Okay, I have to admit... This has been a pretty good week, in as I have accomplished many of the things I would have set out to, the kids have been somewhat productive, and in a marginally good space over all.

Therefore all I can say is...."It's all good."

However, isn't it always so true, the happier you are, the smoother things go, the faster time gets away from you. Let things be going wrong, upside down and inside out and the time passes just about as slow as it possibly can!

So, tomorrow is Friday - is this to be the revision of last Friday's notice on "The Big House on the Hill"? I don't know.... I do know that I still have the picture posted on the desk above my computer monitor as a gentle reminder of positive thinking... Law of Attraction... The Secret as it is.... My my, why would I need such a reminder? lol

Yesterday was good in that we haltered the three babies - nearly yearlings now, but babies nonetheless to me. I had let it go far too long as a result of the two being from the mares we rescued last year and with the sheer consideration I had no ability to isolate them to work with them individually, then winter and short days, the time just got away from me. However, with a desperate need to have their hooves trimmed, I knew I had to get going on this little "big" project. So, after haltering, we got them wormed (a tube of medicated gel that removes any parasites from their system - much like worming a dog).

I did the walk by observation of the pregnant mares that I could and it's safe to say we have at least four mares bred and due to foal this summer. Actually, upon looking a the breeding dates, my old mare that I never dreamed would take could be due at any time from mid May to mid June, so it's coming up pretty fast. As with all things of God, the science in predictions is less than accurate most of the time.

I was finally able to submit my request for the publisher’s net website that comes with my publishing contract. I couldn't complete the request prior as it required a ISBN number for the book. Ah- Ha, it must be nearing completion for sure as I have that piece of information now too! Yes, still excited no doubt!

I want to do some advertising for the book, but my goodness advertising is costly! The publisher will do press releases and such, but it would be beneficial for me to increase the exposure on my own as well.

This is but one outlet to report such things and even though I have been pinging this blog and cross referencing it over to the other one, I know to date the exposure is limited at best. However, it has been very good for me and has also connected me more closely to several friends and family members. This is worth it in itself.

So, any great ideas for promoting will be greatly appreciated... Please send me your thoughts and ideas!

About today, I had promised the boys a trip away from the house after they completed their basic chores but they kept working and then Chad went to start moving piles of manure to the pasture while they were hard at work. I surely wasn’t going to stop progress in that area! So, instead we stopped at Kersey Pizza for ice cream cones while my Mom got her hair done up the street.

Since they did do quite a bit today, we're going to take our drive tomorrow instead. Again, "it's all good". Maybe we'll drive to Estes Park and drive around to find the Elk... We'll have to see where the day takes us, but I'm sure no matter where we go we'll enjoy our day.

Today's blog apparently has no major message in it, perhaps not so inspiring... But then again, a good day should be inspirational in itself.

I am going to add another post to this one with some lead ins to my book... So keep reading!

Otherwise, good night, sweet dreams and may God bless you and keep you until we meet again here tomorrow.

Love to all!

Tuesday was all encompassing for me! I actually got the preview of my book cover and it was everything I could have hoped for!

However, with two trips to town and life as it is over spring break with the kids all home, I found myself without an entry here on my blog for the day.

But I'm back!

I can only attempt to explain the thrill of opening the PDF file with the cover preview yesterday! What an incredible accomplishment finally realizing the process is so near being complete! It's so incredibly exciting! I have been writing my whole life and to see my book title and name in actual print on the cover of a book is a reality check that ranks right up there with the biggies in my life.

I'm humbled and yet encouraged at the same time! I have so many projects in the works and the consideration of transforming this into a movie script for the purpose of submitting to my movie literacy agent is now looming large in my mind. I suppose God will guide my next steps and projects.

I was thinking about Monday's night blog and considering how fortunate and blessed I've been in so many ways with so many different children in my life. Not from infancy - but still in my life. Sharell and I have often discussed that she was always meant to be my daughter but the way it was meant to work out apparently didn't accommodate God's delivery date for her into the world at a time I was accommodating such matters. LOL Therefore, he had to go about it the long way around. She is such a blessing to me and I love her so much as well. And much the same as I have had to let go and trust God with Chad's life... So it is that I have often prayed and asked God to see to this precious one and her own as well.

Not just Chad and Sharell however. I have often considered how difficult it would be or will be to get that call someday as it pertains to one of those life’s that lived with us, touched our lives and took a piece of our hearts with them. I hope and pray for only good news, success stories and the reflected love as is the case with Sharell, Drew, Gray and a few others. But on the other hand, I can't help but consider how my heart will ache if I should ever get the sad, sad news of any of my kids demise.

Yet, the love that I have received from so many of these youth over the years is precious. I suppose that this is an appropriate time to say these things and remind myself as well as any reading here that it hasn't all been up hill. I was there when Sharell gave birth to her third son - Josh... I was there when not one but many of those kiddo's crossed the platform to receive their high school diplomas... I was there when Kenny told me the day he showed our Palomino at the Colorado State Fair and had a blue ribbon that it was the best day of his entire life.... I was there when Drew was knocked senseless riding a bull at a jr rodeo... I was there through football games, proms, homecomings, first dates, proposals, prayers, tears and laughter. I was there when we were teaching William how to dance in my grandfathers assisted living apartment living room.... I was there.... There are so many memories and so many smiles! There are so many kids, so many names, so many lives... And I was there, guiding, caring and loving each and every one of them in a way that many don't believe is possible. But I know! I know, because I was there!

So, when I lay my head down to call it a night in a short while from now, I believe instead of asking God "Why me?" as I have been known to do with some of the difficulties that we have faced in the past few years...I will instead simply say "Thank you for allowing it to be me!" I wonder who I'd be and where I'd be today had I not been on the very journey that has led step by step to right where I am at this very second. Would I be taking life and love for granted? Would I even understand what love is as I do now? I don't know, but I do know, I am thankful and I love my kids. Not just Chad though there will always be a special bond with the child of my womb. Not just Sharell because we both agree she was meant to be mine from the start gate in Heavens plan... No, not just one or two....But all of them in one way or another. And those who were absolutely unlovable who didn't even make it here; I still loved enough to pray for them and their futures.

Again I say.... Thank you Lord!

As for "The Big House on the Hill"... Still waiting. The good news is that there are no "Under Contract" signs on the listing as of yet... It will only be good news if the contract is ours! LOL
But whatever tomorrow brings is in God's hands and I will trust the process as I know beyond a doubt, he is in it!
I tend to think that anything that God is in, he's in to win! With him as our coach, captain, director and over seer, how could we go wrong?

And as for the book... It will be available through traditional book sources - Barnes and Noble among many other outlets by the title name "A Love Beyond Time" By no other than me Sherry Lynn Lipari... Boy does that sound new and different! Again, I say "Thank you Lord!"

Have a great night and I'll hopefully be back tomorrow!

Love to all!
Sher-Bear

Mondays come with a mixed bag of emotions. From whatever is lingering in the aftermath of the weekend, to the sheer fact that when school is in session, there is a repreive if the kids are all in school. And then there is always church on Monday night at our seemingly famous Kersey Cowboy Church.

Tonight was a great service and one I truly enjoyed, but I generally do. I find them edifying to the spirit and some nights the Holy Spirit is moving so strong! It was that way a few weeks ago, regardless of the numbers of people present, the spirit was moving. Tonight was good as well.

However, in the after math of a new constitution being drafted there were some stumbling blocks brought to my attention. Of course, I have never been one to table my thoughts for another day or move on without at least addressing my questions, concerns or interests.

I share this not to necessarily bring to light the stumbling blocks, not that this would be a problem, but rather it's just too long to get into right now. Maybe on another day.... But to address the ease and comfort in which we as members can address our thoughts, concerns and interests.

The conversation was enlightening, though at first I was struggling, even with the initial answer. Not that I disagreed with what the Bible said, but that in it all I felt there was some level of contradiction. Perhaps I didn't really grasp the depth of why I was struggling as I couldn't nor did I desire to argue what the Bible says. I have read the verse that was in question.

However, through the on going communication I was able to finally voice what it was that was tripping me up in the whole matter and come to some absolution or better stated, resolution of the matter; if for no other reason than my own questions.

Interestingly enough the question in check does not apply to me personally, it couldn't apply. However, that hardly leaves me worthy... I personally don't see any of us as worthy outside of the blood and grace of God.

Nonetheless, the comfort in the dialog was the dialog itself. It is refreshing to be able to discuss and discuss again until there is some deeper level of understanding.

The conversation went beyond this with consideration to what Abraham was forced to face in the consideration of sacraficing his son. Of course, for any of us who know the story, know that God spared him from having to follow through with this act of faith at the last possible moment.

I questioned this in our on going conversation tonight. I couldn't do this at any level, it would be far easier to sacrafice myself thna my son or any loved ones.

I can accept that God granted my son to me and that this blessing was his to give and his to take. Truth be knonwn, I fought it for so long before I finally had to give it up and tell God that no matter what I was thankful for the gift of my son no matter how long I had him or not.

I of course, pryaed and still do that he spares and blesses my son's on-going life and that I will never have to let him go home to God before I myself go home. But in any event, it's out of my hands... Just as my own numbered days are beyond my own decisions.

I have always presumed that the reason Abraham being given such an incredible request was for the creation of scripture to be an example. I believe this example was set forth to demonstrate such strong faith in this man of God, that a message would be derived from it even thousands of years later.

It worked! Yet, it made me wonder why he would put Abraham through such an ordeal. Pastor Shorty brought up a good point when I said I couldn't have done this. He pointed out that God knew Abraham's heart and he knows mine. God would not ask it from someone who could not fulfill the purpose of the message.

I consider his strong faith and I am in awe of the example that Abraham set in motion for even the likes of our generation! What a huge message this is, even for me following a Monday night church service in a barn on a dark county road outside of Kersey Colorado.

I am humbled as always, once more....

I know that the entries of late have been more Biblically inclined than just life in general.... I never intended for this to be a place to preach and teach, but rather had only hoped to inspire.

However, with that much stated, how could it not be tilted in this direction with the fact that I live my life based on his word, presence, blessings, salvation, grace, mercy and love... Without it, I have no life, I have no words, I have no inspiration!

I hope that the reality of how my God walks me through each day, each step of the journey is the way to inspiration in itself; the only way that I would ever have it...

Therefore, I recognize it is only natural that I would find it necessary to share his promises and his love through my words of encouragement and/or sharing my own personal experiences, doubts, questions, struggles and blessings beyond belief!

I hope you are all blessed tonight, as I am! Sleep well and I'll be back tomorrow!

Love to all!

Last night when I completed my blog for Saturday I was not inclined to re-read and correct any spelling or content errors. So, this morning I opted to take care of it after the fact. I'm aware that at least a few of you had already read it before the edits and knowing no one will want to go back and re-read it, I opted to copy and paste the additional comment toward the end of the blog on to today's message.

Truthfully, I even considered just making it a part of today's blog but opted to leave it in yesterdays. So, for those of you who read it there, perhaps there is reason that God wanted you to read it more than once... But if not, then just skip it!
Quote Begins:
"One additional thought… Remember, The Good Word tells us not to let the sun go down on our anger. How can we embrace the new day as the gift that it is if we have carried over such emotional baggage?

Therefore, heed the consideration and never allow the devil such opportunities to minimize your blessings! Agree with yourself today that you will not let such negative passion rule your subconscious by going to bed with kempt up anger. Give it to God and agree to let it go. Sometimes it is no more than agreeing to disagree. More often then not, holding onto anger is a choice and clearly the only right choice is to let it go! Life has far too much promise to be pursued to waste it in such mindless head games that serve no value in achieving our ultimate blessings and God given purpose!

Sure we all get annoyed, hurt, and down right angry. However, it’s our choice as to what to do with those annoyances! Let them go and set your mind on higher matters! If the sun goes down on your anger, chances are it will rise with it as well…. Bless yourself and those around you by heeding this Biblical warning!"
Quote ends.

Anger.... I have spent many of days, sleepless nights and in between times making me to well acquainted with this entity. Though in general it is a natural and necessary piece of our lives, it can cause us to plant ourselves and take root in a place we were never meant to stop at.

I watch those around me and as I see things not so much more than simply staying the same, I see others unwinding over such considerations. I don't know what divine purpose there is any of this, but it does occur to me that we are all on a journey of life lessons that are intended for our good, not our demise. Therefore, when the trials of life come against us, I for one am inclined to look it up and down, inside and out to find the purpose and reason for the lesson. There is always something hidden, though undoubtedly more often than not it is subtle.

In addition, more often than not it is not for some time into the future that I can truly see the value in some of the seemingly horrific things that happen on this earth.

I bet there will be at least one person who will take this to imply that God causes, or wills bad things to happen. Not! That is simply not my intention or implication in any way, shape or form!

God gave us free will, free will to choose who and what we will serve not just in one area of our life, but in all areas. Evil is an inherent result of Satan attempting to befall the earth and working his deceitful magic in the Garden of Eden so many thousands of years ago!

I truly believe that all things are either of good or of evil. Perhaps things don't happen in our time and we grow impatient, or worried, maybe even angry. But we create the reality by not accepting that if we remain grounded in Christ Jesus and commit our day and our attitude to and toward him, then we will find ourselves right where we are meant to be.

On the other hand, it occurs to me that often we are guided to that one place we are truly meant to be and miss the neon signs flashing right in front of us. Deception at it's best if you will. But the truth of the matter is that even when we miss the exit, there is always another way to get there. God has promised that and then created a world in which we live that constantly reflects this same very principle. That is simply stated, why it is so easy to find analogy after analogy to make a point of fact for Christ!

I wish for nothing more than for all to be able to let go of the worldly value of things, status and popular opinion and just let God! I mean, truly to live a life without worry or at least less of it...And to be above the abstract considerations of the devil's playground so that we would never be sucked into playing there... Yet, it is so second nature for us all to jump on the merry-go-round of sin, that we don't even realize we're doing it a good 90% of the time!

Truly, that is scary if we really give it some consideration. It also drives home the point of unconditional love of our Savior and the glory, grace and mercy we find in accepting him into our lives. Still, with such a profound commitment, we as humans struggle.

We struggle with the flesh, sexually, emotionally, socially and even economically. We are caught in the snares of temptation over and over and still over again. We can see where as a child touches a hot surface unknowingly, they will likely and most generally learn not to touch it again. Yet, we as humans regardless of age cannot seem to grasp the concept "if we play with fire, we are going to get burned!" It makes me wonder what's really wrong with us sometimes... Are we truly that blind or dense? Me included!

I fight temptation on a daily, hourly and minute by minute basis. And though I think I am making great strides in some of my weakest areas, I also know there is so much more to conquer that I will be working on this unfulfilled objective to my dying breath.

I don't really believe in reincarnation... But geeze, if it were to happen, I for one don't want to be involved in having to return for another attempt to get it right. And if I am on a second, third or many thousands of times back around, I want this to be the last!

The reality is that God has a plan for each of us, a plan for good and to prosper us in his ways. I want to believe bold enough, love bold enough, and grab hold of enough faith with such boldness that I cannot help but overcome all that tempts me and thrive in God's promise for my life!

I want to let go of the emotions, be them hurt, anger, resentment, jealousy or any other negative feeling we all know if we're honest; to live the life that I know is mine to live, in his name and to his glory!

The fact is with the reality of the economy, I don't know what will come of our hopes and prayer requests... But I do know that God is able and I do know that I am commissioned to believe with child like faith and to have an expectant attitude toward the things I bring before him. Therefore, I am continuing to embrace the process and trust that all things in his time and all lessons, even those which are less than desirable, have a higher purpose.

I believe there are many of us out there today who need hope. My desire is that in sharing my own personal reflections with you, that you may seek and find the hope and renewed faith that you as well are in need of.

Have a great day and Thank God we are finally getting some traces of moisture here in our region! I know the state is at record levels of snow fall in many areas, but here we've been dry. Surely part of a lesson as well, but the truth of the matter is any moisture is welcome considering are last measurable snow fall at the farm was the first week of January! The rest has remained dry, with scant snow flakes and rain drops that the earth consumes immediately in its abundant need for hydration!

Be blessed and grab hold of your promise! Today is a great day and the beginning of a great week! Believe it, no matter what giants you face or that come in your path, keep on believing!

Today, Saturday... A good day. Time gone that cannot be found again, as we know when it passes it is never to be for a second chance.

It is a day of smiles, frowns, happiness, anger, sadness, realizations and more. I think of today and I realize that it was a day with a full range of emotions by all involved in it.

What is the point in my observation you ask? It was a day well lived. It was a day full of life; both good and perhaps not so good. It had all the components of a full life. This is nearly all we can hope for or ask for when each new dawn begins.

I too often wonder at the end of a day where it went and what did I do with it? I almost find myself a bit blue or depressed over such occasions without even acknowledging as much. I know why though, as I observe today.

Days that pass without acknowledgement or accomplishment often represent time lost. Time is such a valuable commodity yet we all take it so for granted! There are many things we take for granted, such as the sunrise and sunset...Each breath we take...The youth of our children…And in reality, Life and Death itself.

Oh sure, we all wish we had one more day with a loved one who has passed on. Most of us have wished we had checked the meal cooking in the kitchen before it burned... Many of us wish we had pursued a dream or goal of days past.... But we rarely stop to consider that today. Today is truly a gift that will never be given to us again. When it is done and gone, it is gone forever.

Therefore, the lessons in such thoughts are to realize that every day is a gift. Every day is time granted to find renewal, restoration and to take new steps toward your dreams and goals. We should attempt to embrace every day, remembering that it will never be ours again. When it's gone it's gone for good. Live today as though you realize the significance in a day well spent. Attempt this remembrance even though on those rough days, it can be quite an accomplishment to give such thoughts credence. Live today only to find yourself with no regrets at it's close.

If we set forth on a path to embrace each day as a gift, as a wonder, as the miracle that it truly is, then we will find far fewer days, weeks, months and years wasted or squandered away. Choose this day to be thankful for the moment, for each breath you take, for the sunrise and sunset, for the promise of tomorrow, but most of all for the time that is granted to realize, discover, explore, embrace, live and love life in it's fullest form!

Today we have brought to an end in a most passionate manner in our home. A gate to the one of our horse pens was not fastened. Three geldings reside within, so when we pulled in the drive to see only two of the horses standing outside of their fenced and obviously unsecured perimeters there was more than an anxious moment. It was a moment of threat, fear, anxiousness, anger, fury, and little good. Yet, in the end, the third horse, which is my son's baby and is totally deaf, was still, THANK GOD, in the pen, down the hill, unknowing of what was going on. That was at least until someone went down to check on him and he then realized he had better come up to check things out for himself.

The most frightening moment hit when the two youngsters finding their way at mach speed to the road...A very dark, gravel road with a vehicle approaching. I could only hope and pray that it was Chad and Kelly who I presumed would not be too far behind us in arriving home. It was, but it didn't stop me from running out in front of the oncoming vehicle to insure who ever it was stopped and realized the precious commodity running fearfully back toward their familiar driveway. Once back in the confines of our farm yard I took a brief sigh of relief. With Chad and Kelly’s arrival to the scene we now had one vehicle to use head lights and the other to block the drive. We managed to get them in with only a few more scary situations, such as when the two year old considered jumping or going through an aluminum gate to get back in the pen of which he missed the turn when the older of the two had made it back safely....

The long and the short of it was all those initial negatives were each in themselves derived of love and commitment to these creatures we signed on to be the caregiver’s of.

Once safely in the pen, they were checked out, as were the other horses in other pens of whom were bouncing and bucking in the moment of excitement in the barn yard.... Only Princess, Chad's young mare that has had a sore back leg was a bit sorer as a result. Every time she starts to heal up, it seems she has some reason to re-injure herself... What can you do, as such is life.

However, whenever something like this occurs it truly drives home the reality of what a person is really made of.

I consider the day, all the fun that was had, the laughs, the dining, the roping we attended to let the boys see how it is done... Then I consider how it was concluded and I realize we were alive. The day was well spent - though the gate should not have been left without double security as they are supposed to be... Even so, all is well and I know once more, God truly is watching over us.

We all have many lessons to learn in this life and I have no doubt that there were lessons in all of this day for all of us as well. Though, we may not always see it clearly, we are growing and maturing toward the final goal... Toward the graduation from this life to something far greater than anything we could ever even imagine. I choose to meet that graduation day with exuberance and hopefully with few regrets. I'm working on my next or more like my last thirty years and I hope that I can begin to embrace each day as the gift I am learning it truly is!

One additional thought… Remember, The Good Word tells us not to let the sun go down on our anger. How can we embrace the new day as the gift that it is if we have carried over such emotional baggage?

Therefore, heed the consideration and never allow the devil such opportunities to minimize your blessings! Agree with yourself today that you will not let such negative passion rule your subconscious by going to bed with kempt up anger. Give it to God and agree to let it go. Sometimes it is no more than agreeing to disagree. More often then not, holding onto anger is a choice and clearly the only right choice is to let it go! Life has far too much promise to be pursued to waste it in such mindless head games that serve no value in achieving our ultimate blessings and God given purpose!

Sure we all get annoyed, hurt, and down right angry. However, it’s our choice as to what to do with those annoyances! Let them go and set your mind on higher matters! If the sun goes down on your anger, chances are it will rise with it as well…. Bless yourself and those around you by heeding this Biblical warning!

On that note, it's late.
Good Night, God Bless and Sleep Well!