Why not me?

Why Me Lord
Alan Ladd, Gospel Country Singer

May 26, 2016
Thursday

Dear Readers,

I woke up this morning at 3:30 to my alarm clock buzzing. I REALLY don't like alarm clocks and rarely use one since retirement. I'm normally an early riser but if I get over tired, it's nice to sleep until 7:30. To be truthful, my alarm clocks now have fur and don't like their morning chow time to be late!!

It's been quite a process getting my body back in working order. Motored into Dallas in the wee hours of the morning to get a nerve block on the right side of the L3. The past few days I've been grimacing in pain so, believe me, I was ready. I am supposed to be quiet and rest for a couple days. I can't just lay still with bags of peas icing my back so I'm writing...

Oh, for you Readers struggling with snails and slugs: Home Depot sent me a notice that the Sluggo I ordered was at the Cleburne store. Sluggo down, zip bye-bye snails. It works great and leaves are growing back on roses.

For several years, I taught a class called The Power of a Praying Wife. At some point I would ask my ladies to virtually put on the armor of God as they sat on the edge of their bed in the morning. I often do this myself and, for some reason, it sure makes a big difference.

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." ~Ephesians 6:10-17

When I experienced believer's baptism, I prayed and asked God to put me on the front lines. My mother used to tell me I was tough as a little Banty Rooster and, over the course of my life, people have told me I was strong. Independent? Yes Stubborn? Yes Determined? Yes Focused? Yes What's more important to me was that Jesus tapped me on the shoulder and said, "I want you." I signed up and life has never been the same.

Don't you like my hairdo in the photo? Probably one of those times I did it myself. One of my first favorite sentences? "I do it myself!!!"  

I have no idea who wrote this' but I saw it, liked it, and want to pass it on:

The Soldier's Creed: I am a soldier in the army of God. The Lord Jesus is my Commanding Officer. The Holy Bible is my code of conduct. Faith, Prayer and the Word are my weapons of warfare. I have been taught by the Holy Spirit, trained by experience, tried by adversity and tested by fire.

I am a volunteer in this army, and I am enlisted for eternity. I will either retire in this army at the advent or die in this army; but I will not get out, sell out, be talked out, or pushed out.

I am faithful, reliable, capable and dependable.

If my God needs me, I am there.

I am in place, saluting my King, obeying His orders, praising His name and building His kingdom!

And it went on but I think you get my gist.

When I was little, I attended Vacation Bible School. One of my favorite songs was ONWARD CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS. We would march and place and sing. I got so into it one morning, that my teacher asked me to tone it down. (Yes, I was one of "those kids.") I do remember giving her the look of __________.  I laugh now thinking that I had the passion of worship in me wayyyy back then in my reverent Lutheran upbringing. (Smile)

So when I think about the "why me, Lord" times of life, I remember my prayer. The wounds and battles of life are upon me. I served on prayer teams that covered Christians as they went into areas where Christians were persecuted. I learned very quickly that the prayer warriors covering those Christians also needed prayers covering them. Boy, howdy, Satan was MAD, mad as hell and those tentacles reached out into all areas of our lives. It got real LOUD in my prayer room sometimes.

Our country is at a crossroads. The political players are girding themselves for a nasty fight. Believe me, mud will be flung nationwide. As Christians, it's time we became soldiers in God's Army and did battle, praying for discernment.

Even Jesus, picked up a whip and drove out the money changers from the temple. In fact, did you know Jesus cleansed the temple twice during his ministry? Jesus challenged ungodly practices and urged the people to obey God rather than convenience. Sound familiar in today's world?

 

The United States is no longer a Christian nation. Liken to Biblical times, we have called those into leadership who do not follow God's law but the laws of other religions and are making themselves like gods. I know, I know, I probably will ruffle some feathers but that's okay. I'm used to doing that.

Who will join me, sharing your voices as Christian soldiers? Who will stand up for what God says even if it doesn't follow man-made laws? Just because a majority of people want something, it doesn't make it right. Parents, will you keep quiet when boys are allowed into girls locker rooms and girls into boys locker rooms at school? What about the protection of our rights as Jesus followers? Aren't we being discriminated against?

Believe me, I believe in free speech. If you want to stand on a corner praising a rock as your savior, then you go right ahead. I'm not going to berate you or kill you for believing different than me. Just don't persecute me for voicing my beliefs.

Dear God, As I have matured in my faith, I realize that I am one of those so called fanatics ... not a religious fanatic because I'm not big on religion but a personal relationship with Jesus kind of fanatic. I pray that you will bless our country and unite us with a leader who has your heart. Forgive us for our complacency and our fear of being politically correct. I'd much rather be correct in your eyes. Help us to open our hearts and minds to what is pure, good, and pleasing in your sight. Lord, my prayer list grows by the minute and I am lifting those people with maladies, cancers, loss of mobility, family troubles, financial woes, relationship hurts, and depression up to you. Father, you are Jehovah Rapha - the Lord who heals. I know you long to heal us of resentfulness, bitterness, and pride if we will but trust You and are obedient. I pray that the Holy Spirit would examine our hearts and heal us of the diseases that ravish our bodies and souls. For those reading my blogs in Russia, Germany, and China, please know you are being lifted up. In Jesus precious name I pray... Amen

Miss Dottie

PS    
God may not protect our country; however, He WILL PROTECT his people. Just sayin'...

Tales of a Six Year Old Adventuress

May 13, 2016
Friday

Dear Readers,

It looked like rain when I got up this morning but it ended up being a beautiful sunny day. The Sensational Six and I spent a good amount of time in the garden this afternoon. The boys love to sit in the hammock with me and sway back and forth, back and forth. I've been fertilizing the trees and they've really started to perk up giving me a wonderful canopy of filtered sunlight.

As a kid did you ever have a secret place that you called your own? I was born adventurous and loved finding places to crawl into or sprawl out in. One of my favorites was near the ski chalet next to Lake Minnewaska. There was an open thicket where the bees buzzed, the flies swarmed, and butterflies were everywhere. I would lay on my back, chew on some grass, and visualize animals out of the billowy clouds in the sky. I did my best thinking when I was alone on one of my adventures.

There were old rail cars in the hills, tree roots near streams, campfires left by hobos in the sand pit, and miles of sandy beach perfect for wading and stomping. One day I took an old orange sack and started at the top of Soo Hill. I gathered treasures all the way down into town ending up at Miller's Grocery. Outside their store was a heavy grate over a hole. Odds and ends got blown into the hole and that was my last stop. I gazed into the hole and lo and behold there was a Dairy Queen sundae dish (you know, the blue plastic kind). I just had to have it. I looked around for a big stick to pry the grate off the hole but couldn't find anything. I ended up pulling the grate up and pushing the grate against the building. I snarfed up the dish and oops, the grate came crashing down on my toes.

I started yowling like a stuck pig and Mrs Miller came running out to see what the commotion was. By the time she reached me, I had pulled my red tennis shoe off and was sitting on the ground holding my toe together. (The tennis shoe saved my toe for sure!). She picked me up and took me into the store and put my foot under running water. She pushed my toe back together and bandaged my entire foot. Mr Miller carried me (and my orange sack full of treasures) home and propped me up in my bed.

My clothes were a mess, my tennis shoe had a hole in it, my toe hurt awful bad, and my face was streaked with tears. I wondered what my mom would say especially about my shoe. Mrs Miller thought I needed stitches but there was no way anyone was going to touch my foot. My mom got home from work, fixed supper, and called me to come downstairs. I couldn't walk so I shouted that I wasn't hungry
.

Miss Dottie at 6 (with brother, Roger)

After everyone had eaten, my mother came to check on me. There I was cradling my foot in my hands and sniffling. I told her what happened and she told me to be more careful next time. Phew! I nursed my toe until it healed not wanting anyone to see it. The grate had nearly taken my toe off and left me with quite a scar.

As an adult, I still like adventures and hideaways. I enjoy the hunt of a special treasure even if it takes me years of looking. I have my own special hideaway ~ Miss Dottie's Cottage. I also have my own Secret Garden that unless you know it's there, it's pretty well hidden from the street. Michael thinks I should show my garden off more ~ I tell him that it's my own private garden, a place where I can experiment and drink in the colors of serenity.  It's a place where I am happy and content when the world about me seems so crazy.

Father God in Heaven, I thank you for my fellow travelers on this earth. I pray that each and every one of them would have their own sense of adventure and secret hideaways where they are able to think, regroup, pray, and know they are safe. I thank you for taking me through times when you kept watch over a venturesome little girl, teen, and adult. There are lots of kids like I was so watch over them too. Father, today is wear purple for those fighting autoimmune diseases. You know me and purple: I think purple, wear purple, plant purple, and today I pray about purple. Go God!! I have friends facing cancer surgery and treatments. Provide them with what they need Lord going before them and seeing to every small detail. Please watch over little Finn as he heals from lip surgery and being neutered ~ watch over my granddog, Teddy, too. He's in tough shape, Lord. The whirrrr of the air conditioning sounds so comforting tonight. I will sleep well. Thanks for listening ... thy will be done.

Miss Dottie

PS Ever heard of Dale Carnegie? He said, "One of the most tragic things I know about human nature is that all of us tend to put off living. We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon instead of enjoying the roses that are blooming outside our windows today."

No one can ever say my life has been without adventure or boring. It's been quite a ride and the ride isn't over!!

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

Miss Dottie's Ramblin' Thoughts

May 10, 2016
Tuesday

Dear Readers,

Well hello there. It's nice to be outside blogging and enjoying listening to the birds chirp. Yesterday, I picked up a tree face at Outdoor World. It glows in the dark and makes me smile every time I look at it. He adds a certain whimsy to the gardens, don't you think?

I got up early this morning to do some minor gardening and discovered that the big tree in the center of the lower garden had another huge limb break off. It's wedged in the crook of the tree but if it fell, it could do major damage. Gotta get that taken care of pronto. Seems like there's always some little emergency going on. The microwave blew it's last breath too...no more zapped food for awhile.

Been thinking... I like traveling light and keeping life simple. I have a conscience and know the difference between truth and lie ~ right and wrong. Common sense rules.

Am I the only one who sees the craziness going on in our country? So often I feel like I live in a strange place similar to Sodom and Gomorrah. Yes, it's gotten that bad. We save the pets, save the trees, and get all up in arms about the climate change. In the meantime, we abort babies; think old people are burdens; and, in general, if it feels good, we change laws to match those feelings. There are those who are offended at the least little thing.

As I have grown in my Christian walk, I think about truth marching alongside my ability to think biblically.

But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that

which is good; abstain from every form of evil.

~I Thessalonians 5:21-22

KISS - either you believe the Bible or you don't. For many years I didn't read the Bible. Why? Well, I didn't want to know if I was sinning. Ouch! Once I began to own up to what I was doing, life became more difficult because I knew what God was asking of me. According to the New Testament, discernment is not optional for the believer-it is required.

Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. ~I John 4:1

God's Word provides us with the needed discernment about every issue of life. We live in a fallen world where what once was holy is no longer deemed so. We pick and choose based on our feelings and our own sense of right and wrong ... justice or injustice.

I'm a pretty black and white thinking person. My heart may be mushy but I tend to think logically. All these people getting so bent out of shape over this and that. For example, this bathroom issue. If you are dressed like a woman and go into a women's bathroom and shut the door to the stall who is going to know? We've had unisex bathrooms for quite some time ~ most commonly a small bathroom with a lock on the door. We've had family bathrooms for both sexes. Now, all of a sudden, we need laws to go along with what has been okay? Craziness...

Growing up, I met a young girl by the name of Janet. Her mother and father came to town and Janet was enrolled in the elementary school I attended. Janet's father was from Scotland and preferred to wear a kilt. Seemed odd to me but he also had some bagpipes standing in the corner of their apartment ~ when he played them it sounded like a goose honking. One afternoon, I stopped by to see Janet because she hadn't been to school. Her mother opened the door and I ran to Janet's room. I think my eyes got big as silver dollars because her father was dressed in women's clothing and had on make-up. Janet told me her father liked to act silly and dress funny. I didn't think it was so funny and left. Soon after that Janet and her family moved (Janet said they never stayed long in one place).

Why am I telling you that story? Well, I guess because I had several choices to make. I could have run home and told my parents about the strange behavior going on. I could have stopped the policeman on the corner and told him that I was totally offended. Or, I could accept the fact that some people thought and acted differently than I did. I chose to remain Janet's friend and decided (in my opinion) that her dad was a kook. End of story... 

Maybe I am too easy going and don't get my knickers in a knot over every little thing. I learned very early in life that life was not fair and that failure was a part of learning. I accept people as they are and let them be (unless they are breaking a law or hurting other people). Abuse elders, women, children or pets and you will see fire coming from my nostrils!!

I am a Jesus freak. Not ashamed of that. However, I know there are lots of folks who aren't. I share my story and testimony, that's all. The rest is up to them.

I'm not going to apologize for ranting a bit today. Michael told me to cool my engines but sometimes, I need to say what I need to say.

Mrs Cardinal visited as I prayed...

Lord God in Heaven, holy is your name. I pray for a settling of discord in our country. I know all this craziness started with well-meaning people whose intention was to help and make life fairer and easier for others. Things have just gotten out of hand.  A good leader is able to unify and I pray that the next President of the United States could do that. I also pray for all of those in authority positions to make godly decisions and bring cities, businesses, and families into harmony. Bring forth truth no matter how hurtful. We need that, Father. We need a clearing of the air. No man or woman is perfect and we all fall short ~ forgive us our sins. Saying that, history of character is important because history tends to repeat itself. Bring forth peace ~ the peace I feel as I go into my gardens to pray. Be with those facing cancer ~ testing, surgery, treatment. Help me to be a beacon of light not a damsel of doom. In Jesus holy name I pray...Amen

Miss Dottie

PS  "When there is no enemy within, the enemies outside cannot hurt you." ~Winston S Churchill

Today, I go to the garden alone

May 3, 2016
Tuesday


Dear Readers,

I hope you will close your eyes and listen to the old hymn I have included in my blog. This is my favorite of hymns and speaks to my heart. Every time the Open Range Band plays it at church, I tear up.

In my garden there is a large place for sentiment.

My garden of flowers is also my garden

 of thoughts and dreams.

The thoughts grow as freely as the flowers,

and the dreams are as beautiful.

 ~Abram Urban

You know one of the things God did in Creation was plant a garden. Then, he added man to care for it. I was thinking about this the other day as I was sitting in the midst of heavenly scented roses. I wondered why a garden was so important to the Lord and why in the world was man's first job to tend a garden?? My own garden has supplied answers.

In every gardener there is a child who believes in The Seed Fairy.

~Robert Brault

I have enjoyed gardening ever since the early 1990's. I'd commissioned a landscaping company to create a garden for me alongside my zero lot home. I watched in amazement at how they built this small wonderland from a blank space of dirt. The boss man taught me so much and I was hooked. I learned from the best of the best. When I think about it, I've always admired people who are at the top of their game ~ those that have put in those 10,000 hours of work to turn an interest into greatness.

My green thumb came only as a result of the mistakes I made

while learning to see things from the plant's point of view.

~H. Fred Dale

The beginning of Miss Dottie's gardens

My gardens have been living works in progress. Sadly, I've never lived anywhere long enough to see my own gardens mature but now? I am seeing plants mature and my vision come to fruition. I began to work in my garden here 5 years ago. I started by thinking I would just built a small garden next to the back wall of the house. I soon learned that what I started with wasn't going to work ~ plants got moved to other areas. Finally, it is now finished and plants/trees are happy.

God made rainy days so gardeners could get the housework done.

~Author Unknown

God wanted man to tend the garden because the garden is a living teacher. It starts with a vision, a creation and evolves over time. Without fertilization and water, it withers and dies of neglect. Our jobs, our relationships, whatever we do, are like that. Not all plants grow and flourish in the same soil and neither do we. Some of us require more watering and attention than others. Some need more sun; others need shade. Some of us are brightly colored; others soft and shy. For sure, it takes all things beautiful to create a mysterious wonderful garden. In the workplace, home, or at church, each "flower" comes together to make a business, relationship, or church complete. God loves variety!!

My garden is the place where you, my Readers, are thought about and prayed for. It is the place I go when I feel troubled and dirty from the nastiness of the world. So often I look down at my muddy feet and wash them off thinking about how grateful I am when Jesus washed me clean at Calvary. My garden is the place where my furry kids romp and play without fear of being hurt. I often gather them all up and we rest in the hammock under the trees. Peace...

Today, I am praying for many of you. Three special ladies are going through mastectomies this week and another is fighting brain cancer. Another friend has been taken off life support.  I'm grateful for Facebook because it allows me to keep abreast of what's going on. What strength it takes to take on that dreaded diagnosis. There are those of you who are experiencing the breakup of relationships, wondering if you should commit to a marriage, or have children who are out of control. It's been several days now that Tom has been missing ~ where is he Father? May Dr Jesus hold you in the palm of his hand granting you that extra measure of hope, strength, courage, and wellness. I pray for those experiencing joy and who are in the best days of their lives. Savor those times for there will always be peaks and valleys. I pray for those who are caretakers ~ those who care from the bottom of their hearts and don't think of it as a burden. Once I was young and the world was my oyster. Oh to have had the wisdom that I have now... He touched me and motioned me to follow Him. I did and that has made all the difference.

Miss Dottie

PS  What is life? We are born and we die and in between those times, we do the best we can to leave a legacy of love, hope, and a fulfilling of God's purpose for our time on earth. What is courage? I like what John Wayne said, "Courage is being scared to death ... and saddling up anyway."

Compassion

April 9, 2016
Saturday

Dear Readers,

Dare I say it's been a beautiful day? You bet! Not all days have to be sunny and bright to be beautiful. I got up this morning with full intentions of doing a little watering and lo and behold, the good Lord dumped a bucket full right where it needed to go. It's a good thing because my mind was saying, "yes" but my body was saying, "no."

I have some friends who are congregating here for a few days this next week so I am hoping that the weather cooperates ~ at least while they are here. Pam is coming from California, Elaine and Priscilla from Minnesota, and Sue from Indiana. We've been friends for about 60 years and always have such a fun time when we get together.  We're taking our adventures one day at a time but, for sure, they want to attend the Open Range Cowboy Church that I love so very much. I just know everyone they meet in Texas will extend them a big welcome!!

This past week Evangelist Tim Lee spoke at a Revival held at ORCC. My body wasn't up to 3 full nights; however, I did get it the Wednesday and Friday night service. Growing up Lutheran, I'd never really heard much about revivals. I thought there must be something kind of spooky about them ~ people waving their arms around and shouting "Hallelujah!" Maybe there are some like that but now that I have a couple under my belt, I will say that I love how rejuvenated I feel and how much more compassion I have for my fellow man once I have been filled.

Selfishly, I want all of y'all to be in heaven with me. When I learn about the book of Revelation, I celebrate because I know where I am going. Then, I get sad wondering who will won't be going with me. I have this extra measure of compassion that I got the night I was baptized and I have a tendency to not want people to be sad, or hurt, or victimized because they didn't know a better way. No pressure, just sayin'.

"Jesus wept." John 11:35 The shortest verse in the Bible but an important one. Have you ever felt compassion for another who has been stricken by misfortune accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering? Jesus did throughout his ministry. There are times I just don't know what to say and it hurts me deeply to see those I love going the wrong way on a one way street if I can do something about it.

Jesus wept not because he lacked faith. but because he was full of love. He went where people were hurting; entered their place of pain; and, shared in brokenness, fear, confusion, and anguish. Compassion challenged him to cry out with those who were miserable, to mourn with those who are lonely, and to weep with those in tears. Compassion required him to be weak with the weak, vulnerable with the vulnerable, and powerless with the powerless. Compassion meant full immersion in the condition of the human soul.

Many years ago now, I was commissioned as a Stephen's Minister. It was a position I took seriously because I cared about what happened to my brothers and sisters in Christ. I could share my strength and hope in the Living God. I was shaking in my boots yet Jesus gave me the words to say and the comfort that was needed so sorely at the time in each individual case.

After attending a couple of revivals, I am wondering if we are watering down Christianity. Now before you get your knickers in a knot hear me out.  True worship is about having your heart in the right place and being able to worship in spirit and in truth.

Truth. That seems to be my word lately because I value it so highly. The God we worship must be the true God and NOT a god of our own creation. People today tend to pick and choose things from the Bible they like and reject what they don't like. Remember this, you can't have your own Bible ~ you can't edit God. You can try to remake God into the image we want but when it is all said and done, you are not worshiping God. You are worshiping you.

One of my favorite verses in the Bible is "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  That says a lot doesn't it? My own understanding ebbs and wanes depending on where I am in life and what I want to justify. If I acknowledge His ways, I am faced with truth and have a decision to make.

Tonight as the shadows creep into the corners of the cottage, I am grateful for one more day. My furry kids are restless and want to romp out in the wet garden. I am reminded that I want to remain teachable. I want to remain compassionate. I want to remain in the light. I will sleep well...

I'm praying for all of my Readers tonight. I am praying that you would allow the Holy Spirit to reside in your heart and that you will choose the way of the cross. We live in crazy times and it is such a comfort to gather with those who share my faith. I am never alone and you don't need to be either. God's got this ... and, just remember, in the end, the good guy wins (remember also that before that happens there's going to be a whole lot of horror and tribulation). Can you imagine what it's going to be like when all the believers are gone from the earth? Yikes, I don't even want to think about it.

Miss Dottie

PS It was John Wesley who said something like this: "Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the ways you can. In all the places you can. At all the times you can. To all the people you can. As long as ever you can."

Mr. Wesley, I like that and it's just what I plan on doing.

A Garden on the Ranch

March 29 2016

Tuesday

Dear Readers,

Well howdy Readers. It's Miss Dottie reporting from the Misfit Ranch on creating a ranch house garden. It's looking like rain so let's sit on the porch of the bunkhouse and sip on some iced cold sweet tea and chat awhile. Susie's got some great rocking chairs and the aroma of Spring flowers is ever present. Just breathe in deeply, exhale, and relax.

My gardens have always been in the front or backyard of my house in the city. My (evolved) favorite is the french vintage garden filled with roosters, floral fabrics, red/yellow/purple hues, back/white accents, peeling/painted ironwork, distressed woods, and rustic accents. I love the wabi sabi style of imperfect perfectness. For some strange reason, I like feeling like I am in a beautiful cocoon of color. The more plants the merrier!!

It's my friend Susie's birthday this week. We decided to celebrate with lunch at a local Mexican restaurant then headed back to her ranch. We were piddling around and got the bright idea to redo the flower bed in the front of the main house. My mind went immediately into my french vintage mode but soon realized I had a lot to learn about gardening on a Texas ranch.

Miss Susie was gracious enough to give me some clues as to what would work ... the Summer sun is blistering hot, plants needed to be water wise, AND the ground needed to be very visible.

Ranchers need to be able to "see" all around themselves. In the country, snakes LOVE thick vegetation. Mr King's ranch next door has lots of rattlesnakes and Susie has taken care of some nasty rattlers and copperheads. It's not scary, just a fact of life.

The focus needed to be on less roses and more cactuses and garden artifacts.

We headed out on a fun scavenger hunt scouring the ranch for unique "items" that would make Susie's garden special.

As a gardener, I was in awe of Susie's greenhouse where she keeps plants for the winter months. (I want one of those!!) We filled the back of the mule and were so excited to see what we could put together with our treasures. 

Our first step was to clear the bed giving us a clean slate. We dug up a young tree and replanted it. (The tree can be espaliered and will offer shade when it gets a little taller.) After that, we focused on the whiskey barrel cleaning it out and replanting the cactus (note to self: wear thick gloves next time), adding trailing plants, and different garden pieces ... a frog, horse shoes, a potted Zinnia, interesting stones, pottery.

We had found a plant stand, weather vane, a wheel, some chickens, AND Susie's aunt had brought her some day lilies and a ??? plant. We replanted the elephant ears, lillies, the ??? plant, and filled the plant stand with different cactuses.

Mr Frog leaping out of the whiskey barrel

Cactus, purple vines, &
horseshoes for good luck!

A finished garden!

One little corner all dressed up!

The bed may need more dirt then a thin layer of mulch to keep the soil moist but that can be added in the next week. For now, it's basically done. Time to watch those plants grow.

You know, sometimes we rush to judgement based on what we are used to, what we think we know, and presume that all people and areas should do things the same way. The good Lord made various parts of the country and cultures different for a reason. What I knew most of my life has been altered once I got a taste of walking in someone else's shoes (or, in this case, boots). It's made me more tolerant, less judgmental, and certainly a more well-rounded person.

The shepherd protects the flocks; the rancher protects his herds; and, the farmer protects his crops and livestock. This city girl? She protects her gardens and furry kids! ALL OF US have a job to do!!

Miss Dottie

PS  Have you ever noticed that after creating the Garden of Eden, God gave Adam his very first job (a job which I greatly envy). "The Lord God took man, and put him in the Garden of Eden to dress it and keep it." (Genesis 2:15) What a wonderful vocation ~ to tend to all the beauty and glory that God specifically fashioned for him, all the days of his life.

Y'all enjoy your evening and remember ~

YOU are prayed for each and every day.

Until my next adventure, I am signing off.

Rambling thoughts on a Happy Day!

Oh Happy Day from Sister Act II

March 23, 2016
Wednesday

Dear Readers,

Oh Happy Day! I was so tired last night that I literally dropped into bed and was out. I'd had a week of migraine/cluster headaches and enough was enough. I couldn't believe it when the good Lord woke me up at 5am singing this song. I still have a bit of the residual headache but nothing compared to yesterday. I'm not tired, I am joyous, I am happy.

I just had to get on UTube and find the song Happy Day. I chose this rendition from Sister Act to share with you because it reminded me of how I get up sometimes a little draggy (before I have that first cup of coffee and clear my throat). I was waving my toothbrush and doing a little dance to the music. Four of the Sensational Six were in the bathroom with me looking at me like I was possessed. Zoe started doing her "turn around" dance and we all had a grand time. (Well, all but Kennedy, he was behind the toilet peeking around at me ~ he's a serious old soul!) 

My Daily Walk Bible has been my friend for over 30 years now. It was getting pretty dilapidated and my leather craftsman friend, Pastor Rick, recovered it for me. Good to go now for another 30+ years!!

I began 2016 reading in Genesis. When I got to I Kings, I was feeling pretty ... oh, I don't know ... down? Don't get me wrong, I love the Old Testament with all the familiar Bible stories but I needed more. I needed that boost of hope. I needed the good news of the New Testament. Kinda like having a cappuccino made by a barista with a beautiful steamed milk heart on top. Ahhh, yes ~ can't you just imagine that beautiful aroma of promise?

It's Holy Week and today I read 2 Kings 13-17 and Matthew 26-28. Those chapters in Matthew tell of Christ's crucifixion and resurrection. I would say I timed my reading perfectly. (Smile)

Here was Jesus, man/God ~ a perfect man unblemished by sin, put to death on a cross just because the religious leaders wanted him dead. He was spit on, deserted by his disciples, and yet, he remained faithful to his purpose. It's hard to really get a grip on all that transpired in those few days. I cannot imagine a man willing to hang on a cross for sinners but He did.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

~John 3:16

We're all familiar with that verse but read it through again s-l-o-w-l-y concentrating on every word. God gave his one and only Son. Put yourself in His place and think about what just happened in Brussels. Would you give up your only child to be crucified for those terrorists? Okay, you say that's wayyy out there. How about the woman in prison who sold drugs? The man who committed adultery? How about if you are like me, the woman at the well? Now, that gets some tongues wagging!! I hope you are getting my drift. God loved us that much. Pretty awesome don't you think?

Solomon, most known for his wisdom summed life up in the Book of Ecclesiastes. We, like Solomon, are stuck on this very limited time line, and are unable to change even one moment prior to the present, nor can we know, with certainty, even one moment yet to come.

We're just passing through this world one day at a time and we get one shot in making a difference before we die. I don't know about you but I want to leave a legacy of truth, kindness, and hope based on my love of the one who died on that cross.

By the time my grandchildren's children's children are born, I will have been forgotten. Just that thought keeps me humble. Maybe someone will save my blog books. Who knows! 

My time and your time is NOW. It is TODAY. If you're not a believer, it's time to pick yourself up out of your do be do do down ways and decide who you want to follow. Make a difference in someones life. Speak encouragement into the downtrodden, cook a meal and deliver it, make a phone call, take out your checkbook and feed someone who is hungry. Most of all, join me in singing O Happy Day and dance your way into these brand new wonderful minutes of time!!

"...As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

~Joshua 24:15

Miss Dottie

PS  I have a crown of thorns hanging in the hallway above a portrait of Jesus. I was looking at it a couple days ago and decided to take it off the wall and put it on my head. I didn't get very far before it REALLY HURT. Let's not take this Holy Week lightly ... wear some ashes on your forehead Wednesday remembering that the end was only the beginning!!  

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

OH HAPPY DAY