The Dotson Family Adoption

Back Blogging Continued: Being that we have temporarily moved, our tree and all decorations are boxed and in storage. I found a cute little fiber optic tinsel tree at Target with, of course, an LSU purple tree skirt! I bought two stockings for $1 and painted our names on them.... it really turned our very cute! :) We had a great Christmas. God has really blessed us. We drove to Madison for Christmas Eve with Amy's family -and then drove back around midnight to return in time for Christmas breakfast with Kelly's family. We are always overwhelmed at the graciousness in gift giving our families have. We are blessed to be a part of such loving families, but more importantly two families who believe in Christ and celebrate His birth. Thank you God for giving us your Son. The one and only Gift that matters.

We have really managed to stay busy with this move. Okay, so I really haven't been THAT busy, but I really just haven't had anything to blog about... If I did blog, It would probably sound more like whining!!! I have decided to "back-blog" since I have a few pictures from Thanksgiving and Christmas to post.... So for today, I'll leave you with a pic of my Ga-Ga.... I was so excited to spend Thanksgiving with her. She and I were separated in August after my surgery. I had my surgery on August 11 and she had a mastectomy one week later. It was so hard for me to be face down, without the ability to walk, much less travel, while she was fighting Breast Cancer. I'm so proud of her for fighting and surviving. God has been good to both of us. My GaGa turned 80 last week. She's one of a kind... and I love the strong woman that she is. My sister took some fun pics of Kel and I.... I love to tickle him, because I love to see him giggle :) Happy Late Thanksgiving!!! ...

As I sat this morning, drinking my coffee, I cannot help but think of how undeserving I am of God's love. I am amazed how He continues to provide for Kelly and I. It's only by God's grace that this move has gone so smoothly. He has provided much comfort to me while I am getting use to being away from my family. It's REALLY hard to be away from my "little mama", aka my sister, Heidi and I sure miss my weekly lunch with my daddy. When I have a little "panic attack" He brings my mind to His word, for it is the only place that you can find comfort. Last Monday, when meeting with our first discipleship group, a verse came up. " For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future ." Jeremiah 29:11. We are here for a reason. We are here to glorify God in all that we do. We are here for His plan. We are not here for self gain. We are not here for ANY re...

The official new signature... just a test...

A little update on the Dotson's.... It's been quite a while since we have blogged. God has certainly kept us busy! Kelly has been called to a Church and I continue to go to Physical Therapy for 2 hours, 3 times a week. I love every moment of it! Praise God! He has blessed us with the opportunity to serve Him in Clinton, La. Beginning November 1, Kelly will be serving Faith Presbyterian Church, PCA as their Associate Pastor for Youth Ministry and Christian Education. We are very excited about this opportunity that He has provided us. God has blessed me with a tremendous recovery. I am able to walk longer distances each day without my cane, sit up for longer periods of time and drive! Pray! Please continue to pray for us as we are packing boxes, moving items to storage, keeping an extra-clean house to sell, and looking for our next house. This is such a huge chapter in our lives. Pray for Kelly as he is doing the heavy lifting and labor of moving (as I can't), Pray for me ...

Just thought I'd share what I have been meditating on for the past few days. I love this song and it calms the nerves. The words alone, from God, gives such comfort. The addition of wonderful music is just a bonus. If you'd like to listen, click on this link: Psalm 62 by Aaron Keyes Someone shared this with me, I just thought I'd pass it on. I have included the lyrics below. My Soul Finds Rest Psalm 62 Lyrics from Aaron Keyes My soul finds rest in God alone, My Rock and my salvation, A fortress strong against my foes, And I will not be shaken. Though lips may bless and hearts may curse, And lies like arrows pierce me, I’ll fix my heart on righteousness, I’ll look to Him who hears me. O praise Him, hallelujah, My Delight and my Reward; Everlasting, never failing, My Redeemer, my God. Find rest, my soul, in God alone Amid the world’s temptations; When evil seeks to take a hold I’ll cling to my salvation. Though riches come and riches go, Don’t set your heart upon them; The fi...

Praise God!!! That is the first thing I said when my bladder function began to return this weekend!!! This has been a big deal for the past 3 weeks!!! God is good and we are are so thankful for his kindness to us. Tomorrow marks 3 weeks since surgery. I just wanted to do a little blog on a few people that we are thankful for. I have made great progress and I'm thankful that God has provided us with such great caregivers: I'm Thankful for our Church. We have been overwhelmed by the love and grace, prayers and cooking abilities of Pear Orchard. We have both gained weight! I was really looking forward to LOSING WEIGHT after this surgery! HA! I honestly think that I have had daily contact with at least one member of Pear Orchard since the day of my surgery. I am thankful for my sister, Heidi, who is a nurse for Gilbert's Home Health (now Geniva). She has made sure that I have gotten the best care!!! :) I'm thankful for my physical therapist who comes twice a week. She WEARS...