Saturday 10 March 2012

Where in the world are you going??

Looking Ahead

When Amos and I are trail riding we look more ahead than behind. We are more concerned with what is in front of us than what is behind. I do occasionally look behind, however that may be to keep track of someone who is behind or the result of something coming from behind. My main focus is I want to see what is ahead of us. We may be approaching new territory or I may see an obstacle that Amos and I may need to maneuver around. A common obstacle on some of the trails is a footbridge. They are designed for human traffic not a 1,000-pound horse. Amos would probably attempt to walk across the footbridge if I urged him to, unaware that he could get seriously injured or even killed. My responsibility is to look ahead and find the better route for us. Amos may prefer the footbridge to crossing the stream, even if the stream is only 6” deep and 2’ wide! Crossing water is a depth perception issue with him. But I know crossing the stream is by far the safer route.

As we walk along our life path I am afraid we sometime see the footbridge as the safer route rather than taking the alternate route. We often hear the voice of God but sometimes don’t take the route he lays out for us because we think we can make a better choice. We need to be careful. We need to look to Christ to guide us.

Prayer Thought: Lord help me each day to take the right path you have laid out for me.

Wednesday 15 February 2012

911! 911! Always wanted to ride in an ambulance!

Always wanted to ride in one of these - up front, not in the back! Well, I got part of my wish! I rode in the back last Saturday - not good! I was up-chucking all the way to the hospital - yuk.

I was at a men's b'fast and got extremely light headed, dizzy, and passed out. That was good for attention getter. Then I up-chucked my B'fast on the table at the restaurant - that rattled a few people - hee hee! Especially the restaurant staff! By the way, I am fine. They did keep me at the hospital for 24 hours.

Prior to Saturday I was on 4 blood pressure meds, 3 meds for heart blockage. and heavy meds for Parkinson disease. Well, I have decided to get my act together. I have lost 28 pounds in the past 7 months, been exercising, (riding bike as much as 16 miles a day) and a much healthier diet. What happened last Saturday was a result of now being over medicated! Whoopee! They Immediately took 3 of my Blood Pressure pills away, and the last pill they reduced it from 100mg to 25mg daily! They also cut my Parkinson med in half! I am feeling great! My body is still adjusting so I would suggest if we eat out together? Don't sit across the table from me!

Saturday 21 January 2012

Lets get out of here - NOW!

January 21st

Scripture: “But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, Godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.” I Timothy 6:11

Flight

The horse being an animal that is preyed upon will respond to danger with flight. Very quickly if need be! Sometimes leaving the rider in mid-air flight as well. Amos will use flight as a means of escape if need be. He is not a spooky horse. He has confidence in me through training and experience and unless I urge him to flee, he is okay. When trail riding together we often come up on something new. It could simply be a bush that is shaped “unusual” that looks “different” to Amos. I can tell quickly if he is on alert. Maybe his ears show tenseness, muscles tighten, gait changes, maybe even stiffer. The quicker I pick up on the clues the more likely I can settle him down and reassure him. I do not want him to go into a flight mode unless there is a real threat.

Flight is a means of escape for the Christian as well. Sometimes we don’t use it enough. When we should be fleeing, we tend to hang around. I try to get Amos use to things that are not dangerous but that are a “concern” for him. However, if it is a serious hazard that we need to be clear of, I want him to move away from it now. I don’t expect his curiosity to put us in danger.

Prayer Thought: Lord help me today not to “hang around” those things that I should flee from.