October Blessings

This past Thursday we (staff and volunteers) had horse lessons in the morning. It is during this time that Kelsie teaches us how to work with the horses and helps us either learn riding skills (that would be me) or teaches ways to refine and improve on the base of knowledge we have. We learn how to back them up, have them turn in different directions to stretch, and learn techniques on how to help us during session times with children. When Kelsie told me I could get go get my horse I asked her if I could get a Level 3 horse today. (We have three levels of horses. Levels 1 are the horses that have the easiest temperament and are super calm with children. The next two levels of horses have what I call at least, more excitable temperaments and need to have a more skilled hand in guiding them to do what they should with a child on their back. Also, some of our newer horses are in the Level 2 or 3 because the staff has not spent enough time with them yet so they are familiar with the horse and its behaviors.) I am able to ride and use during sessions Level 1 horses only. So when I asked Kelsie it was kind of jokingly….but she turned to me and said, “The only Level 3 horse not being used right now is Bozeman….but go ahead if you want to ride him.” So, of course, I did!! YEEEHAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Bozeman is the BIGGEST horse on our ranch as you will see by the pictures. His hooves are the size of my hand!! It was one of the BESTEST rides all year so far! I rode him bareback and it was just as comfortable as my lazy girl chair back home—he just flowed when he trotted! Thanks Kelsie for making my day super special!!

As I was driving to the ranch one sunny morning, my eyes were on the road, but my heart was elsewhere. My seatbelt was buckled, but my mind was wandering. It was one of those days when it was work to read my Bible and pray that morning. A day when, if I could, I would of buried my head under my covers, gone back to sleep and hopefully woke up differently the next time. It was a day that I didn’t wake up ready to tackle the world with enthusiasm and zest, a day that already seemed to be cloudy before the sun rose. A day when I was one person on the outside, and another on the inside. I will never forget this day, never.

I arrived at the ranch and began my morning chores. Another volunteer and I were assigned to the “fat paddock”. That meant getting Hero, Isaac and Molly into a specially made corral inside the main paddock, bringing them a bale of hay and making sure all the waters were clean and full. Isabella and Shamis needed to be brought from the back paddock to hang out with the horses in the main paddock for the day. We both kinda laughed and joked while working together to accomplish our task. Wouldn’t it be great if we went to a “fat paddock” each day and were told to eat as much as we wanted to gain 50 or more pounds!! Ha Ha!!

For the rest of the morning I wrote donor thank you’s, processed some donations that were sent to the ranch in boxes from kind and generous people all over the United Sates, did an inventory of our merchandise, and “kung foo’d” flies that were in the barn. :-) Lunch is from 12:00 to 12:30 and a bunch of us gathered out on the lawn to eat and chat together. From 12:30 to 1:00 is staff meeting where we go over the session schedule for the day and then break up in two’s or three’s to pray for each of the children and families coming.

The process of healing from my head injury was at a place where I was still not able to be a leader for sessions with kids and horses. Instead, I assisted the greeter with welcoming everyone, helped with the required forms that needed to be filled out for those coming for a tour, and hung out with those sitting in the grass while sessions were going on. It was a busy day—lots of children coming and going. The music of the ranch included shrieks of delight, eyes full of joy, horses being loved on, and a game of “noodle war” taking place on the grass. My heart was soaking it all in. There was also an air of expectation and excitement this day. It was a day that was long awaited—our newest rescues were being brought to the ranch around 4:00!!





A vehicle drove up the driveway and a lady rolled down her window and it was a Mom and daughter. The daughter was visually impaired so we invited them to park up on the wood chips by the office. After they parked I welcomed them and led them back to the greeter’s station to fill out the necessary forms. They were part of a tour that was scheduled that day so off they went.

When the tour was finished I noticed the Mom and daughter resting on the green bench under a pine tree. I walked over and asked how it was going. Both were beaming and could hardly get the words out over top of each other of how wonderful it was to be here, and how it was a dream come true for the young lady. I asked her if she was able to go into the paddock and meet some of the horses and she said she had. I asked her if she had met Hero—a horse that had lost an eye when he was shot and left for dead. No, but she would like too—so together we walked to the back of the ranch. I asked her how long she had been blind and she told me since birth. Can you see anything at all? No, blind as a bat she said. Her hand was resting on my elbow as we walked, and I became conscious of the fact that I was her eyes. It was me who would tell her that she had to step over the railroad tie in the path and when we were going from one level to another. I described the flowers lining the driveway and main arena where horses and children were playing. She asked questions regarding what the buildings and barns looked like, what children did when riding horses, and how the layout of the ranch was designed. As we entered the back paddock and horses gathered around, I guided her hands to their faces, to their noses, and to their sides. She knew that she was surrounded by horses; she could feel their presence, feel their warm breath on her face, neck and arms. It struck me how trusting she was of me—a stranger she had met just hours ago. As we fed the horses apples, her giggles and laughter was as melodious to me as the apples were delicious to the horses. So both of her hands could be free to “see” the horses, I kept one of my hands on her shoulder or arm at all times. She asked me to tell her the name of each horse, what color(s) they were as well as their stories. When she met Hero, it was like she slipped into another world. If I could of, I would of walked away to give her her space, her time alone with the one she so connected with. As I guided her hands to his face she felt the empty eye socket and softly began to pour out her love for him. It was like I was eavesdropping on a private conversation from one friend’s heart to another. I was an observer to the three of them—Hero, the young lady and our Creator each participating in a unique and deep miracle that was taking place.





As we made our way back to the main part of the ranch not many words were spoken between us. I heard a truck coming up the driveway—it was Kim with the trailer and the horses! As my new friend and I moved to a bench to sit down I again was her “eyes” and described all that was taking place. I told her that it was a Momma and her foal that were being unloaded from the trailer to begin a new life at the ranch. Templeton, the foal was born walking on the front of his legs, instead of his hooves. It wasn’t too long before he could not stand up, and therefore could not eat, and was soon going to die. A concerned neighbor called the sheriff and the Mom and baby were taken to Bend Equine Medical Center where under the skilled and loving hands of a kind Doctor the foal’s life was saved and the process of restoring strength to his legs was begun. Casts were made for his front legs, and after weeks of time and therapy he was able to stand on his own! The clinic contacted Kim and Troy and asked if they were interested in adopting the foal. YES! YES! YES! was the answer, and so at 9 weeks of age Templeton and his Momma arrived at the ranch.








It was an occasion of excitement and joy and wonder! He was adorable! Babies are always amusing, and this horse was no exception! Everything was so small—his tiny little hooves, his cute little head and muzzle, and his short mane and tail. He has one brown eye and the other eye is brown and blue! His soft nicker and curiosity about everything and everyone was undeniably the reason for the smiles on everyone’s faces as we watched them both explore their new home. Even though he still “went down” on his front legs from time to time as he pranced and danced it was delightful to watch him play!








I had never seen up close or even touched a foal, and neither had my new friend. As we made our way into the paddock we kneeled down and held out our hands full of hay to entice them to come over. My heart was so full I forgot to talk, and my friend gently brought me back by asking me what he looked like. I fumbled for words to describe him and his Mom, and as Templeton made his way closer to us I guided her hands to touch his nose, his face, and his neck. Her smile of joy radiated across her face, and again as I listened to her talk I was struck with the enormity of the privilege of being part of her life this day.

It was late by the time her Mom and I walked back to their vehicle to go home. The three of us embraced and exchanged e-mails and promises to write. With arms around each other’s shoulders we prayed—sharing with our Heavenly Father a portion of what that day meant to each of us. Again, words fail to describe the moment. I was so touched. We parted with tears and joy—knowing that someday we will see each other again. If not here—then in heaven where we ALL would see and be seen!

Weeks have passed since that day, and several e-mails have been exchanged. On that sunny day a precious child of the King came to the ranch with a physical body that was scarred. She came with emotions and words that were buried deep down, but wishing more than anything to be heard and understood. She was seemingly strong and composed on the outside, but barren and scared and hurting on the inside. That day, secret places were opened up to the Shepherd who wrapped His strong, safe, and loving arms around His cherished sheep. Healing took place. His breath of life was breathed in the desert parts of her heart, and now there was an oasis of His love. To love and be loved—that is a treasure beyond price. To trust and be trusted—a gift beyond value. To be received and valued and be safe with no conditions, no strings, and with total acceptance—these were miracles performed by the Great Physician to His beloved child.

Two precious children of the King came to the ranch that sunny day. One arrived in the morning, and one in the afternoon. Two lives were forever changed and healed as they left that evening. My new friend and me. I will never forget that day, never. Nor will she.

September Ramblings

Can you believe that it is September already? Where has the summer gone? I know where mine went--can I slow down time? Please? :-)

Before I began rambling :-), I want to say it was WONDERFUL to be back in Michigan for about 10 days the beginning of August! It was a night to remember--our Sunday evening church service in which the power went out--and I shared "in the dark" how God is working in my life, and at the ranch. To greet and hug and talk with my church family--it was so good for my heart! I also went to my previous place of employment and was able to show them (because there was power there :-)) the PowerPoint I had put together as well as share and answer questions. I enjoyed that time very much too. OF COURSE, seeing all my nieces and nephews and my brother and sisters and parents and Grandma and Aunts and Uncles and other friends was FANTABULOUS too! It was a gift from God to go home--and it is also a gift from God to return to Oregon where God has called me: Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch!

It HAS been a while since I have written--and hopefully all of you have heard, and will understand why the gap in time for this update. I was white water rafting on July 17th and I did a face plant with a rock just beneath the water. I ended up with some stitches in my head above my right eye and some on the bridge of my nose. God has blessed my life with such great health--and this closed head injury has changed me--a lot. If you would see me now, I look just as I did before the injury--but the reality is that I do not feel or function the same. Our Father has chosen this chapter in my life to draw me closer to Him. He has used this to open my eyes and heart towards others that have struggles--in whatever dimension--that are not seen with the naked eye. He also has used this time to begin to build bridges of trust--in areas inside of me that have been hidden and closed away from Him, and towards other people.

Because of the severity of my injury I was not physically able to be alone, nor was it safe to be so. I was in more physical pain than I have ever experienced before--and because of that I took the prescription drugs that the Doctor had prescribed. Now, not only was I not able to even walk to the bathroom alone because of my blurred/double vision, lack of balance and intense pain--I was also "drugged up". Being vulnerable, weak and helpless is NOT a position I would choose to put myself in willingly. Yet, here I was, in a couple's home, unable to do just about anything without their assistance. I don't remember quite a bit from those blurred days, but I clearly remember that my Heavenly Father and I had many conversations. One of them was this: “Be thankful in all circumstance, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus” I Thessalonians 5:18. Before July 17th I had been reading in Romans and chapter 1 verse 21. This verse says that the people did not give glory to God or give Him thanks and because of that God abandoned them. WHOA. That really struck me hard. Giving glory and thanks to God was not an option before the accident occurred, nor is it an option after the accident! Secondly, I also began to realize part of God’s plan for me during this recuperating time was for me to learn trust. To trust Him--that this IS part of His plan for my life, and He meant it for my good and His glory--and to trust those who were/are caring for me. The verse God gave me before I left for CPYR, the one that is at the top of my blog is Proverbs 3:5,6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take." Does this apply to me/us only in decision making times, or looking for God's will times, or in career changes, etc? Does it not also apply to times when I/we are totally incapacitated and our great King is speaking to my/our hearts--to draw them closer to Him--to cleanse, purge, release, and bring healing? He uses ways that we would NOT choose, but in His great design and plan puts us there because He knows we wouldn't learn any other way? The answer is clearly YES! And so, for me this is the case.

Proverbs 3:7,8 say this: “Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom, instead fear the Lord and turn away from evil. Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones.” Wow. God’s Word is so practical in our everyday lives. Check out the words of this hymn: How Deep the Fathers Love for us

How deep the Father's love for us How vast beyond all measure. That He should give His only Son And make a wretch His treasure. How great the pain of searing loss The Father turns His face away. As wounds which mar the Chosen One Bring many sons to glory.

Behold the man upon the cross My sin upon His shoulders. Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice Call out among the scoffers. It was my sin that held Him there Until it was accomplished. His dying breath has brought me life I know that it is finished.

I will not boast in anything No gifts, no power, no wisdom. But I will boast in Jesus Christ His death and resurrection. Why should I gain from His reward I cannot give an answer. But this I know with all my heart His wounds have paid my ransom.

Why should I gain from His reward I cannot give an answer. But this I know with all my heart His wounds have paid my ransom.

This song and verses from Proverbs so shares my heart right now. Indeed, in this time of recuperating from this injury I am learning that my boasting does not come from gifts, power or wisdom. It is not about my "performance" or what I can "do", it is about Jesus Christ and what He has done, and is doing that I can boast and talk about. It is not about “my wisdom”, it is about fearing the Lord—my focus totally on and about Him-- and turning away from evil. Hard lessons to learn, but good and necessary ones.

I'm a "doer", and this sitting around stuff has been pretty hard. Yet, my ranch family has come around me and enveloped me with love, acceptance, prayers and deeper friendships. In the corporate world that I am used too--I could of been set aside, ostracized, relocated, and even been looked down upon both in words and actions. I have experienced none of those--in fact, the total opposite. I have been showered with the love of Jesus--a gift I have at times, been reluctant and hesitant to receive. This community of believers has been showing me what the body of Christ is all about—it’s not about us, it is about Him. I find it hard to put into words. I am so grateful to them--and my Father who loves me so much that He is not willing to leave me where I am, but will use what He knows is best to draw me closer to Him. His ways are good--I am thankful that this event has happened in my life.

I mentioned above another area that God has been working in my life: being aware of others who have struggles that also, like mine, cannot be seen with the visible eye. Because I am limited in the activities that I can participate in I have been spending time listening to parents/grandparents/legal guardians on the grass while their children are in session times. I have had the honor and privilege to write donor thank you cards, to reply to letters that have been sent to the ranch-- to spend more time in resting than in doing. My eyes and heart have been opened up to more than the visible ministry of horse session times--and I have been deeply blessed.

I sat on the lawn and listened to a man tell me with passion and hurt in his voice why he practiced voodoo instead of turning to Christ. He was begging and baiting me by his conversation to argue with him to try to convince him otherwise. I did not, and just before he left with his daughter he told me that this was the first time that he met a Christian who, as he said, acted like a Christian should--with love. That I didn't try as he said, to proselytize him with words. Oh Father, may the seeds of YOUR love come alive in this mans heart--Holy Spirit--draw this man to a saving grace and faith in Jesus Christ!

For about an hour a lady and I chatted about many different subjects--when suddenly she turned to me with a different look in her eye and tone to her voice and began to pour out her heart of her concern for her children. What a privilege to pray with her, to be trusted in her inner heart, and to go before the Throne of Grace together in her time of need.

Two children approached me after they had their horse sessions and asked if I would take them into the paddock so they could "go swimming" in our horse trough. With all the eagerness and shyness of little ones they timidly asked if I would join them in their play. I imagined them wondering if I would be "too busy" or have "more important things to do" or just be "too grown up" to play. At that time I did not know their background--but I could see in their eyes the need to be loved and accepted. Taking off my boots we did mini cannon balls in the trough, splashed each other and laughed and giggled. Each time they return to the ranch, they seek me out and we play. As I have learned about their short lives, my heart grieves for what we would desire no child to have experienced, and what they now carry in their minds, hearts and bodies. For them, they have not had the opportunity to play--just play--without "consequences". What a deep joy to be a small part of their lives that can demonstrate by my actions that there are people in this world who love them--for just who they are. It doesn't matter what they look like, what physical or mental challenges they have--they are loved by Jesus--and I get the privilege to be His hands and feet to show them. To share hope--a treasure that is priceless--yet is so needed in each one of our lives.

Four different times now I have been invited to homes either for dinner, or just to hang out. Each of these opportunities has given me the platform to share about my "head schmuck" (as I call it) and share with them the ways in which God was in it all. To boast about HIM, to share the miracles that He performed--and that He is not finished with me yet--because I am still alive and He is healing me. That this is a process--both in my heart, and in my head--and how I struggle with it daily, yet desire to always trust and believe that His ways are best. It has opened doors of conversation from their hearts--and we can encourage and pray and "spur each other on to love and good works".

In Galatians 5:22-23 the fruit of the Spirit is given to us. These are character traits that we cannot develop by ourselves—it is only when we are under the control of the Holy Spirit and choose to obey and put into practice these traits that we become more like Christ. The first three are choices we make. Love, joy and peace. All are action words, not feeling words. They do not come naturally from our flesh, but as we daily choose to live for Christ, and choose to obey Him in all things, they do become more and more a part of our everyday lives. I am choosing to both give AND receive love, joy and peace. How about you? Each of us experience different circumstances, events, and people in our lives. BUT, all of us can choose to display the fruit of the Spirit, can choose to see God’s good and give thanks in everything, and can choose to grow.

There is no "set in stone" time as to when I will be "all better" according my Doctor. The Great Physician--He can choose to heal now, in this instant, or as is the case currently, continue the process in His time table. Typically, they say, it takes 4-6 months. Hmm. Now do you understand a little better a segment of this struggle? I am improving--and for that I am grateful! Thank you to each of you, who have sent cards, made phone calls or sent e-mails. Thank you for your continued prayers.







Does it still amaze you how God's Word is so current in each of our lives if we but look for it and ask for it? I am and always want to be "surprised" as I read the Bible! I am choosing to practice daily the verses in Proverbs, for this is the pathway that will lead to my complete healing. I could continue to share how the Lord is purging from me so many areas of pride in my life, teaching me how to REALLY communicate/talk/listen to/with others, showing me how I need to show love and compassion because of His great love and compassion to me, and how desperately I need Him--not a book, not a friend, not some form of entertainment--but that He wants and will and desires to meet ALL my needs. My prayer for you as you read this is that your heart will be turned and drawn to our Heavenly Father and His great love and pursuit of you. That you will see, as I am seeing , how deep and intimate He desires a relationship with us--and that the events that take place in our lives are not random or by chance--but they are part of His great design and plan. That He has it ALL in His control, and that Romans 8:28 is true: " And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

This last picture is one of me on top of the South Sister. Behind me are the Middle and North Sister. What an incredible adventure--to climb a mountain. To get there I went through woods, valleys, plateaus, steep hills, sunshine, wind, rain and snow. Just like life--THANK YOU Jesus for ALL aspects of life--You are in control, and what you allow and bring is ALL GOOD!!

The promised update!!

Do you know the saying: The farther I go the behinder I get? Well, how about this one: The farther I go the more funner I have? :-) Yeah, I just made that one up--pretty good eh?


This past month at the ranch has been good! As I am beginning to understand the flow of the ranch and begin to now recognize some of the children and families I am able to see how God is working in their lives.


Many days at the ranch are just "normal" if you know what I mean. Just like your life. There are not "spectacular" events that take place every day--or even every week. Just like you, I continue to be faithful where God has called me. To have a servant's heart, to be faithful in the seen and unseen tasks. To live each day to the fullest knowing that I may never know til I get to heaven what may have taken place that day in that child's or adults life. Sometimes tasks get mundane--but there are times when the Father is so gracious to give us a glimpse of what He is doing. This month has been a mixture of both for me. There are always chores, tasks, maintenance to be done that are "behind the scenes", but are integral to the ministry of the ranch. Replacing broken electrical plugs, cleaning water troughs, re stacking and bucking hay, putting in an air conditioner, watering the flowers and greenhouse, weeding (is that job EVER finished??!!)--each of these contribute to what the ranch is all about.
Each of the session times has the child and leader doing a "chore" before they are able to get a horse out. It is good for them to also be a part of helping keep the ranch free for any and all. It builds in them responsibility, a good work ethic, and the reward of knowing you have contributed and not just "taken".
This month I have had my heart melt when a child sees me and runs up to give me a hug and tells me they have missed me. To have a parent pull me aside and with tears say "Thank you, thank you for your time and positive input in my daughters life". To have a 14yr old young man be encouraged in his leadership skills as we share with him how he is following directions and that his horse recognizes that he is the "boss" all the while the two of them are having a grand time. The young gal I shared about in an earlier post: my "pooper scooper" friend finds me every time she comes and with the biggest smile possible and with her words running 100mph we go into the paddock to have fun together. Building relationships--earning trust--that is what life is about. It is about being who God created us to be, who He is growing us to be, and being willing to give and receive in relationships. As each one of us does our part, it will be like the Apostle Paul said: some plant, some water, and the Lord brings about the harvest. How exciting to be part of His plan!


The ranch takes people's birthdays seriously--well seriously funny! Yes, not only do you get the privilege of being "troughed" in the horse's drinking water, but we celebrate in other ways too! This young lady's birthday is not during the summer months and she had mentioned that fact so Laurie and I said--"Let's celebrate today"! So we did. She wanted to paint her horse and then go bareback riding. We all probably ended up with as much paint on us as was on her horse Lightfoot--and there was plenty of laughter and WATER mixed in! She gave Lightfoot a bath--and what did he promptly do? ROLLED in the sand and got dirty! Great memories were made! As we continue to build a relationship with her we pray that she will see, hear and know the love of Jesus!






















As I mentioned in my last post we at the ranch had the privilege of going to Redding California for a long weekend of rest and fun! The couple who opens up their home are the adopted Grandparents of the ranch--and boy do they put on a feast of food, fun and relaxation! I can now say I have been in a "new" state, and experienced HOT MUGGY California! The temperature in the tent (with NO rain fly) exceeded the 125 degrees the thermometer would go!


We had a pellet gun marksman contest, slingshot contest (I have a GREAT deal of respect for anyone who can actually hit the target on that one!!), rubber band gun fights, crazy pool jumping, volleyball games, horseshoe games, tree swings and a day at the lake that included tubing and log rolling!! I ate SO MUCH food, laughed a whole lot, slept good in my tent while gazing at the stars, and was blessed to be around adopted Grandparents who gave us hugs and kisses goodnight :-). It was fun to interact with the ranch staff on a different level than work--and to just laugh and have fun! On Saturday morning 7 of us went hiking up Castle Crags. I tell you, if you have never been rock/mountain climbing--you need too! It just takes your breath away--the beauty of it, the awesomeness, and gives just another glimpse of our Creator's love. Round trip it is a 5.5 mile hike with a 2,200 foot elevation gain. Here are a few pictures that will give you a glimpse.






What a cool tree swing!!!






The first two miles or so were in the woods. Here is our first glimpse of the Castle Dome we were going to climb. Yup, it's kinda up there!




Along the way we took a small detour to Indian Springs--we could not see where they were coming from--they just "came" out of the depths of Castle Crag rock! WOW--it was tasty and COLD! Ya gotta dig my board shorts eh? :-)





That is the Castle Dome we were going to climb. From here it looks impossible.....





This is a closer shot---the ledge you see is the one we walked "around" to get up to the top. Often in our life things/people/events/circumstances seem impossible when we look at them from our perspective. However, as we trust the Lord and keep going--He makes a way for us that we could not see before. Sure, it is scary and sometimes dangerous--but we are never safer then when we are in the center of God's will.



Now that "ledge" looks a little more do-able doesn't it?




YIKES--it is a LOOOOONNNNNNGGGGGG way down!!!


This is how our fearless leaders Kim and Troy Meeder taught us how to climb :-).




You go Troy!




OK, so those were "fun" pictures :-). This is more like how it went---we not only followed their directions, but they always gave us a hand--literally-- when we asked for it. Just like our Heavenly Father--He is always there to help us--it is our choice to reach out and take it.





Lookee--we DID all make it to the top! Here are the MEN!


The lovely LADIES!!




The view of Mt Shasta from the top of Castle Crags.


The Sister's coffee shop will be closing soon so I will sign off for now. Praise the Lord with me for how He is stretching and changing and growing me--and for the privilege to have a part in the ministry of Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch. I THANK you for your part in this season of my life--prayers, financial support, letters, care packages and phone calls. It is a privilege to be here, and I am grateful for this opportunity!

Keep smilin' and lookin' to Jesus with me!

Wednesday musings

Hello to one and all!
It was a hot one today in central Oregon! The one time I looked at the thermometer it was 95 in the shade :-). Sun screen is handy and used bunches! So are head dunkings in horse troughs! :-)
It's been a while since I have last written, I know. Ranch life is in full swing for the summer, and to keep me "out of trouble" (ha ha) many of my evenings been pretty full as well! Invites for dinner, ranch activities, or hangin' out with ranch family and friends. Needless to say, I haven't had lots of down time recently.
SO, you say--tell us about it!! Well, I will--but not in this blog! This will be short and sweet--just to let you all know I am alive and kickin'--and that a more detailed update will be coming next week sometime. Tomorrow morning all of the ranch staff, including Troy and Kim Meeder are going to Redding California to spend a long weekend with some very good ranch friends. From what I hear, the lady of the house is an EXCELLENT cook (Oh boy, no tuna fish for 4 days!!!!!!!), and we get to sleep in tents in their backyard :-). I think we may be going on a hike or two, and I sure hope we get to pan for gold :-). I'll let you know when we get back!
I am currently sitting in the library at 6:58pm, hot, smelling like horses and other strange smells :-). I also am pretty HUNGRY :-), so that is why I am signing off for now.
Thanks for your prayers, e-mails and continued interest in my life here at CPYR.
Stay tuned-more to come next week!!

Horses, Friends and God

Check this out!

Now, that is one zonked out horse! His name is Tomahawk—and I think it is hilarious and highly amusing to see horses doing two things. One, is sleeping while lying down (yes, horses do sleep standing up as well), and the second is watching a horse roll.

Do you know why horses don’t have to brush their teeth? Because their teeth never stop growing! Good thing for Tomahawk!

Each year CPYR offers Information Clinics. These clinics are for anyone in the United States, Canada, or from overseas to come and learn how to start a similar ministry. A week ago we held our first clinic—and what fun it was! There were about 110 people that came—each with great passion and zeal eager to learn as much as possible. Each came with their story of how God has placed this desire on their heart, and the privilege to listen and pray with many was a highlight!
They began arriving on Wednesday around 12:00ish. I was on “parking duty” and it was fun to greet each one as they drove onto the ranch. Each day was filled with classes ranging from the legal side of such a ministry, to hoof care, training horses, session ideas, communicating with children—and so much more. Each of us as staff or interns had various duties that kept the clinic running smoothly. There were several times that I had the opportunity to sit in on a class or two—and that was great also!

The second Information Clinic is from June 3-6. Your prayers are appreciated for safety in travel—as well as for hearts to be encouraged, strengthened and challenged as the participants seek the Lord’s guidance in their stepping out in faith where He is calling them.

One of my favorite chores is dragging the paddocks! Here are a few creative pictures as I get ready to have fun on the tractor!

This past week I had the privilege of working along side Laurie during several sessions. The young man pictured below arrived a little shy, but ready to be a cowboy for the day! When we were looking in the paddock to pick out a horse we could see he was a little afraid of the “big” horses, so Laurie guided him to Lightfoot. As we were grooming him he noticed some “color” on Lightfoot and asked “what is that”? Laurie explained that it was paint that hadn’t washed off yet. With big blue eyes full of question and eagerness he asked if he could paint his horse today. Of course!! This seemed to ease his concerns because he began talking away about all sorts of subjects. His smile became broader as he finished his heart, flower and eagle. Over and over he exclaimed: “I’ve never painted a horse before—this is so much FUN!”

It was a joy to enter into his little world of jabber and enthusiasm both while painting and when we gave Lightfoot a bath in the grass afterwards. Horses like to roll after they get wet so we brought Lightfoot to the round pen where it is sandy. Lightfoot didn’t seem too interested in rolling so the young man piped up and said, “I’ll show him how to roll so maybe then he will do it!” Indeed he did roll—right over a pile of manure! Getting up he looked down and said—“Oh well, now I will be dirty like him!” What a blessing it was for Laurie’s and my heart, and we pray for this young boy as well. Not only will he remember the joy and wonder of painting a horse, being a REAL cowboy by leading his own horse, but tucked also in his heart he will continue to know and understand the love of Jesus that was shared with him.

Wednesday was my horse lesson time and Kelsie took me on a trail ride!!!!! YEAH!! It was my first—and it was a blast! To be walking and trotting and going up and down inclines was such a different feeling than going around an arena! Remnant, my horse was happy to follow Hannah for a while, and then he thought it would be fun to go bush whacking :-). I think he thought it was funny that he could make it under or besides tree’s all the while knowing that I, his rider was doing crazy acrobatic movements to keep from getting smacked! It was great chatting with Kelsie about cars, motorcycles, and canoeing—and listening to her chat about horses, mountains and life at the ranch. The ride was the highlight of my week—thanks Kelsie—and thank you Father for laughter, joy and friends.

Many of you sent me notes regarding my last blog. Thank you for your prayers and encouraging words! This time in Oregon is not just about me serving on the ranch with horses and children—I am realizing that it is personal growth time for me as well. As new challenges arise, I have a choice: to either pursue growth, or to go backwards and stagnate. Yes, it is “easier” in the short haul to “curl up in a ball” or “hide in myself”—but there is no growth in that. There is no joy in living by going backwards. It is not always easy for me to reach out to others for help, for guidance, for encouragement and prayer. It is a risk to share one’s weaknesses, one’s shortcomings, one’s hurts. Yet, at this time, that is another area of growth the Father is wanting of me. I would appreciate your continued prayers as I walk out this journey of faith.

A source of encouragement and learning in this process is a book I brought along written by Chip Ingram that is titled “The Invisible War”. He describes the book of Ephesians in a new way so that it is becoming a favorite book of mine to read and ponder and grow from! The first 3 chapters tell us who we are in Christ. That we have been transferred from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light, we are redeemed, made new, have an eternal inheritance, and have the Holy Spirit indwelling in us. Paul (the author of Ephesians) goes on to talk about the body of Christ, the church. Each one has been gifted in unique ways, and we need each other in our walk of faith. Chapters 4, 5, and 6 talk of our relationship with Christ, the Holy Spirit’s workings and ministry, and how we are to live with each other as husbands, wives, parents and children. The last portion of Chapter 6 Paul gives insight to the world we live in. It is not a playground, but a battleground. We have an enemy—Satan—who prowls around like a lion waiting to devour us. However, we are not fighting for victory, we are fighting FROM victory!
Here we have been given a picture of a Roman soldiers armor. The belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit are tools we use so we will experience success in fighting back the enemy whose main goals are to deceive, accuse and cast doubt. What a blessing this book is to me! It has deepened and strengthened my faith and brought a peace and delight in knowing that my struggles cannot defeat me, because I STAND in the victory that has already been won in Christ! I John 4:4, 5:4-5 tell us this. I Peter 5:8-10, James 4:7 and Ephesians 6:10-18 assure us that we are invincible in Christ’s power when we are obedient to God and are living for Him.

As I have been reading and studying and applying these truths changes have been taking place in my heart. A peace, and a deeper sense of His unconditional love and a joy are beginning to grow. To begin the process of learning about community and relationships within the body of Christ and how essential we are to each other because that is how Christ created us—that too is stretching for me. God’s truths and ways are always best. As I surrender myself to Him, I am reminded of what Psalms 23 describes as the ultimate goal of every sheep—to be lacking nothing, cared for by our Shepherd.

How about you? Are you growing where He has you right now? Are you willing to follow the Shepherds calling—even if it means to step outside of your “comfort zone”? It doesn't have to be moving to another state or country. It could be to share the gospel with that neighbor, friend or grocery clerk. It could be to start serving in your local church as a teacher, piano player or serve on the hospitality committee. Whatever it is—I challenge you, as I am being challenged, to step out in surrender and faith knowing that our Father never calls us to do something he does not equip us to do.

One morning last week when I was getting ready to leave my apartment for the ranch I was surprised to see the tree's! Did I fall asleep and time flew by and it was Christmas already? They were so beautiful, so exquisite, that I had to take some pictures.

OK, OK, it was the sprinklers that were running in freezing temperatures that created the ice on the tree's :-)

Keep smilin’ and lookin’ to Jesus with me today!