An update on how Bo has come along!

Kinzey and I have been working hard at getting Bokoda to this point. Learning balance and acceptance of a rider all summer. The saddle has been on him for over a month and he took to this little step up as NO PROBLEM!

Now being on staff full time with Timber Bay, I can see some vision and how he will work with kids there as well. Eciting times and God has prepared everything I have been doing, "for such a time as this."

Our Program;How we play with horses!

Each child starts out by doing some kind of "chore". Most of the time it is grooming and feeding, and sometimes it's cleaning up manure. Whatever the chore it is a time to communicate with one another and a "get to know" time.

Each game we play is another way to present how the horse relates to us and ultimately how we build relationships with one another and with Jesus. Some relationships hurt us and we hurt others. How do we handle these things? Through building our relationship with Christ.

Every day is a new day to change and ask God for change in our own lives. He alone can make that change in us and in others. Surprising, that gets to kids. Also the understanding that sin is sin. No sin is greater then another to God. We may think we are good, but "we all fall short of His glory" Romans 3:23. This causes much discussion naming big sins, and ones we think are no big deal but are to God. It is such a precious time with these children and a privilege we are honored to be a part of. The children enjoy talking, asking questions, and just plane having fun on the ranch. Relationships...they are key to our lives and what Jesus expects us to do.

In Christ Jesus, enjoying the RIDE home!

Lee

A New Step!

Mitch and Dan on a ride in Colorado!

Bokoda learns to flex when I am on him.

Getting ready to hop on!

Our little guy is doing so good! We are so proud of him! We have been working on getting on him and allowing Bokoda to feel weight on his back. He took to it, not easily, but respectfully just as his personality has shown over and over again. We plan not to have our guest in the ministry on him this summer, but our still waiting on God for other adventures. We hope to purchase a cart as well as some other equipment to help expand as he learns new things.

God has been so faithful in showing us His time, not ours.

We took a vacation to Colorado to help at a mission camp in Holyoke. We learned so much and were blessed by each staff there! Brian, the head director shared the gospel through using the horses and equipment. One verse he shared we just loved; "His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor His delight in the legs of man, the Lord delights in those who fear him who put their hope in His unfailing love." Ps 147:10

We loved this verse because it shows how much we value the "things" in life and even people, more then we do the one who saves us and loves us more then any person on this side of heaven does! With the children we serve, and even adults who listen in, we must put our Lord first and make Him number 1 in our daily lives. It is easy to say, but at times, very hard to do. We all put our jobs, kids, hobbies, and other things first. We are all guilty! But each day is a new day in Christ Jesus and we can change this attitude by asking Him to help us in the times we fail.

The other truth we heard and know, but are not always open to, is the truth of being teachable. In everyday life, we need to open our hearts and minds that we could be doing things wrong. There may be a better way to do even something we have been doing for a long time. Being teachable is having a submissive heart. I know for myself I do not know everything and there are better ways and more experienced people then myself and when I do open my heart to change, I will be helping not only my own growth, but hopefully others.

Isn't life just a wonderful journey? Let's thank God for each adventure, even the bad ones and watch what He has for us today as we learn new steps and are teachable to old ones!

Driving with Bells!

Bokoda is doing so good! We put bells on him to see if noise would bother him or spook, and guess what? He didn't even flinch! Good BOY!

Our kids enjoy doing this right alongside me. It is such a family affair! Praise the Lord, we can use him to bring a smile to others one day!

A Happy Birthday for our Boy!

Bokoda has a new harness and is ready to pull almost anything! He has been working hard to please us and for the next month we will be working him on desensitizing him to scary things in nature like water, wind, brush and anything else he seems to spook at. He's lookin' great!

Learning to Drive!

We are in an intense month of training as Bokoda is being boarded at a place that gives professional lessons. I only have this month to have the trainer so close without transport, so we are taking advantage of the closeness. Bokoda did great and everyday we work a little harder and longer to learn new things. He is so patient with me as he gets it so much quicker then I. A couple of mistakes, and he doesn't want to get corrected so he will do anything possible to please me. We pray for continued safety and to be a light to all those who we meet at the training center. We appreciate any prayers you have for us as well. Safety is key, as well as wisdom in all areas! Thank you!

The cold will not let us down!

It has been very cold here in Minnesota but the warmth of a furry little horse doesn't stop us from playing. Bokoda and our family have been working on learning how to drive. Not a car, as I think that is easier, but yes with the whole reins and cart thing. It has been tough with the conditions of cold, so we practice when we can. Some pictures show us trying it all out! Bokoda is such a little cutie, yet when we do this he shows another side..."I like not working" attitude. We all have attitudes at times, but when we seek God in all times especially the ones we don't like, He makes it all worth it. Asking Him for strength and a change of attitude really helps me...may God be with you as you seek Him in all times, good and bad!

"For I know the plans I have you declares the Lord...plans to give you hope and a future. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart". Jeremiah 29:11