Harvest is completed! Now it is time to think about winter! The holidays! Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years. The winter holidays seem to make us overwhelmed and anxious and for some depressed.
I am in midst of getting ready for my winter vacation. So much to do. I have faith it will all get done and I will be ready to go by mid November. I love spending the holidays in Clear Lake. It is a time of reflection, peace, renewed friendships, special times with family and relaxation. No hurry, no hussle and bussle. Just relish in the moment. I take the time to pray, bake, exercise, shop, pray some more, read, watch the ice fisherman, watch the sunrise, sunset, and the beautiful moon reflecting on the lake. I enjoy the beauty God has provided. I enjoy taking walks around the lake and enjoy going downtown and hanging out. I enjoy going swimming with my grandson. I enjoy making memories. What is so special about this time is my husband makes this all possible for us to be able to make all these beautiful friendships and memories. What a great husband! Got to love the fact that he sees and understands my needs.
ASPIRE will soon finish classes for the winter. We are not able to provide programming in the winter due to our outdoor arena. It is our desire to resolve this issue so within the next 5 years. We would love to have an indoor facility. We are so appreciative and love our outdoor arena but it has its constraints due to weather related problems. The outdoor arena brings us the beauty of the sunsets, deer in the field, beautiful trees surround the arena, listen to the horses in the pastures, the traffic passing by and the beauty of nature. It gives our riders a chance to breath the fresh air and be part of something they don't get to experience in their everyday lives.
As this year begins to draw to a close both for programming and the year end, it is a reflection of peace, love, hope, belief, power and amazing progress. I look forward to seeing volunteers this winter digging their heels in and assisting in keeping our horses healthy. I look forward to working with our women's group this winter. Most of all I look forward to being with our riders next spring and watch the amazing strides they take.
Yes, we have some work to do to get ready for winter. But God will provide the help we need and the time to get it done. It will be an awesome winter and we will enjoy the time whether it is warm and dry or cold and snowy.
As we get ready for our Halloween party and Volunteer Recognition, enjoy the beauty that God has given to all of us and remember to smile and look for something positive in each and every day! Blessings
Marilyn
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Monday, October 15, 2012
Life in the fast lane
Wow! It is the middle of October, where has the time gone! Slow down we move to fast got to make the morning last! We're in a hurry and don't know why! When do we slow down and cherish the moments that help us to think clearly and be more grateful for the time we spend with nature and others.
This weekend has taught me about moving to fast. I was in a hurry! House to clean, laundry to do, dishes to clean up, horses to take care of, cats and dog to tend to, pick up things outside for winter and so much to get done before my winter vacation. Hurry, Hurry, Hurry!
Last week we were having a discussion and the desk began to shake for no apparent reason, the lights on my dash began to go off and on for no apparent reason, then a morning dove landed on my railing right outside my window and sat there watching me for a long while. The time was not important, however I remember thinking maybe it is hurt. It was watching with intent moving its beak like it was talking to me. My husband said maybe it was an angel and dove's represent peace and serenity.
Saturday was that hurry day! Sunday we decided to pack the car and go to Gays Mills for apples. Adventures begin with, it is raining and my wiper is not working properly. We made it to Prairie Du Chen and stopped at a car parts place to replace them. Off to McDonalds for lunch and while we are eating lunch my grandson says my chest hurts. I ask," Are you OK?" He replys "Yes". On to Gays Mills for apples. On our drive back we stop at Dyersville to eat dinner. Not the best food. We enjoyed the time with family.
Arrive home and get unpacked and sit down finally to just RELAX! I fall asleep and get woke up my husband had a call they were taking his dad to the hospital. It ended up he had pneumonia and aspirated earlier in the afternoon. How did my grandson know? God has given him a special gift and he is truly amazing. He stops and thinks about things and slows down and listens. He just comes out with whatever is given to him to say. We are in such a hurry that we don't slow down to hear God's voice.
ASPIRE is growing and I am at peace with the program. My family seems in a little disarray. Slowing down and hearing God's voice will guide me in the right direction for all phases of my life.
Peace, Serenity and Love!
This weekend has taught me about moving to fast. I was in a hurry! House to clean, laundry to do, dishes to clean up, horses to take care of, cats and dog to tend to, pick up things outside for winter and so much to get done before my winter vacation. Hurry, Hurry, Hurry!
Last week we were having a discussion and the desk began to shake for no apparent reason, the lights on my dash began to go off and on for no apparent reason, then a morning dove landed on my railing right outside my window and sat there watching me for a long while. The time was not important, however I remember thinking maybe it is hurt. It was watching with intent moving its beak like it was talking to me. My husband said maybe it was an angel and dove's represent peace and serenity.
Saturday was that hurry day! Sunday we decided to pack the car and go to Gays Mills for apples. Adventures begin with, it is raining and my wiper is not working properly. We made it to Prairie Du Chen and stopped at a car parts place to replace them. Off to McDonalds for lunch and while we are eating lunch my grandson says my chest hurts. I ask," Are you OK?" He replys "Yes". On to Gays Mills for apples. On our drive back we stop at Dyersville to eat dinner. Not the best food. We enjoyed the time with family.
Arrive home and get unpacked and sit down finally to just RELAX! I fall asleep and get woke up my husband had a call they were taking his dad to the hospital. It ended up he had pneumonia and aspirated earlier in the afternoon. How did my grandson know? God has given him a special gift and he is truly amazing. He stops and thinks about things and slows down and listens. He just comes out with whatever is given to him to say. We are in such a hurry that we don't slow down to hear God's voice.
ASPIRE is growing and I am at peace with the program. My family seems in a little disarray. Slowing down and hearing God's voice will guide me in the right direction for all phases of my life.
Peace, Serenity and Love!
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
A little bit of sunshine
Amidst the clouds are rays of sunshine. Amidst the sunshine is the beautiful colors. Fall brings us so many beautiful sunsets and sunrises. The leaves turn colors, seasons change, the grass turns brown and the leaves eventually fall from the trees.
Often we begin to think of the cold winter that is to follow, then we hibernate and sometimes seasonal depression follows. I want to challenge you to get out of your comfort zone, dress warm and experience the beautiful sunlight on a cold and wintery day. Statistics show we are so short on vitamin D. We need sunlight.
God gave us the sun the rain and the snow and the moon. God gave us the beauty of nature. Enjoy and have fun through this beautiful season of changes.
Those of us at ASPIRE continue to enjoy the beauty of the changing seasons and love to watch the horses grow their winter hair and watch them kick up their heels and run and play in the cooler weather.
We are enjoying watching the many changes that are happening here on our farm. The old corn crib has been torn down, harvest is in full swing. We are watching the riders gaining in their new "strides". We watch the changing and dedication of our wonderful volunteers.
It will soon be time gather the troops for our Volunteer Recognition. We thank everyone on a regular basis but on this day it is a chance to thank them for all they do. Join us on November 8th for our free chili supper and help us thank everyone for the great year we have completed.
Don't forget our horses and barn need attention all winter so come out and enjoy some wonderful winter sunlight and help us keep the horses clean and the barn clean throughout the winter. Thank you all for the great work you do and for supporting this organization.
Often we begin to think of the cold winter that is to follow, then we hibernate and sometimes seasonal depression follows. I want to challenge you to get out of your comfort zone, dress warm and experience the beautiful sunlight on a cold and wintery day. Statistics show we are so short on vitamin D. We need sunlight.
God gave us the sun the rain and the snow and the moon. God gave us the beauty of nature. Enjoy and have fun through this beautiful season of changes.
Those of us at ASPIRE continue to enjoy the beauty of the changing seasons and love to watch the horses grow their winter hair and watch them kick up their heels and run and play in the cooler weather.
We are enjoying watching the many changes that are happening here on our farm. The old corn crib has been torn down, harvest is in full swing. We are watching the riders gaining in their new "strides". We watch the changing and dedication of our wonderful volunteers.
It will soon be time gather the troops for our Volunteer Recognition. We thank everyone on a regular basis but on this day it is a chance to thank them for all they do. Join us on November 8th for our free chili supper and help us thank everyone for the great year we have completed.
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Appreciation
As ASPIRE continues to grow, it is time to express my appreciation and gratitude for the people in my life that have made that possible.
1st to the awesome donors, it is your gifts, dedication and kindness that brings us to level of service ASPIRE provides. Our program would not be the same without your awesome gifts. Thank you so much to the community for making possible to make differences in the lives of thousands.
2nd to the staff. Bobbi and Sara it is truly heartwarming to work with such an understanding staff and wonderful team. It makes the wheels of the program turn so much easier. I am totally grateful for your dedication, compassion and willingness to go the extra mile.
3rd to the volunteers and board. Thank you so much for your commitment and love for ASPIRE. Thank you for giving so much time out of your busy schedule to assist us in providing such an awesome program. I am so grateful for your smiling faces and your eagerness to learn more and be a part of the bigger picture.
4th to the interns. ASPIRE would not have grown and developed at the pace it has without our dedicated interns. I am so thankful and filled with gratitude for all the awesome interns that have crossed and will continue to cross paths with in years to come. You truly make a difference.
5th to my family. I have such a great support from my family. It is an honor to be part of a group that supports this dream and they dedication in making this dream a reality. Thank you all so much for being part of my life. Love you all.
6th to my coaches, mentors and educators. Thank you for making a difference.
7th to the riders, family and horses. Wow there are no words to express the beauty they all possess inside. Given the chance they blossom and grow and become someone or an animal that you never dreamed possible. Everyone needs that chance and we all possess beauty we just need the chance and the situation to bring out the beauty.
First and foremost with LARGE STARS ****** is God! There is hope, there is light, there is dreams, there is peace, there is beauty. My spiritual journey has unfolded and I am truly grateful for all the people that have been my mentors on this journey. God is our light, hope and our number 1 mentor. God you are the light and the wonder, continue to bring out the best in all of us and bring on the beautiful light that shines in all of us.
Blessings for an awesome day!
1st to the awesome donors, it is your gifts, dedication and kindness that brings us to level of service ASPIRE provides. Our program would not be the same without your awesome gifts. Thank you so much to the community for making possible to make differences in the lives of thousands.
2nd to the staff. Bobbi and Sara it is truly heartwarming to work with such an understanding staff and wonderful team. It makes the wheels of the program turn so much easier. I am totally grateful for your dedication, compassion and willingness to go the extra mile.
3rd to the volunteers and board. Thank you so much for your commitment and love for ASPIRE. Thank you for giving so much time out of your busy schedule to assist us in providing such an awesome program. I am so grateful for your smiling faces and your eagerness to learn more and be a part of the bigger picture.
4th to the interns. ASPIRE would not have grown and developed at the pace it has without our dedicated interns. I am so thankful and filled with gratitude for all the awesome interns that have crossed and will continue to cross paths with in years to come. You truly make a difference.
5th to my family. I have such a great support from my family. It is an honor to be part of a group that supports this dream and they dedication in making this dream a reality. Thank you all so much for being part of my life. Love you all.
6th to my coaches, mentors and educators. Thank you for making a difference.
7th to the riders, family and horses. Wow there are no words to express the beauty they all possess inside. Given the chance they blossom and grow and become someone or an animal that you never dreamed possible. Everyone needs that chance and we all possess beauty we just need the chance and the situation to bring out the beauty.
First and foremost with LARGE STARS ****** is God! There is hope, there is light, there is dreams, there is peace, there is beauty. My spiritual journey has unfolded and I am truly grateful for all the people that have been my mentors on this journey. God is our light, hope and our number 1 mentor. God you are the light and the wonder, continue to bring out the best in all of us and bring on the beautiful light that shines in all of us.
Blessings for an awesome day!
Monday, October 1, 2012
Day to Day Living
A friend sent me this prayer and it is message to strive for everyday! Autumn brings a new season and new beginnings! Beautiful colors, beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Beautiful moon! Cooler weather! Changes and more changes. It seems like in this world of technology and rushing and hurry all the time we forget to take time to relish in the beauty God has provided for us. On Saturday some people came and took down our old corn crib and now there is a view to the back pastures. What a gorgeous view. Enjoying the moments that we have and cherishing those moments in our minds eye. Our lives are unmangeable but with God and his beauty in every season we can accomplish anything! I challenge you to get outdoors and enjoy God's beauty. Breathe it in and just hold it and remember. So much to do so many places today, tomorrow but for 10 minutes just enjoy God and all his beauty. Enjoy today and make some beautiful memories.
Dear God, I am powerless and my life is unmanageable without your help and guidance. I come to you today because I believe that You can restore and renew me to meet my needs today. Since I cannot manage my life or affairs, I have decided to give them to You. I put my life, my will, my thoughts, my desires and ambitions in Your hands.
I give You all of me: the good and the bad, the character defects and shortcomings, my selfishness, resentments and problems. I know that You will work them out in accordance with Your plan. Such as I am, take and use me in Your service. Guide and direct my ways and show me what to do for You.
I cannot control or change my friends or loved ones, so I release them into Your care for Your loving hands to do with as You will. Just keep me loving and free from judging them. If they need changing, God, You'll have to do it; I can't. Just make me willing and ready to be of service to You, to have my shortcomings removed, and to do my best.
Help me to see how I have harmed others and make me willing to make amends to them all. Keep me ever mindful of thoughts and actions that harm myself and others, and which separate me from Your light, love and spirit. And when I commit these errors, make me aware of them and help me to admit each one promptly.
I am seeking to know You better, to love You more. I am seeking the knowledge of Your will for me and the power to carry it out.
--Anonymous
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