Christmas will soon be over and a new year will begin! Time has flown by with many ups and downs.
I hope that all of you have a blessed Christmas! Celebrate the birth of Christ! Enjoy your families and friends!
Most of all during this Christmas season remember it lasts all year long! We need to remember the joy, laughter, fun and excitement all year long! Remember our life here on earth is just a moment! So love,give back, enjoy random acts of kindness, remember our seniors(many of us are there already). Christmas is a time of giving.
Laugh, sing in the rain, sit a moment, reflect, embrace life, be sad when you need to but remember that God's gift was eternal life for all things on earth! Christmas is living in the moment and bringing new memories to the day and year ahead! Christmas is about relationships not stuff! Make the most of this holiday season and spend it with the people that you love and create positive memories. A no stress season!
As I look at the New Year I need to reflect on the old! Ups and downs but some exciting times as well. Thank you to Black Hawk Gaming Commission, Theisens, Iowa Horse Council, Junior League and CUNA Mutual for our latest grants.
ASPIRE has served 1,331 individuals this year and yes with grace, fun, laughter and new learning in a natural and peaceful environment.
The New Year will bring lots of new ups and downs! New people, new clients, new grants, new volunteers, new donors, new board members, new staff and lots more fun, laughter, and learning out here on our beautiful farm with beautiful animals.
So just a word of thanks to everyone for everything you have done and made this year possible with all the ups and downs. I hope your New Year brings lots of joy, laughter and health to you and yours.
Blessings abound
Marilyn Moore
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Friday, November 22, 2013
Chrstmas by the Lake 2013
Hello everyone my name is Erika! I am a beautiful Norwegian Fjord owned by Marilyn Moore. The journey is long and love is abound! My journey begins last Christmas when my owner Marilyn and her family go to Clear Lake for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years. She tells me it was a beautiful time with sunsets, snowmobiling, swimming with Kameron and lady friends, watching deer out the window (I think looking at me is better than some old deer), eating, eating, and being sick. She enjoyed the carriage ride, trolley ride, Christmas Parade, Polar Bear Dip, buying cookies, seeing Santa with Kameron and just hanging out watching the sunset. Oh did I mention that she was sick with flu a lot up there. Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years were certainly celebrated differently with lots of weird happenings in the house they rented.
Home to lots of snow and I mean lots of snow. Seems like they were snow blowing with ASPIRE’S new snow blower all the time so we could get out in the pasture. Did I mention there was lots of snow. Winter came and went with as I said illness, memories and challenges. Marilyn (my owner) has a strong faith and love for everyone (well most of the time) and believes that everything happens for a reason and there is a lesson to be learned. Slow down, relax and enjoy the moment just like us horses do!
Spring came with lots of rain! Rain and Rain! Marilyn said there was water in the basement to clean up and then they had to cancel a lot of ASPIRE classes. Our pastures were growing but lots of mud. ASPIRE ordered some new loafing sheds. Marilyn said she was excited to get them but alas they would have wait for awhile as the weather put everyone behind. I heard Don had a hard time planting his crops. I was happy not to have all that machinery around.
Marilyn said they had a great time at the Spring fundraiser in May and raised lots of money!
Summer came and the weather straightened out but then we had new horses coming in and Kiley had a sore leg so our new horses included Topper, LC and Moose. All of us here at ASPIRE got some breaks so we did not have to work so hard. Those darn fly’s were bad this year and all I did was itch and itch. It was a summer to be remembered. Children ,volunteers and people coming to ride, pet, groom and observe. I love all the attention. It was time for Cowboy Breakfast with lots of good stuff to eat and then Camp Hope. I was at the Cattle Congress grounds with all the campers riding me. Life was good. I had some lotion and fly spray to keep the itching a little less irritating. Cindy and Sara take such good care of all of us. What a great year it is turning out to be. Marilyn’s grandson Kameron comes down sometimes and helps feed us and clean after us. Oh by the way Bobbi and her team keep our stalls so clean.
Fall is here and Sara is called to the barn. I had a bad ouchy. My face was all funny. I had a droopy ear, my eye would not blink and my mouth drooped darn and there seemed to be some kind of abscess in my mouth. Dr. Samson was stumped as to what happened but treated the ouchy in my mouth and kept my eye wet. Well Sara was diligently taking care of it but alas I rubbed my eye and it ulcerated. Marilyn was really worried. She was scared to death. She just didn’t show it! Thanks to Dr. Kelly Sampson for all the great work but off to Iowa State and a stay. Darn it my boyfriend Sonny is upset at home because I had to be gone for days. I was diagnosed with THO and don’t ask me what that means but I have to be careful how far I open my mouth for the rest of my life!!!! Now that is going to be interesting! Now I look like a pirate and they had to put drops in a lot. They were always pestering me. I even got to go to Sara’s house for the weekend. That was fun. I am still a pirate but getting better. The doctors and caretakers at Iowa State were wonderful! They helped me and eased Sara and Marilyn’s minds. Don is harvesting. It is going slow and all those darn machines are out again. Classes are done and I only got to see hmm well kind of see the Tuesday night group.
I don’t see much of Marilyn’s family except Kameron, Christine, and Craig. I hear that Justin is graduating, Autumn and Briana are growing into nice young ladies. I miss all the kids and I think Marilyn misses them as well.
Well it is time to close for another year! Yep I did not get to go to The Night of the Horse this year but I heard it went well and Topper and Pixie did a great job.
Marilyn’s faith, strength and love for all humans and animals shines through during these challenging times. She tells me she feels very blessed to be part of this year’s journey and has found blessings and lessons in every turn in the road. The path was dark at times but her love endured and she just kept on following God’s path and the stabling factor was not only her love for God but the animals and her coworkers. Marilyn says that without Sara she would not have gotten through the rough roads as smoothly.
I am feeling better and so are the rest of the animals. Cats are doing well, rabbits are hanging out with all the kids as much as I can see of them with my pirates mask. I hear Snickers is doing ok and Shadow is as feisty as ever. I wish all of you a very Blessed Christmas and Happy New Year. I hope to see all of you out of both eyes soon!
Love from all my animal friends, Sonny, Bo, Blue, Benny, Buddy, Kiley,Moose, LC, Topper, Ginger, Maverick, Pixie, Cody, me(Erika) and my small furry friends, Snappy, Sassy, Misty, Mouse and friends I lost this year Penny and Patches and of course our little bunnies! Oops can’t forget Snickers and Shadow!
Lot of love from our human side: Don, Marilyn, Sara, Cindy and Bobbi!
Thank you all for the beautiful blessings and following our journey
Home to lots of snow and I mean lots of snow. Seems like they were snow blowing with ASPIRE’S new snow blower all the time so we could get out in the pasture. Did I mention there was lots of snow. Winter came and went with as I said illness, memories and challenges. Marilyn (my owner) has a strong faith and love for everyone (well most of the time) and believes that everything happens for a reason and there is a lesson to be learned. Slow down, relax and enjoy the moment just like us horses do!
Spring came with lots of rain! Rain and Rain! Marilyn said there was water in the basement to clean up and then they had to cancel a lot of ASPIRE classes. Our pastures were growing but lots of mud. ASPIRE ordered some new loafing sheds. Marilyn said she was excited to get them but alas they would have wait for awhile as the weather put everyone behind. I heard Don had a hard time planting his crops. I was happy not to have all that machinery around.
Marilyn said they had a great time at the Spring fundraiser in May and raised lots of money!
Summer came and the weather straightened out but then we had new horses coming in and Kiley had a sore leg so our new horses included Topper, LC and Moose. All of us here at ASPIRE got some breaks so we did not have to work so hard. Those darn fly’s were bad this year and all I did was itch and itch. It was a summer to be remembered. Children ,volunteers and people coming to ride, pet, groom and observe. I love all the attention. It was time for Cowboy Breakfast with lots of good stuff to eat and then Camp Hope. I was at the Cattle Congress grounds with all the campers riding me. Life was good. I had some lotion and fly spray to keep the itching a little less irritating. Cindy and Sara take such good care of all of us. What a great year it is turning out to be. Marilyn’s grandson Kameron comes down sometimes and helps feed us and clean after us. Oh by the way Bobbi and her team keep our stalls so clean.
Fall is here and Sara is called to the barn. I had a bad ouchy. My face was all funny. I had a droopy ear, my eye would not blink and my mouth drooped darn and there seemed to be some kind of abscess in my mouth. Dr. Samson was stumped as to what happened but treated the ouchy in my mouth and kept my eye wet. Well Sara was diligently taking care of it but alas I rubbed my eye and it ulcerated. Marilyn was really worried. She was scared to death. She just didn’t show it! Thanks to Dr. Kelly Sampson for all the great work but off to Iowa State and a stay. Darn it my boyfriend Sonny is upset at home because I had to be gone for days. I was diagnosed with THO and don’t ask me what that means but I have to be careful how far I open my mouth for the rest of my life!!!! Now that is going to be interesting! Now I look like a pirate and they had to put drops in a lot. They were always pestering me. I even got to go to Sara’s house for the weekend. That was fun. I am still a pirate but getting better. The doctors and caretakers at Iowa State were wonderful! They helped me and eased Sara and Marilyn’s minds. Don is harvesting. It is going slow and all those darn machines are out again. Classes are done and I only got to see hmm well kind of see the Tuesday night group.
I don’t see much of Marilyn’s family except Kameron, Christine, and Craig. I hear that Justin is graduating, Autumn and Briana are growing into nice young ladies. I miss all the kids and I think Marilyn misses them as well.
Well it is time to close for another year! Yep I did not get to go to The Night of the Horse this year but I heard it went well and Topper and Pixie did a great job.
Marilyn’s faith, strength and love for all humans and animals shines through during these challenging times. She tells me she feels very blessed to be part of this year’s journey and has found blessings and lessons in every turn in the road. The path was dark at times but her love endured and she just kept on following God’s path and the stabling factor was not only her love for God but the animals and her coworkers. Marilyn says that without Sara she would not have gotten through the rough roads as smoothly.
I am feeling better and so are the rest of the animals. Cats are doing well, rabbits are hanging out with all the kids as much as I can see of them with my pirates mask. I hear Snickers is doing ok and Shadow is as feisty as ever. I wish all of you a very Blessed Christmas and Happy New Year. I hope to see all of you out of both eyes soon!
Love from all my animal friends, Sonny, Bo, Blue, Benny, Buddy, Kiley,Moose, LC, Topper, Ginger, Maverick, Pixie, Cody, me(Erika) and my small furry friends, Snappy, Sassy, Misty, Mouse and friends I lost this year Penny and Patches and of course our little bunnies! Oops can’t forget Snickers and Shadow!
Lot of love from our human side: Don, Marilyn, Sara, Cindy and Bobbi!
Thank you all for the beautiful blessings and following our journey
Saturday, October 5, 2013
On Top of the World
What does it mean to be on top of the world. Let's ponder that for a moment. Everything I have been reading lately says that our lives are more satisfying when we live as if we are on top of the world. Don't get me wrong there are times that life throws us a a storm or we face major challenges but according to these studies as long as we remain enthusiastic and weather our way through the challenge or storm we will be on the other side stronger. God intended for us to enjoy our lives with love, joy, peace, calm, kindness, respect, trust and of course the greatest of these is love.
So life has thrown me a number of challenges this year and I have chosen not to dwell on them because in the midst of the storm I have found so many blessings putting me on top of the world.
Blessings of small and large, blessings of gratitude that my cup runs over with love. I have learned in life unless we take the good with the bad and keep our wits, grace and yes enthusiasm we will weather the storm so much easier. I have surrounded myself with encouraging and positive people and I love working with them. I have grown in my spirituality and love being God's best friend. I know that my cup is half full with God's love and when the blessings come it overfills the cup. I have to work sometimes at not allowing those thoughts of negativity to enter in. Believe me it is work some days but with encouragement, blessings and wonderful supportive friends it is easy to see the beauty that God provided to us.
ASPIRE has grown so much this year. We have installed two loafing sheds, an automatic waterer is almost done and complete, new signs yes look for the new sign by the road, replaced some old equipment, grown our miniature horse visits, grown our therapeutic riding classes and our summer program overflowed with programs, riders, volunteers and interns.
ASPIRE received a national grant from America Horse Care's for the first time. We are thrilled to have that grant. We are looking good. The beauty surrounds us with our old barn and old house. It is beauty to see the horses munching on the pasture or hay as they graze in their pastures and enjoy their new shelters. It is wonderful to see the volunteers enjoying their time with the riders. I have taken the time to visit with our parents more and I am loving the interaction. I am on Top of the World!
I am about to leave for Omaha to provide a presentation at our Region 7 conference on our Women's group and one of our riders became the homecoming queen and this winter there will be an article in the BTrue Magazine. Soon will be time for our accreditation visit and Volunteer Recognition. Night of the Horse is completed and the audience was on top of the world. Wonderful feedback! On Top of the World with God's Grace.
Blessings Marilyn
So life has thrown me a number of challenges this year and I have chosen not to dwell on them because in the midst of the storm I have found so many blessings putting me on top of the world.
Blessings of small and large, blessings of gratitude that my cup runs over with love. I have learned in life unless we take the good with the bad and keep our wits, grace and yes enthusiasm we will weather the storm so much easier. I have surrounded myself with encouraging and positive people and I love working with them. I have grown in my spirituality and love being God's best friend. I know that my cup is half full with God's love and when the blessings come it overfills the cup. I have to work sometimes at not allowing those thoughts of negativity to enter in. Believe me it is work some days but with encouragement, blessings and wonderful supportive friends it is easy to see the beauty that God provided to us.
ASPIRE has grown so much this year. We have installed two loafing sheds, an automatic waterer is almost done and complete, new signs yes look for the new sign by the road, replaced some old equipment, grown our miniature horse visits, grown our therapeutic riding classes and our summer program overflowed with programs, riders, volunteers and interns.
ASPIRE received a national grant from America Horse Care's for the first time. We are thrilled to have that grant. We are looking good. The beauty surrounds us with our old barn and old house. It is beauty to see the horses munching on the pasture or hay as they graze in their pastures and enjoy their new shelters. It is wonderful to see the volunteers enjoying their time with the riders. I have taken the time to visit with our parents more and I am loving the interaction. I am on Top of the World!
I am about to leave for Omaha to provide a presentation at our Region 7 conference on our Women's group and one of our riders became the homecoming queen and this winter there will be an article in the BTrue Magazine. Soon will be time for our accreditation visit and Volunteer Recognition. Night of the Horse is completed and the audience was on top of the world. Wonderful feedback! On Top of the World with God's Grace.
Blessings Marilyn
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Jump in and join our team
The old saying Jump in the water is great. Jump in and join the ASPIRE team the environment is great!
Summer has completed and we are on a short rest. Fall is just two weeks away!
As our team prepares for fall and all it has to offer we are not amiss to reflect back on our summer programs. What a busy summer! Therapeutic riding lessons in the morning and many make up classes from spring. Bremwood came this summer and we enjoyed their time with us and they were excited about being with the horses and team. Horsemanship 101-102-103 was a huge success. Cowboy Breakfast was a huge success and wonderful food. Camp Hope brought us beautiful weather and many campers and volunteers. Everyone enjoyed their week and I was able to spend some time with grandchildren and created some lasting memories. Then it was our Veterans Open House and a great evening of conversation. What a wonderful time.
Summer has come to an end and it seems like it was just yesterday. Where does the time go! It only means that time flies when you are enjoying life! The wonderful horses, volunteers, staff and everyone who has helped us financially this summer deserves a big round of applause. In two months we will end our 14 years of service to individuals and without all of you and our amazing team it would not be possible. Words are not enough to thank everyone for helping us to be a success. My life is truly blessed and I am fortunate to have so many that have blessed our lives.
Fall will begin September 9th. Join us as a rider, volunteer, sponsor, donor or just come out to the farm and see our wonderful animals. You will learn so much about the program and all of the joy it brings. I hope you will give us a call or email us as we love to visit with you about ASPIRE!
September 21st will bring "The Night of the Horse" an exciting night of equine entertainment and laughter. Please bring the entire family and enjoy the evening of fun. We are excited about all the acts that are coming and giving their time to provide you with a thrilling evening. McElroy Auditorium, Waterloo, 7:00 p.m.
Blessings are abound with joy and laughter so please join us in our beautiful facility not the Cadillac kind but lots of love, peace, and joy abound at ASPIRE. Looking for a way to reduce stress spend some time with our awesome horses.
Thank you and hope to see you around the farm!
Summer has completed and we are on a short rest. Fall is just two weeks away!
As our team prepares for fall and all it has to offer we are not amiss to reflect back on our summer programs. What a busy summer! Therapeutic riding lessons in the morning and many make up classes from spring. Bremwood came this summer and we enjoyed their time with us and they were excited about being with the horses and team. Horsemanship 101-102-103 was a huge success. Cowboy Breakfast was a huge success and wonderful food. Camp Hope brought us beautiful weather and many campers and volunteers. Everyone enjoyed their week and I was able to spend some time with grandchildren and created some lasting memories. Then it was our Veterans Open House and a great evening of conversation. What a wonderful time.
Summer has come to an end and it seems like it was just yesterday. Where does the time go! It only means that time flies when you are enjoying life! The wonderful horses, volunteers, staff and everyone who has helped us financially this summer deserves a big round of applause. In two months we will end our 14 years of service to individuals and without all of you and our amazing team it would not be possible. Words are not enough to thank everyone for helping us to be a success. My life is truly blessed and I am fortunate to have so many that have blessed our lives.
Fall will begin September 9th. Join us as a rider, volunteer, sponsor, donor or just come out to the farm and see our wonderful animals. You will learn so much about the program and all of the joy it brings. I hope you will give us a call or email us as we love to visit with you about ASPIRE!
September 21st will bring "The Night of the Horse" an exciting night of equine entertainment and laughter. Please bring the entire family and enjoy the evening of fun. We are excited about all the acts that are coming and giving their time to provide you with a thrilling evening. McElroy Auditorium, Waterloo, 7:00 p.m.
Blessings are abound with joy and laughter so please join us in our beautiful facility not the Cadillac kind but lots of love, peace, and joy abound at ASPIRE. Looking for a way to reduce stress spend some time with our awesome horses.
Thank you and hope to see you around the farm!
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Summer Days and Summer Nights
Wow! It really seems like summer has finally arrived! It is spinning by so quickly! Life lesson do not let a moment pass you by without some impact from the day.
I am feeling the results of a long winter and wet spring! Great for hay weather! It is great to have some beautiful weather and sunshine to absorb some great Vitamin D. Life lesson make note to self to enjoy outdoors as much as I can with all the sunshine. Note to self go buy a sun hat.
Camping weather is here. We love the beautiful campfires and the talks we have while gathered around the fire. Life lesson play more and enjoy these beautiful memories.
It has been a busy summer so far. Horseback riding lessons in the morning, evening and outreach programs during each week. ASPIRE is thrilled with the number of students participating and the watching the joy on their faces literally makes your heart melt. Progress they are making is nothing short of a miracle.
Yes, I am overcoming some fears and learning some new techniques with Benny our beautiful Haflinger. He has been an awesome teacher. Teaching me ways to sit, guide, relax and be in charge. He is a teacher for so many wonderful students. So many things to learn but learning those stretches and muscle strength and leg control all are helpful with my hip problem. Yes it is like yoga on the horse. Life lesson nothing is impossible with God leading you in new directions no matter what age you are you can accomplish anything you set your mind on. It is great to learn what our riders are learning and gaining the great benefits.
July 14th, you will find all of us at the UAW Hall for our great Cowboy Breakfast. Eggs, Biscuits and Gravy, Sausage and Ham, Fruit, Coffee, Juice or Milk and all you can eat Pancakes for $8 adults, $4 children. All Proceeds assist our campers in going to our annual Camp(Camp Hope). Please join us for this amazing breakfast.
August 5-9 will take us to Cattle Congress, Hanson's Dairy and Lost Island Water Park for our annual day camp(Camp Hope)
August 14th , ASPIRE will host our first Veterans Open House.
In between all of that we have our Horsemanship Camp. What an amazing summer it will be. I am looking forward to all that is in store and where God will lead us this summer.
I am feeling the results of a long winter and wet spring! Great for hay weather! It is great to have some beautiful weather and sunshine to absorb some great Vitamin D. Life lesson make note to self to enjoy outdoors as much as I can with all the sunshine. Note to self go buy a sun hat.
Camping weather is here. We love the beautiful campfires and the talks we have while gathered around the fire. Life lesson play more and enjoy these beautiful memories.
It has been a busy summer so far. Horseback riding lessons in the morning, evening and outreach programs during each week. ASPIRE is thrilled with the number of students participating and the watching the joy on their faces literally makes your heart melt. Progress they are making is nothing short of a miracle.
Yes, I am overcoming some fears and learning some new techniques with Benny our beautiful Haflinger. He has been an awesome teacher. Teaching me ways to sit, guide, relax and be in charge. He is a teacher for so many wonderful students. So many things to learn but learning those stretches and muscle strength and leg control all are helpful with my hip problem. Yes it is like yoga on the horse. Life lesson nothing is impossible with God leading you in new directions no matter what age you are you can accomplish anything you set your mind on. It is great to learn what our riders are learning and gaining the great benefits.
July 14th, you will find all of us at the UAW Hall for our great Cowboy Breakfast. Eggs, Biscuits and Gravy, Sausage and Ham, Fruit, Coffee, Juice or Milk and all you can eat Pancakes for $8 adults, $4 children. All Proceeds assist our campers in going to our annual Camp(Camp Hope). Please join us for this amazing breakfast.
August 5-9 will take us to Cattle Congress, Hanson's Dairy and Lost Island Water Park for our annual day camp(Camp Hope)
August 14th , ASPIRE will host our first Veterans Open House.
In between all of that we have our Horsemanship Camp. What an amazing summer it will be. I am looking forward to all that is in store and where God will lead us this summer.
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Life Lessons
I read an article the other day that captures the essence of good writing skills. This article talked about how you can capture the audience by talking about life lessons. I thought I would write in my blog this morning about the life lessons I have learned through the midst of the storms and the light.
One lesson I have learned that no matter the storm you never walk alone. God is always there holding your hand, loving you and carrying your weight.
I learned that there is always a rainbow after the storm! I have learned to set boundaries and hold yourself to your boundaries. Life is hard when you always give in and let people take advantage of you.
I have learned to love with all my heart and soul. Love God first and then the rest will come.
I have learned patience in the midst of chaos. When my house is full of people and so much is going on and there does not seem to be a moment of peace, I go for a drive or I sit and write in my beautiful office. It is those moments of peace and mediation I spend with God that I learn many life lessons.
I have learned about leadership, sharing and delegating. I have learned to trust, trust myself and trust others.
I have learned to grow within myself, my self-confidence, self-esteem, and yes I still get frustrated and down from time to time but we are all a work in progress.
I have learned that life is not always about our family but the relationships we build over time. I love my family but sometimes you just have to let go.
I have learned about priorities and pride in ownership and giving back. My mother gave me the greatest gift of all, the joy of giving back to others. You see unless you take care of yourself it makes it hard to give back.
I have learned that sometimes we have stand up for what we believe is right and honorable even if it means a little conflict. I have learned to teach, facilitate and be an important part of a team.
I have learned the greatest gift is providing cherished memories and loving and taking care of animals. God gave to me this gift. I cherish and honor that gift with family, friends, riders, animals, volunteers, staff, board, and community. These are only a few of life lessons. I can write more and follow along as I bring you into my story.
One lesson I have learned that no matter the storm you never walk alone. God is always there holding your hand, loving you and carrying your weight.
I learned that there is always a rainbow after the storm! I have learned to set boundaries and hold yourself to your boundaries. Life is hard when you always give in and let people take advantage of you.
I have learned to love with all my heart and soul. Love God first and then the rest will come.
I have learned patience in the midst of chaos. When my house is full of people and so much is going on and there does not seem to be a moment of peace, I go for a drive or I sit and write in my beautiful office. It is those moments of peace and mediation I spend with God that I learn many life lessons.
I have learned about leadership, sharing and delegating. I have learned to trust, trust myself and trust others.
I have learned to grow within myself, my self-confidence, self-esteem, and yes I still get frustrated and down from time to time but we are all a work in progress.
I have learned that life is not always about our family but the relationships we build over time. I love my family but sometimes you just have to let go.
I have learned about priorities and pride in ownership and giving back. My mother gave me the greatest gift of all, the joy of giving back to others. You see unless you take care of yourself it makes it hard to give back.
I have learned that sometimes we have stand up for what we believe is right and honorable even if it means a little conflict. I have learned to teach, facilitate and be an important part of a team.
I have learned the greatest gift is providing cherished memories and loving and taking care of animals. God gave to me this gift. I cherish and honor that gift with family, friends, riders, animals, volunteers, staff, board, and community. These are only a few of life lessons. I can write more and follow along as I bring you into my story.
Saturday, May 4, 2013
RUN FOR THE ROSES
Today is an unusual May day! There is snow on the ground and raining in many places. It is suppose to be warm and sunny. Our weather is changing all around us and so is our nation.
Today is Kentucky Derby where this beautiful horses will run for the roses. They run with all their hearts and souls as fast as their legs will go. In the end they win lots of money and beautiful roses.
Running for the roses what does that really mean to you? Are you constantly running for the roses as fast as your legs will take you? Are you running from something or towards something? Are you running with all your heart and soul?
A little over one year ago I was running as fast as I could from a lot of things happening in my life. I wanted to find a place of peace and comfort. I ran for the roses. I was experiencing so many thorns. What was in store for me I did not know but I knew I needed to run. Like horses that get scared and they run or fight. At that point I did not want to fight just run. Then I slowed down to a walk and listened to my voice and God's voice and he said fight for all you are worth as I have roses for you as your prize. As I listened and felt the peace, hope was renewed and I went into life fighting with all my heart and soul. I was worth it and everything I represented and honored in life was worth the fight because in the end I received the most beautiful roses that anyone could ever receive in victory lane.
Right now I am going through some more difficult times and I feel like running for the roses again. I want to find that peace and comfort. I want to run with all my heart and soul. Once again I must slow down and understand and listen to my inner voice. God will tell me what I need to do. He will show me the way. I just have to slow down everyday and listen and pray.
Today is ASPIRE'S fundraiser. Trotting towards the Future. Yes, we will have a Kentucky Derby and you can run for the roses, well sort of but it will be warm inside and it will be fun. Join us this evening in running for the roses. 7:00 p.m. New Aldaya Lifescapes, University Ave, Cedar Falls, Iowa.
You see ASPIRE wants to run for the roses. We want to trot into the future and you Ladies and Gentlemen can help us run for the roses by your presence, bidding on our beautiful auction items. The greatest gift you can give is helping us in making a difference in the lives we serve.
God has a plan and we will run for the roses on this journey and look for victory lane. It will take longer than two minutes but we will keep our eyes on victory lane. We will keep looking for a miracle in the midst of the difficulties. When I am overwhelmed and I don't think I have an ounce of energy to continue it is when miracles occur. Join us in running for the roses. This picture is pure love. He is running for the roses.
Today is Kentucky Derby where this beautiful horses will run for the roses. They run with all their hearts and souls as fast as their legs will go. In the end they win lots of money and beautiful roses.
Running for the roses what does that really mean to you? Are you constantly running for the roses as fast as your legs will take you? Are you running from something or towards something? Are you running with all your heart and soul?
A little over one year ago I was running as fast as I could from a lot of things happening in my life. I wanted to find a place of peace and comfort. I ran for the roses. I was experiencing so many thorns. What was in store for me I did not know but I knew I needed to run. Like horses that get scared and they run or fight. At that point I did not want to fight just run. Then I slowed down to a walk and listened to my voice and God's voice and he said fight for all you are worth as I have roses for you as your prize. As I listened and felt the peace, hope was renewed and I went into life fighting with all my heart and soul. I was worth it and everything I represented and honored in life was worth the fight because in the end I received the most beautiful roses that anyone could ever receive in victory lane.
Right now I am going through some more difficult times and I feel like running for the roses again. I want to find that peace and comfort. I want to run with all my heart and soul. Once again I must slow down and understand and listen to my inner voice. God will tell me what I need to do. He will show me the way. I just have to slow down everyday and listen and pray.
Today is ASPIRE'S fundraiser. Trotting towards the Future. Yes, we will have a Kentucky Derby and you can run for the roses, well sort of but it will be warm inside and it will be fun. Join us this evening in running for the roses. 7:00 p.m. New Aldaya Lifescapes, University Ave, Cedar Falls, Iowa.
You see ASPIRE wants to run for the roses. We want to trot into the future and you Ladies and Gentlemen can help us run for the roses by your presence, bidding on our beautiful auction items. The greatest gift you can give is helping us in making a difference in the lives we serve.
God has a plan and we will run for the roses on this journey and look for victory lane. It will take longer than two minutes but we will keep our eyes on victory lane. We will keep looking for a miracle in the midst of the difficulties. When I am overwhelmed and I don't think I have an ounce of energy to continue it is when miracles occur. Join us in running for the roses. This picture is pure love. He is running for the roses.
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Sharing the Success
Monday’s beautiful sunny and warm weather brought thoughts
of spring and new beginnings into the office. It seemed that the weather had
finally decided to allow us the perfect day to start this year’s classes. We
enjoyed seeing the familiar faces return and new faces join us for another
great year! The horses were happy to see the arena again, and our volunteers were
happy to be getting our riders back in the saddle!
One face in
particular proved to be a wonderful reminder of how ASPIRE programs benefits
those we serve. Just one year ago, one young rider was terrified of her horse,
Erika. She did not much care for the miniature ponies either. By the end of
last year’s classes, she had built a special bond with Erika and her volunteers.
She surprised us all on Monday night. After taking a five month break, the same
young girl would not only run straight to her beloved Erika with no fears and
remembered the names of her volunteers, but she impressed us all by remembering
all of her commands that she had learned five months prior! We are so happy for
this young lady’s great achievement, and are excited to watch her continue to
grow this year!
We at
ASPIRE love to share our success stories! Nothing makes us happier then to experience
our efforts assisting in the growth and triumphs of our riders. We look forward
to sharing many more stories like this with you and our community. Be sure to
join on May 4, 2013 at New Aldaya for our Spring Fundraiser, Trotting Towards the
Future. We need your support to continue our great efforts and programs. Tickets
are available now. They are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. The ticket
price includes a $5 drink ticket. Call 319-296-0964 to purchase your tickets
today.
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Touching lives
I have been thinking about writing you for a couple months
now. I am so grateful for the experience that you both taught me. You entrusted
duties to me that might have very easily been screwed up, yet you believed in
me enough to get it right. I appreciate all of the PR expertise you allowed me
to experience, but perhaps more than anything, you both taught me a great deal
about physically and mentally challenged human beings. I use the phrase
"human beings" because that is exactly who and what you treat people
of different abilities. It was overwhelming how great you guys are with the
riders and how you have given your time and life to see that they have a better
life.
I have a cousin who has severe mental retardation but is a
loveable character. Everyone in our family treats him well and loves him just
the same as if he were functioning at the same ability as their own. Although I
love him with everything in me, there were times I didn't know exactly how to
act with him. Do I talk slower? Do I smile more? etc. etc.
When we had the volunteer appreciation dinner, afterwards
there was a rider who came up to us with his ipad wanting pictures. He was an
adorable boy, but again I didn't exactly know what was the "right"
way to act. I followed both of your leads when he was asking to take a picture
and wanting to show us the pictures of him and the other guests. It was amazing
how you guys simply treated him as if nothing was wrong, as if he was just like
you.
Something broke in me that day. Something I didn't even know
was there. I now look at anyone with a physical, mental, or cognitive
disability through new eyes. I have not only compassion, but I am no longer
fearful of how to act when I come into contact. In fact, I go out of my way to
smile, talk or shake their hand in church for example.
You guys have shown me what it's like to change the
perception of people that are different than everyone else. You guys were
patient with me every day and I am thankful I had the opportunity to work with
you last semester.
Thank you again,
I am blessed and honored to have received this beautiful letter from an intern! As I look back on 13 years of serving so many individuals it is with compassion, love, determination, persistence, perseverance and loving support. It my love for the individuals that come to us with a need, whether a need to have a closer relationship, socialize, learn to ride, hang out with horses or learn new skills that will assist them in their life careers. I am blessed with a dream that has touched and will continue to touch so many lives.
As I look ahead and behind and how far we have come and how far we can go, my heart is filled with tears of joy, excitement, fear(just a little), but most of all an attitude of gratitude because it is you ladies and gentlemen that have made this all possible. It is all of you that will assist in taking this into the future, I will facilitate with love and kindness but you will be the ones to facilitate more lives to be touched. God will continue to guide us on this journey and blessings will abound in the midst of joy, laughter, tears, storms, losses and great accomplishments. Thank you so much for assisting us in touching the lives that mean so much to us. Thank you for assisting us in supporting our beautiful animals that touch lives everyday.
Please watch for lots of exciting plans and programs coming this year. It will be a busy one. In the meantime keep a song in your heart and smile on your face and enjoy each moment each day!
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Keep on going!
The world keeps on going! The acts of violence continue on a daily basis. The bullying in schools is reaching an epidemic level. Bullying in the workplace is becoming a issue for many businesses and organizations. Some days America seems out of control. The mental health issues that we face makes being part of a family that was normal difficult. Our children are playing video games and watching TV hour after hour. We are nation built on a foundation of Christian values and we have lost our perspective. Live simple.
In this nation that keeps on going is a serene place! You say where is this serene place. It is in many places if we take the time to look. I am going to visit with you about just one and there are thousands. This place is nestled among trees and bushes. It is in rural Waterloo, Iowa.
Come join us and surround yourself with love, trust, breathe in the fresh air, join us as we teach, learn, facilitate and lead our program into the next year.
Join us in loving and surrounding yourself with our beautiful horses, cats, rabbits and dog. Join us in surrounding yourself with the beautiful natural setting and watching sunrises, sunsets, deer, fox, squirrels, birds, and many other wild but loving animals.
2013 keeps on going and it will soon be spring. Awww, yes, spring and new beginnings. ASPIRE classes will begin April 1 and we need you. Yes we need our riders, volunteers and our beautiful horses. We need you to give our horses a job and watch the riders grow in their new and renewed growth. It is rewarding to watch them step through their paces and the smiles and laughter are so thrilling.
2013 will bring changes, watch our newsletter, website and facebook page for the great changes we have in store. ASPIRE will keep on going! It is with gusto, greatness and faithfulness that we will turn our small little world around! Yes, we live very simply and conservatively but we make big changes in our little corner of the world. We can't change America but we can facilitate, teach and lead the small segment that touches our lives.
PLEASE JOIN US in 2013 in making a difference and changing lives one person at a time!!!!!!! Just keep on going!
In this nation that keeps on going is a serene place! You say where is this serene place. It is in many places if we take the time to look. I am going to visit with you about just one and there are thousands. This place is nestled among trees and bushes. It is in rural Waterloo, Iowa.
Come join us and surround yourself with love, trust, breathe in the fresh air, join us as we teach, learn, facilitate and lead our program into the next year.
Join us in loving and surrounding yourself with our beautiful horses, cats, rabbits and dog. Join us in surrounding yourself with the beautiful natural setting and watching sunrises, sunsets, deer, fox, squirrels, birds, and many other wild but loving animals.
2013 keeps on going and it will soon be spring. Awww, yes, spring and new beginnings. ASPIRE classes will begin April 1 and we need you. Yes we need our riders, volunteers and our beautiful horses. We need you to give our horses a job and watch the riders grow in their new and renewed growth. It is rewarding to watch them step through their paces and the smiles and laughter are so thrilling.
2013 will bring changes, watch our newsletter, website and facebook page for the great changes we have in store. ASPIRE will keep on going! It is with gusto, greatness and faithfulness that we will turn our small little world around! Yes, we live very simply and conservatively but we make big changes in our little corner of the world. We can't change America but we can facilitate, teach and lead the small segment that touches our lives.
PLEASE JOIN US in 2013 in making a difference and changing lives one person at a time!!!!!!! Just keep on going!
Thursday, January 17, 2013
A NEW YEAR
Where has the time gone???? We are now entering our 14th year of service to our wonderful clients. 2012 was an interesting and exciting year.
As I pondered my thoughts and feelings while on my extended vacation, I realized that I had much to discover about myself. I watched Joyce Meyer every day and one day she talked about the stages of spirituality and I believe I am in the transitional stage. I also realized that I don't like being all alone for a long period of time. A quirk about me. I love being with people. I love doing my job. As much as I love the peace of Clear Lake, I really discovered I love being at home. I love the people, animals and friends I have made. I enjoyed the friendships I made at Clear Lake but my comfort and peace are really right here on our farm. I discovered my greatest joy while being away is to create memories. It was a bit frustrating when challenges like the flu, back pain, weather, obstacles, negative energy got in the way of making those memories but none the less positive memories were made in the midst of challenges. We can learn from these challenges. God created for me a different kind of vacation and I will look back and thank him for the lessons I learned and the strength I gained from the challenges.
As we enter 2013 we need to think about our goals for the year.
Goals you say:
Personal goal is to mediate more and be with God in the those quiet moments, to sleep better, let go and let God, more exercise, eat healthier and be more at peace.
ASPIRE Goals:
Goal for this year is to find 10-20 acres of land. Continue growing our building fund. Raise more awareness, successful special events, serve more clients, enjoy and play with our horses more, create and absorb the beautiful memories. Increase our donor base. Count our blessings everyday. Remember to thank and appreciate all that are involved in the organization and our lives. Increase and retain our volunteer base. Live out each day with goals and love in our hearts. There is much to do for 2013 and a bit overwhelming with each day comes a new challenge and more blessings. Reach out more and serve more and be the best we can be. Love, Hope, Belief and Power. We will live this out in 2013. Thank you for making 2012 a wonderful year. I am truly honored and filled with gratitude. I wish everyone a healthy, loving and abundant year in 2013. Go in peace, joy, laughter and the greatest of these is love.
As I pondered my thoughts and feelings while on my extended vacation, I realized that I had much to discover about myself. I watched Joyce Meyer every day and one day she talked about the stages of spirituality and I believe I am in the transitional stage. I also realized that I don't like being all alone for a long period of time. A quirk about me. I love being with people. I love doing my job. As much as I love the peace of Clear Lake, I really discovered I love being at home. I love the people, animals and friends I have made. I enjoyed the friendships I made at Clear Lake but my comfort and peace are really right here on our farm. I discovered my greatest joy while being away is to create memories. It was a bit frustrating when challenges like the flu, back pain, weather, obstacles, negative energy got in the way of making those memories but none the less positive memories were made in the midst of challenges. We can learn from these challenges. God created for me a different kind of vacation and I will look back and thank him for the lessons I learned and the strength I gained from the challenges.
As we enter 2013 we need to think about our goals for the year.
Goals you say:
Personal goal is to mediate more and be with God in the those quiet moments, to sleep better, let go and let God, more exercise, eat healthier and be more at peace.
ASPIRE Goals:
Goal for this year is to find 10-20 acres of land. Continue growing our building fund. Raise more awareness, successful special events, serve more clients, enjoy and play with our horses more, create and absorb the beautiful memories. Increase our donor base. Count our blessings everyday. Remember to thank and appreciate all that are involved in the organization and our lives. Increase and retain our volunteer base. Live out each day with goals and love in our hearts. There is much to do for 2013 and a bit overwhelming with each day comes a new challenge and more blessings. Reach out more and serve more and be the best we can be. Love, Hope, Belief and Power. We will live this out in 2013. Thank you for making 2012 a wonderful year. I am truly honored and filled with gratitude. I wish everyone a healthy, loving and abundant year in 2013. Go in peace, joy, laughter and the greatest of these is love.
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