I heard the bells on Christmas Eve

Hey Mom, how would this work
 for a Christmas bath?? ~Zeke

December 29, 2013

Dear Readers,

Christmas blew in and flew out so quickly this year.  Maybe because Thanksgiving came so late in November ~ I just didn't feel the merriment like in year's past.  Several weeks ago now, I had a wonderful conversation with a friend about being a Christian and Christmas.  She had me doing some research and along with the research came some deep soul searching and deciding how I would spend my time and resources this Christmas.

First of all, I decided to stay within my means and not charge one single Christmas gift this year.  I am a giver and it was tough when I would see things that my family would enjoy. I felt really (almost) guilty when what I could purchase seemed so meager.

Secondly, it was important to me to make a trip to the old Norwegian Lutheran Church (located close to Cranfills Gap, TX) for Christmas Eve services.  I was not disappointed.  Because it was a distance from our home, we left early and enjoyed a beautiful drive looking at the hills chisled out of rock and all the ranches and marveled at the history of this area.  I could just imagine what the Norwegian settlers felt and saw as they traveled through the countryside ... such beauty!

We arrived at the church in time for the first service to be dismissed.  As soon as we got out of the car, we could hear the organ belting out the hymns of old.  It was fun to people watch ... Texas gentlemen tipped their hats greeting others with "A Merry Christmas!"  I've not seen so much western wear in quite some time!  I was right at home in my boots, sweater, and long skirt.  There were others that were more Norse (fun to hear the accents!).  We walked around the grounds waiting for the church bell to call us to service.  What an inviting sound!!

Notice the stairs behind the organ
that lead to the bell tower!

The kerosene lamps were filled and candles lit at the altar and on window sills. It had grown quite chilly outside but once the church filled up we were toasty warm.  The wood burning stove and candles (no electricity in the church) brought us back to 1886. We sang, prayed, and joined holy hearts worshiping a king born in a manger.  My heart was so filled with peace, love, and joy that I could hardly contain myself.  We knelt at the altar, breaking bread dipped in wine before departing into the cold night air.

We left the warmth of the church and walked outside to darkness  made light by the candlelit lanterns that lined the driveway.  I walked to the car and looked back at the church. The beauty of those small lamps gave off such a twinkle ~ an invitation to return and go inside. We drove off down a little graveled road back to electricity and modern conveniences. I could not help but wish we could have stayed for the last service as well.

I heard the bells this Christmas and oh what a song they sang.  They stirred my soul with voices like angels singing, "Peace on earth, goodwill to men." The church gave us a Christmas gift ... a beautiful handpainted ornament. Every ounce of  loneliness and saddness inside of me gave way to a feeling of contentment and wholeness.  Ah yes, it was a Christmas Eve that I will remember for many years to come.

When we got home, I made us a light Christmas Eve supper and we watched "It's A Wonderful Life." I love to watch this classic each year with my family. A perfect ending to a perfect day.

Beverly, Rica, Don, Miss Dottie

I guess we all go through different seasons in our lives and it is best to embrace each celebrating it's uniqueness.  For many Christmas is a time of loneliness; for others it's a time of family get-togethers and gaity. I've experienced both and, I must say, I would prefer the merriment of family to sitting by the fire alone. Maybe this Christmas was calling me to get back to my roots of a time when the focus was simply the beauty of worship and the importance of spending time with special people. To top Christmas off, my friends Beverly and Don invited us to a wonderful Christmas Day lunch.  Great food, wonderful conversation, and friends!!

As the New Year approaches, I am thinking forward. It is no surprise to the Lord that I am where I am; and, I know I have work to do here. I knew that when we discussed the move and, sadly with all the hoopla of getting settled, I got off course. This morning, I took out my new journal and began to write down my course of action starting with today!! Why wait til January 2014??!!

Always remember, my dear dear readers, that you are loved and prayed for ... YA YOU!!

Miss Dottie

PS "With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts." ~Eleanor Roosevelt

Thoughts on an Overcast Wintry Day

Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. ~ John 5:24

December 9, 2013

Dear Readers,

I received an email today from a reader that nearly broke my heart. One of her friends sent her a letter about her belief in the Lord that put her in a tailspin.  I firmly believe that hurt people hurt people and, in this case, I believe that to be true which makes me even sadder.

Her letter brought back a time when I had an accountability partner who was very controlling and who informed me that if I didn't follow her suggestions she would divorce me as my accountability partner. I was not sinning in any way ... just not making a choice she thought was appropriate. I remember our last meeting like it was yesterday and it still grieves me to this day.

There are religions that still practice their Christianity under the law. I want to scream, "Please read the New Testament!"  I may step on some toes here but Jesus fought against legalism, judgement, and fundamentalists.  He brought in a new regime so to speak ... one of grace, love and serving.

Based on what is written in the Bible, this is my take on salvation. Once we accept Christ in our hearts, we receive the gift of salvation (eternal life).  I know that Jesus doesn't take back his gifts so from then on I know that I belong to him and he belongs to me.  Now, this is where it gets sticky. If one merely says the words and promptly goes their own way are they still saved?  I doubt it BUT God is the only one who knows the heart and it will be to Him that we will answer to at the time of our earthly death. No one will be standing before me, you can bank on that!

To be a Christian is so simple yet complicated as well.  It's so easy for us to judge others before really digging deeply into our own thoughts and actions.  In my previous two blogs, I wrote about contentment.  Jesus is the perfect image of contentment.  He holds out his hand for us to grab on to.  He could make us love him but he doesn't.  He's given us free will.  It is his desire for all to be saved and, believe me, he taps us on the shoulder.  He's just there when we give up the self and enter his realm of peace.

"Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven;" ~Luke 6:37

In the letter to my reader, she was criticized for celebrating Christmas and other holidays because they were rooted in paganism.  Yes, so much of our holidays have been commercialized BUT how can it be wrong to celebrate the birth of the man who came not to condemn the world but to save it??  I, for one, happen to love everything Christmas ... sights, sounds, smells, the whole shebang.  Will I go to hell for putting up a Christmas tree or for enjoying the ho ho ho's of Santa Claus?  I doubt it.

Best of all, Christmas means a spirit of love, a time when the love of God and love of our fellow men should prevail over all hatred and bitterness, a time when our thoughts and deeds and the spirit of our lives manifest the presence of God. ~George F. McDougall

We draw more people to us with love and compassion than we ever to with shouts of hell and brimstone.  I was brought up in the Lutheran faith and loved everything about it.  It was the faith of my forefathers.  I was baptized as a baby, confirmed, and married in the church.  I still draw upon my Lutheran roots as I remember fondly my lovely grandmother who lived her faith.  As an adult, I began to attend Baptist-based churches and non-denominational churches who believed in adult baptism.  It was in those churches that I grew the most and found serenity. I was baptized in the pool in my own backyard surrounded by nearly 100 friends. Something happened to my spirit and soul that day that I will never ever forget. It was at that moment that real change began in my own heart.  Am I closer to the Lord than my Lutheran family?  Good gosh, NO!!

Readers, please, if you get nothing else from my blogs, please know that if you truly accepted Christ as your Savior in your heart, that gift cannot be revoked.  This Christmas show your love and compassion for your fellowman withholding judgement and holding out your hand. There is no greater sadness than holding on to loving words and deeds not delivered to those about you. Make time for those who truly matter. The best gift you can give them is the purity of your full attention. Just be present with them and pay attention to the little things, because when you really miss someone, you miss the little things the most, like just laughing together.

Always remember you are loved and prayed for ... wherever you are on your journey of life ... YA YOU!!

Miss Dottie

AFTERTHOUGHTS:

The journey begins when we are born.  Make your journey worthwhile every single day, because the distance we each get to travel is a mystery beknownst only to God.  Looking for gift suggestions? Try the following!

GIVE THE FOLLOWING GIFTS:

To your enemy . . .forgiveness,

To your opponent . . .tolerance.

To a friend . . . your heart.

To a customer . . . service.

To all men . . .charity.

To every child . . . a good example

To yourself . . .respect

-Author Unknown 

Contentment ~ "God's gifts put man's best dreams to shame."

December 8, 2013

Dear Readers,

It's a gray, overcast wintry day in North Central Texas. I was hoping that the winter storm would begin to dissipate but it's still icy and quite chilly. I decided to enjoy a warm soak in the claw foot tub in the cottage, enjoy a fire in the fireplace, and hopefully will get out of the house this afternoon. Yay!

As I have continued to pray about contentment, it came to mind that many people see contentedness and happiness as one and the same. In many ways I guess they are but I've learned to be content even in times of unhappiness. Does that mean, I lay down and give in to my circumstance? Heck no, it doesn't. Unhappiness is just not going to steal the time I have left on this earth.

There are many ways to become happy ~ by doing "things" (in my case, decorating my Woman Cave aka the cottage, gardening, reading, antiquing, walking, writing, cooking, praying, spending time with family and friends...).  I find that when I am busy doing something that I am passionate about, I am not only happy but content as well.

When I moved away from the city, I had decided to simplify my life. Boy howdy did I ever!! For me, contentedness is at the core of simplification. It's been about me wanting less, having a simpler life rather than always wanting more, always acquiring more, and never being content. Believe me, it was tough giving things away, having garage sales, and continually paring down. Once I got rid of all the stuff that I had been acquiring, life became more manageable.

Now, I will not claim to never want things that catch my eye in an antique store or on my shopping excursions with my friend, Beverly, who is a shopaholic. But, while I am not immune to wants, I have learned to catch myself and to think about where it is going to go, where I am going to wear it, and my reasoning for my purchase. I am not content when surrounded by clutter.

There have been times that I have bought more than I could afford. I have to be very careful because I am a giver and love to find gifts for those I love that they would like. A couple weeks ago, my husband resigned his position as manager of the college bookstore. With Christmas just around the corner, we had to sit down and decide how much we could spend on each person. I am finding that I am struggling with my contentedness because I "want" to give more than I have. To be content in a time of financial downturn has been a challenge. A BIG one!

So often, it seems we are never happy with the significant people in our lives. They don't act the way we want them to ~ we pout, shout, pray and do whatever we can to make sure they conform to our expectations. Been there, done that too. I also found that I was never happy with myself and kept trying to be someone I wasn't. Man, it just didn't work. It just led to poor self esteem and a huge inferiority complex.

I know, I know, there are some folks who would say that my way of defining happiness and contentedness and a positive outlook on life are teaching people to accept abuse from others, social injustice, and not strive for change.  Absolutely not!  I've worked with battered women suffering from physical, emotional, and spiritual abuse and I've told them to stand up for themselves and get away from their tormentors. I've campaigned (not as a Republican or Democrat but as an Independent) for change in a society that has been warped. I am not afraid to speak my mind even if it is not the popular thing to do. Social change can still happen if you are content with yourself, with your life, but not content with oppression around you.

What I do when I'm not feeling my contented self:

(1) As I mentioned in my previous blog, I keep a gratitude journal. This morning, I was grateful for hot water, my beautiful claw foot tub, the bath oil that my daughter gave me that made the water steam with fragrance ... I was grateful for the fireplace which warmed the entire cottage ... I was grateful for the Sensational Six who lined the floor of the bathroom waiting for me to climb out of the tub ... I was grateful that I had beautiful, fluffy towels to dry off ... I was grateful for (the list went on and on)... My pages will be filled with good thoughts today.

(2) STOP and remind myself to be grateful for the good in the people around me. I remember how Christ died for me, a sinner, warts, bumps, and all. I know that God loves me just where I am. I always keep the porch light burning for strained relationships! 

(3) STOP and consider why I want something. Is it a need or a want?

(4) I take time to smell the roses and appreciate my life. I absolutely love my morning gratitude and prayer sessions.

(5) DO ~ show people I appreciate them. Give hugs, smile, spend time with them, thank them out loud, thank them publicly.

(6) SMILE ~ Look in the mirror and smile. Look at others and smile.

(7) LIVE SIMPLY ~ Learn to enjoy the simple things. Conversations and spending time with loved ones doesn't cost a thing. Watch a movie or play games. Walk on the beach. Ride a bike.

(8) LOVE THE LORD MY GOD remembering that he is my example, my buddy in life.

MOST IMPORTANTLY, REMEMBER:

"God's gifts put man's best dreams to shame." 

~Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Miss Dottie

PS I am so grateful for my readers. Another year has nearly come to a close and, more than anything, I have been blessed with emails, FB messages, and phone calls from those who want to walk the road of life with me. As I shut my computer down, I will leave you with this bit of wisdom given by Epicurus: "Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for." Sleep tight friends!!

The Power of Contentment

In every circumstance not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.
~Philippians 4:11-12-

December 7, 2013

Dear Readers,

Several days ago, I chatted with a young woman and, afterwards, one word kept popping into my mind ... contentment. Try as I may, that word has not left me alone!! Each time I thought about contentment, something different would come to mind. Even my sleep or busyness I could not escape this w-o-r-d. I'm saying, "uncle," and have decided to blog away my thoughts.

Key to Contentment according to Miss Dottie:

Contentment isn't a matter of being content with your situation in life and never attempting to improve it.  For me, it's a sense of being content with what I have AND also knowing that I always need to try to improve, no matter how content I am.  If I don't, I will have given up and will be dead.

There have been times in my life that I wasn't content. There have been times when I wasn't happy and things seemed so black and dismal. I wasn't content with the way things were and I reacted badly. Now I realize that my own outlook was a major contributor to my plight.  It took me years to realize that I chose to be happy or unhappy. That may sound harsh but in my experience, it was true.  You might disagree with me and say, "You don't know what I've been through or am dealing with." That's true, but please bear with me.

I've gone through most of the ugly things in life: being traumatized as a child, molested, abused as a young woman, adultery, divorce, severe illnesses, depression, surgeries, dealing with wayward children, and on and on. That being said, my journey has taken me to a place of contentment knowing that the Lord has always had my back and has used my life for good. When I lived in the women's shelter to escape my tormentor, I was content & the Lord used me there. Because I knew first hand what other women were going through, I was able to hold out my hand. Was it easy?  Absolutely not!!! What I am saying is that my behaviors and thoughts and attitudes were different than my times of unhappiness. How did I get there?

There was a time when I was so unhappy that I wished to die.  My focus was on all the bad in my life. Not only that but I continually thought about my plight ~ I would complain to whoever would listen, and would ask God, "Why me?" I would allow myself to sink into inaction and eventually the depression that consumed me. I felt backed into a corner which made my situation worse. I had a critical spirit and gradually got to a place where I bottomed out.

Now, that being said, I also had periods of happiness. I was joyful and fun to be around. I was the hostess with the mostest, playful, bright, and lived up to my precocious spirit.  Sounds great, huh?  Well, it really wasn't okay because my life began to resemble a roller coaster and the downs began to outweigh the ups.  I began to not recognize the woman God created me to be.  Publicly I was always on top of the world, privately I lived in hell on earth.

It's been quite a journey these many years and I wish I could say that my contentment came at the snap of a finger like Ebenezer Scrooge. One thing I did do was make a decision to totally trust God with my life whatever it held. I also began to keep a gratitude journal and read the daily walk Bible that my boss had given me for my birthday. One minute at a time, one day at a time, something changed in me.

I gradually began to be happy, despite my conditions. I found contentment in what I already had instead of wishing I had something else. Contentment and faith not only made me happy but transformed my life.

It's the season of Winter, of Christmas, and I want to continue on my journey of contentment over the next few days. I pray that the Lord my God would give me the words to say to share who I was and who I am now. I would invite you to join me.

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

Miss Dottie

PS St Augustine said: "You have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless till they find their rest in you."

He's talking about the Lord God and I happen to think that's so very true.

Every Day Thanksgiving

"Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance." ~Eckhart Tolle

November 25, 2013

Dear Readers,

Thanksgiving is late in November so, one month from today we will be celebrating the birth of Christ ... Christmas. Hard to believe that 2013 is coming to an end. Time seems to be zooming by and my thought this morning was to make my days count as long as I had breath.

My neighbor come over this morning and poked her head in the cottage door.  She wanted to finalize plans for Thanksgiving. Actually, it was kind of a fun get-together. We decided that we would forgo the usual trips to the grocery store and arrange a meal thanking God for what he had already provided for us.  She asked if I minded chicken instead of turkey ~ she was going to bake the chicken on top of her cornbread stuffing. My first thoughts were, "What no turkey?" and "Cornbread dressing?"  Then, I erased those thoughts and blurted out, "Sounds great to me."  Who knows, I just might enjoy her cornbread dressing and her creative way of fixing the chicken. I had rolls in the refrigerator, plenty of veggies, and yams. She had a pumpkin pie and, I think we are set! We will not be hungry!!

For years, I would spend bookoos of money at the grocery store and hours in the kitchen preparing a turkey, gravy, dressing, 2 kinds of potatoes, several kinds of vegetables, a big relish dish, jello salads, fruit salads, rolls, and on and on. We would sit at the table that was perfectly coiffed with china, silver, stemware, and, of course cloth napkins. I loved every moment of the preparations and watching my family dig in at the table. Are those days gone? I pray not because it was a way of giving tradition to my family and friends Miss Dottie style! This year will just be a little different.

Since I moved here to small town America, I have had my eyes opened to another way of living. When I lived in the Dallas area, my surroundings were different ~ I was insulated from poverty and how many people were in need. What I thought were necessities weren't needs, they were wants. (Shock) Here, there are huge fancy homes mixed in with tiny bungalows and real needs are so obvious ~ things like heat, air conditioning, food, clothing, medical and dental care ... the list goes on and on. When I had garage sales I think I gave away as much stuff as I sold.  What were my biggest sellers?  Shoes, towels, bedding. No frills...

When Michael resigned from his position at the bookstore, it was a shock because it was something we hadn't talked about. I understood where he was coming from and have supported his decision but it's still been hard to digest.  My usual way of coping has always been to withdraw then figure out a way to rise above. I am an emotional female but also very logical in my thinking.  I have always been an overcomer ... a survivor! Thank you Lord for making me who I am.

A few days ago, I pulled out my Christmas tubs and began to create vinyettes in each room. I sat down on the chair in the master bedroom and looked at the undecorated tree in the corner. The Blessing Tree came to me and I began to use Thanksgiving decorator items and pieces from my past that had given me encouragement. Wasn't Christmas a time of being grateful for what I had?  I just love getting lost in the tree, the lights, and the promise of hope.

Every day is Thanksgiving in my world. It's not just about the traditional fare and festivities, it's much much more. It's living with a heart of gratitude. It's about freedom and sharing with others. It's easy to celebrate in times of plenty ... more difficult in times of trial. To walk in someone else's less fortunate shoes is humbling yet, in a strange way, a comfort. To rise above adversity and be grateful for the journey ... my prayer for today.

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

Miss Dottie

PS  Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the other. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything ~ all she had to live on." ~Mark 12:41-44  NIV

I love this story as it reminds me of my grandmother. All year she would work to make gifts for her children and grandchildren ... mittens, socks, crocheted tablecloths, tea towels, slippers. She gave more than she had to the sick, the needy, the church ... she gave of her time, her talents, and her faith.  Her legacy of Every Day Thanksgiving lives on and on and, I for one, will be so excited to sit at her table in Heaven. 

On my honor I will try...

November 24, 2013

Dear Readers,

Thanksgiving is just around the corner. If I close my eyes, I can remember being 10 years old and waking up to the aroma of turkey roasting. It's still my favorite dinner of the entire year!! I don't overeat but do sample every dish AND savor every bite of homemade pumpkin pie!! It's a time of being thankful for family and friends and all the blessings God has bestowed upon me.

My daughter and her family were coming for Thanksgiving this year. I had plans of having my family together for the first time since they all were ... omg, I can't even remember the last time. I wanted to get a family photo taken and for us to just enjoy each other. I had envisioned a time of magical laughter and love being shared at a time when being thankful is heightened.

All too often life happens and well meant plans go by the wayside as was the case this year. My neighbor, Beverly, came over and asked if we would join them for Thanksgiving and since we had no plans, I accepted.  She was so excited and has begun shopping and planning. Yesterday, she asked if I minded if she invited a lady in the community who would be alone and I said, "Absolutely!"  She also asked if we could eat at our house since my table was bigger and I agreed to that too. I am smiling wondering what else God has in mind for that day. Whatever it is, I know it will be wonderful and I'm just along for the ride.

Many years ago, I made a decision that has haunted me to this day.  I had made a commitment. Then, when a better offer came along, I jumped ship.  I am in hopes that one day I can apologize in person. Why am I telling you this? Well, a few days after I made the commitment for Thanksgiving this year, my son sent me an email inviting us to Thanksgiving at their house. I got this big lump in my throat and wanted to make that trip to join my son and his family for a special day of turkey and togetherness. You know how much I value family!!!  I already knew what the right thing to do was but I prayed asking God to give me a peace. The words, "On my honor I will try..." came to me loud and clear.  "On my honor, I will do my best to keep my commitments and not change my mind when a different offer comes in ~ especially when it involves one that might be more appealing."

Growing up, I joined the Brownies then became a Girl Scout. I liked earning badges, the camping trips, and being a part of something bigger than myself. I still remember my mother using wave set to fix my hair and dressing up in a new dress before walking to the local hospital to visit the sick. It was summer and the air felt so good on my wet head. So many times, I said the Girl Scout Promise: On my honor, I will try to do my duty to God and my country, to help other people at all times, to obey the Girl Scout Laws." Between Girl Scouts and my involvement in church, I was bathed in good stuff and I will be forever grateful.

Because of all the surgeries I've had since 2004, Fibromyalgia moved into my world and has made life so darn unpredictable. My friend and I have talked openly about her extension of grace when I am unable to get out of bed. I thanked her for being so honest when she told me, "Sometimes, I get so upset with you when we plan things and you are in too much pain to go." I totally understand and I try my darnedest to keep my promises. I used to tell my children, "Let your yes be yes and your no, no." How can I tell someone to do that if I am not willing to do the same. 

So often it's hard doing that next right thing and leaving the outcome in God's hands. If you're like me, you struggle when doing that right thing means not doing what you'd rather be doing. Right now, I am remembering the times when my sweet friend has helped me when I've been ill; remembering the times she's so carefully watched over my furry kids when I've needed to go into the city for the day; remembering the times she picked up the pieces of my heart when it's been broken; and, most of all, I'm remembering the grace extended to me when I've fallen short. I am blessed!

Yes, the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays will soon be upon us. It's the most wonderful time of the year filled with love, joy, and the togetherness of family. It's also a time of heartache and loneliness for some. All I know is that if I count my blessings, I don't have room to count my woes!!

God bless you and always remember you are loved and prayed for ... YA YOU!!

Miss Dottie

PS  The moment we become grateful, we actually begin to ascend spiritually into the presence of God. The psalmist wrote,

"Serve the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful singing. . . . Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name. For the Lord is good; His loving kindness is everlasting and His faithfulness to all generations" (Psalm 100:2, 4-5).

It does not matter what your circumstances are; the instant you begin to thank God, even though your situation has not changed, you begin to change. The key that unlocks the gates of heaven is a thankful heart. Entrance into the courts of God comes as you simply begin to praise the Lord.” ~Francis Frangipane

What?

The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him,

and he delivers them.

~Psalm 34:17

November 19, 2013

Dear Readers,

I was working outside Friday afternoon and my husband drove up the driveway.  The bookstore closes early on Fridays so I didn't think much about it.  He handed me a paper, I read it, and nearly lost my breath.  He was no longer the bookstore manager. I can't tell you how many different things ran through my mind in a matter of seconds. All I could say is, "What?"  The rest of the day was kind of a blur. In fact, the entire weekend was kind of a blur.

Have you ever had the wind knocked out of you? All I have to do is open my Facebook account and I can read post after post of folks going through trials, others who are getting on their feet, and yet others who are living the dream. Logically I know that life is full of peaks and valleys but, golly gee, even though I've grown most during the down times, I find that it's taking me longer these days to regroup.  I am plain flat out worn out. The only prayer I would muster was, "Jesus, please."

He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day. Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday. Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you.

~Psalm 91:4-8 (NLT)

I must tell you a story. Yesterday, the UPS brought me a package and Michael opened the front door. Zoom!  Toby and Ruffles were out in a flash. Toby allowed Michael to pick him up but Ruffy got scared and started running. Michael summoned our neighbor to keep Ruffy in her sight while he took Toby home and got me.  Soon Michael, Beverly, and I were after Ruffy.  Would you believe that little rascal ran about a mile non-stop?? Michael was huffing and puffing, Beverly was trying her best to keep Ruffy within eyesight and I was on a dead run to get my precious baby.  Beverly said that as soon as Ruffles heard me calling, she stopped and her ears perked up. I was frantic hoping that she would dodge the cars on the road. FINALLY, I was close enough for her to not only hear my voice but see me. She turned around, zoomed past Beverly, and jumped into my arms. OMG, I hugged her, kissed her, and my tears fell on her red fur. The lost was found. Beverly said, "She knew she was safe with her mama."

Why am I telling you this story? Well, there are times in life when circumstances get the best of us. We get scared just like Ruffy did. The good news is that if we listen, we will hear the voice of The Master ~ calling, leading, guiding, comforting. It's then that we can turn around and jump into his arms knowing we are safe. It was yesterday that I realized that come what may, God is in control and I don't need to be afraid. Now I just need to conquer my weariness!

"My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; 

and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; 

and no one will snatch them out of My hand.…" 

~John 10:27

It was such a warm beautiful day today. I sat outside with the Sensational Six gathered about me. I tossed leaves at them and they would roll in the piles returning for some pats and loving. Life is so simple for them. When I coo'd at Harmony, she laid down on her side and stuck her back leg straight up in the air so that I could scratch her belly. Ruffy had her tail waving like a plume and when I called her she did her "Ruffy Dance." Not to be outdone, Zeke stood on his hind legs turning in circles, "Pick me up, mom!" Kennedy whined and whimpered until I found a spot for him on my lap. Sadie watched patiently and Toby circled waiting for an opportune time to weasel his way through the pack. As long as they are loved, fed on time, have a nice cushy bed to rest in, dental bones to munch, and grass to do their business on, they are happy campers. They live in the moment and just know they will be taken care of. I'm reminded that one day at a time, this too shall pass.

Always remember you are loved and prayed for ... YA YOU!! And, if you don't mind, please pray for me and my family too!

Miss Dottie

PS I read this not too long ago, and used it in a prayer. I hope you will enjoy the quote as much as I did.

 “I will not die an unlived life. I will not live in fear of falling or catching fire. I choose to inhabit my days, to allow my living to open me, to make me less afraid, more accessible, to loosen my heart until it becomes a wing, a torch, a promise. I choose to risk my significance; to live so that which comes to me as seed goes to the next as blossom and that which comes to me as blossom, goes on as fruit.”

— Dawna Markova