Afternoon Ride

I don't seem to get around to posting much about Maverick. So this afternoon when I rode I took some pictures to share with you! I'm sorry they are only phone quality.

Haltered and brushed. 

Tacked up ready to go. 

We went out into the paddock and trotted around. I have to work on getting him to really trot out. It is only really now that my seat and rising trot are good enough for a decent sized trot. So because for the last while I have only been doing short stints of slow trotting he thinks that is all he has to do. He got some rhythm going today though which was great. 

 I didn't ride for that long because it was pretty windy. But I feel like we made progress, especially because he had a holiday and I've only just been riding him again.

Here is an interesting selfie to leave you with. (And in case you aren't sure, yes I am on the ground.)

Book Review: Walk Like a Warrior

Title: Walk Like A Warrior: Inspiring True Stories of God's Encouragement on the Trail Less-Traveled.
Author: Shara Bueler-Repka
Facts: 112 pages. Seems only available as an e-book.
Pros: I enjoyed this book because of its passionate Christian horsey adventures. The author shares of her and her husband's experiences while on the road in horse ministry as well some miracles from her younger days. Each chapter starts with a Bible verse, tells a story and ends with some lessons, making it like a devotional. The chapters are short or divided into subsections. It also has pictures of beautiful nature throughout. The writing style is good, a bit more casual without being ungrammatical and hard to read.  I think as a whole the book keeps getting better as it goes along.

Cons: To start with I thought it was strange because it wasn't talking of horses. Then I realized it was just the first section on general ministry. A couple of stories  had very few details (obviously for privacy reasons) which was hard to relate to, dry and I feel would have been better left out. On the other hand some stories had so many dates and events it was confusing. Also the layout looks a little home done. But these few things can be dealt with and wouldn't discourage me from re-reading the book.

Overall it was very enjoyable. It tells of so many miracles and answered prayers which help to strengthen your faith. The stories beautifully reflect the title; there are battles to fight and we each need to walk like warriors in God's strength.

A Tag

So Liberty, Beth and Lexah tagged me for the Liebster Award which was really nice. (Thanks heaps, everyone :) Here are my answers to the questions.

Liberty's questions:

1. What would you prefer snow or rain?

Snow. We don't get snow where we live so it is still a fun thought. 

2.Would you be able to live without technology for a whole week?

Yes. I'd just spend more time outside and probably read a few good books. 

3. Do you like cowboys?

Yeah, a bit less than cowgirls. 

4. Who is your favorite singer?

I don't really listen to many singers. I like most of Willow City's music.

5. If you could live anywhere where would you live?

This might sound way too original, but just here in our area on a farm somewhere. 

6. Hot or cold weather?

Cold weather.

7. Do you like cats?

I don't mind them, if they're friendly but not like jumping all over you kind of friendly. 

8. Do you have a dog or puppy?

No, I don't. If I were to get one I wouldn't go for a puppy because they've got crazy amounts of energy and ability to destroy stuff. 

9. What is the weather like today?

Sunny, still and just nice. 

10. What did you do when you first woke up today?

Umm. Rolled over in bed a lot of times and then got up to say goodbye to all the work-going family.  

11. How many siblings do you have? 

Two. A sister and brother! 

Beth's Questions:

1. When is your Birthday?
November! 
2. How many kids do you want to have when you get married? 
At least four but the more the merrier. I'll wait for God's plan because it is best. 
3. What is your favorite sport if you have a favorite!?
Horse riding! It is a sport. 
4. Would you rather be a beautiful horse or a small white rabbit? 
This is so hard because I love rabbits too. But because you said a white rabbit I'll be a horse. 
Hey, look at the rabbit I had. (random, I know but wasn't he cute!)

5. What is your favorite state? 
New South Wales, Australia! 
6. What is your favorite food? 
Just any food is great. I like pasta in what ever shape, lasagna, spaghetti etc. 
7. Do you like dogs?
Yeah. Most of them not all. 
8. Do you have a pet?
Yes, my horse and 2 sheep.
9. What is one your favorite places to go?
Grandma and Granddad's place! 
10. Do you want to go to college when you grow up?
No. At least not at the moment.
11. Do you wear any makeup?
No. 

Lexah's questions:

1. What did you do before writing this post?
Had breakfast.
2. What is your favorite game to play?
Squatter, an Australian farming game.
3. What book of the Bible are you reading?
Jeremiah.
4. What is your favorite thing to do in the spring?
Ride my horse...all year round favorite.
5. Do you like Brussel sprouts?
This is a great question. No, I don't.
6. What is your funniest memory of when you were younger?
I am still young. ;) I don't really know. Sorry to be so lame.
7. What is your favorite summer beverage?
Fruit juice.
8. Which do you like best: Pork, Beef, Venison or Chicken?
I'm vegan so none.
9. What's the farthest you've ever been from home?
Not sure if you're meaning solo or just location. But location probably 14 hours away in Queensland.
10. Ice Cream or Cookies?
Ice cream. Or maybe both.
11. What's the nicest thing you've heard all day?
Hmm. Everyone saying good morning. 

Now due to being tagged 3 times I'm not going to write 11 facts. Also I'm not going to tag anyone because most of you have already done this. If you haven't been tagged(Apples of Gold and Showers of Blessing?) please join the fun! Here are some questions for you to answer, put it with 11 facts about you and tag some others! 

11 Favorites for you to answer.

1. Favorite pajamas?
2. Favorite Bible story and why?
3. Favorite room of the house?
4. Favorite hair style?
5. Favorite farm animal?
6. Favorite character trait?
7. Favorite place outside?
8. Favorite post on your blog(most viewed)?
9. Favorite quote?
10. Favorite recent photo?
11. Favorite thing about your Mum? 


Until next time, 
Rachel 

That One Message

You know that moment when someone else is talking and suddenly they mention something you're passionate about. Almost immediately you (or I at least) take over the conversation and go on and on about it. It is like a bright fire in your soul ever burning but only sometimes showing itself. It is a special passion given to us from God to share with others, the message we feel the world needs to hear. Well, recently I feel like my message has become clearer, so I want to share it briefly with you.

*****

Fear it is real. Very real. It is a tactic of the Devil. In fact, I think the Devil suffers from it himself. It manifests itself in many different ways, but all have the same solution. It can be glaringly obvious or extremely subtle. I think we all go through times of fear. But how dangerous is it and what should we do to overcome it?

Fear shows a lack of faith. I found 144 verses that use the words 'fear not' but I have heard there are 365 with that message. Just one (Rev 1:17) says Fear not; I am the first and last, that covers everything. From a lack of faith fear leads directly to disobedience. Without a trust in God there is no way we can step out and do as he asks. A few biblical examples are: Isaac feared the men of Gerar would kill him for his wife so he lied about her. Uzza touch the ark of God because he feared it would tumble etc.

Now comes the alarming part, what does disobedience lead to? Death. Fear leads to death. Revelation 21:8  But the fearful... shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

But wait there is a solution, His name is Jesus Christ, Lord, Savior and Redeemer! He saves from fear, because He is Love (1 John 4:8). 1 John 4:18  There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. It is thrilling. He is the answer! Hold onto Him, He will give you liberty, freedom.

From this that God is Love, perfect Love, when we fear even in little things we are not abiding in Christ. It's something I have found very personally challenging. I fear things regularly. But it is as each one of us abides in Christ that He sets us free from the chains of fear- which is death. John 10:10 ...I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

I have found when I am fearful I like to remember and repeat scripture it helps me focus on the Solution not the 'problem'. Here are some of my favorites. 

2 Timothy 1:7  For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Hebrews 13:6  So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

Proverbs 3:26  For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.

Revelation 3:8  ...behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it...

And of course 1 John 4:18  There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.