Hee Haw!

Last Sunday we went to the Longhopes Donkey Shelter. I know, who knew that there even WERE shelters for Donkeys! I certainly had never thought about it until my friend Rosanna told me about it. She has adopted two donkeys, Gizmo and Samson. They are a wonderful part of her 'family'.


I had a horse when I was younger, a lazy old man called Little Joe (the Little was ironical, he was a really big horse!). I loved him so much, and I can remember thinking how beautiful and expressive his eyes were. Well... if you have ever looked into a Donkey's eyes, you would say the same thing. Despite their rep as being stubborn and difficult, they are actually very sweet and kind animals. You just have to lower your expecations, and leave some of your ego at the gate! They really can be a little stubborn!

Laura, Adam and I took Keegan when we went to see the Donkeys and he warmed right up to them! Adam was holding Keegan when we first went into the coral, and I think Adam was more afraid than Keegan! LOL!

This particular Donkey Shelter just took in 15 new donkeys that were headed for the slaughter house. They take such good care of the mistreated and malnourished donkeys. What a blessing they are!

If you are interested in learning more, go to: http://www.longhopes.org/

Keegan said 'Hee Haw' all the way home!

Random Thoughts 8/17

We just got home from church and I was reflecting on the sermon today. For the past few weeks after church I have just been so convicted of all my sins. The pastor has been teaching us about being Biblical parents, and I just feel like we missed the boat on so much of that and that our kids are pretty much grown now. It was not a great feeling and I guess I have been beating myself up over it. But today, for some reason, I began to understand that God has a plan for my kids, just like He did for me and Ross. If He can penetrate my hardened heart after so many years, and if He cared enough about such a sinner as me, I am sure that His plan for my kids will be revealed. I felt so humbled and grateful for Jesus, for dying for my sins and giving me a chance at a Joyful life, despite what life might throw at me. I am so unworthy, and yet felt so forgiven and accepted today.
The pastor was describing the kind of Joyful, Obedient and Faithful followers we can be, and I immediately had an image of Kelly come to mind. She was so full of Joy, gave such glory to God. Then I realized what an amazing blessing I received in knowing Kelly and her family. There isn't a more faithful follower that I can think of than Don and Patty. Trusting and knowing that God would take care of their daughter. And when the final decision was put in place that Kelly would go meet Her Father in Heaven, and leave her Father here on earth, Don remains ever faithful, ever obedient. What an amazing Father he has been to his girls. What an amazing example of Faith he is. And Patty remains steadfast and strong for her family, seeing wisdom and beauty and knowing that her Father in Heaven is looking over her and sending her amazing birthday gifts. And truly, only by the grace of God, am I able to know and witness this kind of Faith and Love, for I am sure that Ross's instant attachment to Kelly was lead and inspired by the Holy Ghost. I hope and pray that everyone in our church has an example of this kind of faith. I hope, someday, to live up to the gift that God has given me, to somehow be worthy, although I know now that there is no way to do that except through Jesus. I pray that he transform MY heart in such a dramatic way, that I may be of some use too.