Tag: Gods plan

Crossroads in life

I’m at a point in my life where I’m kind of stuck at a crossroad. I thank God every day for everything I have as he has provided me so much.

But sometimes I wonder if I meant for more sometimes I wonder if I’m on the right path. Before my accident I thought I knew what I was meant to do. But now there is a possibility that might not happen. I love horses and I know getting back on one is going to take a lot of work for myself. As when I got on my mom’s horse for that short time I was scared.

I don’t know what my journey may hold. I just know that no matter what I’ve got to keep trying. I am trying to live day by day instead of in the what if’s or future as tomorrow is never promised to anyone.

I love my life and if I wore to die today I would be happy. I get to live in the country, have my horses, work at an amazing place, I have wonderful family. I am no longer living in a world of regret.

I know everything happens for a reason and eventually some of those reasons come to light, other times they do not.

I know it’s hard, but I’m learning that just because your path changes directions, doesn’t mean the end. It just means the next road may be a detour and you will end on the same path. Or it could mean that where you end up is greater. God only knows and as long as we trust him, things will work out!

Don’t take things for granted

Never take anything for granted! No minute of the day is ever promised. So when you are struggling, remember someone else is wishing they could be in your position.

For those who go to a race and don’t clock to get a check, tip over barrels, still stuck in the 5D, be grateful. There is someone out there that would love the opportunity to be doing what you are doing. They would love to be able to go down that alley or even just ride a horse.

Sometimes our life changes, and so must our plans. Just because you are blessed to do something one day, doesn’t mean you can tomorrow. It doesn’t mean give up, you just have to adjust to your new normal.

This picture means so much to me and reminds me of how blessed I am.

The guy in the back, his name is Pastor Tim Wallace. He served the Lord and meant a lot to many. He is no longer with us. He didn’t lose his battle to cancer, he won. His faith stayed true during his trials and now he’s being rewarded greatly, with no pain!

This horse, Pacer, was another blessing. She was all heart and no matter what I asked, she gave it her all. I didn’t get to ride her but a few years because of an injury from her race track years.

Then there is myself, who loves barrel racing. I was truly blessed as there was a barrel race every night of the week where I live. I had dreams and goals of my own. But it wasn’t what God had planned at that time.

I got in a wreck and almost 2 years later, I am just able to ride a very broke horse. Only God knows if I will ever compete again.

I know that everything works out in Gods timing, but I would love to be able to run down that alley again. I remember those days that I was frustrated when we tipped a barrel or wasn’t clocking. But now, I would love to be able to do that again.

Life changes, faster than what we would like. Our great horses, family, & friends, leave us sometimes without even a warning.

So don’t take anything for granted and enjoy your time on earth! If you love it find a way. If you don’t move on. Life is too short to be worrying and living in the what if’s! Live in the right now! If you can’t do something you love anymore, find the positive in every situation!

Success

Why my success is owed to God because without him I would not be here.

Now many think of success as a big fancy house, car, clothes, and so much more. Success isn’t measured in money, it is all the little things!

Waking up in the morning, getting dressed, eating, and breathing! You don’t realize every day you are here on earth is a success!

Now I have been through some rather hard times in my life. I’ve also made some choices that I wasn’t proud of. But through it all those choices led me to who I am now.

My struggles shaped me, lost my faith and grew my faith. They shook me enough to get back on track. God never let go of me and always was there.

He gave me a friend when I needed it as well as an enemy to strengthen me. He gave me all the tools to mold me to who I am today and he continues to do so for who I need to be tomorrow!

Out of everything I have right now, my biggest success is who I am and what I have today with everything I have been through.

I have an amazing family, husband, kids. Yes everyone is quirky but I love them. I have a roof over my head, food on the table, and clothes on my back. I have a job that has amazing core values, and a great team to work with.

To some my life may seem perfect, I assure you it’s not. I have struggles like anyone. I get down but I have a God who fights for me. He has provided me with a husband, that when I am lost, helps me find myself.

I know everyone has struggles that are different. But instead of focusing on all the negative in your life; focus on the good. Even if it is something small like you put on matching socks for the day!

God will provide for us if we just allow it. You can turn yourself from a negative Nancy to someone who is happy! So start focusing on your successes! Start with the small ones then you will see bigger successes later.

Troubled Times

When we go through troubled times, we need to remember that evil will not win! If we turn to God, he will protect us and carry us through deep water as our enemies can’t swim!

Sometimes we wonder why would God do this to me or make me suffer. Why would God let an innocent person or child pass away. We often hear the answer is, “God will only give you what you can handle.”

I’m hear to tell you that is not the case! Not ALL trials are from God. The devil will try anything to get you to lose faith including making the wrong path seem like an easier road to travel.

God lets us make our own choices, although he already knows the plans for us. Some of the troubles are from choices he tried to get us to not do. You know that little voice in your head saying, “Do not do, or say that!” That’s God trying to protect us.

Now if we refuse to listen, Gods love is so big, that he will still love us through our tough times. When we are weak, he will carry us. When we hurt, he will heal us. He is more powerful than the devil ever will be.

The devil will try to push you over the edge, he will try to break you down. He puts fear and doubts in your mind. He is afraid of what God has in store for each one of us!

Sometimes the biggest battles go to the biggest warriors for God. Not because God wants to punish them, but he knows the blessings will be so huge and the devil is terrified! At times I feel like this is why some leave this earth to early.

God knows that the people that leave this earth too early, in our eyes, have been a blessing to so many others.

They are in heaven where the Devil can’t hurt them, where they have no pain, no sorrow. They are where the devil can’t push them over the edge.

Whose to say, God took them from this earth, to protect them. God knew something we did not, he also knew the future of the mourning will be tough. What we don’t know is the plan.

We just have to trust him that the reasonings are so much greater than the sorrows we may currently face. God is smarter than any of us, so we should not question why. I know it is hard at times.

But he will provide for us, watch over us, and help heal the hurting. God will never leave us through troubled times.

Just like the footprints in the sand, when there was 2 sets. When trouble hit, it went down to one set of prints. That was because God was carrying you through the trials!

So I know times will get tough, and you will want to give up. You want to lash out, hate God & everyone else, I completely understand. No amount of words will make trying times better. I just want you to know that you do have a future.

It does get better, not easier, but better. You will adapt, have a new normal, and survive. It may be the hardest thing you ever face, or preparing you for it.

One thing remains the same, no matter WHAT you are faced with, YOU have the power to overcome it. You can beat the odds and make the devil run. Remember Fear IS a liar, & YOU are good enough. The person you lost, you will see again, and the people they are helping now, through you, will never forget it.

Stay true to yourself, never give up, always have faith, and remember God IS greater than the devil will EVER be!

“The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.” Psalms 9:9

Know Your Why!

Do you have something that you can’t go a day without thinking of? If you have a a dream that is so big it seems impossible, that is your why!

People have many dreams and goals but there is one that God has put in each one of our lives, and that is our purpose. Some never try to reach it as they feel unqualified, but anything is possible with God.

Many have asked, “What if I have many big dreams?” The answer is to pray about it. Think about why do you do, what you do? What has been a goal or dream for a long time, that you can’t quit thinking of. Then ask what is the biggest goal that scares you the most. That is when you find your why.

Your reason or your, “why” will seem like a mountain to get to. But God has equipped you to make that climb.

Now I want you to look in the mirror. That reflection you see is your biggest challenge. You have to be the one that stays motivated, not anyone else. When you want to slow down; someone else is picking up the pace. You are the main reason whether you reach your dreams or you stop trying.

You have to have a never give up attitude. Become a leader, not a follower. Be willing to take that extra step or two. Be willing to overcome pain and struggles!

There will be hard times, where many people give up. But if you truly are passionate, find a way to keep going! Your purpose on earth is not sitting on the couch.

This life is too short to not live for your why! So find your why, your purpose and start chasing those dreams! Always remember God already know the plans for you. Ultimately you have to choose what path you want to take.

I needed to sell my Barrel Horse

So when I was told after my injection to slowly start riding again, I jumped at the chance. Although I knew in the back of my head this was not the right time.

At first I told myself it was because he was a push style and with my hip injury, I really needed a free runner. I also wanted a 1D horse so I can move up a division. So I kept thinking to sell him and slowly look for another one and by that time I would be ready.

It was one of the hardest decisions I have ever made. I’ve had other horses but I had a connection with him. I got the horse when he only had 30 days of riding. I would ride him in an arena and he would run to the gate. He didn’t know how to neck rein, he was pretty flexible though and willing. He never loped before so he would do a crow hop at first til he learned where to place his feet with someone on him. It was by no means an “I don’t want you on me” buck.

I originally bought him for my daughter but they never really clicked. She could ride him but you could tell they just were not meant for each other. So I just kept riding him.

I trained him to where I could shoot a bow off of him, neck rein, move off your leg, carry flags, he won money in the 3D and 4D barrel races. He ran 22-23 in poles when I actually only played around in poles and ran him a couple times. He was easy to catch and just an overall fun horse to ride. He always took care of me! He was one of those horses that were just a joy to ride.

I had other horses I have bought and sold over the years and had no problem. There were some really good ones too. But this one was special!

I was so torn but God gave me strength to do it. I prayed about it for awhile and finally I decided to let go and trust God. This was a decision I made over more than a couple months.

The lady that I sold him to, has an unbelievable story and she is an inspiration. Looking back I know God placed her in my life for a reason and truly grateful I turned down a couple other people. I think she was the right fit.

It made my heart happy that he brought her joy. But I was still lost! I thought I was meant to go buy a free runner so when I was ready to ride I would just be ready. I would find a couple horses but nothing panned out.

I even had told a lady I would take a horse, but wanted to wait til she cleared from the vet. They made her an appointment that week and then when I called the vet, the vet said they cancelled the appointment. I called that lady and she had sold her to someone else. I know God was saving me on that one.

So then I started thinking, that is when I realized why I needed to sell my barrel horse. I didn’t have to sell him. He would have been perfect sitting in the pasture til I was ready.

It wasn’t because I needed a faster horse, it was because God had a plan for me and for that horse. But I know God’s plan is so much greater than mine!

He knew any horse I had, it would have to sit in the pasture for awhile. At the time I still wasn’t thinking I was going to have surgery. I thought I was on the downhill part of that journey. God knew different!

See in our lives God watches over each one of us. He knows what we are going to go through before we do. He knew I would be tempted to ride before I was physically and mentally ready so he took away all of the horses that I could ride.

I sold my barrel horse because I needed time. I needed to learn patience and how to grow both physically and mentally. I had to grow stronger in not only my faith but my body. I needed to help my daughters and enjoy time with them. I needed to focus on the little things in life as a whole picture.

God has put me on a wonderful journey and I know now I didn’t have to sell my horse, but I needed to. I’m trusting Gods plan! When I am ready to ride again, God will put a horse that’s ready in my life.

So for now I am enjoying my colts, family, work, and life! Each struggle we go through ends up a blessing in disguise, if we just open our hearts!

Thank You Lord (Nurse)

Dear Lord,

I don’t want to ask for anything, I just want to say thank you!

Thank you for giving me the wisdom to teach others.

Thank you for giving me the strength to get through the tough times.

Thank you for giving me a passion to help others in need.

Thank you for giving me compassion to Comfort those who have lost

Thank you for giving me empathy for the ones who will pass.

Thank you for giving me the power to stand up for others who don’t have a voice.

Thank you for making me humble.

Thank you for giving me accountability, to solve problems that arise.

Thank you for giving me the resilience to change.

Thank you for giving me integrity to do the right thing even when it’s hard.

But most of all thank you for allowing me to be a nurse!

Long Shot Cowgirl