THE STORY OF EDITH BURNS...

Edith Burns was a wonderful Christian who lived in San Antonio, Texas . She was the patient of a doctor by the name of Will Phillips. Dr. Phillips was a gentle doctor who saw patients as people. His favorite patient was Edith Burns.

One morning he went to his office with a heavy heart and it was because of Edith Burns. When he walked into that waiting room, there sat Edith with her big black Bible in her lap earnestly talking to a young mother sitting beside her.

Edith Burns had a habit of introducing herself in this way: "Hello, my name is Edith Burns. Do you believe in Easter?" Then she would explain the meaning of Easter, and many times people would be saved.
Dr. Phillips walked into that office and there he saw the head nurse, Beverly. Beverly had first met Edith when she was taking her blood pressure. Edith began by saying,

“My name is Edith Burns. Do you believe in Easter?"

Beverly said, "Why yes I do."

Edith said, "Well, what do you believe about Easter?"

Beverly said, "Well, it's all about egg hunts, going to church, and dressing up."

 

Edith kept pressing her about the real meaning of Easter, and finally led her to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Dr. Phillips said,

"Beverly , don't call Edith into the office quite yet. I believe there is another delivery taking place in the waiting room.”

After being called back in the doctor's office, Edith sat down and when she took a look at the doctor she said,

"Dr. Will, why are you so sad? Are you reading your Bible? Are you praying?"

Dr. Phillips said gently,

"Edith, I'm the doctor and you're the patient" With a heavy heart he said, "Your lab report came back and it says you have cancer, and Edith, you're not going to live very long."

Edith said,

"Why Will Phillips, shame on you. Why are you so sad? Do you think God makes mistakes? You have just told me I'm going to see my precious Lord Jesus, my husband, and my friends. You have just told me that I am going to celebrate Easter forever, and here you are having difficulty giving me my ticket!"

Dr. Phillips thought to himself,

"What a magnificent woman this Edith Burns is!"

Edith continued coming to Dr. Phillips. Christmas came and the office was closed through January 3rd. On the day the office opened, Edith did not show up. Later that afternoon, Edith called Dr. Phillips and said she would have to be moving her story to the hospital and said,

"Will, I'm very near home, so would you make sure that they put women in here next to me in my room who need to know about Easter."

Well, they did just that and women began to come in and share that room with Edith. Many women were saved. Everybody on that floor from staff to patients were so excited about Edith, that they started calling her Edith Easter; that is everyone except Phyllis Cross, the head nurse.
Phyllis made it plain that she wanted nothing to do with Edith because she was a "religious nut". She had been a nurse in an army hospital. She had seen it all and heard it all. She was the original G.I. Jane. She had been married three times, she was hard, cold, and did everything by the book.

One morning the two nurses who were to attend to Edith were sick.
Edith had the flu and Phyllis Cross had to go in and give her a shot. When she walked in, Edith had a big smile on her face and said,

"Phyllis, God loves you and I love you, and I have been praying for you."

Phyllis Cross said, "Well, you can quit praying for me, it won't work.. I'm not interested."

Edith said, "Well, I will pray and I have asked God not to let me go home until you come into the family."

Phyllis Cross said, "Then you will never die because that will never happen," and curtly walked out of the room.

Every day Phyllis Cross would walk into the room and Edith would say, "God loves you Phyllis and I love you, and I'm praying for you."

One day Phyllis Cross said she was literally drawn to Edith's room like a magnet would draw iron. She sat down on the bed and Edith said, "I'm so glad you have come, because God told me that today is your special day"
Phyllis Cross said, "Edith, you have asked everybody here the question, "Do you believe in Easter but you have never asked me."

Edith said, "Phyllis, I wanted to many times, but God told me to wait until you asked, and now that you have asked." Edith Burns took her Bible and shared with Phyllis Cross the Easter Story of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Edith said, "Phyllis, do you believe in Easter? Do you believe that Jesus Christ is alive and that He wants to live in your heart?"

Phyllis Cross said, "Oh I want to believe that with all of my heart, and I do want Jesus in my life. Right there, Phyllis Cross prayed and invited Jesus Christ into her heart. For the first time Phyllis Cross did not walk out of a hospital room, she was carried out on the wings of angels.

Two days later, Phyllis Cross came in and Edith said, "Do you know what day it is?" Phyllis Cross said, "Why Edith, it's Good Friday."

Edith said, "Oh, no, for you every day is Easter. Happy Easter Phyllis!"

Two days later, on Easter Sunday, Phyllis Cross came into work, did some of her duties and then went down to the flower shop and got some Easter lilies because she wanted to go up to see Edith and give her some Easter lilies and wish her a Happy Easter.

When she walked into Edith's room, Edith was in bed. That big black Bible was on her lap. Her hands were in that Bible. There was a sweet smile on her face. When Phyllis Cross went to pick up Edith's hand, she realized Edith was dead.

Her left hand was on John 14:

"In my Father's house are many mansions. I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also."

Her right hand was on Revelation 21:4,

"And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes, there shall be no more death nor sorrow, nor crying; and there shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."

Phyllis Cross took one look at that dead body, and then lifted her face toward heaven, and with tears streaming down her cheeks, said,

"Happy Easter, Edith - Happy Easter!"

Phyllis Cross left Edith's body, walked out of the room, and over to a table where two student nurses were sitting.

She said,

"My name is Phyllis Cross. Do you believe in Easter?"

Healthy Bread

“On a different note, I shared my new favorite "white bread" recipe with our Beyond Diet community a few weeks ago and it was a huge hit. It’s a bit more like cake than it is bread, but, hey, who doesn’t like cake that’s good for you?”
Isabel's Favorite "White" Bread
Ingredients
2/3 cup coconut flour
3/4 cup almond flour
1/2 cup (one stick) plus 2 tablespoons butter
8 eggs
1 tablespoon honey
1 1/2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
3/4 teaspoon sea salt
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
Directions
Melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Turn off heat and allow to cool a bit. Then stir in the honey and vinegar. Break the eggs into a medium bowl. Add the salt, baking soda, almond flour, and butter mixture. Mix together with an immersion blender or hand mixer.
Measure out the coconut flour. It will need to be sifted if you are not using an immersion blender. Using an immersion blender or handheld mixer, mix the coconut flour into the other ingredients very well. There is no worry of over-mixing this recipe since there's no gluten in it.
Pour the batter into a well-buttered loaf pan. I used a 9x5 pan. Bake at 300º for about 50-60 minutes. It will be done with it is set in the middle (you can lightly touch it, or check to see if a toothpick comes out clean).
Let cool for about 15-20 minutes, then use a spatula or knife to go around the edges. Invert the pan and move the bread to a cooling rack. Cool completely. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Store in the fridge or freezer. I like to slice it fairly thinly with a Rada bread knife, place parchment paper between the slices, and store in the freezer.

Carol's first newspaper article

Dearest Friends and Loved Ones!

 

As I mentioned in my last update about Kris, today marks the beginning of her story and that of countless young men and women who put their lives on the line for us.  The first article appeared on the front page of Sebring’s own newspaper, The News Sun today, and below is the link.

 

http://www.newssun.com/news/032913-ratliff

 

Click on and read the story.  Articles in the coming weeks will continue with more about women in combat, women who serve, and why a different kind of war requires new and greater change in how the wounded are made whole again!

 

By the way, Kris said “I love you” as we Skyped one evening last week.  She is working through some new challenges physically, but her drive never falters.  Her speech therapist is doing marvelous things, and Kris is being shown how to use her jaw and mouth and tongue to form words!!! 

 

A joyous and blessed Easter – a time of renewal and resurrection!

Love to you all,

Carol and George

We are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:20-21).

Words :-)

ADULT:A person who has stopped growing at both ends
and is now growing in the middle. 
BEAUTY PARLOR:A place where women curl up and dye. 

CHICKENS:The only animals you eat before they are born and after they are dead. 
COMMITTEE:A body that keeps minutes and wastes hours. 
DUST:Mud with the juice squeezed out. 
EGOTIST:Someone who is usually me-deep in conversation. 
     "Well, that's enough about me. Let's talk about you. What do you think about me?"
HANDKERCHIEF:Cold Storage. 
INFLATION:Cutting money in half without damaging the paper. 
MOSQUITO:An insect that makes you like flies better. 
RAISIN:A grape that got too much sun. 

SECRET:Something you tell to one person at a time. 
SKELETON:A bunch of bones with the person scraped off. 
TOOTHACHE: 
The pain that drives you to extraction. 
TOMORROW:One of the greatest labor saving devices of today. 
YAWN:An honest opinion openly expressed. 


And MY Personal Favorite!
WRINKLES:Something other people have, 
Similar to my character lines.


We are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:20-21).

Heavy hearted…

As we celebrate the entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem today, it is with mixed emotions and a sad heart that I report that my precious friend, Snookie Quinn, released her dear, sweet daddy into the Lord’s perfect hands today.  May she experience the peace that Jesus brought as He rode toward The Cross, on that animal of peace, that Palm Sunday years ago.

Please keep the William (Bill) Rhoads family in your prayers during the coming days.

For further information, please check the two blog postings at Quinns’ Awesome Journey blog.

Skinny Overnight Oats

Thu Mar 14 | 3 Comments

1 Proteins  0 Fats  1 Carbs

Submitted by: Talainya

Delicious and easy breakfast, so good it's hard to believe it is good for you. I'm sure you could add any fruit of your choice.

• Prep Time: 10 min
• Cook Time:0
• Servings: 1

Ingredients

1/4 cup oats (old-fashioned or steel cut)
1/2 cup milk
1/4 medium banana, sliced (freeze the rest for smoothies)
1/2 tablespoon chia seeds (full of omega 3, protein, and fiber)
1/2 cup blueberries
pinch of cinnamon
stevia, to taste
1 tablespoon chopped pecans (or any nuts or granola), optional

Directions

Place all the ingredients in a jar, shake REALLY well, cover and refrigerate overnight.
The next morning add your favorite crunchy toppings such as nuts, granola, etc.

I use a pint canning jar with lid.

Tags: Breakfast

We are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:20-21).

Raw tostadas

If this looks yummy to you, click on the picture for the recipe. I haven’t tried this yet, but one of these days, I must!

Kris update: really UP beat

[It has been quite a while since I last posted an update on Kris. This one brings us joy.]

Dearest friends and Loved Ones Everywhere!!!

When people ask me today how Kris is doing, I take a moment to reflect on the very latest information before giving an answer.   Knowing that each and every day might possibly provide mere moments of increased productivity, adjustments, learning to speak or walk, or even to stand by herself, I smile and say, “For her, she is doing remarkably well.  With what she’s been through, Kris is AWESOME!”

For the record, however, let me just reiterate what I told Kris when I was there just after Christmas. "This is 2013,” I said, “and, Honey, this is your year! It's the third year since your accident, and I have it on good authority...this is your breakthrough year!  It may not be 100 percent, but it’s going to be a whole lot better!"

Kris smiled when I said that and shook her head yes.  Maybe that’s what she’s contemplating in the attached photo: the year ahead!  It must seem insurmountable at times to her, but let me just tell you how great she is doing!

Since our last update, I have learned that Kris is walking everyday to all her therapy sessions, not with the walker but with her DCS (direct care staff) person walking with her. Kris has walked from her room to the physical therapy room, which is about the length of a basketball court I would say.  And, just yesterday, I learned she walks every day either with the walker or without it, and has walked TO and FROM that PT room now.  The wheelchair is set aside until she has an outing or after therapy sessions are over for the day.  Even then, she walks!

Kris may still be struggling a bit with typing out what she wants to say on her keyboard but, every now and then, she manages to blow me away by typing things like "Are you there?" when she Skypes if I am not at the computer. Of course, there are a few extra letters intermingled, but we can usually understand what she is typing.  Emotions show in her face too, so much so that we can “read between the lines” if she’s not feeling well, or if she has that “gotcha” look when she has done something fantastic!

That would be something like her outing on Saturday, March 9, when she went with a group from CORE to a 5-K run!!!  Yes, a “run!”  Of course, she did it by walking some, but using her wheelchair, too.  Her DCS said she kept asking Kris if she wanted to quit.  It was drizzly, chilly, windy, and it started at 7:30 in the morning.  Kris shook her head “no” and kept on going.  They were the last to cross the line, but she was jubilant and cheers were everywhere.  How I wish I could have been there!  It was not about “winning” the race; it was about “finishing” the race at all!  And she did it, and she KNEW she did it!

That’s her competitive spirit, her drive, even in those contemplative, worrisome times when even she may have a doubt.  But the doubts don’t last very long; she’s too much of a fighter!  She has more courage and determination than most people and she has been such an inspiration to so many.  I truly don’t know where she gets it, but we praise God for that dynamic spirit in her.

Which leads me to another part of this update.  Through these past years, having traveled this journey with Kris, folks say so often, “Carol, you should write a book.”  Well, the truth is... I am.  At last, and I must stress it was nothing short of Divine intervention that made it come together, I have the theme, the storyline, and a conclusion of sorts for Kris’s book.  It deals with where she has been, and why there must be more places like CORE for our returning wounded veterans; both men and women.

In addition, the book will start in a three part feature series in our local newspaper here in Sebring, Florida.  Part One will appear on March 22nd and, as soon as it is in print, I will have a link to send out for it.  As a part-time feature writer now for The News Sun, other features and articles that I write will be published in that paper.  But I have been given this “gift” of opportunity to begin writing her story in several parts, seeing it in print, and having the ability to move forward to finally put her story together.  More to come!

As a closing prayer request, please continue to keep Kris in your hearts and in your prayers.  She loves the cards and letters!  I would ask, also, that you keep son John in your prayers now as well.  He has undergone surgery to remove a lump from his lung, and biopsy results will be coming in about a week or so.  Along with everything else, he is trying to put forth a good face and, bless him, he uses Kris as his inspiration.  Finally, Diana, will have surgery again in April.  She has such a wonderful family support group with her hubby and kids, and I was “lovingly” forbidden to come there to “help out,” but to go back to Texas instead. 

Oh, yes... there are just a few other final requests!  Kris’s son, Joshua, is now in the U.S. Air Force, training for para-rescue service.  He will help save downed pilots, or provide other rescue work much like the Navy Seals.  Grandson Tyler is now somewhere “over there” in the Middle East, and we get to meet up on Facebook now and then!  Granddaughter Jessica is now a teacher and loves it, and granddaughter Cortney is an RN working at a brand new job and she sends the sweetest emails.  How proud we are of all of them!

I cannot imagine sometimes how very broad are God’s shoulders to help us carry our burdens or share in our delights, but they are very broad and He is awesome.  I am humbled at the strength He gives us when we need it most, and the joy He brings when we least expect it!!!

Blessings and much love,

Carol and George

Picnic on Four Peaks

What a beautiful day.

Beautiful weather.

Beautiful friends.

Fun fellowship.

Click on >>this link<< to view all the pictures I took today.

I hope you enjoy the pictures as much as we enjoyed our day.

You may click on this picture and it will direct you to my FaceBook album, also. No sign-in required. Just click on the first picture in the album and view each picture by clicking the arrow beside the picture.

Four Peaks

Bible study in the park

Our new friend, Fae Dunn, came to Bible study again tonight. I promised I would get a picture with her and I did! She’s writing another book. More details coming.

We had a good group for study and prayer tonight.

Bubba and Helen!

The Family of God

This morning as I admire again the Doodle Art that Dawn Dukes Lewis created for me, different parts of it begin to “speak” to me.

First, when I showed the work of art to Don, he immediately found the birds head, which I had missed.

For me, this beautiful cross section of a tree represents the Cross where Jesus Christ gave His life for me. The center looks like an Eye, which tells me that God, my Father, witnessed the sacrifice of Christ on the Cross and His wrath against Sin was satisfied forever for all who believe. See Romans 8.

The circle here reminds me of a ball of yarn or crochet thread and that reminds me of my precious Mama who is now in Heaven with Jesus and Our Father.

This reminds me of the song:

Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heaven and home,
When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

Refrain

I sing because I’m happy,
I sing because I’m free,
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.

           Luke 12:24 – Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which have neither storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds?

And this takes my heart to my youngest granddaughter, Emma, who adores giraffes. Notice the position of the row of eyes. This tells me that God is continuously watching over my grandchildren. Thank You, Father.

This symbol represents two things to me. At first glance, it reminded me of the Christian symbol of the fish which reminds us to be “fishers of men.” Upon closer examination, it reminds me of a ribbon and that reminds me of friends who have dealt with or are currently facing cancer which turns my heart to pray for them.

I love the big heart that Dawn seems to believe I have, bless her heart. This reminds me to guard my heart for what flows from my heart has a ripple effect and my prayer is that only good thoughts and actions flow from my heart. The trickle of all the smaller hearts and all the hearts within the big heart represent all the wonderful family friends that God has blessed me with.

In the above position, the object that looked like a bird when horizontal, now looks like a knot in a wooden board or log. Have you ever wondered why God made trees when He knew His Son would die on one?

And the Bible, open to Romans 8, reminding me what my life in Christ should look like. And The Three Nails… oh the blessed story of those Three Nails. I love how Dawn used the white space here to draw the focus to God’s Word.  Do you see the word “Cali” hidden just above the Bible? This reminds me to pray for Dawn and Cali, who is Dawn’s beautiful granddaughter.

As I mat and frame this beautiful labor of love, I am sure it will speak to me in many more wonderful ways in the future.

As a favor to me and a blessing to Dawn, please “Like” her FaceBook page: Be One Creations

If you are looking for unique and original artwork for yourself or as a gift, check out Dawn’s Etsy page. For only $15, you could be the owner of a creation that will never be duplicated.

And speaking of Big Hearts…. there is no heart bigger than one who would create a work of art from her heart for someone she has only “met” on FaceBook? I love her.

There’s no family like The Family of God.

Arizona City time

Today, we had the joyful privilege of meeting with and speaking to the Arizona City Bible study group about the RV ministry we are involved in. For inquiring minds who want to know for sure… yes, Cheryl Cyphers is crocheting as she listens and participates in conversation. I have a slight envy of someone who can multi-task like this. Boo joins John Cartwright for Bible study. Jim Witherspoon is listening to our study leader.

John Cartwright, Jim Witherspoon, Margie Cartwright, Cheryl Witherspoon and Charlie (I forgot his last name).

Don, Lori & Norm Post aka LoPo & NoPo, Bob & Jan Thompson.

Charlie and Pat (I forgot their last name).

Gary Cyphers.

After study and prayer time, we enjoyed a wonderful pot luck salad lunch. (What??? No pictures of the food??? I’m slipping.)

Let me set the scene for you:

John Cartwright showed me a tree in their backyard and then pointed to the mama hummingbird sitting on her nest!  We were at a safe distance so as not to frighten her away. The sun was bright and the nest was deep into the tree on a branch so it was shaded and rather dark. Well, you can imagine my surprise when I downloaded today’s picture on my computer and saw this!! The truth is, I pointed my little “point and shoot” camera and couldn’t even tell if I had the nest in the frame. I just love these kinds of surprises.

Our next stop was Quail Run RV Resort and Snookie and Bob Quinn’s. The last time we saw them was December 5, 2011. Snookie has a friend, Dawn Dukes Lewis. They are FaceBook friends, of course, so now Dawn and I are FaceBook friends! Can you imagine my delight when I found out that Dawn had mailed, to Snookie, these artistic creations she made for me?!? They were made specifically for me by Dawn! What a sweetheart. She has a crazy, mad, incredible talent that she calls doodling. She’s so creative! My doodling has never looked this good. The thing that makes Dawn’s work so amazing is the fact that she struggles and suffers daily with severe fibromyalgia. Some of the Doodle Art she creates is inspired by her pain. For instance, she told me that barbed wire indicates that she’s had a very painful day. Her daughter, Cali, is another inspiration for her and Cali’s name is often hidden in each drawing. It’s so cool to know that I was her inspiration for the piece above. The word “Lone Star” indicates my native state. The Bible open to Romans 8 with Three Nails sticking in the top of it and the “Fish” all speak of my (our) ministry. She wrote on the back that the heart is there because “you have a big one.” But enough about me. Dawn creates at least one of her Doodle Art pieces a day as therapy and she randomly posted one on FaceBook one day and all of her friends said, “You could sell those!!” Which resulted in her posting her creations on Etsy. In just a few days, she has sold SEVEN creations. Each one is an original and she will also create custom Doodle Art for where colors and/or themes are chosen by you.

You can like and share Dawn’s Doodle Art on her FaceBook page: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10200591638810776.1073741826.1153473108&type=3#!/Beonecreations

I love this simple reminder to me to “bee” an inspiration everyday. And the ribbons remind me that God’s mercies are new every morning like a river that flows fresh water continuously.

The next two are the ones Dawn made for…...

This one is inspired by the time Snookie spent on the beach of Delaware this past summer.

What a wonderful time we had getting caught up with Bob and Snookie and getting the detailed tour of their new fifth wheel. It’s gorgeous!! We’re already looking forward to seeing them again.

Lunch with CRM co-workers

We met Barb & Bob Ruesch and Dale & Carol Novasky at the Creative Café in Casa Grande today, for lunch. Bob & Barb are Directors of Ministry for CRM and Dale & Carol are chaplains at Quail Run RV Resort in Arizona City. We had a blessed time visiting with these co-workers in ministry.

My lunch was a bit “off plan” as it contained strawberries and mango, but it was delicious.

Our view on our return to the Q. It was a beautiful day.

In remembrance of Me…

After church today, we gathered with a few friends at a local pizza place for lunch. Some of the best fellowship is experienced around the table. Wouldn’t you agree?

We also celebrated the Lord’s Supper at church today.

Maybe we are missing the true meaning of eating, in general.

Jesus said, “when you break bread, remember Me.”  So, wouldn’t that translate to thinking about, talking about, celebrating and adoring Jesus while we fuel our physical bodies, hence, also fueling our spirits?

^{Luke 22:19} And when He had taken some bread and given thanks, He broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”

Please don’t misunderstand me. I totally understand that Jesus Christ wants us to always remember what He did for us on The Cross.

I’m changing the focus of the “blessing” before my meal from this day forward.

Patio dining!

Finally! Nice, warm weather!

Click >>here<< to see how we enjoyed the blessing of warmer temps.

Click on the first picture and then view the next picture by clicking on the arrow beside the picture.

Finally….

Darlene is the gal I met at the nail parlor a month or so ago. She has called a couple of times and today, we finally were able to connect at the stable!

Darlene and her four year old, Lilly the filly.

Next, I met Brienne, the twenty-four year old lady; part Arabian and part Pure Bred. Bri and I clicked.

Another shot of Lilly. Darlene said she has ridden Lilly, but she’s still working with her.

With Bri’s halter in hand, we head to the  arena for a little free exercise time.

Lilly and Bri didn’t waste any time getting their exercise on.

Superstition Mountain makes a beautiful backdrop for the stable.

The owner of the stable really wasn’t napping, just talking.

Next, Bri is ready to be groomed and I got the honor of rubbing her down.

Sweet Bri has had a cancer on her nose for about four years.  Darlene puts medication on it almost every day.

Boy, was I relieved to see the step!! Darlene used it to mount Bri to ride her and make sure she would be calm enough for me.

Bri would just snuggle right up to me. She was so sweet.

The only disappointment of the afternoon: my camera battery was dead! So the only pictures I got were with my cell phone. This is a self-pic, mega close, but I really like it… a lot.

This is the only documentation that I rode Bri. That’s my hand and I took this picture of her neck and the ground from my seat in the saddle.

I am so grateful to Darlene Manley for inviting me to check off "ride a horse" on my bucket list. I don’t know if I got my horse riding fix or whetted my appetite even more.

I am one happy country girl tonight.