When Its Hard To Love

I'm going to start off with a bit of a rant, that ok?
I feel like I need to get this off my chest. There are people in my life that I just don't get along with. This one person, uses people, and is so ungrateful for what she's given. She lies to people to make them feel sorry for her, and get them to do things for her that she's more than capable doing herself. And then there are people that throw other people under the bus for things they don't want to take credit for, instead of admitting that they made a mistake, they're so quick to place blame on someone else. And these people are so hard to be around, let alone love!

However, I try my best to love them, and be patient with them. Why? Because I'm called to. I have to watch my tounge constantly in conversations when these people are brought up by others wishing to gossip and bash. Because that person frustrates me as well, it's so easy to join in. But as I'm constantly reminded, that's not how I should act. Would I want someone doing this to me behind my back? Of course not! So I bite my tounge (or try to... Work in progress). I'm also reminded how God has been so patient with me, and loved me, and I'm sure at times I was a frustrating to deal with (probably still are) and that is an instant humbling thought. That though we can be some pretty frustrating people, God is patient, kind and loving at all times. And we're called to do the same, even when it's hard. This is something I'm struggling with recently, after noticing myself speaking badly of a person, even though I had a good reason to be mad... It still struck a cord in me that said that was not ok... especially for a person who claims to love God and follow Him. Suprise, surprise! We're supposed to love people, ALL people.

So that being said, I feel like I should leave you some final thoughts instead of just a outpouring of pre-dinner thoughts...

Ephesians 4:2: "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." NIV

Proverbs 14:29: "Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly" NIV

1 Timothy 1:16: "But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His immense patience as an example for those who would believe in Him and receive eternal life." NIV

Just The Beginning

Lilly and I have have made it to Florida! Two weeks ago... But at the moment we're in the middle of a Tornado warning and we're all hunkered in the house, so I finially get the time to write about it. Let me start off by saying the 15 hour drive (minus the food and water stops) broken into two days, was miserable. Two of my hay bales got ruined in the back of the trailer when a random downpour happened on the drive and the vents were open plus a bag of Alfalfa. But we made it! So far Wellington is fantastic place! So many show grounds and the common dress is breeches with accents of hay! (Which is an incredible sight). With different birds, trees, and alligators in canals, it's been quite the adjustment for Lilly and I (Lilly has spooked at said strange birds), including having to leave my amazing vet, farrier, and chiropractor for 4 months. However, I'm so happy that I've been able to meet the ones I have down here. The riding has been fantastic, to ride myself and getting to enjoy watching other people ride. The people that work alongside me here at Caballo Ranch have been awesome, Laura, the amazing barn manager, Laurietta, another worker/our Para Dressage rider. And the owners of the place Kendra and Robby Kent are the sweetest people who genuinely care about their workers/riders and boarders. Thanks to them I was blessed to come down here so I'm very thankful. To add... It doesn't hurt to be surrounded by nice/somewhat crazy horses needing to be ridden either. On a different track, getting to go groom at our Para riders FEI show was so inspiring to see the drive and determination that all of them had.. And the people have been so nice, even when they probably shouldn't have been as much. But it's been wonderful to experience just nice, friendly people from all walks of life in a place I wasn't sure I was going to (even with the occasional crazy person).

Staying conected with family and friends can be a little challenging. But FaceTiming makes it all a little better. Especially when you watch your best friend accidentally make a hole the wall with a binder and freak out, plus gettting to see my dogs and sing Happy Birthday to my mom. But even though I'm a long way away, I feel so loved and encouraged from the support texts and calls almost everyday. I miss those mountains and thick, tall trees, but I'm loving the sand and palm trees!

The Eventing showcase, Equestrain festival, every Friday there's Grand Prix Freestyle night, and every Saturday night there's a Jump off. Lots of things coming up! which means I'll be staying busy (to put it mildly). So until next time, I'll be out taking care of horses, lugging buckets, and trying to not get bitten by a crazy gelding. And loving every second of it!