If Tomorrow Never Comes

November 11, 2013

I woke up thinking about family members and friends who have served our country and said a prayer of gratitude. I don't know about you, but I am so grateful for our armed services and all they do to protect us from harm. It's always an honor to walk up to a man or woman in uniform, shake their hand, and say, "Thank You."  Yesterday, I saw a man in cammo wear and thanked him.  His response? "Ma'am, I'm just a hunter." Oops!

Sgt Ernest T Pederson
US Army

As I have mentioned before, I have the letters my father wrote to my mother during WWII. I love reading them because through them they become real people to me. Two people caught in a war and hoping and praying that they would be able to built a life together. For so many, tomorrow never came ... lives were lost ~ permanently, emotionally, physically, and, yes, even spiritually. The throes of war have a way of raping and maiming the human soul.

I like hearing about my father and mother before the war. They were both such lively, happy people. They danced, they sang, and they fell in love. Then, the day came when my father left for the war and he was changed forever. There were times when I would watch him as he stared off into space ~ or, times when he would sit on a chair next to the kitchen counter and smoke one cigarette after another, snuffing them out in his pants cuff. The coffee pot was always going and I remember asking, "Dad, why don't you ever wash the coffee pot?" His reply, "The coffee pot is just getting broken in ~ with each new pot, the coffee tastes better." I never understood that. Funny the things the mind stores...

There was a day when my father was so excited.  He found a house near the lake that he wanted to purchase. The house was surrounded by trees and had a garage he could work in. It was one of the few times I ever heard him joyful and filled with what I think of as kid-like glee. My mother squelched his plans saying that she preferred to live in town close to work. He never mentioned the house by the lake ever again. My father passed away when he was 55 years old. His tomorrows were cut short and I wonder if he regretted not going ahead with his dreams. He was the visionary; my mother was the saver, the cautious one. My father looked forward to retiring and had so many plans. In the blink of an eye, his life was snuffed out. His dreams of retirement never came.

If tomorrow never comes, will I have done more than just take up space on the planet? I think about that a lot. Each time I write a blog, I pray that it will encourage and touch hearts. Each time I say a prayer, I know that the Lord hears. Each time I plant a tree or a bush or a flower, I beautify my environment. If I am led, then I must act. I follow my gut instincts and the passions of my heart and hope that you do too for today is the time to be filled with the energy of life.

One thing is for sure ... if tomorrow never comes, you know you are loved and prayed for TODAY!!

Miss Dottie

PS  Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow. It empties today of its strength. ~Corrie Ten Boom 

To Cave or Overcome, That is the Question!

Ruffy loves the warmth of the fire!

"Use what you've been through as fuel, believe in yourself and be unstoppable!” ~Yvonne Pierre, The Day My Sould Cried: A Memoir
November 10, 2013

Oh the weather outside is frightful, the fire is so delightful...  Hello Readers!  I hope you've had a wonderful relaxing day.  The dogren got me up at their usual time; however, after stuffing their little tummies with grub, we all climbed back into bed for a two hour snooze.  I slept like a log last night with visions of baseballs dancing in my head ~ no kidding! My body was reeling from the long day on the baseball fields in North Texas yesterday so I've needed to get in a siesta.  Actually, it was really nice ~ the wind was blowing and it made for a sweet lullaby.

Zachary & Nicholas 11/9/2013

My grandsons played in the Fall Season Baseball Tournament yesterday.  Lucky for us, they played at the same complex which made getting to games pretty easy.  It was kind of a bitter sweet day as my oldest grandson's team kicked ass, took names, and rose to the top taking 1st place in the championship game.  My younger grandson's team didn't fare as well.  They entered the competition as "the team to beat" and, unfortunately they lost and ended up in 4th place.

It was a honor to be there and watch them both excel at the sport they love.  I prayed with them on the field before their games and felt that deep bond with them as we hugged and they went to do battle those last games of the season.  Both suffered adversity, both learned valuable lessons in life, and both rebounded with the promise of getting stronger (and playing on the same team, I might add, next Spring).

Zachary took his turn at bat and CRACK!! he dropped to the ground and the ump cried out ball hit bat. Zachary winced in pain, grabbed his left hand and dropped his bat. OMG, the crowd went nuts at the crazy call.  The back of Zachary's hand was red and swelling ... the ump knew he had made a big mistake BUT couldn't reverse the call. What??? All of a sudden, Zachary picked up his bat and CRACK!! ~ this time he hit a home run.  This young man pitched, played shortstop, and finished up the season playing catcher.  He didn't cave.  He kept moving his hand, put ice and heat on it, and kept on going.

Nicholas suffered frustration of a different kind. His brother was rising to the top with his team while Prodigy was ... well, just not playing their best.  Nerves were getting the best of these little guys and plays that had been so easy all season were difficult at best.  Nicholas got hit by a baseball as well but the sting of defeat was worse and almost more than he could take.  His little heart was broken and tears began to flow. Somehow the promise of "next Spring" seemed so far away. Nicholas isn't a quitter and I was so happy to see his earthly father come alongside of him to wipe the tears and offer a hand to lift him up. I know the Lord was with Nicholas but sometimes we need that encouragement, that hug, that love to keep on keepin' on.

We had left home at 6:30 yesterday morning and didn't get home until late last night. I was so content knowing that I was able to be there in person rather than just getting the play by play via text from my son.  I was one proud grandma sitting in those stands cheering and drinking in the beauty of the day. Contentment at it's best!!

I said the same prayer with each of my grandsons. Why did God allow one grandson to win a championship and the other to suffer defeat? I don't know the answer to that question except that there are lessons to be learned in victory and in defeat. To develop a healthy self-esteem, we must experience both.  The tough experiences either make us bitter or make us better.  The cream always rises to the top. In my eyes, my grandsons were both champions going into the games ... win, lose, or draw, they remain champions!

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

Miss Dottie

The Guys who play ball..
Son/Dad Tommy & Grandsons Zachary & Nicholas

PS "..but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance ; perseverance, character; and, character hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." ~ Romans 5:3-5

I may not understand why some win and why some lose but I'll choose to praise the Lord in all circumstances trusting that he had a plan and that plan is perfect!

Highway to Heaven

Highway to Heaven

“It's funny how, in this journey of life, even though we may begin at different times and places, our paths cross with others so that we may share our love, compassion, observations, and hope. This is a design of God that I appreciate and cherish.” ~Steve Maraboli

November 8, 2013

Dear Readers,

Shortly after I purchased my camera, we were driving back from Waxahachie and I snapped this photo. It's rather an eerie picture ~ the road sign seems to be floating in mid air.  I have named the photo Highway to Heaven.

Beautiful Lake Minnewaska

We're all on this road of life (but not all of us are on the highway to heaven). Sometimes we're creeping along at a snail's pace and, at other times, we're speeding either away from (challenges?) or towards something (perhaps a destination?). There were times when I was growing up that my father would get us all in the car and tell us, "We're going for a joy ride." We weren't sure where that meant but we did know that we would end up at the Dairy Queen or at my grandmothers for some fresh baked treats. Our joy rides were always fun times. After my father passed away, I would visit my mother and we always had to take a joy ride around the lake.  I cherish those times.

As I look at the photo of Highway to Heaven, it reminds me of when I totally gave myself to Christ.  My decision to enter the highway to heaven was the most important decision I've ever made ... and, I might add, the best one! Rather than just ambling along aimlessly, I edged my way on to the main road never looking back. You'll notice the arrow points up to my destination. I like that.

What do you choose to take with you on your travels through life? Reliable transportation is a must.  Graycie, beautiful Graycie, helps me to travel in comfort and style.  Oh I know, people have asked, "Why do you keep buying VW bugs?"  My answer, "Why not." They are cute, safe, and reliable ~ perfect fit for my personality and size.  My personal vehicle, faith also helps me to travel without worry.  Like Graycie, my faith in Christ, is my constant, my rock.

The Bible is my road map ... it is the place where I go to ask the Lord for directions. It keeps me on the highway to heaven with a clear sense of direction and moral compass.  I am warned of detours and to be wary of hitchhikers!  Think about that statement for a moment.  I always hold out my hand for travelers wanting to join me on my journey.  I am very wary of strangers wanting to climb on my back dragging me down, sucking the life out of me. I was made to soar, to run, to not be weary ... to have purpose and direction.

Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary. ~ Isaiah 40:31

My highway to heaven has offered me such an amazing journey.  Oh my goodness, the people I've met and the places I've been. Sometimes I forget the beautiful scenery BUT I never forget the hearts of those I loved or who have loved me.

Yesterday, I had physical therapy and my therapist was asking me what I did before I retired to this little town.  I hit some of the high spots and he was most intrigued by my career as a relationship coach and matchmaker. I told him about a flirting safari I took a group of shy singles on and before long, he was laughing. I am hoping that God used me to encourage and bless those "looking for love" on the highway of life.

The highway to heaven can be a lonely dark road OR, it can offer an amazing journey from birth to an afterlife in heaven.  We choose.  We decide.  We grow and live with the consequences.  The cool part is that while you still have breath, it's not too late to get out of the alleys and on to the adventure of a lifetime.  Don't be scared if you don't know exactly where you are going ... God knows and He won't steer you wrong!!

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

Miss Dottie

I will watch over you ...

PS  So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you. ~Deuteronomy 31:6

When the road ahead of you seems bumpy and full of obstacles, you can go forward knowing that God has prepared the way. He will walk with you and give you the strength to keep moving ahead. The command here is to be strong and courageous because of who God is. The promise is that He will never leave you or forsake you. This verse will encourage you when you need it the most.

I love this photo of what looks like an angel hovering over my home. Such a peaceful thought!  God is good!!  

The Artist

October 30, 2013

The rain ~ Wednesday

Dear Readers,

It's raining, it's pouring.  The sound of the pitter pat of raindrops on the roof of the cottage is so soothing.  We are supposed to get close to 4 inches of rain which my gardens will love.  The colors are so vibrant this season.  As a gardener I am assessing plans for next Spring.  It's really been trial and error to see what grows and what poops out. Most of my planting has been done ~ now, the fun part is watching everything mature and grow.

I have been trying so hard to allow my back and neck to rest the past couple weeks. The problem is that I am a busy bee and love to stay active.  I start physical therapy this Thursday and will have an Epidural Spinal Injection on Friday.  Trying to avoid another back surgery so am thinking good thoughts.  My biggest hurdle is that I get bored just sitting for any length of time.

The cottage ~ 10/30/2013
A wonderful blank slate!

When I am unable to be active, my mind goes a mile a minute thinking of things to create when I am feeling better. I just love making my space unique and giving them that "come on over and enjoy the warmth!" touch.  I've had so many postings on Facebook about Christmas and it's gotten me in the mode of what I want to do for decorating this year. I was at Dillard's last week and they had their annual Southern Living Cookbook out ~ lots of great recipes and decorating ideas.

I am an artist.  Give me a blank slate of any kind and I have this passion to make it beautiful.  My cousin Karolyn said that we have the Pederson gene that wants to keep on working until something is "pretty." My grandmother, Maggie, and her daughters (and, my dad, too) had this wonderful knack of artistry.  I see this gene in me, my children, and grandchildren.  We are all passionate people.  Get us together and there is no lack of energy!!

Fall Tree ~ 2013

To understand the artist in me means accepting that I move to the sway of color and the energy generated by visions.  My Fall Tree becomes a Christmas Tree by adding a few wintry touches and each year I create my own wonderlands depending on the season. My introverted nature is released into extroverted expression.

When I was a small child, I spent hours playing with my dolls, paper dolls, and creating homes out of shoe boxes.  My cousin and I could get lost in time barely taking a moment to eat as we spent our days developing story lines for our paper dolls.  As an adult, I still lose track of time when I am bringing my visions forward into the present.

From Fall to Christmas
with just a few additional touches!

Yesterday I mentioned my dreams for Christmas on Facebook and got some encouraging comments as well as one that said, "Hey, let's get Halloween past us first.  Maybe even Thanksgiving?"  I said out loud, "You don't understand the unique timing of my creative spirit."  It is possible for me to envision Spring in Winter and Christmas in October!! There is no set time for making my mark as the spirit moves me. Maybe that is why I keep a lighted tree up all year in the cottage.  My father used to work on his outdoor Christmas decorations all year long unveiling them the evening of Thanksgiving.  My brother and I would stand outside and ooh and aah as he plugged them in.  The burst of color would send shivers through us.  My dad would just grin from ear to ear. His artistry left a mark on the entire community.

All of us have unique talents of making this world a more special place.  I am in awe of painters who create such masterpieces and chefs who deliciously prepare feasts fit for kings and queens.  The singers, the dancers, the craftsmen ... writers, musicians, and designers all make up a population of expressionists.

Forgive me if I am  out of step with the masses.  God put me into a small percentage of people who are kindred spirits ~ the INFJ's of this world (1% of the population).  I used to worry about being so odd compared to most.  Now?  Hey, I am able to celebrate moi!!  I raise holy hands to my God for unveiling my core and thank Him for making us all with special fingerprints. On that note, I think I will pull on my rain boots and do a little singing and dancing in the rain!!

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

Miss Dottie

PS  I like what Robert Pattinson said:  "Our fingerprints don't fade from the lives we touch."  I could encourage you to celebrate your own special talents today.  Don't worry about what others might say. Push the envelope, think outside the box! Carpe'Diem!! 

Crazy Days

October 29, 2013

Dear Readers,

Maybe it's just me, but the older I get the faster the days and years go by.  I am trying my best to savor each day filling them with good thoughts and doing what I can to make the world a better place. Yesterday was one of those crazy days that involved one crisis after another.

I knew my neighbor was having major back surgery yesterday but I didn't expect a call at 8 bells asking if I would accompany her and her husband to the hospital.  She was in a panic ... their cat had gotten really sick during the night, the dog (a rescue with anxiety issues) was upset, her husband was having serious symptoms of blood clots, and they needed some help.  She took the cat and dog to the vet and I followed them to the hospital in Waco.  The plan was that as soon as Beverly's surgery started, Don would head to the ER or his doctor's office and I would stay in the waiting room to keep track of Beverly while she was in surgery.

Beverly had shared with me a few days ago that she had had an uneasy feeling about her surgery and wondered if "the universe" was telling her not to go through with it.  I had been praying that the Lord would either ease her anxiety OR show her that her gut instincts were right.  Wellll, when we got to the hospital, the nurse showed her to a room where she got undressed and answered preliminary questions.  They told her that she would be taken to a holding room at noon and her surgery would begin at 1.  The nurse left and time began to pass.  Noon came ... no activity.  A few minutes before 1, Beverly's husband went to the nurses station to see what the hold-up was.  He came back with a disgusted look on his face.  Beverly's doctor was in surgery with another patient and had put in another patient before her. Her surgery was scheduled for between 5 and 6.  She was in a cold room, sitting in a cold recliner, and hadn't even been offered a warm blanket to keep her comfortable.

Beverly asked to talk to the nurse herself to see what had happened ... no nurse came.  All of a sudden, she said, "The universe has been telling me that I wasn't to do this and I am not going to go through with this."  She got up, put her clothes back on and we headed to the nurses station.  She politely explained why she was upset and asked to sign release papers. The odd thing about all this was the impersonal treatment she received.  If I hadn't been there with her, I would have found it hard to believe that a hospital and doctor would behave in this manner.

The day got even crazier ~ Don's doctor wasn't in but he had blood tests and vitals taken and told to go back today.  Iggy the cat was in pain and on death's door ~ they had to make the decision to put him to sleep. Taffy was so restless and it took them all of last night to get her calmed down.

I thank God for my training as a Stephen's Minister and my faith in a God who has everything under control when all seems to be going bonkers.  I can't explain why some things happen the way they do yet I can accept that all things work to the good off those who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)  I applaud my friend for standing up for herself when she was being treated so poorly.  Like Ana (in my last blog), Beverly claimed her right to be treated with respect.

We all have crazy days when everything seems to be going wrong.  The car won't start, the water heater leaks all over, we get ill, our hair droops when we need to look nice, our favorite pair of jeans no longer zips, someone tells stories that aren't true about us, we get news of a dear one's death ... the list goes on and on.  Sometimes  the crazy days seem to go on and on into weeks and months.  We feel like we are at our wit's end and if one more thing happens we will break into a million pieces.

Somehow we manage to make it through those times appreciating the good times even more.  I don't know about you but in times of craziness, I choose to think about the times of feasting rather than the famine. Happiness IS A CHOICE.  I know from experience that after the biggest storms, the rainbows are the most intensely beautiful.  That has always been my message to the world.  We can't always control what happens; however, we do have control over our reactions.

Today is a new day ... a new slate.  I am grateful that I have one more day to celebrate life.  I have one more moment to love my fellow travelers on this earth and I have one more moment to make a difference no matter how small.

Remember you are loved and prayed for ... YA YOU!!

Miss Dottie

PS  "The truth is you don't know what is going to happen tomorrow.  Life is a crazy ride, and nothing is guaranteed." ~Eminem

Courage

October 27, 2013

Dear Readers,

Oh goodness, we got a nice rain last night.  I was scurrying around like a mad woman sprinkling fertilizer on roses and other flowers so that the rain could soak it in.  Now, I just need some sun to ignite more buds. I am still concerned about the old tree in the lower garden.  It has some BIG dead limbs that will come down sooner than probably later.   Golly gee, the bill will be anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000 depending on what we have done.  Ouch!  That just isn't in the budget.  Praying that the good Lord will glue those branches on for a while longer.  I hate the thought of tearing it down ... it's gotten to be an old friend.

I get messages from readers from time to time sharing stories and giving me things to pray about for them.  I love that because it makes me feel closer to them.  One of my friends sent me a story about a young lady who rose up from the depths of bullying and teasing to face her dragons. I teared up when I read it and wanted to share it with you.

If you have children, I'm sure you are well aware of the bullying going on at school.  That being said, we've all experienced the meanness of our fellow man.  School aged kids seem affected more so by the taunts because they are at a time in their lives when they are the most sensitive to any kind of criticism.

Last week, a young lady by the name of Ana (adopted from Guatemala by a family in Minnesota) attended Courage Day at her middle school.  The task given to them was to identify some act of courage that promoted character.  Ana VERY courageously stood up in front of 200 kids and teachers.  She said that she had been born with Duane's Syndrome and facial paralysis that sometimes made her face look different.  Kids had teased her about it on the bus.  Ava's act of courage was to stand up for herself, tell her story, and forgive her tormentors.  Afterwards, other students congratulated her and blessings continue to pour in.  Way to go Ana!!

Ana's story took me back to a time when, I too, stood before a congregation of people and shared my story.  My knees felt like they were knocking, and the words coming out of my mouth cracked.  Strange though, once I got started I could see my audience lean forward, I could see them wipe tears from their eyes, and there was something that broke the shackles of shame freeing me from my pain. Ana, I'll bet you are feeling that freedom and are stronger because of your courage to speak up.  Last October I shared a young woman's story which allowed her to let go of the secrets that had haunted her.  I applauded her courage and she, too, joined the ranks of many who dared stand up for themselves and say, "I am worth it!"

Others bully us and we bully ourselves by keeping that poison inside us. To speak of our pain is to allow the light to begin to shine into every dark corner of our being and for us to heal. Today, I'd like y'all to raise your hands, clap them together, and say out loud ... "Ana, I am so proud of you!!!"  Ana, a young 7th grader, has found her strength and I just know that she will be blessed for her courage to speak.

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

Miss Dottie

PS  Charlie Chaplin said, "My pain may be the reason for somebody's laugh.  But my laugh must never be the reason for somebody's pain." Amen to you Mr. Chaplin, Amen!

The Colors of Autumn

October 23, 2013

Dear Readers,

The colors of Autumn bring me such a wonderful sandwich of warmth, serenity, and joy.  I was sitting outside this morning humming Autumn Leaves remembering the deepness of the colors of the landscape in Minnesota this time of year.  In Texas, we are fortunate to have a long Fall and, although the trees aren't quite as colorful, the flowers make up for that lack.  It's a time of cool evenings and warm days accompanied by the rustling of leaves falling to the ground.

“I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” 

~LM Montgomery

Several years ago, I began transforming our barren back yard into my own little Eden.  I had to decide what shrubs, trees, and flowers to plant. I chose to gravitate towards the beauty of Spring and Fall simply because it's the time I am outside the most. The gardens have become more like English Country Gardens of whimsy as I plant specimens given to me by my neighbors, dig up alongside the road, and purchase on bargain tables.  Each stoned in area represents a different theme planted at a different time.  My gardens are works in progress.  My toughest challenge has been getting grass to grow. I did make progress on that this year and hopefully next Spring can fill in some bare spots.

“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.” 

~Albert Camus

Yesterday, I planted a few Violas and Pansies which will bloom until next April.  I just love their cute little faces.  I am trying Blood Meal for the first time so we'll see if it does what it says it will do ... stronger, more colorful plants.  The dogs went nuts smelling where I had watered it in.  Whether it is planting a new bush or flowers, they have to give it their okay. Some they leave alone ~ others they use to mark their territory. I'm not sure why they picked on my Gardenias ~ all but one has bit the dust!  The Azaleas they don't bother.

I didn't discover my passion for gardening until the early 1990's. Since then, it's been a roller coaster ride of trial and error.  Since I've moved so often and had to leave gardens behind for someone else to enjoy, I am hoping that I will be able to see my gardens here mature and flourish. I do not have a green thumb but what I do have is perseverance and determination!

“Autumn...the year's last, loveliest smile.” 

~William Cullen Bryant

Looking back over my life, I realize that my passions have changed with the seasons of my life.  Each has been so special leaving me with 
a resume' of varied goals, successes, and triumphs featuring my love of people, all things "pretty" that tell a story, animals, God, blogging, and ???.  I am still breathing which means today I might just happen upon a new passion.  When I stop growing, learning, and loving, my dust will be blowing in the wind heaven bound.

What makes your heart sing?  Is it music?  Physical activity?  A charity? We're all different and I love that.  I like learning what makes people tick and successful in whatever they are undertaking.  My daughter, Jane, started her own company offering contract pharmacy services. Instead of waiting around to see if her company would take off, she got dressed up and made calls to local pharmacies.  Her energy and passion as a pharmacist was catching and her days began filling up with new calls resulting in work!  She has a passion for her field of work and new doors are opening ... big doors!!

Speaking of the colors of Autumn, it's time for me to head to the meditation garden to read and let my furry kids get some exercise.  I've been trying to get them to fetch a ball but they all just sit and look at me like I am crazy.  Oh well... I'll take my camera and see if I can catch them doing something cute.

I always feel better getting out into the fresh air and sunshine.  Keeps my mind clear and my senses sharp!

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

Miss Dottie

PS “I cannot endure to waste anything so precious as autumnal sunshine by staying in the house.”  ~Nathaniel Hawthorne