April 2009

 

 

April 1, 2009

Please be sure to get your entries in today for the horse show on Saturday.  We need to know if we will have enough entries to hold it.  Several of the big barns aren't able to come this week. This is one of the benefits of Pre-Entering !   I love it.  It sure makes life easier knowing on Thursday what to expect. 

We have been busy, busy, busy at the barn this week. New horses moving in, new customers signing up for lessons, and the hustle and bustle of everyday barn duties.  WE LOVE IT !!!

Donna is doing a great job breaking and starting little Miss Trinket.  I'll post a picture of her soon.  She is the cutest thing.  Reese is her turnout "neighbor" and Trinket thinks he is the most handsome horse. Well, he is !!!  She loves him and he loves her too.  It was love at first sight.  Actually - Reese loves everyone.  He is the sweetest horse.  Diana and Butch (Trinket's owners) came out last week and watched Donna ride her and they were so happy.  They are the nicest people.  We feel blessed to have them as part of our group.

This is the cherry blossom tree we planted on August 9, 2008 - the night we moved into the barn.  We planted it in honor and memory of Chuck.  Isn't it beautiful ? 

 

Love you and God bless,

Nardeen

 

April 3, 2009

We only have a few entries for the horse show tomorrow so we have decided to cancel.  I LOVE PRE-ENTERING.  It sure makes it nice knowing ahead of time what to expect.  Our next show is April 11 and Mary Shulte-Shields is the judge.

Kendall (Parks) came out yesterday and took a lesson on Topper.  She rides AMAZING.  She really hasn't done much jumping for a while but you would have never known it.  She never missed a beat.  And Topper was a perfect boy. It is always fun having Kendall around. She is the sweetest, happiest, most pleasant person. Full of JOY !!!  Then after the lesson a big group of us went to El Burrittos for dinner and had a blast laughing and talking and catching up.  Lisa (Gammill) told us that poor little Maddie broke her finger on the trampoline, so keep her in prayer. She is the most precious little girl.

Donna rode Trinket outside yesterday for the first time.  She was soooooo good.  Just the cutest thing.  Donna is doing such a great job with all the horses and ponies.  She rides AMAZING and they all love her. I am so blessed to have her back in my life.  God's divine timing.

Our Bible studies are getting bigger and bigger.  It won't be long before we will have the whole lawn in front of the barn filled up.  Ryann's classes from Bethel College and the Master's Commission have sure served her and all of us well.  We are enjoying it so much.  Everyone is welcome to come.  They are on Tuesday and Thursdays at 11:00.

We would also like to invite you to join us at Bethel Temple on Sunday for the 9:00 a.m. service.  They are having a special program and we know it will be wonderful.  Please come !  

Have a blessed day,

Nardeen

 

 

April 4, 2009

 

Today was WONDERFUL.  We had the best time, the weather was perfect, and PEACEFUL was the feeling all day long.

 

We put Reese and Trinket out together for the first time.  They've been neighbors for the past week.  They were able to reach across the fence and "kiss" each other and we thought they would enjoy being in the paddock together.  And - as I've said - Reese is so sweet he gets along with everyone.   They were so cute.  For about the past five months Reese has only been turned out in the small lame horse paddock.  I was being overprotective I guess.  But one day when he was turned out in the regular paddock I watched him start flying around totally out of control like a raving maniac.  It scared me to death.  So I put an end to that.  He's been very tolerant of being in there but yesterday we turned him out in the big paddock and he bucked and leaped and played and had the absolute best time.  So - we're going to try it with him again and say a lot of prayers while he's out.  I just feel so blessed to have him that I want to wrap him up in bubble wrap and totally protect him.  But I guess he needs to be a horse.  He's the sweetest thing in the world !!!

 

Donna and Ryann rode first thing this morning and the horses were so good.  Ryann rode Rex.  This is the first time she's ridden him in months.   She couldn't believe the difference in him.  She said he felt a a thousand times better to her.  Donna has done a great job with him - plus he has that fancy Joe Most shoeing.  He was a really good boy and Ryann had a blast riding him. 

 

Donna rode Zeus, a new horse at the barn.  WE LOVE HIM !!!   He's a big boy - around 16.3, dark grey, has a beautiful head with a big white star, and is as quiet and sweet as he can be.  He's a 5 year old Dutch Warmblood.     He has a HUGE stride and doesn't really know how to canter, so some serious flat work is in store.  He jumped all the jumps in our ring without caring about a thing - and he can jump a really big jump.  It's effortless for him.   AND - he did a few lead changes !!!   He belongs to Fred White who sent him to us to help train him.  Fred said he would sell him but he'd really like to hold on to him for a while and have some fun with him.  Fred went over to the Netherlands - all on his own - and found this horse.  I'm going to send him back to find one just like him for us !!!  We're excited about this project and I know that Donna is going to do a great job riding him.  I told Fred we feel really blessed that he picked us to send him to. 

 

Diana and Butch came out just in time to see Donna ride Trinket.  We did her in the big ring today. It was a bit windy so we were a little unsure about how it would go - but she was adorable.  Donna has a calming effect on the horses.  She spends time getting to know them and becoming their friend and that is a real plus.  They all love her.  Since it was Trinket's first time in the big ring Ryann rode Reese and Trinket followed.  She felt much more secure with her boyfriend in there with her. ADORABLE.  Diana and Butch are so excited about "their baby."  And they are so happy with the job Donna is doing. 

 

Tonight Ryann, Anna and I went to the movies and saw "The Cross."  It is a documentary about Arthur Blessitt, an evangelist who carried the cross around the world.  It took him over 40 years to do it.  He survived the worst of circumstances which could only have been possibly with God's protection.  It is an amazing story and if you can get there to see it please do. 

 

Who's Anna?  That is an incredible story that I'll tell you about in a day or two.  Another story about God's divine appointment.  AMAZING - OUR AMAZING GOD !!!

 

Have a blessed night,

Nardeen

 

 

April 7, 2009

 

We have revised the prize list for the upcoming horse shows.  The VHSA Associate division specifications will follow their rules exactly. We have added divisions to accommodate other heights etc.   See the revised prize list by clicking HERE.

 

Have a blessed night,

Nardeen

 

 

April 8, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We want to invite you to join us Sunday for Easter at Healing Waters Church.  The service starts at 10:45 but please try to be there by 10:30.  Ryann and Hunter have been working with the Youth Group of the Church and they will be putting on a skit - and Hunter will be playing the role of Jesus.  It is a really powerful skit called "Everything" about the trials the youth today are tempted with and how Jesus can protect and rescue them when they call for him.  When Ryann was in the Master's Commission they performed this skit many times and it always got rave revues.  And of course - it is Easter Sunday - so Church will be wonderful. 

 

What is the significance of Easter to the Christian? For some people, Easter strictly belongs to the realm of the Easter bunny and family get-togethers. For others, Easter is primarily a time of celebrating Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. For many, Easter -- like Christmas -- is celebrated as a combination of the secular and the sacred.

Understanding Easter from a Christian perspective is vitally important. The celebration of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection from the dead is crucial for believers in Jesus’ Christ. Without this doctrine, there is no Christianity and no Christian Easter.

Beyond doctrine is the knowledge of the truth that Jesus died to pay the penalty of death that we deserve for our sin, was buried, and rose with a glorified body, gaining victory over death and the grave. When we put our faith in Him by believing through faith alone in Christ alone, we have the promise of one day having a body like our Lord’s and reigning with Him in heaven.

Philippians 3:20-21 states, “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.”

2 Timothy 2:11-12 says “Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him. . .” This gives hope to the Christian at Easter time and throughout the year.

Easter Christian – The History
The history of Christian Easter is told about in the book, A History of The Christian Church1. The first definite record of the celebration of Christian Easter is in connection with the visit of Polycarp (the bishop of Smyrna) to Anicetus (the bishop of Rome) in 154 or 155 in order to come to an agreement about the time of the observance of Easter. Polycarp represented the more ancient custom of observing Easter with a vigil, ending with the Lord’s Supper, through the night of the fourteenth of the month Nisan (month of the Jewish calendar), like the Jewish Passover, regardless of what day of the week this day might fall.

Anicetus represented the Roman custom that was also followed by some parts of the East to have the Easter feast always on Sunday. They did not come to an agreement, but continued on each with their own practice. After further disputes over dates within the Asia Minor church, the problem became so serious that meetings were held around 190 that decided in favor of having Easter celebrated on Sunday. At a council in 314, the Roman date of Easter was approved.

In the third century in the Christian church, “the great event of the year was the Easter season. The period immediately before was one of fasting in commemoration of Christ’s sufferings. Customs differed in various parts of the empire. In Rome a forty hours’ fast and vigil was held in remembrance of Christ’s rest in the grave. This was extended, by the time of the Council of Nicaea to a forty days’ Lent. All fasting ended with the dawn of Easter morning, and the Pentecostal period of rejoicing then began. In that time there was no fasting or kneeling in prayer in public worship. Easter eve was the favorite season for baptism, that the newly initiate might participate in the Easter joy.”2 At the Council of Nicaea a uniform date for the observance of Easter was ordered.

Easter Christian – Personal Reflections on Christian Easter
Easter (Christian) is the reality of our Savior Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection which transcends failed hopes in things that come up hollow and empty. Out of the pain, suffering, and shame Jesus experienced on our behalf, truth came. Life everlasting came. What a glorious hope you can share with all those who are looking expectantly for the Truth.

 

 

God bless,

Nardeen

 

 

April 10, 2009

 

Yesterday was another wonderful day at the barn.  The weather was perfect, and we had such a great day, filled with wonderful people.  Our Bible studies and fellowship have been amazing.  The peace and joy we all feel is incomparable. 

 

Harold brought lunch to the Bible Study and I think he bought out the entire Schlotzsky's Deli !  You name it he brought it.  We could have fed the entire town of Carrollton.  Harold is such a generous man.  He reminds me of my wonderful friend Caroline.  You just mention something and the next thing you know he's taking care of it.  Another blessing in our lives.  Remember a few days ago I told you that I'd be telling you more about Anna? Well Harold and Anna are the story I want to tell you about. It is truly AMAZING and so OBVIOUSLY God appointed. 

 

My niece Andra came out and took a lesson.  She trailered in "Mac" one of her three horses.  He was such a good boy - sweet as he could be but when it came time to load back on the trailer he didn't want to leave. He liked it at Amazing Grace Stable. It took a while, but he finally gave in.  He may have to come out and live with us so Andra can get back into a lesson program.  We would love having her out here with us.

 

Kendall took another lesson and I just love her to pieces.  She is such a pleasure to be around. While Kendall was riding Lacey came out on Normandie and I had her jump him around so everyone could see him.  He is such a cool horse.  Normandie came from Sally Lamb in "Charlottesville and Kendall has Obie who also came from Sally.  Then Ryann, Kendall, Lisa, Jackie, Lacey, Katie and I went to El Burrito's again for dinner.  Girls Night Out !!!

 

Lisa blessed us by trimming up horses and pulling manes yesterday.  They all look so beautiful.  And that precious Maddie helped groom one or two.  I love that little girl.   She is so adorable. While they were there Therese and Anne Marie came so Maddie and Anne Marie got to meet.  They remind me so much of each other.  They are both so talkative, expressive and ADORABLE.  Lots of precious personality.  Such a cute age.

 

Our horse show is on for Saturday. We will be starting at 11:00.

 

Easter Sunday - the BEST DAY OF THE YEAR !!!  We would love for you to come with us to Healing Waters Church to celebrate Jesus' resurrection.   Please come.

 

God bless you,

Nardeen

 

 

April 11, 2009

 

We had a nice horse show today at Amazing Grace Stable.  Small - but very nice.  The weather was even good until just about the end when it got cold and windy - but no rain thank goodness. We met some new people from Langley Stables and Willow Oaks Stable.   It's always fun making new friends.  And Carla Francis came out with Kerri Alphin and her BIG horse "Big Sky." He is gigantic - about 17.2 or so.  Kerri did a great job with him and won an Open Hunter class.  You go Kerri !

 

The stars of the show were Kendall and "Topper."  That Kendall is amazing and rode great, of course.  The girl can ride !!!  This was her first show in about six years.   She was Champion in the Open Hunter and the Junior/Amateur.   She had a blast and I had a blast helping her.  And I think Topper even had a blast.  He's the cutest horse.

 

Jackie did a GREAT job too and was Champion Special Hunter with that precious "Stretch."  She conquered her fear and rode forward and made that big eyed "pony" do his job !!!  He's a lazy boy so it takes a lot of persuading to make him go forward.  You go Jackie !!!  I wish Sven had been here to see her.  He would have been proud of her.  We miss you Sven.

 

Donna rode beautifully and did a wonderful job showing Ann Martin's horses "On the Sly" and "Super Natural".  I don't think you can find a more beautiful rider than Donna.  She has a style all her own !  She was champion with "Sly" in the Green Hunter and won good ribbons with "Super Natural."  Stacy and Anne brought the horses over yesterday and Donna got a chance to ride them which was nice. This was Donna's first time showing in about three years.

 

Destiny Williams came over today and showed "Super Natural" in the Special Hunter and won the second jumping class. Unfortunately she jumped the wrong last jump in the first class so she was off course. It was such a shame because she had a beautiful trip.  She also showed her own horse "My Prince Charming" and he was a very good boy. I told her to do the adds which was a big mistake because he got down the lines really easily and unfortunately had a rail because of it.  I was happy though with Destiny because she tried hard to do what I told her to do.  She's a good rider, just needs more show ring experience.  Anne showed "Prince" too and and won a class with him.  Anne rides great.  We always love it when they come over.  Hopefully now that the weather is getting better we'll see more of them.

 

Click here for SHOW RESULTS.

 

I'm hitting the hay so I can get up bright and early tomorrow for church.  Easter - the VERY BEST DAY OF THE YEAR - thanks to our Lord and SAVIOR Jesus Christ.

 

Thank you everyone who came out and showed today. And a BIG THANK YOU to our "team" Mark, Lori, Donna, Ryann and Hunter.  I love you guys. YOU'RE THE BEST !!!

 

God bless you,

Nardeen

 

 

April 12, 2009

 

HAPPY EASTER !!!

 

April 14, 2009

 

We had the most wonderful Easter. It started out at Healing Waters Church - with Pastor McCarty and some of the men of the church cooking breakfast for the congregation!  How cool is that.  Pastor McCarty has a special Biscuits and Gravy recipe that he makes, and he won't give any one a hint of the special ingredients he uses.  It was delicious.  The skit the kids put on was sooooo good. Hunter did a great job playing Jesus.  Ryann directed it and taught it to the kids. I was amazed at how quickly they learned it.  That was because God wanted them to perform it on Easter Sunday.  The congregation LOVED it. It was POWERFUL !!!

 

After church we had dinner at Ryann and Hunter's and most of Hunter's family came over. I was blessed with Ma Helen and Josh, Jacob and Jennifer Carr and Jim and Joyce Griffith.  We had a wonderful time and lots of really good food.  It was a pot luck and everyone brought something yummy.  We are still enjoying leftovers. As a matter of fact Donna and I are sitting in the kitchen right now while Ryann is fixing us a plate of leftovers for dinner. Yum !!!

 

Here's Kendall and Topper !  Isn't that Kendall the cutest, sweetest girl.  And Topper is the best thing.  They sure had fun on Saturday.

 

 

I have a James River Horse Show question for you. Do you, or does anyone you know have an interest in having a 3'3 Amateur Owner Hunter division at James River???  If we put it in it will be on Friday and Saturday. Let me know and if there is enough interest we may add it in.

 

God bless,

Nardeen

 

 

Mobile phone vs Bible
 

 Ever wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat

 our mobile phone?


  What if we carried  it around in our purses or pockets?

 What if we flipped  through it several time a day?

 What if we turned  back to go get it if we forgot it?

 What if we used it  to receive messages from the text?

 What if we treated  it like we couldn't live without it?

 What if we gave it  to kids as gifts?

 What if we used it  when we travelled?

 What if we used it  in case of emergency?

 This is something  to make you go....hmm...where is my Bible?

 Oh, and one more  thing.
 Unlike our mobile  phone, we don't have to worry about our Bible being
 disconnected, because Jesus already paid the  bill.

 

Have a blessed and wonderful day!

 

 

 

April 18, 2009

 

We have had the absolute best time the past two days at the Joyce Meyer Conference at the Hampton Coliseum.  Today is the last day and I am so sorry to see it coming to an end.  Joyce is AMAZING and if you've never seen her on television you're missing out.  She is the "real deal."  The coliseum has been PACKED but it doesn't matter because there really isn't a bad seat in the place.  Wherever you sit you can see just fine.  Her message this week has been all about the fruits of the spirit and it is powerful.  This is a very special message to me because at Chuck's funeral our wonderful family friend, Glenn Heath, talked about how Chuck had all the fruits of the spirit.  He was such a wonderful man, and possessed all the qualities the Lord wants us all to have.  When Joyce talks about her husband Dave he reminds me of Chuck.  I think they must be very much alike.  I was soooooooooo blessed to have Chuck in my life. 

 

Galatians 5:22 - The fruits of the spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and self control. Chuck had it all.  He was an AMAZING man.    

 

Okay - I'm off to this mornings session.  Can't wait !!!

 

God bless,

Nardeen

 


A man from Norfolk , VA called a local radio station to
share this on Sept 11th, 2003, TWO YEARS AFTER THE TRAGEDIES
OF 9/11/2001. His name was Robert Matthews. These are his words:

A few weeks before Sept. 11th, my wife and I found out we
were going to have our first child. She planned a trip out
to California to visit her sister.  On our way to the
airport, we prayed that God would grant my wife a safe trip
and be with her. Shortly after I said 'amen,' we both heard 
a loud pop and the car shook violently. We had blown
out a tire. I replaced the tire as quickly as I could, but
we still missed her flight. both very upset, we drove home.

I received a call from my father who was retired NYFD. He
asked what my wife's flight number was, but I explained that
we missed the flight..   My father informed me that her flight was 
the one that crashed into the southern tower. I was too shocked to 
speak. My father also had more news for me; he was going to help.
'This is not something I can't just sit by for; I have to do
something.'

I was concerned for his safety, of course, but more because
he had never given his life to Christ. After a brief debate,
I knew his mind was made up.  Before he got off of the phone
, he said, 'take good care of my grandchild.  Those were the
last words I ever heard my father say; he died while helping
in the rescue effort.

My joy that my prayer of safety for my wife had been
answered quickly became anger. I was angry at God, at my
father, and at  myself. I had gone for nearly two years
blaming God for taking my father away. My son would never
know his grandfather, my father had never accepted Christ,
and I never got to say good-bye.

Then something happened. About two months ago, I was sitting
at home with my wife and my son, when there was a knock on
the  door. I looked at my wife, but I could tell she wasn't
expecting anyone. I opened the door to a couple with a small
child. The man looked at me and asked if my father's name was Jake
Matthews. I told him it was. He quickly grabbed my hand and
said, 'I never got the chance to meet your father, but it is
an honor to meet his son.'He explained to me that his wife had worked in 
the World Trade Center and had been caught inside after the attack.
She was pregnant and had been caught under debris. He then
explained that my father had been the one to find his wife
and free her.  My eyes welled up with tears as I thought of
my father giving his life for people like this. He then said
'there is something else you need to know.'

His wife then told me that as my father worked to free her, she 
talked to him and led him to Christ. I began sobbing at the news.

Now I know that when I get to Heaven, my father will be
standing beside Jesus to welcome me, and that this family
would be able to thank him themselves .

When their baby boy was born, they named him Jacob Matthew,
in honor of the man who gave his life so that a mother and
baby could live.

This story should help us to realize this: God is always in
control. 

We may not see the reason behind things, and we may never
know this side of heaven, but God is ALWAYS in control.

Please take time to share this amazing story.  You may never
know the impact it may have on someone.  God doesn't call
the qualified, He qualifies the called..

Give thanks to the Lord for He is good.  His love endures
Forever.  Psalm 136:1
 
 
April 19, 2009
 
Joyce was FABULOUS!!!  We hated to see it end.  She sure is an anointed woman of God. 
 
Ryann and I went to the 9:00 a.m. Bethel Temple service and then to the 11:00 a.m. Healing Waters service!   Both were wonderful.  Bethel was about HOPE and Healing Waters was about FAITH.  And don't we all need both.  I am still amazed at how blessed we are with having Healing Waters so close to the barn.  And I love Bethel Temple and Pastor Glenn.  I know some of you think we're CRAZY to want to go to two services on Sunday mornings - but we love them both.  And it's a total blessing to us. Each church "feeds" us in it's own special way.  Thank you God for Pastor McCarty and Pastor Glenn and for the Worship Teams at each church.  Hunter had a paint ball tournament (which his team won) so he didn't get to come with us. 
 
Lots of love, and God bless you all.
Nardeen

 

April 30, 2009

Boy - it has been busy, busy, busy around here.  I can't believe I haven't even had time to update the web site. 

On Monday we had the most AMAZING day at the barn with a group of Christian home-schooled children for a field day.  What a wonderful group of kids.  They were all so well behaved, attentive, and a true pleasure to have at the barn.  We were all blessed with a special treat from Christie who brought her miniature cow, donkey, horse, goats, a bunny and a chicken who loves to be held and gives kisses.  If you haven't ever seen them it is a real treat.  Christie has a business called Critters of Inspiration and she does birthday parties and any event that needs an extra special touch.  And - Christie is just about the nicest person you could ever meet.  What a blessing that was for everyone.   Christie works at Sesroh part-time so if you are ever interested in having her come to one of your events give her a call at 813-0449.  You will love her and her precious "critters."

We are going to cancel the May 2nd show and only hold the May 3rd show this weekend.  It starts at 8:30 and has a class for everyone imaginable.  I think they have something like 68 classes !!!   I can't even imagine how you get through a day with 68 classes but I imagine a lot of them end up getting combined.  Anyway, you can visit the SHSA web site to get a prize list.  Hope to see  you there.

I have lots more to tell you but I've gotta run.  Hope you have a wonderful day !

God bless,

Nardeen

 
 
HORSE SHOW SUNDAY
MAY 3RD - SHSA/VHSA RATED - 8:30
visit www.shsava.org for prize list
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
"I am the Way the Truth and the Life: no man cometh unto the Father but by Me."
—Jesus Christ, John 14:6

 

 

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