Wednesday, May 16, 2007

Entry #12

#121 For email friends on IncrediWILD (and elsewhere) who pray for me and my pets when we need it!

#122 That Bo did REALLY well at the vet's yesterday. Yes, he was fearful, yes, he was uncertain, but he was a trooper.

#123 For the peace that surpasses all understanding and guards my heart and mind when friends pray for me. THANK YOU!!!

#124 For Melissa Pelletier, a most amazing woman who is training Harley. She has come SO far with him and is now going beyond the extra mile to be sure that he gets to our veterinarian to be checked about his colic problem. She is a wonderful Christian lady and I just can't express enough gratitude to God for her.

#125 That my husband returned home safely again.

#126 For confidence that the Christian school we are enrolling the kids in for the fall *is* in fact God's will. I know He will provide. He who promised is faithful.

#127 Judy Halliday and her constant example of the grace and tender mercy of God in my life. Thank you, Lord, for such a wonderful friend and mentor.

#128 Clarity in decision making.

#129 My husband who speaks truth into my life and helps me be aware of mistakes *before* I make them!

#130 Hope...beyond the here and now. That I can fix my eyes on the finish line, knowing that the God I serve has made it as good as done...IT IS DONE...and I need not keep my eyes on the hurdles that seem to stand in the way. I need not fear. HE IS AT WORK, doing a NEW THING.

Tuesday, May 1, 2007

Entry #11

#101 For the people in my life who are contributing to making me a better horsewoman and that in doing so, they are making me a better person. Horses have a way of bringing to the surface a lot of the very character traits that the Lord wants to deal with. It is a challenging journey, but a wonderful vehicle for the Lord's work.

#102 Yesterday Harley responded so well to me. Yes there were moments of deep concern for him and that saddens me, but over all, it was a HUGE step forward for us. Melissa is awesome and has given me such hope. I am blessed that she is a Christian, too.

#103 I am thankful today for my babies, Lord. THANK YOU that I LOVE THEM SO MUCH!

#104 A nurturing husband who is the best father anyone could ask for for her children.

#105 For Bo, my wolfdog. He came to us as a stray six years ago and has become so precious to all of us. I am grateful to the Lord, too, that Bo is warming to my husband after all this time.

#106 For a tender moment this morning with Crazy Daisy Pirahna Puppy. Instead of being bonkers, she cuddled with me as I laid in bed a bit this morning. It was almost like I having a *real* dog again! I have missed Samson so much lately...I guess because I am sick.

#107 For the beauty of living here in the foothills.

#108 GOD has removed 62 pounds from my body since November. 10 of those were during April when I thought we might be "all done!" It floors me what an adventure this is.

#109 For the freedom from shame...I am just sure I have said this before.

#110 Freedom from captivity to food and lots of it without engaging a brain cell.

#111 For being able to enjoy the wonders and delights of a variety of foods, from my husband's fresh salsa, to an Oreo Cookie Milkshake (probably only about a third of one of those as they are pretty filling) to a barbeque burger at Main Street Pizza...But also that I have the freedom to choose foods that are beneficial and wholesome for me, too. I am SO thankful to be set free from dieting!

#112 For the way the Lord leads me personally and specifically through this life, guiding me and directing me by His Spirit--that He provides everything I need for life and godliness.

#113 For a dear friend who clings to the Lord in confidence that this time of waiting and unknowing will be for His glory and in due time she will know the answers to her questions.

#114 For optimism about the future for my children as we turn a new corner in our lives in considering what options are the Lord's will for them for the Fall.

#115 That I can sign up for things like "Bible Horsemanship Camp" and have the best of two worlds to look forward to...studying God's Word with other believers while enjoying our horses together. I can hardly wait!

#116 For Gail Ivey who gave me a wonderful foundation for understanding my horses and myself...and what a blessing that she is a Christian, too. Lord, please bless her to FEEL GOOD today!

#117 For lots of internet friends who are always so willing to encourage me and route me on.

#118 For the Thin Within conference coming up in the end of June and that I get to see my dear friend from Tulsa! YIPPEE!!!

#119 For sunshine. I LOVE sunshine!

#120 That God's mercies are new every morning...every minute even...

Entry #11

#101 For the people in my life who are contributing to making me a better horsewoman and that in doing so, they are making me a better person. Horses have a way of bringing to the surface a lot of the very character traits that the Lord wants to deal with. It is a challenging journey, but a wonderful vehicle for the Lord's work.

#102 Yesterday Harley responded so well to me. Yes there were moments of deep concern for him and that saddens me, but over all, it was a HUGE step forward for us. Melissa is awesome and has given me such hope. I am blessed that she is a Christian, too.

#103 I am thankful today for my babies, Lord. THANK YOU that I LOVE THEM SO MUCH!

#104 A nurturing husband who is the best father anyone could ask for for her children.

#105 For Bo, my wolfdog. He came to us as a stray six years ago and has become so precious to all of us. I am grateful to the Lord, too, that Bo is warming to my husband after all this time.

#106 For a tender moment this morning with Crazy Daisy Pirahna Puppy. Instead of being bonkers, she cuddled with me as I laid in bed a bit this morning. It was almost like I having a *real* dog again! I have missed Samson so much lately...I guess because I am sick.

#107 For the beauty of living here in the foothills.

#108 GOD has removed 62 pounds from my body since November. 10 of those were during April when I thought we might be "all done!" It floors me what an adventure this is.

#109 For the freedom from shame...I am just sure I have said this before.

#110 Freedom from captivity to food and lots of it without engaging a brain cell.

#111 For being able to enjoy the wonders and delights of a variety of foods, from my husband's fresh salsa, to an Oreo Cookie Milkshake (probably only about a third of one of those as they are pretty filling) to a barbeque burger at Main Street Pizza...But also that I have the freedom to choose foods that are beneficial and wholesome for me, too. I am SO thankful to be set free from dieting!

#112 For the way the Lord leads me personally and specifically through this life, guiding me and directing me by His Spirit--that He provides everything I need for life and godliness.

#113 For a dear friend who clings to the Lord in confidence that this time of waiting and unknowing will be for His glory and in due time she will know the answers to her questions.

#114 For optimism about the future for my children as we turn a new corner in our lives in considering what options are the Lord's will for them for the Fall.

#115 That I can sign up for things like "Bible Horsemanship Camp" and have the best of two worlds to look forward to...studying God's Word with other believers while enjoying our horses together. I can hardly wait!

#116 For Gail Ivey who gave me a wonderful foundation for understanding my horses and myself...and what a blessing that she is a Christian, too. Lord, please bless her to FEEL GOOD today!

#117 For lots of internet friends who are always so willing to encourage me and route me on.

#118 For the Thin Within conference coming up in the end of June and that I get to see my dear friend from Tulsa! YIPPEE!!!

#119 For sunshine. I LOVE sunshine!

#120 That God's mercies are new every morning...every minute even...

Thursday, April 26, 2007

Entry #10

#91 As Ken Gire says, thank you Lord that you are more persistant in your pursuit of me than I am in my hiding from you. I praise you, Lord!

#92 That the joy of the Lord is greater than the wonderful flavors and textures of an Oreo milkshake from Carl's Junior, even if it is smothered in whipped cream!

#93 For the amazing way the clouds parted yesterday and Daniel's interview at the Christian school went SO well. PRAISE YOU LORD!

#94 The mountain is moving--my husband is willing to consider the private school for the kids in spite of the extreme expense (in light of my daughter's upcoming dental bill and orthodontist, this is HUGE!).

#95 For the privilege of growing in my horsemanship and that it grows me in life as well. God takes all of it and doesn't waste a bit of it.

#96 For blogs where I can be inspired as I read about the spiritual journies of others.

#97 Thank you, GOD, that I feel so much more comfortable in my own skin for so many reasons.

#98 For the three amazing people sleeping in my home right now...that I get to share my life with two wonderful kids and a terrific man.

#99 For a new tennis friend who also "happens" to be a Christian!

#100 The privilege of walking beside godly Christian ladies on this Thin Within journey. God uses the technology of the internet to weave hearts together even long distance! Glory to His Name!

Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Entry #9

#81 For a godly, Christian, gentle horse trainer who is working with my precious Harley and that God gave them their first RIDE yesterday after only a week! PRAISE you, Lord! :-)

#82 For a long ride on Ricky, the ranch horse, who has given me back a lot of confidence I had lost.

#83 For the taste of Orowheat Winter Wheat bread (just half of one slice is all it takes), with Skippy p-nut butter and granola (with almonds) sprinkled on top chased with a half a mug of milk. THE PERFECT breakfast! I am floored at the creativity of God in the flavors in food and that humans through the ages have combined flavors and textures to make things like winter wheat bread or granola! YUM!

# 84 For the peace my dear friend seems to have as she faces a needle biospy tomorrow...Lord, it stuns me that you can impart peace in moments like these!

#85 For the Thin Within online support group I co-lead...I love those ladies already!

#86 That God helped me to recover from my waywardness on Sunday. Yesterday and Monday were focused and I was able to say no to food outside of the parameters he set. This is proof that God is at work!

#87 While it isn't the most important thing in the world, I am so thankful for the comments made by the ranch horse owner regarding my apparent physical condition. Oh what an amazing difference God has made in the past 5 months! GOD, how did you DO this!!!??? :-)

#88 The private school reassured us that Daniel might have a place there--that his initial paperwork doesn't disqualify him (he doesn't test well and he admitted he wasn't eager to attend school, given he likes being homeschooled if he has to school at all). We have our interview at the private school today. Michaela's was on Monday.

#89 Michaela's cheerful nature that almost always makes me smile.

# 90 That I have a most wonderful family!

Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Entry #8

#71 The amazing sound of the birds singing.

#72 Homeschooling DVDs from Bob Jones University!

#73 God's gentle voice, guiding me to walk with Him.

#74 I never need fear that His Holy Spirit won't be IN me. Yes, I can grieve the Spirit, but He will never leave me. I am so thankful that this is true for us, while believers before Pentecost didn't have this assurance.

#75 Christian schools where in the hallway I can overhear teachers counseling students about the gifts God has given them.

#76 My Mom is healthy!

#77 My son finally reading for pleasure (maybe I have listed that before! I am grateful today for it as well!)

#78 That my body feels (and looks) so different. I know this is GOD's doing. I am so glad to FEEL so much better.

#79 My blood pressure is SO much lower than it has been in a number of years.

#80 For the opportunity to ride horses that are safe and even in my own saddle. What I can't do with my four, I get to do at a nearby ranch. I am thankful for that.

Thursday, April 19, 2007

Entry #7

#61 For KLOVE, a Christian radio network that plays music that ministers to my heart, encourages my spirit, convicts my soul, and lifts me up to praise the Lord!

#62 Christian musicians who God has so clearly gifted to write music and words that can touch the deep hidden recesses of my heart--places I have tried to hide away. Thank you, Lord!

#63 The smell of Doc Tari Zebra's mane! Mmmmmmmmmmmmmm....

#64 My son was a joy at the dentist's office today for a big treatment. This is huge. Thank you, Lord! The dentist praised him up one side and down the other. Thank you, Lord...thank you so much.

#65 My son giggled when we played tennis today.

#66 A husband who takes his 12 year old daughter on an overnight snow trip. THANK YOU so MUCH, Lord!

#67 That God speaks to me so clearly at times and woos me away from Oreos when I am not hungry!

#68 This is about so much more than food or weight! Thank you!

#69 My high blood pressure has come WAY down! When I go to see the doctor next month, I look forward to what she might say about reducing my HBP meds.

#70 That I FEEL so much better!