Well, it has been over 24 hrs. since I last saw, smelled and touched my sweet Decaza. Before we walked into the lower pasture, I cut his tail so that I could have something physically tangible to remember his smell. It has been really tough emotionally as well as physically and I wait for the day when it doesn't hurt my heart so bad.
The aftermath of burrying him is almost as hard as when we lied him down beside his grave. I thought, as we lied together on the cold pasture ground, that I would never heal from this deep wound and loss. I told Decaza I would see him on the other side and asked him to find my other animals and remind them I loved them! Once again, I thought, I will not be able to move forward for quite some time.
If you have ever lost a loved one,(animals do count), time is an amzing thing. In just 24 hrs. I have felt a lifting in my spirit. I rode my horse, Piper, with Colton today and we just talked and enjoied the beauty of the day. This was a beautiful ride together and a memory I will cherish.
As one life passes, God always seems to send peace in another soul. Today, it came from my son and from my horse Piper... both are His and from Him! To Him I give praises and ask for His strength!
Thanks for caring- D
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Seasons of change
Such a time is this.... how did it become 2010? I still remember partying with the Taylor family at the beach for the millennium... year 2000! Crazy how fast life passes us by regardless if we are engaged or disconnected with it, nonetheless, time is flying!
I was especially reminded of this fact while talking to my cousin yesterday when she asked about my boys. I did the typical run down of events and stopped in mid sentence when I told her Hunter would be in High School next year. How did I, (Denise the forever 25 year old young woman) become old enough (41)to have a rising High School young man?
In this life, we will have many trials as the apostle James reminds us... yes we will face changes some good some bad and some down right terrible, but, in this life, we will face change. I believe it is how we embrace the changes, how we use our faith and how we glorify God in the trials that matters most.
We here at the Hammond farm are facing a very difficult trial regarding Decaza's health. Many of you have prayed for and rejoiced in the mini-miracles regarding Decaza's health. We all realize we have the ability to relieve him of pain at anytime we decide it so.... Our wonderful vet has told us on many occasions to just place the call and he will be here.
I have been placing a daily (hourly) prayers before the great physician and am left with the understanding that the answer may be a "NO", I believe God may be saying, "NO, Denise,allow Decaza to come to me and glorify me in the process". So, it is with tears in my eyes and pains in my heart that we decided to place the call and will watch our beautiful Decaza move from this life on earth and into the arms of his creator. I know he will live pain free with his creator. For God says, He loves his creatures big and small he loves them one and all....
This week we remember the beauty and strength of such an animal. We cherish his sweet and funny attitude most horses do not display. We will feed him candy canes and jolly ranchers and brush his tail and kiss his muzzle. This week we will glorify God by praising and crying with Him, for these years with Decaza and the many life stories that were birthed because of him. We celebrate God's beautiful creation and the creative design that our God possesses! Because of God's artistic design and love for us as humans, I have been blessed once again! To Him I give praise and glory as He upholds me during this trial.
If anyone is reading this and would like to come by to love on Decaza one last time, we welcome you here to our beautiful farm that the Lord has given us! Blessings my friend!
To Him who will never leave or forsake us, I give the glory and praise. Thanks you Lord for hearing my prayers and always bending down to see me eye to eye, heart to heart. Psalm 116 - Denise
I was especially reminded of this fact while talking to my cousin yesterday when she asked about my boys. I did the typical run down of events and stopped in mid sentence when I told her Hunter would be in High School next year. How did I, (Denise the forever 25 year old young woman) become old enough (41)to have a rising High School young man?
In this life, we will have many trials as the apostle James reminds us... yes we will face changes some good some bad and some down right terrible, but, in this life, we will face change. I believe it is how we embrace the changes, how we use our faith and how we glorify God in the trials that matters most.
We here at the Hammond farm are facing a very difficult trial regarding Decaza's health. Many of you have prayed for and rejoiced in the mini-miracles regarding Decaza's health. We all realize we have the ability to relieve him of pain at anytime we decide it so.... Our wonderful vet has told us on many occasions to just place the call and he will be here.
I have been placing a daily (hourly) prayers before the great physician and am left with the understanding that the answer may be a "NO", I believe God may be saying, "NO, Denise,allow Decaza to come to me and glorify me in the process". So, it is with tears in my eyes and pains in my heart that we decided to place the call and will watch our beautiful Decaza move from this life on earth and into the arms of his creator. I know he will live pain free with his creator. For God says, He loves his creatures big and small he loves them one and all....
This week we remember the beauty and strength of such an animal. We cherish his sweet and funny attitude most horses do not display. We will feed him candy canes and jolly ranchers and brush his tail and kiss his muzzle. This week we will glorify God by praising and crying with Him, for these years with Decaza and the many life stories that were birthed because of him. We celebrate God's beautiful creation and the creative design that our God possesses! Because of God's artistic design and love for us as humans, I have been blessed once again! To Him I give praise and glory as He upholds me during this trial.
If anyone is reading this and would like to come by to love on Decaza one last time, we welcome you here to our beautiful farm that the Lord has given us! Blessings my friend!
To Him who will never leave or forsake us, I give the glory and praise. Thanks you Lord for hearing my prayers and always bending down to see me eye to eye, heart to heart. Psalm 116 - Denise
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Memories for the Future
Last night was one of the coldest nights in Charlotte history. As my son Colton and his friend Rachel raced to the barn at 5:30 for night time feeding, they were reminded just how cold it actually was. The wind blew and stung their ears and fingers. Despite the fact they were bundled beyond recognition, the cold pierced their bodies to their bones.
Within 15mins. they were inside trying to convince me to bring the goats inside the house. My initial reaction was, "ABSOLUTLY NOT" but as all good and convincing kids do.... they stated the reasons why, acted out the chilled goats behaviors and.... they changed my mind to a resounding "YES" and there you have it..... I/We oficially live in a barn!
They were so excited and so was I. I was able to accomplish one of my 2010 New Years Resolutions. I want to foster and cherish how wonderful each of my children's gifts are. I want to enjoy their passions and allow them to grow in them.
So, check one off my list for Colton. Must this go on all year?
Welcome to my world! Happy New Year and may we all say a few more "yeses" with our children.
Denise
Within 15mins. they were inside trying to convince me to bring the goats inside the house. My initial reaction was, "ABSOLUTLY NOT" but as all good and convincing kids do.... they stated the reasons why, acted out the chilled goats behaviors and.... they changed my mind to a resounding "YES" and there you have it..... I/We oficially live in a barn!
They were so excited and so was I. I was able to accomplish one of my 2010 New Years Resolutions. I want to foster and cherish how wonderful each of my children's gifts are. I want to enjoy their passions and allow them to grow in them.
So, check one off my list for Colton. Must this go on all year?
Welcome to my world! Happy New Year and may we all say a few more "yeses" with our children.
Denise
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
All Things New!
All things new!
As we close out an amazing summer, I look to the Lord for direction and leadership. My boys are starting school, Kenny is in a new job territory and I am starting a new Bible study and Personal Training schedule. New beginnings are exciting yet blurry; new territories ignite a spark of creativity and goal setting within, yet often fear of failure lingers in the back of my mind. I personally would love to set new spiritual, social, physical and mental goals without any fear of failure just thoughts and actions based on success.
The Lord reminds us in Jer. 29:11, that He knows our future and it is one filled with hope and success. I choose to trust and each day take the next step in His plans. Just take the step that is in front of you and walk upright in the trust that He is with you wherever you go!
Happy new beginnings!
D
As we close out an amazing summer, I look to the Lord for direction and leadership. My boys are starting school, Kenny is in a new job territory and I am starting a new Bible study and Personal Training schedule. New beginnings are exciting yet blurry; new territories ignite a spark of creativity and goal setting within, yet often fear of failure lingers in the back of my mind. I personally would love to set new spiritual, social, physical and mental goals without any fear of failure just thoughts and actions based on success.
The Lord reminds us in Jer. 29:11, that He knows our future and it is one filled with hope and success. I choose to trust and each day take the next step in His plans. Just take the step that is in front of you and walk upright in the trust that He is with you wherever you go!
Happy new beginnings!
D
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
We are truly meant for the valley. My family just spent our Spring Break in the most beautiful, quiet mountain retreat; Leatherwood Mountains. These mountains are formed between a long and beautiful meadow; where streams run and deer graze. It is quite a special place!
The valley here, is quite beautiful, enjoyable and peaceful. It is where my kids play football, jump in the streams, catch minnows and crayfish together. Kenny and I ride our horses here, picnic and sit together soaking up the sun....I love the valley! I love being quiet and reflective, it is a side of me, my family and I rarely get to experience. I love watching and listening to the sounds of God's symphony around me while in the valley. Yup, I love the valley and I was meant for it.
But, there is nothing like the mountain top experience. Our house sits at the top of the mountain and it has quite the views. As the wind whips through the trees and the hawks fly we can hear new sounds, see new sights and experience new emotions. I tell you this, I was meant for the mountain top!
Isn't this life, we move from mountain tops to valley experiences. The valley offers experiences that the mountain top cannot. We travel through the valley and get to see and feel things that the peaks cannot offer us. We can run in the valley yet while at the top we actually have to hike a bit more cautiously, as the fall could be fatal.(Pride before the fall) This is a new perspective I am sure but it holds a bit of truth when compared to our lives. While in the valleys of life, know this, we call on God with a deeper more heart felt need and respect. We listen more, yet are relational. We can be very still yet we keep moving. We actually spend a lot of time there, and it becomes familiar yet remains mysterious. We can sit and listen, often humbled and learn while traveling in the meadow. The good news is, we travel, we move, we learn while we are there.
When at the top, we usually experience great emotional highs that often exempt God or at the very least, just invite Him to join us in our elation and new experience. Don't get me wrong, I love the top of the mountain. I love what it brings my soul. I actually find myself brought to tears at it's beauty and power. We have to keep perspective however when we are at the top... egos in check and pride aside! God is quite amazing, as He designed it all and dwells in it all, we just have to be reminded more when we are at the top!
God's word reminds us, He will never leave us or forsake us, for He is with us wherever we go. I think He'd want me to remind you of that truth... I know He reminds me of it quite often. So, whether you are traveling in the meadows of life or standing at the top of a mountain, know this, He is there and remains very close!
As I write this, I ask you to pray for those in the meadows of life. I specifically ask for you to pray for Melissa Taylor and her family. Becky Nunn, her mother, and dear friend of mine, has stage 4 cancer and new cancer growths elsewhere. She is in the valley and experiencing new sights and sounds; new emotions and fears and is traveling through it very slowly and painfully. This story is one of many I know life will offer us, but one we will all grow from and learn to trust more, because of. God's plan is beyond what we can see or hear or understand but truth remains and is never far away. Jesus said, I am the way, the truth and the life. Truth has a name that we can all call on while we travel this life of mountains and valleys.
Blessings to you all ... soar, walk, run, listen, remain aware and draw near to God.
Denise
The valley here, is quite beautiful, enjoyable and peaceful. It is where my kids play football, jump in the streams, catch minnows and crayfish together. Kenny and I ride our horses here, picnic and sit together soaking up the sun....I love the valley! I love being quiet and reflective, it is a side of me, my family and I rarely get to experience. I love watching and listening to the sounds of God's symphony around me while in the valley. Yup, I love the valley and I was meant for it.
But, there is nothing like the mountain top experience. Our house sits at the top of the mountain and it has quite the views. As the wind whips through the trees and the hawks fly we can hear new sounds, see new sights and experience new emotions. I tell you this, I was meant for the mountain top!
Isn't this life, we move from mountain tops to valley experiences. The valley offers experiences that the mountain top cannot. We travel through the valley and get to see and feel things that the peaks cannot offer us. We can run in the valley yet while at the top we actually have to hike a bit more cautiously, as the fall could be fatal.(Pride before the fall) This is a new perspective I am sure but it holds a bit of truth when compared to our lives. While in the valleys of life, know this, we call on God with a deeper more heart felt need and respect. We listen more, yet are relational. We can be very still yet we keep moving. We actually spend a lot of time there, and it becomes familiar yet remains mysterious. We can sit and listen, often humbled and learn while traveling in the meadow. The good news is, we travel, we move, we learn while we are there.
When at the top, we usually experience great emotional highs that often exempt God or at the very least, just invite Him to join us in our elation and new experience. Don't get me wrong, I love the top of the mountain. I love what it brings my soul. I actually find myself brought to tears at it's beauty and power. We have to keep perspective however when we are at the top... egos in check and pride aside! God is quite amazing, as He designed it all and dwells in it all, we just have to be reminded more when we are at the top!
God's word reminds us, He will never leave us or forsake us, for He is with us wherever we go. I think He'd want me to remind you of that truth... I know He reminds me of it quite often. So, whether you are traveling in the meadows of life or standing at the top of a mountain, know this, He is there and remains very close!
As I write this, I ask you to pray for those in the meadows of life. I specifically ask for you to pray for Melissa Taylor and her family. Becky Nunn, her mother, and dear friend of mine, has stage 4 cancer and new cancer growths elsewhere. She is in the valley and experiencing new sights and sounds; new emotions and fears and is traveling through it very slowly and painfully. This story is one of many I know life will offer us, but one we will all grow from and learn to trust more, because of. God's plan is beyond what we can see or hear or understand but truth remains and is never far away. Jesus said, I am the way, the truth and the life. Truth has a name that we can all call on while we travel this life of mountains and valleys.
Blessings to you all ... soar, walk, run, listen, remain aware and draw near to God.
Denise
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Off and Running
If you are new to my blog, Hang on because there are many for you to read through in my archives below. Now that should get you a bit excited or exhausted, you can decide, but nonetheless, WELCOME!
I am off to Ga. in the morning and truly, am ready to see my mom and help her in anyway possible. Her accident was one that made us all stop the pace of Christmas break... which was coming to an end. The ringing in of the new year was much more reflective now that she lie in intensive care with a broken neck, multiple bruises and a wounded spirit. However, the memory that remains from this ordeal is of a conversation she had with her surgeon just before she went into surgery. Connie, in her slurred speech, made eye contact with her surgeon saying, "Dr., I have been praying for you" and he replied without hesitation, "Connie, I have been praying for you too, let's do this thing" and off they went into surgery. This type of confidence and peace can only come from our divine creator. The One who sees is the One who knows and with that we are reassured of our futures. For so many of us, (us included) our futures are unknown and our paths seem to be hidden by some fog; but I am confident that, "the Lord gives wisdom and peace and from His mouth comes knowledge and understanding" Prov. 2:6 So, as I travel tomorrow I will trust in whatever he lays in my path and pray that I have ears and eyes to understand I am in His presence.
Blessings to all this new and wonderful 2009
Denise
I am off to Ga. in the morning and truly, am ready to see my mom and help her in anyway possible. Her accident was one that made us all stop the pace of Christmas break... which was coming to an end. The ringing in of the new year was much more reflective now that she lie in intensive care with a broken neck, multiple bruises and a wounded spirit. However, the memory that remains from this ordeal is of a conversation she had with her surgeon just before she went into surgery. Connie, in her slurred speech, made eye contact with her surgeon saying, "Dr., I have been praying for you" and he replied without hesitation, "Connie, I have been praying for you too, let's do this thing" and off they went into surgery. This type of confidence and peace can only come from our divine creator. The One who sees is the One who knows and with that we are reassured of our futures. For so many of us, (us included) our futures are unknown and our paths seem to be hidden by some fog; but I am confident that, "the Lord gives wisdom and peace and from His mouth comes knowledge and understanding" Prov. 2:6 So, as I travel tomorrow I will trust in whatever he lays in my path and pray that I have ears and eyes to understand I am in His presence.
Blessings to all this new and wonderful 2009
Denise
Friday, January 2, 2009
Welcome to a New Year and new adventures
Family, friendships and fellowship that's what it's all about in 2009! This year has started with a test of faith and I know despite what life sends our way, the Lord is with us wherever we go! A matter of fact He is already ahead of me (us), protecting, paving and promising me (us) of His plan. I believe that and pray He reminds me of that often this year!
My mom is having surgery this morning because she was in a bike accident on Jan 30th and broke 2 vertebraes- #1 and #2- at the base of her skull. The helmet was her protection from possible paralysis or even death. God is her protection during this trial and has provided great wisdom to all involved. I praise Him for designing each of us with different passions and professions!
I pray the Lords presence is felt by mom and Tom as they trust in His provision over this surgery as well as her recovery. May He who is able, provide peace that surpasses all understanding and strength to the weary!
On another note, my 6 week old baby goat, Jessie, is still hanging on and we believe he is a fighter and will live! He is taking bottles every 4 hrs. and is getting stronger. If we could control the "runs" then he would gain some weight back but until then we continue to provide nourishment and love!
Blessings in the fire .... we wont get burned, but may feel the heat for awhile!
Denise
Friday, December 26, 2008
The Day After
Yesterday we celebrated Christmas with friends and family. The sun was shining, we rode horses, played games both outside and inside, opened gifts and celebrated the true gift of Christmas! Today it is a totally different day. It is colder and a bit dreary, the food is not as tempting (yet is still stored in my belly) and most of my family have left our home. Today may be a different day but the one thing that remains, is the reason we celebrate this season ... the gift of our Saviour Jesus Christ! I pray each person reading this blog has opened this gift of our Saviour and received Him into your lives. Receive the gift and hold it close! Grace to all who enter and receive the gift! May this be the best present you ever receive!
"And they will call Him Emmanuel - which means God with us" Matthew 1:23
Merry Christmas!
Denise
"And they will call Him Emmanuel - which means God with us" Matthew 1:23
Merry Christmas!
Denise
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