Some of you know I’ve been developing a line of inspirational greeting cards. Wednesday night this little fellow was born, and I got a kick out of watching him try to figure out his legs. He was only about 10 minutes old when I took this photo.

I thought it would make a cute card, but haven’t landed on just the right caption. Thought you might like to chime in. If so, send me your ideas.

As I walked back to the house, I thought how very fortunate we are to be horse lovers. Earlier in the evening, I had clicked around the TV and felt sad about the many shows that all centered around vanity – be the star, get it on, put it out there, etc. People desperate for validation. God gave you and me a love for something real – his creation – something that can validate us when the world doesn’t. And that’s something to be thankful for!

Scripture   … You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.  1 Peter 2:9

Desperation isn’t despair. This pony thinks he’s in a jam, but he isn’t giving up. He’s exercising his full faith in his people.

Life is going to put us in jams. Our faith hollers for God and his grace to rescue us – or at least hang out with us in the trailer.

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Prayer: Lord, Sometimes we’re in trouble and sometimes we just think we’re in trouble. In all cases, you are there when we call. We’re never alone, and we thank you for that.

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Scripture:
I cried out, “I am slipping!” but your unfailing love, O Lord, supported me.
When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.      (Psalm 94:18,19)

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If you would like to receive “an extra Flake” by email, subscribe here: http://www.inspiredbyhorses.com/subscribe

 ”Good Friday,” Christians commemorate Jesus’ death on the cross on our behalf. It’s a somber day, a day on which we take seriously what happened 2,000 years ago.
But the story doesn’t end there.

The exciting part comes on Easter Sunday, when Jesus was raised from the dead. It’s the story of transformation, of redemption, and new life.
Each time we look at the likes of this fellow, we are reminded that God had – and has – a better world in mind than what we see around us.
We have a lot to rejoice about on Sunday, and everyday, too. Happy Easter!

“Be Mine” we inwardly whisper, as we head out to catch our horse. She’s enjoying time with her buddies, but we want her to drop everything because we’ve arrived.

“Be mine” we murmur, as we pick her stall during a late-night barn check.

“Be mine” we think, as we watch her interact with someone else. Of course, we want her to behave well for them. But in our heart of hearts, we want her to love us best.

“Be mine,” God whispers as we head out in the pasture …

Prayer: God, thank you for your tenderness, your wooing, your reassurance that you cherish us – even more than we cherish our horses. Corny as it sounds, thank you for choosing us as your valentine.

“Be Mine” is the “Extra Flake” for February 14. An Extra Flake is a daily devotional available by subscription.
An Extra Flake, Inspired by Horses, Text, photo Copyright(c)2012
Photo used by kind permission of a friend of Inspired by Horses.
All rights reserved.

The website reads, “Don’t cry because it is over. Smile because it happened.”

It goes on to tell us: “Heaven’s remuda improved by one fine mare on February 8, leaving this planet one short, with the passing of Roxy (aka Whizzards Baby Doll), best known as horsewoman Stacy Westfall’s bareback and bridleless mount. Sadly, the mare was euthanized after a traumatic injury.”
(Her website provides more detail.)

Stacy and Roxy together were an inspirational duo. We may best know them as doing a bareback, bridless reining pattern – and winning the Freestyle Reining at the American Quarter Horse Congress in 2006. Stacy had dedicated the ride as a tribute to her dad, who had recently passed away.

Stacy is an amazing young woman, and I had the privilege of speaking with her last year when she visited the Asbury University Equine Program. She worked with horses and then talked with the students about training. Beyond that, she told her story – of life as a wife and mom and of following God as she developed her business, always putting first things first. Stacy continues on with other horses, but we recognize her wonderful contribution with Roxy.

Those of us who have lost a special horse can appreciate what Stacy and her family might be going through, and I ask you to keep them in your prayers. And take a few moments to thank God for the people and horses in your life today.

I thought watching Stacy’s special ride would be a great way to enjoy “an extra flake” today.

I thought you’d enjoy seeing a photo of this beautiful foal, born at Gunston Hall in Lexington, KY. He’s about five minutes old, and hasn’t even gotten to his feet yet. His mom is sure working hard to get him up, though.

Newborns are always a reminder that God thinks life should go on.

By the way, I included this photo in one of my “Extra Flake” email devotionals. If you would like to receive them, you can sign up here. There’s no cost. Each day you’ll get an email with a short devotion, scripture and prayer.

If you are An Extra Flake subscriber, I’d love to hear your opinion on a few aspects of receiving the “Flakes.” Would you mind sharing it with me on this survey?

Thanks so much.

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By the way, I thought you’d enjoy seeing this handsome fellow.

Introducing a new friend, stallion E Z's Gentleman, now standing at stud in Indiana. Doesn't he have a beautiful, intelligent face?

Scripture:  The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.                               (1 Samuel 16:7)

Prayer: Lord, some days it’s harder than others to keep smiling. Remind us that you’re standing behind us, whether we feel on top of things or not.

A note to subscribers at Inspired by Horses — After a year off, “An Extra Flake” devotional emails are again available by free subscription.

As horse people, it seems God “speaks” to us through a life with horses. For some, it’s a big “aha” they could write a sermon about. For me, it’s as if God winks at me – a flash of insight that is informative and reassuring at the same time.

The Flakes are my way of sharing those insights with horse people so they’ll more fully sense God and his activity in their lives – so they’ll recognize his love and faithfulness and feel assured that though life is sometimes difficult, they’re not alone.

I think that horses help us realize we matter to God.

Cover image of An Extra Flake - The First Bale book

We are really excited to tell you that “An Extra Flake – The First Bale” is ready for sale.

This 5.5 x 8 inch book is full color and contains an introductory message from Maureen as well as 32 “flakes,” each consisting of a devotional though, scripture, short prayer, and of course, a photo – all for $12.99.

We received so many notes asking whether we’d considered making a book out of the inspirational emails – the “flakes” – that we “baled” some into this beautiful gift book.

We hope it’s a great encouragement to you or to the people you give it to as a gift. When you purchase 5 or more books, I’ll include an extra one free. You can place your order here.