We have been wanting to go and take a tour of HopeWell Ranch; and today lent itself well.  The kids did not know where we were going until we pulled up.  Then Brooke recognized a peace-sign blanket on a horse named Opie (from pictures she had seen), and knew where we were.  Her expression was worth the long drive.  The photo above was worth the long drive.  I see her heart healing in this picture.  It moves me.

This ranch, birthed through loss… now breathing hope and healing into others through therapeutic riding.  Today, we were blessed through this ministry.  Thank you Kelley, Bonnie, Olivia, Jodi…wow, what a special gift.

Today I read James 1:4 

“Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” 

I recall my dear friend, Sarae (who is going through her own difficult trial with her youngest in the hospital) telling me about this verse… and how we need to let perseverance run its course, and not stop it short.  Often we want to get out of our trials as soon as possible, but this verse reminds us to stand strong (with Him) and let God refine us; these trials, this testing of our faith, develops this perseverance (James 1:2-3).

She also talked about how often we want to get our kids out of trials…but then are we stopping them short from God working perseverance into them?  This came to mind with Darling Daughter especially.  The ups and downs of adoption have been hard on her, but, I see firsthand how God is using this to shape her and grow her through it.  It is a beautiful thing (hard to watch) but grace-filled.  He surely is developing her perseverance.  Often, I want to rescue her from it, but more than that I want her to grow in her faith.  Could all this be a gift, refining us all? I think so.

Darling with Samson