Avoidance: Not Good For Men or Horses

My husband's theory about riding any horse: don't avoid the things that bother him, it will only make it worse. 

Riding through the trees, he breaks off big branches instead of going around. If he's on a colt who's bothered by the rope, he just keeps playing with it and swinging it til that colt is comfortable.

Shy on the ground? Well, he just marches up to them and does whatever he needs to do. No sneaking around flighty colts for this guy.

I find this theory applies well to people, too. Avoiding uncomfortable subjects or conversations just makes feelings fester and puts more pressure on you.

Avoiding facing your fears will only make you more afraid. 

Avoiding taking the jump you know you should to change your life will only make it that much harder in the long run.

The point of avoidance is, it's all in your head. Just like a colt afraid to cross a stream, whatever the obstacle is in your life is rarely as bad as you think it is. Be bold, and take the jump!

XO, The Cowboy's Wife 

He Is Risen!

What do you do to keep something that's special to you close to your heart? A tattoo that's a special reminder? A necklace with someone's name? A mother's ring to keep your children close to you always? 

Think of how you feel about this special person, or place, or whatever it may be. 

You want to memorialize it. Remember it. Think of it always.

Now think about the Savior. What means the most to Him? I believe it is each of us. How does he keep us close to His heart? He died for you and for me, to save our souls and save us from our sins. He imprinted us on His hands. The scars on His hands, feet, and side are a constant reminder to Him and to us of the unfathomable, incomparable love He has for each and every one of us.

How has the Savior shown His hand in your life? 

He has shown me that he truly, truly knows ME. Parts of me that I hardly know myself. He knows that I'm a sentimental dreamer, and He has shown many times that He knows this about me and CARES about that aspect of my soul. Words aren't enough to depict how that makes me feel. He knows me so well, and getting to know Him has been and continues to be one of the greatest joys of my life.

Because He loves us so much, He died for us, and He is Risen! Because He conquered death, we can grasp eternal life with our loved ones! I can't think of anything more worthy of memorializing and keeping close to our hearts than that. Nobody can ever do more for you than your Savior. Don't forget to remember Him, and find a way to memorialize His saving act in your life. Don't forget to look for all the ways He continues to save you every day. Happy Easter, Ya'll. He is Risen!

XO, The Cowboy's Wife