We've all been hurt before. Our hearts broken, shattered, wounded, bruised. Sometimes, in our hurt, we forget that Jesus can heal our hearts. It's not a one fix-and-done kind of thing, it's a process. Sometimes a very hard, long process. It takes time to heal, it takes time to let go, it takes time to forgive. The only One that can heal our shattered hearts is Yeshua. We can try to fix our brokenness by the things of this world, but in the end, it won't work. Earthly things can't heal our aching hearts. Only Yeshua can heal and mend our broken hearts.
Pushing aside the issues doesn't work, either. Ignoring the problem, ignoring the pain, brushing it aside, doesn't help at all. We all need to deal with the problem, forgive, and let God heal our shattered hearts.
We have to let Him heal us. We have to let Him in so He can heal the broken places of our hearts. He longs for us to let Him in, and to let Him heal us. Let's let Him in, and let Him heal us.
The heartwarming true story of a blind horse named Joey.
At the height of his show career, this beautiful Appaloosa's majestic stature, strength, and willingness to work made him the perfect partner. But when an injury cost Joey his show career, he moved from one owner to the next, ultimately experiencing severe abuse and neglect. A rescue group found Joey nearly dead from starvation--and blind.
Then he came to Hope Reins--a ranch dedicated to helping hurting kids who had been abused, emotionally wounded, or unwanted. By teaching these children to care for rescued animals, the Hope Reins staff were convinced they could reach kids with love and hope and show them that we are never forgotten by God.
But could the financially struggling ranch afford to take care of a blind horse that no one else wanted? Could Joey somehow learn to trust people even though the world had hurt him so badly? And what would happen--to Joey, the kids, and Hope Reigns--if they failed?
A true story of friendship destined to become a classic, Joey will touch your heart and reveal the power of finding light in the darkness.
Review
Joey was beautiful. This book is definitely one of my favorite horse books ever! It was an incredible story of faith, hope, and God. I loved learning more about horse therapy, and that type of work. Hope Reins pairs suffering children with rescue horses. The stories of the kids were so sweet and special, and the horses were amazing! Joey's love and compassion for kids was so beautiful!
This book was about how God can use broken people and broken horses for His plan. Many people, (before Joey came to Hope Reins), looked at Joey as worthless, and no good because he was blind. But that's not how God saw him, and that's not how the staff at Hope Reins saw him either. They saw Joey as priceless and valued. God used a broken, blind horse to bring healing to others. If you are looking for a heartbreaking yet uplifting book that is about God, horses, and kids, this book is an awesome choice!
A favorite quote:
"She prayed that God would somehow use this broken horse to bring healing to others."
If you want to learn more about Hope Reins, check out their website and Facebook page!
With things going on in life, especially spiritually, it is so important to remember that God is our defender.
"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." Psalm 23:4. Even though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, Yahweh is always with us.
"I will never leave you nor forsake you." Hebrews 13:5. Yeshua will never leave us nor forsake us. We need to hold tight to that promise. Even when it feels like everything is crumbling around us, He is always there.
So even when we're face to face with the enemy, Yeshua will never leave us- and He will defend us and fight for us. We are never alone. God is our defender.
~~~
Though I walk through
the valley of the shadow
And I stand face to face with the enemy
I will know that I am not forsaken
You surround me when the fire's at my feet
You're my defender
You fight for me
I will remember
You're all I need
You are my healer
My remedy
Against the power of the unknown
I will not stand alone
'Cause You're my defender
I can see You when the night is closing in
And I will trust You when it seems that there's no hope
Living on the Circle C ranch in the 1880s California-the heyday of the Old West-provides 12-year-old Andrea "Andi" Carter with more than her fair share of adventures. Whether nearly trampling her schoolmaster with her palomino horse, Taffy, or outwitting an escaped convict, Andi's life is never boring. Her hair-raising escapades always end up teaching her valuable lessons about family, faith, and friends.
Review
This series was so awesome! I read them quite a few years ago, and recently decided to re-read them. They are full of adventure, suspense, and humorous moments. They are fast-paced and enjoyable reads!
Characters. Andi is absolutely hilarious! As the baby of the family, she feels that life is often unfair. However, she has a good heart, and wants to do what is right, even if she ends up in a muddle almost every time. :)
Her siblings are awesome! I so enjoyed seeing the family relationships! The way her brothers protect her and rescue her from her many scrapes is so sweet.
The plots are fun, exciting, and adventurous. I really appreciate how Susan K. Marlow weaves faith into each book. This series is a great choice for anyone who loves horses and adventures.
