Have you ever had to live through an overwhelming situation? Are you in one right now? Lately, I have been feeling very overwhelmed myself. We discovered that our ice maker pipe was leaking, which has put us right in the middle of a kitchen remodel, all while we are also trying to get hay in for all of the animals for winter. It has felt like a lot all at once.
In the middle of it, I found myself turning to Psalm 61:1-4, which is such a beautiful reminder to cry out to God when your heart is overwhelmed and to let Him lead you to the rock. It also made me think of the “Footprints in the Sand” story, where during the hardest moments, it was Jesus carrying you. If you are walking through an overwhelming season right now, I want to encourage you to take refuge in Him. You do not have to carry it all alone. He’s got you, and He will carry you through. Click below to watch and learn more.
1 O God, listen to my cry! Hear my prayer! 2 From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety, 3 for you are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me. 4 Let me live forever in your sanctuary, safe beneath the shelter of your wings!
Let’s continue in my series: the Herd Behind the Healing! Rowdy’s nickname is Fireball, like the reindeer in Rudolph. Rowdy is 20 years old. He is an American Paint horse. He has been at Happy Success Ranch Retreats since birth! Rowdy has only known us. He has only known love! Our middle daughter gave him the name Rowdy because he was born on Lauren’s birthday, May 9th.
He is an amazing healer and co-coach with my equine gestalt work. He loves to teach boundaries. He also loves polarity work. He is Ladybugs half-brother. His dad is Ranger. He gets to play with his dad every day on the ranch! He must have sunblock on his nose because it’s a pink nose. And he has an extra long fly mask to protect his nose, so he does not get a sunburn.
In this series I share the stories of the horses who help make Happy Success Ranch Retreats such a special place full of happiness and healing. Click below to learn more about Rowdy’s story.
I want to share the story of one of the scariest nights of my life. Late one evening while my husband Dave and I were cuddled on the couch watching TV, an intruder entered our home through our unlocked kitchen door after hiding his vehicle near our barn. Thankfully, the situation ended safely, and law enforcement later told us they were grateful Dave and I were alive. I’m not sharing this story to frighten you, but to encourage you.
Sometimes it’s easy to become comfortable and forget the importance of simple precautions like locking doors and staying aware of surroundings. More importantly, this experience reminded me of God’s protection, presence, and faithfulness even in the most unsettling moments. Life is precious, and while you can’t control everything, you can be wise, vigilant, and trust that God is with you through every circumstance.
Let’s continue in my series: the Herd Behind the Healing! Indie is half quarter horse and half gypsy vanner. We have only had her for a couple years. We got her from our good friend who lived in Washington. She was moving to California and couldn’t take her with her. She is a great healer. We have also drawn on her before with non-toxic paint with words of inspiration. Her black and white body made the perfect canvas. She is about 15-18 years old. Her best friends are Bugz, Ladybugs, and Tilly. They all live together in a pasture.
In this series I share the stories of the horses who help make Happy Success Ranch Retreats such a special place full of happiness and healing. Click below to learn more about Indie’s story.
Have you ever thought about someone out of the blue and wondered why? Maybe it wasn’t random at all. This month, I’m celebrating 12 years with Send Out Cards/Promptings and reflecting on the incredible power of gratitude, kindness, and connection. Over the years, I’ve sent more than 29,000 cards, and one thing I’ve learned is that the smallest gestures often have the biggest impact. A handwritten card, a thoughtful text, a quick phone call, or even a simple “I’m thinking about you” can brighten someone’s day in ways you may never fully know.
As a Gratitude Consultant, I’ve seen firsthand how reaching out benefits both the sender and the receiver. When you pause to notice, appreciate, and encourage others, it changes your heart, too. It creates more love, kindness, and connection in the world.
Here’s my question for you: Who is on your heart today? Is there someone you’ve been meaning to call, text, message, or send a card to? Don’t ignore that prompting. Tell them you love them. Let them know you’re thinking about them. Your small act of kindness might be exactly what they need today.
