Summer whizzes on

"Cousins on one of our FAMOUS horsie road trips!"

The summer has sped by, I cannot believe it has been a month since I posted, nor can I believe that my son will be heading back to school next week. We spend a LOT of time outside in the summer, and riding horses. It's a busy season as Equestrian sports are focused in the summer months. Although I always seem to think life will slow down in the summer, it really never seems to. Sara had a pony show last weekend, she did very well, lots of ribbons and mom...me, myself and I have one this Sat. showing Intro levels dressage. I did the same levels last year, so it will be interesting to see if we've improved at all according to the judges.

I had to update my family info as we've had a lot of changes. Flashy the horse was "sold," to a nice young lady who plans to begin showing him right away. Nika, beloved pup of many years was laid to rest under the hemlock trees. One of the three spring kittens disappeared. And momma cat returned home "with kitty" and shortly after had seven more kittens. It's easy to see how the cat population gets out of control. We took in one stray who has produced three litters in the year she's been here, ugh. I was relieved that she was alive when she returned after a month+, but it was tempered by the big belly. Sara's happy, she's always happy when there are babies.

I had the opportunity to travel to Gaithersburg for our churches bi-annual worship conference. It was a great time of teaching, worship and a little r&r for mom. Matthew had his BS Eagle ceremony, and is official. It was a very nice ceremony with Matthew style. After the ceremony, Sara spent a week with my mom & and step dad in VA swimming and having lots of fun. I met Sara in VA afterward and had a little girl time with my mom. Barry, Sara, and I hope to travel to SC in a month, but have no arrangements to care for our horses and pets yet, so we're praying, we could really use a vacation. Finding suitable horse care isn't an easy task.

School is coming way too soon, as I haven't even tackled the mess in my school room from last school year. I really need the Lord's help to order my time wisely, it's spread thin. God is gracious and always helps me to prepare. Well folks, that's the update, next time I'll try to be witty or helpful :)

Johanna

Disappointment, His Appointment

Gotta post quick as it's time for the horsies to have their breakfast soon. It is a beautiful cool morning here on the farm. Monday is generally catch-up day for me, after a weekend of family activities which don't usually include laundry or washing pots and pans. Saturday was weed whacking day for me and putting in hay for the guys. Dear friends visited for dinner and kindly helped with getting the hay in. The evening ended around the campfire.

We also discovered that our mare was lame, which was a huge concern and disappointment. She had had a problem with the other knee last summer and we've doctored, then rested her and she's been doing well, though a bit slower than prior. We've been trying to sell her as a brood mare, and even have considered giving her away, to the right home. However, until we see what's up with the knee the mare can't go anywhere or be bred. She's getting an anti-inflammatory, and we'll be checking in with the vet. She seemed much better last night after only 1 day on the medicine, so we'll see how it goes.
Had wonderful encouragement about facing disappointment yesterday at church which was so specific to "our moment," that I could not help but feel loved and comforted by God. I spend far too much time reasoning in my little brain about how to save myself from the unpleasant or unexpected in life, when God wants me to run to Him. My lack of faith is a sin ever before me, but His grace is ready to pour out his comfort, love and peace when disappointment stabs my heart. He is in control.
From Psalm 54:
1 O God, save me by your name,
and vindicate me by your might.

2 O God, hear my prayer;
give ear to the words of my mouth.

4 Behold, God is my helper;
the Lord is the upholder of my life.

7 For he has delivered me from every trouble,