His grace is truly AMAZING

Today was the last presentation in ASL 2, I never enjoy presentations. Getting up in front of the whole class and a video camera (even if there are only 8 students in the class!), is horrifying to me. I am amazed at how this class has stretched me in ways I needed to be stretched (God knows exactly what we need). I have learned to be an introvert over the course of my life. I guess being hurt by those who are "supposed to love you" can do that to a person. Over the last few years I have been trying to refind some of the extrovert I once was (I do think taming her a bit would be good), but it is very hard to reach outside my personal bubble after hiding inside for so long. As we were preparing for our presentations some of us were comparing notes on the length of what we had to do. Then we were commenting on how nervous we get just because the teacher is watching. And two of the girls agreed that when they get nervous they just look at me because I am always,"cheerful a

Ever have a day, a week, an hour planned and you think it will be great? You think, "I'm gonna be so productive with no distractions, everything is going to get done and I might even have time to relax." And then it works out exactly as you planned, or close to it. Well, if You have, I'm so happy for you! Personally, I never have. And last week was the most opposite of that dream ever. 🙂 Most of my blog readers are my Facebook friends, so you may already realize I had a heavy week. But God is good. I had planned to spend most of my time at home working on clearing out my daughter's room, and doing a Spring clean of the house. I only got an hour's worth of that done, so the house looks worse than before... Horrible. Obviously, it didn't work out that way. One of my "new" widow-ladies (those who know me long, know widows are my favorites, always have been, anyways) invited me three times in the day after the kids left to come spend a night a

You know how you day by day and it seems your kids are always the same, then one day you look at them and notice! How did he get so tall?? When did she become young lady??  Where did that quick wit come from? Why does he suddenly think so deep? Have you ever had a moment like that about yourself?? Wow! When did that change? When did I stop that? Why did I not respond in my usual manner??? I have had a few over the last several months and I just need to praise the Lord by sharing them with you. Back in December, I was walking across the quad at the college, heading to the library for tutoring. And I suddenly realized I was walking upright, shoulders back chin up, like a person with confidence, comfortable in her own skin. (I've mentioned before that comfortable in my own skin is a very new thing, anyway).  It shocked me to realize my posture. I walked watching my feet for over 30 years. Was a posture I learned in Junior High, to avoid eye contact with those who bullied and ha

One year ago today, I walked into the courthouse Lola Elkins and walked out Dottie George. It was sweet that the judge nearly cried when I told him why I decided to change my name. It complicated a few things, and took a few months to get everything changed, but it wasn't as horrible a hassle as I expected it to be. I think it's been harder on those who know me, than it was for me to adjust to my new name. But I am so glad I changed it. I can see and feel the difference in who I am with my new name. I noticed about six months ago, I don't walk looking down at my shoes anymore. (a habit I picked up in Jr. High because of being teased mercilessly). There is a freedom, like I was able to set down all the baggage and shame from all my years, and walk away.  It's still a part of who I am, I can't deny my roots, but the hold on me is gone. Having a new name/identity has brought with it a new sense of capability. I know life is hard, and I am generally lazy and te