Don't Get So Close to the Miracle That You Can't See It ~Paul Francis Lanier

  Words so simple yet such a powerful meaning in so many ways. Bishop Paul Lanier's father was referring to the miracle of the ministry his son was creating in Hope Community Church (As I understand it to be in it's infancy stages during their conversation.)

 "Don't Get So Close to the Miracle That You Can't See It." 


Dear Lord it has been on my heart since I was  a little girl to have this farm. Not only to have a horse farm but to make a difference with it. To bring children closer to nature and animals. To teach them life lessons that will carry them through their adult life. Adults who never had the opportunity Lord to experience the joy and love of a horse. To feel the softness of their muzzle against your cheek or feel the connection as you learn to control such a massive animal with harmony and grace. Lord I also want to make a difference to the animals. If only one at a time Lord please put opportunities in my path where I can change their life for the better. To educate the public Lord and to bring people and animals in need of healing together. I heard your word "Don't get so close to the Miracle you can't see it," I know those words were meant for me. It took me a while to see that while my childhood dream is coming to fruition (not nearly as quick as I would like) You are working in my life Lord and I am doing your will. I get such joy and peace out of every person I teach, every person that I can help and educate. To teach them that these great creatures are not a commodity to be used and discarded but great creatures created by you. That to bond with one of these precious animals is like no other feeling on earth. Thank you Lord for the blessings you have provided me with and the opportunities that have presented themselves along the way. From the old cow farm with some broken down chicken houses to the horse farm that has been established. Where people and animals alike can come and breath a sigh of relief as the Drama of their Past is left behind them. Thank you Lord for bringing people like Bishop Lanier and Pastor Debbie in my life to teach me about you and how to be closer to you Lord. I know that I may not always get it Right but I do try to at least travel down the Right Path. Lord I know you will continue to work your miracles in my life and point me in the direction of YOUR WILL. I can only believe Lord that this is the Direction YOU have chosen because it brings my heart such peace to do good in this way. Please continue to give me the strength to power through the opposition of the people who do not support me. The people that continually try and bring negativity into my life as a result of this. As I continue to breath your spirit of Love and Kindness into me Lord please continue to guide me towards the greatness you have chosen for me. I know that in my heart through you and the incredible people you are introducing into my life I am destined to do great works through you. Patience Lord is not now or has it ever been a virtue of mine, but you know that, I believe you continue to remind me that your will works in your time, not mine. I continue to see the Extraordinary things that you are doing in other people's lives and I have to take a step back to remind myself that your plan for me is different. That while the paths will cross and intertwine there is a divine reason for everything you do.

I have taken those few steps back Lord I have seen the Miracle you are creating through me. I see it everyday in the beautiful daughter you have gifted me with. Watching her ride and grow into a young lady and equestrian athlete making good life choices that will bring her closer to you. Watching the aged paint horse, Rocky, that you blessed me with 17 years ago build the confidence of a young rider one day, an adult rider the next. I see it on the faces of the teenage girls that have shown him over the years teaching them how to jump. Seeing their smiles when their names called out placing in the ribbons. For the incredible Arabian gelding, Tonka, you brought into our lives after Genna's precious Reba pony was laid to rest and for her move up horse Georgia that you brought back into my life years after selling her. The other horses Lord you have put in my path, the neglected, aged and unwanted who all have something to offer. Help me to continue to teach these young ladies that currently ride with me that are willing to REALLY work for the chance to ride and learn about the passion of loving horses, the dedication that it takes. Lord please continue to bless me with these little miracles which make me who you want me to be. Please continue to bring people into my life that will teach me what it really means to live authentically in the word of Jesus Christ. The loving breathing spirit of your generous giving nature. Thank you Lord for my friends and family for supporting me in what some call a crazy money pit endeavour. That they know and understand the joy and peace it brings me to raise my daughter in such and environment. An environment Lord that teaches the true meaning of what it means to live authentically in you. I have heard this verse many times in the past months. "No one lights a lamp and then Puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will PRAISE your Heavenly Father."  ~Matthew 5:15:16  

Every good deed I have done Lord is because you have brought it to my heart to be done. You have always provided a way and the means Lord even when I didn't think I could do it....for this I thank you. Please continue to use me to shine your light so that I may show others your greatness.

 I promise Lord to take a moment each day and look at the continued Miracles you create in my life and especially in the lives of others. It all begins Lord by taking those first few steps to follow you. In Jesus name I am glad I did.  Amen