Here's looking at you...

Here's looking at you, you wonderful woman of God,

When you asked how to connect, I wasn't sure how to answer. So, I did some research, because, everyone needs a friend. Especially us moms. :)

As it turns out, when I created my blog, it was not correctly set up to fully convey my thoughts in a Facebook friendly manner anyway. So, obviously, this HAD to be remedied. *wink* Because, Facebook is where we meet, right? Well, yes. But, now there's another way... :)

In the right hand column, just above the social buttons, there is a new way to stay connected. In fact, when the blog is updated with a new post, you will receive a copy in your email inbox. Hopefully you'll read, have your own thoughts, and continue the conversation. Of course I'll still share with Facebook, and we can chat there, too. But, just in case you miss it on the timeline, I'd still like to create a space for community.

So, if you're loving the subject matter, or just want to stay connected, there's a way to do that!

All my Love,

Dottie

Keeping it "REAL" - (in)RL 2014 highlights

I remember the knot in my gut when I heard the gentle nudge of the Lord - "host a meetup in your home." The words were clear, and He didn't pose it as a question. Immediately, I knew that God was up to something. 

Something was changing (in) me. But, to be honest, I have been feeling the change quite a bit over the last several months. Is it even possible for an earthen vessel to "feel" when the potter implants new clay, and some blood and water for better malleability? Or can a flower "feel" itself bloom and bud, and experience the life giving flow running through it's members? 

If that is the case, then that would be me. I really wasn't kidding when I said that this was OVERDUE. Sometimes you just need to feel a sense of "normalcy", and this was just the breath of fresh air that I needed. 

These ladies were so fun to be with, to chat with, and share my home and a bit of my heart with. Looking back, I can see that God had all the details in His hand, and the meetup was a glorious success. 

I am so grateful for all the ways that Father God pours His grace and mercy over us each day. The platter and pitcher will serve as a constant reminder to stay engaged with my world, and live to point out His grace in my everyday life. 

God has birthed a desire for community among the daughters of God within me, and it is my hope that this event will only be the first of many, and will become a healing salve of God-given grace poured over those whose hearts are weary, or who just don't want to walk this sod alone. Let me be a part, Father. 

But speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him, 

who is the head--Christ-- from whom the whole body, joined and knit together 

by what every joint supplies,according to the effective working by 

which every part does its share, causing growth of the body for the 

edifying of itself in love. Ephesians 4:15

The Best Place

 Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

John 6:27-29 

Father,
Today, I'm thankful, Lord that You know the Best Place for me. Thank you for showing me that IN You, is the best place I could be, and the best place for me, no matter where else I am in my life.

Whether days are ordinary or glorious, they are all grace to me, and gifts, treasures to be opened. Oh, that I would seize each day, finding joy in even the small, seemingly insignificant moments.

I am thankful that you know what's best for me, and Your best is ALWAYS best.

Even when I question it.

Even when I walk away from You.

Even in the hardest of times.

Even when I stumble, allowing my flesh or sin to get the best of me.

Your best is still present. Even there.

Thank you for helping me see that Your best is not always fun, but IT IS always beautiful. The prodigal son eating pig slop, as he comes to himself… Best. Beautiful. It's not where he wants to be. Where he thinks he should be. But, it's BEST. And it brings redemption.

Thank you for the hard best places. The valley where death casts it's shadow. Where death is present. Even there is beautiful. And one of your best places. Because You promise that you will lead me into paths of righteousness for the sake of Your Name in me. To polish the the seal in my forehead. To make me look like you.


Even in the hard places, Make my feet like the feet of a deer. Enable and empower me to stand on the high places. The hard places.

Help me always to see the BEAUTIFUL & BEST.

Amen.

{photo credit}

And... she disappears...

Has it really been 3 days since my last post? Geez. For those who were becoming interested in following me, don't give up on me just yet. It seems I had a surge of creative energy that just had to be dealt with... by my completely redesigning the blog. Just 5 days after the first design went live...

Yah, I'm that girl. You know... the one who can only have her furniture in a fixed location for a certain amount of time. And when the invisible timer goes off (and who knows when that'll be), the urge to MOVE THE FURNITURE is upon me, and it simply must. be. done. Period. :)

So... all that said, I was loving the color scheme, but I really wanted to have a nicer header, and background image. You know, ones that popped. And, they had to be "pretty".  Simply because I'm a girl, and I fully believe that God created each and everyone of us with the need to surround ourselves with beauty. Personally, I think that's why we're all crazy "nesters" deep down inside. I won't tell anyone you are... I promise. *Wink*

If I wanted to be "spiritual" about it, I could even offer you a verse or two to prove that we are all crazy nesters. And even better, that being a crazy nester is a GOD thing. Don't believe me? Well... since you dared me...

Genesis 1:26 - And God said, let us make man in Our image, after Our likeness... 

Ecclesiastes 3:11 - He makes EVERYTHING beautiful in His time. 

See... even God surrounds Himself with beauty! That was His purpose from the very beginning. BEAUTY. By the way, we're a part of that beauty. He loves us SO very much, and without Him, nothing would be beautiful. Especially us crazy people who can't seem to leave their furniture alone.

All that said... today, I'm celebrating a beautiful new blog design (inspired by the Beautiful One, Himself), and the wonderful people I get to share my (CRAZY) life with. Thanks again for being a part of my world.

And, tomorrow?? I've got a few thoughts I have been stewing over for a few days in the back of my mind. Hopefully those will make their way to you in the next day or so.

Till then... the gift list grows.