The Pedestal and Stuff..

August 8, 2018

Dear Readers,

Welcome to my world. Grab yourself a cup of coffee, a glass of wine, a soft drink, water, or whatever suits your fancy and let's chat a bit. Checked my stats a bit ago and see that I'm making some new friends in Russia and China. How cool is that to be able to share some of Texas and my love of the Lord with all of y'all! I do tend to ramble from subject to subject so hang on and bear with me...

Despite the continued brutal heat wave of Summer 2018, it's been a great day to have a great day.  I have my water sprinkler going and almost wish I was 5 again to run through the waves of water crisscrossing my gardens. Sadly, I have many shrubs that have succumbed to the heat and my gardens will definitely take on a new appearance come Autumn and into the Winter. 

Last Monday, I attended a conference on the book of Revelation. I've been to several in year's past and found this one equally as informative if not more. It certainly got the wheels churning in my brain and I was convicted that I needed to be less concerned about being politically correct and more vocal about what the Bible says about the past, present, and future.

I was standing at the sink in my bathroom brushing my teeth and all of a sudden, this little voice within said, "Pedestal, write about pedestal and stuff." For those of you who have followed my blog journey over the past 10 years know that when the little voice inside me prompts, I obey! I place my fingers on the keyboard and away we go...

What is a pedestal? Simply put, it's a base on which something is placed. As a teenager, I wrote to movie stars asking for autographed photographs. I would pin them up on my walls and ooh and aah over how handsome and beautiful they were. As I grew older, I was enamored by writers, professors, and men and women of stature. There were people I put on pedestals thinking they were perfect. I'm not sure I would say I worshiped them; however, I sure did think they were right next to God almighty. My parents never questioned doctors, lawyers, or the local pastor and it was years before I dared speak up when I had questions of those on pedestals. The good news was that a youngster, I learned to have respect for those in authority ~ the bad news was that even people in authority can mess up and if I have my eyes on them instead of my God, I can get quite depressed over their fall from perceived greatness.

The Summer I graduated from high school, I spent many a day on the beach and met a young man who was a professor at the University of Minnesota and studying to be a Lutheran minister.  He saw so much in me that, at the time, seemed so, well, crazy. He saw me as a writer, a philosopher, a woman of great grace. Uh-huh... It wasn't until years later that I began to emerge from my shell, start thinking for myself, AND challenging those who were on pedestals. I learned that I could hold my own with the richest of the rich and come alongside the poorest of the poor. I worked in Corporate America, started my own companies, and started picking the brains of those I admired. There were no more pedestals; however, I did learn from the best.

About 17 years ago, my life changed dramatically. I lost a company I had worked so hard to build, went through a horrible divorce, spent some time in the Women's Shelter I helped to establish, and my feet and spine began to deteriorate. Instead of bringing in a pretty hefty paycheck, I was laying on the sofa writhing in pain. One more time, I took jobs just to pay bills; AND, for the first time, I experienced bullying by other women in the workplace due to my (gulp) age. My body, mind, and spirit shut down and I retired. 

One thing about hitting bottom is that with that bottom came choices. I could either wallow in the mud OR pick myself up and redefine myself. The tough part was realizing that what God was calling me to do wasn't going to earn me a fat paycheck. He was calling me to wrap my arms around the entire world and start blogging. In October 2010, I posted my first blog entitled Don't Quit. The rest is history.

I am on the last leg of my life yet still pushing forward learning, growing, and doing what God created me to do. I have lost most of my savings. Gone is my company, big house, and fancy car. My body is held together by pins and screws. I live in a tiny cottage with 5 furry kids. Am I a failure? I guess by today's standards I am. By God's standards, I am a General on the front lines of His army. I hold out my hand to fellow travelers and I give all that I have ~ my time, my talents, my treasures.

Who are you putting on a pedestal. A politician? A sports figure? Your pastor? Maybe a parent or child? Please remember that the Lord God is the only perfect person to walk this earth and it is He that we need to look up to and worship. Be the best you that you can be. Hold your head high. Admit your flops and failures, make your amends, and keep on truckin'. 

Tonight, the sky is so very dark. Mr Owl sits high in the tree hooting and the scent permeating the night air warns me that a skunk has meandered through my gardens. It's time to call it a day, kneel beside my bed, and start my ritual of "Now I lay me down to sleep..." Silly? I don't think so.

May God bless and keep you safe. Until we chat again...

Miss Dottie

PS We pass through so many seasons, our lives in tune with what we must do to survive and thrive. In the end, we all end up in a dark hole leaving behind our legacies. My only wish is to have my Father say, "Well done my good and faithful servant..."

Blueprint for Progress

June 28, 2018

Dear Family of Readers,

It's a sizzling hot day in N Central Texas. I've been working outside today and, I must say, I am drenched from the top of my head to my toes. Yikes, my cottage and gardens were in deep need of some TLC so I've been cleaning up, digging in the dirt, rearranging plants, and watering. Actually, it feels good to work hard and see the fruits of my labor.

I've had quite a long spell of quietness. Oh, I've done some mini blogs on social media (Facebook) but haven't tackled much of anything with real meat in it until today . My blog of Family For Better Or Worse was a way of allowing others into my imperfect world fraught with struggles, failures, and triumphs but when my heart got entangled in some heavy duty hurts in 2017, I really couldn't open that box up for everyone to look in. Still can't. There are some things that are best prayed about and left to the Lord to work His magic.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

~Romans 8:28

To live means just that. Living doesn't always mean walking on smooth ground and grinning from ear to ear. It means walking through the valleys with a parched throat ~ it means getting up out of bed when you don't feel like it ~ it means putting one foot in front of the other and pleading with God for strength, courage, and wisdom. As the weeks and months of 2017 went by, I began to regain strength and to make decisions completely based on faith. I put together a team of people with different areas of wisdom to offer guidance. I chose people who would tell me truth vs what I wanted to hear and I became a student NOT the teacher.

"Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel

of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinner,

not sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

But his delight is in the law of the Lord;

and in his law doth he meditate day and night."

~Psalm 1:1-2

As the days turned into weeks and months, I began to feel the strength returning to my mind, body, and spirit. I relaxed and allowed life to unfold. One morning I woke up and smiled. Oh, putting on my socks was still a funny ordeal BUT I realized that instead of taking 8 different medications, I was taking 3; I had lost over 30 pounds; my mind was clear; the thoughts of being "less than" weren't at the forefront of my mind; and, I was genuinely joyous. I closed the box of hurt and set it up on a shelf.

Progress! Life doesn't unfold all at once and even in those darkest hours there's always that sliver of light. I attended a class, REACHING FOR PERSONAL FREEDOM, and, realized that's exactly what progress is ... reaching inward, upward, and outward (sometimes separately and sometimes all three at once) The pearls of wisdom I wear around my neck glisten with years of practice.

I love listening to people's stories ~ especially the ones who have overcome darkness to walk in the newness of life. I love REAL PEOPLE. Many years ago a wise woman had me stand up on a chair. She said, "Pull me up." I tried until frustration got the best of me. Then, she said, "Let me pull you down."  A couple tugs and she had me on the floor. The lesson? It's easier for people to pull you down than you pull them up so STICK WITH THE WINNERS. I've never forgotten the wisdom she poured into me and have sought out people I am able to learn from. I watch for those who are passionate about something ... anything. I listen to testimonies with open ears.  I have cried out, "Teach me, I want what you have."

The whirrrr of the air conditioner reminds me that Summer is here. The Seasons of 2017 are but memories and, now, here I am, a year older and wiser. My heart is filled with peace and I walk forward with a smile. Life isn't easier. In fact, I think it's more difficult; however, I am taking more steps forward than backward!

Always in Christ's Love,

Miss Dottie

PS  "It is no use walking anywhere to preach unless our walking is our preaching." ~Saint Francis of Assisi

March for Our Lives

March 25, 2018

Dear Family of Readers,

Night has fallen on my little cottage. Candles flicker casting shadows on the walls and my mood turns to soaking in my claw foot tub and drinking in the aroma of honeysuckle. It's been a great day and my spirit is quiet.

Anne Frank wrote a diary during her time of hiding during World War II. Dietrich Bonhoeffer's books have also fascinated me because of his incredible insight as to the progression of Hitler's rise to power and the signals the general populous missed.

I've always felt it is important to study unedited history because although technology has continued to advance, human behaviors tend to remain the same. I may be all wet in my own insight and beliefs but time will tell, won't it. It always does! 

Yesterday some of our youth held March for Our Lives events at various cities across the country. Sounded good to me, our youth should have a voice. I was thinking, "I am proud of these kids for standing up."  I truly believe that many people from around the country came to the protest because they sincerely believed they were going to make a positive difference to end violence. As they say in the South, "Bless their hearts."  All good? Maybe not.

The irony of all this began to hit me. I saw countless photos of security personnel and officers with all types of firearms, from AR rifles to handguns. Military equipment showed up to keep marchers safe. What??? Plus... There's also no doubt that a huge amount of professional organization and money went into this march. It was reported that a series of Hollywood celebrities funded the march including Oprah Winfrey, George Clooney, & Steven Spielberg. If you're familiar with BuzzFeed, they reported that a group of leftist organizations got involved including George Soros, and Rep Debbie Wassermann Schultz. Outside help and organization was apparent. Were our kids supported OR used by political activists?

Among the major backers was Planned Parenthood. If you're like me and wondering why an organization dedicated to ending the lives of children is marching in support of a movement to end violence towards children, you are not alone. 

The more I researched, the more "it" made sense, instill fear, create a movement based on good intentions, and rally kids to your cause. A wolf in sheep's clothing!

It was also a "get the vote" campaign using fear to influence. Oh, you're saying, "She's (meaning me) one of those pro lifers."  Well, let's get this straight. Do I hate women who have had abortions? No. Do I march for the unborn? Yes! Contradiction? No, not at all. I am a Christ-follower & I hate no one. 

I've been blown away by statements made by some of our youth, adults, and Congressmen that what is happening in our country is around a lack of respect from either the President or the other side (depending on which side you're on). Playing politics with people's lives because someone got their knickers in a knot and wanting someone else to pay seems downright dumb. Whatever happened to taking the high road?  The entire environment in our country feels like one big playground of people screaming because they didn't win and get their way.

When I was a kid, I was taught to respect my elders and the Lord God ~ no matter what. There may have been teachers or bosses that I didn't like but I NEVER showed them disrespect. My parents taught me that showing a lack of respect was not acceptable behavior. As a parent, I encouraged my children to be independent thinkers (and they are) ~ I also taught them that it was okay to disagree with someone but still be respectful. Now, I see children carrying hate signs. No wonder their minds are warped.

Who are our children's role models? Grandparents? Nahhh not so much anymore. Parents? Nahhhh not as a rule. Teachers? Some but have you been in a high school classroom lately? Pop stars, athletes/pro teams, and Hollywood elite? Heck ya. Think about it, the very ones who encourage marching have armed bodyguards and walls built around their compounds. Like our congressmen, they have double standards and use people like pawns. Feed 'em fake news, get 'em riled up... 

When I was googling information on the March for Our Lives, I saw several photos with signs saying, "We won't go back to the 1950's." What was it like in the 1950's? You know back in the 1950's my brother and I had cap guns ~ my father kept his rifles in the hall closet. Mass shooting weren't heard of. Do you remember when Elvis was on the Ed Sullivan show on television and they couldn't show him from the waist down? Now, our television shows are xrated and we don't think a thing about it. Progress we yell!

Progress... Really? Policemen are afraid to do their jobs.  Many Congressmen don't represent the people ~ they are in office to stuff their own pockets. We have Iphones, computers, violent video games, the best in technology. Along with that, one on one communication has become difficult and relationships fractured. Respect for the elderly? Euthanize them! You think I am kidding?

What would Jesus think about the March for Our Lives? Would He want our children protected? Absolutely!! Are there things being put in place right now to make sure they are protected? Yes. Why aren't we concentrating on that? Why? Because if you do your homework, you'll see the underlying plan. Don't agree with me? That's okay, again, time will tell.

The candles are almost burned down. Smoke rises from the holders signaling it's time to call it a day. If all I have done is caused a few people to think, that is what God wants me to do. I place my fingers on the keyboard and type.

In Joshua 1:9, God tells us: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

Peace be still!

Miss Dottie

PS  "If we ever forget that we are One Nation Under God, then we will be a nation gone under." ~Ronald Reagan Now, that's something to think about!

March 4, 1926

March 24, 2018

Dear Family of Readers,

The long cold Winter of 2018 seems to have lifted bringing cool mornings and warm afternoons. My gardens are waking up and I am enjoying playing in the dirt once again.

It's been a long time since I've sat down and written a blog preferring to do mini blogs on Facebook. I checked my blog stats and I still have readers from Europe and Asia so, if my purpose has been to share my heritage and faith across the globe, I need to get back to Blogspot.

Several years ago, I went back to my hometown of Glenwood, Minnesota and spent a couple days at the local museum copying information and doing research. I've always had a curiosity about the blood that runs through my veins and I've not been disappointed in what I have uncovered. Many years ago storytellers served an invaluable purpose of handing down information from generation to generation ~ I'm glad that so much about my family's heritage has been preserved by writers who have written books and papers.

On March 4, 1926, the local newspaper published a paper written by my Aunt Blanche Pederson Rooney about her grandparents, Anton and Caroline Pederson (my great grandparents). Sadly I haven't been able to locate any photos of Anton and Caroline which has left me wondering how I will recognize them in Heaven ~ somehow, I think they will find me!

Blanche interviewed her grandmother, Caroline and this is her story:
In May 1869, my great grandparents, Anton and Caroline Pederson, left their home in Solor, Norway setting sail in a small ship. They were on the ocean 14 weeks and 3 days. Many times the wind would change its course and they went backwards instead of forward. One day they would sail a 100 miles or more and the next day they would be pushed the opposite way about a hundred miles.  Each day a certain number of people were allowed to come up on the deck of the ship. The people on board the ship were so happy when they reached Quebec, that they danced and jiggled everywhere.

Anton and Caroline stayed in Quebec for 3 days before boarding a train headed for Preston, Minnesota, a town in Fillmore County. At this place they worked for a farmer for two and a half years. One of their sons, Peter, died while they were at this place.

They soon purchased a team of oxen and a covered wagon and started their journey to Pope County. They drove for 3 weeks before they reached Minnewaska Township. On their way they experienced many hardships. It was difficult to find enough food for their oxen and also to buy food for themselves because the towns were father apart at that time than they are now. At night they would sleep in their covered wagon.

The story of their life in Pope County is interesting because it is very different from the life that we are living at the present time. (1926)

When they reached Minnewaska Township, they lived in their covered wagon sleeping on the floor. During the next 3 years, Anton and Caroline lived in a cellar house which was 14' wide and 16' long. It was located on the SW side of Lake Pelican. The house was dug into the ground and had mud walls and a mud floor. The roof was made of straw and logs. A bed was built on the side of the wall and the the cover from their wagon was placed over it during the night so they would be protected from rain and snow. A chest that was taken with them from Norway served as a table and their chairs and cupboard were made of boxes. At this time it was very difficult to obtain food as there was only one store in Glenwood. This was located where the present Fremad store is and it was owned by a man by the name of Mr Johnson. For several years Anton and Caroline didn't see meat. There was none at the store and they had no cattle to butcher. Anton said that they used large quantities of molasses. Many times when they didn't have time to go to town they made their coffee out of burnt potatoes.

When Anton and Caroline came to this territory, it was inhabited by quite a number of Indians. They would usually have their war dance on the hill where the present Glenwood Summer Hotel is now located. Their war cries, hoots, and banging on pans could be heard for many miles. At night, they would dance around a big fire. These Indians were not harmful but they frightened the people by their mean looks and sly ways. Many times they would steal grain and food from the settlers and would come almost every day and beg for food. One day a few Indians came into Anton and Caroline's cellar home when she was home alone with her 3 children. The Indians talked to her and pointed to the different articles about the room.  Caroline became frightened because she could not understand them so she picked up her children and went to the next neighbor who lived quite a distance away. The Indians followed her with their guns and she was afraid that they might shoot her and the children any minute, but they did no harm.

Anton purchased a farm of 60 acres a few miles from their cellar house. He paid $5 an acre for it. The land was all covered with timber except a small strip on which they built their house. Logs were cut to build the house and until the house was built they once again lived in their covered wagon. The log house was 18' wide and 24' long. After the building was erected, a space of 7 acres was cleared for a field. Wheat was raised on this field and at that time it was sold for 75 cents to $1.00 per bushel. At that time butter was 5 cents a pound and eggs were 5 cents a dozen. Many times Caroline walked to Glenwood with her eggs and butter. One day she walked to town with her butter and asked the store keeper if she could not get 10 cents a pound for it because she had walked so far on that cold winter day, but she was only paid 8 cents for it.

For about 5 years after Anton and Caroline came to Minnesota, they attended church services in the farm houses. Then the Inherred Church in White Bear Lake Township was formed. It was difficult to get to a church during the winter months, so my they joined the Lutheran church in Glenwood because it would not be so far to drive to the services.

It was not long before more settlers arrived. Glenwood was also becoming bigger and more stores and buildings were erected. The first hotel was large enough for 20 roomers.

Anton kept increasing his farm until he had about 250 acres of land for which he paid about $20 per acre. A room 12' wide and 14' long was built onto the log house. At this time they were busy cutting down trees and clearing the land for fields. Many Indian mounds were found which contained bones and skulls.

In 1918 Caroline and Anton celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. About 200 friends and relatives spent the day with them. By this time, their 3 sons and 7 daughters were all married and had left home so the 2 old people moved to their home in Glenwood. They hated to leave the farm, but they were both quite old people by that time. In 1924 they sold 60 acres of land to their son, Hilmar and some lake shore lots to several men of Glenwood. At about the same time they sold some land to the state when the new state highway road number 28 was built. This road runs through one of Anton's groves which was once thick with gooseberry bushes.

At the present time (1926) Anton and Caroline are living in Glenwood. Anton is 79 years old and Caroline is 77 years old. Both are well enough to be up and do their work. They are the grandparents of 47 children and great grandparents of 10 children. 

Ever since Anton sold his farm, he has walked a distance of 4 miles to his old farm several times a week. He says he gets lonesome if he can't come out to the country once in a while. Many times he is seen on the streets on a very cold winter day with just a suit coat on but he says he never gets cold without an overcoat on.

After telling me (Blanche) this story, Caroline said that she would sit many times and dream about olden days. She can hardly believe that they have gone through the many hardships of pioneer life. They also said that they could never forger the many incidents that happened on their journey to America, their trouble with the Indians, and the hardships they encountered while they lived in the old cellar house.

I began blogging mainly to leave a legacy of history for my own family ~ my trials, triumphs, and story. As time has gone by, I began to realize how important it is to know our family history and their influence on the world. As pioneers, my father's family made their mark in history. They were strong, resilient, good people. The newspaper clippings I have describe them as kind, loving, and decent.

For some of you Readers, you might find this blog boring. For others, you might find it informative and inspiring. For me, it is a way of telling my children and grandchildren they come from some pretty awesome stock!!

Miss Dottie

PS  "All of our ancestors give us the precious gift of life. Do we use it wisely? Do we use it well? Do we make a name for ourselves and for our children of which we can be proud?" ~Laurence Overmire, A Revolutionary American Famly: The McDonalds of Somerset County, New Jersey. 



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Biased Eyes...

August 16, 2017
Wednesday

Dear Readers,

It's still dark outside but I am awake, have a load of wash going, and have been outside with my precious dogren. The owls have been really hooting up a storm and ever since I heard about the Pom being picked up by a hawk, I've been especially vigilant. They know they can only go to the garden closest to the sidewalk in front of the cottage. Call me over protective but I call me being a good fur mom! Anyway, I am up and going, coffee cup filled, and ready to chat with you. GOOD MORNING!!

I was standing at the ironing board, humming the song of Hallelujah yesterday, and all of a sudden, I heard that little voice inside of me say, "The world sees everything through biased eyes." Okay... I went on ironing. The voice came back, "The world sees everything through biased eyes." I kind of chuckled and again, went on ironing. This time, the voice was LOUD, "The world sees everything through biased eyes."

Let me explain. No, I'm not crazy, hearing voices. The evening that I was baptized, I was given the gift of intercessory prayer. If anyone is an intercessory prayer warrior, you know what I mean when I say that God speaks to us about areas and people needing "on your knees" prayer. I stopped ironing and acknowledged the statement. "Yes, Lord, the world sees everything through biased eyes." I added ~ "You are telling me that we all need to see everything through YOUR eyes."

I sat down in my chair and closed my eyes to meditate and pray. If it is true that all men see things through biased eyes, then, how do we now the real truth? God tells us in 2 Timothy 3 that all Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. For me, as a Christian, that means I need to be checking out what God has to say about what I am thinking, saying, and doing.

According to the dictionary the word biased means "unfairly prejudiced for or against someone or something."  In other words, depending on our intellectual and emotional mind-set, we will be influenced in every area of our lives. I am very biased in many areas of my life especially when it comes to my faith and God. I am a seeker of truth and will spend hours doing research from different sources. The times I have allowed my emotions to react to something, someone, or something, I have gotten myself in a pickle.Why? Because a knee jerk reaction can be just that ... something triggered a life's experience and I re-enter the world of my past ~ that past was influencing what I was seeing and hearing.

Our mainstream media is incredibly good at feeding frenzied Americans half truths. They prey on the insecure instilling fear. Why? Because good stuff doesn't get viewers and readers interested. Just lately, there has been destructive rioting going on ~ not by people who really believe what they are protesting but by people who have been hired and coached on what to do and say. Oh dear...and, we buy into this.

"A half-truth is more dangerous than a lie."

~Thomas Aquinas

A couple years ago, I passed on a post in Facebook about some companies NOT to donate to. One of my readers became incensed that I would pass on this erroneous information. I apologized and decided to do some research. This post was regarded as truth on MANY sites. We can research and still NOT be equipped with the real truth. My suggestion when this happens is for companies to address this false information with correct stats then do a news blitz.

Gossip is delicious and makes for wonderful conversation. We trust those who are imparting information YET must remember the bias involved. There is a great book written by M Scott Peck ~ PEOPLE OF THE LIE. If you've ever had lies told about you, something, or someone else, this is a good read to help understand the why...

"Man prefers to believe what he prefers to be true."

~Francis Bacon

Yesterday, the Lord's prompting was enough to move me to prayer. As a blogger, I am able to pass on information to you, my Readers. Before you pass on any information ask yourself: is it true, is it necessary, is it kind. Will your information bring unity, reconciliation, and a stronger bond of understanding? Are you judging someone else for what you do yourself? We tend to believe what we want to believe to justify our own behavior. Funny, how that works...

Dear Father in Heaven, thank you for prompting me about this issue of biased eyes. I pray that we would see the world, it's events, and happenings through your eyes. It is You who are the wise one ... it is You who has the answers ... it is You who brings peace and unity to divided peoples and nations. Help us to seek to understand the "why" and see the big picture. My God, please forgive us. I stand in the gap for my country, tears rolling down my cheeks, and pain swelling in my heart. We murder the innocent, consider old people burdens, want to rid the universe of the imperfect, revise history to suit our bias, remove You from every corner of our lives, and STILL EXPECT YOU TO BLESS US. I pray that those reading my blogs would turn to You for answers. What would Jesus do??? I pray this morning for those experiencing fractured relationships. I pray for my growing number of Readers in China ~ that they would come to You. I pray for the church that it would minister to those who seek your face. I pray for those undergoing surgical procedures and for those who are healing. You, my God, are the wind beneath our wings ... our help in time of trial ... our truth. Amen!

Miss Dottie

PS Just for today, take a "look-see" at your own biases. Do not judge yourself or others ~ merely look into your mind, soul, and spirit.

"Search me,God, and know my heart;

test me and know my anxious thoughts.

See if there is any offensive way in me,

and lead me in the way everlasting.

~Psalm 139:23-24

Someone else's notes...

Friday

August 11, 2017

Dear Readers,

It's one of those TGIF kind of days. My garden chores are done and it's time to take a breather before I get myself cleaned up and set to meet my buddy to tour the Methodist Children's Home in Waco. I've heard so much about this campus and am excited to see it first hand.

Even prayers could not lull my tired body to sleep last night. My mind was running at warp speed never staying on one thing long enough for me to acknowledge it's presence. Maybe it was the meeting I attended last night ... so much information (all good).

My sponsor in Alanon has nudged me suggesting that I begin work on Step 6 and 7. I have scratched the surface, making mental notes but it's time to get down to serious business. I had been brutally hard on myself as I completed my 4th and 5th Steps and had given myself permission to allow the dust to settle before tackling another mountain.

Step 6: "Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character."  Step 7: "Humbly asked Him to remove our short-comings." No brainer there ~ YES to both! This morning, I fished out a book written specifically on the 12 Steps & Traditions. My sponsor must have given it to me but I didn't remember it specifically. It was a very old book, held together by tape and filled with notes written in the margin. As I opened it to Step 6, I noticed that there was a letter inside written by whomever had the book before me. Someone walked the path I am on and left a message of hope in the journey. What a gift!

The notes and letter reminded me of a Bible verse in Romans: "...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23

If ALL men fall short then that means I am not alone in my struggles for perfection and enabling others to the detriment of my own well-being. Hmmm... It is here, at this moment in time, that I will begin to unravel the parts of me that need tweaking. 

My faith anchors me each day; and, I know, that as I walk, there will be those who come alongside me. The building of good character takes a lifetime of commitment. No matter how much I improve, desires will always be found which oppose the grace of God.

One of my most favorite classes in college was Philosophy. Socrates said, "The unexamined life is not worth living." Was that the beginning of my quest to wholeness? It's so easy to focus on dissecting other people's lives and list their faults ~ much more difficult to focus on self. I was thinking this morning ... defects can be good qualities taken to extremes. I can handle that and it is there I will begin  the journey before me.

My prayer today is for those who have fractured lives and strained relationships. It is so blasted tough to "let go and let God" do his magic  But, we say, "what if God doesn't fix our lives and relationships aren't mended?" Well, then, let's pray for the strength and courage to do what we can and move on. Acceptance is tough at best! I am so very grateful to be able to be a part of a group of people who share their hope, strength, and experience. I dared to step out and, you, my Readers, can too. My God is a good God. He leads, directs, corrects, and stretches me beyond my wildest imagination. All I have to do is show up and report to duty each day.

Miss Dottie

PS "Reflect upon the defects of your character: thoroughly realize their evils and the transient pleasures they give you, and firmly will that you shall try your best not to yield to them the next time." ~ Helena Blavatsky

Hello darkness, my old friend...

Sunday
August 6, 2017

Dear Readers,

I had a VERY EARLY wake up call this morning. I tried going back to sleep but, true to form (after 6 hours rest), that's not my nature. Once my peepers open, I am up. Rather than lay in the silence, I decided to get up, do some Bible reading, pray, enjoy some coffee, and check out my memories page on Facebook. Now, I am chatting with you.

One of my memories was the posting of Disturbed - The Sound of Silence. I closed my eyes and really listened to the words:

"Hello darkness, my old friend, I've come to talk with you again ... And in the naked light I saw ten thousand people maybe more. People talking without speaking. People hearing without listening..."

How appropriate for today. We speak empty words and hear without understanding. The humanness of our sin nature takes precedence over listening to God and his ways. We think we're so smart, yet we're not.

I write some mini blogs on Facebook and one topic that touched my heart was the one on "See Me." Until we really get out of our comfort zones and get in the trenches we really don't know what is going on in the remote areas of our cities and countryside. We don't now what is going on inside the homes with the white picket fences or in the lives of those around us. We choose not to look because if we looked we just might be moved to do something that we don't really want to do. I am not scolding, we're ALL guilty of picking and choosing where we feast our eyes.

When Jesus walked the earth he chose to reveal himself to the common man. The rulers and rich had no need for a Savior and they crucified a perfect human being just because he spoke truth and walked in light. Isn't that the way today? If someone walks with the Lord and speaks truth ~ especially if they aren't politically correct or in tune with mainstream media ~ we must find something to crucify them.

Some say the Bible is outdated and really doesn't apply to today. Ever read it? Holy cow! Mankind is still the same then and now AND God is still the same then and now. The Ten Commandments are still relevant and walking with the Lord does require an examination of the heart. The mind of Christ is NOT the mind of man.

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight..." ~Proverbs 3:5-6

Because of the faith I was raised in I could not comprehend this "born again" concept. I believed, I was saved ... end of story. One evening (when I was living in Minnesota), I answered a knock on the door. It was a couple from the local Baptist Church making house calls. They seemed pleasant enough but when they asked me if I had been born again, I got very perturbed and shut the door on them. How dare they question my faith?  They did dare; and, today, I am glad they did because their visit set the stage for where I am today.

My message to those who dare to evangelize: don't be discouraged when doors are slammed in your face and people appear to not listen. All God asks of us is that we plant seeds and hold out our arms to fellow travelers. Often times, we don't have the big picture and those seeds may not germinate and bloom until years later.

Father God in Heaven, I pray for those reading this blog. Fill their hearts with hope and strength as they live and minister to others. I lift up those dealing with chronic illnesses, recovery from surgery, and those experiencing the pain of fractured relationships. I pray for your people to have eyes to see, ears to hear, and a voice that can permeate the darkness. I know you don't ask us to give what we don't have but from the blessings You have so richly provided ... finances, time, talents, extra worldly goods. Help us recognize our God-given talents. If we can sing, let us sing. If we can dance, let us dance. If we can influence, let us teach. As this day unfolds, equip and guide us ... all in YOUR name! Amen

Miss Dottie

PS "We need to find God, and he cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence. See how nature ~ trees, flowers grass grow in silence; see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence... We need silence to be able to touch souls." ~Mother Teresa