Leaning on God

Today, while out grocery shopping, I heard an interesting message on my local Christian radio station (K-Love is great, by the way.) The speaker was talking about going through the tough, dark times and he said something about "leaning into the pain" of those times. I asked God what "leaning into the pain" meant. He told me it meant leaning on HIM and trusting Him when the going is rough. Trusting God with the pain -- whatever it is -- knowing that He is there with you in the trial.

So I can be encouraged during the painful times -- job loss, sickness, financial problems, etc. -- that God knows all about it and is there with me. He is there with YOU too to comfort, help, and guide. His Word tells us that He will never leave us or forsake us. It also says that NOTHING can separate us from His love. Thank You, God!

Now I am thanking God for Doug's new job even though I haven't seen it yet. God is at work and I thank Him for all His goodness to us.

May the Lord bless you today! He is the Most Awesome God!

Outdoors Again!

TA RARA BOOM DE AYE
I RODE OUTSIDE TODAY!

What a treat! While it was a bit windy, the ride was wonderful. Rusty and I hadn't ridden outside since early Dec. when we had an unusually mild day. I wasn't sure if Rusty would behave on our first time out but he was terrific! We cantered and he was balanced. No spooking or bolting. Wow!

Each time I'm out there I try to clean a little more of the caked mud off. What a project! It's supposed to rain tonight so I may have to start over when I get back out there on Tues. Oh, well. Boys will be boys (even if they're horses!)

Job Hunt

Well, it's been a few weeks since Doug's job closed. He has had several interviews and I know that God has the right job for him. We had wanted to have our house on the market around March 1 but, with this new development, the timetable has been pushed back. Romans 8:28 says "ALL things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose." Sooooooooo, this job change has not caught God by surprise. I had a friend tell me that God hadn't fallen off His Throne at that moment. That mental picture made me smile.

While we are waiting, I know God is preparing us for what He has for us. I truly believe that His BEST is out there for us. Meanwhile, I'll continue to learn and grow where I'm at.

Thank you to all of you who are keeping us in your prayers! We are very grateful and appreciate this so much.

Thoughts from the Canyon

My first sight of the Grand Canyon was the first picture above. The Canyon was filled with clouds! Our guide said "Wait." While I stood on the Rim of the Grand Canyon, I saw the clouds part and blow away. The most awesome sight greeted my eyes (see second picture). It was like God said "TA-DA!" and swept the curtain aside!

Have you ever gone to a play or concert? When you arrive, all you see is the big curtain. But there is a lot going on behind the scenes! Finally the lights go down and that curtain goes up. Ta-Da -- the Show is on!

Right now, I'm waiting for the "Ta-Da" that signals the next big step in my life. Life seems to be "on hold" while Doug looks for a job and we continue to get the house ready for sale. Roman 8:28 tells us that ALL things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose. All things means ALL things -- job loss, delays -- all things.

I hear the orchestra tuning up. Soon the lights will go down, the curtain will go up and "TA-DA!" the waiting will be over. And it will be worth every minute of the wait.

Is it Spring yet??

This winter has been one for the books! It's either too cold to ride or there is so much snow the roads are difficult. ARGGGGH!! I can't wait for Spring!

I finally got to ride Rusty today for the first time in over a week! Oh, sweet sanity has returned! I tell you, I was going through withdrawal -- DT's and everything! Such a wonderful joy to ride again. I really needed my time with Rusty.

Rusty was excellent today. Good balanced canter in both directions. One time he started out heavy on the forehand at the canter, but I sat back, buttressed the outside rein and loosened the inside rein and he shifted back to his hindquarters for a balanced canter that was smooth to ride!

Happy Valentine's Day to everyone! Give your valentine (and your horse, of course) a big smooch!

Closer to the Dream

This past week has seen some great progress toward The Dream! On Tues. the new gas range arrived and on Fri. the new countertops were installed. My kitchen looks Wonderful!! Step by step, our house is getting ready to go on the market. I can't wait to start looking at horse property! It's exciting to think about what God has for us!

What Fun!

Wow! What a great ride we had today! Everyone was out at the barn enjoying the mild day. There were 9 of us on horseback in the arena at one time. We all had a ball!

This is part of the goofy weather in the Midwest. I was at the barn on Tues and Thurs of this past week and would have frozen my a** off if it hadn't been for my husband's wonderful Christmas present (insulated coveralls!!). Then, today, it's nearly 60 and all the big drifts of snow have disappeared! Go figure! It even smelled like springtime! Days like this are pure gold when they happen. I'm so glad I was able to be out there and enjoy the day with my horse and friends.

Rusty was very good today! I was concerned that he'd be a real handful since I hadn't been able to ride for a week. We had a light workout and a wonderful balanced canter in both directions! Awesome! I tell you, this is as close to Heaven as it gets for me! Thank You, Lord!