Kansas went from a beautiful 60 degrees on Saturday to drastically cold by late afternoon! Of course - I had my men doing some repairs on a listing I have while it was beautiful and they had me pulling the "Hot Heels" for them when it was freezing! Thank goodness they bought me "Cover-Alls" for Christmas! I feel like the Michlin Man in them but they are warm!
It's Sunday morning around 10:30am and you can tell that I'm not at church. On December 7th, our home church, Cornerstone Fellowship, had a send off for us . . . you see, it's time. Time for what you ask?
Well . . . when Rick and I first accepted Christ in 1991, we had a strong desire to have some sort of Cowboy Ministry. We were rodeoing quite a bit and had a large circle of rodeo friends. However, complacency and a teaching of "leaving the old life behind" lead us to put those plans on hold.
Now . . . I'm not a cowgirl through and through. I wasn't raised on a ranch or even a farm! BUT . . . I loved the way of life. I wanted my kids to have all of it and more. When I met Rick, he wanted the same things and it was a perfect match.
A couple years ago, both of us experienced that stirring in our heart and stomach to get back to what it was God had originally intended for us! We decided to sell our place, buy a larger piece of land, build a house, arena, and building of some sort to use for this ministry we wanted to start. We ended up finding this place which basically had everything we wanted and needed for our ministry - well . . . with exception to a big, beautiful new home - but I am content with what I've been given.
Why do we think this is a needed ministry? You see, Christians have placed God in a box for so long, those who don't feel comfortable with the traditional way of doing things simply stay away. We wanted to offer the love of Jesus in a way that was non-threatening, loving, and comfortable. We wanted people to be able to come to our place - rope, have playdays, barrel race, or just ride a trail and know that we, the Yaussi's love and serve the Lord Jesus, our God and we go to church in our jeans with poop on our boots! AND Jesus is thrilled to have our worship! AND they can come to Cowboy Church right here in our Bunk House!
So . . . we've started as a family with a Wednesday night, or whatever night, depending on the schedules, participant taught Bible study. We are hoping that as we get into it, we'll have more people join us.
The Bunk House will be used for gatherings, Cowboy Church, a place to hang-out in the AC during a barrel race or roping, etc. We have water to the building and will begin the sewer system and bathrooms shortly. Our arena is in place with a few minor adjustments to be made and now, we're spreading the word.
If you would, please pray with me that God would bring another family with the same vision to join us in our ministry. Also that He would provide the means to accomplish the needs of the building and the purchase of additional roping steers. Specifically, at least 40 head. We are not a ministry that travels from church to church asking for support. We are relying on God to provide anyway He sees fit!
That being said, we are now praying for an official name for the ministry. I'm sure the Lord will lead us in the right direction!
So - friends, our ministry has officially started and we sure covet your prayers as we are sure that the attacks from Satan will be plenty and we need to be hedged in by the Mighty Warriors.
Enjoy this day and know that you are loved GREATLY by the Savior and He wants your attention and devotion!
Blessings~
P.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Friday, January 2, 2009
Grief, Belief, Relief
January 2, 1988 was a monumental day in this gal's life. Three signficant events happened within hours of each other. You see, I experienced grief, belief, and relief on this day.
My daddy, Don, died on this day after battling a long illness. He had severe Rheumatoid Arthritis. When he was diagnosed with this disease there were very few medications that had been approved by the FDA, however, there were medications that simply needed an actual human with the disease. My dad decided to try these medications because if he didn't, the Dr.'s guaranteed him that he would be in a wheelchair by the age of 41. Daddy was in his early 30's when he found out that he might be wheelchair bound for the rest of his life. He wasn't willing to do that. So . . .he fought and fought and finally when all the effects of the experimental drugs took a toll on his body, he died at 52. He held on through the holidays and waited for my Sis to get here from Alaska and then he closed his eyes. He's my hero.
GRIEF
I was 19 and decided to quit college and come home and live with the boyfriend that I was certain loved me so much. Against my parents wishes, I did and my life quickly started a spiral downward. The boyfriend turned out to be my worst nightmare, an abusive monster. It became such a difficult situation for my family and for myself.
You know, I wish I could tell you why and how I allowed myself to stay in an abusive nightmare . . .but I can't. Anyway, my Dad passed around 2:00am and my Sis came to my door with a police escort to tell me. I told her I would be home in the morning. That set into motion a chain of events that would set me free. This decision was the last straw for my boyfriend. I remember all of this like it was yesterday. When all was said and done, I remember looking at the clock as I sat on the end of the bed, it was 7:00am. I said to myself, "God, if you are there, and you love me, will you please send someone to help me?" I looked over and realized that the phones were unplugged, I jumped up and ran across the room to plug it in and it rang. You know . . . I don't think I had it plugged in before it rang. Wow!
BELIEF
I answered the phone quickly and my brother-n-law (whose been in my life since I was 6), David said, "Paula, do you need me to come get you?" Yes was all I said. He was there in 20 minutes, all 6'5", 220 pounds. He's my hero.
RELIEF
This isn't a sad post, really. These events have made me the person I am today. My Daddy is whole and in the presence of the Savior. Through time and experiences, I accepted that very Savior for my own . . . the One who heard my cry that day and said, "You don't know it yet, but I am real and I am mighty and I do love you and I have great plans for you!
My final hero has taught me these last 18 years that I don't have to be afraid, I am a strong person, I do have value to add, and I am deeply loved. He's my hero.
That being said, I am looking forward to 2009. I have alot of work to do! My Lord has great plans for me and I've been slackin'!
Blessings~
P.
My daddy, Don, died on this day after battling a long illness. He had severe Rheumatoid Arthritis. When he was diagnosed with this disease there were very few medications that had been approved by the FDA, however, there were medications that simply needed an actual human with the disease. My dad decided to try these medications because if he didn't, the Dr.'s guaranteed him that he would be in a wheelchair by the age of 41. Daddy was in his early 30's when he found out that he might be wheelchair bound for the rest of his life. He wasn't willing to do that. So . . .he fought and fought and finally when all the effects of the experimental drugs took a toll on his body, he died at 52. He held on through the holidays and waited for my Sis to get here from Alaska and then he closed his eyes. He's my hero.
GRIEF
I was 19 and decided to quit college and come home and live with the boyfriend that I was certain loved me so much. Against my parents wishes, I did and my life quickly started a spiral downward. The boyfriend turned out to be my worst nightmare, an abusive monster. It became such a difficult situation for my family and for myself.
You know, I wish I could tell you why and how I allowed myself to stay in an abusive nightmare . . .but I can't. Anyway, my Dad passed around 2:00am and my Sis came to my door with a police escort to tell me. I told her I would be home in the morning. That set into motion a chain of events that would set me free. This decision was the last straw for my boyfriend. I remember all of this like it was yesterday. When all was said and done, I remember looking at the clock as I sat on the end of the bed, it was 7:00am. I said to myself, "God, if you are there, and you love me, will you please send someone to help me?" I looked over and realized that the phones were unplugged, I jumped up and ran across the room to plug it in and it rang. You know . . . I don't think I had it plugged in before it rang. Wow!
BELIEF
I answered the phone quickly and my brother-n-law (whose been in my life since I was 6), David said, "Paula, do you need me to come get you?" Yes was all I said. He was there in 20 minutes, all 6'5", 220 pounds. He's my hero.
RELIEF
This isn't a sad post, really. These events have made me the person I am today. My Daddy is whole and in the presence of the Savior. Through time and experiences, I accepted that very Savior for my own . . . the One who heard my cry that day and said, "You don't know it yet, but I am real and I am mighty and I do love you and I have great plans for you!
My final hero has taught me these last 18 years that I don't have to be afraid, I am a strong person, I do have value to add, and I am deeply loved. He's my hero.
That being said, I am looking forward to 2009. I have alot of work to do! My Lord has great plans for me and I've been slackin'!
Blessings~
P.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Jader-Tader
Just a quick post before I dive into the pile of work that is waiting for me! Jader-Tader, as she is affectionately called by us when she is NOT around is a little gal-friend of Bailey's. We've known her parents, The Chaotic Carlson's, for years and have just now rekindled a friendship since we are only about 6 miles away. Jade has three brothers, Bailey has three brothers, they both homeschool, etc. so they have alot in common. However, Jade comes from a "gear head" family - custom car painting, car showing, etc! The girl's dads swing on opposite ends of the pendelum but have a respect for each other as Christian men, husbands and dads.
Jade has gone with us to a couple barrel races. Her mom, Karma, dropped her off last week but decided to stay for a while. Jade was giving her the low down on splint boots, over-reach boots, over-n-unders, 5 second penalties, etc. Karma learned alot from her "gear-head" daughter about barrel racing.
Now Bailey and I have only gone a couple times. Keep in mind, Bailey and I are no threat to anyone with our times, as of yet. However, Bailey opened up a can of COWGIRL at the last one and knocked 3 seconds off her first time and skunked me! Of course, I was riding BIG. Rick told me I would need spurs but since I had never really riden Big, I passed. I should have listened. Getting the horse into a trot was alot of work. So I just decided to take it slow and easy. Make sure I didn't come off in front of all these women!
After my first run, posting a rapid 39 seconds on a 15 second pattern, I came back to the girls and Jade so affectionately said, "I'm sorry . . . I fell asleep . . . what was your time?" Instantly becoming a hit with everyone in earshot!
I'll continue to take her with us because we love her, smart mouth and all! No wonder she and Bailey get along so good!
Blessings~
P.
Jade has gone with us to a couple barrel races. Her mom, Karma, dropped her off last week but decided to stay for a while. Jade was giving her the low down on splint boots, over-reach boots, over-n-unders, 5 second penalties, etc. Karma learned alot from her "gear-head" daughter about barrel racing.
Now Bailey and I have only gone a couple times. Keep in mind, Bailey and I are no threat to anyone with our times, as of yet. However, Bailey opened up a can of COWGIRL at the last one and knocked 3 seconds off her first time and skunked me! Of course, I was riding BIG. Rick told me I would need spurs but since I had never really riden Big, I passed. I should have listened. Getting the horse into a trot was alot of work. So I just decided to take it slow and easy. Make sure I didn't come off in front of all these women!
After my first run, posting a rapid 39 seconds on a 15 second pattern, I came back to the girls and Jade so affectionately said, "I'm sorry . . . I fell asleep . . . what was your time?" Instantly becoming a hit with everyone in earshot!
I'll continue to take her with us because we love her, smart mouth and all! No wonder she and Bailey get along so good!
Blessings~
P.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
IT'S A GREAT DAY TO BE ALIVE . . .
We're puttin' together a great day in Kansas today. Temps are in the high 50's! WAIT! The K's just got into the pickles and spilled the juice EVERYWHERE!
Okay - Now we smell like a pickle factory but it could be worse!
Okay - back to the weather - this whole week is supposed to be in the upper 40's - low 50's. For December that's just pretty sweet. My Cowboy came home from work early so we could go cut some wood and just do some stuff around the place.
As you can tell . . .we are muddy here! The dirt we have isn't entirely red dirt, but has alot of clay in it so it sticks to everything. You can tell that keeping boots from making a mess is not a possibility right now!
Cowgirl the daughter is making a fashion statement with her wood cutting outfit!
The K Cowboys take every opportunity to do a little fishin'!
I found Rowdy snuggled up to Cowgirl the dog today. Can't choose when a good picture opportunity will arise - note the BBQer is almost falling off the deck, the tricycle clearly was pushed off for the fun of it, and the box of toys were deposited there because some other adventure called! But aren't those two the cutest together. Cowgirl the dog tried to eliminate Rowdy the first couple of encounters but look at her now! Either she is a good mama or they are in love!
Cowboy and Cowboy the son thought this was just the biggest rack they had ever seen!
And finally . . . Rowdy out exploring all that a little weiner dog can find at the Broken Y!
Hope you've enjoyed your day! The new year is fast approaching and yes . . . my resolution is to lose a ton of weight, get organized, lose weight, get organized, lose weight, lose weight, ENOUGH! Looking forward to the celebration!
Blessings~
P.
Okay - Now we smell like a pickle factory but it could be worse!
Okay - back to the weather - this whole week is supposed to be in the upper 40's - low 50's. For December that's just pretty sweet. My Cowboy came home from work early so we could go cut some wood and just do some stuff around the place.
As you can tell . . .we are muddy here! The dirt we have isn't entirely red dirt, but has alot of clay in it so it sticks to everything. You can tell that keeping boots from making a mess is not a possibility right now!
Cowgirl the daughter is making a fashion statement with her wood cutting outfit!
The K Cowboys take every opportunity to do a little fishin'!
I found Rowdy snuggled up to Cowgirl the dog today. Can't choose when a good picture opportunity will arise - note the BBQer is almost falling off the deck, the tricycle clearly was pushed off for the fun of it, and the box of toys were deposited there because some other adventure called! But aren't those two the cutest together. Cowgirl the dog tried to eliminate Rowdy the first couple of encounters but look at her now! Either she is a good mama or they are in love!
Cowboy and Cowboy the son thought this was just the biggest rack they had ever seen!
And finally . . . Rowdy out exploring all that a little weiner dog can find at the Broken Y!
Hope you've enjoyed your day! The new year is fast approaching and yes . . . my resolution is to lose a ton of weight, get organized, lose weight, get organized, lose weight, lose weight, ENOUGH! Looking forward to the celebration!
Blessings~
P.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Whew!
Well, it is 12:18 a.m. and I am wearing off a Diet Dr. Pepper! The older B's and I went to the movie tonight to see Marley & Me. Rated PG - Minimal swearing, some adult content related to sex and trying to get pregnant. So, now I am home and need to release some of the caffiene I drank in!
We had a wonderful day today! Only in Kansas can we be 7 degrees seven days ago and 53 degrees today, with 63 expected tomorrow!
My Mom and Step-dad came over, along with my sister and her family. We ate, ate, and ate, then went outside for some team roping! How can you not on such a georgeous day! They hadn't ever seen DH and DS rope so that was a treat, for about 20 minutes and that was enough! hehe! The guys kept on and the family rounded up their bounty and headed home. NO - I do not have pictures - I have fantastic rechargeable batteries and didn't have one charged!
All of us worked together and made clean up a quick task. I hope you all had a wonderful day. Made happy memories. And most importantly, shared the Love of Jesus, on this His birthday.
Blessings~
P.
We had a wonderful day today! Only in Kansas can we be 7 degrees seven days ago and 53 degrees today, with 63 expected tomorrow!
My Mom and Step-dad came over, along with my sister and her family. We ate, ate, and ate, then went outside for some team roping! How can you not on such a georgeous day! They hadn't ever seen DH and DS rope so that was a treat, for about 20 minutes and that was enough! hehe! The guys kept on and the family rounded up their bounty and headed home. NO - I do not have pictures - I have fantastic rechargeable batteries and didn't have one charged!
All of us worked together and made clean up a quick task. I hope you all had a wonderful day. Made happy memories. And most importantly, shared the Love of Jesus, on this His birthday.
Blessings~
P.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Christmas Update
It's been a while . . . I know . . . so here is a major "catch up" post.
Made cookies - can't say that I am great at it, but I used Les' recipe and they turned out pretty good.
CHRISTMAS TOUR
Put up the tree and it looked so lovely - I use raffia paper, twine for garland, red lights, and my little cowboy ornaments. Now . . . it looks like its been climbed in, under, around, over . . . needless to say, little boys will climb in just about any tree! Real or fake!
When I was young, I remember always traveling on Christmas Day. So our tradition is that we stay home on Christmas day. This year family is coming over for brunch and then later I'll cook a turkey dinner because that is tradition also.
I still have a little bit more shopping to do AND I'm just now getting the Christmas cards in the mail. I should just send out New Years cards!
We took Les' challenge and picked a couple Angels off the the local Angel Tree and provided some needed items for the Pregnancy Crisis Center. The kids have experienced the true meaning of Christmas and it's not WII's or Ipods. It's considering others before yourself.
If you don't hear from me until after Christmas - May you experience love overflowing this Christmas and know . . . the greatest gift ever given is the gift of Salvation through the birth and crusifiction of Jesus. It's free for the taking!
Blessings~
P.
Made cookies - can't say that I am great at it, but I used Les' recipe and they turned out pretty good.
CHRISTMAS TOUR
Put up the tree and it looked so lovely - I use raffia paper, twine for garland, red lights, and my little cowboy ornaments. Now . . . it looks like its been climbed in, under, around, over . . . needless to say, little boys will climb in just about any tree! Real or fake!
When I was young, I remember always traveling on Christmas Day. So our tradition is that we stay home on Christmas day. This year family is coming over for brunch and then later I'll cook a turkey dinner because that is tradition also.
I still have a little bit more shopping to do AND I'm just now getting the Christmas cards in the mail. I should just send out New Years cards!
We took Les' challenge and picked a couple Angels off the the local Angel Tree and provided some needed items for the Pregnancy Crisis Center. The kids have experienced the true meaning of Christmas and it's not WII's or Ipods. It's considering others before yourself.
If you don't hear from me until after Christmas - May you experience love overflowing this Christmas and know . . . the greatest gift ever given is the gift of Salvation through the birth and crusifiction of Jesus. It's free for the taking!
Blessings~
P.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Where's Rowdy? What is that? Can you see the color?
Sweet Little Rowdy-Dog has made himself at home at the Broken Y. I can't wait to get the little guy potty-poopy trained! Potty training twins was a whole lot easier then this!! They didn't poop on the floor!! He now stays in the sun room where piddle puddles are not on carpet.
But the sweet little guy has decided to make my old pink barn coat his new home. I found the coat spread out on the floor with no sight of Rowdy.
Where can the little guy be?
There he is!
But he's just sooo tired!
WHAT IS THAT? Should you be touching that? That is NOT staying in the house!
Bo and Trey took off on the 4-wheeler and happened on this lovely piece of nature. If you look at it from left to right, it looks like a head and body. Hmmm, what could it be? If you look at it from left to right, maybe it is a deer spine and tailbone.
That being said . . . well . . . that being said . . . this is life with boys.
CAN YOU SEE THE COLOR? - I got motivated to paint my 1/2 bath. It is the bathroom that everyone uses and just looked pathetic. I've had conversations with R.E. clients about whether you should decorate what you like or what is popular. My personal opinion is that if you are not plannig on selling anytime soon . . . do what you like. If a sale is around the corner, do what is popular.
Now, several years back, the popular color was navy blue and yellow with lots of sunflowers. And of course, being from the Sunflower State, I had to have my share. So, I painted it a butter-cream color which you can hardly see, and took all of my navy blue, yellow, and most obvious sunflowers and did what I liked several years ago and still. Here is a bit of the finished product.
I have a metal cowboy boot holding an extra roll of Extra Strong Charmin and garden watering cans painted with sunflowers holding soap and lotion. There you have it . . . a newly decorated room with junk from around the house!
ONE MORE THING - Our message Sunday at Cornerstone was out of Exodus - The Israelites were fleeing Egypt and Pharoh changed his mind and headed out on fast horses to catch them. They were trapped and asked Moses if he just brought them out of Egypt because there were no graves there? God trapped them so that when He rescued them, He would be GLORIFIED! They would see His mighty hand and know that He is God of the universe. The lesson is this . . . how do you react when trapped, stressed, burdened, sick, tired, over-worked, etc?
I've been having an Israelite Freak-Out when faced with different things. Since this message, I have decided to re-evaluate how I react to different circumstances. With focus and praise to the Heavenly Father, we are never trapped.
Blessings~
P.
But the sweet little guy has decided to make my old pink barn coat his new home. I found the coat spread out on the floor with no sight of Rowdy.
Where can the little guy be?
There he is!
But he's just sooo tired!
WHAT IS THAT? Should you be touching that? That is NOT staying in the house!
Bo and Trey took off on the 4-wheeler and happened on this lovely piece of nature. If you look at it from left to right, it looks like a head and body. Hmmm, what could it be? If you look at it from left to right, maybe it is a deer spine and tailbone.
That being said . . . well . . . that being said . . . this is life with boys.
CAN YOU SEE THE COLOR? - I got motivated to paint my 1/2 bath. It is the bathroom that everyone uses and just looked pathetic. I've had conversations with R.E. clients about whether you should decorate what you like or what is popular. My personal opinion is that if you are not plannig on selling anytime soon . . . do what you like. If a sale is around the corner, do what is popular.
Now, several years back, the popular color was navy blue and yellow with lots of sunflowers. And of course, being from the Sunflower State, I had to have my share. So, I painted it a butter-cream color which you can hardly see, and took all of my navy blue, yellow, and most obvious sunflowers and did what I liked several years ago and still. Here is a bit of the finished product.
I have a metal cowboy boot holding an extra roll of Extra Strong Charmin and garden watering cans painted with sunflowers holding soap and lotion. There you have it . . . a newly decorated room with junk from around the house!
ONE MORE THING - Our message Sunday at Cornerstone was out of Exodus - The Israelites were fleeing Egypt and Pharoh changed his mind and headed out on fast horses to catch them. They were trapped and asked Moses if he just brought them out of Egypt because there were no graves there? God trapped them so that when He rescued them, He would be GLORIFIED! They would see His mighty hand and know that He is God of the universe. The lesson is this . . . how do you react when trapped, stressed, burdened, sick, tired, over-worked, etc?
I've been having an Israelite Freak-Out when faced with different things. Since this message, I have decided to re-evaluate how I react to different circumstances. With focus and praise to the Heavenly Father, we are never trapped.
Blessings~
P.
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