Suffer the little children not...

October 7, 2014

Dear Readers,

Each of us has different causes that are near and dear to our hearts. Mine is in October ~ Domestic Violence Awareness month. Every October, I share something from my heart on my blog.

It was in October 2002 that I spent 30 days in the Women's Shelter that I worked to establish. It was a major turning point in my life and I truly believe that God worked a miracle in me and set the seed of doing a blog.

I am a survivor, a mentor to women going through this atrocity, and an educator seeking to make the public more alert to the signs, symptoms, and recovery process.

If you've grown up in a family where a certain "act" is considered normal, you're probably going to perpetuate the "act" and not think twice about it. Normal is really abnormal if that makes sense. It is only when the "act" is brought into the light that people begin to realize that maybe there should be some house cleaning done.

Every family seems to have at least one person who is a bit strange. There were a couple in my family. Excuses were given, behavior was swept under the rug, and the damage was done over and over again. I wish my mom and dad were alive so that I could ask more questions ... not to judge but to understand. Domestic violence doesn't just all of a sudden start ... it's carried forward from generation to generation.

There were times that my mother would open up to me about her relationship with her father, her brothers, her mother, and my father. All I knew was how her life affected mine. I never heard the words "I love you" nor was I hugged and told I was special. (Since my love languages are quality time and words of affirmation I suffered, acting out with withdrawal and anger) Although she could not bring herself to hug me or voice her love, in her later years, she did show love in the ways she was comfortable. I am grateful for that.

The tragic reality is that anytime someone has been (or is being) abused, children are affected. In my case, I learned that I wasn' worthy and allowed people to hurt me. The tapes from my childhood ran deep manifesting themselves in ways I couldn't even begin to understand.

I have flashbacks of me (as a child) running in the dark and sobbing uncontrollably. I have flashbacks of my father screaming at me telling me how worthless I was and that I wouldn't amount to "a hill of beans." I have flashbacks of my uncle telling me that I was the ugliest kid he'd ever seen. The strange part in all of this was that I was a good kid... The battle wasn't mine, it was the hurts and events of life that shaped my own parents and family of origin.

In Childhood Trauma Therapy, I learned that my "smarts" probably saved my life. I withdrew into my own world and made it beautiful.  I was sexually abused before I was 5. You're asking me how I know that. As a very young child, I had an abnormal interest in sex (I do remember that) ~ things that a young child would not know about and would have bouts of extreme anger when threatened. The mind has a way of protecting us ~ trauma is buried deep and can be erased or distorted as if it never happened. By the time I was 8, my life began to be somewhat normal and continued that way until my college years. You might even say, I was kind of a prude. My own self-destruct began with my first marriage and rolled on until 2004. It was then that I had to stop looking at being a victim and start living victoriously. Praise Jesus!!

I remember the taking of this photo vividly. My mother had gotten this dress for me to wear for a professional photo shoot at Vernon's Studios. I put it on, could see through the top of the dress, and was horrified. I kicked, screamed, and wept uncontrollably. I had reached an age when I wanted to cover up my body and became obsessed with protecting it. I was a fierce one to reckon with when it came to what I wore and how much of my body could be seen.

If you're a grandparent, parent, other relative, friend, teacher, or acquaintance: how can you recognize signs of abuse in a child? Children may show emotional problems, cry excessively, or be shy. They may have difficulty making friends and use violence for solving problems at home and school. They have a higher risk of becoming drug or alcohol abusers and may even cut on themselves to relieve pain. Often times, they are involved in abusive relationships as the batterer or the victim. Children who are experiencing stress may show it in different ways ~ difficulty sleeping, bedwetting, over-achieving, behavior problems, withdrawing, stomach aches, and diarrhea.

After many years of self examination and therapy, I had to face my own abusive patterns and make amends not only to God but to those I hurt. I became an advocate for battered women and abused children allowing my own pain to fuel awareness. I spoke out and was asked to join the Board of Directors that established Hope's Door (the first women's shelter in Collin County). My passion was education and I served on the Speaker's Forum. My own abuse made the front page news and my poem was called Jane's Poem by those that read it. I will not be quiet ... my blog was my avenue of walking in the light. I do not blame, I share MY STORY and MY REACTIONS to what happened to me as a child and as an adult.

It's been quite a journey ... believe me, not one for the faint of heart. There are so many blank spots in my childhood that I may never remember. I've asked my  friends and cousins to help me fill in blanks and some have been gracious to do so. Thank you!

I do want to share this... For many years, my mother was a case worker for Family Services in Pope County, Minnesota. She had such a heart for the children and for the people she worked with. She worked tirelessly to investigate and to report abuses. In her own way, I think this was her way of making right some things from her own past. I am choosing to admire that and thank God for the work she did.

Recently, there was a case in that same Pope County that involved the death of a small boy.  It was February 2013 when Eric Dean died an agonizing death at the hands of his father's live-in fiance, Amanda Peltier (she has since been convicted of killing him).  Family Services had been notified many many times and for whatever reason, those notices went by the wayside. I am sure that now that little Eric's death has been covered across the nation, some changes will be made. It is sad for me to think that it took death to raise awareness but that is so often the case.

The only answer to this problem is to treat domestic violence and emotional/sexual/neglect of children as a crime. We MUST right societal values that reinforce men and women to act aggressively in violence against children.

Miss Dottie

Dear God,  You loved the little children and spoke so often about them. I love the paintings of You with them gathered about you. I ask that you bless the efforts of all those who are raising awareness of the violences committed against our children. Forgive me, Father, for the wrongs I have committed in raising my own children. Ignorance is not bliss. The holes in my memory haunt me yet I know that You have opened some of those dark corners to reveal enough to answer some of my questions. For those seeking their own answers, I ask that You go before them opening doors to wellness. With truth comes freedom ~ let us embrace that freedom and not be afraid to speak out. Some are afraid to come forward for fear of what people will think and say. Move mightily in their hearts, Lord.  Let the healing begin one person at a time, one family at a time. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!! Amen, it is so!!

Savoring Sunday

Yep, my name's on the roll
and I'm ready to rock!!

October 5, 2014
Sunday

Dear Readers,

Ruffy and Harmony

Hmmm... My crew woke me up at their usual time ~5am. I looked at 4 pair of beady eyes and said, "You're going to have to hold it ... potty call and breakfast are served no earlier than 6:30." Nothing doing. They were relentless. They whined, scratched my shoulders, and at the slightest indication that I was noticing, they would run for the door. If you're a parent of a young child or pups like mine, you know exactly what I am talking about!! Wasn't long and I gave in. Ever see 4 dogs trying to get out of a door at the same time? Hilarious! Toby was inside the house and came running 90 miles an hour out the back door. He and Kennedy collided in the middle of the patio! Kennedy is a wimp with a sore dew claw so he was yipping and yapping like crazy. Bet the neighbors loved me.

Proud Daddy Rick & Precious Landree!

Today is my favorite day of the week. I GET to go to church and no amount of sleepiness or pain will deter me from getting there. I love the song the Open Range Band sings ~ "Ready to Rock." Ever since I signed my name on that paper, I've been ready to roll. I'm not sure where they can use me but surely there is someplace that I can give of my talents. Or, if God calls me to something, I can be rest assured that He will equip me!! In the meantime, I am loving where I'm at and getting to know my new church family. I ALWAYS look forward to seeing little miss gorgeous Landree herself with all her smiles and giggles!

Carolen

Yesterday, I had the blessing of selling my jams, relish, and salsa at the church booth at Pioneer Days in Whitney. While I was there I met so many wonderful folks and got to booth sit with some pretty awesome ladies selling tshirts and handing out brochures. The Open Range's 6th Annual Women's Conference is the 18th from 9am~4pm. Lunch will be provided and there will be SHOPPING, raffle items, and door prizes. Best of all, it's FREE!!  If you're reading this, come on and join us!! You won't be disappointed!

The Battle is the Lord's

2 Chronicles 20:15 

Braydon

Branden and Stephanie stopped by with their family (the ones who have adopted me) and little Braydon shared a story:

Braydon was at Pioneer Days and he found a wonderful child's sword. On his own, he decided to take the sword back to the booth that was selling them in case a little boy or girl their retraced steps to where they bought that fine sword. The people at the booth were so impressed at Braydon's honesty that he was invited to pick out another sword. Braydon did all this without any prompting from dad or mom. How about that? He could have kept the sword and no one would have been the wiser. He instinctively knew what he needed to do and, in turn, got a pretty nice reward. How cool is that?! What a great example he was to his little brother and whole family! I just had to find him at church this morning & shake his hand. Branden and Stephanie are doing a fine job in bring up their two sons in the Lord. Makes my heart sing!!

Today, Pastor Gerald started out his sermon by talking about forgiveness. (I felt his wisdom seeping into the pores of my skin it was so intense.)

I am a Christian who is yielding to a higher calling. I'm a believer who has been saved by Jesus Christ who died on a cross that I might be forgiven for my sins past, present, and future. I choose to follow Christ's example by studying His Word and applying it to my life. Try as I might, I fail over and over, cringing as I bring my tears to my Lord and asking for forgiveness. To atone has been tough at best but, all I know, is that I "want to."

Forgiveness can a tough pill to swallow. I don't know about you but when the hurt stings like acid poured into a wound, and I'm telling myself that I have good cause for my unforgiveness, forgiveness doesn't come naturally. The world says I can walk away, Christ says I am to forgive and leave the porch light on. Ooohhh, that's doing what comes un-naturally.

"When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, 'If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.'" ~John 8:7 NIV

A long time ago, I needed to do a whole lotta praying about some people who really did some damage to me physically, mentally, financially, and spiritually. Christian therapy and writing my blog helped me in so many ways to get the puss out and to heal. S-l-o-w-l-y, I began to realize that if I did not forgive, I would be kept captive the rest of my life. Jesus forgave me and, as an act of obedience, I needed to give (forgetting, no forgive, yes.) and move on. I was at a woman's conference and I put all my hurts on a paper inside a balloon ... there must have been over a hundred women who did the same. We said a prayer then watched our balloons float to heaven. I was so moved, I fell to my knees sobbing. The pain started leaving my body and I felt the release that only God can give.

The hardest part of "I forgive" is not holding on to a grudge and making someone's life a living hell. For many years, I attended Alanon working and teaching the 12 Steps. I call them the 12 steps to freedom. I went through some intense therapy for many years learning survival skills. Tough? Yes. Worth it? Yes!

All this being said, where am I now? I still hurt people and people hurt me. That's just life. "Vengeance is mine" says the Lord in Deuteronomy 32:35. Believe me, I've experienced His working behind the scenes to restore and build up those who have been so wounded that I never thought they'd survive. The therapists I've worked with have marveled that I am not only sane but compassionate without a bitter bone in my body. I do have a form of PTSD and am very very careful not to expose myself to certain situations. Life, for the most part, is good. I conquered my fears one at a time and screamed out loud, "YOU will NOT steal my peace, my faith, or my future." That keeps me positive and moving forward.

Miss Dottie

Dear Jesus,
As broken people we come before you thanking you for your forgiveness, compassion, and the love that passes all human understanding. How can you love the murderer, the adulteress, the liar, the perpetrator? You hate the sin in all of us yet you love the sinner that's how. Help us to be able to let go and allow You to heal our spirits, our minds, and our bodies. I know first hand, that everything that happens is Father-filtered and can be a stepping stone to something greater. Had I not traveled my own journey I could not be able to understand those going through the same trials. I pray for my Readers ... for the great numbers in France who are now following me, I pray specifically for your provision and protection. For my Readers in America, you are continually in my heart. Rise us up Lord to be your warriors, to do your work, and to join holy hands! Amen, it is so!!

The Beginning 10/5/2010

It's October 5, 2014, the 4th anniversary of my very first blog.  Because so many Readers are still choosing to read that blog, I decided to reprint it.  So much time has passed and my blogs have taken many twists & turns; however, a couple things have always stayed the same ~ my love for the Lord and my love for the Readers who have followed me these past 4 years.  Thank you & may God bless you all ... AND, don't forget ... Don't You Quit!!  Miss Dottie

Don't Quit

Good Morning from the Lone Star State! Even though I am snuggled into my favorite perch wrapped in blankets, the sun warms my soul and I look forward to another fabulous day!

I wanted to share this with you because so many of my friends and family (myself included) are going through some pretty tough times.  It was a poem that I kept with me for years and every time I thought I couldn't go on, I took one more step...

Don't Quit

"...let us run with endurance the race that is set before us looking unto Jesus..."  Hebrews 12:1-2

When things go wrong as they sometimes will,

When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,

When the funds are low, and the debts are high,

And you want to smile but you have to sigh,

When care is pressing you down a bit,

Rest if you must, but don't you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns,

As everyone of us sometimes learns,

And many a failure turns about,

When he might have won had he stuck it out.

Don't give up though the pace seems slow,

You might succeed with another blow.

Success is failure turned inside out,

The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,

And you never can tell how close you are,

It may be near when it seems so far.

So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit,

It's when things seem worse, that you must not quit.

Author Unknown

From the time I was born, I was an adventuresome spirit...always wanting to know why, what, when, where, how something worked...  My love of reading and my imagination took me to places of excitement and wonder.   (I loved tales of Sinbad the Sailor)  I had very little fear and couldn't stand being confined.  I was a tiny little person with a big heart and always ready to cheer on the underdog.  I loved animals and from a very early age, had this drive to "find God."  As a survivor, who I was in character and spirit helped me tremendously.  With each new counselor, with each one foot forward and one foot back, with each interview, with each painful uncovering ... I thought, "No matter what, I will not quit!

 Until tomorrow, I wish you all God speed ... give someone a word of encouragement ... a pat on the back ... a hug ...  I will be in prayer for each of you reading my blog...  just remember, DON'T YOU QUIT!!!!! 

Why is church important?

Carrie Underwood's New Song,
Something in the Water ... I love it!!

September 30, 2014
Tuesday ~ Late Evening

Dear Readers,

Once more, the day has faded away and the cusp of darkness surrounds me. I let the pups out for their last potty call and could hear the owls softly hoooting. I always get a little nervous because 3 of the Fabulous Five are under 6 pounds. One of those owls could swoop down and pick one up in a heartbeat. I try to keep them where I can see them to avoid scrambling out in the trees to find them. Everyone is in now, safe and sound.

After I moved to North Central Texas, I didn't attend church. I kept telling myself that going to church didn't make me an any better Christian than sitting in a garage made me a car. Well, that was true; however, what I didn't realize was how stifled I had become. I read my Bible, prayed, led led a Christian life. All well and good. I would try a church and get disappointed. It would take me awhile and I would try again. In the meantime, Michael went to school with a couple here in town and they kept, inviting us to no other than the Open Range Cowboy Church.

I can't explain it but all of a sudden, I felt that kick in the pants and I said, "Okayyyy." Michael thought I was crazy. What would a city girl have in common with a Cowboy Church? Well, I guess the Lord decided that I needed to dig out my denim and boots 'cause I went, plunked myself down, and thoroughly enjoyed myself for the first time in what seemed like years. The next Sunday, I walked in, grabbed a form, and filled it out for membership. What?? Yep, I did. Just like that.

In 1975, my husband was transferred to San Antonio. My baby son and I flew down to look for a house. The first home we looked at, I sat down on the steps and said, "I am home." My husband looked at me strangely and the realtor said I should look at more homes just to compare. I said, "Nope, not going anywhere." I never regretted my decision and I doubt if I will regret the one I just made. I'm like that ... in so many ways, I just know...

Let's talk about this a minute. If I was a Christian why should church be important?

First of all, I'm not the Lone Ranger. I went to church before I could walk; and, unless I was on death's door, I attended with my family every Sunday. I had a firm foundation in place at Glenwood Lutheran Church, Glenwood, MN. The Lutheran Church gave me discipline in learning what my church was founded on and what it was all about. Ask anyone who has gone through the confirmation classes and testing in front of the congregation! My family was involved and my brother and I were involved. It was where I first learned to serve. I may not attend that church anymore but being a part of a church family is important to me especially since I see my own family so seldom.

Mindy, Brenda, Chyann

Last Sunday, I was chatting with the family that sits behind me. Their entire family attends the Open Range Church and they cherish their time of worshiping together. I told them how special that was and how my own family was so far away. They offered to adopt me. How special is that??!!

I just love getting to know people and finding out more about them. Each Sunday, my family grows larger!

Lil Buck his brother & friends

Secondly, going to church grounds me. I believe in God, Jesus, The Holy Spirit ~ I believe in the Bible ~ When I am at a crossroad, it helps me make decisions. Many times it just keeps me from doing stupid stuff. Like everyone, I have a sin nature and without my conscience, faith, and a spiritual handbook, I would be lost. Following God's recipe has never steered me wrong ... left to my own faulty thinking has led to disaster.
. 

Thirdly, there's something about joining other Christian in worship. When Will gives the one, two, three, I'm ready! I love Country Gospel music ~ it stirs my soul and gets my heart beating! I love the excitement generated when we greet each other and laughter fills the room. It's more than just "shakin' sumbody's hand." It's really caring and welcoming each other. It's nice for someone to notice when I'm not there rather than just be a number on the rolls. Face it, we all like to feel a part of...

Fourthly, and I think this is really important: fellowship with other believers. It's not just going to church on Sunday. It's sharing life with people who want to live a life that God honors. I cherish time spent with imperfect people striving to be more like Christ. I accept my church family and they accept me warts, bumps, and all.

Lastly, which should be firstly, there's just something about feeling the Holy Spirit work as we honor God collectively. I've watched a lot of church on TV and it's just not the same. I give to God and He fills me up ready to take on the world in the next week. I strive to give God my first-fruits and praise Him for who He is ... Almighty!

I know there's some of you out there who don't attend church, some who have been hurt by the church, and others who flat out think I'm nuts for believing in Jesus. That's okay. I would encourage you to think about giving it a try. And, for those of you who think I use my faith as a crutch ... yes, I do. When I've fallen down and had nowhere to go, I know for certain that there's a God who is going to help me up! No matter what, always remember that if you're reading this, you're being prayed for and loved down deep in my heart!

Miss Dottie

Dear Jesus, Son of the Living God ~ I come before you on bended knee. I thank you for your patience, goodness, and mercy. You are and forever will be my sun, stars, and moon. Father the Ebola virus has come to Texas. I pray for your care and protection for your people. May the man in Presbyterian Hospital who is so ill, be raised to a newness of life. A life that would give you praise. Help our government officials make wise decisions in protecting our country from invaders that would destroy our people and great nation. Please forgive our foolishness and moral decay  ~ lead us to repentance and a new way of thinking/doing. For those fighting the dreaded cancer, I pray for remission, healing, and perseverance. For all my Readers that are having to make some pretty tough decisions, I pray for clarity and divine guidance. There are some folks that need to get with your program!! Help me to be a better servant, knowing when to speak and when to be quiet! Amen, it is so!!

Last, but not least, #5

"O, Shepherd. You said you would make my feet like hinds' feet

and set me upon High Places."

"Well," he answered "the only way to develop hinds' feet is

to go by the paths which the hinds use."

~Hannah Hurnard, HINDS' FEET on HIGH PLACES

September 30, 2014
Tuesday

Dear Readers,

Here we are ... it's the last day of September. I'm looking forward to October and all the Fall Festivals being held around the countryside. There's something special about jumping up on a hay wagon and sipping on some hot apple cider that warms my heart as well as my innards!!

I have always enjoyed writing. Because of thyroid surgery (one vocal chord got paralyzed), my voice sometimes cracks and I sound like a scratchy record. It's easier to be able to write what I am feeling and thinking. Thank God for keyboards and computers.

As I prayed and was searching my heart about the fifth person to invite to my dinner, I decided that Hannah Hurnard author of HINDS FEET ON HIGH PLACES would be perfect. Maybe you haven't heard of her ~ I hadn't until a friend recommended that I read her book years ago.

HINDS FEET ON HIGH PLACES is one of the most successful works of Christian fiction ~ a classic that I read every year in the Fall. It's the story of a young woman named Much Afraid and her journey away from her Fearing family into the High Places of the Shepherd. The book shows the journey and struggles of how a Christian is transformed from an immature believer to a mature believer who walks daily with the Lord. After I first read it, I clutched the book to my chest and then placed it on my dresser ~ it's visible 24/7. I could relate to Much Afraid and cheered her on in her journey ~ was another one of those life changers. 

I know you're going to ask me this ~ why Hannah Hurnard? Well, let me tell you a little story. One night, alone in her room, Hannah cried out to God to make Himself real to her. Hannah surrendered her heart, her stuttering was gone, and she was filled with peace and joy. Hannah had experienced a miracle. The Bible she had hated became a treasure to read and study. She found deliverance from her fears, penning her famous book in 1955. Now, this is where the waters get a little muddy ~ In the late 1950's, Hannah's thoughts began to take on some very strange, Gnostic, and even occult views. Hannah left the "High Places" and headed for the lowlands. Her life was somewhat like the tragic figure of King Saul ~ starting out right but ending so very wrong.

Hannah had seen God at work in her life. He healed her and had given her peace. He gave her a voice to speak to the world yet, somehow, things got messed up and she resorted to, I am presuming, some ways that seemed right to her but very wrong to God. I want to know direct from the horse's mouth how that could possibly happen. God forbid, could it happen to me?

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

Hannah passed away in 1990 shunned by most Christian Churches. You see, the sad part of all this is that in endorsing Hannah's great work, do we endorse all she offers? What a tragedy.

I wonder how she will be received by Jesus, RJ, John, and Paula Deen? Or, will she even accept my invitation? At this point, I don't know. God himself showed himself to her and she turned her back. Maybe this time the wrongs can be made right. I pray so.

For you, my dear Readers, I hope you've had fun thinking about who you would invite to your dinner party and why. I love intimate dinners where each person is able to enter into the conversation and be heard. I was thinking this would be my advisory board to help me with a difficult decision but I am a little leery of what Hannah might suggest. What do you think? Let's just say that I invited five strong minded people to my dinner and that each will have their say. Know what? It'll be Jesus who has the last word. You can bet on that!!

While you're pondering on this, always remember that you are loved and prayed for ... YA YOU!!

Miss Dottie

Dear God, when I thought about a writer to add to my dinner party, I immediately thought of Hannah Hurnard. I googled her name and began reading her bio and bits of information about her life. It saddened me to think that a woman I looked up to and admired, had fallen from grace. I almost didn't invite her then decided, "Why not?"  Is it wrong to be able to accept the good parts of her life instead of focusing on the bad? I hope so because that is the way I hope you look at me. For my Readers who are struggling about their lives, I pray that they would rise up from the ashes of sin and glorify the Savior who can save them from themselves. I pray that the seeds of faith planted would not be washed away with time but be transformed year by year into statuesque beauty. Hold us tight Lord and never let us go. Hope, there is always hope. Amen, it is so...

#4 is Seated

September 29, 2014
Monday

Dear Readers,

Tick tock, tick tock... Or, should I say (with speed) tick tock, tick tock, tick tock? The days go by so quickly. I am reminded that my dinner party with five special guests was scheduled to start before the end of last week and here it is Monday. The Cotton Pickin' Fair was last weekend and I've had been burning candles on both ends trying to get enough product that would appeal to different people.

As it turned out, the Cotton Pickin' Fair was quite some distance from where the Farmer's Market was set up. We had some regulars show up but business was s-l-o-w. Next year, I will definitely have my spot saved among the fair booths. Live and learn...

My list of those I'd like to invite grew longer than I expected and I almost found myself saying "Eeny meeny miney mo..." Ever find yourself doing that when you just couldn't seem to make up your mind? I'm laughing because I bet you have!

To narrow down my list, I figured that if I knew someone fairly well, I wouldn't need to invite them. After all this is supposed to be a group of people I wanted to know more about and who would enlighten my journey forward. All that being said, I crossed off more names. I have the Lord Jesus Christ at the head of the table; RJ Hall on His left; and John Zebedee on His right. I like that!!

Okay, here we go!! The fourth person invited to my dinner party would be Paula Deen!! I have always loved cooking and baking and got such a kick out of her cooking show. It isn't unusual for me (around Thanksgiving) to stay in my nightgown concocting this and that in my kitchen all day and into the night forgetting about everything except what I am going to make next. I knew I'd want to include someone who could cook, create, and be unique in style and character. I swayed back and forth between Paula Deen and Emeril Lagasse known for his catchphrases such as, "Kick it up a notch!" and "Bam!"

Did you know that Paula Deen is a Christian who holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Criswell College in biblical studies and in library science? She does. Some time ago now, she was beaten up pretty badly for using the "N" word ~ no amount of confessing or atonement would satisfy the savage beasts riping her apart. I was listening to a newscaster say, "She even cried fake tears." Oh boy... It always amazes me how some people get by with murder and society just looks the other way. There are those who can lie, cheat, steal, commit adultery, and we have excuses for them. Not so, with Paula ... she had to be destroyed.

There are the hate mongers who love nothing more than to dig up dirt and embellish it until the most innocent of folks is crushed. How about Jesus Christ? What did he ever do that warranted being whipped and hung on a cross? Nothin' except get some guys knickers in knots. After He drove the moneychangers out of the temple, the leaders of the Jewish establishment and the Romans realized that he threatened their power and that He had the charisma to lead a guerrilla uprising against Imperial Rome. Oh no!!

You see, we're a culture of gawkers. Specifically, we're a culture of side show and tragedy gawkers. We tune in to the 6 o'clock news to listen to the gorry details of what's going on in our country and abroad, the weather, and what movie stars are doing that is so shocking. We gasp at despicable behavior then stay tuned ~ we slow down when we pass a car wreck to survey the damage, and maybe even the body count. We respond to dangerous behavior by oohing and aahing and passing along the gossip. "Did you hear???"

You know, to be fair, there are some genuinely tolerant Americans who believe judgment should be withheld until guilt is absolutely proved; who believe a person is to be judged by the whole of his or her character and not by one flaw; who do not think one word should make a person eternally guilty; who think sins can be forgiven and that redemption is possible. Come on, raise your hand if you're one of these!!

We've all experienced the sadness of being gossiped about and abandoned without mercy. We've experienced the pain of being misunderstood and not given the benefit of the doubt. When it's all said and done, the one thing I want to do is offer hope and a hand. And, on that note, Paula, welcome to my dinner party. Hors d'oeuvres are on the buffet.

Now, y'all, please pass the butter and let's have a wonderful day. Only one more empty chair and it's going to be a hard one to fill!

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

Miss Dottie

Dear God, You are a forgiving God. A God of mercy, love, and compassion. Let us not be caught up in the rush of blame, shame, and guilt ~ the witch trials and scapegoating. As I am seating my guests, I am reminded of the amazing grace You showered upon your children as believers. Help us to listen and to remain calm in the eye of the storm. Let us not be so enamored with those in power, the rich, the famous, and the do-gooders with self-serving thoughts that we lose perspective. Provide and protect those who call upon the name, "Jesus." We are born and we will die. It's really what we do in between that counts! Amen, it is so.

A "Son"Day to Remember

It's official today at 10:29PM EDT  ... 
HAPPY FALL Y'ALL!

September 22, 2014
Monday

Dear Readers,

Come on in, grab you a hot cup of coffee or cocoa and let's gab awhile. I'd like to chat about my "Son"Day, so I'm putting off announcing the 4th guest at my dinner until tomorrow or even Wednesday.

Oh my gosh, you're missing something if you're not attending a Bible-based church that focuses reaching outward and upward. For two blasted years, I searched for a church where we now live and found that I wasn't getting anywhere. Were they bad churches? Not at all, it just wasn't that right fit where I knew I could be fed the Word of God, worship with fellow believers, and serve giving of my time, talents, and resources. You're probably thinking, "There's no such thing as a perfect church so what were you waiting on?" You'd be right. There is no such thing as a perfect church. However...

Do you remember some months ago when I wrote some blogs about imperfectness? Well, I've found that some kinds of imperfect are PERFECT FOR ME!! If you want to read about my perfect utopian world, then you're not going to like my blogs very much. If you want to deal with life on the surface then you won't like me either. I am far from perfect and my family is not perfect. What are we? REAL people who have dealt with some pretty heavy issues and, by the Grace of God are survivors!

Yesterday morning, I got out of Graycie and before I knew it, there were hands reaching out to meet and draw me in. Once I was inside, there were more friendly faces with open arms and information about what's going on in the church.

These two were really having fun
posing for the camera ... Bud & his bud!

Anyway, I finally made my way into the  sanctuary. Yep, my seat wasn't taken and I knew I would be front and center as to not miss a single thing going on. "Susan, how'd Miss Landree do in the pageant?" "Bud, how're you doing this week?" "Edwin, when am I going to hear a drum solo?" "Brandon, hello my friend." "Susie, tell me more about this horse thing that was going on. Miss Vivian ok?" I looked for familiar faces AND for new ones to introduce myself to. I am thoroughly loving bonding with my new church family.

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord!
Let's hear you beat those drums, Edwin!!

Joe plays from the heart
and it shows!!

Little private joke going on before church!
That's Rick and Will...

Sitting across from me were were 2 little girls playing clapping games. I watched them for awhile smiling ~ it reminded me of when my girls were about that age and played the same games. They caught me watching them and started upping their game. I laughed. Once the brother realized they had an audience, he began butting in and seeing if he could mess them up. Pretty soon all 4 of us were giggling. I sighed wishing these beautiful children never had to lose that innocence of this day.

I just love Miss Kitty
 & so do the little buckaroos!

Pastor Gerald brought up a subject today that got my gray matter gurgling. Do you read books written by Christian authors and take their word as the Gospel Truth? Billy Graham? Joel Osteen? Beth Moore? Max Lucado? Or how about the pastors giving the sermons at your churches? I've heard many a Christian say that so and so's books speak to them and the Bible doesn't. Hmmm. Think about it, where is their book in the Bible? When I write a blog, it is my opinion I am sharing; when an author writes a book, they are sharing an opinion. The fact of the matter is what does God say?

In the early 1990's, my husband and I were brought before a board of elders and confronted with some so called facts (all of which were untrue). They spoke saying God says this and God says that... I got up and walked out of the meeting. What happened next changed my life forever. I took out my Bible and wrote down all their charges of "God says..." I began to read, study, and scour the pages looking for anything that would slightly resemble what they'd said. I was determined to never ever take what someone said as the Gospel Truth without searching scripture. Is _____ truly what God said OR is it what we wanted Him to say?? After a year or so passed, I wrote a letter to the main pastor of that church explaining what I'd been doing and what I discovered. I got a very strange letter back telling me that the elders had the authority to speak on God's behalf. Okayyyyy...then, they needed to show me in the Bible where they were getting their information from because what I found was a direct opposite.

The other thing I learned was that anyone can pick and choose scriptures in the Bible. If you don't think that's true then listen to some politicians running for office who are trying to get a certain sector's vote. If you're a Christian, don't you want to know who you are following? I did and I do. Every year, I not only read the Bible but also read the notes and prayers I have written in the margins. Good stuff! What always amazes me is that different versus speak to me on different years. (Sigh)

My precious Readers, we, as Christians live under grace ~ the unmerited favor of God. That sure gives me the warm fuzzies just thinking about it!! Once we've accepted Christ, we begin a new journey where our wants and desires gradually align themselves with the Lord's. If you're wondering where to begin, you might try meditating on The Ten Commandments (not the 10 suggestions). (Exodus 20:2-17).

In the meantime, always remember you are loved and prayed for! Let's do this journey together!

Miss Dottie

PS Remember, "People go where they are invited and stay where they feel welcome." ~Dr Gerald Dudley, Pastor, Open Range Church, 9/21/2014

Dear God, your Word is the lamp unto my feet and it is my instruction manual on living my life your way. I wish I could be perfect at it but try as hard as I can, I still royally screw up. At those times I am so grateful for the forgiveness afforded me by Jesus and my fellowman. Lord, I pray that my Readers will be able to forgive as You forgive us.  May their lights shine no matter where they go. As we invite people into our worlds, I pray that they would feel right at home. The list of illnesses grows long in my prayer book. I lift up every single soul knowing that You will move in their lives. I don't understand why some are healed and some not but I rest in knowing that You have the big picture. Holy Jesus, our intercessor, our savior, You are King and Master of our lives. Help us to remember ~ Not my will but Thine! Amen, it is so...