Just up the road is a pasture, which two horses call home.  From a distance, the horses look just like any other horses.   But when you get closer to them, there is something quite different about each.

The eyes of the first horse disclose that her sight is gone, yet she seems totally content to be grazing in this lush pasture.  She appears to be well manicured, her coat glistens in the warm sun; you can tell she is definitely well cared for.  In fact, she has been such a good, well-mannered horse her owner says that he couldn’t possibly think of giving up on her just because she lost her sight.  She has been romping in this same pasture for years and he wanted her to enjoy the remainder of her life there as best she could.   Without her eyesight, he knew this would be difficult for her so he came up with a very ingenious and loving solution.

If you stand quietly and listen, you’ll hear the sound of a bell coming from the direction of the second smaller horse, just a short distance away.  The owner wisely attached a small cowbell to the second horses’ halter.  Its primary purpose is to let the first horse, his blind friend, know where he is, allowing her to follow and not get lost.

As you stand and watch, you see that the smaller horse often checks on his friend; the sound of his bell reassuring the blind horse that her friend is close by.  And so, this mutual companionship goes on throughout the day as the two horses enjoy their freedom and the tasty grass in the pasture.  In the evening, when it’s time for them to return to the shelter of the barn, the smaller horse takes the lead, occasionally looking back to make sure his blind friend isn’t too far behind to hear the bell.

Like the owner of these two horses, God doesn’t throw us away just because we are not perfect or because we have problems or challenges.  He is constantly watching over us, occasionally bringing others into our lives to help us when we are in need.  Sometimes, we are the blind horse being guided by the little ringing bell; other times, we are the guide horse, helping others to find their way.

Good friends are like that. You may not always see them, but you know they are always there.  Please listen for my bell and I’ll listen for yours.  Always remember…be kinder than necessary.  Everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

 

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Some kind words:

‘The beautiful crosses arrived today, along with your most generous gift of the lovely poetry books.  Will show all to my pastor first thing in the morning!  Cannot thank you enough for your wonderful ministry.  Thank you for shipping these exquisite crosses so quickly and safely.  I know many hearts will be touched by your kindness and these powerful reminders of God’s love for His children. You are truly a blessing to our ministry!  Many, many thanks!’

Karen ~ VA

 

‘Your ministry and sharing the crosses is wonderful.  Our staff really appreciate the crosses to give to people needing some support and compassion.  Thank you for sharing Amanda’s Poems. Our Chaplain and others felt the amazing strength Amanda shared.  Your gifts were all a blessing.’

Jackie ~ The Deerfield, Urbandale, IA

 

‘We were first introduced to your crosses at a MN Teen Challenge event.  We loved them and would like to include a cross in every shoebox we pack for Operation Christmas Child.  My family is passionate about this ministry and we pack numerous boxes every year for boys and girls.  Your crosses would be a wonderful addition to each box.  God bless you friends.’ 

Carrie ~ MN

 

‘I would like to order the small crosses for my church family.’ 

David ~ SC

 

‘It is time … starting to hand out crosses again.  I tell people it’s a “gift of hope” but will change that to “gift of hope and love”.  The crosses are received with appreciation.  You are appreciated for all you do to enable all of us to be a witness through handing out these crosses with the inspiring card.  It’s a dear gift.’

Joy ~ MN

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A couple of months ago, we featured Bob from Bound by Faith Cross Ministries in Barnum, MN.  He visited our home the other day (sadly, our paths didn’t mesh and we weren’t able to personally meet) and left us two awesome gifts he created in his workshop … a plaque and a cross.

 

There is a tag on the back of the plaque which reads:  ‘Reclaimed board from the late 1800s’. This plaque has found its forever home … on the table by our front door for all our guests to see … just where Bob placed it.

 

 

There is also a tag on the back of this wooden cross which tells us its origin: ‘Made from a 150 year-old Norway Red Pine damaged by wind storm.  Sawed 2017, Blackhoof Township Sawmill, Barnum, MN.’  This cross has found its forever home on the front of our woodshop, right above the eagle statue, another gift from a friend.  Both greet visitors with the gentle reminder of our freedoms.

Thank you, Bob, for thinking of us and for your service to our Lord!!

 

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Crosses were shared last month by these kind folks:  

David – CA

Janet – MO

David – SC

Open Door Community Church – Breezy Point, MN

Carrie – MN for Operation Christmas Child

St. Francis Hospital Pastoral Care – Tulsa, OK

Lewiston Christian Church – Dawson Springs, KY

Joy – MN

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Live simply.  Love generously.  Care deeply.  Speak kindly.

FOR WE WALK BY FAITH AND NOT BY SIGHT