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Date Posted: 15:24:33 01/13/03 Mon
Author: Cheri
Subject: A New Week. Daily Inspirations and Horse Facts..


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[> Monday's inspiration.. -- Cheri, 15:30:39 01/13/03 Mon



THE SAME OLD PRAYER

_________________________

Psalm 34:1-8 (NRSV)

I will bless the LORD at all times;
          
his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul

makes its boast in the LORD;
          
let the humble hear and be glad.

O magnify the LORD with me,
          
and let us exalt his name together.

I sought the LORD, and he answered me,
     
and delivered me from all my fears.

Look to him, and be radiant;
     
so your faces shall never be ashamed.

This poor soul cried, and was heard by the LORD,    

and was saved from every trouble.

The angel of the LORD encamps
         
around those who fear him, and delivers them. O taste

and see that the LORD is good;
         
happy are those who take refuge in him.

_________________________

If we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have obtained the requests made of him.

- 1 John 5:15 (NRSV)

_________________________

THERE are names that have been on my prayer list for decades. My brother's name was one of those; I had been praying for him to return to the Lord. When he died suddenly, it seemed as though my same old prayer had failed him. I was stunned. What had been the purpose in my praying for him? What difference did my faith even make?

Shortly after my brother's death, I heard that his son, my nephew, had been hospitalized for depression. I tried to encourage my nephew by letter, explaining how my relationship with Christ had sustained me through various difficulties in my life. Then, as I continued to write about trusting Jesus, I made up my mind that I was going to trust the promise of First John 5:14-15. When we pray in faith and according to God's will, God always answers. We may not always see or understand the answer, but we can be sure that God does answer.

Recently, my nephew received Christ as his Savior. I believe it had something to do with another "same old prayer," because I have been praying for him ever since his birth.


Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for your Holy Spirit, who comforts us in
times of sorrow, guides us to do your will, and takes our prayers to your throne. Help us to trust that all things are in your hands and that you have left nothing undone. Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
When we pray, God hears and answers.

-- Trudy Gard (Maine, U.S.A.)

PRAYER FOCUS: Family members estranged from God
_________________________


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[> Monday's horse fact.. -- Cheri, 15:37:29 01/13/03 Mon



The Lipizzan..



PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS..



Lipizzans are genetically a type of grey. Born dark, black-brown, brown, or mouse-grey, Lipizzans gradually lighten until the white coat for which they are noted is produced somewhere between the ages of 6 and 10. The white hair coat has become dominant in the breed, and only now and then is a black or brown adult produced.


As late as two hundred years ago, black, browns, chestnuts, duns, piebalds, and skewbalds were found in the adult herd. Noted for his sturdy body and proud carriage, the Lipizzan's head is remarkable for its large appealing eyes and small alert ears. The body presents a picture of strength with a crested neck, powerful shoulders, muscular hind quarters, and strong legs with well-defined tendons and joints. Not an exceedingly tall horse, the Lipizzan averages between 14.2 to 15.2 hands.


Tomorrows fact .. SPANISH RIDING SCHOOL


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[> Tuesday's inspiration.. -- Cheri, 16:22:29 01/14/03 Tue



FEAR OF THE UNKNOWN

_________________________

Psalm 121 (NRSV)

I lift up my eyes to the hills--
   from where will my help come?
My help comes from the LORD,
   who made heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot be moved;
   he who keeps you will not slumber.
He who keeps Israel
   will neither slumber nor sleep.
The LORD is your keeper;
      the LORD is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day,
      nor the moon by night.
The LORD will keep you from all evil;
        he will keep your life.
The LORD will keep
      your going out and your coming in
   from this time on and forevermore.

_________________________

I will both lie down and sleep in peace; for you alone, O LORD, make me lie down in safety.

- Psalm 4:8 (NRSV)

_________________________

AFTER serving in India for 35 years, I retired from work as a missionary. Recently I spent several days in the infirmary in preparation for a series of medical tests. When I went to bed the first night, I could not fall asleep. I was in an unfamiliar room; my thoughts were full of the procedures I would undergo. I worried that the tests might reveal something serious.

Lying there in the darkness, I suddenly noticed a red spot near the towel rack in the room. I was not drowsy, and I decided to investigate. When I reached the place, I found a nightlight and these words visible in the faintness of its red glow:

"I can do all things through him who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13).

These words became a clear and strong message of support to my heart. I realized I was not entering this series of tests alone. Jesus was accompanying me through all the procedures and also would stand by me in the outcomes.

I returned to bed and slipped into a restful sleep. Jesus is always ready to give us strength for whatever we face and to forgive us when we fail to trust.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, Son of God, help us to trust you in the good and
the bad times in our lives. Because of your presence we are able to live our days without fear. Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Christ offers us strength for whatever tests we face each day.

-- Evelyn M. Strader (North Carolina, U.S.A.)

PRAYER FOCUS: Missionaries
_________________________


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[> Tuesday's horse fact.. -- Cheri, 16:28:21 01/14/03 Tue



The Lipizzan..


SPANISH RIDING SCHOOL..


Named after the early Spanish horses imported in the 16th century, the Spanish Riding School of Vienna is the oldest surviving institution of its kind in the world. Its primary purpose has remained the same through its history: to perpetuate the art of classical horsemanship in its purest form and transmit it from generation to generation. To this end, the School has used the Lipizzan exclusively as a horse capable of performing all the steps and movements of dressage, including the Airs Above the Ground -- the Levade, the Courbette, and the Capriole.


Tomorrows fact .. BREED EXPANSION


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[> Wednesday's inspiration.. -- Cheri, 17:26:15 01/15/03 Wed



THE PROBLEM WITH BARNACLES

_________________________

Proverbs 24:30-34 (NRSV)

I passed by the field of one who was lazy,    
by the vineyard of a stupid person;
and see, it was all overgrown with thorns;    
the ground was covered with nettles,
and its stone wall was broken down.
Then I saw and considered it;
I looked and received instruction.
A little sleep, a little slumber,
a little folding of the hands to rest,
and poverty will come upon you like a robber,    
and want, like an armed warrior.

_________________________

A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want, like an armed warrior.

- Proverbs 24:33-34 (NRSV)

_________________________


MY family loves to vacation on the coast of Maine. We enjoy the sand, the surf, and the seafood. One of my favorite relaxations is fishing from the pier. While I linger there, I'm always amazed at the barnacles that cling to the huge wooden supports. They cover every inch of submerged wood, even growing on the bellies of the fishing boats docked there. If the sailors aren't diligent to continually clean off these stubborn "cling-ons," barnacles can damage the hull - and over time, the results could be dangerous.


So it can be with the Christian life. Sometimes we get lazy in our walk with God and don't bother spending time in prayer or in studying God's word. If we're not careful, these lapses can turn into habits. Then we do not function as salt and light in the world, and we lose the sense of intimacy with God. Just as the barnacles must be scraped and cleansed from the boats, so we must guard our hearts against laziness and apathy. If we continually ask God to search our hearts and walk daily with a sense of God's companionship, we can rest assured that the barnacles will be few.


Prayer: Father, help us to spend time drawing near to you daily. We
need you. Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Clean the barnacles from your heart.

-- Robert Truesdale (New York, U.S.A.)

PRAYER FOCUS: Those neglecting time with God

_________________________


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[> Wednesday's horse fact.. -- Cheri, 02:55:33 01/17/03 Fri



The Lipizzan..


BREED EXPANSION..


Until 1916, the Lipizzan studfarm always remained a private possession of the Hapsburg monarchy. Up to this time, the expansion of the breed had been affected over the centuries by military conflicts. Whenever warfare threatened the Lipizza stud, the horses were moved away. During these moves, individual horses would occasionally be given or sold to other studs. From these horses came other small Lipizzan farms, usually within the boundaries of the Austrian empire.


During World War I, the breeding stock was relocated to Laxenburg near Vienna. The foals were placed in the other imperial studfarm, Kladrub. After World War I, central Europe was reorganized. The large Austrain-Hungarian empire was divided into several new republics, and every new state inherited the possessions of the former monarchy. The breeding stock of the imperial studfarm of Lippiza (1580-1916) itself was divided over three different countries. The main part went to Italy, to which the village of Lipizza and its surroundings were also awarded. The 1913-1915 foals remained at Kladrub, which was then owned by the Czechoslovakian state. In 1919, the republic of Austria became the owner of the rest of the breeding stock and the stallions of the Spanish Riding School. Following World War I, in addition to Italy, Czechoslovakia, and Austria, other new states which continued the breeding of the Lipizzan horse were Hungary, Rumania, and Yugoslavia.


During World War II, the Lipizzan breed was again threatened with extinction when the mares and foals from Austria, Italy, and Yugoslavia were transferred to Hostau in Czechoslovakia by the German High Command. Through the heroic efforts of the Spanish Riding School's director, Alois Podhajsky, the school was saved. The perpetuation of the breed was guaranteed by the American army which retrieved the mares and returned them to Austrian soil.


Today Lipizzans are found beyond the borders of what was once the Austrian-Hungarian Empire. Before 1930 the Lipizzan horse did not exist within the United States. Opera singer Countess Maria Jeritza was given several Lipizzans by the Austrian government and imported them in 1937. In October 1945, the U. S. Army Remount Service imported 9 Lipizzans (3 stallions and 6 mares , 1 in foal). It was not until the late 1950's that Lipizzans were imported in any great number. Between 1958 and 1969 Tempel and Ester Smith of Illinois imported 1 stallion and 13 mares (5 in foal) from Austria, 7 Lipizzaners from Hungary and 6 from Yugoslavia. In 1959, Evelyn Dreitzler of Snohomish, Washington, began negotiations with the Austrian government, and between 1959 and 1973, 3 stallions and 10 mares (1 in foal) arrived from Austria. Other importations have occurred during the past thirty years, each adding another dimension to the American


Tomrrows fact .. Lipizzan genetic base


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[> Thursday's inspiration.. -- Cheri, 03:00:48 01/17/03 Fri




GO BE SICK"

_________________________

Hebrews 13:1-2 (NRSV)

Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.

_________________________

The psalmist wrote, "I am poor and needy; hasten to me, O God! You are my help and my deliverer; O LORD, do not delay!"

- Psalm 70:5 (NRSV)

_________________________

I had just returned from the hospital, weak and recovering from a mastectomy. Chemotherapy was soon to follow, and I needed to gain strength before this next ordeal. The doorbell rang, and my mother and sister, breathless and smiling, arrived from out of town to surprise me, determined to make sure I followed the doctor's orders. As happy as I was to see them, having company looked like additional work for me.

Mealtime arrived, and my independent nature took over my weakened body. I marched into the kitchen, in full control, ready to take over my usual duties. My sister led me gently to a chair where I could observe the work of my angels while I rested. Her wise words are planted in my memory: "Dorothy, go be sick."

Overwhelmed, I allowed them to take over. I learned to enjoy and appreciate their care until I completed my first chemotherapy treatment and regained strength. I knew then, as I know now, that accepting God's love and those God sends to help us aids our health and recovery.


Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, we know you are always there for us.
Help us to recognize your love and care as it comes in the servant hands of those whom you send. Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Welcome God's earthly helpers and forbid them not.

-- Dorothy M. Foss (Minnesota, U.S.A.)

PRAYER FOCUS: Those who have difficulty accepting help
_________________________


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[> Thursday's horse fact.. -- Cheri, 03:06:02 01/17/03 Fri



The Lipizzan..


Genetic base..


With less than 3,000 purebred Lipizzans in the world, the breed is considered rare, and the number of foals born each year is correspondingly small. Extreme care is taken by those involved in the production of Lipizzan horses to insure that the purity of the breed is preserved. Much effort has been expended to develop educational programs in order to foster voluntary adherence to the traditional breed goals and objectives.


In the late 20th century, the Lipizzan has proven to be a successful competitor at all levels of competition dressage and driving, as well as continuing to be the ultimate mount for classical horsemanship. The breed has also proven to be suitable for other equestrian disciplines including pleasure riding. Owners and breeders are dedicated to the Lipizzan breed because they appreciate its rarity, cultural importance, romantic history, and its traits of intelligence, classic beauty, and harmonious, athletic way of moving.


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[> Friday's inspiration.. -- Cheri, 02:08:09 01/18/03 Sat



A SPECIAL PRESENCE

_________________________

Matthew 28:16-20 (NRSV)

Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

_________________________

Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.

- James 4:8 (NRSV)

_________________________

RECENTLY when I had finished my morning devotional reading, I remained in silent meditation. I always know by faith that God is present, but on this day I became acutely aware of a special divine presence. I did not see God, but I felt God's presence in an awesome way. Then I spoke within my heart, "Why are you here, Lord?" And God seemed to answer in a real way, almost audibly, "Because you are here."

That powerful Presence lingered, loving me. After a while that special presence lifted and I remained in a wonderful silence. I thought, Yes, what the Bible says about God's presence is really true: Draw near to God, and God will draw near to you. I had often read those words but took them for granted. I understood them as a declaration, but I had never experienced the promise of those words in such a real way.

As I think about that morning, I realize that when Jesus promised, "I am with you always," it is literally true. Although we accept this promise by faith, I also realized that as we pay attention to Christ's presence, we experience it more and more deeply.


Prayer: Help us, Lord, when we pray, to rest with you in silence and
to give you the opportunity to reveal yourself. Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
When we show up, God is already there.

-- Anne Sandberg (Illinois, U.S.A.)

PRAYER FOCUS: Someone who longs to experience God's presence
_________________________


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[> Friday's horse fact.. -- Cheri, 02:13:32 01/18/03 Sat



Cooling out..



Possibly one of the most tedious aspects of riding horses in winter is the after-ride cooling-out process. Tedious though it may be, it's very important to cool your horse properly. Putting him away hot and sweaty will jeopardize his health by allowing him to catch a
chill.

Even in the coldest of weather, the horse's metabolism (the burning of internal fuels to produce energy) will cause him to sweat during intense exercise. This sweating can be exaggerated by a full winter coat. For this reason, many horse owners choose to clip their horses in winter.

To cool your horse safely, you can begin while you're still riding. Following your ride or work out, walking him for ten to fifteen minutes will allow the heat built up in the muscles to dissipate.

Once you've dismounted, loosen the girth or cinch, but don't remove the saddle immediately as this will allow cold air to the muscles of his back and may cause cramping. Cover him with a cooler which may be wool or one of the more high-tech fabrics designed to wick moisture from the horse and cool him out quicker. Walk him for a few minutes like this and then remove the saddle and replace the cooler before continuing to walk him.

If your horse takes a long time to dry you can "thatch" him, that is cover him with a cooler or blanket with a layer of hay or straw stuffed underneath. Rubbing vigorously with a towel also helps speed up the drying process.

Check him frequently to make sure he is drying and cooling properly. If he has worked hard, you can allow him to drink cool water (not cold) to rehydrate himself.

Once you are satisfied that his temperature has returned to normal and his coat is dry, you can blanket him with a clean, dry blanket (if you routinely blanket in winter) or put him away without a blanket.

Sometimes, horses that have been worked more than they are conditioned for, or horses that are in the beginning stages of an infection, may break out in a sweat even after they have begun to cool down. In this case, extra steps should be taken to dry the horse off and cool him down. If he hasn't returned to normal after an hour, he may be suffering from tying-up or other serious condition and you should consult your veterinarian.


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[> Saturday's inspiration.. -- Cheri, 00:55:39 01/19/03 Sun




FORGIVE YOURSELF
_________________________

Mark 2:1-12 (NRSV)

When he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. So many gathered around that there was no longer room for them, not even in front of the door; and he was speaking the word to them.

Then some people came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. And when they could not bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and after having dug through it, they let down the mat on which the paralytic lay. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven."

Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, "Why does this fellow speak in this way? It is blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?"

At once Jesus perceived in his spirit that they were discussing these questions among themselves; and he said to them, "Why do you raise such questions in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Stand up and take your mat and walk'?

But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins" -- he said to the paralytic -- "I say to you, stand up, take your mat and go to your home." And he stood up, and immediately took the mat and went out before all of them; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, "We have never seen anything like this!"

_________________________

When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven."

- Mark 2:5 (NRSV)




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[> Saturday's horse fact.. -- Cheri, 01:02:37 01/19/03 Sun



The Dartmoor Pony. ****



The Dartmoor Pony is an attractive pony very much in demand for its gentle nature as a child's first riding mount. Dartmoor ponies have provided children and families with wonderful experiences due to their versatility and adaptability to riders of all ages. It is not unusual for the same pony to patiently carry a toddler on lead line, be used by an older child for 4H or Pony Club and then happily work in harness taking the parents for a Sunday drive. Below are some of the top reasons Dartmoors are becoming increasingly more popular:


1) The pony averages around 12 hands thus making it easy for a child to groom, saddle and mount themselves.

2) They move with a low, smooth stride making their riders feel they are on a much larger mount.

3) They are not easily excitable like their cousins, easy to train and posses a gentle & kind heart like the family Labrador.

4) In the showring, the Dartmoor has competed with outstanding success against other breeds in jumping, cross-country and dressage proving that it is a breed to be reckoned with in competition.

5) When used as a harness pony, they can hold their own against much larger equines displaying toughness & courage allied with their calmness.


Typically, once a Dartmoor Pony makes it into a family, they are rarely sold. When the children outgrow them as riding mounts, they go on as harness ponies or are passed on to relatives to teach their young ones the love of riding and caring for a pony.


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