This year is 150th anniversary of the battle at Shiloh
Epoxy (bovibond) instead of shoes.........
Friday, March 30, 2012
Day 191
Good morning again! We are rained out of our move today, so I am going to post some of the great pictures from yesterday!
Pretty cool, huh? There are a few more. 3 short videos just for you D Dodd! See if you can hear him commanding his oxen. I hope so!!
I'll have to open another post though, to make sure they will all publish.
Comments:
Rachel...well then, I guess half is better than all
Ron & Thelma...we are at North Corinth Baptist Church. We also saw the soldiers here!
Cindy...enjoy your time off! Maybe you should head that wagon south! We're very close to the state line!
God bless! Love you all! Have a great day!
Faith
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Day 190
Good morning!
A couple of prayer requests!
Shawn Arnold needs prayer for his knee. Several surgeries, still a problem.
Bob Anderson will be having surgery on that broken leg today! No fun.
The ladies that are on horseback from Michigan to Houston are almost there!! Their mission is to raise money for water wells in Haiti. We traveled with them twice along our journey, one week each time. We hope we were as much of a blessing to them as they were to us. And the God story that goes with that travel is this... When they asked if we were willing to pair up with them, I voiced my concern that we would have to find places to stay that could take 7 horses and 4 people. That's aLOT of space!!! Well, we never missed a beat. God provided everything for all of us! Hay, pasture, accomodations for the girls...everything. We pray their journey ends well and soon! Good job soldierettes!!
We will be starting our move today. Probably go in the morning! This has been such a nice place that we hate to leave it! We will be heading for the 5 acres that was first offered. We have beenn able to get water and electric in place so we'll be all good! Hope we get a signal out there so we can still blog!!!
Yesterday was entertaining. First, the dog (Bear) pulled me off the front of the wagon! Ouch!! Bruises and sore but, gonna make it! I'm too old and heavy to fall square on my bottom from 3 feet up! But then again, that's seems to be where most of the padding is! LOL!!
Then...we moved the horses. We always bring them to the wagon while we do that. Mark brushed them and fly sprayed them while I moved fence. Good Heavens it looks like we have an extra horse in all that winter coat they shed off! So, anyway, Casie (Miss short attention span) has a habit of kicking the side of the wagon. With Mark right there she's not too bad but as soon as he walked away, she kicked the door off the outside box!!! Then, apparently, she decided rubbing on the cover would be a good idea. I can now see sunlight through a bunch of little tiny holes!!! More repairs to make. Oh well, we can get to our next spot and take it from there. Yikes, that girl. She also has taken to flipping the 25 gallon water tank. Hmmmmmm...do you think she's bored?!?!?!
And yet, all is well.
This morning I am going to go down to the church to see the soldiers come through. This weekend is the 150th anniversary of the civil war battle of Shiloh. Shiloh is about 25 miles from here so the Corinth soldiers will be walking out there. They are stopping for water and food here. I'm excited to see them. The reenactment will be Saturday and Sunday. Awesome stuff!
So, with that...I better get moving so I can get down there for pictures. Hope I get some great ones!
God bless and have a great day!!
Faith
A couple of prayer requests!
Shawn Arnold needs prayer for his knee. Several surgeries, still a problem.
Bob Anderson will be having surgery on that broken leg today! No fun.
The ladies that are on horseback from Michigan to Houston are almost there!! Their mission is to raise money for water wells in Haiti. We traveled with them twice along our journey, one week each time. We hope we were as much of a blessing to them as they were to us. And the God story that goes with that travel is this... When they asked if we were willing to pair up with them, I voiced my concern that we would have to find places to stay that could take 7 horses and 4 people. That's aLOT of space!!! Well, we never missed a beat. God provided everything for all of us! Hay, pasture, accomodations for the girls...everything. We pray their journey ends well and soon! Good job soldierettes!!
We will be starting our move today. Probably go in the morning! This has been such a nice place that we hate to leave it! We will be heading for the 5 acres that was first offered. We have beenn able to get water and electric in place so we'll be all good! Hope we get a signal out there so we can still blog!!!
Yesterday was entertaining. First, the dog (Bear) pulled me off the front of the wagon! Ouch!! Bruises and sore but, gonna make it! I'm too old and heavy to fall square on my bottom from 3 feet up! But then again, that's seems to be where most of the padding is! LOL!!
Then...we moved the horses. We always bring them to the wagon while we do that. Mark brushed them and fly sprayed them while I moved fence. Good Heavens it looks like we have an extra horse in all that winter coat they shed off! So, anyway, Casie (Miss short attention span) has a habit of kicking the side of the wagon. With Mark right there she's not too bad but as soon as he walked away, she kicked the door off the outside box!!! Then, apparently, she decided rubbing on the cover would be a good idea. I can now see sunlight through a bunch of little tiny holes!!! More repairs to make. Oh well, we can get to our next spot and take it from there. Yikes, that girl. She also has taken to flipping the 25 gallon water tank. Hmmmmmm...do you think she's bored?!?!?!
And yet, all is well.
This morning I am going to go down to the church to see the soldiers come through. This weekend is the 150th anniversary of the civil war battle of Shiloh. Shiloh is about 25 miles from here so the Corinth soldiers will be walking out there. They are stopping for water and food here. I'm excited to see them. The reenactment will be Saturday and Sunday. Awesome stuff!
So, with that...I better get moving so I can get down there for pictures. Hope I get some great ones!
God bless and have a great day!!
Faith
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Days 187, 188 & 189
Good morning!
I have a prayer request for my sister-in-law! Her name is Sharen. She is having surgery today to remove some pre cancer cells. So prayers for her comfort and healing through that. Then...they will send tissue to the lab to check the deep cells. Can we all pray together that everything comes out clean and shiny??? Thanks so much!
Our friend here, David Dodd, had knee replacement surgery Monday am. Please pray for a fast healing and no pain! Not much keeps this brother down!
I got a text the other day from our friend, Adam Day. It was a picture of an over 4 foot long timber rattler that he said a state worker found about a mile up the road from us. GROSS!!!! I REALLY detest serpents! When we first moved to MI, one chased me out of my garden. Ok. So that was a grass/gardener snake, but still!!!! I limped for a month from jumping the fence!! LOL Then when my grandson, Ryan, got big enough (you know, about 4 years old), he would come with me with a hoe or shovel to kill them for me. Or...stopping the lawnmower and dropping the blades all the way down worked just as well! I know....SISSY!!!! Oh well.
We are going to look at 5 acres today (this afternoon) and see if we can park out there for a bit. This is a different 5 acres that we are going to move to in the interim. All in all, we'll be moving in baby steps here soon! You know what that means! More people!! I LOVE meeting people! The Lord put you all in our path and I'm sure He has more! Doing His work is good stuff!
So, I'm off and running for the day. All the Monday errands are waiting for me (I've been without transportation). So, have a great day. Hold on to your faith, and pray hard!
Comments:
Crickette...Thanks for your prayers and the mc tip!
Jesse...Thanks for the video
Sandi...Thank you for your prayers
Cloe's...Thanks so much and travel safe!
God bless!
Faith
I have a prayer request for my sister-in-law! Her name is Sharen. She is having surgery today to remove some pre cancer cells. So prayers for her comfort and healing through that. Then...they will send tissue to the lab to check the deep cells. Can we all pray together that everything comes out clean and shiny??? Thanks so much!
Our friend here, David Dodd, had knee replacement surgery Monday am. Please pray for a fast healing and no pain! Not much keeps this brother down!
I got a text the other day from our friend, Adam Day. It was a picture of an over 4 foot long timber rattler that he said a state worker found about a mile up the road from us. GROSS!!!! I REALLY detest serpents! When we first moved to MI, one chased me out of my garden. Ok. So that was a grass/gardener snake, but still!!!! I limped for a month from jumping the fence!! LOL Then when my grandson, Ryan, got big enough (you know, about 4 years old), he would come with me with a hoe or shovel to kill them for me. Or...stopping the lawnmower and dropping the blades all the way down worked just as well! I know....SISSY!!!! Oh well.
We are going to look at 5 acres today (this afternoon) and see if we can park out there for a bit. This is a different 5 acres that we are going to move to in the interim. All in all, we'll be moving in baby steps here soon! You know what that means! More people!! I LOVE meeting people! The Lord put you all in our path and I'm sure He has more! Doing His work is good stuff!
So, I'm off and running for the day. All the Monday errands are waiting for me (I've been without transportation). So, have a great day. Hold on to your faith, and pray hard!
Comments:
Crickette...Thanks for your prayers and the mc tip!
Jesse...Thanks for the video
Sandi...Thank you for your prayers
Cloe's...Thanks so much and travel safe!
God bless!
Faith
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Day 186
Hi all!
What a beautiful day it is!
We got some new prayer requests this morning! From Gina, in Chalmer, IN. When we met her, she drove 2 towns over to get us some oats and then met us back on the highway to deliver them! Such a blessing.
Well, she and her famikly are being attacked from all sides! She needs prayer for her mom. Mom is 85 and set for surgery on April 10th. The Dr. asked if she was sure about this and she just doesn't want to end up a burden so she said yes. God's will is our prayer. Gina's brother just had an accident on his harley. Her daughter is very ill, and she (Gina) is just struggling with it all. Gina could use some good strength, peace, and comfort prayers. In my opinion, that family must have a victory coming their way to be so under fire!
Isn't that the way it is in life? Well, that's how we build strength. Going through the tough things.
Thanks in advance for your prayer support! That's why we love yall! Your so faithful.
We'll be moving those two grocery hounds again today. We put them in a really nice grassy spot and WHAM!! Mowed down to nothing! Good thing we are sitting in a HUGE grassy spot! It's so good for Bob to graze all day. He's doing much better. Now if that mare would stop be snotty to him, he'dd be all set :) They have a birthday in April!! The 3rd, I think. They'll be 9 years old! They don't even know what a service they have been to the Lord! Wouldn't it be nice if we all just knew our master and went and did whatever He said? Whenever, wherever, knowing that he'll give us everything we need when we need it? Well, we surely know that! But without a doubt or worry ever? Hmmmmmmmm...maybe the blinders????
Anyway, off to do chores.
God bless and have a great day!
Comments:
Cindy...thanks for the prayers, he's getting thru it all.
Terri...hard stuff sometimes. But we've learned to just wait. Folks like you keep us encouraged!
Ed...Boy, that seems like forever ago! Thanks for following and...point taken. Thanks for the traffic tip, I never even thought about that!
Sandi...Thank you so much. I will definitely work harder to get the blogging done! Thanks for following! And the encouragement!
Faith
What a beautiful day it is!
We got some new prayer requests this morning! From Gina, in Chalmer, IN. When we met her, she drove 2 towns over to get us some oats and then met us back on the highway to deliver them! Such a blessing.
Well, she and her famikly are being attacked from all sides! She needs prayer for her mom. Mom is 85 and set for surgery on April 10th. The Dr. asked if she was sure about this and she just doesn't want to end up a burden so she said yes. God's will is our prayer. Gina's brother just had an accident on his harley. Her daughter is very ill, and she (Gina) is just struggling with it all. Gina could use some good strength, peace, and comfort prayers. In my opinion, that family must have a victory coming their way to be so under fire!
Isn't that the way it is in life? Well, that's how we build strength. Going through the tough things.
Thanks in advance for your prayer support! That's why we love yall! Your so faithful.
We'll be moving those two grocery hounds again today. We put them in a really nice grassy spot and WHAM!! Mowed down to nothing! Good thing we are sitting in a HUGE grassy spot! It's so good for Bob to graze all day. He's doing much better. Now if that mare would stop be snotty to him, he'dd be all set :) They have a birthday in April!! The 3rd, I think. They'll be 9 years old! They don't even know what a service they have been to the Lord! Wouldn't it be nice if we all just knew our master and went and did whatever He said? Whenever, wherever, knowing that he'll give us everything we need when we need it? Well, we surely know that! But without a doubt or worry ever? Hmmmmmmmm...maybe the blinders????
Anyway, off to do chores.
God bless and have a great day!
Comments:
Cindy...thanks for the prayers, he's getting thru it all.
Terri...hard stuff sometimes. But we've learned to just wait. Folks like you keep us encouraged!
Ed...Boy, that seems like forever ago! Thanks for following and...point taken. Thanks for the traffic tip, I never even thought about that!
Sandi...Thank you so much. I will definitely work harder to get the blogging done! Thanks for following! And the encouragement!
Faith
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Days 180, 181, 182, 183, 184 &185
Hi there!
Had a busy week. Working on the next stop. So many things to do when you live "simply"! It's a LOT more physical, which probably = more healthy.
You know, no matter where we land or when we land, we have learned a HUGE lesson about living in this world. We sure don't need all the stuff we think that we do. If you get a chance, there is a book named, "Radical". By David Platt. Awesome book. One of the studies that Mark goes to is studying on it. It's about what's really important about being a follower of Jesus. Pretty candid in parts, but real. Check it out.
!!!***Our newest grandbaby is a boy!!!!! And his name is Isaac. I got to see a video of him! LOL! Now THERE'S something we didn't have back in the day!!! His mom & dad are sooooo excited! Well, we all are, but, you know what I mean! Anyway, only 165 days into it and we can watch him suck his thumb :). How awesome is that?
Our friend Bob has done a couple of surgeries now with that leg. Tammy and Bob thank you so much for your prayers. They are life saving in all matters.
The horses are good. Bob seems to like me better now that I feed him 2 out of 3 times a day. Apparently, the way to a geldings heart is through his stomach!!! Sound familiar?? Ha ha!
There are alot of carts down here. They are pulled with oxen, mules and horses, but mostly mules. I think maybe the mules are heartier in this climate. But you can NOT find a lick of alphalfa hay! Too bad too, because when we were able to get it, it worked wonders for Bob's belly and weight. Must not be able to grow it in red clay!?
Well, that's about it for now. I would write more often, but like I told my friend Linda, nobody wants to read the daily...I darned my socks today...stuff. The Lord will tell us when it's time. Somebody said to Mark, this is where the real faith comes in. Waiting. Feeling like you're hanging out there without a Word. Just waiting for instructions. I think he may have been right. Because the first thing this human brain thinks is...did we do something wrong? Where's our lead? But...faith tells us, He's still right here. Just be still and wait and listen.
God bless!
Faith
Had a busy week. Working on the next stop. So many things to do when you live "simply"! It's a LOT more physical, which probably = more healthy.
You know, no matter where we land or when we land, we have learned a HUGE lesson about living in this world. We sure don't need all the stuff we think that we do. If you get a chance, there is a book named, "Radical". By David Platt. Awesome book. One of the studies that Mark goes to is studying on it. It's about what's really important about being a follower of Jesus. Pretty candid in parts, but real. Check it out.
!!!***Our newest grandbaby is a boy!!!!! And his name is Isaac. I got to see a video of him! LOL! Now THERE'S something we didn't have back in the day!!! His mom & dad are sooooo excited! Well, we all are, but, you know what I mean! Anyway, only 165 days into it and we can watch him suck his thumb :). How awesome is that?
Our friend Bob has done a couple of surgeries now with that leg. Tammy and Bob thank you so much for your prayers. They are life saving in all matters.
The horses are good. Bob seems to like me better now that I feed him 2 out of 3 times a day. Apparently, the way to a geldings heart is through his stomach!!! Sound familiar?? Ha ha!
There are alot of carts down here. They are pulled with oxen, mules and horses, but mostly mules. I think maybe the mules are heartier in this climate. But you can NOT find a lick of alphalfa hay! Too bad too, because when we were able to get it, it worked wonders for Bob's belly and weight. Must not be able to grow it in red clay!?
Well, that's about it for now. I would write more often, but like I told my friend Linda, nobody wants to read the daily...I darned my socks today...stuff. The Lord will tell us when it's time. Somebody said to Mark, this is where the real faith comes in. Waiting. Feeling like you're hanging out there without a Word. Just waiting for instructions. I think he may have been right. Because the first thing this human brain thinks is...did we do something wrong? Where's our lead? But...faith tells us, He's still right here. Just be still and wait and listen.
God bless!
Faith
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Days 176, 177, 178 & 179
Hi all!
Still here! Casie is looking GREAT and Bob is finally showing good improvement!
We have a new prayer request from Indiana. Good folks and friends we stayed with, Tammy & Bob.
Bob was riding horses today (his birthday) when he got thrown and is in surgery for a compound fracture of his right ankle/lower leg. Both bones! Please pray for his pain and his quick healing!
Love you all!
God bless!
Faith
Still here! Casie is looking GREAT and Bob is finally showing good improvement!
We have a new prayer request from Indiana. Good folks and friends we stayed with, Tammy & Bob.
Bob was riding horses today (his birthday) when he got thrown and is in surgery for a compound fracture of his right ankle/lower leg. Both bones! Please pray for his pain and his quick healing!
Love you all!
God bless!
Faith
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Day 175
Thought it might be time to look this over again!
The Realization ; By Mark
This blog is not about preaching, there are Pastors-Priests-and Ministers for that. But we have learned two things that have set us on this journey and they should be shared from the start. 1) The great commission...the action plan...are we doing all we can to share the LOVE OF GOD" with the world? Or are we hoarding it to ourselves and only sharing with those who "need him the most or need to get saved" and those who might not laugh or ridicule us and blow us off. When the love of God truly is for all to share.Are we doing all we can to spread that word?
2)And are we truly trusting God to meet our daily needs? (Matthew 6:31-34) Do we need a pension? Do we absolutely have to have a 401K. If we don't will we automatically become a burden to those who love and care for us, when we are old? Won't God feed and clothe us everyday (Mathew 6:25-30 )? His word says it will! So do we believe or not? Do we need hundreds of thousands of $ in the bank? Hasn't God remained true all of my life...even while I denied his existence? Why would God not care for us now while we carried out the great commission? Took us months of frustration before we accepted that!
That is a very hard one for me as a man...I am the provider for my family and it is my responsibility as the head of my house! Then God whispered "am I not your father?" Didn't Jesus say "come to me like the children? Where is my faith? And once again I had made this whole thing (providing) about me and not about God. Didn't God put his children in the desert and give them manna daily (that would rot daily so they could not save it) (Exodus 16:3-4). So God, with love said to depend upon Him and have faith. I always knew all these thing...but now I have to take flight and cut the lines to the parachute!
2)And are we truly trusting God to meet our daily needs? (Matthew 6:31-34) Do we need a pension? Do we absolutely have to have a 401K. If we don't will we automatically become a burden to those who love and care for us, when we are old? Won't God feed and clothe us everyday (Mathew 6:25-30 )? His word says it will! So do we believe or not? Do we need hundreds of thousands of $ in the bank? Hasn't God remained true all of my life...even while I denied his existence? Why would God not care for us now while we carried out the great commission? Took us months of frustration before we accepted that!
That is a very hard one for me as a man...I am the provider for my family and it is my responsibility as the head of my house! Then God whispered "am I not your father?" Didn't Jesus say "come to me like the children? Where is my faith? And once again I had made this whole thing (providing) about me and not about God. Didn't God put his children in the desert and give them manna daily (that would rot daily so they could not save it) (Exodus 16:3-4). So God, with love said to depend upon Him and have faith. I always knew all these thing...but now I have to take flight and cut the lines to the parachute!
For newer followers that never took the trip all the way back to the beginning, this is good stuff! There's more way back there too! Enjoy!
Casie & Bob
Hi everyone...been a while since we wrote. Just been so busy trying to get ready and learn-learn & learn some more. I wanted to take a minute to write a bit about Bob & Casey before I forget the trials & tribulations involved in getting where we are today.
When the team came to us they were accustomed to a life of vacation. They were Amish broke but due to the poor physical health of their previous caretakers they didn't see much work. Bottom line is Bob & Casey were used to pretty much doing whatever they wanted to do most of their days. When they first came they would not even lead well with a lead rope. They would race ahead of you-yank their heads down to get a bite of grass...pretty much doing whatever they wanted...except paying attention to you. They are over 2,200lbs apiece and they knew it.
The first time we geared them up with their tack Deb & I struggleed to remember how to do it...the reigns(sp?) giving us the biggest problems. Once hitched we wanted to walk them to an old tractor tire and hitch them so they had something to pull. (our covered wagon is still under construction and the reach is cut so we can make it longer). Well that was adventure in itself. They swung their butts out away from each other and stood there looking at us. Hummmmmmm now what. This is a bigger dilemma than you can imagine...I stared at them and they stared at me. I stared at them and they stared at me (I think they were saying to themselves n"how do you like us now stupid?) I told them :"turn around & GIT UP. They stared at me...inwardly chuckling to themselves I'm sure.I walked toward them and tried to get them turned around (facing forward) No luck ...Deb finally grabbed them from the front & got them headed in the right direction (I have since learned we could have hitched their butts together with a couple of rings on their tack...but being new I had NO IDEA!) Once they were hooked up the real comedy started. I'm sitting in a tractor tire hooked to the back of these two giants with my face 4 feet from these massive hooves. Now mind you I drove them at the previous caretakers...for short stints and saw some of the same problems ...but I figured it was me (new guy) and all would work out. So anyway I'm sitting in the suicide trap and trying to look and sound confident "git up now" (did I tell ya Deb hates when I say that? Says I sound like a cowboy and I ain't no cowboy! I can't help it I love this stuff!) And off we go...trouble is we are not going where the reigns are telling them to go. Casey is throwing her head (she is on the left) and pulling herself away from Bob. (there is no front hook-up on this tire pull just the evener in the back. Each reign is hooked to both horses. So the farther she pulls the more she is ripping Bob's head around. Over 4,000lbs of horse within 5 minutes is out of control. I'm freaking out and trying to talk them down and sound confident and calm. I can not turn them or make them go where I want them to go. Casey is really acting up now and causing Bob to freak. He has no idea what Casey is doing...what I want him to do so he just starts backing up...which freaks casey totally out...not to mention me because I am in the suicide seat! Ok stop everything...regroup...I'm mad now...(probably really scared but ya know guys don't get scared they get mad! chuckle-chuckle...I'm working on that Lord!) Alright we're starting again and just going forward...Casey is now pushing right into Bob the only way we can go is right(gee)...I thought ok-ok lets just keep moving forward for a minute...we'll burn off some energy and all will settle down...uh-huh...then they dragged me threw the big fire pit. You know the ones surrounded with cement blocks. The tire flew up and I was grabbing air and wishing for ground (my mind flashed scenes of utter destruction before me and I realized this is usually where I tell the grand babies "hands-up!" you know...like the roller coaster)...my butt found it first and then my body thought it would be fun to just roll a few times. I won't go into how that feels on an already 55 year old body...suffice it to say I had steam pouring from my ears. I looked at Bob & Casey...they stared at me looking ever so innocent ( what? they were chuckling to themselves...I just know it!" Ok " I admitted to Deb who was having a good chuckle after she knew I was not real hurt... "the horses have prabably had enough for the first day, lets get em put up and hit the showers".
So the next few days we I worked on the wagon and pondered our situation. I had to be able to hook the horses front and rear...but the wagon could not be moved right now. Why was Casey behaving badly? These guys might be broke but they had seen little if any daily work. I'm thinking not often and not for a while. In addition to all that we have struggled with way below normal temps and rain daily by the gallon. The horses were living in a foot of mud and there was nothing we could do about it. We were all living in a swamp. Everyone is miserable. Then one day I talk to Bill Leach (God bless you Bill you are a blessing from God to us) at church who we buy our hay from and I know has horses. I explain our dilemma to them and he says he has a buggy/cart we can borrow. He brings it over for us and I notice it has no evener in the back so we rip ours off the tractor tire. We get the team geared-up in their tack and harnesses and Deb grabs the reigns to ground walk them to the cart, Casey starts right in where they left off & in no time instead of being side by side they are looking at each other and ignoring Deb...she gets frustrated and tells me to help...I grab the reigns and have her try to lead them to the cart...Casey goes the opposite way she is leading...jerking the bit in Bob's mouth so hard he starts backing up and trips going backward. Needless to say...guess who is standing back there behind him??? OH YEAH...2,200lbs coming over backwards 4 legs straight in the air right at me. I will not bore you with the visions of death that danced before me...it is just fortunate that old fat men still have quick reflexes or I would have been squashed like a bug. Neither of us have ever seen something so huge actually fall backwards and go head over heals...thank goodness the ground was mush..because it is scary. Of course Deb's first words are "Is Bob alright?"....I tell myself "be still my racing heart you are alive & yes I think she still loves you too". We decided the horses had enough for that day and put them up for the night.
For the sake of keeping this long story a little shorter let's jump to getting their feet done. Suffice it to say I am getting no where with Casey. Bob is the rock and the only thing keeping her attention anywhere close to where we want it. God in his infinite wisdom had a new guy at the church, and he is a ferrier. His name is Dale (and I will get his last name and business info) and he has also been a blessing from God.
Casie & Bob
Hi everyone...been a while since we wrote. Just been so busy trying to get ready and learn-learn & learn some more. I wanted to take a minute to write a bit about Bob & Casey before I forget the trials & tribulations involved in getting where we are today.
When the team came to us they were accustomed to a life of vacation. They were Amish broke but due to the poor physical health of their previous caretakers they didn't see much work. Bottom line is Bob & Casey were used to pretty much doing whatever they wanted to do most of their days. When they first came they would not even lead well with a lead rope. They would race ahead of you-yank their heads down to get a bite of grass...pretty much doing whatever they wanted...except paying attention to you. They are over 2,200lbs apiece and they knew it.
The first time we geared them up with their tack Deb & I struggleed to remember how to do it...the reigns(sp?) giving us the biggest problems. Once hitched we wanted to walk them to an old tractor tire and hitch them so they had something to pull. (our covered wagon is still under construction and the reach is cut so we can make it longer). Well that was adventure in itself. They swung their butts out away from each other and stood there looking at us. Hummmmmmm now what. This is a bigger dilemma than you can imagine...I stared at them and they stared at me. I stared at them and they stared at me (I think they were saying to themselves n"how do you like us now stupid?) I told them :"turn around & GIT UP. They stared at me...inwardly chuckling to themselves I'm sure.I walked toward them and tried to get them turned around (facing forward) No luck ...Deb finally grabbed them from the front & got them headed in the right direction (I have since learned we could have hitched their butts together with a couple of rings on their tack...but being new I had NO IDEA!) Once they were hooked up the real comedy started. I'm sitting in a tractor tire hooked to the back of these two giants with my face 4 feet from these massive hooves. Now mind you I drove them at the previous caretakers...for short stints and saw some of the same problems ...but I figured it was me (new guy) and all would work out. So anyway I'm sitting in the suicide trap and trying to look and sound confident "git up now" (did I tell ya Deb hates when I say that? Says I sound like a cowboy and I ain't no cowboy! I can't help it I love this stuff!) And off we go...trouble is we are not going where the reigns are telling them to go. Casey is throwing her head (she is on the left) and pulling herself away from Bob. (there is no front hook-up on this tire pull just the evener in the back. Each reign is hooked to both horses. So the farther she pulls the more she is ripping Bob's head around. Over 4,000lbs of horse within 5 minutes is out of control. I'm freaking out and trying to talk them down and sound confident and calm. I can not turn them or make them go where I want them to go. Casey is really acting up now and causing Bob to freak. He has no idea what Casey is doing...what I want him to do so he just starts backing up...which freaks casey totally out...not to mention me because I am in the suicide seat! Ok stop everything...regroup...I'm mad now...(probably really scared but ya know guys don't get scared they get mad! chuckle-chuckle...I'm working on that Lord!) Alright we're starting again and just going forward...Casey is now pushing right into Bob the only way we can go is right(gee)...I thought ok-ok lets just keep moving forward for a minute...we'll burn off some energy and all will settle down...uh-huh...then they dragged me threw the big fire pit. You know the ones surrounded with cement blocks. The tire flew up and I was grabbing air and wishing for ground (my mind flashed scenes of utter destruction before me and I realized this is usually where I tell the grand babies "hands-up!" you know...like the roller coaster)...my butt found it first and then my body thought it would be fun to just roll a few times. I won't go into how that feels on an already 55 year old body...suffice it to say I had steam pouring from my ears. I looked at Bob & Casey...they stared at me looking ever so innocent ( what? they were chuckling to themselves...I just know it!" Ok " I admitted to Deb who was having a good chuckle after she knew I was not real hurt... "the horses have prabably had enough for the first day, lets get em put up and hit the showers".
So the next few days we I worked on the wagon and pondered our situation. I had to be able to hook the horses front and rear...but the wagon could not be moved right now. Why was Casey behaving badly? These guys might be broke but they had seen little if any daily work. I'm thinking not often and not for a while. In addition to all that we have struggled with way below normal temps and rain daily by the gallon. The horses were living in a foot of mud and there was nothing we could do about it. We were all living in a swamp. Everyone is miserable. Then one day I talk to Bill Leach (God bless you Bill you are a blessing from God to us) at church who we buy our hay from and I know has horses. I explain our dilemma to them and he says he has a buggy/cart we can borrow. He brings it over for us and I notice it has no evener in the back so we rip ours off the tractor tire. We get the team geared-up in their tack and harnesses and Deb grabs the reigns to ground walk them to the cart, Casey starts right in where they left off & in no time instead of being side by side they are looking at each other and ignoring Deb...she gets frustrated and tells me to help...I grab the reigns and have her try to lead them to the cart...Casey goes the opposite way she is leading...jerking the bit in Bob's mouth so hard he starts backing up and trips going backward. Needless to say...guess who is standing back there behind him??? OH YEAH...2,200lbs coming over backwards 4 legs straight in the air right at me. I will not bore you with the visions of death that danced before me...it is just fortunate that old fat men still have quick reflexes or I would have been squashed like a bug. Neither of us have ever seen something so huge actually fall backwards and go head over heals...thank goodness the ground was mush..because it is scary. Of course Deb's first words are "Is Bob alright?"....I tell myself "be still my racing heart you are alive & yes I think she still loves you too". We decided the horses had enough for that day and put them up for the night.
For the sake of keeping this long story a little shorter let's jump to getting their feet done. Suffice it to say I am getting no where with Casey. Bob is the rock and the only thing keeping her attention anywhere close to where we want it. God in his infinite wisdom had a new guy at the church, and he is a ferrier. His name is Dale (and I will get his last name and business info) and he has also been a blessing from God.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Days 169, 170, 171, 172, 173 & 174
Hi there!
Sorry for all the missed days! I never even had the computer out!
We have, once again, had our share of rain! A couple of days it was like monsoon season out there for Pete's sake!
Next week we will be moving over to Wenasoga. Not far. But there we can do some wagon modifications and maybe set up a "southern" home base. There is an RV there that we can use while we're there and it has plumbing! It would be nice to travel a little lighter by only taking our seasonal gear and not EVERYTHING we own all the time! Good place to be in the winter too!!
Cowboybob!!! How've you been?! Long time no hear!! Glad your still out there/here! Patience...that's what we're learning. Patience.
There is alot of opportunity for our work for the Lord in this area. Lots of guys with buggies! Had another one stop over Saturday! Small cart with a paint pulling. Very nice. I'll have to pull up my pics and post them.
I have alot of pictures. They'll be in the book for sure.
This break will also give Mark a chance to start putting some of that (book) together too. He did start once. There's just always something to do and people still stop to meet us since we're right here off the highway. Gotta get the Lord's work done first! It's all about the people.
We have a couple of new prayer requests.
Melody Clayton is in the middle of chemo and radiation treatments and could use alot of supportive and healing prayer.
Ashley is struggling with personal issues. Her heart is very sad and she needs encouragement! She has done the right things, but bosses have not and it ended badly.
Well, God willing and the creek don't rise, I'll be back tomorrow!
God bless and we'll be praying for you all!
Faith
Sorry for all the missed days! I never even had the computer out!
We have, once again, had our share of rain! A couple of days it was like monsoon season out there for Pete's sake!
Next week we will be moving over to Wenasoga. Not far. But there we can do some wagon modifications and maybe set up a "southern" home base. There is an RV there that we can use while we're there and it has plumbing! It would be nice to travel a little lighter by only taking our seasonal gear and not EVERYTHING we own all the time! Good place to be in the winter too!!
Cowboybob!!! How've you been?! Long time no hear!! Glad your still out there/here! Patience...that's what we're learning. Patience.
There is alot of opportunity for our work for the Lord in this area. Lots of guys with buggies! Had another one stop over Saturday! Small cart with a paint pulling. Very nice. I'll have to pull up my pics and post them.
I have alot of pictures. They'll be in the book for sure.
This break will also give Mark a chance to start putting some of that (book) together too. He did start once. There's just always something to do and people still stop to meet us since we're right here off the highway. Gotta get the Lord's work done first! It's all about the people.
We have a couple of new prayer requests.
Melody Clayton is in the middle of chemo and radiation treatments and could use alot of supportive and healing prayer.
Ashley is struggling with personal issues. Her heart is very sad and she needs encouragement! She has done the right things, but bosses have not and it ended badly.
Well, God willing and the creek don't rise, I'll be back tomorrow!
God bless and we'll be praying for you all!
Faith
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Day 168
Hello, again!
Well, Mark gave his notice at his job. That means we will be moving over to the other spot soon to watch Bob grow! He's in good shape, just not ready for a long haul. We will probably do some short trips with him soon! Get those muscles all ready for the cross country stuff! Plus we'll be doing a little farming/gardening to boot! Good healthy stuff!
If you noticed, I added a link. This is the man that Mark and I went with to Israel. I know we've talked with some of you about our great adventures there in '05 & '07. Check it out. It's a brand new website and has alot of good information in it. And for those of you that want to "someday" go there, well...........Mr. Hodges is awesome!
We had a visit from Robin Clayton the other evening. He told us about the church buying this land that is called Halelujah Hill. The vision for this is evangelism! How perfect! In May there is going to be some music and saving going on up here! Good stuff! Better get busy moving the "apples" ;)
Rachel is asking for prayer for those darn headaches. They just don't want to go away.
We thank you for your prayers for Mark, as well.
2 Ruths' need healing prayer.
Comments:
Jones'...awesome! Stay in touch more!
Cindy...you guys are always up to something fun!
Joan...baby in Sept. We'll eventually get back to MI. But not to live.
Terri...agreed.When the Lord says go! We'll be gone for sure! And thank you for your prayers.
That's about it! Horses are good, dogs are good, we...have issues. Chest for Mark, chest and cough (again) for me. This too shall pass. Thank God!
God bless you all and have a great day in the Lord!
Faith
Well, Mark gave his notice at his job. That means we will be moving over to the other spot soon to watch Bob grow! He's in good shape, just not ready for a long haul. We will probably do some short trips with him soon! Get those muscles all ready for the cross country stuff! Plus we'll be doing a little farming/gardening to boot! Good healthy stuff!
If you noticed, I added a link. This is the man that Mark and I went with to Israel. I know we've talked with some of you about our great adventures there in '05 & '07. Check it out. It's a brand new website and has alot of good information in it. And for those of you that want to "someday" go there, well...........Mr. Hodges is awesome!
We had a visit from Robin Clayton the other evening. He told us about the church buying this land that is called Halelujah Hill. The vision for this is evangelism! How perfect! In May there is going to be some music and saving going on up here! Good stuff! Better get busy moving the "apples" ;)
Rachel is asking for prayer for those darn headaches. They just don't want to go away.
We thank you for your prayers for Mark, as well.
2 Ruths' need healing prayer.
Comments:
Jones'...awesome! Stay in touch more!
Cindy...you guys are always up to something fun!
Joan...baby in Sept. We'll eventually get back to MI. But not to live.
Terri...agreed.When the Lord says go! We'll be gone for sure! And thank you for your prayers.
That's about it! Horses are good, dogs are good, we...have issues. Chest for Mark, chest and cough (again) for me. This too shall pass. Thank God!
God bless you all and have a great day in the Lord!
Faith
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Days 164, 165, 166, & 167
Good afternoon!
Hope you all are well!
Well, the storms missed us but hit a little north of here. We'll be in prayer for all those folks!
Saturday was fun. Only other animals the showed were Rob & Jeff, the oxen. But with them came Bill and Ponytail and their families! The kids got to hit a few balls and Bill drove the oxen and the horses for a little bit. And of course D Dodd drove them out here!
Plenty of room for lots of folks.
It looks like we are going to be moving to the spot that we were offered by Keith. He's got 5 acres and an RV trailer that we can stay in. That way we can get Bob & Casie all beefed up and ready to continue on the road journey. We miss it. We miss meeting and talking with people. We have met so many great ones along the way, and I know that God has lots more for us.
Mark is still working with Tommy. Meaning....lots of trips to the laundry mat! We only have so many clothes, you know ;) but that's ok. We know that we don't ever want to be a part of the "American Dream" again. Live simply, love God, no debt, just enough with more to give, and share the best news ever!! Ahhhhhhhhhh...sounds good.
Yesterday was catch up day and today is go back for the forgotten things day! LOL!!! Even with a list!!!
We are still up on Hallelujah Hill for the time being, loving the people we've met here.
Other than that, not too much new.
We need prayers for Mark, health issues!
And for Denise, safe travels. Always scary alone!
We'll talk longer tomorrow, but for now...
God bless each one of you and we keep you all in our prayers! We thank God for you all!
Faith
Hope you all are well!
Well, the storms missed us but hit a little north of here. We'll be in prayer for all those folks!
Saturday was fun. Only other animals the showed were Rob & Jeff, the oxen. But with them came Bill and Ponytail and their families! The kids got to hit a few balls and Bill drove the oxen and the horses for a little bit. And of course D Dodd drove them out here!
Plenty of room for lots of folks.
It looks like we are going to be moving to the spot that we were offered by Keith. He's got 5 acres and an RV trailer that we can stay in. That way we can get Bob & Casie all beefed up and ready to continue on the road journey. We miss it. We miss meeting and talking with people. We have met so many great ones along the way, and I know that God has lots more for us.
Mark is still working with Tommy. Meaning....lots of trips to the laundry mat! We only have so many clothes, you know ;) but that's ok. We know that we don't ever want to be a part of the "American Dream" again. Live simply, love God, no debt, just enough with more to give, and share the best news ever!! Ahhhhhhhhhh...sounds good.
Yesterday was catch up day and today is go back for the forgotten things day! LOL!!! Even with a list!!!
We are still up on Hallelujah Hill for the time being, loving the people we've met here.
Other than that, not too much new.
We need prayers for Mark, health issues!
And for Denise, safe travels. Always scary alone!
We'll talk longer tomorrow, but for now...
God bless each one of you and we keep you all in our prayers! We thank God for you all!
Faith
Friday, March 2, 2012
Days 162 & 163
Hi all!
Not much shakin' but the weather! It is HOT! With a high chance of tornadoes! The only draw back of the south. But...what ya gonna do? My prayer today is for the weather to clear.
Other than that, Bible study tonight and all is well.
Except Bob. He is out there yelling for his oats. Now that I feed them in the morning, I realize that he thinks he is part rooster. He will stand out there at between 6:30 & 7 and "talk" to the wagon. What a goof. Oh well, that means his tummy is good and he can get fat again! Only this time, we'll turn the fat to muscle as it comes!
Supposed to have a couple of oxen and maybe even some strange horses up here tomorrow for some exercise and fun! We'll see what the weather does tho. Wet field is no bueno for that!
That's about it! I'll keep you posted on wind and cart rides tomorrow!
As usual, I believe we are the most blessed folks around! God is so good!!
Have a great day in the Lord! God bless!
Faith
Not much shakin' but the weather! It is HOT! With a high chance of tornadoes! The only draw back of the south. But...what ya gonna do? My prayer today is for the weather to clear.
Other than that, Bible study tonight and all is well.
Except Bob. He is out there yelling for his oats. Now that I feed them in the morning, I realize that he thinks he is part rooster. He will stand out there at between 6:30 & 7 and "talk" to the wagon. What a goof. Oh well, that means his tummy is good and he can get fat again! Only this time, we'll turn the fat to muscle as it comes!
Supposed to have a couple of oxen and maybe even some strange horses up here tomorrow for some exercise and fun! We'll see what the weather does tho. Wet field is no bueno for that!
That's about it! I'll keep you posted on wind and cart rides tomorrow!
As usual, I believe we are the most blessed folks around! God is so good!!
Have a great day in the Lord! God bless!
Faith
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