Hard work Pays off in the End

 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.

1 Peter 4:10

These past few weeks have been a whirl wind, and maybe it is because literally the weather is whirl wind?  I don't really know but I am certain that things are going to finally start turning to spring soon! Today, I wanted to address something that I find in my daily life is to be so very important, the need to be a volunteer, the need to give back to others, the need to just be involved in our community.  Being that person giving back to others is rewarding and we need to highlight this aspect because right now, volunteering is a struggle and I understand that.  

If you are new to the blog, let me first give you a quick run down on my life here at the farm.  Many years ago the Lord spoke to me and told me that I was going to use our farm to help people.  How I wasn't sure at the time, but eventually I knew that I would help people with the farm animals and horses (I didn't even have horses).  It may have taken years but remember things don't happen in our time, they happen in God's time and he has always provided the things that we need.  In starting a Non-profit, I always wanted to keep the two businesses separate so that people knew there was two different ways we operate and provide for the community.  I know there is always an overlap when here at the farm, but in the end we provide things that help our community on both ends. 

I only get paid a small amount for the lessons that I teach otherwise my time, the board members, and others time is all volunteered.  I don't get paid for the hours of grant writing, lesson planning, horse care, training, etc.  and I don't mind because I love that at the end of the day I am serving and helping others, But I need to be honest and real, I couldn't run this program with out the other people that come through that barn door to help with these kiddos and horses.  We have volunteers that help muck stalls a few days a week, we have volunteers that help strictly with lessons, and we have volunteers that help with our fundraisers, either way this program would not and could not stay open with out them.  So what is the problem you ask?  There just isn't enough volunteers to help the growing population of riders.  We are in DESPERATE need of people to come and help side walk, lead, prep horses for lessons, and be apart of our fundraisers, school programs, and field trips.  As the community starts to see the impact that the horses have on individuals, the need for more volunteers occur. 

We offer on site training, educational opportunities and more and we are struggling to get people to join our team.  

Is it because after two years of shut downs, reduced obligations people are just realizing their time is better spent with their family?  Trust me, I TOTALLY get that! I want all those things too which is the reason we only offer lessons four days a week and once they are full we don't add more people or spots.  

Is it because things can be unpredictable here with weather, horses, farm life?  Maybe that's it and I again totally understand! I know horses, farm experience, and weather can be intimidating but I strive to make everything a great learning experience and even though we have some newer horses and things for them to get used to, we work hard to make the experience Great! 

So many questions fill my head on the what ifs.  I know that God will provide the people but until then what do I do?  I can't close the program because then I am only hurting the riders, yet cancelling lessons also has the same effect. Safety is the top priority and I will be the first one to stop everything if needed.  I know that volunteering is hard and things are never what we want them to be but the bible says we need to love others as Jesus loved us and well Jesus served his people. As we all begin to start yet another season of sports with our kids, summer fun, camping, and parties, remember we need to still serve others in our community just as Jesus served his people by feeding them, stopping the storms, speaking with them and more.   

Today I am encouraging you to get on the phone and find a local non-profit, chamber, business that is asking for help and see how you can serve them.  In the end the reward is only yours and yours alone.  I know it may give your family life a little bit of a new schedule but trust me, it benefits your kids to see you serve others, it benefits you to serve others, and it benefits your relationship with our one and only creator when we serve others because we understand how he felt and the joy he got by being around his people.  

As always

Farming with Faith and Family

God Bless, 

Amanda 

PS:   some ideas of where to start looking for volunteer opportunities

Places looking for volunteers: 

Parks and recreations 

Local Chambers 

Local Churches 

Therapeutic Riding centers 

Community centers 

YMCA

Conservation Districts

Extension Offices (4H) 

FFA 

Little League Organizations 

and sooooooo much more 

Please head out and use those talents that God Provided you with and serve your community!