Mindset

Rom 8:5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.

What is your mindset today? Does it run in ruts, jagged with dryness and monotony? Does it run over the same tired ground, fixed on the same perceptions and judgments? We have the choice to be refreshed by the Spirit on a daily, moment by moment basis. We can be led by the flesh, or led by the Spirit. The two do NOT operate simultaneously. We can take each day's experiences and allow them to run like water down the ruts of our past, or we can allow the Spirit to channel them into the new life, and new way of thinking, that we received at salvation. It takes some practice. A lifetime of practice. Oh, but the delight of a new way of seeing people, experiences, "accidents", insults, and injuries. We can chose to learn, to forgive unconditionally, to pour out grace.

All in the Spirit.

Looking Forward

Just made our reservations for our 25th Anniversary trip. I am SO excited!! A whole week alone with my honey, beautiful scenery, and hopefully very little cooking.
He sure takes good care of me!

Impart Grace

Ahh, the tongue. James 3:6 And the tongue [is] a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. We all know the dangers of a loose tongue - we've been burned to a crisp at times by a wayward tongue. If we were to stop at this verse in James, we would be forever lost. I LOVE that God gives us a choice: cursing or blessing. We can proceed with necessary edification and soothe another. A verse keeps coming to mind: a soft answer turns away wrath (prov 15:1a. This is so very true when speaking or correcting my children. They do NOT respond well to loud voices and harsh tones. They seem to be particularly sensitive to them. In the Spirit, I have the choice not only to speak softly and bestow a blessing, but to THINK this way also. WOW. I am finding more and more lately that my thoughts are returning to remembering the Word, and it's power. I see and hear myself more and more having these thoughts, and it humbles me. Refreshes me. Reminds me of the love of my Savior.

Ranch Time

Faith went to camp this past week at Rocking Horse Ranch.

She really hit her stride here! She came home every afternoon filthy, wet (water-games), and beaming. What a marvelous place this is - and what a change in our child. This organization takes in abused and neglected horses, and rehabilitates them by bringing in during the year "at risk" youth. They teach the horses to trust again, and the children the value of character: trust, love, patience, and hope. What a sweet setup! We had the privilege to go for a week and see the miracles they perform when they bring in a few school-age children for a week of camp for a treat.




Faith found a good friend in "Cody" - a horse she says is "a good boy, mom!" During the showcase on Friday, we got to watch her lead this horse through an obstacle course, then ride him through again. Her counselor/trainer told us that she had "perfect execution." Good job, Faith! It was a delight to watch her encourage this horse, take gentle control, and conquer a few fears.





Mail Call!






After that, we were treated to a time of "line dancing" - they learned 3 different dances and showed us them all. What fun stomping in the dirt, doing improvisation, and showing off their acting abilities! Good, clean fun.


We finished the course of the evening with a lovely BBQ dinner, then a tour of the facility and of course a meet and greet with your favorite horses.




After all was said, done, danced, and ridden, we found this to be a great place. Faith learned so much about herself, her gifts and talents, and took on some new challenges she may never have tried without it. I'm so glad God provided the means, the place, and people to bless us all so very much. We sure look forward to coming back again...soon!

Wings

I'm so proud of Heather.

She's stepping out in faith on a venture quite different than the past, taking on new responsibilities and new people, and going with little direction. I know that fear could easily overwhelm her...as she gets more and more details, the more the enemy of her soul would like to distract, dismay and discourage her. She is standing strong ~ to be more precise, she is kneeling strong. I know she is covering herself in prayer. I am often found convicted by her remarks, her wisdom, her convictions. I know she's ready.

It is so good to have her here, yet I know that the Lord has so much bigger and broader things to take her to, and see her through.

My heart is glad for her. I love to see her spread her wings, and fly.

2 Hands

Father, grant me an undivided heart.

Day in the Park

Heather and I had some fun with her camera while awaiting the Bridal Shower Bonanza for her friend Donna last weekend. Thought you'd like a peek at the things we do to kill time in a public place. (I only posted the flattering ones)




She's a silly girl, and I love her to death. You would have to appreciate the fact that I abhor my picture being taken, as I seldom like anything that the camera produces when it is pointed in my direction. Somehow, I expect to appear differently than the image my mirror gives. Go figure.