April Storms

April 27, 2015
Monday

Dear God,

Come on, let me push the branches off the chairs and let's sit awhile. That was quite a display of fireworks You put on last night. I came to Texas in 1970 and I don't think I've ever experienced a storm like that.

Many years ago, Dad Seidler had a storm shelter put in the back yard. It has walls over a foot thick, a heavy door that locks from the inside, and is equipped with vents and electricity. Thanks for thinking ahead, Dad!! Once I got inside, I snuggled down in my soft smell-good blankets with the 5 furry kids and felt very safe. Ruffy, Zoe, and I nearly fell asleep. How about that!! With a nasty storm raging, how could I have felt so peaceful? Maybe it was that everyone that mattered was in the shelter and we were safe. Maybe I knew You were in control. I said a prayer for the storm trackers and those who didn't have a shelter. Michael also said a prayer and we waited.

Storms seem to come when I least expect them. It looked like the storm was going to travel just north of us but, at the last moment, I heard the weatherman say, those in Hillsboro need to seek shelter immediately. What?? I wasn't quite prepared. I yelled for Michael to take some blankets and water to the shelter. Our 5 furry kids were nervous and were jumping up and down barking their heads off. By the time Michael took the blankets and water to the shelter and got back to the house, it was pouring rain. I handed Toby and Harmony to him and I grabbed Kennedy, Zoe, and Ruffy. We were all soaked with cold rain by the time we were all down in the shelter. Sure was glad to have the blankets to wrap up in.

We were listening to the rain and hail come down ~ I was trying not to think about my flowers and rose bushes. Michael had turned the light on but for some odd reason, I was wishing that I'd brought candles to light. I shut my eyes to heighten my senses ... when the hail pelleted the metal door, my heart skipped a beat. I opened my eyes wide when the pitter patter of hail and rain sounded more like a freight train. I doubt if we had any tornadic activity, (probably more like really loud thundering rain). We weren't in the shelter too long before there was a quiet stillness calling calling us back to the house. The storm was over as quickly as it started.

I remember when I was 7 or 8 and my brother a year younger. We were living in an old house on Franklin Street in Glenwood, Minnesota. My mother called from work and told us that there were bad storms in the area and possibly a tornado. We were to go to the cellar and stay there. I wasn't afraid, it was just another adventure. Now, let me tell you about the cellar ~ it had a coal bin, a dirt floor, and had wooden shelves lined with canned goods. There were clothes lines and a wringer washer & tubs in the center of the room. It was nasty, dank, and dark. My brother was scared but I told him if if the storm took our house, we could live in the cellar I was so sure that no matter what happened outside, we would be safe and still have a place to live. I'd remembered to bring my colors and paper with me so I drew a picture of our (possible) future dwelling. My dad got home at 4 o'clock and I couldn't wait to tell him of my plans. I am happy to report that we didn't have to live in the cellar ...ever!

Children have a way of making bleakness, sorrow, and destruction a stepping stone to something better. Maybe that's why You love kids so much. They trust, they celebrate, they dream. Even in the midst of storms, they are often able to flourish. It was a sad day for me in 2002 when I had to move out of my beautiful home, get rid of most of my worldly goods, and go to a small apartment. By the time, everything was loaded up, given away, and gone, my eyes were filled with tears. My little granddaughter, Madison, grabbed my hand and rallied everyone in the den. She proceeded to teach us the "Tooty Ta Song". I will be forever grateful to her for her caring nature and in giving me a pleasant memory to cherish forever. I decided to add the song to my blog. Don't feel silly dancing around in your living room!

Father, so often we don't understand the trials and tribulations of this earth. There are so many going through storms: illness, divorce, infertility, broken hearts, death of loved ones, and crushed bones.  Homes have been ripped off foundations, trees ripped from their places in the soil, and who knows what else. Please quiet the masses and deliver them from the unknown. Comfort their fears, and give them a reason to keep on keepin' on. Lord, the evil one lurks in dark corners and is ready to pounce on our hearts.  In your infinite wisdom, you know what your children need. Bring forth  that feeling of peace. One day at a time ... one storm at a time. You are in control, let us rest in that. Amen, it is so!

Miss Dottie

NOTE TO READERS:  "There's always another storm. It's the way the world works. Snowstorms, rainstorms, windstorms, sandstorms, and firestorms. Some are fierce and others are small. You have to deal with each one separately, but you need to keep an eye on what's brewing for tomorrow." ~Maria V. Snyder

The Termites of Life...

April 20, 2015
Monday

Dear God,

I am really feeling the need to talk with you this afternoon. It's our daily chats that keep me keepin' on. There are times when I kneel to talk to you but, for some reason, I like these times when I can envision you sitting beside me outside in one of the comfy rattan chairs close to me. Your presence calms me no matter what is going on.

I have had termites in the cottage. Easter morning, I put on my "high-heeled" shoes and oops(!) the heel went through the board in front of the closet. After a couple of tries to find a termite guy, we got a great fellow to come out and spray. Termites? GONE!! Lupe, the contractor who did the cottage, will be replacing the floor boards and repainting. He also has to sand, restain, and put a poly coat on some of the floors in the lil casa. I figure we will be back to normal by the end of May. Yay!! 

Termites are a common problem in redoing old houses and turning dilapidated garages into something livable.  Often times it's not if those pesky bugs will appear but when. Anyway, I am grateful that they didn't do more damage than they did ~ the boards can be replaced, and I can go on down the road handling the next hiccough on this path called life.

I was sitting outside yesterday, and I thought about how termites are like the sin that eats away at our lives. They appear pretty non-threatening; and, for quite some time, work behind the scenes. They flourish in wet, dank, darkness.  Seemingly invisible to the naked eye, they're eating away one bite at a time.

Ever been tempted and thought, "just this one time, no one needs to know." Unless I am unique, when we are tempted by the evil one (Satan knows our weaknesses, our Achilles Heels, our fears, and fantasies), the taste is there ... yummy, feels good! We can get puffed up, thinking we are bullet proof. But, before long, just like termites, the damage is done and oops, we fall. Not only do we fall, everyone around us knows ~ our sin is in the light. GASP!! SHAME!! BLAME!! Unless, we can find an accountability person and do some cleaning out ... mentally, spiritually, and physically, we are apt to live some pretty shallow, sinful, lives. I need an accountability partner because, left to my own devices, I can talk myself into anything. I hate that but I am aware that it is the truth.

You and I do business every morning and every night, don't we. There's just something about being transparent with You that helps me have a great day and a restful night. I want to be a better person because I love You and your son, Jesus. Psalm 139: 23-24 says: "Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way." I really want to see my faults. After Jesus died on the cross, the law was no more and gave way to grace. How grateful I am for the love ... pure unadulterated love. You loved us sinners that much!!

I think about this love note in the Bible:  For You so loved the world that You gave your only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  I wonder how many people would put their sons or daughters on a cross to be crucified for sinners, no less.

I experienced abuse as a child. Some from my parents but the major abuse came from predators known by my family. Now, think about this ... what if my parents put me on a cross to save my abusers? Tough one, eh? Well, You, my God loved us that much ~ incomprehensible to the average person.

There have been times when I've been so battered and my heart broken into a gazillion pieces. There have been times that I've felt so alone and vulnerable. I thank my paternal grandmother and my parents for taking me to church as a child where I learned about You, Jesus, and the Holy Ghost/Spirit. By the time I was confirmed and a member of the Lutheran Church, I knew, without a doubt that You were my best friend. As I weathered storms, I knew I could count on you to take care of me and You didn't disappoint.

I wonder. The news is full of teens who experience being bullied, pregnancy, and a host of other atrocities. If they don't know about Jesus, who can they turn to? So often, abortion, murder, or suicide seem like their only options. It saddens my heart because I know that without Jesus, Satan would have led me into promiscuity, drugs, alcohol,cheating, lying, and the list goes on and on. As it was, my conscience was too big for me to enter the world of darkness. I had a therapist say to me during a particular tough session, "God has been with you from birth and has had his hand upon you. Most people who have gone through what you have wouldn't be sane."

My secrets had to be brought into the light, evil tapes in my subconscious needed to be addressed and replaced with Your words of affirmation. I'm not kidding You ~ there were times that I didn't think that I could face my demons ~ but, I did and my Readers can too!!

Thank you for giving me the gift of eternal life. Thank you for opening the door and for me having the courage to walk on through. Life is good now. Amen!!

Miss Dottie

NOTE TO READERS:  Why is it that we, so often, shape God into who we believe he is?We look for relationships and churches that meet our idea of a moral life forgetting about what God desires? Why do we not read his word? Food for thought...

I am continually finding myself taking my salvation for granted. Why do I say this? I say it because I don't spend nearly enough time giving thanks to the Lord Almighty for all He has done for me.  I attend a church in a little town just 14 miles away that is filled with love for the Lord and for it's members and community. Each Sunday, I am aware of how little I give and how much I get. I guess I could find a church close to home but I know I am where God wants me. I have been asking for a car for months now but I need to be patient and do the things I can without wheels! I pray that as you reflect on your own salvation that you consider what you can do to show God how much you love Him. Amen?

I am a big fan of people who offer words of wisdom as I move forward in life. Kristin Armstrong said: "I write about the power of trying, because I want to be okay with failing. I write about generosity because I battle selfishness. I write about joy because I know sorrow. I write about faith because I almost lost mine, and I know what it is to be broken and in need of redemption. I write about gratitude because I am thankful ~ for all of it."

Always remember, my Readers, you are loved and prayed for ... Ya You!!

Thank You for the Past, Present, Future!

Thank you!

April 10, 2015
Friday

Dear God,

I heard you at the front door of the lil casa ~ go around to the side of the house and let's sit on the patio today. The Trumpet Vine is really tooting it's horn and it's so peaceful there. I am feeling very filled with gratitude this morning. Oh, I know I have things that I wish were different yet those don't seem to matter and I am remembering the good, the fresh, the blessings! Sorry, I don't have any wine but how about some sweetened iced tea? You're in your robe, I'm in my robe. We're good!

Last Sunday was Easter. I was in kind of a purple funk because I spent most of the day by myself. I am a big family person so I decided to recall those happy Easters when I was surrounded by family and close friends.  I remembered what You did for me on the cross and that little voice, "If all you have is Me, am I not enough?" (John 14:8) Yes, You are! I remembered this song we used to sing at Grace Church. I dug around in UTube and found it. All the glory of past, present, and future is good and I smiled.

Father, all my days were ordained of You (Psalm 139:16). Looking back I can see why things happened the way they did and today, I know for certain that You are there ... period ... past, present, future. I attended the Open Range Cowboy Church on Easter morning and, as usual, was so filled by the Holy Spirit that I was overflowing. When we had the opportunity to shake sumbuddies hand, I said a little prayer for each person I touched. I knew that there were probably others who would dine alone that day and I wanted to give them a blessing and a smile.

If the Open Range Church would have presented itself years ago, I don't think I would have been receptive. I was a city girl entrenched in the doctrine of Martin Luther. When we were thinking of moving to be closer to Mom Seidler, I prayed and knew that it was the right thing to do. When I got here, I was so unhappy. I was away from family and friends that I'd known for years and boy howdy, I was downright sad. I'd say, "Why Lord, why did you bring me here?" I hit bottom, and hit it hard. I think that if I'd had a flush bank account, I would have flown the coop, not looking back. I had to decide and I chose to be obedient to You and trust that You knew what was best for me. All I needed to do was get up off the ground and be open to your promptings. Look at what I would have missed had I packed up and left. You knew ~ I just had to be patient!

Along came Susan and John ... they invited and invited and invited. One day, I just said, "Michael, whether you go with me or not, I am going to church." I've never looked back. My life seemed to fall into place and I felt that radiance coming back into my spirit. I must write about obedience in another blog because that's another story that needs telling. I am feeling a little cut off from extra church activities because I don't have a car but, I know You are working on that for me and I am going to be a happy camper. For now, I must be content meeting those that attend on Sunday mornings. I figure that this is Step 3, in my journey there (the first was accepting Susan's invitation, the second was joining the church). Step 3 has been being a regular attender ~ learning names, and doing what I can to encourage.

Whoa! Homer, Carolyn!!
I want to climb on and go where y'all are going!!

For whatever reason, I have met some salt of the earth folks who love You a lot! Branden made me a church diary and pen to record each Sunday's songs and messages. Pastor Rick made a leather cover for a Bible (as it turned out, it was the exact same version of the Bible that I used in a two-year Word and Witness Study. Now, it's MINE! AND, last Sunday Edwin (the Open Range Band drummer) gave me the sticks he used to record the band's second CD. From more women than I can count, I have received wisdom, encouragement, and an offer of friendship. It's blowing my mind. One Sunday, a woman that I had not seen before tapped me on the shoulder and said, "I don't know how old you are, but as I grow older, I want to be like you." Now, that's another story for another time but I knew it was You affirming that I was beautiful in Your eyes. Nancy B also gave me a message Sunday and I almost lost it. Angels unaware!!

I have my own version of Naomi & Ruth...
Gosh, there's two ladies that always make
my day a bit brighter. Vivian & Susie...

Thank you my King for where I am now in life. My natural personality would be that of a Type B ~ low key, steady, creative. HOWEVER, push me against a wall and my Type A tendencies come out and my nails are sharp as daggars!! God says I am wonderfully complex. Others, might say I am ... well, complex with a driving edge.  I am because You are I AM! (John 8:58) Think on that one awhile!!

Father, Son, Holy Spirit, thank you for restoring what the locusts have eaten (Joel 2:25). I am reminded that I live on Your time. My prayers for Miss Vivian were answered and I could have hugged the stuffing out of her at church. I am missing someone and haven't seen him in awhile (Crazy Mike). Please touch him wherever he is and bring him back to his seat on the front row. I want to lift up my friend, Peggy, whose son just passed away ~ oh Father, comfort her at this time. For those on my prayer list, I pray for tenacity when the going gets rough, for peace in doing what You ask and leaving the consequences in Your hands. Death has come calling over the past week ... some expected, some sudden and tragic. Be with those as they grieve. One of the pastors I admire so much, Pastor Steve in Costa Rica, has had the crud. Just as he prayed for my concerns, I prayed for his. Isn't that what it's all about? Helping to carry our brothers' and sisters' burdens (Galatians 6:2) should come naturally but, alas, so often it doesn't. It's about to rain AND my friend, Beverly just invited me to lunch. Help me to reach her for You!! She's such a good person but very anti-Christian anything. To You goes my glory, to You goes my praise, to You, I give my life!! Amen, it is so!!

Miss Dottie

NOTE TO MY READERS: When life gives you lemons, I have a great recipe for not only lemonade but some mighty good lemon bars that you can sink your teeth into. My Gratitude Journal overflows and I welcome this day and the days ahead!!

I read something about prayer the other day: While one person is praying for rain, another is praying that it would stop. While one person is praying that a loved one may live, the loved one is praying to "go home." We can rest in knowing that God sees the big picture while all we have is our feelings and a snapshot in time.

Always remember how very much I love you and pray for you.

YA YOU... every single one of you!!

A Heart that Forgives ~

(There is an ad at the beginning of this song, just press "skip")

March 29, 2015
Palm Sunday

Dear Readers,

Today is a day to celebrate Jesus ride into Jerusalem. The people cheered him but in the following week, He would be arrested, tried, beaten, spit on, and humiliated as he hung on that cross.  My Lutheran upbringing will remember Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and the joy of Easter. I will weep remembering the pain Christ endured, and bask in the sunshine of Easter. There are some traditions that I still keep because they are important to my heart.

Some years ago, I saw the movie, The Passion of the Christ. I'm a visual person and the scenes of the betrayal, the trial, and the crucifixion took me to my knees. Picture Jesus hanging on that cross~ he'd been beaten, scourged, and spit on. What did he say? "Father forgive them for they know not what they do." His last act was to forgive the robber on the cross next to his ~ telling him that he would be with him in paradise. He was winning souls up to the moment he took his last breath.

One of the best Bible studies I have ever taken is The Mind of Christ, a Bible study written by TW Hunt. It's a study which introduces believers to a lifelong process through which God renews minds and lives to reflect the image of Christ. It is based on Philippians 2:5: "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus." It showed me how Jesus' mind worked and how the Holy Spirit can teach you to think as He did. I wanted to be more like Christ and this study as a stepping stone.

Church was amazing today ... the focus was on forgiveness. I was writing (in my Sunday journal) as fast as I could as Miss Kitty, Pastor Rick, William, and Pastor Dudley gave testimonies and, in Miss Kitty's and Pastor Dudley's case, sermons.

The ability to forgive and let go is a powerful tool. In my case, when I was able to forgive, it opened more room in my mind and heart to appreciate the good. The tapes that ran rampant for so many years were replaced with new ones carrying good thoughts. I was free to move on!  Ever meet people who seem to be always mad at someone or something? They hold grudges forever! Unforgiveness can be addictive you know. When I encounter people like that, they tend to not want to be around my joyous spirit and I just pray for their release from their own miseries. Mad and happy don't go well together.

Maybe that's why I love the Open Range Church so much. When I walk through the doors, I immediately feel the love of Christ through his people. I am able to encourage, appreciate, and welcome others (and they do the same for me).  There is something special there that I hadn't experienced since my years at Grace Community Church.  When I walk out, I am bursting with happiness and set to take on my week and look forward to going back. Hopefully, I will be able to take part more when we are able to purchase a second car. I'm not the most patient person in the world and thank God everyday for the vehicle He will provide.

Glen Scrivener said, "The difference between the law and the good news of Jesus is not that law is about dry duty and Jesus is about heart-felt affections. They are both about love. It's just that the law only describes the life of love. The good news of Jesus, when trusted, actually produces it." I'm pondering on that today!!

Miss Dottie

Dear God,
Thank you for this day and the opportunity to learn more about you, break bread, and fellowship with fellow believers. My prayer list has been growing ~ I pray for those who have had tragic accidents, have been confronted with diagnoses of terminal illness, have broken bones, and for those who are sick mentally, physically, spiritually. They need you,Jehovah Rapha, our healer who makes bitter things sweet and I need you too. I know it's probably silly but I thank you for our newest rescue, Zoe. She has brought such calmness to the pack in Seidler Dogdom. I pray for safety for those traveling this Easter week. I am praying that you will give an extra nudge to those who might not attend church this coming Sunday. ALL need to be exposed to the glory and magnificence of this day when Jesus died on the cross that we would have eternal life. I raise my hands praising your name and glorify you saying, Hosanna to the Christ!!  Amen, it is so!!
  

Through the magnifying glass...

March 27, 2015
Friday

Dear God,

Happy Spring and Happy Friday!  The birds are singing and all's right in my world.

Thank you for the blessed time we have had this morning. Maybe it took going through surgery to slow me down and make sure You had the first fruits of my day. I am on track in reading through the Bible in 2015 and, this morning, read about David, the man after your heart.

David was such a godly man ~ a man who listened to You then lived his life in obedience and praise. What happened, Lord? How could a man so attune to your bidding fall so far from grace?  Well, David is no different than many of us. David's sin with Bathsheba was no sudden collapse of his moral values, but rather the outgrowth of an undisciplined life given to passion, polygamy, and idle pleasure. When temptation came, David had no willpower to resist. He saw, he inquired, he yielded. When David's folly was known and Nathan the prophet addressed this with him, David was ashamed and asked for forgiveness. God forgave David BUT the crash would be heard for generations to come in the form of treachery, immorality, jealousy, and murder in David's family.

(I put a table in comparing Joseph's life to David's. Every time I am feeling resentful, I go back and reread Joseph's story in Genesis.)

I got to thinking ~ are there subtle sins eating away at my spiritualness? Disaster in the Christian life more often results from a slow leak than a blow out. For a very long time, I examined my thoughts and actions through a magnifying glass. Then, being human, I thought, "I know my weaknesses, I don't need to take inventory every day. Oh dear, resentments festered, my anger reared its ugly head, and I gradually (ever sooo slowly) became less than I wanted to be. You have a way of bringing me to my knees, don't You. Now, nearly every day I praise You, read a devotional or scripture, and get out my magnifying glass. I pray Psalm 139:23-24 (KJV): "Search me, O God, and know my heart, try me, and know my thoughts and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."

You've forgiven me and remember my sins no more. Yet, there have been the ramifications to deal with. The choice I made when I was seventeen years old paved the way for a lifetime of sadness. There is an old chiche that goes something like this: Our choices become action, actions become habits, and habits become our character. Yet, I know that for every sin, You made something good of it and I am so grateful. I would not be the woman I am today without walking the road I walked.

"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

Now, Father, I am NOT telling people who sin that You will definitely use it for good. I'm sayin' that You know we are imperfect; and, in spite of ourselves, for those of us that love You, our ways will be used for the good in glorifying You.

Lord God, I praise You for who you are. I worship You and You alone, one day at a time, one step at a time. Forgive me my sins as I forgive those who have sinned against me. I pray for my church. Grant an extra measure of wisdom to those who shepherd us. I pray for my country ~ may truth be blatantly obvious as we get ready to choose another President. Keep us safe calling up men and women of God to lead us. For those on my prayer list, I pray for good health, peace in the midst of tragedy, and for your grace. I thank you for Jesus, your son, who died on the cross that we may come to him and experience eternal life. I've never regretted being obedient, for in obedience we give You control of the outcome. As a control freak, that's something that I have had to work on every day. This morning, I am filled with peace ... You are good and I give you my life to use for your glory.  Amen, it is so...

Miss Dottie

NOTE TO READERS: Please know I pray for you each and every day. My love for you grows as my blog is being read in countries across the globe.  I just love what Elisabeth Elliott has to say, "Does it make sense to pray for guidance about the future if we are not obeying in that lies before us today?  How many momentous events in Scripture depended on one person's seemingly small act of obedience!  Rest assured, do what God tells you to do now; and, depend upon it, you will be shown what to do next." Let's get together again soon!  Hopefully, I am back in the saddle of life and am set to get on with things. Care to join me?

In the Arms of an Angel

In the Arms of an Angel

March 26, 2014
Thursday

Dear God,

I have been doing laps around the back yard then decided I would walk a couple blocks to the Pederson house then head back. I was thinking that I would walk to the end of the dead end street but I remembered Cathey (Home Health RN) say that I needed to not walk so far that I couldn't make it back home. 

God, you are so good to me and I have felt like you orchestrated every moment of my getting to Baylor Frisco, undergoing surgery, being transported to Reliant Rehab, and then home. I cannot thank you enough to allowing me to heal quickly and be able to get on with my life. There's one more thing I am praying for ~ for some reason every time I have surgery, Fibro Fog rears it's ugly head and my brain feels like its scrambled. Unless I write "it" down "it" goes in one ear and out the other. Help me to clear out the cobwebs.

Maybe if I visualize sweeping the cobwebs out it would help. I think I will give that a try!

Come on Bud, play that harmonica!

Last Sunday, we went to church and I felt your presence and was wrapped in love.  It's kind of hard to describle but I saw myself as being wrapped in the arms of an angel. I was 2 weeks and 3 days out of surgery. I struggled getting dressed and the car ride was kinda bumpy but I made it. To sit in "my chair" was so awesome. I found myself getting lost in the music, drinking in every bit of the sermon, and strengthened by the time of greeting others. I forgot my camera and had so many opportunities to record the magnificence of the Open Range Cowboy Church. I have my purse packed for next Sunday and my camera is in it. Every Sunday, I pinch myself saying, "Is this church for real?" I've felt like kind of a leech because I am getting so much and not giving back like I want to.  I'm praying that  now that my back is taken care of, I will be able get my little ole body over there during the week. Oh yes, a car ... I need a car too. (Smile) I even thought about a scooter. Vroom! Vroom! I can see me now, whizzing down the country roads, hair blowing in the wind!! Or, maybe not...

A 4-wheeler might work!! I loved playing on my
brothers farm & helping to gather wood.

Yesterday, Michael had a doctor's appointment in Waco, so I tagged along. I did a lot of walking and breathing in the freshness of the air. I had some mighty tasty fajitas at On the Border for lunch. I missed having my margarita ~ on the rocks, lip of glass with a thick layer of salt, and a nice wedge of fresh lime. I knew that if I imbibed, I would be in slumberland before I could count to 10.  From there we visited Lowe's, Home Depot, Petco, and, last stop Bonnie's Nursery where I found the most gorgeous rose ~ Y2K. It's yellow and supposedly has some red in it.  By the time we walked through Bonnie's, I was spent and wishing I'd brought my pillow along!!

One of the most difficult things for me to remember is to not just get into my usual routine.  I walked by the Y2K rose this morning and my immediate thought was that I needed to plant it. The laundry was piling up and I started to sort clothes. For those of us who are homemakers, we take charge of what needs to be done and just do it. I looked at Zoe ... she managed to dig in the mud and her paws were all muddy. Then I remembered that I am to be released from home health care tomorrow and it wouldn't do for me to be holding my aching back!!

Lord, I like it that you are here visiting with me this morning. I just love it when  I can hold your hand and lay my troubles at your feet. I'm asking that you send your mightiest angels down here to watch over everyone on my prayer list. My friend, Peggy, lost her son to cancer and I just hate that for her. No matter how much we are trusting in you, there is still hurt when our prayers aren't answered the way we want them to. Please make yourself known to the many who believe in you and who want to be obedient to your wishes. And, Father, also make yourself known to those who are "on the fence" or are just plain evil. Nothing is impossible with You!! Amen, it is so...

Miss Dottie

NOTE TO READERS:  

Enough said!

Every little thing's gonna be alright...

Every Little Thing's Gonna Be Alright!

March 17, 2015
Tuesday

Dear God,

We haven't been getting together much since my surgery on March 5. My brain has been so discombobulated from pain meds and pain in general that my thinking cap has been tilted. Before I do anything today, I just want to say, "Thank you!"

Thank you for guiding us through the winter storm of March 4 and for the beautiful suite the hospital gave us to rest in rather than sleep in our car. Thank you for the delicious meal that warmed our tummies on a night that was so foreboding.

(My surgery was scheduled for 10:30am on the 5th ~ we were under a winter storm advisory (the evening of the 4th and into the 5th) and wintry precipitation was on it's way. We decided to go to Dallas Wednesday night to try beat the storm and took pillows and blankets should we need to sleep in the car. The storm waited until we were just a couple blocks from the hospital then let loose with a fury. Michael asked if we could sleep inside in the lobby by the fire. The receptionist said, "I think we can do better than that" and led us to a beautiful suite on the surgical floor. They admitted me early on the 5th and I was good to go!) 

Thank you for Dr. Carmody and his staff for the excellent job they did on restoring my spine to better than new condition. When I had my check-up yesterday, Dr. C said that the day after surgery I was really mad at him and wouldn't open my eyes or respond to him. We got a chuckle about my demeanor that day. Pain meds do weird things! Since I don't remember anything about my surgery or even being transported to the Reliant Rehab Center the following Saturday, I would say, I was not in the best state of mind.

It wasn't until I told the nurses to lessen the dosage of the pain meds, that I began to regain some sense of being "with it." I must say tho ... I got a lot of much needed rest and my dreams were filled with pleasantness. If any of my Readers came to see me in the hospital and I haven't said thank you, please know, I appreciate your concern and friendship. Miss Dottie may have been physically present BUT in every other aspect, she had mentally left the building!! 

One of the songs that kept filling my mind as I rested was Bob Marley's Every Little Thing's Gonna Be Alright. It's a catchy little tune that brought smiles to my thoughts. Come on, sing along as you read my blog!

Yesterday, I was released from rehab, made a trip to see Dr. Carmody then headed south to home base. I had asked Michael to bring a couple pillows which made riding a breeze. When I got home, I sat down on the sofa in the patio and waited for Michael to let out the pups. OMG, when Kennedy spied me, he started crying and I thought he was going to have a heart attack. One thing nice about adopting senior dogs, is that they love to snuggle and snooze. We all went into the cottage and took a nice nap ~ all of them finding a place to "touch" me. (Sigh) I would say our pack is very balanced, each holding a special place in my heart.  

Today, we are trying to get set up for Home Health Visits, doctor's appointments, and assessing what else I need to do to get my household back in order. I am definitely ready to live life without back and leg pain. The physical therapists said I needed to slow down and not rush my recovery. Slow down? Not sure I know what that means!

I am so fortunate, Lord, and I don't take that for granted. I just had a very serious surgery and came through with flying colors. Not only that, in a little more than a week since surgery, I am walking without a cane, walker, or using a wheel chair. My 12 inch incision has healed and I can begin to take showers without covering it. (But NO soaking in my claw foot tub! Boo hiss!) The doctors, nurses, and physical therapists were delighted with my progress (I could do the exercises first go around). I think working outside in my gardens has kept me pretty physically fit. 

You know, I truly believe that as I smile, the world smiles back at me. When I was in therapy, I was able to pray for the other people there. As I walked through the hallways, I could pray for the patients. In all the surgeries I have had, I've never been to in-patient therapy afterwards. I would say that the it helped tremendously and, I would do it again.

Thou hast been my rock and my redeemer and I couldn't let one more day go by without giving you credit for clearing the way to my surgery and organizing the most minute of details. It was You who held my hand in those painful hours after surgery and You who calmed the storm.

Father I pray for others who are experiencing surgeries and painful recoveries. Give us all strength to withstand the knitting together of wounds, bones, organs... I boldly ask that you claim yours spreading peace and mercy where there is hurt and discord. The armies of the angels march to your beat and do your will. You, Lord, are life everlasting!  For sure, You've given me a new lease on life ... let's see what we can do with the days ahead! Amen, it is so!

Miss Dottie

NOTE TO READERS:  Anyone facing health issues has a desire to be restored to health, walking tall in righteousness, with God standing behind them. That visual alone is enough to uplift, but the promise behind it is where hope is found.

"Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard." ~Isaiah 58:8

The greatest gift that can be given to someone in pain is a reminder that they are not forgotten and that the pain is only temporary. Strength will be restored, faith will grow, and God's grace will steady us for the future.

The simplest act of love can mean a great deal to someone who is in the midst of a health battle. It meant so much to me to soak in the blessing of visits, flowers, notes, and prayers. One night, I woke with a start. Michael had gone back home earlier in the day but at that late hour, there he was standing beside my bed. My first words to him?  "Who died?" He smiled and said, "No one, I just needed to be here."(His hands were full of nightclothes) We talked awhile then he was off disappearing into the night. Great gifts come in precious moments!

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