The Great Buffet

This past week was the last week of school for the kids which means it was no different than any other last days of school.  Thursday was full of excitement for the summer!  Now that they are finished with school I will be able to spend more time with them.  This past week we took advantage of the time we had to go on several trail rides in the morning while things are still cool.  I know what you are thinking though because Dad has already told me...what a great job I have.  :)  I have been using this quiet time to just sit and relax from everything else that is going on, pray and think.

While on the trail the horses think that it is just one big great buffet.  I think this is hilarious but while on the trail it can become very frustrating.  As I fought to keep my horse from eating every maple tree branch and every tall blade of grass there was I thought of my own life.  You know sometimes I feel that my life is the trail ride and my great buffet is all the opportunities that I have.  Some of which may be what God is asking of me while others are not in his plan.  Like my horse I'm ok passing up a few but sometimes I begin to wonder if I can just have a little piece here and there, even if it's not on His agenda, I'm just testing the reins. 

I know for my life it has been tough to give everything up to God.  It always seems that I'm holding something back, something that I would fight for.  I know deep down that He's a Big God and He can handle it but I guess it's either my stubbornness or independence or even shame that holds me back.  I've learned I just have to daily hand over the reins and trust in the Lord.  I know I may have to pass up some good opportunities in my eyes but in the end he will take me to an even better place...afterall we always end our ride in nice green pasture.  :)

Monday is the arrival of our first new young lady of 4 so please keep them in mind along with some of the boys who are in transition now.  One young man graduates tomorrow and while he is able to leave Oak Ranch he sure does have a lot of support here that he won't have if he leaves so please pray for his decisions.  Lastly, please pray for Oak Ranch and the other Baptist Children's Homes of NC.  They really do rely heavily on your help, support and prayers.  For the most part they take in the children that foster homes won't and the ones that the court says have to go somewhere. 

As a barn update we have new kittens at the barn as of Thursday and they are looking for a donation of chickens and a calf to add to the property.  One young man really likes his chickens so we are trying hard to get him some to take care of while another wants to learn how to raise cattle so if you know anyone that would like to help us out send them to good ol' Sanford, NC.