At Blessings Ranch

writing a short story...can I do it?

2009-03-23T10:42:00.003-05:00

I recently started a class at The Learning Experience. It is a creative writing-short story class. When I started the instructor was very clear that this class would push us and that his goal was only to make us better writers....not for us to like him. Emotion is key to writing. It has to be a part of who you are if it is to be good.

We have had several classes but not even a third of them yet. I wonder sometimes if I am going to be able to write well. I always thougth I was decent at it but there are days now when I am not sure. He continues to push us forward though assuring us that we can write we just have to open up and let the process work. Being as impatient as I am that is hard.

I have also found that it is alreayd taking a harder toll on me that I thought it would emotionally. I knew he would push but I have already had to deal with more than I thought I would at this point in the class...but I guess in the long run that is good. I have begun to question if I really can write and if a short story is even possible for me. I knew I would have to delve into my past for a good story but I had not anticipated not knowing if I could just write.

Virtual Education

2009-03-22T01:45:00.003-05:00

Today I want to discuss virtual education and one of the many options available. I currently began working with THE LEARNING EXPERIENCE in an virtual environment called Second Life. We offer class free of charge within the school. What is unique about this school and the model is that we are being created completely in the virtual environment and will remain there even after we become and accredited school.

We recently added several schools to our large campus. Come check us out in Second Life or on Facebook.

Blanketing

2008-11-19T06:41:00.002-06:00

So as the cold weather finally begins to reach Texas we find that we are beginning the seasonal blanketing of the horses. Although most horses adapt pretty well to cold weather, if they are not blanketed early in the season, we have some unique situations that we deal with here.

One of our horses is an Appaloosa. And as a breed they traditionally do not have a lot of hair. If you were to see our Jasper you would probably wonder what happened to him. His mane is only about 2 inches long and his tail maybe a foot. He has gotten his winter coat.....if you want to call it that.....but it is hardly sufficient to keep him warm when it gets particularly cold.

I love this time of year with horses though as they become all nice a fuzzy with their winter coats but it is important if you have special circumstances that you help them keep warm. We also blanket our old horses because it is sometimes harder for them to keep themselves warm.

Now about a blanket. There are many different kinds and colors. Which one to buy? First you have to measure your horse for the sizing. You measure from the middle of their chest to their tail.

Once you have figured out the size then you need to decide how heavy a blanket you need. This will depend on where you live and how cold it really gets. Here in Texas we do not have the bitter cold that I used to experience in Ohio. So the blanket we use is not the heaviest they make. You do not want to buy too warm of a blanket or the horse will sweat and that will defeat the purpose of the blanket.

ALSO....MAKE SURE IT IS WATERPROOF and not just weatherproof. They are not the same and you really need it to be waterproof.

When to blanket.......well here we start putting a blanket on our horses when it gets to 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below. Sometimes we put it on a little warmer if it is going to be raining or really windy. Do not put it on if your horse is wet. Dry them in the barn before you put the blanket on them.

Daily scripture

2008-11-12T11:28:00.000-06:00

And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you.

~ Psalm 39:7, NLT

Daily scripture

2008-11-11T11:18:00.001-06:00

I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.

~ Romans 15:13, NLT

Daily scripture

2008-11-06T10:27:00.001-06:00

Jesus replied, "'You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.'

~ Matthew 22:37-38, NLT

EPM or Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis

2008-11-05T20:12:00.002-06:00

Well today I come to you to discuss a possibly life threatening condition in horses. One of our horses with Blessings Ranch now has EPM so I thought I would share a little about it. It is carried by the Opossum.

EPM is an infection of the central nervous system of horses. The neurologic signs that it causes are most commonly asymmetric incoordination (ataxia), weakness and spasticity, although they may mimic almost any neurologic condition.

Clinical signs among horses with EPM include a wide array of symptoms that may result from primary or secondary problems. Some of the signs cannot be distinguished from other problems, such as

Airway abnormalities, such as laryngeal hemiplegia (paralyzed flaps), dorsal displacement of the soft palate (snoring), or airway noise of undetermined origin may result from protozoa infecting the nerves which innervate the throat. Apparent lameness, particularly atypical lameness or slight gait asymmetry of the rear limbs are commonly caused by EPM. Focal muscle atrophy, or even generalized muscle atrophy or loss of condition may result. Secondary signs also occur with neurologic disease. Upward fixation of the patella (locking up of the stifle) is among the most common findings among horses with neurologic disease. Another common side effect of EPM is back soreness, which can be severe. Even typical racing injuries may ultimately be caused by EPM, because horses which are uncoordinated are much more likely to "take a bad step" in racing or training. Therefore, any horse with these signs should be carefully evaluated for the presence of neurologic disease.

For further information go to this link

Daily scripture

2008-11-05T20:11:00.001-06:00

But the Lord said to Samuel, "Don't judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn't see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."

~ 1 Samuel 16:7, NLT

Daily scripture

2008-11-04T08:34:00.000-06:00

When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.

~ Isaiah 43:2, NLT

From Citizen Link--READ BEFORE YOU VOTE

2008-11-03T08:28:00.001-06:00

A Chilling Look at an Obama Presidency

Focus on the Family Action

Liberals could dominate the government in a way they haven't in decades.

What are the stakes in the upcoming election?

Come Nov. 4, it's possible Democrats will control both chambers of Congress and the White House.

The Wall Street Journal said it "would be one of the most profound political and ideological shifts in U.S. history. Liberals would dominate the entire government in a way they haven't since 1965 or 1933."

An analysis by Focus on the Family Action shows it would not be a pretty picture:

Far-left liberals could hold a 6-3 majority on the U.S. Supreme Court.

The nation's highest court could rule same-sex "marriage" is a constitutional right — in all 50 states.

Preaching from the Bible could be banned from radio and television.

States may not be able to restrict abortion, and taxpayers could be forced to fund abortions.

In several states, it could be illegal to own a gun.

Think it can't happen?

Read the "Letter from 2012 in Obama’s America."

Daily scripture

2008-11-03T08:24:00.001-06:00

Surround me with your tender mercies so I may live, for your instructions are my delight.

~ Psalm 119:77, NLT

Some thoughts on finding our purpose

2008-11-01T01:37:00.001-05:00

Finding our purpose…..finding our glory

In his writings on life and work, Basil Pennington declares, “It is your life’s work to learn to think and act in accord with who you are by creation.”

In order for us to obtain our ultimate glory through God we must seek to be who He created us to be. If we can’t find out who He wanted us to be then we cannot figure out what our path should be.

Jeremiah 29:11

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Sometimes it is hard for us to accept that we are deserving of a better life. That we deserve good things. God’s plan was always to give to us in abundance and not withhold good things from us.

Romans 8:18

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

God’s plan is to reveal His glory through us. Not for us just to see it. We are to be an instrument in demonstrating that.

Romans 8:30

And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified.

God is calling us so that He can be glorified through us. Our call is our glory. It is why we are here.

Romans 9:23

What if He did this to make the riches of His glory known to the objects of His mercy, whom He prepared in advance for glory

We are the objects of his mercy and He has prepared us for glory. He wants to give us abundance here and in eternity. We do not have to wait until we reach heaven to have a taste of that.

Romans 11:29

for God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable.

God does not make mistakes and His plan for us and our lives was not a mistake. He designed us for one purpose that only we can fill and He has given you the gifts and the call to fulfill that if you will only find out what it is.

Matthew 7:6

“Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.

What in the world does this mean?? God is wanting us to realize that sometimes we need to be careful who we share our inner most dreams with. If we feel God is calling us to something you need to be careful who you choose to tell. Some people will try to take that from you and cast many a doubt on you about whether or not you can accomplish it. They will try to steal the dream away from you with their own negativity and Satan will use that for his purposes. Satan will try to make sure you do not fulfill your destiny. If he can do that then in some small way he has won the battle. He wants to make sure you do not fulfill your role in God’s plan.

Daily scripture

2008-10-30T11:11:00.001-05:00

Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again…

~ Psalm 42:11, NLT

Daily scripture

2008-10-30T11:11:00.000-05:00

Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again…

~ Psalm 42:11, NLT

Daily scripture

2008-10-29T13:05:00.000-05:00

Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.

~ Psalm 27:14, NLT

Daily scripture

2008-10-28T10:37:00.001-05:00

I'm not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one.

~ John 17:15, NLT

Homeschooling--Where to start? Part 2

2008-10-27T22:13:00.003-05:00

Now that you have decided to homeschool your child or children what is next? Well you have to decide on a curriculum and how you are going to go about doing the homschooling part.

There are 3 main ways to approach homeschooling and any of them can be modified....

1-- You can just do school at home just like it is done in the public school.

I would not recommend doing an all day program as a lot of time in the public school is built in so the teacher has time to work with the 30+ kids they have in the classroom. You will only have your child or children. You don't need all day to do the school work.

The option for this that I do recommend is.....you can get the curriculum that the public school uses and do it that way but it will not take all day. It is not meant to take all day. If you need it to be very scheduled and all laid out this is your best option. Buy a full curriculum and execute it.

2--You can take parts from several different curriculums so that it is more tailored to your learner.

This takes a little more work to find the right pieces to put together but it is a good option for children. There are plenty of choices and so sometimes it is just a matter of trial and error to see what works best.

3--You can create your own curriculum and tailor it to the interests of your child or children.

I allow my children to choose subjects they like in addition to the core subjects. It allows them to like learning because it is something they want to know about. I think this fosters a love of learning and it is what works for me.

So those are your basic options. Something I want to point out though is that you can start with one and change to another one if it isn't working. You may even have to do different options for each child. One child may love to be on the computer while another may hate it. Only you know your child and what they like and how they learn. Trust your gut and keep trying till it works for YOU and them. It has to be something you can do and are comfortable with doing.

With homeschooling you can be in a constant state of change if you need to and you have more of that when you are starting. After a few years you begin to settle into your way of doing it....but it takes time. Hang in there and just keep trying to teach your children.

There was a study done examining 3 groups of students. Basically with the first 2 options from above and the third group being students that were left to discover on their own. The last group did the best. So don't worry.....God wired us so that we WANT to learn and we have the DESIRE to learn. We just have to be given the FREEDOM to learn.

Daily scripture

2008-10-27T21:56:00.001-05:00

Praise the Lord with melodies on the lyre; make music for him on the ten-stringed harp. Sing a new song of praise to him; play skillfully on the harp, and sing with joy.

~ Psalm 33:2-3, NLT

Daily scripture

2008-10-24T10:22:00.001-05:00

That's the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone's duty.

~ Ecclesiastes 12:13, NLT

Homeschooling--Where to start?

2008-10-23T12:57:00.002-05:00

I got a call today from a friend needing to know how to go about homeschooling so I thought I would share some insights on that here.

A great resource to check the rules for your state is at the Home School Legal Defense Association . They have them there to check. You can also check with your state's education department. The laws very by state so it is important to check what you have to do in your state. I have lived in 2 states and homeschooled my children....Ohio and Texas.

Texas is one of the easiest states to homeschool in as it has no regulations. Ohio has a few but it is not as hard as some other states.

One thing I like to tell people who are considering homeschooling is that although it seems overwhelming in the beginning to be taking on such a task it really is not as hard since there are some many resources available. Another thing to consider is that you are doing it for the best experience for your child. Trust me is WILL be worth it.

One book I recommend for all those who are going to start homeschooling is the Successful Homeschool Family Handbook at Amazon . This book was a great place to begin.

Now when first deciding to homeschool you have to realize a few things....

*It is work to do it
*You can always change your mind and send you child back to public school
*If your child has been in public school you should allow 1-2 months for the child to adjust to not
being in public school
`--In public school students are told what to do and how to do it. In the homeschool
environment they have more freedom to be decision makers. It takes time for them to
adjust.
*It is worth it!!

I will give you some more guidance in my next posting.......

Daily scripture

2008-10-23T11:14:00.001-05:00

For the word of God is alive and powerful.

~ Hebrews 4:12, NLT

Pumpkin Facts

2008-10-22T08:03:00.001-05:00

Pumpkin Facts

Total U.S. pumpkin production in 2006 was valued at $101.3 million.

496 million pounds of pumpkins were produced in Illinois in 2005.

Pumpkins are grown primarily for processing with a small percentage
grown for ornamental sales through you-pick farms, farmers' market
and retail sales.

Around 90 to 95% of the processed pumpkins in the United States are
grown in Illinois.

Pumpkin seeds can be roasted as a snack.

Pumpkins contain potassium and Vitamin A.

Pumpkins are used for feed for animals.

Pumpkin flowers are edible.

Pumpkins are used to make soups, pies and breads.

The largest pumpkin pie ever made was over five feet in diameter and
weighed over 350 pounds. It used 80 pounds of cooked pumpkin, 36
pounds of sugar, 12 dozen eggs and took six hours to bake.

Pumpkins are members of the vine crops family called cucurbits.

In early colonial times, pumpkins were used as an ingredient for the
crust of pies, not the filling.

Pumpkins were once recommended for removing freckles and curing
snake bites.

Pumpkins range in size from less than a pound to over 1,000 pounds.

The name pumpkin orginated from "pepon" – the Greek word for "large
melon."

The Connecticut field variety is the traditional American pumpkin.
Pumpkins are 90 percent water.

Pumpkins are fruit.

Eighty percent of the pumpkin supply in the United States is
available in October.

In colonial times, Native Americans roasted long strips of pumpkin
in an open fire.

Colonists sliced off pumpkin tops; removed seeds and filled the
insides with milk, spices and honey. This was baked in hot ashes and
is the origin of pumpkin pie.

Native Americans flattened strips of pumpkins, dried them and made
mats.
Native Americans called pumpkins "isqoutm squash."

Native Americans used pumpkin seeds for food and medicine.

Pumpkins are fruits. A pumpkin is a type of squash and is a member
of the gourd family, which also includes squash, cucumbers,
gherkins, and melons

Pumpkins have been grown in North America for five thousand years.
They are indigenous to the western hemisphere.

In 1584, after the French explorer Jacques Cartier explored the St.
Lawrence region of North America, he reported finding "gros
melons". The name was translated into English as "pompions", which
has since evolved to "pumpkin".

Pumpkins are low in fat, calories, and sodium and high in fiber.
They are good sources of vitamin A, vitamin B, potassium, iron and
protein.

The largest pumpkin ever grown weighed a staggering 1,061 lbs. It
was grown by Paula and Nathan Zehr of Lowrville, New York.

Pumpkin seeds should be planted between the last week of May and the
middle of June. They take 90-120 days to grow and are picked in
October when they are bright orange. Their seeds can be saved to
grow new pumpkins the next year.

Daily scripture

2008-10-22T07:59:00.001-05:00

The one thing I ask of the Lord—the thing I seek most—is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord's perfections and meditating in his Temple.

~ Psalm 27:4, NLT

Conversation with a 10 year old

2008-10-21T21:48:00.002-05:00

It was interesting today I spent an hour talking to my son about the rapture and the second coming of Christ. He asked me about....oh .....a million questions about it and we had an in-depth conversation about all the aspects. The best comment he made......was maybe Christ will come back in the next few hours. We decided and realized that unfortunately that wasn't what had happened.

But as he said......my 10 year old theology child....even if He doesn't come back before we die.....we still get to go to heaven.....YEAH!!!

Daily scripture verse

2008-10-21T12:45:00.000-05:00

But you desire honesty from the womb, teaching me wisdom even there.

~ Psalm 51:6, NLT