A Few Small Steps

The last few months here on the Ponderosa have been tumultuous, to say the least.

"Mr. Cartwright" continues to deal with his heart going into Atrial Fibrillation very frequently. The good news is he has medication to take when his heart rate gets too high and he is learning how to navigate through each episode. If he can keep calm, that's half the battle. We know it will pass within a few hours. We will go back to see the doctor in a couple of months.

On another note, look at this boy-man of mine! Can you see the smile? The contentment?  

                                  

After my visit last month he has done a 180 degree attitude change. I know his heart is happy, for mine is. We were able to talk through so much when I saw him. I can't help but think, "He knows beyond a shadow of a doubt that we love him no matter what he has done or said. He knows we forgive him." Our telephone call yesterday was so positive. I asked him about his walk with the Lord. He responded with, "It's great!" Something I have not heard before. Will the journey stay here on the top of this mountain? Oh, I'm sure not, but I am so thankful for these baby steps he is making. There is a maturity I hear in his voice and words. Things like, "I'm learning patience and how to be a leader."

See his arm? This is a result of God's perfect plan for my "Hoss". The bull he and I will never forget.

 Do you remember this ? And, may I ask you to send me one, if you haven't for I have started this project and I know that God is working. In Him. And me.

How God Used a Bull...

I'm thinking this might be a book you hear about in the future.


God is doing some amazing things here at the Ponderosa, as well as where our boy-man is, Agape Boarding School in Missouri.


The last two months have been tumultuous. The valley has been very low, full of shadows and lingering failures. Communication was cut off for a while with "Hoss". We didn't know for how long. We cried tears daily that he would surrender fully to the Master and Creator of his life. We continue to pray. We struggle to believe. And yet, God slams us with His grace in amazing ways.


July 3rd, "Hoss" attempted bull riding for the first time during Agape's first rodeo of the year. When he fell off, the bull stepped on his left hand, breaking a bone. I wondered what God was up to...


Last Saturday, an Agape Mom (currently has a son at the school) posted on the website that she felt impressed to set aside a time that night for all the parents that could to pray for our family. I was in awe. Next thing I knew I had a private message from another mom that confirmed this was the Lord. She said she couldn't stop thinking about Josh for a couple days and was in awe, herself, when Mom #1 posted the request. I was in awe and many tears again. Little did we know we would be able to call "Hoss" the next day for the first time in too long. A good conversation.


Tuesday, July 1oth, he went to an Orthopedic Surgeon to determine if surgery is needed since the bones have shifted. They are waiting one more week, added a splint to two fingers to see if they will self correct. He will go back in Tuesday, July 17th for another x-ray to determine if surgery is needed. 


Needless to say, this Mommy's heart is broken, so wanting to be with him, not knowing if this is what he really wants. God continues to lavish grace through these hours and astound me.  I am given permission to call "Hoss" daily, normally only allowed once every other week, and am told that I can come help take care of my boy.  


So, I ask the Lord, "Is this possible?" I don't think you'll be surprised by the answer. I am headed to see my boy next Wednesday, the 18th. God has provided above and beyond anything I could every imagine. (I find myself saying this many times...so it shouldn't surprise me anymore, but it does...O, Me of little faith.) Food, boarding, transportation; He's worked it all out. I am forever grateful to my God, who uses the body of Christ to be His hands and feet.


I know God is at work in my lamb's heart, too.

Bringin' It Down

"Hoss" was involved in the July Fourth rodeo at Agape Boarding School. My strong boy did amazing. Bringin' that steer down in 1.5 seconds. That steer didn't have a chance with my big boy wrestling him down to the ground.

(Scroll down to 2 min. 23 sec. to see him.)

Chute Doggin' and Lots of Steak

Just a fun post today:

"Hoss" has had a couple of great opportunities while away from the Ponderosa.

He was involved in a rodeo event. This looked like such fun. "Hoss" is the first guy to try to bring the steer down.

Agape also had a walk a thon. "Hoss" was able to get 3rd place for the monies brought in. "Hoss" is the tallest one in the group pictures.