~What's up with Sheika

So I don't think I ever told y'all this but I haven't been doing much (as in riding) with Sheika for the last couple months. Not because I didn't want to but because we got her bred and thought she was pregnant (Vet thought so too) but apparently she isn't. I'm sort of relieved though because I am so ready to get back on her. I saddled her up the other day and let her graze while I did it. She didn't even notice I put it on her and never had a problem with it even though I haven't saddled her in months! Hopefully I can start riding her again soon. Very soon. I don't want to start rushing but also winter is coming and that really slows my riding down. An indoor arena would be awesome...

So y'all, this was her last year...

and this is her now... much difference? I think so!

 She is turning out more beautiful than I thought she would.

Silly little girl wasn't crazy about standing around. 

But she soon got over it.

Check out our short little video. I didn't edit or anything.

~Birthday pics with Sheika

Tash was awesome and took pics of me n Sheika for my birthday. 

(Even though she hates taking equine photos)

:)

It was a bit challenging because Sheika didn't want to stand still for me!

But I think we still got some good ones.

One of my favorites!

Isn't she just too cute?

~Godly families

Ok I may be coming across a little harsh, but I think I'm going to say this. Please bear with me.
 I really hate what I see happening to the family around me . Anymore a family consists of a set of parents and their children of 15 and under. It is generally unheard of for 16+ to ride to church with their family or even sit in the same pew. The youth are suddenly engrossed with their friends and lets not forget the youth group.
Families virtually have no testimony. There is no unity or even togetherness. At least not in a Christ centered way. (Yeah families can sit around a TV together) Is there even such a thing as family devotions anymore? Family meals? Family discussions?
We can't blame the youth for leaving. Really what have they been offered?
Where are the godly examples? Where are the families that are pulling together towards the goal of glorifying God and advancing His kingdom? Where are the families that are prepared to work together to help other hurting families?
Instead we send our youth out to work with other youth under another couple's guidance. Then that group of mixed youth are to be reaching out and helping others. Don't we see how backwards that is? Why did God even create families?
I realize here I am mostly talking to young ladies, and you may be thinking "I'm not a parent or a leader, how does this apply to me?" I want to encourage you: God put you in your family for a reason. For a specific reason. First, so that as a family you can learn to love, serve, and know Him. Then you can go out and show the world that God's ways work. A family dedicated to God, is something to be reckoned with. There is such contentment and peace in living and growing and working with your family, the way God wanted you to.
 My advice to you: embrace the family God gave you, and cherish the moments you have together.
So what can you do right now?

Seek God

Know God

Serve God

Love God

Share God!

~My favorite chapter

I don't know if I ever mentioned this before but I really like Psalm 91. Especially the first two verses.I think verse two is the declaration of my heart.
"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and fortress: my God: in Him will I trust."
Today there are so many uncertainties. So much fear and unrest. You may wonder if there is anywhere you can truly be safe and at peace. I'm here to tell you there is such a place, but its not a physical place you can go to.
When you are in the center of God's will, there is nothing that can touch you, except what He allows. There is peace and protection under His shadow, in that secret place. Not many people know about it. You have to search and go to God to find this place of protection. To put yourself totally in His control. And when you do that? He will cover you with His feathers and under His wings you will find contentment. Its the safest place I know of.
 So, go read Psalm 91 and you'll see why I like it so much. Make sure to look for His promises at the end. God has declarations to those who are faithful to Him.