To God Be the Glory

This was one of my favorite days ever.  A beautiful group of people determined to brave the bitter cold and join together for one purpose  - to serve the Lord by working at Promised Land Ranch and Mission.  Ages ranged from little children to senior adults.

I was so blessed to have my daughter, Bobbie there and my good friends, Bonnie and Kim there.  My husband, Wayne (who has always claimed to hate horses) was petting several of the horses and working so hard at putting up gates. Bobbie, Bonnie and I all rode horse - Bonnie and Bobbie rode bareback!  I was not so bold - I'm too old to fall off a horse!  I did ride Anna Bell (pictured above) with a saddle.  I am in love with this little palomino mare.  She likes to snuggle! 

This was the groundbreaking for the indoor arena.  What an honor to be present for such a special occasion!  In spite of the freezing weather, the ground actually broke!  It was a beautiful time of prayer, as we asked for God's blessing on the land and the ministry.  We then walked the perimeter of the building site.  I can't even begin to imagine what God is going to do with this spot and with these precious people.

To God be the Glory!

God's Adventures

I remember years ago, I went to a Southern Baptist center in Kansas City, Kansas to help distribute food and Christmas gifts to needy families.  At the time, I didn't understand the joy of serving the Lord.  I thought to "get credit" for serving God, it would have to be doing something I hated.  I picked the most miserable job I could think of - in the deep freeze hauling out frozen turkeys.  I was absolutely miserable.  ("Lord, are you impressed with my suffering the frigid cold for You?")  It wasn't even His assignment for me.  What they needed was someone to help lead Christmas music on a guitar.  That is fun!  He wanted me to have joy in serving Him!

I know that there are many times our service to our Lord is not fun.  I know many people serving Him in tasks that are way less than "fun."  I'd like to believe that I would be up for any assignment God would give me now - no longer to try a futile attempt to "impress" God with my sacrifice.  He already made the ultimate sacrifice - He sent His Son to die on the cross and take away our sin.  I want to serve Him because He loves me so much.

I am amazed that God would have me serve Him at Promised Land Ranch.  Linda just called and asked if I would come out Friday - she's going to try out two new horses at the ranch.  They will arrive at 9:30am.  I am so excited!  How grateful I am that God would give me an assignment that is so fun.  There truly is joy in serving Him!

Headed out for my first day working at the ranch.  I've never been a fashion freak but I have always tried to dress the part for director, therapist of counselor roles I've played in the past.  Today was quite different.  Three layers of clothes, including long johns, little boy's snow boots and gloves and a mens "Elmer Fudd" hat.  No makeup - did not fix my hair... got in my Mini Cooper and headed south to the ranch.  Casting Crowns came on my MP3.  Leave it all behind.  Your pursuit of perfection.  Leave it all behind.  Your fear of rejection.  Leave it all behind.  Your temporary pleasures.  Leave it all behind.  All your earthly treasures....Leave it all behind.  When I got to the ranch, they turned on the radio and the same song was playing.  God is absolutely stunning.

We spend so much time and energy on what will never count.  Another reason I love horses so much.  They don't care about what you look like.  They can start at you until you feel like they can see right through you.  I believe they have the ability to see into your heart.  We can learn a lot from them.  Today was the most real day I've had in a long time.