One pair of hands can pray. One pair of hands can raise up to heaven. One pair of hands can give the biggest hugs. One pair of hands can hold a beautiful baby. One pair of hands can carry a load One pair of hands can drive a car. One pair of hands can pet many animals. One pair of hands help us as we swim. One pair of hands handle tools to make and grow many things. One pair of hands write many letters. One pair of hands change channels on the television. One pair of hands dial the number of loved ones. One pair of hands guide our students on our horses. One pair of hands guide the horse. One pair of hands feed animals, care for them and clean up after them. One pair of hands can deliver our world to be a better place with a warm handshake. One pair of hands can mean the world to a person that is dying. One pair of hands can read a good book. One pair of hands can bring joy to another. One pair of hands help us stay clean. One pair of hands can destroy another human or animal. One pair of hands is God's gift to show us that our hands were made to do good in this earthly life.
Sometimes when the days are long and the nights run into days I feel like I am only one pair of hands, one human and this pair of hands needs rest sometimes just to sleep, love, touch, hug, write, or just be one pair of hands.
Summer has past and it is now time for school. Where has the time gone? Our children will now be using one pair of hands to do lots of schoolwork and writing and making friends new and renewed. One pair of hands will be riding bikes and drivers will be using one pair of hands to drive. Please watch out for the little ones as we use one pair of hands.
It seems like only yesterday we were beginning a new year and in a couple of months our season at ASPIRE will be coming to an end. We will end with many children gaining so many new outcomes. Camp Hope was completed by many pair of hands. Cowboy Breakfast was completed by many pair of hands. Our vet takes good care of our horses with one pair of hands. Our small animal vet takes good care of the cats, dog and rabbit with one pair of hands. Our children are mastering new skills a top of the horse with one pair of hands and one pair of legs.
It is so amazing to watch the transformation in our children, our animals, ourselves, with lots of love and attention and care one pair of hands makes a difference to many. Thank you God for giving us one pair of hands.
Thursday, August 23, 2018
Thursday, July 12, 2018
Summer at ASPIRE
It is hot! Did I say hot! Hose the horses daily. Fans run 24/7. It has been mostly a hot summer so far. We have classes but they are in the morning before it gets so hot. The temperature will not stop soaring. Hmmm. Wonder if that has some meaning.
I am so proud of our staff and volunteers. They are working hard in the heat unloading hay and taking care of the horses to make sure they get their needs met and their stalls cleaned. It is hard on humans as much as it is the animals. As I have gotten older it seems like the heat is harder on me. I get so cranky.
The good news is we are soaring. Yes we have quadrupled the number of students we are serving. The YMCA has been out to enjoy our horses. We have some field trips planned for preschools. Cody continues to visit the nursing homes. We had a great Cowboy Breakfast and thanks to the great staff and volunteers for the help and thanks for eating with us. Thank you to all the awesome donors. It warms my heart to see everyone pitching in and helping to make this a success.
Now it is time for Camp Hope. Wow 5 days of non-stop activities with 60 individuals with and without disabilities. Refreshing with a dip in Lost Island Water Park on the last day. Then on to our women's group. I am so excited to offer this to women from all walks of life. We are going to have some amazing fun. Then it is Night of the Horse. Wow when to we stop to breath. Who has time to breath we you are soaring.
I am grateful for the abilities I have to accomplish as much as I can. Stay Cool and pray for our horses, cats and bunny and our wonderful children that brave the heat. Pray for our staff as they battle the heat to get the work done each and everyday. God will provide and he will make a way where there seems to be no way
I am so proud of our staff and volunteers. They are working hard in the heat unloading hay and taking care of the horses to make sure they get their needs met and their stalls cleaned. It is hard on humans as much as it is the animals. As I have gotten older it seems like the heat is harder on me. I get so cranky.
The good news is we are soaring. Yes we have quadrupled the number of students we are serving. The YMCA has been out to enjoy our horses. We have some field trips planned for preschools. Cody continues to visit the nursing homes. We had a great Cowboy Breakfast and thanks to the great staff and volunteers for the help and thanks for eating with us. Thank you to all the awesome donors. It warms my heart to see everyone pitching in and helping to make this a success.
Now it is time for Camp Hope. Wow 5 days of non-stop activities with 60 individuals with and without disabilities. Refreshing with a dip in Lost Island Water Park on the last day. Then on to our women's group. I am so excited to offer this to women from all walks of life. We are going to have some amazing fun. Then it is Night of the Horse. Wow when to we stop to breath. Who has time to breath we you are soaring.
I am grateful for the abilities I have to accomplish as much as I can. Stay Cool and pray for our horses, cats and bunny and our wonderful children that brave the heat. Pray for our staff as they battle the heat to get the work done each and everyday. God will provide and he will make a way where there seems to be no way
Wednesday, June 20, 2018
Father's Day
Good Morning! How is everyone on this week after Father's Day! I am feeling quite well today!
What does Father's Day mean to you? I lost my Father when I was 16 years old. I lost my first husband the father of my children when I was 32. I now don't have a mother, father or former in-laws and no first husband. You might say your life is empty. I beg to differ. Each and everyone of these people have taught me many life lessons. I have had some amazing men cross my path in 65 years of life. I have had some unique men cross my path. They all come with unique personalities and their own issues but I learned from each one.
I was brought up in the era of it is ok to spank your children. Yes I got spanked from time to time. I was however, daddy's little girl. But I knew to mind my manners and treat my mother with respect no matter what or when my dad got home I would be in deep trouble. I grew up being outside all the time. I helped with the garden, I swam in our backyard pool, yep played in the sandbox, played on the swing set and played games with the neighbors. I enjoyed time playing with my dad. We always had animals, dogs, cats, hamsters, parakeets, guinea pigs, rabbits and yes my dad brought me a salamander. We always had something to be responsible for plus all our chores at home, like dishes, laundry, sweeping, then in the summer it was snapping beans, podding peas and helping with canning and freezing vegetables and fruits.
We spent many weekends and summers at my aunt and uncles farm and my grandma and grandpas farm. We rode cows, played in the shell corn, helped with milking cows and we let the calves suck our fingers, rode in the old truck around the fields and into town and got ice cream. We got up early and went to bed late. There was always things to do.
Lessons I learned were work ethic, strive hard for what you want in life. I learned unconditional love from the animals. In fact my mom said I grieved the death of an animal more than humans. I learned to laugh. My father liked to tell jokes and horse around so he was always making us laugh. My dad was always a helper so I learned what that meant to help others. We always enjoyed our time at the lake. We have many memories of our vacation at the lake. I learned to survive. I learned to be quiet when I needed to be. I learned to always be alert to my surroundings as on the farm you were always watching for equipment, etc. I learned how to not trust people but to trust animals and God. I learned that all people were not the same. There are truly a few you can trust. I learned a lot about faith as we were required to attend Sunday school and church. I learned to trust myself and not to put my faith in others but in God. I struggled with trauma from the many losses but I was a strong-willed determined lady. I learned that from both my mom and dad. I learned to babysit at a very young age so my love for children came easy.
On this day after Father's day I have learned many life lessons from so many and I have chosen to put so much of my faith in God as my father.
What does Father's Day mean to you? I lost my Father when I was 16 years old. I lost my first husband the father of my children when I was 32. I now don't have a mother, father or former in-laws and no first husband. You might say your life is empty. I beg to differ. Each and everyone of these people have taught me many life lessons. I have had some amazing men cross my path in 65 years of life. I have had some unique men cross my path. They all come with unique personalities and their own issues but I learned from each one.
I was brought up in the era of it is ok to spank your children. Yes I got spanked from time to time. I was however, daddy's little girl. But I knew to mind my manners and treat my mother with respect no matter what or when my dad got home I would be in deep trouble. I grew up being outside all the time. I helped with the garden, I swam in our backyard pool, yep played in the sandbox, played on the swing set and played games with the neighbors. I enjoyed time playing with my dad. We always had animals, dogs, cats, hamsters, parakeets, guinea pigs, rabbits and yes my dad brought me a salamander. We always had something to be responsible for plus all our chores at home, like dishes, laundry, sweeping, then in the summer it was snapping beans, podding peas and helping with canning and freezing vegetables and fruits.
We spent many weekends and summers at my aunt and uncles farm and my grandma and grandpas farm. We rode cows, played in the shell corn, helped with milking cows and we let the calves suck our fingers, rode in the old truck around the fields and into town and got ice cream. We got up early and went to bed late. There was always things to do.
Lessons I learned were work ethic, strive hard for what you want in life. I learned unconditional love from the animals. In fact my mom said I grieved the death of an animal more than humans. I learned to laugh. My father liked to tell jokes and horse around so he was always making us laugh. My dad was always a helper so I learned what that meant to help others. We always enjoyed our time at the lake. We have many memories of our vacation at the lake. I learned to survive. I learned to be quiet when I needed to be. I learned to always be alert to my surroundings as on the farm you were always watching for equipment, etc. I learned how to not trust people but to trust animals and God. I learned that all people were not the same. There are truly a few you can trust. I learned a lot about faith as we were required to attend Sunday school and church. I learned to trust myself and not to put my faith in others but in God. I struggled with trauma from the many losses but I was a strong-willed determined lady. I learned that from both my mom and dad. I learned to babysit at a very young age so my love for children came easy.
On this day after Father's day I have learned many life lessons from so many and I have chosen to put so much of my faith in God as my father.
Tuesday, June 12, 2018
Life is Fragile
The sun is shining and I am grateful for another day. God has blessed me with more time on earth. Yes, Life is Fragile. When I think about the meaning and some past events I realize just how fragile life is to all of us here on earth. Our time here can change in the blink of an eye. We are not always in the same place or even for the same reasons or for the same people. Changes happen and we have to accept those changes and enjoy each moment. There are people that seem to like to stay in a (rut) and don't enjoy changes, taking risks and playing. There people that are so angry with the world they would rather hurt someone or find horrible ways of dealing with their anger. People we are not immortal. When we are in the state of anger, panic, scared, insecure, or just plain depressed it is hard to think past the how we should show up.
Life is fragile each and every day. We never know when we are going to have a change in our status. I listened to the pastor on Sunday and she talked about passion and purpose. Yes,we are all on this earth for a purpose. God provided us with some talents and it is our job to seek out the purpose God gave us. Are we passionate about life and what we are doing? Life is fragile and look for your purpose and find the passion.
I have been doing this business for 19 years and two weeks ago I found out just how Fragile Life can be. I lost control of my car on I 380 near Cedar Rapids. I thought in the moment I was going to die. I thought what will they do with the business but I also knew that I would be ok. All those thoughts in a split second. I saved the car and myself because God needed me on earth longer. I want to live my life to the fullest and continue reaching out to others and helping them. I am certain that I have more work to do and God will guide the way. He will show us the direction to go.
Life is fragile each and every day. We never know when we are going to have a change in our status. I listened to the pastor on Sunday and she talked about passion and purpose. Yes,we are all on this earth for a purpose. God provided us with some talents and it is our job to seek out the purpose God gave us. Are we passionate about life and what we are doing? Life is fragile and look for your purpose and find the passion.
I have been doing this business for 19 years and two weeks ago I found out just how Fragile Life can be. I lost control of my car on I 380 near Cedar Rapids. I thought in the moment I was going to die. I thought what will they do with the business but I also knew that I would be ok. All those thoughts in a split second. I saved the car and myself because God needed me on earth longer. I want to live my life to the fullest and continue reaching out to others and helping them. I am certain that I have more work to do and God will guide the way. He will show us the direction to go.
Friday, May 18, 2018
Gratitude
We live in a world that is filled with anger, bullying, no consequences, no boundaries, entitlement, no common sense and no respect.
Guess what there are some very amazing people out there that truly care and want to make this world a better place. I am so grateful everyday for those that work so hard and truly care about life and where they are going and how honorable they are to their fellow man.
I just read an article about rotting of America. Well guess what I am not rotting and still hold high honor, respect, common sense and being kind, gentle and humble. I am still grateful God gives me each day to be the best I can be. I am grateful for the greatness that surrounds me. I am grateful for the time I have with the wonderful humans that give of themselves each and every day. I am grateful for the time I get to spend with the animals even though their lives are shorter usually than ours. They give us unconditional love and special lessons. They give us purpose. Yes they can be annoying at times. One of our cats is at the vet and it is so quiet in the house. Our dog Josy don't know what to do with herself as her friend is not here to chase her around. They are missed when they are not here. We are grateful for each day we get to spend with them.
Gratitude comes in many different forms. Grateful for the breath we take, grateful for the day that lies ahead, grateful for the sun that shines, grateful for family, friends and special people in our lives that make a difference.
Someone said to me you want to leave a legacy. Yes that legacy is only to continue to make a difference in the lives of the children for many years to come. It is not about our names it is about being grateful for the relationships and the impact we have on relationships. It is about giving chances to people that had no chance. Doing the best you can each and every day. Following the path that God leads you on and keep on moving with gratitude in your heart. Yes we will get storms, slapped, kicked and run over by people but the majority are here because they to want to make a difference.
America wake up follow God and be grateful for each day. Treat people with kindness and love. Put down the electronics and breath in the air and sunshine and get a little dirty and follow your passion with love in your heart.
Guess what there are some very amazing people out there that truly care and want to make this world a better place. I am so grateful everyday for those that work so hard and truly care about life and where they are going and how honorable they are to their fellow man.
I just read an article about rotting of America. Well guess what I am not rotting and still hold high honor, respect, common sense and being kind, gentle and humble. I am still grateful God gives me each day to be the best I can be. I am grateful for the greatness that surrounds me. I am grateful for the time I have with the wonderful humans that give of themselves each and every day. I am grateful for the time I get to spend with the animals even though their lives are shorter usually than ours. They give us unconditional love and special lessons. They give us purpose. Yes they can be annoying at times. One of our cats is at the vet and it is so quiet in the house. Our dog Josy don't know what to do with herself as her friend is not here to chase her around. They are missed when they are not here. We are grateful for each day we get to spend with them.
Gratitude comes in many different forms. Grateful for the breath we take, grateful for the day that lies ahead, grateful for the sun that shines, grateful for family, friends and special people in our lives that make a difference.
Someone said to me you want to leave a legacy. Yes that legacy is only to continue to make a difference in the lives of the children for many years to come. It is not about our names it is about being grateful for the relationships and the impact we have on relationships. It is about giving chances to people that had no chance. Doing the best you can each and every day. Following the path that God leads you on and keep on moving with gratitude in your heart. Yes we will get storms, slapped, kicked and run over by people but the majority are here because they to want to make a difference.
America wake up follow God and be grateful for each day. Treat people with kindness and love. Put down the electronics and breath in the air and sunshine and get a little dirty and follow your passion with love in your heart.
Thursday, April 19, 2018
Memories
Spring has sprung! Hmmmmm! We are still dealing with snow and ice! What is a person to do? How do we cope with the ever changing weather. Sunlight seems like so little. It seems like it will never warm up and we have to continue to shovel and ice melt everything. Now what???? In the midst of the storm! It seems our society has issues everyday and we can't seem to get past bad news.
I am going to share some very sweet memories! ASPIRE has tripled the number of clients and we are busy setting up volunteers and groups to help us with our mission. In the mean time God has opened some doors for us as we make the journey to push towards certification and training. Along the way we have met some wonderful people. Brittney from Mainstay has been a wonderful asset to help with training. Jean has opened the doors to Mainstay to help us with hours that are necessary. We have a great landlady we work with at Lake Geneva. I love staying there on Interlaken Drive. It has become Dale's favorite word. This winter seems like Interlaken Drive has become like a second home to us. I have worked and visited and networked while I stayed. The memories, oh the memories.
My favorite memory that I will take with me forever is riding a horse at Woodstock. Now I will tell you that you need to attend NIGHT OF THE HORSE Sept 22nd to see the great memory I will share.
Memories of spending time by the lake, memories of our time together and the very special memory of the journey we began early winter and then to watch Angie and Dale now, well let's just say I am very proud of how far they have come. It is amazing the transformation. Lots to learn but they are on the path to the right place. I am so glad I could be part of this journey.
Memories of the Iowa Horse Fair and all the great people we met and watching Kameron helping me with silent auction items. So proud of him.
Memories of learning and working and learning more each and everyday as we take tiny steps into a new arena of learning. Exciting but scary. My feet are getting wet and I am going to stumble along the way but I encourage you to walk this journey with me.
I am learning and taking memories from all the meetings I attend. Meeting some amazing people. God is good all the time! God is good! In the midst of the storms as we look to our provider we have to know that he will see us through. The sun will shine and it will warm up.
Come join us for our Trotting Towards the Future May 5th as we have a new look and new band and new menu. Join us in helping our riders with dollars to help them ride. Wow the stories and memories could be pages but now that God has opened doors to meeting some very nice people to help us on this journey called life. So laugh, smile, pray, thank God and don't forget to be kind.
I am going to share some very sweet memories! ASPIRE has tripled the number of clients and we are busy setting up volunteers and groups to help us with our mission. In the mean time God has opened some doors for us as we make the journey to push towards certification and training. Along the way we have met some wonderful people. Brittney from Mainstay has been a wonderful asset to help with training. Jean has opened the doors to Mainstay to help us with hours that are necessary. We have a great landlady we work with at Lake Geneva. I love staying there on Interlaken Drive. It has become Dale's favorite word. This winter seems like Interlaken Drive has become like a second home to us. I have worked and visited and networked while I stayed. The memories, oh the memories.
My favorite memory that I will take with me forever is riding a horse at Woodstock. Now I will tell you that you need to attend NIGHT OF THE HORSE Sept 22nd to see the great memory I will share.
Memories of spending time by the lake, memories of our time together and the very special memory of the journey we began early winter and then to watch Angie and Dale now, well let's just say I am very proud of how far they have come. It is amazing the transformation. Lots to learn but they are on the path to the right place. I am so glad I could be part of this journey.
Memories of the Iowa Horse Fair and all the great people we met and watching Kameron helping me with silent auction items. So proud of him.
Memories of learning and working and learning more each and everyday as we take tiny steps into a new arena of learning. Exciting but scary. My feet are getting wet and I am going to stumble along the way but I encourage you to walk this journey with me.
I am learning and taking memories from all the meetings I attend. Meeting some amazing people. God is good all the time! God is good! In the midst of the storms as we look to our provider we have to know that he will see us through. The sun will shine and it will warm up.
Come join us for our Trotting Towards the Future May 5th as we have a new look and new band and new menu. Join us in helping our riders with dollars to help them ride. Wow the stories and memories could be pages but now that God has opened doors to meeting some very nice people to help us on this journey called life. So laugh, smile, pray, thank God and don't forget to be kind.
Thursday, March 29, 2018
IT IS WHAT IT IS
I received some exciting news the last couple of days. ASPIRE is moving forward and it is going to be a very busy time this spring and summer. We have doubled the number of riders and getting more awesome volunteers all the time. We served 31 in our miniature horse camp over spring break. It is a hard to image how far we have come in this past year. So many different and exciting things going on in our lives. We change everyday and we learn more each and everyday. I am getting out in the community more each day. All of us at ASPIRE try to take a little time each day to slow down focus and breath. When riding and taking lessons, we need to focus and breath. When we are working with the horses,we need to slow down focus and breath. When life gives us storms our motto is IT IS WHAT IT IS! We need to look to God to guide and direct us. He will open doors and he will lead the way. I am on a great big high today and life is,it is what it is. I love, did I say I love giving back to the people in need. I love to make a difference in my staff, volunteers, horses, and riders. They are so special and I want them to see the beauty and wonder that they have inside their hearts. It is what it is, but it is what we make it. We will make it beautiful, fun and loving and the magic will happen. Love what you do,understand IT IS WHAT IT IS and move on with God, kindness and love in your heart. Thank you for being part of my life and following the exciting times here at ASPIRE. God is good all the time!!!
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