“Prayer is not a preparation for work, it is the work. Prayer is not preparation for the battle, it is the battle” -Oswald Chambers

 

So many times we pray before the matter, but then seem to forget about it DURING the work or the battle. Yet, prayer IS the work and it IS the battle! It is your spirit communicating with God!! The Almighty Father!  It amazes me that we can get so close to God.....

I had read this quote a while back and thought it was really good and so true, but I didn't fully  and completely understand it until Caleb's brain surgery. There were so many people praying for Caleb and our family before during and now after the surgery, that I couldn't even count them if I tried! I am so thankful to each and everyone of you who prayed for him and our family!! May God richly bless you all!! 

~} Some Encouragement for the day {~

"In the rush and noise of life, as you have intervals, step home within yourselves and be still. Wait upon God, and feel His good presence; this will carry you evenly through your day's business." ---William Penn



Dear Jake,

I would just like to let you know how much I appreciate you. You have a true servants heart. You are always willing to do work and you do all things faithfully, working hard until your job is completed. You can be extremely hilarious at times, and you can usually always make me laugh! ;) You've got a great sense of humor!
Thank you for taking care of Shelby while I'm gone. Thank you for diligently keeping the stall clean, for always making sure her water bucket is full, and for keeping her full of hay! :-) Jake, you're starting to become a young man, not just my 'little' brother. :) May you keep looking Upward as you move onward.... I love you.

I love you little Bro!

Love, Gianna

Almost 4 years!

I can't believe how fast the time went! It feels like I've had her for about a year now.
{ I've decided to do our "4 year anniversary post" early because I probably won't be home for the 'official' day. }
On January 20, 2007 at about 1:00 on a Saturday afternoon, I was given this beautiful horse... Shelby.  This was one of our first rides.



2007 Giving my nephew, Tyler, one of his first rides! :-)


Photo Credit: Caitlin Savino
2008
2009
2010

She was a complete gift from a family friend. She had originally wanted $3500 for her. There was no way I could afford her, I was only 14. So after a few months of NOTHING, she told my dad she'd give her to us for $1500. Still, I couldn't do it. More months past. Then, she spontaneously decided to just GIVE her to me! She said she had been praying for a girl who just wanted a horse to ride and have fun with........ :)


}God is so Good{

His love is unfailing...

I am so thankful for Jesus Christ. I am so thankful that He loves me even when it seems like no one else does. Even when it seems like I'm having a bad day or nothing's going "right", He's always there to pick me up and help me to 'start anew'. I am so thankful that He sent His only Son to die on the cross for me. To save me from my wicked ways. To give me a hope and a future. I am so thankful for His Word. I am so indebted to Him that I can never-ever repay Him for all He has done, is doing, and continues to do for me. He is amazing. He is my Savior. He is my everything. He is the Risen King. He is my Heavenly Father. He is God only wise. He is my Maker and Redeemer. He is the Everlasting Father. He is the Prince of Peace. He is the reason for the season. :-)


"He is teaching me to follow Him — joyfully, expectantly, hopefully, and faithfully."