It's 8:45am and the sun is shining brightly through the french doors of the cottage. I am giggling because the windows are so dirty from the winter winds that the images outside are blurred. Guess what my next project will be today? I just finished reading Genesis and Joseph has been laid to rest. There is a part of me that wants to go back and re-read his story. In fact, I think I will. Joseph's story is of a man who chose to forgive and bless his childhood tormentors seeing God's hand in the big picture.
"But Joseph told them, "Don't be afraid of me. Am I God to judge and punish you? As far as I am concerned, God turned into good what you meant for evil, for he brought me to this high position I have today so that I could save the lives of many people." ~Genesis 50:19-20
I was thinking of how many people I know who have allowed their circumstance to foster bitterness, blame, withdrawal, and anger. If anyone had reason to take revenge, certainly it was Joseph. He had the opportunity, so why didn't he? Because he was convinced that God's hand directed his life and brought good from evil that's why. Simple as that! As a child, I suffered from neglect and emotional bruising. My innocence was taken from me and seeds were planted in the form of tapes that haunted me for most of my life. That being said, I managed to create a world of joy and a caring for my fellowman and animals. If I had not been a battered wife, I would not have helped establish the first women's shelter in Collin County and counseled other women. If I had not experienced being in an alcoholic family, I would not have discovered, worked, and taught the 12 Step Program. If I hadn't experienced such a wide variety of abuses and heartaches, I would not have sought out training to assist others in the Stephen's Ministry Program. My past molded me and God used my experiences for good. I remember giving a talk to some battered women one cold winter night. I'd gone to the meeting right after work. One of the ladies stood up and shook her finger at me saying, "You stand there all dressed up in a suit, your nails done, looking so pretty. You can't understand me 'cause you've not walked in my shoes." I walked over to her, put my arms around her and quietly whispered, "Listen to my story... I am a survivor." Another talk I gave was to a men's group at a church in Frisco, TX ... they asked a lot of questions and at the end of our session, they agreed to band together to be more aware.
"Bloom where you are planted" or as Miss Dottie would say, "Let your light shine no matter what, glorifying the one who sustains you wherever you are." God created me for a purpose and I needed to be born, live, and grow through many different experiences and in many different places. He made me strong, resilient, and (miraculously) unable to carry the burden of grudges. Many times I remember shaking my fist in the air (after an offense) saying, "You WILL NOT take my joy from me!"
I am having a morning of prayer, cups of wonderful hot coffee, a soaking in the word, and an earful of uplifting music. I am missing my church family and look forward to tomorrow where I can not only be fed but also carry the torch of hope to others. As I close my eyes and continue typing, I can envision my own light and the light of other believers shining brightly in a dark world. Think about this today: would others want to light their lamps from your light? Or, would they see a bitter, miserable, person and run the other way? This I know ~ God has a plan for me and for you! Miss Dottie PS "The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen." ~Elisabeth Kubler-Ross
My desk The past: love letters from my dad to my mom The present: time The future: The battle is the Lord's!
A rousing sunny Good Morning to y'all!! Welcome to my world. It's going to be a great day, I feel it in my bones! Actually, my bones are pretty stiff and sore this morning due to the winter cold. The heat went out in the lil casa during the night and it didn't take long for the house to get pretty chilly! Thank goodness, the cottage has a fireplace ~ kept my furry kids and me snug as bugs in a rug! We are thinking of installing a gas fireplace in the casa if the cost of fixing the heater is too high. Our casa is so small, it wouldn't take much to heat it. Something to think about. No matter, I am singing the song, Good Morning, and doing my praise dance as I brush my teeth.
"Hear, O LORD, and be gracious to me; O LORD, be my helper." You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have loosed my sackcloth and girded me with gladness, That my soul may sing praise to You and not be silent. O Lord, my God, I will give thanks to You forever." ~Psalm 30:10-12
I am one step closer to having my back fusion done. I had wanted to change to a surgeon in Waco and talked with his nurse a few weeks ago ~ they required a referral from my doctor in Hillsboro along with a CD of my last MRI. Welll, talk about a frustrating mess. My doctor (somehow) didn't have the records of my diagnosis from my surgeon in Plano and kept losing my request. It would have been so much easier on Michael if I could have had the surgery done closer to home BUT after praying about the whole situation, I had more of a peace in going back to Dr. Carmody. He's one of the best orthopedic surgeons in the Dallas area and has done all (about 6) surgeries on my neck and back. I trust him explicitly which is important. Anyway, I am going in to see him next Wednesday to schedule the fusion of the L3-4. Sure will be glad to get that behind me so I am set to work in my gardens come Spring!!
Many of you have read the 2010 memoir, THE BOY WHO CAME BACK FROM HEAVEN, written by Alex Malarkey and his father, Kevin.This morning, I read that Alex admitted that the whole experience was a fabrication. To quote Alex: "I said I went to heaven because I thought it would get me attention. When I made the claims that I did, I had never read the Bible. People have profited from lies, and continue to. They should read the Bible, which is enough. The Bible is the only source of truth. Anything written by man cannot be infallible." Once more, this reminded me of how careful we need to be of zeroing in on an author and taking their word for how God operates and what he says. My tattered and worn Daily Walk Bible has become even more dear to me as the years go by. There are days that I just can't get enough of the words that spring from the pages offering that fresh clean water of life. Man is imperfect, God is perfect! Personally, I think the reason so many don't read the Bible is that they would be convicted of their sin. Ask yourself, "What would God ask me to change in my life if I followed Him?" I say that, because for so many years I didn't read my Bible, preferring to listen to preachers, and read the works of various authors. First of all, I have had to remember that, like Alex and Kevin Malarkey, authors want to sell books and they are telling their own version of a story. Secondly, I had to admit that there was some sin in my own life that I needed to address.
It was downright humbling and quite embarrassing to stand naked before God and others, stripped of my pride and fig leaves. One cannot be sorry without confessing and making amends ~ another step in my road to recovery ~ a decision of my will that took a long time to do. I will tell you this, that was so freeing!! Oh, there were some who couldn't forgive me and who have continued to think of me as flawed but that's OK. Yesterday is gone and a new creature has emerged through Christ Jesus. I made a promise to myself to stay in the light, speak the truth in love, and not allow that little girl inside me to be battered any more!!
Romans 8:1&2 says, "Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death..."
This morning I read more of Joseph's story in Genesis 45-47. In Joseph's life, you'll find experiences that nearly everyone identifies with: misunderstanding, mistreatment, unexplainable circumstances seemingly unanswered prayers, and examples of doing the right thing and having it turn out all wrong. When Joseph told his brothers who he was (they had sold him into Egypt as a boy), he said to them: "But don't be angry with yourselves that you did this to me, for God did it! He sent me here ahead of you to preserve your lives." (Genesis 45:5) Can you imagine? Sold by his own brothers, accused of atrocities he didn't commit, thrown into prison ~ the list goes on and on. Joseph CHOSE to remain in God knowing that everything is Father-filtered. His life made him who he was ~ an honest, loving, forgiving, and very wise man! Joseph is one of my most favorite characters in the Bible and I gain precious wisdom every time I read his story.
As you go about your day today, please know that I will be praying for you ~ for stamina, understanding, direction, and grace. I know the troubles and challenges coming before you are sharp as darts sent spiraling towards a target. Some of you are forging ahead. Good for you! Others are thinking about throwing in the towel. Don't! You don't have to do life alone you know. I can empathize with those of you who are private and don't want to air your dirty laundry. I lived that way for more years than I can count. Just remember, those pastors, lay pastors/counselors, therapists, accountability partners, Stephens Ministers ... they've heard it all and aren't there to judge. They are there to extend a hand and walk beside you. Miss Dottie PS "It is better to be hated for what you are than to be loved for what you are not." ~Andre' Gide I think that Alex Malarkey would agree with that. To have admitted his folly is commendable. May God bless the next chapter in his life.
It's mighty cold in North Central Texas tonight. I am surprised at how snugly warm the fireplace keeps the cottage. I was concerned about the plank floor being drafty but Lupe insulated and plugged draft holes before laying the boards. If anyone is ever thinking about installing a board floor then painting it, I would say, "Go for it." It's been really easy to keep up ~ worn spots give it that aged appeal that I enjoy. I have been wanting a candle chandelier for over the claw foot tub ever since the cottage was completed. I had thought about installing an electrical one but knew a candle lit one would add more ambiance. When I went to the Paw Pals Fundraiser Garage Sale, I spied a little chandelier in a corner on top of a box. It didn't have a price tag on it so I asked the lady at the register how much it was. "Is a dollar too much?" I snarfed that puppy up and giggled all the way to the car! My friend, Beverly, thought I was nuts and, obviously, so did the lady at the register. I saw POSSIBILITIES not trash and knew it would be perfect.
Normally, Michael has been having Wednesdays off but had to go in to work this morning. Before he left, I got him to get the hook screwed into the beam above the tub and I started on my project of turning a sow's ear into a silk purse. To make things easy, I decided on just cleaning it up and spray painting it black. I felt sort of silly outside in my nightgown spray painting but, hey, I didn't want to get paint on my jeans. I had gotten some candles yesterday at Walmart so once I got it hung, I put in the candles and lit them. NICE! Better than nice ... PERFECT!! The cottage has been my adult playhouse ... my woman cave where I could experiment with different design styles, read, pray, and, in general, dance to the tune of my own drum. Right now, it has sort of a farmhouse feel ... a little Country English and a little rustic. I'm a very romantic soul and bask in the sunshine of including the things that make me feel alive and special ... books, music, candles, family mementos, old lace, and whatnots I find along the roadside of life. Someday, I'll add an oriental rug but, for now, my furry kids would just think of it as an oversized wee wee pad! No use tempting them.
Tonight, was the "ta da" night for my project. I put on some music, lit all the candles, poured myself a nice glass of wine, and filled the tub with lots of hot water and had bubbles up to my neck. Ahhh, what a beautiful moment of serenity and specialness. Personally, I think, women need to do more romancing the self and, I think, you will notice me doing more of that in 2015. My spirit has been dried up for too long!!
You know, no prayer goes unheard. As I soaked away my sore muscles and bones, I began to run through my prayer list ... I would look deep into the candles and imagine the angels dancing around me. The walls echoed the beauty of that moment in time and I just knew that as I spoke, Jesus was working behind the scenes. So many times when our prayers aren't answered the way we want them too, we're saddened and disappointed. Just know that that Lord has the big picture and that his ways aren't our ways. My prayer for a chandelier came with a dollar price tag and a recipe for imagination. It was different than what I thought it should look like but, on completion, it was exactly what I wanted in my heart. My dream became real!!
I was also thinking about Zeke tonight and how much I missed him. I probably will never understand why that accident had to happen ~ all I know is that through his short life, he brought me closer to his foster mom, Laura, AND, he brought joy to my life at a time when I was feeling pretty abandoned. Maybe God knew that Finn was going to need a home. I dunno... When I can't comprehend those tragic times, I just have to say, "The Lord gives, the Lord takes away, blessed be the name of the Lord" (Job 1:21) and leave it at that. It is late, some of my candles are almost burned out and I am feelin' pretty mellow. My furry kids are snoring away on a blanket in front of the fireplace and, one more day into 2015, I am feeling blessed. Miss Dottie
PS "Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile." ~Mother Teresa I have a sign over my sink in the cottage. In the morning, it reminds me of how to live ... at night, it keeps me accountable of how I spent my time. Pretty cool, huh?! Always remember how very much I love you and pray for your every need. Until tomorrow, God give you sweet dreams and bless you abundantly!!
It's very dark outside tonight and quite cold. I wrapped a blanket around me as I made my way from the house to the cottage. My furry kids didn't seem to mind the wind; and, zoom, they were going in 5 different directions to tend to their business. I stood in the door, waiting for them and before long, they came sauntering in ready to dive into their warm beds by the fireplace. Gosh! I love those little rascals. It gives me peace to write and look at them nestled in for the night. My girls are a bonded pair and love to sleep right next to each other. They've come such a long way in adjusting to life outside a cage. All the steps to rehabilitate them have been worth the effort. Their former life wasn't fair but now their lives are filled pawrents who love them and provide for their every need. Yay!
Oh goodness, on to another not fair moment in time. The Cowboys lost a crucial football game today. I couldn't get the game on our TV but did listen to the last quarter on the radio. When Dez Bryant caught the controversial pass, I thought the game would end in a Cowboy victory. The officials ruled the pass incomplete to the complete shock of the fans, players, and radio announcers. The Packers won the game. My daughter is a Cowboys fan and my son a Packers fan. I'm sure they had a great time watching the game separately together! Competition is good! For sure, life isn't fair but it is life. We can moan and groan but life moves forward and our emotional temperature must come into line with what is, is. To become bitter, whine, and complain does no one any good. The crux of the matter is that the rule needs to be changed and I hope they do that. As for today, losing that way sucks!!
So many times in my own lifetime, I've cried out, "God this isn't fair." When I did, I reminded myself that Jesus endured death for us (and, it sure as heck wasn't a fair call for him!) so that even in the face of our darkest hours we would be able to live with hope, strength, and courage. We cannot allow those times of disappointment, hurt, and sorrow to rob us of the beautiful life that God has planned for us. We have the opportunity to choose to live and experience and receive the wonderful grace, blessings, and love of the Father. 2015 has been a great year so far and I am claiming a year of good health, financial stability, and a growing exponentially spiritually. I did not write down my goals this year on paper. I kept them to a few and wrote them on my heart. For me, that meant more than a "to do" list. I don't have to do anything ~ I want to be better. When I visited with my daughter in Christ a week ago Sunday, she gave me a message from the Lord. I totally embraced it and immediately was filled with joy. Oh, I know, some of you are saying, "Hmmm, message from God, huh?" Well yes, she was praying as an intercessor on my behalf and God gave her a scripture to pass on to me. This was my message from Isaiah 43:15-19: "I am the LORD, your Holy One. Israel's Creator, your King. This is what the LORD says ~ he who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters, who drew out the chariots and horses, the army and reinforcements together, and they lay there, never to rise again, extinguished, snuffed out like a wick: Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." This made perfect sense to me because it confirmed a vision I have had. Have you ever had recurring dreams that you weren't sure what they meant? I get them when I am teeter-tottering back and forth about "what to do." Often times, I pray for confirmation and then just listen and wait. Sometimes I get an answer right away and then, sometimes, I have to wait several years. Patience ... the Lord has been teaching me, a very impatient person, patience! My baby blues are starting to feel heavy and it's time for lights out. Tomorrow is another day ... a new beginning! Miss Dottie PS "It's all right to tell a man to lift himself by his own bootstraps, but it is cruel to say to a bootless man that he ought to lift himself by his own bootstraps." ~Martin Luther King, Jr. Think about that for awhile today. Who do you know who needs some uplifting, help, and encouragement. Just maybe that person needs new boots!! Always remember you are loved and prayed for ... YA YOU ... every single one of you!!
Last night, I was wrapping up my day and about to head to bed. I heard the text buzzer on my phone and decided to give a look since it was so late. It was my precious daughter in Christ, Melissa. She was in Dallas visiting her brother (Michael) and family and (apologizing for the lateness) wanted to know if there was some chance we could meet. We texted back and forth with me explaining that Michael worked Sunday and I had no transportation. I told her I would pray about it and get back with her early today.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ~Philippians 4:6-7
Melissa and I connected when she was an 18 year old girl trying to find her way. She needed the arms of a mother and I became Dottie Mom. Together we established the group Need A Friend? Be A Friend. Looking back, I realize that it was then that I began to enjoy blogging ~ then called a newsletter of encouragement for the group.
Melissa married, moved to the east coast, Kansas City, then to Georgia. As often times happens, life got busy for both of us and we lost track of each other. The last time I saw Melissa was over 12 years ago on a trip back to Texas from Minnesota. She had 2 children and had just miscarried twins. Some months ago, she found me on Facebook and we connected as though we had never been apart. She now has 4 beautiful children and a full exciting life!
Melissa & Isabella
As I prayed, I asked the Lord to guide me in finding a way to see her. When Michael woke up, I told him about the texts and that I needed to make this trip. I told him I could leave early, stay only a couple hours, and be back so he could go to work ~ it was doable and I was on my way. The miles seemed to zip by and, in no time, I was pulling up to Michael's and Amy's home. The door opened and there stood this petite, beautiful woman with the biggest grin on her face. Her brother, Michael, was right behind her and we were all doing the happy dance and hugging. I looked down and there was this sweet little girl peeking around her mom ~ Isabella. My heart was melting!
Melissa & her youngest child, Christiano
It was like time gone by had no significance ~ our connection was immediate and there was this rush of joy that nearly swept me off my feet. I had enough time to catch up with Michael and Amy (and their son Max), and reconnect with my precious God-given child. We shared a sumptuous lunch (shrimp tortilla soup with lime, greek salad, and bread pudding), Isabella drew me a beautiful picture (explaining the meaning), and Melissa and I climbed up on Michael and Amy's bed to truly catch up and pray together.
What a whirlwind trip yet one I will keep in my heart forever. Pastor Gerald says that people go where they are invited and stay where they feel welcome. Well, I was invited and I felt the joy of just being in their presence. Amy, Michael and Melissa have the gift of hospitality and made me feel like the most special person in the world. Melissa has been given the gift of prophesy and had a message she delivered to me. Funny, how God just cemented some visions I had been having for a few months now. Her texts were no accident and our meeting ordained by the Lord. To truly know joy, I've needed to know sadness and desperation. To experience the deepness of love, I needed to experience rejection and hurt. I am nearly at a loss for words trying to condense all the emotions I am feeling at this moment. I could chatter on and on and on... Each day in 2015 has been more special than the one before it. I go to sleep wondering what treasures God has in store for me in the morning. I am reading my Bible and the words are leaping from the pages! Life is good...
If you do what is right, will you not be accepted?
But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door;
it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.
~Genesis 4:7 (NIV)
I have gone through many different seasons of life and have met and developed relationships with some of the most wonderful people on earth. I have been mentored and have done mentoring. I see the fruits of seeds planted so many years ago ... in Melissa, I see an explosion of light, truth, and love. I cannot wait to see what the Lord is going to do next in her life! Her children are living examples of her belief that good character and a personal relationship with Jesus come first then education and sports. Madeline is gifted and most likely headed for a law degree; Anthony is gifted and headed for a career as an Olympic soccer player; and, the babies, Bella and Christiano? Well, unless I miss my guess, Bella is destined to follow in her mom's footsteps in ministry and Christiano? Right now he's just lovin' being a little boy!
We have so many opportunities to touch lives and truly give to those around us. If we only do for those who can do for us, we miss out on the fruits down the road of life. I may not be rich in dollars and cents but I am the wealthiest woman alive when it comes to investing in the people who have shared my journey. The fire is drawing me in tonight. I have stopped typing every now and then just to stare into the dancing flames. To embrace life means living in the moment and making those moments count. This year, I am heightening my senses and filling my spiritual and emotional gas tank. The old is no more and I am looking out for that little girl inside me who wants to come out and play!! Miss Dottie PS "Dance. Smile. Giggle. Marvel. TRUST. HOPE. LOVE. WISH. BELIEVE. Most of all enjoy every moment of the journey, and appreciate where you are at this moment instead of always focusing on how far you have to go." ~Mandy Hale
We had thunder and heavy rain throughout the night. My furry kids normally do not react nervously but they did last night. It was loud in the cottage as the rain pelleted the roof while thunder booms bounced off the walls. I had four pups stick to me like glue until the storm was over. My gardens are getting a good soaking which will make for beautiful growth and flowers in the Spring. Now that Christmas and New Year's Eve have passed, I'm ready for warm weather!! Time to get out the tubs and do my deep cleaning... All is right in my world today. I began the new year thinking about what I wanted to accomplish and it seemed so overwhelming. Then, I realized that each day would take care of itself. I just needed to show up and keep putting one foot in front of the other. I have all the time I need to do all that God intends me to do this year! I hadn't realized how much of a hermit I had become and how depression was starting to set in. Normally, I am a very organized, energetic person and was becoming ... well, to be honest, kind of a slob! I'd recognized some signs of burn-out and knew that I needed to start moving in more of a positive direction or I would become comfortable in living in my own little world in the cottage and growing old ... just taking up space. (That's a scary thought!)
Kennedy's foster mom, Laura, stopped by this afternoon for a quick visit. Kennedy was so excited to see her. He lived with her a very long time before he came to Seidler Dogdom and was beyond happy to see her. She's such a beautiful person ~ inside and out ~ and, I'm so grateful we have stayed in touch and have become friends. She was also Zeke's foster mom so we shared the sorrow of his passing. I must say, she did approve of little Finn and gave me some tips on training him. Laura was amazed at how far the little Poms (Harmony and Ruffles) had come in their rehabilitation into normal life after being breeders so so many years.
I picked up my Daily Walk Bible this morning and began my trip through Genesis. It's a new year so why not start at the beginning. Each year I read the same pages but something different strikes me every time I start over. What hit me this morning was that the earth was a shapeless, chaotic mass and God was brooding over the dark vapors. In Chapter 1, Verse 3 God said let there be light and light appeared. In John 8:12 Jesus says, "I am the light of the world." Notice that the light is created in verse 3, yet the source of light, our sun, is not created until verse 16. The Light was in existence before the source of light had been created. Jesus Christ is the Light and He was there from the beginning. In John 8:38, Jesus says, "Before Abraham was, I am."
Stay with me ... there was darkness and chaos. Without God intervention, there was a mess to contend with. When God got involved there was light. I thought about my own life. Without the truth and light that God brought to my being, I was living in inner turmoil and chaos. I had periods of peace and happiness but there were the underlying tapes of darkness that disturbed my soul and created havoc in my life. Did you know that most people prefer to remain in darkness rather than seeking truth, light, and moving on? The mind is complex and what is traumatic can be distorted until it can be tolerated. I still cannot see the face of my first tormentor but I can see the place and I can hear my cries. I yearn to know the truth and have done everything possible to uncover it. My childhood trauma therapist said that God would allow me to "see" and "know" when I could handle it. I have journaled for years simply because I wanted to keep track of reality. (The mind has a way of distorting truth) It's been freeing! Today, I read through the first nine chapters of Genesis aloud. Besides entertaining the Fantastic Five, it allowed me to slow down and digest the words. God was speaking; I was speaking his words; and, at the end, I began to really hear what it was He was saying. In just 9 chapters, I traveled from creation to the flood ... that's a lot of territory! Like Noah, God did not bring me to this point in life, to abandon me. I've been building this ark (my faith ~ one step at a time) and, no matter what life throws at me, I will be safe. The Anchor Holds ... yes He does!!!
Hey, I'm excited about 2015... I am excited to get more involved with my church family. I am excited to try some new plants in my gardens and cheer on the seedlings planted the past few years. I am excited to move beyond what has kept me captive using my creativity. I'm ready to tackle more demons and flush them down the toilet!! As for you, my precious Readers, I wish you life, love, and the joy that comes from knowing Jesus as your own personal savior. I pray for you and wrap my arms about you ... YA YOU ... every single one of you across the globe. I offer you hope and encouragement as you take my hand. Maybe you're fighting some demons yourself. At any rate, you're not alone no matter what you're dealing with! Miss Dottie PS As the days bright forth light, I hope, like me, you will embrace them and fill them with love and kindness.
"Though no one can go back and make a brand-new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand-new ending." ~Carl Bard
Happy New Year! My friend, Bud, mentioned this song (The Old Man is Dead) on a Facebook post. I'd never heard it before so I decided to listen to it. I googled UTube, put in the name of the song, and picked the first one that came up. I truly believe there are no such things are coincidences ... Bud was meant to mention the song, I was meant to listen to it, and, there was my theme for 2015. The old man/woman is dead. I've never had a problem with addictions; however, I have been attracted to people that do. Maybe it's because I enjoy life so much and people with addictions can be quite charming, fun, and good conversationalists. I spent quite a few years in the Alanon program and taught the 12 Steps (which I recommend highly for those dealing with many different issues in life). I still think of the slogans when I am faced with challenges; i.e., "Let go and let God."
Terrace, Minnesota
For several days at the end of December, I'd been meditating on Psalms 31:3: For You are my rock and my fortress; For Your name's sake You will lead me and guide me. I would say this verse aloud then be very still allowing my mind to just wander through the paths in a forest of many trees, rivers, and waterfalls. I was in a desert for a long while but now? I am standing among fresh new life ... the old woman of 2014 is dead replaced by a vibrant woman of purpose and direction! How about that?! 2014 had been a year to examine and REFRESH but boy howdy, I was glad to see it end!
I am realizing that relationships require time spent together in meaningful conversation and touch. (Yep, I'm a hugger!) Without that, how would I know about what has transpired in that person's life to make them who they are in the present. Last September my graduating class had a reunion. Since I haven't attended in some years, I still think of my classmates as they were when I knew them growing up. It was sort of a shock to look at the CD of photos and realize that, like me, they had matured and lived a lifetime of events. I know that in my heart, I am the same as I was as a girl; however, life's experiences have deepened my faith, my scars have given me a value for life, and my quest in search of serenity has been filled with peaks and valleys. "Superficial" is not a good word in my vocabulary. I love REAL people who have lived REAL lives. I want to know their stories. Lord, you have a plan for all of us and the only thing I've come to truly believe is that we go through the peaks and valleys of life for a reason and that reason is to extend a hand to others who follow behind us going through the same thing. HOPE ... there is always hope! I am living proof of that!!
Father God, I pray for my church family, my family of believers, my Readers, my family of origin, and my country. I pray that you would touch the lives of those sitting on the fence wondering if You are real. Where there is need, I pray for a filling ... where there is illness, I pray for healing ... where there is depression, let there be an uplifting. I pray for miracles ... miracles that draw your people close to your heart. I know that everything is Father-filtered and that if you bring us to "it," you will bring us through "it." I pray for the caretakers ~ grant them an extra measure of patience and strength! Come alongside of me dear Jesus, lead me and guide me as I blog in 2015. Today, I feel that wonderful sense of peace and majestic wonder. Amen, it is so!! Miss Dottie NOTE TO READERS:As I begin 2015, I like to reiterate my blog purpose ... my blog is a compilation of my own experiences, thoughts, ideas, and ideals. There are some Readers who totally disagree with my philosophies and my Christian beliefs. That's okay... There are some Readers who are comforted knowing that if I made it though those murky waters, they can as well. I hold out my hand and invite you to share my life and my journey. Feel free to comment on my blogs. Most of all, always remember that I love you and am praying for you ... YA YOU!!
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