Submitted Anonymously from the Rocky Mountains

When I compared my negative thoughts to God's Word, I was amazed at the differences:



My thoughts tell me to give up.
God's Word tells me to be committed. Matthew 5:33-37

My thoughts tell me "I need it now!"
God's Word tells me to exercise self-control. Galatians 5:23

My thoughts tell me I deserve to come first, be selfish.
God's Word tells me to have humility and put others first. Philippians 2:3-4

My thoughts tell to get mad and hold a grudge.
God's Word says forgive as many times as it takes. Matthew 18:21-22

My thoughts tell me to seek revenge.
God's Word tells me to be a peacemaker. Romans 12:18-19

My thoughts tell me take all the credit.
God's Word tells me to glorify Jesus Christ. John 17:5



My thoughts tell me I need to look good on the outside and no one will notice the ugly inside.
God's Word tells me to be pure on the inside and the outside won't even matter. Proverbs 31:30



My thoughts tell me I'm ugly.

God's Word tells me I'm wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14



My thoughts tell me I'm all alone and no one understands me.

God's Word tells me He will never leave me He knows the plans He has for me. Deuteronomy 31:6, Jeremiah 29:11



My thoughts tell me that I'm just not good enough.

God's Word tells me that I'm His gift to the world and that I was created in His image. Psalm 127:3, Genesis 1:26

Happy Belated Birthday

I can't believe my niece is 2_ years old!! Seems like only yesterday when she was born. Calvin Klein jeans were all the rage then and Ms. Amber had a Calvin Klein jean diaper cover.

I guess that's when her taste for designer duds began. I think she looks like an ad for "Desperate Housewives" on this picture - kind of across between Bree Vandekamp and Gabbi.

Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you. . .May the Good Lord Bless You!

xoxo
Dot

Be Thankful for What You Have - Whatever You Have

Keep getting up, and putting your next best foot in front of the other and things will develop. It’s not that the Best of Life will hit you in the face but that you have to face the best of Life!


(Submitted by John)

Give Peace A Chance

This was submitted to me from a friend in Italy. I have no idea who the author is, but apparently, it has been making the rounds on the internet. I think it's a wonderful quote and should be our motto for the day.

Give a thousand chances to your enemy To become your friend. But never give a single chance to your friend To become your enemy.

God's Summer Magic

My "sources" tell me that the Sweet Betsy bush blooms only in early May and that by mid-June, all its blossoms are gone. . .so, imagine my sister's surprise when she found this little baby still "showing off" in mid-July.

If anyone knows where the Sweet Betsy got its name, we'd love to know.

Make it a great Thursday. Just one more day until the weekend!

Peace and Blessings,
Dot

p.s. - I must be getting old, because this "Sweet Betsy" sure looks like an apple tree to me. . .

Why Can't We Be Friends?

If fern, flowers and fruit can co-exist and thrive together - why can't we?

(Thanks, B.)

Reflectons of God's Beauty

Submitted anonymously

Greetings All,

I spent this holiday weekend looking at and experiencing the beauty God made! On the way back to Denver from Lake Granby yesterday, we went through Rocky Mountain National Park. We saw Elk (we thought they were moose) but after we all got out of the cars and got closer, Darrell told us they were not moose but Elk. Anyway, they were huge and we were so excited. In Rocky Mountain National Park, there were mountains we could see well over 14,500 feet. The drive was absolutely splendid! Yes, I was doing it. You now I asked God for a Volvo Cross Country so I could take road trips and now I am doing it… We continued to drive home and then went to the top of the Continental Divide. Yes, the top of the Continental Divide! It was one of the most magnificent views I've ever seen. I have never been there, what a blessing.



As we approached a little above 12,000 feet, surrounded by the clouds, I realized I was right at one of God's footstools. Yes, we could actually touch the clouds. It was so magnificent that my stomach began to quiver (okay, my tummy was completely turning), my heart began to race, and I thought I would lose the little breakfast I'd had that morning. But even while the rush came over me, I realized that I was experiencing splendor that could only come from a creator.

Of course the crew was laughing at me because when we hit 12,000 feet someone else had to drive down a while, but I would not trade the experience at all. 12,000 feet… WOW is all I can say, our God is truly an awesome God and I am grateful that he blesses me in spite of who I am.

I hope you all had a blessed 4th of July.

July 4 - Independence Day

I have been dreading this day for about a week now. I don't know that "dreading" is the right word. The word I'm looking for is probably "anticipating." My dad died on July 4, 1996. Daddy had battled the effects of a brain stem stroke for over 16 years when he died, and although, his body was physically changed, his mind and heart remained the same. He was wise, loving, kind, grateful and loved the Lord.

Since daddy's death, each year, about the the last week of June, I begin to get an anxious feeling. This year was no different. I've always likened his dying on the 4th of July as God granting him independence and freedom from a body which he could not control. I believe that he is now walking again - this time on streets paved of gold. This will be the first death anniversary that he is spending with our mother. Mama took care of Daddy at home throughout his illness and that is truly a blessing.

And while I know to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord, I always like to visit the cemetery on special days like today, not for my parents - but for me.

So. . .having just returned from the gravesite, I can now sit here and comfortably write that I know Daddy is truly free on this day.


Love,
Dot

Current Events

"Boy, oh, boy. There is so much going on in the world today. My daddy and I try to keep up with the news, and it's not always good. God, please bless all the people of the world."

The Family that Plays Together, Stays Together

Just as the family that prays together, stays together, I think also, the family that plays together, stays together.

What better way to spend an afternoon?

Ebony and Ivory*

"live together in perfect harmony. . .why can't we?"
(Stevie Wonder)

We celebrated our ____ wedding anniversary this week. When I looked at this cake, I thought, if it were only this easy. . .it could be, you know.

One thing we know for sure is that God loves us each and every one - no matter what race, creed, color, shape, size, gender, whatever ---

I'd like to buy the whole world a great big cake like this.

Happy Thursday!

Dot

Prayer Request for the Bologna Family of San Francisco - Victims of Senseless Violence

Many of you have read the tragic story involving the 48 year old Dad who was driving home from a family barbecue this past Sunday, when road rage turned deadly. Apparently, Anthony Bologna, 48, was traveling with his two sons, a 20 year old and a 16 year old, when they got into a very insignicant traffic "snafu," whereby the driver of a Chrysler 300M could not get through the street (it was a narrow road). Reports say that Mr. Bologna, a dedicated father, hard worker and all-around good citizen backed his car up to let the driver of the Chrysler 300M through. For NO reason whatsoever the driver of the Chrysler fired rounds upon Mr. Bologna's car striking him and his 20 year old son and killing them. His 16 year old son was taken off life support yesterday and has gone to heaven with his brother and father.

We should be on our knees in prayer for the condition of the world. What have we become that we can't even have a minor traffic altercation without violence and death?

Dear Lord - we pray for the Bologna family, friends, community.

Amen.

Holy Name of Jesus, Medina, Minnesota

During a recent visit to Minnesota, we attended mass at the Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in Medina, Minnesota.

I must say, at first glance, I was surprised by the size of the church. It was, what I would call, a "megachurch." However, the minute we walked through the doors to warm greetings and friendly handshakes, I knew that this would be a great Sunday.

While good things come in small packages, they often come in big packages too.

So, here's a great big "shout out" to Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church where the Spirit truly lives.

Dot

June 12, 19__

It was a very good year ;0

Thank you Lord for allowing me to see this day. Please help me to appreciate the wisdom the years have taught me, understand the grief, cope with the pain and know that I am truly blessed to be alive.

Amen.

Dot

Quote from the late Bishop G.E. Patterson

"If God be for us whoever is against us don't count."

"Quit worrying about who is against ya, they don't count!"

And to that I say, "Amen!"

Happy Wednesday!
Dot

Happy Birthday Mama! Rest In Peace

Mama, it's been six months since you left us and it seems like only yesterday. Actually, I still can't believe you're gone. I've avoided looking at the calendar this morning because it's so hard to see "June 10," and not pick the telephone up to call you or walk over to knock on your door.

I'm really staying on top of Linda to keep your roses in bloom and Bonnie is staying on top of both of us to make sure your hard gardening work was not in vain. I feel your presence everywhere. I know you and Daddy and having a wonderful time in your new home. Kiss him for me and tell him how much I miss him.

Even though you never liked telling your age - Happy 84th Birthday!! LOL (gotcha) ;)

Thinking of you today and always.

Love you forever,
Dot

Thank God for Our Friends, Both Near and Far

Our prayer circle continues to expand and for that we are grateful. Today's prayer was submitted by Marsha in Atlanta. The author is unknown. Have a blessed day!

Dot


Father, please use my life to make an impact for good and spread the
grace and character of your Kingdom. Give me wisdom to know those in
whom I should invest my life. In Jesus' name. Amen.
(Author Unknown)

Keep The Prayer Wheel Turning for Sen. Ted Kennedy

Associated Press is reporting that Senator Ted Kennedy's brain surgery this morning at Duke University was successful.

Keep the prayer wheel turning. God is good - what? ALL THE TIME.

Dot

In Loving Memory of William Robert Stewart "Uncle Bub"

Sunrise: April 20, 1934

Sunset: May 29, 2008

Emmy Award Winner Barbara Rodgers Retires from KPIX TV

Here's wishing all of God's bountiful blessings upon Barbara Rodgers as she embarks on the next chapter of her life. Today marks her last newscast at KPIX-TV in San Francisco, the place she has called her "career home" since 1979. During her illustrious career, she has interviewed everyone from Nelson Mandela to Carol Channing (pictured here). Can you say, "Been there, Done that?"
We can't wait to see where Barbara will turn up next, but one thing is for sure - we have not seen the last of Ms. Rodgers.

This is only the beginning.

We love you, Ms. B!