One of my favorite things to do is to go outside when it is raining and play, dance or just sit. I know it’s weird, but I love the rain, I always have. I love to sit on the porch when the rain is coming and smell its approach. I look forward to the rain - the weather condition, but not necessarily the “rain” or “storms” in my life. I wish I could smell their approach or at least have a forecaster tell me my chances of getting rain in my 5 Day Forecast.  Since that is not the case, I have learned to accept that just like in weather, rain will come. God is in control and knows when a storm is approaching.  Spending time with Him, in prayer and in His word helps me to be prepared for the storms of life. I may not always know when they are coming, but I know that I have the ultimate “umbrella” in my Lord and Savior. He has shown me that my love of dancing in the rain needs to be transferred to the storms in my life. Its not about waiting for the storms of life to stop , but learning to dance in the rain.

I am thrilled to announce that I will be having a book signing this Saturday, June 14th at 5:00 pm at Hargreaves Book Store - 5072 Kingston Pike.

For more info, click on www.KnoxMoms.com and then June 14th on the calendar. My event is the last one listed on the 2nd page with a map included to Hargraeves!!!

I would love to see you there!!!!

Well, it was bound to happen I guess. I was driving the girls to gymnastics and the transmission went out on my 2004 Suburban. I know what you are thinking - I must be a “great” driver or I must have ALOT of miles on my car. Well, the first is true.  But God protected us in this scary situation. We were driving down Lovell Rd in rush hour traffic and all of a sudden, we could only go 5 miles per hour - which is a drastic difference from my usual speed. We coasted into my friend Nikki’s driveway and didn’t get stuck on the side of the road (God’s protection) and stayed at their house while AAA towed it to the Chevrolet dealership. Knowing that it is was my transmission, my car is way out of warranty and that transmissions cost a ton of money, I began to pray! Here’s the great part! The dealership (I didn’t even buy the car from them in the first place) is replacing my transmission, with a brand new one for FREE - they aren’t even charging us labor!!!! (God’s provision) Black Beauty (the girls’ affectionate name for my car) may have died but God is bringing her back to life for FREE!! Maybe we should re-name my car Lazarus!!!

An article about my book and upcoming book signing was in the newspaper today. It was in the “Shopper News” section of the paper. Evidently, my last name is now Dotson - please don’t tell my father in law - it is a touchy subject with him, something about his ancestors not being able to write and didn’t cross their “T” and that is how we became “Dodsons.” Anyway, it is a nice article and I thought I would share it with you.

I have attached the article to this blog - the actual piece is on page 7.

http://www.shoppernewsnow.com/news/042108BeardenA.pdf

It is a small accomplishment for me - but I am very grateful, excited and looking forward to the book signing on May 3rd.

49. My mom is confident in who she is and knows the “Me in MomMe” comes from Jesus.

50. My mom taught me the value of a dollar and that it goes a lot farther when you use a coupon.

51. She sees the humor in most situations and will let you know she doesn’t think something is funny.

52. My mom has wiped away more of my tears than I care to count and has never judged me - but will always tell me when I am wrong. I respect that!

53. My mom is willing to go and do just about anything - as long as there is a dinner reservation included!

54. She inspires with her actions and knows that the best sermon is given with her life and not her mouth.

55. She has given me a wonderful example of what a Godly mom and wife should look like and I am grateful for her love for my family.

56. She is a woman that I can respect, trust with my life and my children.

57. My mom wiped butt when I was 2, taught me to write my name, played dolls with me, drove me to Kindergarten in a Volkswagen Bug that back fired all the way to school, did my hair for prom, cried when I walked down the aisle, held me first when I gave birth and has truly given her all to ”motherhood!”

58. She is my best friend and my hero!

37. She is always there for me in a pinch.

38. My mom is an inspiration to me through her service at her church.

39. My mom taught me how to be a friend to others by watching her example with in her friendships.

40. My mom is a hero because her “true beauty” comes from the inside and she sees other’s beauty on the inside as well.

41. My mom is a hero because she is not selfish and is always willing to give to others.

42. Her tongue is constantly bruised I’m sure, because as my mom she has to bite it all the time.

23. My mom is a wonderful babysitter.

24. She isn’t afraid to speak her mind and tell you what she thinks at any given moment.

25. My mom has a great laugh!

26. My mom cries at Hallmark commercials and re-runs of Little House on the Prarie.

27. My mom calls my husband Chris the son that she never had.

28. She probably will never read this blog because she doesn’t know the first thing about comupters let alone what a blog is and that is just fine with her.

29. She can balance her checkbook to the penny!

30. She knew me in high school and still loves me anyway.

With Mother’s Day quickly approaching (Sunday, May 11th) I wanted to take a little time and come up with 61 reasons why moms are our heroes. I know that my mom is my hero for many reasons, but I want some feedback from you and hear why your mom is your hero!

1. She calls me everyday to remind me to call her.

2. My mom loves UT sports - football, basketball, whatever season it is!

3. My mom listens to me complain about how much it costs to fill up my SUV and never tells me to get a smaller car.

4. She goes shopping with me and tells me that I look great in a bikini (with a straight face.)

5. My mom always puts other’s needs before her own and thinks of herself last.

6. My mom was smart enough to let my dad teach me to drive.

7. She loves my girls even more than me at times!

8. My mom chose my dad.

9. My mom is a woman that I am proud to call my friend.

10. She knows who is having the best sales at the mall on any given day and what salesperson to see to check out.

11. My mom loves Jesus!

12. My mom has a servant’s heart.

For those of you who were not up at 7:00 this morning and missed the Bob Bell show, I made my radio debut! It was one of the scariest, most exhilerating, heart pounding experiences I have ever done. Bob was so gracious, thoughtful and helpful. He had to see that my heart was about to beat out of my chest.

Walking into the studio, it looked just like a scene right out of “Frazier.” Bob was live on the air and I sat on the couch and waited for my turn. The anticipation grew and so did my heart rate and breathing!

When I first sat in front of the giant microphone and put on the headphones, I felt like I was 5 years old again and back at my first day of kindergarten. I didn’t know what to expect, but it was so much fun! God is so good! While Chris was home braiding hair and packing lunches, I was able to complete one of my dreams and that was talk about how God can use an ordinary mom like me to share Him with others. I pray that I get an opportunity like this again!

The Bob Bell Show airs 6-8 am weekday mornings on Joy 62 - AM 620.

God gave me a “Life Verse” a few years back while listening to a great speaker at church. He stated the importance of having a life bible verse and how this verse will carry you thru times of sadness, times of happiness, and will give your life a new meaning.

I prayed for a verse and God gave me Psalm 71:14-15 “But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more. My mouth will tell of your righteousness, of your salvation, all day long, though I know not its measure.” NIV This verse, or verses didn’t make much sense to me at the time. I continued to pray it with God’s assurance and I am now beginning to see its significance in my life.

I am a more positive person, always having hope, in Jesus. I praise Him more and more as I become closer and closer to Him in my relationship with Him. And this is the kicker - My mouth will tell of His righteousness and His salvation - I am now being scheduled to speak to area moms groups! Praise God! I don’t know the measure of His salvation, but He is using me to share it with others!! What a blessing!