Is Wrong the New Right?

February 19, 2014

Dear God,

After what seemed like many weeks of bitter cold, we've had that first big taste of what is to come ~~ Spring! The sunny days filled with cool breezes put me in the mood to REFRESH outside. I trimmed, swept, dug, watered, weeded, pruned, bagged and raked my way to the back patio. Once there, I blew the leaves off, cleaned the patio furniture, and hand washed all the cushions. I saved the glorious job of cleaning out the washroom (it is outside) for last. I was a tired puppy, but last night I slept more soundly knowing that (for now) everything is squeaky clean and tidy.

As I moved from garden bed to garden bed, I couldn't believe all the new sprouts coming through from the perennials I've planted over the past two years. I need to remember that Rome wasn't built in a day and my gardens will take time to mature. I hope I live long enough to see everything fill out according to my vision. Last Spring, I finally reached the back fence so now, it's just adding new plants as I find them. I could use 21 additional brick sized stones and 50 pathway stones for the final back garden. My furry kids love to follow the pathways as they wind throughout the yard. They are so funny ... the dogren, that is! (Smile!)

Living in an "antique" house has been ~~ well, interesting. I call it the mini money pit. A couple hours ago, a foundation company come out to check on what could be done to fix the cracks that have been appearing in the center part of the house. The house was leveled before inside renovations but they used wooden shims and didn't really fix the problem. We have some rotted wood that has to be replaced and quite a few piers put in (the right side of the house is 3" lower that the left thus the cracking in the middle). I think I need to take my sign and cup and stand on the street corner. Between the big tree, the patio cover, my dented car, and now the foundation, I'm feeling pretty overwhelmed.

LORD, I am so grateful for our wonderful conversations through this blog, prayer time, and to you for just being my friend as I go about my day. I just love it when I ask you questions and receive leanings towards specific scriptures. With the news of the foundation, my question was, "What now, who do I trust and how is this going to work out?" Immediately, Psalm 37 popped into my head ... "Let the Lord lead you and trust him to help. Then it will be as clear as the noonday sun..." Okay, I will do what I can do on my end and trust you with the rest one day at a time.

Yesterday on my way back from Whitney, I was listening to Dennis Prager on the radio. I've never listened to him before but he was talking about what's considered important for a good life and the topic sounded pretty interesting. Number one thing that seems to head the list in 2014 is being smart, getting A's, and, therefore insuring that success will follow. What has been forgotten is CHARACTER. I have been thinking about that program ever since wondering if I rewarded and taught my children the right things as they were growing up. Did I reward a C as much as an A if they worked diligently doing the best they could? Did I introduced them to you, LORD, instilling Christian values, morals, and ethics? Did I show up as they lived their lives being there for them but not solving every issue? Did I allow them the freedom to fail and grow ultimately encouraging them to be responsible adults? Did I teach them to seek answers to their own questions and "go for" their own desires? I would say, "How bad do you want it?" You'd have to ask them, but I think so.  All this leads me to:

A few years ago, I was chatting with an older lady quite nonchalantly about the weather, our health challenges, etc. when all of a sudden, she took a deep breath and her story came tumbling out almost faster than I could digest the words. When she was done, she looked at me and said, "I've said too much, you must hate me." I assured her that I was not her judge nor her jury, I did not hate her, and thanked her for her candidness. The next day, she arrived on my doorstep with a nervous look on her face. "I am sorry, I don't know why I said all those things." She went on to tell me that she'd left the more sordid parts out but maybe someday... I felt this deep sadness inside of me ~ here was this beautiful lady who lived a life of moral decay from the time she was a teen. She was running from you and trying to hide in her feminist, liberal lifestyle. I could hear you saying, "Come to me ... come to me." Maybe she shared her story because she knew I live in truth and light and don't judge. I'm not sure why she chose me to tell her story to but I do know she's in pain and is so vocal about the hypocritical people in churches who call themselves Christians. My response is, "What better place for hypocritical people is there than God's church." You came to save the sinner not the saint!

It is good to bare our souls and to regurgitate all the anger, puss, and evilness that has dwelt in the innermost parts of our psyche's, hearts, and minds. It is also imperative to fill those empty tapes with good ones. I've done that for years now not allowing those old tapes to return. I recognize them and upon hearing just a few thoughts, pull the plug and turn to positive energizing newness. When I open my Facebook page, I meditate on the good quotes and thoughts being posted. I know that if I don't stay in "you" and in good, I will falter and be pulled into a deep abyss.

Men and women of good character may or may not be the best orators nor the most beautiful and handsome. Yet, there is something about them that brings peace, truth, and stability. I confess that I have found myself drawn to charismatic people who speak with forked tongues ... people who say one thing but do another. I call them people of the lie ~ people that believe their lies so much that they could pass lie detector tests. I find that all too many times, I have been drawn in and my life has become a nightmare. I must be super vigilant these days forgetting about offering grace too cheaply.

Father God, I fall before you on my knees. I wonder how soon it will be before the Bible is altered to fit today's standards? Do I believe what you've written or do I pick and choose? Do I believe in the trinity of God, Jesus, Holy Spirit? Does my life reflect your goodness and mercy?

In my lifetime, I've witnessed the erosion of good character. I've witnessed the climb of sociopaths and inwardly devious people in modern day America ~ men and women that are looked up to for their beauty, handsomeness, wealth, position, and charming ability to convince that wrong is the new right. After all, we must be tolerant, not rock the boat, be politically correct as the tide dictates, and learn to keep God out of our schools, government, and daily lives. What? Well, I know the difference between right and wrong and have an enormous conscience. You, are my Redeemer, Savior, and my Rock. It is because of you that I am sane and able to live a good life. Why? Because I made a decision to do life your way instead of following my path to nowhere.

There are those all over the world who read my blogs. For that I am eternally grateful. It is my hope and prayer that they will be blessed for entering my world of struggles, fumbles, and gains. Hug them for me Father please letting them know I love them too and am praying for them.

Amen.

Miss Dottie

PS  Note to Readers: "When wealth is lost, nothing is lost; when health is lost, something is lost; when character is lost, all is lost." ~Billy Graham

In Paris and in love...

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Dear God,

Dr. Romance reporting in on this cold, wintry day! The sleet has started to fall making the sidewalk from the cottage to the little casa quite treacherous. As for me, I am snug as a bug with a fire going in the fireplace and El Divo music dancing through my head.

There are times when I just know that you place things and people in my life as special gifts.  A few weeks ago, I took out the love letters that my dad wrote to my mom during WWII. Since February is the month of love, I thought I would share this letter written Febuary 21, 1945 from the Grand Hotel in Paris...

Saturday Morning
February 21, 1945

My Darling,

Don't fall over now but, Love, I am in Paris. Honey, I sure was a lucky guy. Only two of us got passes to out of the company. It was Mullens and me. Mullens is the Ass. Motor Sgt. and he sure is a swell guy. Honey, guess your Sweetheart must rate in the company ~ there I go bragging again.

Well, I always said when I was over here I would like to see Paris. We sure have seen a lot of scenery and boy some of it is beautiful. We take the subway so it doesn't take long to get someplace. We got lost the first time we rode on the subway but now we've caught on how to go so we really get around the city.

I was going to buy some things but Honey you have got to be a millionaire. I did get you a bottle of perfume so I'll send it as soon as I get back. I hope you like it.

We are staying in a big hotel. It is just fun just being away on a pass but it sure is nice to sleep in a bed and white sheets. My gosh I haven't slept in them for ages. Boy it will feel good to get home and sleep in a good bed again. Okay, Honey? We can sure cuddle up then can't we. Honey, if that day would only come soon.

Boy, am I ever happy I got this pass 'cause I sure was sweating out that Rhine Crossing. The big push in on now. I hope none of my dear old buddies weren't hurt or killed. Boy, I hope they knock out the Germans on this drive. Maybe the end will come soon.

Honey, I hope, I hope, and I hope 'cause I want to come home to you. No matter where I go I always have my Babe in my mind. Honey I could never forget you. No I couldn't, not a sweet gal like you.

Today we are going out to the Eiffel Tower. Some of the boys were out there and said it was so nice. Gee Honey, I sure have enjoyed this trip here. It is so good to get away from all that shelling so you can see how happy I am going to be when I come home to you.

No Hon, I guess the boys want to go. Honey girl, I love you and I am being true blue to you. I just couldn't be anything else. So bye for now.

I love you so much. Your own
Ernie

LORD, I am sitting her bawling like a baby. To know how much my parents loved each other means so much to me. The battles fought were fierce for my father and left him with a pain that is unfathomable to most of us. For today, I am taking this gift and thinking only of this particular Saturday morning in the Grand Hotel in Paris, February, 1945. I am imagining him sitting at a table in his room with thoughts of love for the woman at home he loved so dearly.

Father God in Heaven, I want to lift up all the families of and men and women serving in the armed forces. The horror of battle cannot be comprehended unless we are there to experience the shelling and blood shed across the land and sea. This Valentine's Day there will be men, just like my dad, writing to their sweethearts and wives. I hope that those who receive letters like my mom did, will preserve them for generations to read. At a time when there is so much abuse, corruption and selfishness, it means a lot to know that there are warriors with gentle spirits who really do love deeply.

Amen

Miss Dottie

PS Note to Readers: Valentine's Day is soon approaching. If you want to know exactly what love is, open your Bible to 1 Corinthians 13:4-8:

Letter writing has become so passe and, I think that's too bad. Emails, texts, tweets ... all can be lost with the "oops" of a finger. I used to love running to the mailbox to see if I had a letter from a sweet admirer or from family/friends. I would hang on each word pulling the paper to my heart. Somehow, my letters have become lost in the many moves. Maybe it's just as well. Always the romantic, I have them in my heart.

My Own End Times

Monday, February 10, 2014

Dear God,

Thank you for a beautiful Spring-like weekend. It was so nice to be outside without a heavy coat, gloves, and scarf. My friend, Beverly, and I made a trip to the old cemetery where her family is buried. We took a bucket, some water, and decided to take some cuttings off an old rose bush and another bush (I have no idea what it is). I have them potted and treated with root starter ~ my fingers are crossed. So excited ~ 6 new plants for the garden come Spring!

The oldest headstones
date back to the late 1700's

We also decided to visit one of Beverly's mom's dearest friends ~ Grace is 90+ years old and lives on her own with her cat Rascal. It was like visiting one of my sweet little Aunts in Minnesota. She gave us a mini sermon on the end times and told us she was praying thanking you for her TV because she can listen to the preachers and for Rascal because he is such good company. Funny the things we thank you for as we grow older! I hope that I get invited back because I felt so uplifted when we left. Grace made me smile!! I am thanking you for Grace and her willingness to speak her mind.

We do not know when the end times will come but you tell us to be prepared. Last week Beverly's husband had a drop in blood sugar to 36 and nearly went into a coma and was close to death. The EMT's worked on him and literally saved his life. I went to the hospital with Beverly and was her support system for several hours until Don was released to go home. While we were in the ER, there were several people who were s-i-c-k  sick. Not sure one made it... As I drove home, I asked myself if I was ready if you took me home that night. I knew I was ~ I just needed to affirm it to myself one more time.

No, I'm not being morbid and thinking negatively. I just know that I don't know the day or hour of my own end time and I need to be prepared. I sure as heck didn't know I had a heart attack but I do know that the chances of my having another is heightened. I am doing some reading on women and heart attacks and strokes and want to care for my body as much as I can. As for the rest of the story, only God knows.

"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour." ~Matthew 25:13

There is something to be said for the wisdom that we gather on the road of life. History tends to repeat itself and our country is in grave danger in the very near future. I am not concerned about myself but I am concerned about my children and grandchildren. As Americans we have fought for our freedom on home soil and abroad. Living in the land of the free has been such an amazing thing so thank you Father for placing me here.

Many of our forefathers came to this country to escape religious persecution and establish new lives. I read John Kennedy's book A NATION OF IMMIGRANTS and highly recommend it. What a wonderful melting pot America has been. The sad part is that we have become so complacent thinking we still safely live in the land of milk and honey. What we miss is that faithful Christians are already being persecuted in our land under the guise of separation of church and state. I have listened to the cries of the atheists and agnostics all bent out of shape because the courthouse here chimes hymns at noon. Pleeezzzeee.

Carl Pederson with children
from left:
Helen, Lorna, Ernest

Good character used to mean something ~ now many people are only sorry that they got caught not that they did something wrong. My father was Ernest son of Carl and Maggie Pederson. The Pedersons were upstanding members of the community active in church, helpmates to neighbors and friends, raising educated moral children. It meant something to be a Pederson. Pederson meant a person of Christian character ~ honest, trustworthy, giving. I am grateful for that part of my heritage, LORD. That heritage has kept me on the straight and narrow when I wanted to give in to the call of the flesh. I totally understand what it means to be a woman of Godly character.

Father God, as I gaze out the french doors of the cottage, everything looks so barren and bleak. It is Winter ... a time of slumber and quiet. Although I always look forward to a down time, in February, I begin to yearn for Spring. I get so excited when I see new growth on my roses and other flowering bushes and perennials. I love the smell of the earth as I dig and loosen soil to give my plants a little breathing room. Ah yes...Spring will come in just a few weeks.

Fever, chills, coughing, a runny nose, aching bones, and a piercing headache are knocking on the door today and I don't want to let them in so that they take hold and wreak havoc on my week. I will miss the Chamber Music performance tonight at the college but hopefully this bug will not keep me from seeing the marionettes next week. I am rarely sick and most of the time I am able to use prayer to ward off illnesses deepening. So far, that hasn't worked on the Fibro and my spine. Bummers!  My thorn in my side, LORD?

Watch over my Readers and bring them warmth and comfort in these winter days and nights. See them through the barrenness while giving them hope that the earth will explode with color in a few weeks.  Heal bodies where there has been illness, surgeries, and chronic disease. Most of all, LORD, bring them to a place where they yearn to know and be like you remembering that we all have our own end time.

Amen.

Miss Dottie

PS  Note to Readers: Boy, I did some rambling today, didn't I? I've told you before that I love to talk to God which means my mind and mouth wanders. You know, I don't think God minds ... He knows my heart and appreciates me checking in with him. That gives me such comfort!!

"The mark of your ignorance is the depth of your belief in injustice and tragedy. What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the Master calls the butterfly." ~Richard Bach

I think of my life on earth as my caterpillar life. My eternal life will be my butterfly life. Whoopie!! Welll, now that I think about it, maybeeee not ... there are times when I am so darn happy I sing and dance with joy!! I'll just be a bigger butterfly in heaven!!

The Black Night of the Soul

February 9, 2014

Dear God,

For the past few days, I have been reading about what and how we can offer comfort to others. This morning I watched several TV church services and that thought was threaded into those messages as well. I am so grateful for the training I have had as a Stephen's Minister, mentoring women, and helping others to lead more successful lives. Believe me, I could not have come through my own personal pain without your constant presence and the people who came alongside me in my dark nights of hell.

Because of my childhood trauma, I suffered with low self esteem and depression. I retreated into a world of sleep interspersed with bouts of anger when my frustration level reached a boiling point. Mentally I knew what was right, emotionally I acted out in inappropriate ways that I couldn't understand. I couldn't accept the good from people choosing instead to punish myself remaining in relationships that were not good for me. It was a continual process of being unaware yet having outward symptoms. When I could finally accept truth, I began to make progress.

I want to thank the people, Father, who showed up to love me when I couldn't love myself. I want to thank the people who put their arms around me and led me, ever so gently, to a better place. I want to thank the people who gave me books to read and knowledge of a healthier life ~ physically, mentally, spiritually. I want to thank the people who filled in some blanks for me and were able to help me understand the dynamics of my family of origin. History and behaviors tend to manifest themselves from generation to generation simply because that's what families do. The terrible part is that so often we become what we hate.

It was my dream to break free of generational curses and become my own person ... the person I was born to be. There are parts of my family that I absolutely LOVE and I chose to keep those traditions and ways of doing things. The parts of my family that caused me so much pain I needed to dissect, digest, and change. What a freeing thing to be able to do.

Father, I want you to shower "Grace" (my name for my childhood trauma therapist) with extra blessings today. After years of not understanding myself, I was able to wade through the muck and mire of repressed memories to safe ground. Can you believe ... I started going to therapists in the mid eighties and didn't reach a breakthrough until a few years ago??? I was on this quest and just never gave up no matter what I uncovered. Thank you for my perseverance!!

There are times I wonder "why?" There are times I cry when the night is black, my soul is torchered, and life seems so hopeless (yes, still). Then, I remember how you've used all the darkness in my life for good. I've become an advocate for children ... I am able to love freely without judgement and anger. And, you know what, Lord? I am learning to be able to look in a mirror (I've had a phobia about my appearance and seeing myself in a mirror so I wouldn't look). I had to LEARN to love myself warts, bumps, and all. I needed to see myself how you saw me ... fearfully and wonderfully made!

I know that there are Readers out there that either have, are, or will go through depression and/or self-defeating choices. I know there are Readers that don't understand why they do the things they do and wish they could change. I ask that you minister to these people, LORD, filling them with a sense of direction towards wholesomeness. Go before them, placing people in their lives that can show up and put their arms around them modeling your love.  It truly is the month of love and I want to pass the love I have inside me not only to my Readers but to everyone around me. Help me, Father, as I venture out today showering smiles and kindnesses towards those who join me on the path of life.

Amen.

Miss Dottie

PS  Note to Readers: "Every man has his secret sorrows which the world knows not; and often times we call a man cold when he is only sad." ~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow 

Love is in the air

February 7, 2014

Dear God,

It is absolutely freezing here. I must say, it's been a strange winter all around the country with sub zero temperatures, snow, and sleet. In California there is a town that is running out of water. Please don't send the 40 days and nights of rain BUT it sure would be nice to fill our lakes and streams. While you're at it, protect my little plants in the gardens ~ things are looking pretty sad out there. I had to dig out sweaters for the furry kids today. They do look pretty darn cute!

It's been one of those ho-hum days when I can't get my get-up in gear. I spent 2 days deep cleaning the little casa and when I do something like that, it takes me a couple days of rest to get going on my next project. Need you to infuse me with some kind of energy! At least on my down days I am able to write and catch up on reading. Blessings in disguise!

It's the month of love and I am loving my mother's memory today so if you see her tell her that I miss her and look forward to the day when I can see her once again. When I was 4 and my brother 3, we walked (all by ourselves) in the doll buggy parade. I was looking at the photo and thought, "My goodness, we look scared to death." I kept my focus on the photo trying to remember the day but all I could remember was my mother sewing my dress, decorating my buggy, and making our hats. My brother's hat was made from an oatmeal box. I think my mom had quite a creative streak because she sewed most of our clothes and pajamas and liked it when my brother and I looked "spit shined!"

I'm not sure why but my mother liked to dress us in white or pastel colors and she ironed everything. I'm laughing remembering the rigmarole of laundry day, the sprinkling of dry clothes, and the ironing process. I thought it was so cool when I was old enough to iron my dad's handkerchiefs. I still like to make sure all our clothes (and sheets) are crisp and fresh!

You know, LORD, love is in the air and I am so grateful to you for healing my heart filling it with the kind of love that transcends all understanding. I have been working on my genealogy but the one thing that is hard to know is who people really were, how they related to one another, and why they acted and reacted to certain situations. I guess life happens and unless there is a highway to truth and light, lives can get pretty messed up. I don't know why that when I began to clear out the crap, my heart had so much room for the love that is pure and unadulterated. I am jumping for joy.  Thank you!!

Adults aren't the only ones who get excited on Valentine's Day. I'll bet you get a kick out of the Valentine boxes children make. Hopefully, they still celebrate Valentine's Day in school. Just for the heck of it, I'd like to make an adult Valentine's Day box ... I hate it that we tend to lose our sense of child-like fun when it comes to love!!

Father God in Heaven, I am feeling overwhelmed by all things beautiful. My spirit soars as I listen to my El Divo CD's. Yes, love is in the air!! For my Readers, I pray that love will fill their hearts and beings. One way to feel the love is to do loving things for others. Come to think of it, maybe you could just sprinkle a little love over the whole world!!

Amen.

Miss Dottie

PS Note to Readers: "One day someone is going to hug you so tight that all your broken pieces fit back together." ~Anonymous

February, the Month of Love

February 6, 2014

Dear God,

February is the month of love; and, as a died in the wool romantic, I love everything about this special season. I didn't know how many times love was mentioned in the Bible and was surprised to find that in the KJV it is mentioned over a thousand times (so it says on google). You must have had a big heart for the earth and the people you have placed on it. I like that.

Miss Dottie aka
Dr Romance

For quite a few years, I was a professional matchmaker, relationship coach, wrote two columns on relationships, and taught classes at church on affairs of the heart. I must say I am very grateful for those years and for the lives I touched and those who touched mine. It was a time when I could spread my wings and develop The Dating University and have lots of hands on teaching. We can't "do" what we don't know and I was surprised at how many people aren't aware of their own issues while pointing fingers at others.

God, I know you didn't intend for relationships to be endured. You intended our relationships to be wonderfully enjoyed. How can we do that without knowing each other?? We can't. Men and women are so very different in many ways ... especially in basic needs. Because I am a Christian, you know I always speak from that platform. Because I am having this conversation with you, let's dig deeper into moi...

Personally, I have longed to follow a man of courage, conviction, commitment, compassion, and character ~ a strong man with a gentle heart. Before I was married, I made a list of what was really important to me ... at the top of the list was that my man be a Spiritual Leader living his life based on your word. I knew that if he loved you, he would love me too.

My own love languages are quality time and words of personal affirmation and appreciation. For a person to say "I love you" and neglect those areas makes my heart sooo sad. I remember telling men in a seminar that to love and "keep" a woman, they must study her and not depend on media hype ... especially important occasions special to them. For me, as a creative artist in the area of beauty and balance, it's all about presentation ~ to someone else it might be something totally different.

Lord, we all need personal affection and romance. Romance is kind of a game, isn't it. It's fun playing the game ... sometimes we win and sometimes we lose but what's cool is that romance is ever changing. The feminine mystique is very real! Romance is quite an adventure and you know how much I LOVE to laugh and have adventures!!

I am an old soul ... always have been probably always will be. I love deep intimate conversation of all kinds from philosophical to politics to books to art to saving rescue dogs to food to music to interior design to gardening to antiquing to balancing a budget. There are times for being serious and times of being playful which is where my sense of romance comes in. I'm not so good at surface conversation (although I did teach men and women how to flirt) and enjoy talking at a deeper heart level. As a Stephen's Minister, I became quite versed in active listening. IMPORTANT for any relationship!!

Don't you just love it, God, when people look up to the heavens in prayer and unveil their deepest thoughts? I admire people who are honest, trustworthy, and secure in themselves ~ I admire people who are able to fully explain their plans and actions clearly and completely. We are not responsible for each other; however, we are responsible to each other. The growth of openness and honesty are just flat out there where mature love is in the equation.

Father, as women you have wired us to need a sense of stability and security. We can have successful careers in whatever field we desire; however, there is something about that strong shoulder that we find so appealing when push comes to shove. Every relationship needs that security hub which, for me, means my relationship with you. A long time ago, I realized that no earthly person could fill all my needs and I would be hurt, devastated at times, broken, battered, and flat out deceived. Yep, that's life. I've also realized the importance of atoning for my own flops and sins ~ extending forgiveness where forgiveness is due ~ and, moving on. Maybe that's a blessing of being the eternal optimistic romantic!!

Because of the road I have traveled, I have a special place in my heart for the wounded woman. This month of love can be especially sad for those who have been taken in my unscrupulous men and hurtful relationships. God, it is those women that I am asking you to heal today. Give them hope, strength, and courage to be all you created them to be. Encourage them to attend classes and fill their lives with people who are able to lift them up. Most of all, help them to know you.

Amen.

Miss Dottie

PS Note to Readers: "You've gotta dance like there's nobody watching. Love like you'll never be hurt, Sing like there's nobody listening, And live like it's heaven on earth." ~William W. Purkey

There's NOTHING WRONG with romancing the self. I celebrate my feminine self each and every day ... speaking of which ... it's nearly time to light my evening candles, put on some Celtic Thunder music, and do a little dancing!  

Jacob's Ladder

February 5, 2014

Dear God,

Last Saturday was an absolutely beautiful day in North Central Texas. Michael and I packed up Zeke and Toby and made a trip to Cameron Park in Waco. The park is so beautiful even in the midst of winter. We were able to do a little hiking and drink in the freshness of the air. Zeke and Toby were so excited to be out and their antics kept us in stitches. They couldn't sniff enough trees, plants, and rocks! It was a super day so "Thank you!"

One of the neatest things in the park is Jacob's Ladder. The ladder is an incredible set of steps climbing nearly 100 feet to the top of a bluff. The original ladder was built around 1900 by a family at the top of the bluff to have a way to get to the Brazos River below. They must have been some hardy folks to jaunt up and down the 85+ steps. The ladder was much to daunting to attempt to climb; however, we did sit at the top and marvel at the construction and those young people who climbed with ease.

It made me think about the story of Jacob's Ladder in the book of Genesis. Let's see, how did the story go...

Jacob was the son of Isaac and the grandson of Abraham. His twin brother Esau had vowed to kill him because Jacob had stolen Esau's birthright (the Jewish claim to inheritance and blessing). On his way to his relatives house in Haran, Jacob lay down for the night. As he was dreaming, he had a vision of a ladder between heaven and earth. God's angels were on it ascending and descending. Jacob saw you, God, standing above the ladder. He told Jacob his offspring would be many, blessing all the families of the earth. You said...

"Behold I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you." ~Genesis 28:15

When Jacob woke up, he believed that you, LORD, were present in that place. He took the stone he had been using to rest his head, poured oil on it and dedicated it.

When I went to bed Saturday night, I began to think about the ladder and could picture angels floating up and down. What a peaceful vision! I remembered a time in my life when I was being tormented and angels would sing to me soothing my mind and letting me know that you, LORD, were with me. I also thought about Jesus (as a ladder) and how he bridged that gap between heaven and earth. OMG, I was in such a state of peace I could hardly stand it. Serenity at it's best for sure!!

From Cameron Park on the Brazos River, we had decided to drive to Lake Waco and I thought about standing on the shores and noticing it's beauty. All too soon, boats would be launched and there would be the hustle and bustle of campers, swimmers, water skiers, sun bathers, and fishermen. I was glad we could experience the peacefulness and slumber of winter without all the distractions. I could still hear the rippling of the water washing up on shore. Perfect for drifting off to my own dreamland.

Father God in Heaven, please watch over my Readers. So many are expriencing trials and hearts are becoming saddened from stress and waning hope. Let them know that you are with them and that I am praying for them. Most of all, let them know that they are not alone no matter what they are going through.

Amen, it is so...

Miss Dottie

PS "The only thing that burns in hell is the part of you that won't let go of your life: your memories, your attachments. They burn 'em all away. But they're not punishing you, he said. They're freeing your soul. If you are frightened of dying, and you are holding on, you'll see devils tearing your life away. If you've made your peace then the devils are really angels freeing you from the earth." ~Joel Rubin, JACOB'S LADDER

Note to Readers: I've found that in letting go, I have experienced a newness of life that I never thought possible. I live in truth and light ~ a place where the demons of my past and present have no control. I love that!! Each day is a new adventure and I find myself wanting to play more and enjoy the music of the day!! How about you?? I find myself standing on holy ground just like Jacob did!!