And she went to a Dude Ranch

Just like winning the trip to South Africa for an African Safari, I never would have had a Dude Ranch on my bucket list. I would have listed 100 different places first, but I had a blast a couple of weeks ago when I went with some dear friends to Arizona to celebrate my friend's birthday. Kathie and Marty made a big deal about my 50th, so I thought I should join them if at all possible. I had some frequent flyer miles and it was very affordable! I am in no way a horse person and I've always been afraid of them; but recently I had a patient tell me something I haven't been able to get out of my mind.

"Being comfortable is like being in prison."

For some reason that statement resonated with me immediately! I'm not sure if it's because I have lost so many loved ones in recent years, but I decided to make it my goal to do as many things out of my comfort zone as possible.



Since the rest of the group had either gone to a Dude Ranch prior or owned horses of their own, I was the only true "beginner." I loved the slow rides, especially up the rocky mountains, but honestly I thought it might get a bit boring, riding so slow for five days. The rest of the group was anxious to take a fast ride and I didn't want to miss out, so I took a lesson to learn to trot and lope on my horse. It was mandatory to take a test before going on the fast ride. I found it difficult, but I sort of caught on that it was all about getting into a rhythm. They told us to have our pockets down and zipper up and slide on the saddle. It was so cool when I did it right. Somehow the guy passed me!

Loping (running on my horse) was the one of the scariest, most exhilarating things I have ever done. I know it sounds lame to most people, but my heart was beating out of my chest when the horse began to run. I didn't want him (Jackson) to know I was scared, because I heard they sense fear and could freak out. Anyway...I did it!

My poor horse ended up being sick. He was breathing very heavily, broke his stride and came to a dead stop a few times. I thought it was my fault because I did something wrong. Since I was a beginner they gave me a slow horse. The wrangler kept telling me to hit him with the stick to get him going because he was "lazy." It turns out he was really hurt. I feel badly that I made him take me up the mountain a few times while injured. On the last day they gave me a new beautiful horse (Trigger, pictured above) to ride and I felt a lot more confident.

At the end of each day we were hot, exhausted and very dirty! A shower and a glass of wine never felt or tasted better. Oh, and the food was incredible! After dinner each night they had activities. My least favorite was the art project where we had to do a water color paining of a horse and dessert. Anyone who knows me knows crafts are not my strong suit. You will notice I did not add a photo of it in this post!

I am definitely anxious to go on another trip in the future (maybe to Wyoming). I would love to ride in the lush green mountains and ride through rivers. I am really glad I decided to get out of my comfort zone and do something I never dreamt I would enjoy. I highly recommend you do something totally crazy. You won't regret it and you may just have the time of your life!

http://youtu.be/ZSYPNiK7fXE

What are you looking at?

"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye." ~Matt 7:3-5

We certainly don't like it when people point out our faults or judge us for how we are handling a situation. I cannot call myself a Christ-follower if I continually judge others. I am considering putting this picture on my fridge as a reminder. I should also put it on my mirror in my bathroom and on a sticky note in my car. It should be the screen saver on my computer and the wallpaper on my phone.

Remembering

Last night God reminded me that lately I have been forgetting.

I've been forgetting to remember what He has done for me since He first touched my life on a deeper level. He and I have been through a lot together and I can't believe I could have so easily forgotten.

I wish I didn't have the block that has caused me to lose my fire and blog about what He is currently doing in my life. I was in such a better place when I started my day with God and ended it thanking Him for being with me every step of the way. I have been focusing on what isn't instead of what is; and He is enough.

I started today in His Word and I already feel better!

"Let all that I am praise the Lord;
may I never forget the good things he does for me." ~Psalm 103:2 NLT



Love,
xx

xx Feeding Our Marriage xx