HIP HIP HOORAY!

Why am I cheering?? I actually got to RIDE today!

I checked back and I saw that the last day I got to ride was Jan. 6! 23 days ago!! Talk about equine-withdrawal! Most of those days, I saw my horse after I did the stalls, but last week I had pulled my back out and so didn't go to the barn at all. I'm not the only one, either. Several of the ladies I ride with have expressed similar feelings about being away from their horses.

Today, however, I not only saw my horse but I brushed him, tacked him up and rode! Wonderful!

You know what was so sweet? When I went out to get Rusty, he saw me at the gate and came to me! He missed me, too! Awww.

This has been one tough winter for horseback riding! If it's not too cold, then we have a snowstorm that makes driving out to the barn dangerous. Anyone for Springtime?? I am!!

The Shack

I've just finished reading the most amazing book! It's called The Shack and it will change the way you look at life. The main character in the story, Mack, has had a most tragic experience. He calls it "the Great Sadness" and it's threatening to shut him off from life completely if he can't do something about it.

He receives a note from "Papa" to meet him at the Shack. At first, Mack writes it off as a very sick joke. Finally, curiosity gets the better of him and he goes. What he encounters there will have you laughing and crying! You will not look at God the same way again.

I won't give any more of the plot away. Everyone should read this book! You will not be disappointed.

I love to read and I've had books change my life. In High School I read Mere Christianity by CS Lewis and it had a profound impact on my life. Later, as a married adult with a family, I read The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. This is a totally awesome book and again, it had a great influence on my life. I rank The Shack by Wm Paul Young right up there with those two wonderful books.

Check it out at the Library or get it at your favorite bookstore. Please reply to me here and let me know how you liked it (or not).

Happy New Year!

Welcome to 2009!

Hope all of you, your families, and your horses had a wonderful Christmas. I was able to spend time with my three granddaughters on Christmas Day. The picture you see is me holding my newest granddaughter. She was born Oct. 8 and her name is Alice May. She joins her older sisters, Laura Lynn and Athena Rose.

Rusty had a week off because weather out here was so bad I could not get out to the barn all week. But I've been out there 3 times this week and rode! Rusty has been great! We had a wonderful ride today. I loved spending the first day of the New Year with my horse.

I'm believing God for great things in 2009. I know many people are glad 2008 is over. All of us went through some rough times in 2008. But, one thing I've learned is that God is always faithful and He will never leave us.

My prayers and best wishes to you and your families this new year. God bless you!