Coincidence is God remaining Anonymous

I had a "God thing" happen yesterday and I just love it when I am able to see it happen. I will be taking the horseback riding director position at Camp Lonehollow. Anyone that knows me, knows that is a blessing and dream job for me. I can't wait to work with the kids and the horses. Taking this position means that I will be moving out to live at the camp soon. I'll be riding and caring for the horses everyday. I wanted to get a feel for the community so I visited Living Waters church in Utopia to meet some of the people and see what the services were like. I loved it. The worship and the message were spirit filled and powerful. I sat by a wonderful lady that was so warm and friendly and gave me a sweet hug when I left. Her name was Helen Hutto. On my way home to Hunt I had a blow out on my right front tire. I was so thankful that it happened when I was just turning onto Hwy. 39 and was only going about 40 mph. I pulled off the road and started changing the tire but I couldn't loosen the lug nuts. There I was with no cell service and it was cold and windy outside. I had not passed a single car on this desolate road. Within a minute a car pulls over to help me and out comes three teenagers. They are able to change the tire for me and we start talking. They are from Fredericksburg and Harper. They ask what I am doing out there and I tell them about attending Living Waters Church in Utopia. They say they have all attended church there too. Since they don't live close by I ask why and one of them tells me his grandparents attend there. When I ask the name guess who it is...Helen Hutto! I am amazed! God just connects all the dots and sometimes we are blessed to see it. He knows every moment of our life and when I am reminded of that it increases my faith and my gratitude that He loves me so much. He is going before us and He has a plan on earth and a reason for each of us. I can't wait to see what it is. There are no coincidences in my opinion. Thank you God for all the details you take care of and thank you Caleb Hutto for being the good Samaritan!!!

Found the horse records!!!

OK this picture has nothing to do with my subject but I thought Lilly looked cute sitting in my chair at work. She gets to come to work with me on days when I am not staying late in town doing other things.
It is so exciting when I see God work in my life. I am learning to pray and expect. I can't say that I had that kind of faith before. I realize that answered prayer may mean that I don't see the answer right away or even in this lifetime but I pray with expectations now. Yesterday was a day God answered a prayer for me. For several weeks I couldn't find a green bag that contained my tennis shoes and horse records. I last saw it several weeks ago in my car. I had retraced my steps. I went to the Hunt Store, the car wash, my BSF church, everywhere I could think I might have left it. No luck. I left my phone number with everyone. I prayed and asked God to help me find it, I asked friends to pray for me to find it. Yesterday I found the binder with the horse records in a cabinet here at work. The bag is still missing with the shoes but I was most concerned about the horse records. I am so thankful. I didn't get the bag back like I envisioned but I got the most important item. It was an answer to prayer in a different way. That is so typical of the way God works. He does it in a totally different way than we envision. He either says yes, no, or I have a better plan. He is always listening and always faithful.

A true friend is a gift from God.

I have been blessed with the best friends in the world. People who display the character and love of Christ to others. These are two of them ~ Lori and Amanda. They are wise women of character that inspire me with their love of life and Christ. They are striving to become the best they can be and that challenges me to grow. I want to have the courage to step out and do something out of my comfort zone. This weekend I entered my first art show and won third place. I was thrilled and I plan on doing more stained glass projects. Watch out everyone Christmas is coming and you may be getting one of my projects.
Lori flew down to visit from Kentucky for the weekend. She had not been to Texas before so we did a few Texas things like horseback riding, eating Mexican food, a quick tour of the Riverwalk and Mi Terra. She is going to have to come back to get her cowboy boots. She is a treasured friend and I am so thankful for her love and encouragement during this past year. We laughed, we cried, we enjoyed just being in each others' company. It's nice when you have a friend that you feel so comfortable with no matter what you are doing.
Amanda is a friend that I have known for 20+ years when I moved away we had lost touch with each other. We reconnected and picked up right where we left off. She is entering a new chapter in her life and I have watched her step out in courage to pursue her dreams and use the creative gifts God gave her. I got to work her booth while she was at a bridal shower and I learned how to make sales on an iPhone. I am looking forward to seeing her more often now that we are both doing art. Thank you God for friendship and all that we learn about ourselves and others because of it.

A visit from Ryan, Crystal and Biscuit Killer

Time flies when you are having fun and we packed in as much fun as we could. Ryan, Crystal and Biscuit Killer spent a couple of days with me and we rode horses, toured the camp, had chicken fried steak and the Lost Maples Cafe in Utopia, good Mexican food at Mamacita's, picked veggies in the organic garden. I am working on a book of memories for the boys and it was fun to pick Ryan's brain about his childhood memories. Most of them were about doing things outdoors in Texas. He has always been so laid back and comfortable outdoors. I remember when he a baby we took him hiking at Lost Maples State Park and I put him on a large smooth rock under a cedar tree and he fell asleep. Now he is looking after his Mom by giving me a shotgun :). Thanks Rybo for caring about your Mom - Texas style!

Gift of Friendship

I spent this past weekend with some wonderful friends I have not seen in 13+ years. I spent the night with the Sanford family in Uvalde, Texas. They home schooled their 9 children when I was homeschooling my boys. We shared memories of Christmas caroling in the canyon, producing and decorating plays at the Opera house, milking goats, teaching riding lessons. Sunday I went to the church that I attended over 15 years ago. It amazed me how quickly I felt at home again.

It was sooo good to connect with that time in my life when my boys were little and recall all the fun activities we participated in. It really seems like we live many lifetimes in this journey that we call life. I want to keep growing and being thankful for the open book that lies ahead in my life. What a blessing to have christian friends to remind you that you are loved!!! The photo above is Edie Sutherland and Mary Ann Glasscock, two women I worked with at Faith Ranch from 1990 to 1993. They served God by working with troubled boys that came to live at the ranch to get their lives back on track.

Answered Prayers

It has been a blessing to watch God work in my life over the past year. Yesterday I spent all day out in the sunshine riding horses in 75 degree weather. I drive up in the mule and they come looking for a meal. I just throw a saddle on and go for a ride. That is heaven for me and after not being able to ride for 4 weeks because of being bucked off it it was really wonderful to ride without pain.

This week while I was talking on the phone to Bebo I challenged each of us to do a random act of kindness and then report back to each other. I was in Austin Monday afternoon for the Fire Relief concert when a young girl approached me and asked for money. I don't like admitting that I am conditioned to say no but I did. Then it was like my eyes were opened and I realized this was an "opportunity" and I turned around and went back to her and gave her some money. I have been praying that I would become a better encourager to others. A day later an acquaintance on Facebook sent me a message that she wanted me to call her. I haven't seen her in over 14 years and when I called we talked for an hour. I invited her out to camp to go riding with me Sunday afternoon and I hope I can be the friend she needs. I have been praying about my relationship with my boys since the divorce. I don't want them to loose the support and strength that being connected to God and family gives us. I attended a Native American Indian workshop on Saturday and was reminded of the "wisdom keepers" who remember the stories of the past and the lessons learned. I don't have a very good memory but God has whispered into my heart that this is a project He is going to help me with. I just keep a little notebook and He will whisper. He really does give us the desires of our heart when we line them up with His plan for our lives. Oh, and last but not least today at lunch I had to go to the post office - I have been wanting a bike rack for my car so I can start riding some of these beautiful hill country roads. I found one at a storage building sale for $5. Have a wonderful weekend everyone and I pray God opens your eyes to answered prayers.

Intentional Prayers

I have been blessed with a busy & fun schedule the last few days. I spent Monday evening with friends in Austin at the Fire Relief Concert. It was a great to hear some Texas tunes by Willie Nelson, George Straight, Lyle Lovett and the Dixie Chicks. Yesterday I went to a fish fry with all the people I work with and we played washers and I got 3 sinkers! I work with some fun, positive and great people. I also went to a Young Life Committee meeting after the fish fry. I want to give back because Young Life has blessed me and my family. It was through a Young Life leader that Bebo was led to turn his life over to the Lord. He is a different person and I see that he is being molded into the authentic man that God is calling him to be. I am praying about what God wants me to do. I don't want to serve out of my own desires and agenda but according to His purpose and plan. I don't want it to be a waste of my time where it doesn't produce any fruit. This morning as I was praying God lead me to write out my prayers, to say them outloud and then to write what I felt like He was telling me. I think He is trying to teach me to focus on being more intentional. Don't just be wishy about praying. So I will pray as He teaches me. I am so thankful that He wants that for me so that it will come full circle and bring glory to Him, a blessing to me and to others FOR ETERNITY!

Trust is the lesson of a lifetime.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

The bottom line is this: I struggle with trusting God.

I have thought of myself as a woman of adventure but when I am honest with myself I see that I'd rather stay with what is familiar than trust God to give me a calling that I can’t envision right now. I don’t want to be short-sighted, dubious of God’s desire or ability to bless me, or resistant to the future He has for me. But my lack of trust, fear of the unknown, and reluctance to give up my planned life are threatening to hold me back from obeying Him. And that’s definitely not good.

So I have a choice to make. Will I believe that God’s plans are better than my own desires? Will I risk stepping out of my comfort zone? Do I believe the growing pains I’ll face will be worth the blessings that will come? Do I trust God to really take care of me? I have taken baby steps with His encouragement. Changing jobs, moving to Texas, leaving family and friends in another state, establishing new priorities, friendships, church, home. Many times I have woken up to the feeling of "Where am I?" and "Is this my life now?" All that is familiar is gone - my furniture, home, sights and sounds of family, traditions.

What changes I need to release? Do I believe the rewards are worth the pain? Do I trust God’s perfect plan is worth leaving my comfort behind?

Do I trust Him?

The unknown is scary. I do want to have the courage and trust to stand on His word and faith that He knows the Big picture. It’s scarier to think of what I might miss if I don’t let go. And so I say a prayer, open my hands, help me to stand with the power of the Holy Spirit, to seek the joy and peace that comes with each day.

Today let’s choose to trust God and not require that we like or even understand what He is calling us to do. Let’s submit to Him, believing that the path He calls us to take will always be worth the change, worth the risk, worth the effort, simply because He has chosen it for us.

Thankful and Grateful in ALL things

I took a spill off my horse Saturday evening. I was playing polocrosse at Camp Waldemar. The horses were running down the field and mine started bucking. The last thing I remember seeing was me going over my horse's neck. I landed hard on the small of my back. This Texas ground is rock hard in our current drought. Thankfully I didn't break anything and I am healing. I was able to get up and walk off the field. I must have strong bones, another thing I am thankful for. My Mom is staying with me for a few days and driving me to work. It is so good to have a helping hand. I have been forced to slow down and be still, allowing time to heal. Yoga will help when I can get back to it.
I saw a storm roll in last night. It is invigorating to feel the wind pick up, smell the ozone, see the lightening in the distance, to hear the thunder. I love storms, it is like God's fireworks. My house sits on top of a mountain and I can see for miles and miles.
It is my prayer that with each day I will have the eyes to see and understand the blessings placed before me. Every little one and the big ones too!

Tyler and Blake were here last week. Time flies when you are having fun. We packed in as much as you can in 3 days. I was so glad that they had the chance to see each other. As they get older and live all over the place it takes some effort and planning to stay connected. Blake is in Colorado and Tyler is in Kentucky. We had time to visit with family-the Baxters and my Mom, friends-Connie and Karl Akers, Jeremiah Sanford. We enjoyed an evening around the pool and grilling out. We went horseback riding at camp. They went to Austin for a night on the town. This picture was taken at the brewery in Fredericksburg, my favorite town in all the world. What could be better than to be there with my boys? Sharing in happy memories with the ones we love. What a blessing!

Seeking Him in the Silence

I can feel fall in the air. It was 58 this morning and that is cool in Texas. As the days get shorter I am missing my porchtime. I have been sitting in my rocking chair in the mornings and enjoying the sunrise and devotional time. Now that the sunrise is later I don't have as much daylight before getting ready for work. I know how easy it is for me to come home after work and the gym and just veg in front of the TV. I feel guilty doing this because I know I could be doing something creative, reading a good book, journaling or spending time with the Lord listening to Him. I know that it is important to constantly question myself and my actions to keep them in balance. We all need to have down time. God told us to honor the Sabbath because we need to slow down and remember to keep it all in balance. With that thought in mind I will take a two week break from Facebook, TV and other distractions to focus my time at home on more productive things. I am so thankful for the beautiful Texas hill country I live in. God has given me this honeymoon time to be with Him. He has given me this time to grow and heal. I want to be wise and obedient so I will be growing into the woman He intends me to be.

I am looking forward to a visit from Blake and Tyler next week. They will be here Wed. to Sat. The time will fly by. It always does when you are having fun.

Seven Days in Utopia

It was a nice Labor Day. A friend of mine from Dallas came for the weekend. We went to see the movie 7 days in Utopia. It was filmed in Utopia, Texas - just down the road from camp. Robert Duval is the star (he is one of my favorite actors from Lonesome Dove). It is a great film with a positive life lesson. It helps remind me that life isn't about what we do for a living or the success we achieve in the eyes of the world but about the truth. We have to experience God to trust Him. It has to be a deep rooted part of who we are so that what we say and do line up with His character. I have experienced that over this past year with many struggles and pain. I have had to reach out for help and survive day to day. I listened to christian music, read the bible, talked with other believers, listened to sermons, etc. The foundation is laid for my faith so that even in my dreams I find myself saying the lyrics to songs that heal my heart. When life shakes your foundation and you are faced with a fork in the road, which direction are you going to choose? I think choosing God to lead you by the right hand is the only choice that will give you peace. Sometimes our trials are really God's mercies in disguise. I want God's mercy to flow over me. Go see the movie Seven Days in Utopia if it comes to your town.

Riding in the light of the Full Moon

I just finished doing some work in my office. It is sooo quiet. No phones ringing - not a sound. The security guard just came by. He is an ex-game warden and knows lots of people in the area and Uvalde. I have met his wife and daughter. I am going to have his daughter come ride with me tomorrow evening. She is getting her license to be a dental hygienist. We have some people staying at the health lodge tonight. There is a deer hunting convention going on in San Antonio and these people are deer breeders. They are buying some deer from Clayton.

It is finally cooling off and I am going to the barn to do a little riding. I took three counselors for a moonlight ride last night at 10:00 p.m. Stephen, Kelly and Jessica rode with me until 11:30. It was a full moon and riding on a caliche road you can see very well. We rode four miles to the main road and back. Great conversation about where they were going in life. The temperature was perfect. They all said it was the best way to end camp. I am so glad that I get to share riding with others here and have young people come in and out of my life. I hope that I leave a footprint on their lives like they do on mine.

Camp will be ending this Sunday. I have mixed feelings about it - I'll welcome having weekends free again, I'll miss camp. I have so many things to be thankful for. First of all, that God brought me to this place. He really does give us more than we could ask. It has been a great summer. He made it all happen and it fell into place perfectly. I love the people, the kids, the horses, the art, the music, the hill country. I would not want to live in any other part of Texas. I am blessed. Reconnecting with friends after many years. Living in a house that is so beautiful it could be on the cover of a magazine. Keeping my horses. Now for phase two, moving back into the Hunt and Kerrville area. I am looking forward to getting involved and serving in the community. Today's devotional really spoke to my heart. I hope it does yours too.

From the foundation of the world I had your life planned out, knowing which twists and turns of the road you would choose to travel on. I have a way prepared for you if you would but learn to take My hand and trust Me to lead you.

I need you to be of strong moral character, and stand up against the evil all around you. I want you to take good care of the body I created for you to live in.

Your soul is Mine.

I have chosen you,

redeemed you,

and made you Mine.

No more fear. No more second thoughts. We are traveling together and there is so much I have in store for you if you keep on the path with Me.

Yes, we will reach the summit, but it will be a much higher one if you stay connected to Me. I cannot force you to do the things I put in front of you. You must make daily choices for good and evil, for My service, for the personal calling I have for you. If you choose not to follow today, that means we will accomplish a little less.

Please take My hand and let Me lead you into uncharted territory, places you have never been before. I have so much in store for you if you would but let Me take you there.

Do what you love, Love what you Do

Sterling got into the drama closet and dressed up as Prince for Magic Time Machine night. He was a hit in those pants. We had so much fun just being silly. I love camp - it is a place where the abnormal seems normal. I am going to miss it when it all comes to an end soon. It will be fun to plan and anticipate for next summer. Working with the horses will be fun. I am so blessed to call this my job. To work with fun people that are inspiring. I am so blessed to share it with my boys. Sterling sang to the kids on stage last night. The kids all knew the words and sang along. It was great! There is just a magic about this place that brings out the best in everyone. I shared with my co-workers tonight in our value session that we should do what we love and love what we do. So many people don't realize that is a choice. It is an attitude. It is a decision.

Great Memories!!!

This week has flown by. Bebo came for a visit and the first night we slept out on top of a mountain under the stars. The stars were so bright it was amazing and we could see the milky way. We heard the coyotes howl. The breeze blew softly and kept the bugs away. It was a memory I will cherish.
Sterling indulged me with a morning horseback ride and we rode to the site where lightening struck and started a grass fire this summer. He commented on my sense of adventure. I hope all of my boys will think of their Mom as a woman with strength and adventure.
One of my best memories will be of Sterling singing and playing his guitar. Enjoy every moment of everyday.

What is our BIG PURPOSE?????? Outward not Inward Focus

I had an interesting talk with Meg this week. She asked me a good question... What is our big purpose in this world? Not our personal purpose or gift but our purpose as human beings. I answered that it is to be a part of something bigger and more powerful than we are capable of on our own. To love as we are loved. It really has me thinking of what life is like for eternity. To be WITH GOD. BIG thinking!!! What am I doing right now to make that happen? How am I contributing to others. It really comes down to giving out from your life and not being focused on yourself and your life. Outward not inward. Let the love flow out - reach out, hug more, smile often, touch someones life today in any small way you can.

"Surely every one realizes, at some point along the way, that he is capable of living a far better life than the one he has chosen."
— Henry Miller

This quote was on the Happiness Project today. It challenges me to be all I know God wants me to be. Presently these are my goals for this year - spiritually (taking Bible Study Fellowship classes and journaling), mentally (new job and learning Quickbooks by taking classes), Physically (not eating sugar, exercising daily), emotionally (learning to capture my negative thoughts,taking art classes and riding).
I want to be at peace with myself and others. I know that comes from accepting myself as God sees me and accepting others as He sees them. That is what it is all about! Live the life you have been given and don't wait for something to happen.

An Evening of Good Music and Fun

The Chris Brade band played for us last night. They were the opening band for Allan Jackson in Austin and Meg liked them so much that she booked them to come play for us at camp. It was the perfect evening. Soft southern breeze and the last night of session 2A. I even tried a little line dancing. Gotta learn how to do that. What a great job I have. So much to be thankful for.
We had a storm blow through camp late last night. Looks like we got about an inch and a half of rain. The lake rose some and looked good for closing ceremonies this morning.
I am exhausted and heading to my room for a nap this afternoon. Another session starts tomorrow at 1 so I have 24 hours to rest up.

Oh the stars at night are big and bright deep in the heart of Texas! So is the moon tonight. I sat in the amphitheater and listened while Stephen and the band played Lenny Kravitz to an audience of one - me. I was lying back looking at the stars and just being filled with the joy of being in this place at this moment. The majestic splendor of seeing the moon over the mountains in a clear night sky. The soft warm breeze on my skin. The music in my ears. It filled my senses and I just had to say Thank you God.
Today was a good day. I did my office work this morning then I spent the early afternoon riding one of the new horses to try him out for the camp. This evening we had crew outpost on the side of a mountain as the sun was setting. I was giving a little girl a ride up the mountain in one of the mules and picked up her friends to ride with her. It was Lance Armstrong's twin girls. They asked me if I was Ms. Manners and just talked and talked and talked. It is funny to think years ago I saw them in France stand on the podium with Lance when he won the Tour de France and now I have them sitting beside me in Texas. This world really is small.
I love today's quote from the happiness project, it says..."So I learned to accept myself and aim beyond myself" - Stephen Spender.
When I look up at the heavens I am reminded that there is so much more to this world than what I see and that truth can really only come from God and what he has given us to understand him, the holy spirit and the bible. That is my goal to aim beyond myself and seek Him and his truth.

May the Horse be with you!

Bebo and Elizabeth sent me this t-shirt in the mail for my birthday. I'm like the kids at camp - I love getting a package in the mail. They sent the funniest card too. It says "Happiness is like peeing in your pants. Everyone can see it, but only you can feel its warmth." I have been thinking a lot about happiness lately. There is a wonderful website called The Happiness Pproject. I has lots of quotes and helpful ideas on pursuing happiness with a purpose. It is something we have to actively choose. What better place to be than at camp where life if all about exploring, growing, challenging yourself. When we give to others, we recieve, and happiness is a wonderful gift. Thanks Bebo and Elizabeth for the many smiles you give to me and so many others. May they turn around and bless you both.

Rain, Fire, Storm = Evacuation

A bit of excitement this afternoon. I have been evaluating riders all day. This is our largest session with close to 300 campers. We match them with the horse that best suits their abilities. I know this doesn't fall under the bookkeeper job description but I loved spending the day with the campers and outside. During our last class we had a dark cloud come from the South, then the announcement from the outdoor speaker said to seek cover. Shortly thereafter we heard lightening strike close by. Then smoke from behind one of the mountains appeared. It began to pour rain (something we really needed) and we had to start an evacuation of the camp. Two of the counselors were able to put the fire out before the Utopia Fire Dept. arrived. It turned out just fine and we all know that we can accomplish a complete evacuation if we ever have to. God finished it all off with a beautiful pink and purple sunset.

Happy 53 to Me, it rhymes!

I don't know how to rotate my picture so I just say lean to the left and smile. I woke up and didn't remember it was my birthday today. Tonight at dinner everyone sang to me REALLY LOUD and then they brought out this beautiful and delicious cake and I blew out the candle. Can't remember the last time I did that on a birthday. It is good to be here and I love the people that I see everyday. They are so full of life and ideas. They inspire me to grow and give. I found balloons in my office, ribbons on my door and a homemade card signed by many. It made me cry. I hope I have many more like this one. After dinner we all got in the truck and drove to the upper lake to watch them open the dam and release the water. We are trying to raise the water level in the main lake. It was exciting to watch the water flow and fill the dry creekbed. The rocks rolled and the sound is so pleasant. We don't watch TV out here we watch creeks fill and the lake rise. I like that!

Sorry no picture to post tonight. I just got back to camp after a few days off. It was good to spend time with my friends, Connie and Karl, at their place in Wimberly. I got to see Elliott, their son after many many years. We toured Wimberly and I can't wait to go back. I am going to take an art class on August 20th in San Marcos so I will be close by.
I spent the 4th of July in Marble Falls with Mom and cousins. I loved watching the fireworks. They were the best I have ever seen in my life. I sat with Brooke, Trevor and Skylar, three of the sweetest kids you'll ever meet. We ooooohhhed and aaaaaahhhed as the sky lit up with color.
Today I had breakfast at the Bluebonnet Cafe with Mom, Aunt Pat and Uncle Jim. Good ole grits and egg and biscuits. It is just wonderful to be with family again and to be in Texas. I drove to Fredericksburg (my favorite place on earth) and had a great visit with cousin Sherry.
Now I am closing my day at Camp Lonehollow. The leadership staff had a "value session" sitting outside this evening. We asked each other to answer 5 questions....

1.What do you like most about yourself? (Creativity and sense of Adventure)
2. What do you like least about yourself? (lack of discipline)
3. What are you committed to? (My faith and trusting God)
4. Where are you going in your life journey? (to grow and challenge myself-not get comfortable)
5. What is a quirky fact about you? (I've been hit by a car while on a bike 3 times)

Something to think about. I choked up when I shared what I am committed to. God has been so faithful in loving me and I showing me that through circumstances and friendships. I am learning to trust him so much more now than ever before in my life. After sharing that Kayla invited me to come to the counselor's bible study on Tues and Thurs. mornings. I am so excited to see what that is all about.

My friend Connie

It is so good to connect with friends after years. Connie and I have been friends for 30 years. Last time I saw her was almost 3 years ago. She drove over to camp today and will be spending the next few days with me. I called her on the way and had her pick up two dwarf lop eared bunnies in Fredericksburg. We bought them for the junior zookeepers class. They are precious. Tonight was Time Machine night and everyone was dressed in costumes from times past. We did some hair braiding with feathers and ribbons for the girls. We watched them play disco freeze, where they dance and then freeze when the music stops. They had cave men games, folk music, pie eating contest, etc. It was fun.
We went for a walk to the barn and put Indira up for the night. I wanted to show Connie the two deer that hang out around the horses every evening The evenings are so pleasant here. It is my favorite time of the day. It is a great feeling to enjoy God's beauty with a friend that appreciates the Texas hill country as much as I do.

Enjoying a Sunday Ride

As you know, one of my favorite things to do is riding. Yesterday, I took my filly, Indira, for a trail ride with 10 of the guides at camp. We rode about an hour and had a nice shady trail most of the way. The camp is 3000 acres so I have lots of exploring to do. I have only ridden Indira a few times and she is doing great. I have owned her since she was 6 months old and she trusts me.
This is going to be a busy week at camp. The accountant from Houston is coming to help me do the payroll and work on the accounts. I look forward to meeting her. She is a horsewoman too!
I love living in my own little "bubble" out here. The staff are putting on a musical skit at dinner. I am performing. We all play some kind of "thing"(i.e. trash can, broom, etc.) I have volunteered to be Madame Manners next session. I'll have to post a picture of my costume when I get it put together. There is always something to do and ways to contribute. I get back so much more than I give. It just makes me want to give more and to be all that I can be.

HERO NIGHT!

Everyone loves to dress up. I didn't have a costume this year but I will next year. I've got plenty of time to think of who I want to be.

I love that I feel so detached from the rest of the world out here. There is no cell service. No TV. No newspapers. I still have internet but to be honest I just don't look at what is happening in the world. It is like being on vacation. It is like stepping back in time (only with air conditioning and computers and phones). The focus is on your present day and what you need to do. Living in the moment.

So my hero isn't a TV personality or a movie star. I'm not sure who I would pick that is presently living. There are so many people that I know and I look up to for their character and integrity. It makes me think of the qualities that I want to strive for. To have loved and made someone feel loved is the greatest legacy of all. Don't know what kind of costume I can come up with for that one.

My Office

This is where I spend my days. Those are my birds, Frick and Frack by my desk. They are singing and happy in their new home. I have a great view out my window. There is a chuck wagon outside. I love that the furnishings are all done with top quality in mind. My desk is carved wood with a leather top. Very nice!
It is great that inside is so nice and the outside is so nice too. I think we should look at that lesson for ourselves. Be great on the inside first then the outside will be a bonus.

Baby deer love

Camp ended today for the first session. It was a touching ceremony and a few tears were shed. It is hard to believe what goes into these kids lives in a short 2 weeks, memories are made.
Some of the guides went into town to enjoy some well deserved time off. Some of us had a relaxing dinner here at the health lodge. Kitty made potstickers. Jennifer made armadillo eggs (jalepenos wrapped in sausage) a little wine and beer were served. We watched the video that Chris made of the camp. Meg and Clayton had a friend join us from Wimberly. It was a nice evening to just relax and be with friends.
The two baby deer had to be fed their dinner so we got to hold and love on them. The is Esperanzo, the boy. He was sucking on my ear and giving me the giggles. It is such a blessing to be here. I have to say it is a perfect fit. Thank you GOD.

Every Night is a Party

Great concert last nigh! We had the Summer Singers perform at the amphitheater. They are a group of college kids from Oklahoma Christian University. They sang songs from every era. The kind of songs you can't help but sing along and dance.
Today we have a field day going on. Lots of running around.
I am going to the barn at noon to evaluate some new horses coming in.
The kids from this session check out after breakfast tomorrow and I will have the afternoon off. Next group will arrive on Sunday and I'll be learning the check in process. And the fun continues....

My home in Hunt, TX

I met my Mom and Aunt in Hunt, Texas this morning to drop my car off at the house I will be living in after August 15th. OH MY GOODNESS! It is beautiful!!! I know that I keep writing about how beautiful it is at camp and IT IS. This house is just as amazing. I will live in the guest house over the garage and it is like staying at the Ritz Carlton. The views are incredible. I can see for miles and miles. The Texas breeze feels great on the front porch. The pool will be a refreshing break from the Texas heat.
Another blessing! I hope I never leave. For now I will remind myself to enjoy today and this present moment for what HE has done for me. Don't worry about tomorrow but praise and give thanks for this day and all that is provided. Give us this day and our daily bread.
Just look up and around you there is always something to be thankful for.

Wild West Night

Howdy Yall, it was Wild West Night at Camp Lonehollow. Jennifer is the office manager and Kitty teaches scuba diving. They are two of the fun people I work with and we sit together at meal time. I am going to have to start jogging up that mountain because the food is too good. Tonight our vittles were fried chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy, salad, and carrot cake. Blas is the chef and he does a wonderful job.
I feel like I got a little more accomplished today in the bookkeeping area. I had a meeting with Jeff, the construction and deer operation manager. It was fascinating to learn about the deer breeding business. The camp will have some huge bucks to hunt in the coming years. I am excited to be a part of it now as it begins to grow. They have a buck named Gladiator that is one of the top producing bucks for breeding. I will get a picture and put it up on the blog in the next few days so you can see the kind of horns these deer have.
I spent a little time with my filly, Indira, this evening just letting her graze and relax away from the herd of horses she lives with. I haven't had time to ride but I am going to try to get an hour in tomorrow. It doesn't feel like work, it feels more like a lifestyle here, I stay busy from morning til evening and I love it.

First Day

Today was my first day at Lonehollow. It began with a walk up the hill toward the entrance (it is 2 miles from the main gate to the headquarters). As I turned around the sun was rising over the mountains and I could see for miles over the beautiful Texas hill country. It is truly God's country. I am blessed to greet each day with this beauty. I wasn't the only one up and outside at that hour of the morning. I passed Meg, the owner of the camp out jogging as well as several of the girl guides. This camp has an amazing group of people on staff and they invest in these kids with a servant's heart. What a great world it would be if we were all investing in others like that.
I had the honor of being one of the judges for the talent show tonight. I couldn't stop smiling. These kids will make you laugh and want to sing along with them. The photo is a picture of the moon from where I was sitting. The amphitheater overlooks the lake and it is a beautiful setting.
I can't wait for another day to begin.

Im here and Im ready to get started!

I finally made it! Two long days of driving but we made it without any problems. My horses and I are glad that we don't have any further to go. It is sooo beautiful here. I arrived around 5 and unloaded Indira. I got my stuff put in my room. Took a shower and felt human again. I like my room and it is peaceful. I joined everyone for dinner at the staff table. We had a beautiful church service overlooking the lake at sunset. Wow, I can't believe I work here!!! I am sooo tired but I am excited about getting started. The church service was led by guides and the kids. The verse was Isaiah 41:13 which says, For I am the Lord, your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear, I will help you.
He has surely helped me by bringing me here. So many people have helped me and supported me to get me to where I am now. My Mom and Aunt Pat flew up to Kentucky on Friday and we all got up at 3 a.m. each morning to make the long drive to Texas. Friends have been there to encourage me with their time, prayers, money and encouragement. I will heal and I will pass on what has been given to me. Thank you all for your love and your friendship. I start a new chapter tomorrow. I plan on getting up at 6 and as soon as it is daylight I am going to walk 4 miles on the entrance road. I have a staff meeting at 8, breakfast at 8:30 and a full day with lots to learn. I'll post a picture of my office. It is really nice. I am taking my birds, Frick and Frack, over there tomorrow. Good night and sweet dreams! A new day is dawning, let the healing begin!

Yeesss! I am the proud Mom of a son on the Dean's List. Bebo has been so consistent and steadfast in his studies and it has paid off. It is a character quality that will reap big rewards in his life.

I had a wonderful day with Ryan, Blake and Crystal. We started out the day with a trip to Redstone College where Ryan gave us a tour. I met some of his teachers and people he has worked with. I got to see all the equipment he has built for the college. Then we made a trip to the Boulder Running Store. We ran on a treadmill and they had a camera that films the way your feet land and then they can evaluate the film in slow motion to see what shoe is best for you. I got a new pair of Mizuno running shoes. If I run 20 miles a week they should last 4 months.

Next on the list was a trip to Sweet Bird Studios in Boulder. I had seen the belt buckles this lady makes at the World Equestrian Games. They are unique works of art. As part of my new life I have designed one with my horse Indira's picture, a cross, bright colored tin and stones. I just have to come up with my statement. I am thinking "Live Simply with Purpose" and I will have that stamped on the buckle. I was glad I got to meet some of the people that work there and see the studio in person. I would love to sell some of her stuff at art fairs in Texas.

Ryan, Crystal and I all had a massage this afternoon. I have been so tight in my neck and shoulders that it hurt. I need to get the knots worked out and it will take more than one massage. Driving to Texas for two days will not help. I will need to try and schedule another one when I get a chance.

We picked up Blake downtown and had dinner at BD's Mongolian Grill. I love eating there because you pick your own meat and veggies, they grill it and add the sauce you pick. Yummy. I was starving and had only eaten a small 50 cent bag of peanuts all day. I love downtown Denver. It has an old feel to it with an artsy look and the weather was perfect.

Blake and I walked from his house to downtown Golden. We got frozen yogurt and took pictures. They were kayaking on the Clear Creek. We went to the Coors Recreation Center and sat in the hot tub and sauna. I think I am going to sleep well tonight. It has been a day filled with lots of good things and I feel like I am on vacation. So glad I got to do this before I start my new job and make the drive to Texas. Tomorrow is Ryan's graduation and the day to celebrate his accomplishment. Looking forward to that.

New Chapters

It has been a bittersweet day saying goodbye to many dear friends, lots of hugs and tears. I will miss so many people in Kentucky that are dear to my heart. I am a better person because of the love and compassion that my friends have shown me during a tough time in my life. I can only say I hope to carry that love and compassion on to others as they cross my path in life.

God has been so good to me. Everyday as I approach my move to Texas He has taken care of the details. Like my friend, Lori said "It is like watching pieces of a puzzle being put together:" Today it was the air conditioner in my truck. It hasn't worked in over a year. I was expecting a thousand dollar repair bill and even with having it repaired AND all four brakes done it will be less than that. Thank you God for providing.

I am off to Colorado tomorrow to watch Ryan graduate from Redstone College on Thursday. I have never seen where Ryan and Blake live. I am very excited that I will get to spend some time in "their world" and hang out with them. Ryan called yesterday to tell me that he and Crystal have scheduled massages for us. Wow, I can't wait for some R & R. I don't think I have relaxed for months. It will be a good break before I head for Texas and start a new job and new chapter in my life. I wonder what life will be like in June of 2012? Time will tell and this blog will keep a record of the progress. I have a feeling it will be good!!!!