Even If

This morning (well, actually Wednesday morning) the little children were playing a guessing game to see who knows me best.  They took turns, seeing who could remember the most about me...where I was born, when I was born, where I've lived, my favorite things.

When they got to my favorite hymn, I realized with surprise that it's been 16 months since they've heard me sing my long favorite hymn, "It Is Well."  It's odd because it IS well with my soul, but I still cannot bring myself to sing that song.

It's been awhile since I've posted a song, but this one...this one is perfect.  I needed to post it.

I do know He's able.  I know He can save through the fire.  And when He doesn't, all I can do, all I know, is to trust Him.

Lyrics:
They say sometimes you win some,
Sometimes you lose some
And right now, right now I'm losing bad
I've stood on this stage, night after night
Reminding the broken, it'll be alright
But right now, oh right now I just can't
It's easy to sing
When there's nothing to bring me down
But what will I say
When I'm held to the flame
Like I am right now
I know You're able and I know You can
Save through the fire with Your mighty hand
But even if You don't
My hope is You alone

They say it only takes a little faith
To move a mountain
Well good thing
A little faith is all I have right now
But God, when You choose
To leave mountains unmovable
Give me the strength to be able to sing
It is well with my soul
I know You're able and I know You can
Save through the fire with Your mighty hand
But even if You don't
My hope is You alone
I know the sorrow and I know the hurt
Would all go away if You'd just say the word
But even if You don't
My hope is You alone

You've been faithful, You've been good
All of my days
Jesus, I will cling to You
Come what may
'Cause I know You're able
I know You can
I know You're able and I know You can
Save through the fire with Your mighty hand
But even if You don't
My hope is You alone
I know the sorrow, I know the hurt
Would all go away if You'd just say the word
But even if You don't
My hope is You alone
My hope is You alone

It is well with my soul
It is well, it is well with my soul

I Sing You to Me

There's a line that has been playing in my mind.  It's from the movie, Australia.  The main character has fallen in love with a little boy whom she has taken into her heart as her son, but because of bitter circumstances and war, he is being torn from her arms.  She promises him that she will find him, no matter what.  He tells her, "I sing you to me," just like he did when they first found each other.  And he does.  At the height of despair, when all seems lost, she hears his beautiful song and they are reunited.

That is exactly how I feel.  My heart is waiting, always listening for his song...and His song, singing me home.

Flying Kites

What do you do when the winter weather is 76° and incredibly windy?  Take the science lesson outside, of course, and go fly kites! Lift, thrust, weight, and drag is learned much better outside!

We had a great time this week, screaming and running and watching the kites go.

It was so sweet to just enjoy the children and watch them have fun and chase the kites...watch them share and take turns...listen to their sweet voices encouraging one another, helping each other.

I thought of how much William would have loved this.  I imagined him, sitting in his wheelchair, holding onto the kite.  I imagined his siblings, pushing him along as they ran after the kites.  I imagined his laughter, his easy-going patience while he waited his turn.  I imagined his joy from feeling the kite he wouldn't have been able to see, tug and jerk in his hands...his laughter at hearing the other children laugh.

The day was wonderful and hard, all at the same time.  I enjoy my children so very much.  Even through the pain of missing the one.

Abby and Sherrod

Many of you already know about Blaze's Tribute Equine Rescue and the wonderful work they are doing over there.  Every year they do a "Trainer's Challenge" competition where about 18 different horse trainers each pick a horse and take it home for 120 days to work with it, then come together for the competition to show what it can do.  At the end of the competition, the horse is up for adoption, pending approval by Blaze's.  It's a great way for a great horse to find a forever home.  The horse has 4 months worth of professional training ($2800+ value), plus farrier, worming, vaccinations, chiropractor, feed, etc. and the starting bid at auction is only $800!  It's such a great deal!

Last year, Abby won the Youth Division with Prancer, a young mare she absolutely fell in love with.  Prancer was a gem.  She helped Abby so much and they truly became a beautiful team.  Of course, Abby is competing again this year with a beautiful guy named Hooey.

She says that Prancer taught her confidence while Hooey is teaching her patience.  LOL!  He's a great horse, too...just a different personality. 😃

Sherrod is also entering this year with Sassafras, a sweet little mare.

The girls have formed team t-shirts.  They would have liked to have each had their own, but I told them I couldn't wear 2 shirts to the competition and I wasn't going to wear one over the other.  Neither did I have a desire to go change shirts while keeping up with all the children!  Ugh!  So they came up with this...

If you would like to help support the girls and their challenge horses, you can order a shirt for $25.  This will help care for both horses while they are here.  Please text Abby your order no later than April 15.  If you don't have her number, you can email me and I'll forward it.  Joshalyn@rightpathridingacademy.org

We appreciate your support! 😘

A Special Treat

I just had to video them singing...so cute!  A couple of days ago, they recorded my favorite verse of their January song:

This morning, they did the whole song:
Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus

Now they're working on He Will Hold Me Fast. 💖

Hurts Aside...

I've made a decision...

Next week I'm taking William's Cough Assist machine into his doctor's office to donate it to someone who could use it.

I will not cry (in the office)...

I will not say a word about office compassion...

I will not tell him what I think...

I will not tell him what I feel...

I will not remind him that my little boy loved him and thought he was wonderful...

I will not.

I will only think of this little face and how he saw the best in everyone.
















I will think of Mr. N, running hither-thither-and-yon, trying to find that machine after William came off of life support and needed it so badly.

I will think of the countless other friends who have so selflessly sacrificed for William and for the rest of us...who have loved us with their whole hearts.

And I will think of some mother out there, fighting for her baby's life, thankful for technology and the gift of one more day...