Summer---Winter, Prosperity---Adversity

Looking back to Spring last year there was so much hope and promise to our surroundings. The grass was lush. Last year the white clover flourished in abundance. The horses were so happy with the tender white blooms and the clover leaves. There was food aplenty for all and the horses became fat and sassy. Spring gave way to Summer and Summer finally gave way to hot and dry weather. By August the ground was dry and the vegetation began to dwindle away as horses and cows grazed 24/7. All of us remember the hot dry weather of 2010 around Taylorsville, Kentucky.

Now we are in the throws of Winter here and it would be pleasant to go back to last Spring when riding was easy and everyone was comfortable. Stepping outside each morning seems to bring a chill to my bones. As I step off the deck and into the yard to go run water to the lower field of horses, the wind cuts me into. The blowing cold air quickly penetrates to my skin and standing there for a few minutes is uncomfortable. What does the stress of life do for us instead of do to us. What about the mighty oak trees that have stood the test of time.

Often mighty oaks grow in places where the soil is not so deep. They grow among the rocky hillsides where water is not so plentiful. They have been standing tall in all kinds of weather for years. The strong winds blow them and their powerful branches sway in the wind. The sun beats down on them in the hot Summer but their roots continue to draw a fresh drink of water for them each day. The leaves get blown about. They are exposed to the intense rays of the sun. Year after year the leaves provide ingredients for the trunk and roots to survive another year.

Now think about the box elder tree. Oftentimes it grows in the lowlands where there is rich fertile soil. It springs up quickly and becomes a tree in only a few short years. Its branches are thick on the trunk and it has a canopy of leaves. It looks pretty impressive in its array of greenery and the speed in which it becomes full grown. But, how does it stand the test of time?

The same powerful winds the strengthen the oak can have a much different effect on the box elder. Those same winds will often times break the box elder to pieces. That is true for people too. The same problems that help one person to become stronger could devastate another. Why is this? Like the oak some people grow in harsh conditions and learn to stand strong in the face of adversity. However, others grow up in tender conditions and seem to flourish, but, when hard times surround them they don't have the strength acquired over time they need to withstand the winds of hardship.

Whether we have been used to adversity or prosperity we can all go to the Lord for help in time of need. The person used to adversity likely has approached God most of their life for that needed help. The person who has had a life of ease oftentimes has had no need for God to be by their side to help. While it may be more difficult for some to approach God, we all have access to His ear. Maybe none of this applies to you. But, one thing for sure God is waiting for us to call out to Him.

Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before His eyes, and He is the One to whom we are accountable. So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for He faced all of the same testings we do, yet He did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
(Hebrews 4:13-16 NLT)

If you are in Summer call out to God. If you are in a Winter season call out to God. Whether you are in prosperity or adversity lean on Him.

Be Blessed and Remember God loves you and Jesus died for you.

bob

A Christmas to Remember

Christmas time gives our families reason to congregate. That congregation brings lots of laughter, hugs, and memories to be stored for the coming year. The children play and laugh. What joy to see the children playing and having fun. What a joy to see my family again and get to talk to them. We get to sit down together and share a wonderful meal of fellowship.

My own family will meet this Monday for Christmas festivities, eating, hugs, laughter, and making of memories as we again celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. My sister, Mary, had her celebration yesterday after waking up to a White Christmas. Three of her four children were able to make it along with their families. The house was full. Another sister, Eleanor, was also able to be here. Once again the Christmas Story was read from Luke and we sang Silent Night. It just would not be Christmas without that.

Christmas is a time for love to abound. Since the Great Lover of our soul has taught us what great love means, we, Christians now have more understanding of loving others. That does not mean we always get it right. It means we understand love a little better and we share it a little better. In my life I suppose I have tried to love but will never get it right this side of heaven.

Christmas is also a time to reflect on memories of our families. This is a picture of my dad and mom with my three sisters. Our Christmas celebration in days gone by were so happy. Our aunt and uncle also were part of those happy times. How was I so blessed to be raised in a Christian home and be born in a country so great? How have I been so blessed to have such great children of my own? And grandchildren? And nieces and nephews? And sisters so dear? And my friends, my wonderful friends?

My Bible readings for yesterday painfully reminded me of something going on in our great land right now. In Proverbs 29:10 it says, "The bloodthirsty hate blameless people." In this present time and for ages past, Satan has been the father of bloodthirsty people and they hate the children of God. The enemy seeks to destroy Christmas. As late as 40 years ago we saws signs saying Merry Xmas. Today nativity scenes are banned on public property. Even the innocent baby Jesus is not welcomed by haters of God. Furthermore, Crosses, Bibles, and prayer are not welcome in the public square. This is a great time of year but, at the same time a great rift is forming.

Not only is Christmas a time to celebrate the birth of Christ, it is a time to think of why He came to this world. For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost." (Luke 19:10 NLT) Now, this is really what upsets those who live in darkness and follow their father, the Devil.

Remember, even it this time of love and laughter, we are in a battle. We are reminded, Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8 NLT) Keep your families close. Love deeply, hug slowly, and always pray for your families and loved ones. Remember your friends in your prayers and all of your own clan. We are living in exciting times because the return of Jesus is near. Yes it is exciting but also perilous.


The prayer of the psalmist is Psalms 83 is appropriate.

A song. A psalm of Asaph. O God, do not be silent! Do not be deaf. Do not be quiet, O God. Don't You hear the uproar of Your enemies? Don't You see that Your arrogant enemies are rising up? They devise crafty schemes against Your people; they conspire against Your precious ones.
(Psalms 83:1-3 NLT)

Remember to make each new day special for your loved ones and your friends and finish your Christmas celebrations by loving your friends and family with all your heart. Make 2010 a Christmas to remember. 

Merry Christmas to you all and to all a good night!

Be Blessed and Remember, God loves you and Jesus died for you.
bob

What sorrow for those who say that evil is good and good is evil

It is called the 789. It is a beauty, isn't it?

We all have friends who stay in touch with us and help to make our lives more interesting. One such friend of mine is Floyd. Now, Floyd just sent me these pictures. These make us wonder why innovation in today's cars has to be so ugly. This is an innovative design that pleases us mature men. Now this is a classy looking car. It starts out in front as a 57 chevy. The side is a 58 and the rear is a 59 chevy rear end. I don't know who the people are that came up with this design but this is a classic. When I first read the email I could not imagine how it would look. But here it is. A one of a kind. To bad too.

This car is a lot like us born back in the 30's, 40's, and 50's. Most of us have minds that are sharp. In fact our minds are so sharp they make commitments our bodies can't keep. I have a sister who is in her 70's and she is always talking about her mind being sharp as ever. To think of it, it is a shame we had to get this old to have the wisdom and knowledge we have. However, I have said if I had known then what I know now I would have been dangerous.

A few years ago I was substitute teaching at our local high school. On the agenda for the day we had a movie to play about the space program of the 60's and 70's. As we watched the movie I found it extremely interesting. I also wondered what the students thought of it. Back in the beginning of the space program I would get up early and turn on the TV to see how close we were to launch time. Then it was off to the barn to hurry with feeding and rush back to the house to see if I could catch the launch. Most times something would delay the launch and I would miss it. But, you can bet when I got home I was turning on the TV to get the latest on the flight. A large percentage of people today were not born early enough to remember all this. Looking back it seems to me the space program brought national pride out in our lives. I do believe national pride is waning.

People want to dissolve our borders. They want to burn our flag. They want the pledge changed. Some want all crosses removed. Where is the America I grew up in? We now honor all kinds of junk that was a shame when we grew up. People are talking about honoring the Wiki leaks man. The more I think about it, the things we grew up to honor are now called bad and the things we learned were bad are now called good. That sounds a lot like a verse in the Bible.

What sorrow for those who say that evil is good and good is evil, that dark is light and light is dark, that bitter is sweet and sweet is bitter.
(Isaiah 5:20 NLT)

Think about it my friends. We might need to go back to our roots. We might need to go back to calling on the God of the Bible. We might need to consider turning the clock back to a day where we honored our God and our country, The United States of America. A day when it was fine to pray in school and read the Bible. Let's go back to a day when the Ten Commandments hung in the classroom and in our courthouses all across this great country.

Wouldn't it be great to go back to the morals and ethics of the late 50's? A day before some 60 million babies were slaughtered in The United States and a day when men were men and women were ladies. Yes sir, I would like one of them 789s. It's a beauty, isn't it, the 789?

Be Blessed and think about it.

Then if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.
(2 Chronicles 7:14 NLT)

bob

Don't Ever Give Up

I want to thank Van Bert Farms for the timely reminder on winter care for horses. You can read it yourself @: Van Bert's Blog

Some of you may be wondering why I wrote two blog posts on peace. It has come to my attention again that Christmas time can be one of the most depressing times of year. Some of us have experienced some real hard times this year. Whether, it is financial troubles, the loss of a job, the loss of a child, the loss of a spouse, a divorce, the loss of a friend or loved one, an unexpected injury to someone we really care for, or it just hasn't been a good year; there is hope. My sister always has a verse of scripture she tells me about when things are going badly. "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."
(Romans 8:28 NLT)

Have your burdens got you held up?

This year has delivered some of those experiences to me. In one moment a fall changed someone's life in an unexpected way. I watched it happen in unbelief. I expected them to get back up but they didn't. A call went to 911. The ambulance came. A stat flight arrived and that person was transported for treatment. How do we deal with an incident like this when it happens to someone we care about? One has thoughts over and over about what could have been done differently to prevent such things, but, that is a no win game our mind tries to win to no avail. Sleepless weeks follow and the video in my head keeps playing the scene over and over. Each time I cry out to God as if it just happened. Time helps the healing process, but, what do we do in the meantime?

What about that person's family? How will they deal with this incident? How do they cope, when a phone call changes their world? I have heard it said, "God has a purpose in everything." How do we look at such an occurrence and see God's purpose? It is not always easy. We may never know this side of heaven. This I do know. God is offering us a chance to walk by "faith." Here are a few thoughts that may help us.

In the Bible in the book of Job we are told that when trouble came, Job's wife told him to curse God and die. Now that is certainly not the answer. Dying like that would be for cowards. It takes bravery to keep living when we hurt and people we love hurt. When we do not have the answers self doubt always is there to torment us. Job lost everything including his children in a day. His livestock were gone. But, his children were all gone. How does a man go forward when this happens? Job had friends?  Yes, it said his friends came by to console him but they only wound up blaming him for what happened. They accused Job of having un-confessed sin in his life that caused the whole incident. This was not true.

The whole event in Job's life was not his fault. It was not his wife's fault. It was not his children's fault. But all of them suffered and the children were all killed. Satan had accused Job to God by saying Job only worshiped God because God had a hedge of protection around all that belonged to Job. Satan had been before God and asked permission to injure Job so he could watch Job turn on God. But, it did not happen. Next, Satan wanted to ruin Job's health so he would turn on God. Job lost his health, but, he did not turn on God either. Now, we can't blame God for what happened. It was Satan who wanted to see Job turn against God. It was Satan who brought all this upon Job. His purpose was to see Job turn on God. Turn to more words from God with me.

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.
(James 1:2-5 NLT)

Okay, this present trial is an opportunity for "great joy." This is a test of my faith. This is giving my endurance a chance to grow. And, when my endurance is fully developed I will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. I must say that growth is hard.

God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him. And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, "God is tempting me." God is never tempted to do wrong, and He never tempts anyone else.
(James 1:12-13 NLT)

Being fully developed is not easy. This verse my sister keeps telling me about in Romans sometimes hurts. I have sometimes wanted that verse out of the way. I know if we patiently endure testing God will bless us. His Word is always true.

Trials and testings certainly gives us the opportunity to pray. It gives us the chance to claim the promises of God when we pray. Pray I did. I asked every body and their brother to pray. Well there have been improvements to my friend, but, there is a long road of recovery ahead. I know beyond all doubt that God has heard our prayers for my friend. Without them they would not likely have survived. God is still on the Throne and prayers still help.

One day Jesus told His disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up. "There was a judge in a certain city," He said, "who neither feared God nor cared about people. A widow of that city came to him repeatedly, saying, 'Give me justice in this dispute with my enemy.' The judge ignored her for a while, but finally he said to himself, 'I don't fear God or care about people, but this woman is driving me crazy. I'm going to see that she gets justice, because she is wearing me out with her constant requests!'"
(Luke 18:1-5 NLT)

Don't Ever Give Up!!! Don't Ever Give Up On God!!! Don't Ever Give Up Praying!!! Don't Ever Give UP!!!

'May the LORD bless you and protect you. May the LORD smile on you and be gracious to you. May the LORD show you His favor and give you His peace.'
(Numbers 6:24-26 NLT)
Be Blessed
bob

The Peace of Winter

My last stop tonight was to go to the gate and make a visual inspection of the pregnant mares to make sure everyone was accounted for and that everyone was eating and feeling well. Two of the boarded horses approached me at the gate. The came up close so they could smell me and stood near so I could rub their foreheads. Then it dawned on me how peaceful it is tonight.

My sister, Mary, and I had just gotten back down to the house from feeding the other horses. Perhaps I should back up. Our afternoon had been spent mostly in the house until feeding time. This turned out to be one of those days when everything went pretty smoothly. So with the ice covered landscape we spent time inside. When feeding time arrived we put on our usual clothing and boots. Erica, my sister's lab elected to wait for us in the house, but, Tex her brother and Cassie were anxious to be out in the winter wonderland that greeted us as we left the house.

Upon arriving at the barn we began our evening feeding. I started running water in the tanks and Mary began loading the buckets for the horses. It seems as though everything outside has a deep layer of ice covering it. The road in front of the barn was packed snow covered with ice. The snow and ice work to deaden the sound and it is so peaceful. While the water quietly fills the tank I begin to help feed the anxious horses.

You know the Cloth girls are going to be some of the first ones I feed. There is Satin raising her front legs and pointing to the place she wants her feed. As I approach her she starts backing away to allow me to put her feed right where she directed. She is my baby girl and she has become such a pleasure to be around since she first appeared at Whispering Oaks Farm. Now with her feed in place she is happy but Velvet, the other Cloth girl is becoming impatient and nickers for me to hurry up. I pick up her portion of feed and put it where she likes it. Now, the Cloth girls are the happiest horses in the barn.

One by one the process continues until there is a barn full of happy campers who are munching the feed and replenishing their energy levels for the night. Someone said each empty feed sack piled up represents a fair amount of cash. To the horses they represent another happy day at Whispering Oaks. Have you ever watched a horse eat? All you can hear is the crunching of the grain as they contently grind away. I think of feeding time as giving the horses a cup of coffee. It warms them from the inside out. They eat the grain and then the finish with hay. Hay and grass is the mainstay of their diet and they get the necessary fiber and nutrients to maintain their healthy bodies there. The grain is like a cup of coffee. It gives them a boost and supplies energy to run their internal engines.

There is such contentment for me to watch the horses eat. When the horses are happy and well all is well in my world. It seems that on the farm I am isolated from the cares of this world and unease that prevails today. God has gifted me in a huge way to bring me back to spend time with such magnificent animals. My sister has truly been blessed by acquiring such a fine herd of horses. I am blessed to be able to ride them and work with them.

There used to be a saying among the people I went to church with back in the 80's. "Come apart and rest or come apart." Now tending to horses is not exactly rest but there is a "rest" to being around horses and watching them be horses. There is something that happens to a human when we watch large beautiful animals live in contentment. More importantly we have peace in our soul when we have "The Holy Spirit" living inside us. That peace is what makes everything I have said to this point so special.

The Holy Spirit comes into our life to live there with us the moment we ask Jesus to be our Savior. God can and will forgive every wrong thing we have done. Believe me, I have done more than my share of wrong things in life. Now, I don't have to carry this load of guilt that wants to  ride on my shoulders when I have asked God to forgive me of all the wrongs I have done. He can forgive me for all the things I should have done but failed to do. That offers me more peace than all the beautiful horses in the world. I can go to sleep at night knowing I am clean in the eyes of God. All He sees when He looks at me is The Blood of Jesus. Thank you Jesus for dying for me to rescue me from all my sin and make me clean and ready for Heaven.

Thank you Holy Spirit for living in my life and being my "helper." The Holy Spirit helps me and comforts me in every situation. When I am hurting inside, He helps. When something happens in a moment to changes someone's life you care for, He is there to help you carry the load. When a long illness takes someone you love away, He can help. When hurtful words are directed at you He will help. When someone gets beaten and bruised He will come alongside you and be your defense and healer. He will make a way of escape. When someone you love walks away He will help.

I really don't know how I could face another minute without the peace of God in my life. I do hope that if you are reading this that you have the same peace and comfort that I do. If not you can get it and best of all it does not cost you anything.

All you have to do is simply place your trust in Jesus for dying on the cross to pay for your sins. Rely solely on Him to forgive your sin and make you ready for Heaven. Would you do it now? Will you ask Jesus to forgive you of your sin and put your name in His Book of Life?


Back to the gate with Moon and Thunder. As I stand there rubbing their head a flock of wild geese begin honking in the distance. As I begin to scan the sky they appear in their usual v formation honking and telling each other how to advance. They fly ever so steadily across the cloudy sky, sending their message as they fly. The coyotes are quiet tonight. Not a peep out of them. They must be hold up in their den tonight waiting for hunting time. Moon and Thunder are still standing at the gate. Moon sighs a long sigh to tell me she is relaxed. Thunder inches closer. Thunder is a big sorrel quarter horse and he stands there wanting more attention. How can I keep from enjoying the quiet surroundings of Whispering Oaks Farm?

Tonight I feel a deep sense of peace as the day draws to a close. What about you? Do you have peace and contentment in your life?

Be Blessed
Bob