookstore and we all run to meet him.  I run too but I stay at the back.  He calls my name but I'm still not too keen on allowing him to pick me up.  I don't know why men scare me but they do.  Mom says I've come a long way but I don't know.  Life for me was painful for many years and I associated humans with hurt.  I stayed away from them and just did my job ~~ having babies.

Nappin' by Mom!

I wonder if Mom and Dad will send me away if I take too much time to heal. They tell all of us~ Sadie, Toby, Kennedy, Zeke, Harmony, and me ~ that we're not going anywhere no matter what but I still wonder.  I wish I could be more like Harmony and jump into relationships head first. Mom tells me that it's okay that I am shy.  I dunno though, sometimes I get the heebie geebies and my fears get the best of me.

Mom's two grandsons came to visit last week.  Nicholas made friends with me.  He liked to hold me on his lap, pet me, and talked to me in a voice kinda like Mom's. I'd never been around kids so it was a new experience. He didn't yell at me or try to grab me and pull my fur. If all kids were like Nicholas, that would be fine by me!  My brother, Zeke, freaked out and barked his head off so he spent a lot of time in the cottage.  I tried to tell him it was okay but he wouldn't listen.  This time, he was the fraidy cat!

Me and my friend, Nicholas,
get our photo taken.

It's getting to be late in the day.  Harmony has been pretty sick again (she has an enlarged heart and fluid builds up in her lungs) so I'd better go see if she's okay. She had a breathing treatment last Saturday which made her feel better but today, she is panting and wheezing.  I worry about my sister and lay close to her.

If you are thinking about adding a dog to your family, considering adopting rather than shopping. If you're buying from a breeder, insist on visiting the site and looking into the conditions of their business. Anyone can build a pretty awesome site and tell you want you want to hear. Seeing is believing!

Good ole St. Francis

This Jesus Mom talks about...  I know he must be real because he made it possible for Recycled Poms to come get me and Harmony.  He made it possible for us to get the medical and dental care we needed and for us to be placed in a home where we are safe and loved.  Mom got a St. Francis statue for the Fall Garden - St. Francis liked animals just like this Jesus did. My brothers peed on it but I like to just look at it. My brothers are rascals!

Mom is getting ready to light some candles, fill her claw foot tub with bubbles, and so a little soaking.  I like to lay on the towel by the tub ... hmmm, it smells so good in there!  Don't worry, Mom won't forget to pray for you, she loves y'all a lot!!

Thanks for listening to my story!

Ruffles aka Ruffy

PS  "A dog is not a thing.  A thing is replaceable.  A dog is not.  A thing is disposable.  A dog is not.  A thing doesn't have a heart.  A dog's heart is bigger than any 'thing' you can ever own. ~Elizabeth Parker, Paw Prints in the Sand  

I made friends with Zachary too ~
his ears needed cleaning and
he smiled when I gave him a smooch on the cheek!

  

The Angels Messages

My Bonded Beauties!

August 12, 2013

Dear Readers,

What a gorgeous summer day in North Central Texas albeit a bit hot.  I got up early, got the dogren fed and took them out for a romp in the gardens.  It's always fun when I am able to sit back and watch them run, jump up into the air, and play.  Luckily I had my camera with me this morning so I could get some shots of them.  They are like little children.  They'll play then all of a sudden stop and run to me to make sure that I am there to protect them.  I love it!!

I woke up with boundless energy and made plans to clean the house and cottage; do laundry/iron; and do a little decorating for Fall.  I just love it when everything is squeaky clean and that faint scent of Pine-Sol fills the air.  I finished up the cottage, stepped outside and WHAM, I tripped over a pot and down I went.  I really feel stupid when I do stuff like that.  Luckily, I didn't break anything; however, my right side is pretty sore.  I had five dogren all over me, licking me to make sure I was okay.  Little sweethearts!!

My workday came to a quick close and I decided to have an afternoon tea party.  My neighbor came over and we planned some outings this week.  Always nice to have something to look forward to.  AND, my grandsons are coming to stay for a few days. OMG, I am so excited that I can hardly stand it.  They've never stayed for more than overnight so I am doing the happy dance.  Ever seen a little lady with white hair jumping up and down to the tune of Zipity Do Dah?  Well, that's me, never mind my sore side!!

Harmony Jane 8/12/2013

It is so quiet here tonight (except for the dogren snoring!). I had some really smelly dogs stinking up my space so I decided to take a deep breath and line them all up.  Six dogs + six baths + 2 brush outs + 4 brush outs/blow dries = 1 Mom with an aching back and a pile of red/blond/white dog hair.  Sure does smell good around me now!!  (Laugh) I love watching them sleep so contently.  Harmony had a hard time breathing tonight so I am keeping her close and will check on her throughout the night.  She is quiet right now but I still hear the congestion.  I'll call the vet in the morning and I am thinking he will want to weigh her, listen to her heart/lungs, and give her a breathing treatment and another round of meds/shots.

As I do each night, I light a candle, gather my doggies around me, meditate and pray.  Tonight, I was deep in the throws of listening to some soft music and all of a sudden, my eyes opened and I shouted out, "Lord thank you for angels unaware."  I looked around and wondered where in the dickens that came from.  I knew because I'd been thinking about angels the past week or so.

It's an old wives tale that when you see a feather, an angel has left it's mark.  This summer, I've seen so many in the gardens and one in the cottage (I've never seen them before in the ten years we've either visited or lived here).  I look skyward when I find them, smile and say, "Thank you for your message and presence."  I didn't pick them up and when I looked for them later, they weren't to be found. Next time, I'll remember to pick it up when I see it.  Call me a little loco but I truly believe they are reminders that I am being watched over.

For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

Psalm 91:11

Gardenias in August

There is such comfort in knowing that my Lord is with me 24/7.  There is such joy in knowing that as beautiful my garden is here on earth, my garden in heaven will be magnificent.  There is such peace in knowing that my heritage is that of a God-fearing people and I am so excited to meet all my ancestors in heaven.  I will be all ears getting first hand reports of how the Lord was a part of their lives. 

As the candles flicker and the sound of praise floats throughout the cottage, I am filled with thoughts of the sandman.  (My mother used to tuck me in at night telling me that the sandman would visit me and fill my eyes with the sprinkling of sandy sleepies)  Now that the ickies of the past are gone, there is room for the good stuff that I experienced with my mother.  Sometimes, I cry thinking about all the lost years.  I cannot go back, so I move forward knowing that I tucked my children in with love and now, I am able to tuck my grandchildren in with love. That's the good part!!

I'll say good night and give you a prayer and a promise ... YOU are loved ... YA YOU!!

Miss Dottie

PS  He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.  ~~Psalm 91:14 

A Few Pieces

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.~~Matthew 6:21 (ESV)

August 3, 2013

Dear Readers,

Good evening!  A few good pieces, pieces that are fraught with wonderful memories of past, present, and future... There are documentaries on television of wealthy people with their rooms full of treasures ~ collections, trophies, photographs.  To them more is never enough; to me, less is more.

Grandson Zach
"Come on Grandma,
we've just gotten started!"

Last year, I packed up a house in McKinney to move to a much smaller house in North Central Texas.  I experienced a frustrating time of paring down and having to decide which pieces would make the trip.  I kept thinking, "There will be no U-Hauls when I head to Heaven."  That ALWAYS keeps things in perspective for me.  I still managed to fill a U-Haul truck and a moving truck which got moved directly into storage.

but test everything; hold fast what is good. ~1 Thessalonians 5:21 (ESV)

I gave as much as I could to my son, took pieces to a consignment shop, and had a couple of huge garage sales.  After the last garage sale I donated everything to the Paw Pals fund raising garage sale for animal rescue in Hill County.  Now, I have the storm shelter full and a big shed full with some things on consignment at the Antique Mall.  That's still too much to have but when Fall gets here, I will pare that down as well.

June 2012 ~ Garage Sale #1

Today, I keep two things in mind, tranquility and simplicity.  I still love to meander through the antique stores and specialty shops ... "Just looking, thank you" has been my new motto.  (smile)

A few weeks ago, I purchased a bistro set at an antique shop for the meditation garden.  I had to get my neighbor to take me in her truck to pick it up and, of course, we had more time to saunter through the aisles. Something caught my eye ~~ a little English tea cup that had been hand painted was partially hidden by a crocheted shawl.  I pulled it out and it had me at $15.  It was from the turn of the century and in perfect condition.  I had a place for it and I knew that it was going to be one of a few pieces that would make my heart sing.  No memories connected except that it fit perfectly in with my Country English decor & when I touched it, I felt a warmth from another era.  Goofy, I know, but it happens all the time to me.

Breakfast tea in bed for one!!

Balance activity with serenity, wealth with simplicity, persistence with innovation, community with solitude, familiarity with adventure, constancy with change, leading with following. ~Jonathan Lockwood

A cabinet full of a few treasured pieces!

As I walk through the little casa and cottage, I am reminded of times from long ago and the history behind a few precious pieces ~~ a small china dish from Grandmother Belle, my father's dog tags that he wore in WWII, photos, the sterling silver that took so many years to accumulate, my Bibles, old books, a fife from the Civil War, and on and on.  There are some pieces that I pick up and hold, "just because."  My Grandmother Belle's autograph book that has hand written notes in it from her children Charles and Laura and her husband, Harry catch my eye every now and then and I pick it up to read.  They held it, over 100 years ago, now I am holding it. The love letters to my mother from my father?  Too priceless for words.

I am a sentimental sap that wonders if someone else will treasure my treasures.  I wonder if my few treasured pieces will fill dumpsters, second hand shops, garage sales or antique malls.  My best friend and Savior reminds me that my best treasures are ahead of me.  What a day that will be to run towards my Lord and the people that have gone on before me for hundreds of years. I'll be listening to some mighty people telling me about their lives and the few pieces that meant something to them.  I will also be waiting with open arms for my own family that comes after me.

As you walk through your spaces today do you have a few pieces that stand out from the rest?  A few pieces that make your house a home?  Do you have a few pieces of treasure in your mind?  Your baby's first laugh? It's important to take those trips down memory lane because in order to know where you're going, you need to know where you came from.  I just published my third blog book ~ my gift of my thoughts, dreams, flops, successes, dreams, struggles, and joys to my family.

Family for Better or Worse 2012
Published 2013

Always remember you are loved and prayed for.

Miss Dottie

PS  Smile. Today would be a wonderful day not to take life so seriously. Today may end up the way you prefer, and it may not. Happiness is not about being a winner, it's about being gentle with life, being gentle with yourself. Let life be a dance, and choose the kind of dance you want for today,perhaps a gentle loving dance. ~Jonathan Lockwood

My Secret Garden

The Texas Garden

"If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need." 

~Marcus Tulius Cicero

August 1, 2013

Dear Readers,

The lazy hazy days of summer are upon us.  Triple digit temperatures make being outdoors kind of miserable.  I shouldn't complain because we've had an unusually pleasant summer this year with record lows.  I must confess, I am getting the bug to pull out my Fall decorations.  I absolutely love Fall in Texas!  So does my garden which has been planted with two main seasons in mind: Spring and Fall.

I have always wanted a space that didn't function as anything other than a retreat and a place to imagine, dream, and pray.  2013 has been the year that I reached the back fence ... Welcome to my Secret Garden!  

The Cottage Garden

This has been a year of back-breaking, brow mopping, digging, and planting. It's been a long tedious process but one that has been good therapy, exercise, and offered a sense of accomplishment.  I guess I could have concentrated on doing the front yard first so that I could share the beauty with others but I preferred to make my endeavor more private. When folks visit, they say, "I would have never guessed..."

"God Almighty first planted a garden.  And indeed, it is the purest of human pleasures." ~Francis Bacon

I have attempted to create vignettes of nooks and crannies where I can sit down and reflect on the world, the Lord, and my inner self.  The plants are smaller now but when they mature, they will envelop small spaces with scent, greenery, and serenity.  Each stone and plant has been placed with a purpose.  God has provided plants from the lot across the street, my neighbors, and from the sale tables at Lowe's, Home Depot, Bonnie's Nursery, creek beds, roadsides, and a myriad of other small nurseries in Central Texas.  My secret garden has been very budget friendly!!

The Mexican Garden

The Little Casa ~ 2010

This morning I stood at the back door scanning the back yard.  I started thinking about the sparse grass, the empty spaces where several plants have bit the dust, and how much I needed to do.  Then, I reminded myself what this patch of barren ground looked like when I began.

Thanks for stopping by for a glimpse of my secret garden!  It probably will never be done because my garden is a living, evolving creation.  I've given you just a peek into how I spend my mornings!  Give me my Bible for morning reading; some prayer time; a shovel, plants, and a hose for digging/planting; and time with my precious dogren and I am set for the day!!

Always remember you are loved and prayed for ... each and every day!!

Miss Dottie

PS  "The glory of gardening: hands in the dirt, head in the sun, heart with nature.  To nurture a garden is to feed not just the body, but the soul." ~Alfred Austin

It's a glorious day that the Lord has given me.  Let me remember that I have much to do to make the world a better place each and every day!  How about you?  Want to join me?  Let's chat again soon!!

The Secret Garden & The Cottage
It all began with a vision & a dream...

Faith Can Move Mountains

July 28, 2013

I have a bunch of sleepy dogren laying here and there about the cottage.  Kennedy has discovered a blanket in the closet and has decided to claim it as his personal space.  I went in a little bit ago to check on him and he was sawing logs.  He was laying on his back with his feet up in the air.  His tongue was hanging out and he looked like road kill.  Where was my camera when I needed it??!!

I was thinking today about the roads I have taken, the zigs and zags, the highways and byways, the mistakes and triumphs all culminating here in Central Texas 2013.  I was thinking about how very grateful I am to have arrived here safely with a sound mind and positive outlook.  I was thinking about how blessed I have been to have received the spiritual gifts of Faith, Wisdom, and Mercy.  How do I know I have these gifts?  If you're a member of a church, often times they will give spiritual gifts tests so that they know where you would be best suited to serve.  I took one back in the 1990's and then again not too long ago.  Nothing had changed.  You can also look on the Internet ~~ there are spiritual gifts tests you can take for free.

When I am using my gifts, I am filled with a confident joy.  My blog allows me to share my faith, wisdom, and encouragement to those who have walked down paths similar to mine.  Faith is my core; it is my cornerstone.  I live boldly for my Lord and am not afraid to speak up and tell others about my experience and hope.  Jesus said that even a small amount of faith could move mountains (Matthew 17:20; 21:21).  Some years ago, my husband and I attended Elevate Life Church.  They sang the song about faith moving mountains ... I've never forgotten it and will find myself chanting it over and over.  At the time, I thought those folks were downright crazy jumping up and down and waving their arms and hands in the air.  Now?  I'd be one of those crazy nuts on fire for the Lord!!  Listen to the video then tell me if you aren't whistling the chorus as you go through your day!

"Faith, I can move the mountain

I can do all things through Christ, I know

Faith, standing and believing

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"

I want to encourage others to have confidence in God.  He is sovereign and He is good.  You can trust the Lord Jesus because he ALWAYS tells the truth.  Expect a miracle ... I did, I have, and I've seen the power of the mighty God at work.  I've seen him take situations that were unsolvable and supernaturally turn them around.  Yep, I have.

"Listen to advice and accept discipline,

and at the end you will be counted among the wise.

Many are the plans in a person's heart,

but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails."

~Proverbs 19:20-21

All Christians are called to be merciful because God has been merciful to us.  I have developed patience and compassion towards my fellowman.  In the 1980's I became a Stephen's Minister and that has become a way of life ever since.  I have asked the Lord to put me on the front lines and he has.  I have asked him to use me and he has.  I simply care enough to listen and come alongside people who are suffering and walk with them until the Lord allows their burden to be lifted.

It's time to wake my sleeping beauties up and get them outside for some fresh air.  It's a beautiful day filled with adventures just waiting to happen!

Always remember you are loved and prayed for ... each and every day!!

Miss Dottie

PS  God can move mountains but don't be surprised if he hands you a shovel!! ~ Author Unknown