If any of you guys have TVG and can, please let us know how Ziconic does. Takes forever for Bloodhorse to post race results and many times don’t even post the race if it isn’t a stakes.
Geri Ann,
Thanks for the info. At least he hit the board. I think we will all continue to love him and just hope for the best for him. Perhaps a turnout at a farm like WinStar would do him a world of good.
Max
It’s long since time that they find a race elsewhere that Ziconic can win. He’s outclassed at Santa Anita. That’s not going to change.
Dear Ann, Thank you so much for your ongoing commitment to let us fans see the inside lives of Zenyatta and her offspring, it is so rare and it means a great deal to me. I wish you a wonderful and renewing 2018, my it be an enlightening and blessed year for you!
With deepest respect, Sharron Evans
Dear Max.Thank you for posting Bachasson’s race.Rich Ricci hopes Douvan could run before the end of the season and Faugheen is still having tests.If nothing shows up the ‘Conga in the Cotswolds’is still on.I know a lot of trainers would die for 9 winners!Moose;s dad had a double today and Bristol de Mai has been diagnosed with stomach ulcers so will have treatment.I haven’t seen Ziconic’s race so cannot comment but someone on FB thought he may need further.
Despite the views of the all knowing Facebook, it appears that Ziconic does not need more real estate at Santa Anita or at Del Mar. He may instead need to race where he can win, such as at Golden Gate where the competition is likely to be more at his level. Check out Mullins views on Vic. Vic wins his race at Punchestown, but Mullins thinks that Vic has proven to him that Vic cannot improve any more at hurdles. He’s therefore thinking of moving Vic on to fences where he can excel. The goal always is to find races that the horse can win. Cecil was an expert at that with Frankel. It’s demorlizing for a horse never to win.
As you know Vic is unbeaten over fences 2/2 already.Sir Henry was a class. act.
Max
Yes indeed. He’s definitely more suited to the chase. One of his owners, Rose Boyd, is also an owner of The Fly with George Creighton. Vic is an Ulster horse like The Fly. He’s British!
Happy New Year to you Zenyatta, your connections and all the Zster friends here.
I wish for you good health, enjoying family & friends, enjoying the beautiful thoroughbred race horses, all other horses too, and a chance for all of us to smile all the time to some one we don’t know.
Love n kisses to Z and all her foals and my Sir — Auntie Sally B
Love n hugs to the Zsters
Sally B
Dear Judy.Storm Eleanor tomorrow in Ireland we are sure to get it.A fire in a multi story carpark near the Liverpool arena where the horse international show was held Aintree stabled a lot of the horses overnight.Carl and Charlotte were there Friday.Goodnight God bless you LM PC HT and all the sweeties.Love and hugs SheenaX
Dear Zenyatta and all who love her. Happy New Year and Happy BIrthday to all Horses who share the same day !
Stay healthy, safe and Warm . Your baby Ziconic ran a good race today.
Will your filly who turned one today be named in the near future? We all await with wonder and joy.
Many peppermints to enjoy the first day of 2018
Donna, I so agree with you…Ziconic needs to be “finessed” to move ahead not whipped. Some you can some you can’t and when Gary asked him, he moved. But truthfully I think Ziconic far more than Coz should be a Show Jumper…and Coz needs a more calming environment as Dressage.
Happy New Year to you Queen Zenyatta and you mom love love love the pictures We all love you soo much stay healthy and warm can’t wait to see more pictures of you and more of your baby girl.Love you a bunch xxoo
BGG has just tweeted De Coronado is still in Europe.His new trainer is Seamus Durack and he owned by Miss Sam Beddoes.He has entries for Kempton and Wolverhampton next week.
Thanks for this info on DC. Rooting for him to succeed. Appreciate your keeping us updated on him. Hope all horses and people were not affected by the carpark fire. Goodnight. Love and Hugs, JB
Happy New Year to one and all ,horse and human! Sorry I’m late, but the of course the library where I have to go to get on the Internet was closed on New Year’s Day. I just now learned that Ziconic finished 3rd. He actually was the race favorite and fought his way up to take third place in photo. In my humble opinion, INSANITY is continuing to do something the same way when its abundantly clear its NOT working especially when its quite evident there are other things that could and could and SHOULD be done for a different outcome. Hopefully sometime this year somebody will get the message. Still hoping that Cozmic One does well in whatever new career he enters. I admit I’m sort of hoping that he gets a shot at learning dressage and learns to dance like his Mom. Speaking of which, Happy Birthday Z 17 (1 year) and Z 18 May you have a safe arrival. Love, Kisses and Peppermints to the world’s greatest MOM!
That was the wrong race. I saw the race, and he came in a close second, only beaten by a nose. He got into the race a little earlier, and was roaring down the stretch, and went by the winner just after the wire. It was a great race, even the announcer was excited; he almost did it. Getting him involved earlier, so he doesn’t have so much to make up is the way to go, and I think it’s starting to work. He had his ears pinned; it was too bad he didn’t win this one, he did so good, and it was so close. Must show the right race, it was so exciting. I would do it, but I don’t know how.
I think if your describing ZI’s race, if you watch the replay again, you’ll see it’s No 1 Mama’s Baby Boy and Mikey on the outside who closed from last to finish 2nd. ZI is No 7 on the inside and finished 3rd. Both blankets are red, so it’s easy to mix up. Love and Hugs, JB
Dear Judy.Hermes is home safe and well!He is back with his owners and is grounded.Wants to know what that means ‘just asking for a friend’.Yes all the horses were safe in the carpark fire but 13 monkeys died in a fire at Woburn Safari park today.Hope all is well with you.Very stormy here tonight Eleanor has arrived,Goodnight God bless you LM PC HT and all the sweeties.Love and hugs SheenaX
Congratulations to Victoria and Arktos the polar bears at the Highland wildlife park.Cries have been heard from the den since just before Christmas but there will be no confirmation until march. It will obviously be great to see cub/cubs the first born in the UK for 25yrs.Still waiting for pandas at Edinburgh zoo this year maybe??
A Week of Mondays – Finding Hope and Renewal
by Paige
We’ve all heard the saying, “Life is filled with ups and downs.” But most of us would agree that it’s also filled with lots of ordinary days in between. What do we do with those times that just feel like “business as usual” – when we find ourselves dragging along, not really getting anywhere?
It can be hard to sense God’s presence when we’re stuck in a rut. We experience His joy when we’re celebrating a victory, find comfort in His love in times of crisis and loss. But what about today? Or a plain old Monday when we don’t even feel like getting out of bed?
Consider this: not only is He there in the everyday moments, but He seems to delight in revealing Himself in the most “ordinary” parts of our lives.
When you have a week full of Mondays, here are some encouraging ways to find hope and renewal:
» Ask God to open your eyes to what you are missing.
As the saying goes, “Sometimes what you’re looking for is right under your nose.” In our media-driven, headline-shouting culture, it’s tempting to believe: “If big things aren’t going on in my life, I’m doing something wrong.”
But the truth is, everything matters to God — no matter how big or small it seems to us. Sure, there are some amazing “burning bush” moments, but as Elijah experienced in 1 Kings 19:12, there are also times of quiet presence. God was not in the great wind or earthquake or fire, but rather the “gentle whisper” that followed. If you’re feeling less-than-inspired lately, ask Him to open the eyes of your heart. It’s possible He’ll reveal something that’s been quietly unfolding in front of you all along.
» Keep an eye on God’s beautiful creation.
If we allow it to speak to our hearts, nature has a unique way of drawing us toward the Creator of all things. Psalm 22:3 reminds us that God inhabits the praises of His people, and we can surely sense His delight as we praise Him for all He has made. Watch as the sunrise declares His unfailing love (Psalm 143:8); let the “birds of the air” and “flowers of the field” remind you to trust Him (Matthew 6:26-29); sit under the stars as the heavens declare His glory. (Psalm 19:1) Capture the moment with a camera; Collect a few rocks or shells to keep in your office cubicle or by the kitchen sink – whatever will remind you that there’s living, breathing evidence of God’s presence all around you, every day.
» Encourage someone who needs it.
In Matthew 25:40, Jesus reminds us that as we serve one another, we encounter God in a very special way. Sometimes, when we find ourselves in a rut, the most helpful thing we can do is reach out to someone else. Pray that God will lead you to those who need encouragement right now. If you’d like a starting point, visit our encouragement section for inspiration, cards, gifts and other uplifting resources. As you faithfully share God’s love, that feeling of being “stuck” in your own life may just fade into the background.
» Keep your journal close.
Even if it’s just a thought or two, try to share a few words from your heart in a journal each day. What little steps did you take? How did you sense God’s presence? As you look back over your daily journey, you just might see that there’s a lot more going on than you realize – the big, beautiful picture you’re a part of may become a little clearer.
No matter what, give yourself the gift of grace — be kind to you and treat yourself once in a while! We’re often our own worst critics, and sometimes we need to be reminded that we’re doing the best we can with what we have. Our loving Father isn’t waiting impatiently for us to “get it right,” but He’s always there to help us take another step of faith when we’re ready.
Above all, remember: Every day matters – not because of the impressive things we do or the exciting lives we lead, but because of the unchanging love of our Creator. He’s the God of Mondays and Fridays and every day in between, and He’s always there.
HugZ ❤ prayerZ, vamp
Haven’t heard from you in awhile — hope you are doing okay and that you have been enjoying the Christmastide.
Happy New Year and Best Wishes to you, my friend.
sheena, Thanks for the video of Coz and his new friend. Hope they get along well and are happy together. Guess this is the first time in years that Coz has had a horse buddy.
My heart breaks all over again when we hear about Coz and Ziconic and their lack of success at the track and I think about ZPrincess. I think she was THE ONE! Who was it who wrote “the saddest words of tongue or pen are it might have been.”
Lovely to see him out in the paddock with a friend at last.Yes what might have been with the Princess but we have Z17 and a new foal to look forward to.We can never change the past.
Yes, Sheena. The poem is Maud Muller, and those words have always stuck with me since the first time I read it. Very wistful story about missed opportunity.
Dear Judy.Hermes has had a duvet day exhausted from his little adventure.It was good to hear the polar cub or cubs crying.Lovely to see Coz enjoying life with a friend.I heard there is very cold weather in the NE with you.Some damage after storm Eleanor.Hovis is full of beans according to Karen.Goodnight God bless you LM PC HT and all the sweeties. Love and hugs SheenaX
Great news on Hovis, COZ, Hermes and the cub(s). Yes, looks like we’re in for a No’easter. Foot or more of snow and very high winds. Hoping we don’t lose power. If I’m gone for a time from posting, you’ll know we did. Goodnight. Love and Hugs, JB
I’m on the western edge of tomorrow’s Nor’easter. We’re not very worried about the snow part, but very much more about the low temps & dangerous wind chills following it. Predictions for me locally are down as far as -25 or more from Thurs night to Sunday morning. The high winds could cause power outages here, too.
I will thinking of you & Lola Mae and everyone closer to the coast & praying that everyone stays safe.
judy berube
Dear Donna Z and Z Fans:
Donna, please stay safe and warm as you can.
Here’s something to warm all of our hearts. Love and Hugs, JB
I need some advice from all the Zsters. My daughter wants to take me to Saratoga this summer for the races as a birthday celebration. I need you all to fill me in on when to go, where to stay and all the little things that first timers like us don’t know. My b’day is in January but too cold to do much traveling now and not much going on at the tracks. Thanks for all your advice.
Now that’s the way to do a birthday — celebrate it every six months!
Saratoga in summer sounds wonderful, especially when your daughter wants to be there with you. Meanwhile, hope you have a very Happy Birthday this month, too!
Hi, Shirlee,
Great daughter you have; you raised her right!
Here’s some basics about Saratoga:
The track at Saratoga is only open for racing the last two weeks of July through Labor Day. They do not race on Tuesdays.
Many people like to go to breakfast at the track and watch the horses work out in the morning. This is pricy, though.
The track offers tours of the backstretch and the National Museum of Racing offers tours of the Oklahoma track across the street in the mornings.
I highly recommend going to the National Museum of Racing. Zenyatta’s Hall of Fame plaque hangs there! They have many other great exhibits as well. It is right across the street from the track.
Since I live only 1/2 hr. away from the track, I can’t recommend a motel because I just drive from home. Prices in Saratoga itself are very high for track season, so you might want to look for a place to stay in a nearby town.
You can check NYRA’s website a little later this year after they announce the schedule of the stakes races as well as special events such as Lady’s Day. The website will also tell you all the prices and other general info.
Old Friends Cabin Creek division is also nearby & you could visit some former race horses there.
Check out the websites and, as we get closer to “track season”, then post again with any other questions that you have. I will do my best to help you out. If my work schedule works with your visit, maybe we can meet!
Donna Z
Wish I had realized that you were so close when Debbie G, Brenda, and I were there last summer, Donna!
Shirley, we stayed at a Homewood Suites near the Albany airport. It was a bit of a drive to Saratoga from there, but the prices were better. After I got home, I learned that there was a brand new one closer to Saratoga so it might be worth checking out. The breakfasts were good, and they had “light dinners” during the week. You need to be prepared for a bit of walking – I felt kind of overwhelmed. There IS handicapped parking available if you get there early enough that wasn’t too hard to navigate although it’s not paved. The paddock is quite a ways from the grandstand so if you want to see horses there before a race, you should aim for seats as close to the finish line end of the grandstand as possible. We were not able to get club seats for the Travers because they sell “season ticket” seats first, then “weekly” seats, and THEN single day tickets. If I think of anything else, I’ll let you know.
Wanted to tell you that Russ and I used to stay at motels in Glen Falls, which is about twenty minute ride from the track. It’s a lot less expensive. I think Donna’s suggestions are spot on. I would add just one more. Although the Travers and other major stakes are run on weekends, it’s less crowded during the week and betting lines are not as long. Also, can be very hot and humid, so if you are bothered by the heat like I am (can’t tolerate at all), you might want to purchase seats indoors. Have a wonderful time. I agree, that’s a wonderful daughter you have; a reflection of her mother. Love and Hugs, JB
When It’s Hard to Say (or Hear) “Praying for You”
by David
“I’ll pray for you,” can be a very meaningful statement. However, no matter how sincere the offer is, it can be received with less than an enthusiastic response. Broken relationships, financial difficulties or the recent loss of a loved one, can cause even the most faithful to question if God loves them or even notices their circumstance. As a person shares the pain of feeling like God is distant, our offer to pray may seem trite, insincere, or irrelevant in the moment.
So, why do we offer to pray for others? Jesus’ prayers expressed the heart of the Father towards those he touched. Prayer is an invitation for us to share the Father’s heart with His children. He desires for each person to feel known, cared for and encouraged. And, we know that through us, He can make Himself real in the moment.
When It’s Hard to Hear
Let’s face it – there are times that we as believers find ourselves frustrated with the ways of God. In our hearts we know He still loves us and longs for us to turn to Him for the comfort and encouragement we need. So even when we feel like He has let us down, we shouldn’t be so quick to tune out those who are praying. Instead, maybe request for them to specifically ask God to help us begin to trust Him again.
Another reason we as Christians might have a hard time hearing the phrase is when we feel like the sentiment is insincere. However, when someone offers to pray for us, let’s not question the motive or the follow through. The key issue is how we receive the concern of another person. And in hope and faith, remember, “The prayer of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect.” James 5:16 CSB.
A Promise to Pray
Saying, “I’m praying for you,” can so easily become a cliché, an empty promise to make a conversation a little more comfortable in the moment. Obviously, we do want to pray for people. Our intentions are good. Yet, our follow through can be less than ideal.
So how do we stand behind our commitment to pray? We need a plan to make promises happen. The easiest thing is to pray for that person right then and there. Keep the prayer quick, simple and focused on the need at hand. A one-minute prayer can move a moment filled with raw emotion to a place of renewed trust in God’s comfort, love and healing ways.
All in all, we must remember that God calls us to pray for one another. Philippians 4:6 CSB says “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
So, whether or not you feel led to actually speak the words – “praying for you” – let’s remember that prayer is a powerful tool – one which actually can bring peace and relief to a hurting heart. While we must take into consideration how others feel about the phrase, it shouldn’t stop us from bowing our heads and lifting our worries, thoughts and concerns for one another to our loving Father.
HugZ ❤ prayerZ ?, vamp
DearJudy.Hope the weather is’nt too bad with you we are expecting an arctic blast next week.Rumours at recent bloodstock sales is that Galileo’s fee has reached €600,000.Hermes made the Scottish Metro today.Keep warm.Goodnight God bless you LM PC HT and all the sweeties.Love and hugs SheenaX
shirleeinindy
If any of you guys have TVG and can, please let us know how Ziconic does. Takes forever for Bloodhorse to post race results and many times don’t even post the race if it isn’t a stakes.
Max
You can check the Santa Anita website too. They post results quickly.
Geri Ann Sefton
Ziconic finished third in a photo finish.
shirleeinindy
Geri Ann,
Thanks for the info. At least he hit the board. I think we will all continue to love him and just hope for the best for him. Perhaps a turnout at a farm like WinStar would do him a world of good.
Max
It’s long since time that they find a race elsewhere that Ziconic can win. He’s outclassed at Santa Anita. That’s not going to change.
donkeyhotey
Dear Ann, Thank you so much for your ongoing commitment to let us fans see the inside lives of Zenyatta and her offspring, it is so rare and it means a great deal to me. I wish you a wonderful and renewing 2018, my it be an enlightening and blessed year for you!
With deepest respect, Sharron Evans
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Max.Thank you for posting Bachasson’s race.Rich Ricci hopes Douvan could run before the end of the season and Faugheen is still having tests.If nothing shows up the ‘Conga in the Cotswolds’is still on.I know a lot of trainers would die for 9 winners!Moose;s dad had a double today and Bristol de Mai has been diagnosed with stomach ulcers so will have treatment.I haven’t seen Ziconic’s race so cannot comment but someone on FB thought he may need further.
Max
Despite the views of the all knowing Facebook, it appears that Ziconic does not need more real estate at Santa Anita or at Del Mar. He may instead need to race where he can win, such as at Golden Gate where the competition is likely to be more at his level. Check out Mullins views on Vic. Vic wins his race at Punchestown, but Mullins thinks that Vic has proven to him that Vic cannot improve any more at hurdles. He’s therefore thinking of moving Vic on to fences where he can excel. The goal always is to find races that the horse can win. Cecil was an expert at that with Frankel. It’s demorlizing for a horse never to win.
sheena.davies(wales)
As you know Vic is unbeaten over fences 2/2 already.Sir Henry was a class. act.
Max
Yes indeed. He’s definitely more suited to the chase. One of his owners, Rose Boyd, is also an owner of The Fly with George Creighton. Vic is an Ulster horse like The Fly. He’s British!
Sally Blank (cherishes Z and her foals)
Happy New Year to you Zenyatta, your connections and all the Zster friends here.
I wish for you good health, enjoying family & friends, enjoying the beautiful thoroughbred race horses, all other horses too, and a chance for all of us to smile all the time to some one we don’t know.
Love n kisses to Z and all her foals and my Sir — Auntie Sally B
Love n hugs to the Zsters
Sally B
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Judy.Storm Eleanor tomorrow in Ireland we are sure to get it.A fire in a multi story carpark near the Liverpool arena where the horse international show was held Aintree stabled a lot of the horses overnight.Carl and Charlotte were there Friday.Goodnight God bless you LM PC HT and all the sweeties.Love and hugs SheenaX
Delrene from Carlsbad
Dear Zenyatta and all who love her. Happy New Year and Happy BIrthday to all Horses who share the same day !
Stay healthy, safe and Warm . Your baby Ziconic ran a good race today.
Will your filly who turned one today be named in the near future? We all await with wonder and joy.
Many peppermints to enjoy the first day of 2018
Delrene from Carlsbad
A beautiful card Judy. Thank you for sharing with us. Hope your days are filled with peace, happiness and good health.
judy berube
Dear Delrene:
Wishing the same for you. Love and Hugs, JB
Geraldine R Rossi
Happy new year to all! Curious to see what the filly name will be and when she will be named. Best to all. Geri r.
Donna H
Can anyone post a link to Ziconic’s race video? Wish they would switch to Gary Stevens as his jockey. Love him no matter what.
judy berube
Dear Donna H:
Here’s ZI’s race replay. Love and Hugs, JB
https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/race/usa/sa/2018/1/1/2/race-2-msw-at-sa-on-1-1-18
Mary M
Donna, I so agree with you…Ziconic needs to be “finessed” to move ahead not whipped. Some you can some you can’t and when Gary asked him, he moved. But truthfully I think Ziconic far more than Coz should be a Show Jumper…and Coz needs a more calming environment as Dressage.
Donna Lupich
Happy New Year to you Queen Zenyatta and you mom love love love the pictures We all love you soo much stay healthy and warm can’t wait to see more pictures of you and more of your baby girl.Love you a bunch xxoo
shirleeinindy
You can see Ziconic’s race on Bloodhorse.com. Click on Racing then Results and go down to Santa Anita.
sheena.davies(wales)
BGG has just tweeted De Coronado is still in Europe.His new trainer is Seamus Durack and he owned by Miss Sam Beddoes.He has entries for Kempton and Wolverhampton next week.
Max
He could still do well. Is he going for the jumps?
judy berube
Dear Max:
Saw your post on ZI. You make a good point; may be time to try an MSW at Golden Gate. Love and Hugs, JB
sheena.davies(wales)
More likely all weather Seamus is a dual purpose trainer.Long Island Sound is going to Pleasant Acres in Morriston Fla.A real bargain for $5000.
judy berube
Dear Sheena:
Wishing DC and LIS happy, successful days ahead. Love and Hugs, JB
judy berube
Dear Sheena:
Thanks for this info on DC. Rooting for him to succeed. Appreciate your keeping us updated on him. Hope all horses and people were not affected by the carpark fire. Goodnight. Love and Hugs, JB
Martha
Happy New Year to one and all ,horse and human! Sorry I’m late, but the of course the library where I have to go to get on the Internet was closed on New Year’s Day. I just now learned that Ziconic finished 3rd. He actually was the race favorite and fought his way up to take third place in photo. In my humble opinion, INSANITY is continuing to do something the same way when its abundantly clear its NOT working especially when its quite evident there are other things that could and could and SHOULD be done for a different outcome. Hopefully sometime this year somebody will get the message. Still hoping that Cozmic One does well in whatever new career he enters. I admit I’m sort of hoping that he gets a shot at learning dressage and learns to dance like his Mom. Speaking of which, Happy Birthday Z 17 (1 year) and Z 18 May you have a safe arrival. Love, Kisses and Peppermints to the world’s greatest MOM!
L
Roberta Gonzalez
That was the wrong race. I saw the race, and he came in a close second, only beaten by a nose. He got into the race a little earlier, and was roaring down the stretch, and went by the winner just after the wire. It was a great race, even the announcer was excited; he almost did it. Getting him involved earlier, so he doesn’t have so much to make up is the way to go, and I think it’s starting to work. He had his ears pinned; it was too bad he didn’t win this one, he did so good, and it was so close. Must show the right race, it was so exciting. I would do it, but I don’t know how.
judy berube
Dear Roberta:
I think if your describing ZI’s race, if you watch the replay again, you’ll see it’s No 1 Mama’s Baby Boy and Mikey on the outside who closed from last to finish 2nd. ZI is No 7 on the inside and finished 3rd. Both blankets are red, so it’s easy to mix up. Love and Hugs, JB
judy berube
Dear Mama Z, COZ, ZI, BBG and DC:
Stay comfy and cozy and Happy Dreams. Love You. Hugs, JB
Z Princess, Dubai, Baby Z, will always love you.
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Judy.Hermes is home safe and well!He is back with his owners and is grounded.Wants to know what that means ‘just asking for a friend’.Yes all the horses were safe in the carpark fire but 13 monkeys died in a fire at Woburn Safari park today.Hope all is well with you.Very stormy here tonight Eleanor has arrived,Goodnight God bless you LM PC HT and all the sweeties.Love and hugs SheenaX
judy berube
Dear Sheena:
So happy Hermes is home safe and sound. Oh, poor little innocents; rest in peace. Love and Hugs, JB
Vampressqueen Colvin
Hi Zsters ☺
Its been ages i know. ?
Just wanted to pop in & say? Happy zmas? &? Merry new yr.?
May God bless u all?
Luv, HugZ ❤ prayerZ ?, vampress
judy berube
Dear Vamp Sue:
So good to have a post from you. Hope you’re feeling better. Love and Hugs, JB
Marshall (NC Broad)
Welcome back, Sue!
Happy Zmas and Merry New Year to you, too.
Hugs and Love
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Vamp Sue.So good to see a post from you.Love and hugs.
sheena.davies(wales)
Congratulations to Victoria and Arktos the polar bears at the Highland wildlife park.Cries have been heard from the den since just before Christmas but there will be no confirmation until march. It will obviously be great to see cub/cubs the first born in the UK for 25yrs.Still waiting for pandas at Edinburgh zoo this year maybe??
Vampressqueen Sue Colvin
Good morning zsters?
Today’s devo:
A Week of Mondays – Finding Hope and Renewal
by Paige
We’ve all heard the saying, “Life is filled with ups and downs.” But most of us would agree that it’s also filled with lots of ordinary days in between. What do we do with those times that just feel like “business as usual” – when we find ourselves dragging along, not really getting anywhere?
It can be hard to sense God’s presence when we’re stuck in a rut. We experience His joy when we’re celebrating a victory, find comfort in His love in times of crisis and loss. But what about today? Or a plain old Monday when we don’t even feel like getting out of bed?
Consider this: not only is He there in the everyday moments, but He seems to delight in revealing Himself in the most “ordinary” parts of our lives.
When you have a week full of Mondays, here are some encouraging ways to find hope and renewal:
» Ask God to open your eyes to what you are missing.
As the saying goes, “Sometimes what you’re looking for is right under your nose.” In our media-driven, headline-shouting culture, it’s tempting to believe: “If big things aren’t going on in my life, I’m doing something wrong.”
But the truth is, everything matters to God — no matter how big or small it seems to us. Sure, there are some amazing “burning bush” moments, but as Elijah experienced in 1 Kings 19:12, there are also times of quiet presence. God was not in the great wind or earthquake or fire, but rather the “gentle whisper” that followed. If you’re feeling less-than-inspired lately, ask Him to open the eyes of your heart. It’s possible He’ll reveal something that’s been quietly unfolding in front of you all along.
» Keep an eye on God’s beautiful creation.
If we allow it to speak to our hearts, nature has a unique way of drawing us toward the Creator of all things. Psalm 22:3 reminds us that God inhabits the praises of His people, and we can surely sense His delight as we praise Him for all He has made. Watch as the sunrise declares His unfailing love (Psalm 143:8); let the “birds of the air” and “flowers of the field” remind you to trust Him (Matthew 6:26-29); sit under the stars as the heavens declare His glory. (Psalm 19:1) Capture the moment with a camera; Collect a few rocks or shells to keep in your office cubicle or by the kitchen sink – whatever will remind you that there’s living, breathing evidence of God’s presence all around you, every day.
» Encourage someone who needs it.
In Matthew 25:40, Jesus reminds us that as we serve one another, we encounter God in a very special way. Sometimes, when we find ourselves in a rut, the most helpful thing we can do is reach out to someone else. Pray that God will lead you to those who need encouragement right now. If you’d like a starting point, visit our encouragement section for inspiration, cards, gifts and other uplifting resources. As you faithfully share God’s love, that feeling of being “stuck” in your own life may just fade into the background.
» Keep your journal close.
Even if it’s just a thought or two, try to share a few words from your heart in a journal each day. What little steps did you take? How did you sense God’s presence? As you look back over your daily journey, you just might see that there’s a lot more going on than you realize – the big, beautiful picture you’re a part of may become a little clearer.
No matter what, give yourself the gift of grace — be kind to you and treat yourself once in a while! We’re often our own worst critics, and sometimes we need to be reminded that we’re doing the best we can with what we have. Our loving Father isn’t waiting impatiently for us to “get it right,” but He’s always there to help us take another step of faith when we’re ready.
Above all, remember: Every day matters – not because of the impressive things we do or the exciting lives we lead, but because of the unchanging love of our Creator. He’s the God of Mondays and Fridays and every day in between, and He’s always there.
HugZ ❤ prayerZ, vamp
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Vamp Sue.Beautiful devotional.God is everywhere and in every day.Love and hugs.
Marshall (NC Broad)
Dear Terry Crow,
Haven’t heard from you in awhile — hope you are doing okay and that you have been enjoying the Christmastide.
Happy New Year and Best Wishes to you, my friend.
Hugs and Love
judy berube
Dear Marshall:
Emailed TC over the Holidays. Said he will post soon. Love and Hugs, JB
Marshall (NC Broad)
Dear Judy,
Thanks for the news about TC! Look forward to hearing from him.
Hugs and Love
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Good news about TC – haven’t heard from him in quite a while.
sheena.davies(wales)
Hope this link works.Coz with a new friend.
http://www.facebook.com/desousastablesllc/
judy berube
Dear Sheena:
Thank you so much for this. I’ll bet he loves being in his paddock. Love and Hugs, JB
Ingrid Arnone
Dear Sheena.
He looks sad, maybe he miss John and Mario.
Thank you for his up date.
Love and hugs. Ingrid.
judy berube
Dear Ingrid:
It will take a little time to get used to his new surroundings and new people caring for him. Hope he’s happy. Love our boy. Love and Hugs, JB
Ann NC
Thanks, Sheena.
Handsome boy enjoying the fresh air and wide open spaces.
Good luck, Coz. Be happy!!!
shirleeinindy
sheena, Thanks for the video of Coz and his new friend. Hope they get along well and are happy together. Guess this is the first time in years that Coz has had a horse buddy.
My heart breaks all over again when we hear about Coz and Ziconic and their lack of success at the track and I think about ZPrincess. I think she was THE ONE! Who was it who wrote “the saddest words of tongue or pen are it might have been.”
sheena.davies(wales)
Lovely to see him out in the paddock with a friend at last.Yes what might have been with the Princess but we have Z17 and a new foal to look forward to.We can never change the past.
sheena.davies(wales)
The quote was by John Greenleaf Whittier.I had to google.
Marshall (NC Broad)
Yes, Sheena. The poem is Maud Muller, and those words have always stuck with me since the first time I read it. Very wistful story about missed opportunity.
Hugs and Love
judy berube
Dear Shirlee:
Don’t think we’ll ever get over the loss of Z Princess or Baby Boy. War Front/Z babies were both gorgeous. Never know what might have been.
Run free in God’s Heaven Beauties.
Love and Hugs, JB
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Judy.Hermes has had a duvet day exhausted from his little adventure.It was good to hear the polar cub or cubs crying.Lovely to see Coz enjoying life with a friend.I heard there is very cold weather in the NE with you.Some damage after storm Eleanor.Hovis is full of beans according to Karen.Goodnight God bless you LM PC HT and all the sweeties. Love and hugs SheenaX
judy berube
Dear Sheena:
Great news on Hovis, COZ, Hermes and the cub(s). Yes, looks like we’re in for a No’easter. Foot or more of snow and very high winds. Hoping we don’t lose power. If I’m gone for a time from posting, you’ll know we did. Goodnight. Love and Hugs, JB
judy berube
OOPs, forgot Goodnight from LM and all the Sweeties
Donna Z
Hi, Judy,
I’m on the western edge of tomorrow’s Nor’easter. We’re not very worried about the snow part, but very much more about the low temps & dangerous wind chills following it. Predictions for me locally are down as far as -25 or more from Thurs night to Sunday morning. The high winds could cause power outages here, too.
I will thinking of you & Lola Mae and everyone closer to the coast & praying that everyone stays safe.
judy berube
Dear Donna Z and Z Fans:
Donna, please stay safe and warm as you can.
Here’s something to warm all of our hearts. Love and Hugs, JB
Louis and Comet:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/video/animals/horse-riding-cat-enjoys-a-country-stroll-on-the-back-of-best-friend/vi-BBHPUjG
Ann NC
Thanks, JB. Too Cute. Beautiful friends.
Stay cozy and warm.
The big snow wave is riding up the East Coast.
judy berube
Dear Ann:
Amazing beings aren’t they! Worst of the storm is over; now the plowing and shoveling starts. Love and Hugs, JB
judy berube
Dear Beautiful Mama Z, COZ, ZI, BBG and DC:
Stay comfy and cozy and Happy Dreams. Love and Hugs, JB
Z Princess, Dubai and Baby Z, will always love you.
Marshall (NC Broad)
Thanks for the cute video of Louis and Comet, JB!
Enjoyed it. :-)
Hugs and Love
judy berube
Dear Marshall:
They’re too cute. Love and Hugs, JB
shirleeinindy
I need some advice from all the Zsters. My daughter wants to take me to Saratoga this summer for the races as a birthday celebration. I need you all to fill me in on when to go, where to stay and all the little things that first timers like us don’t know. My b’day is in January but too cold to do much traveling now and not much going on at the tracks. Thanks for all your advice.
Ann NC
You have a sweet daughter!
Marshall (NC Broad)
Now that’s the way to do a birthday — celebrate it every six months!
Saratoga in summer sounds wonderful, especially when your daughter wants to be there with you. Meanwhile, hope you have a very Happy Birthday this month, too!
Hugs and Love
Donna Z
Hi, Shirlee,
Great daughter you have; you raised her right!
Here’s some basics about Saratoga:
The track at Saratoga is only open for racing the last two weeks of July through Labor Day. They do not race on Tuesdays.
Many people like to go to breakfast at the track and watch the horses work out in the morning. This is pricy, though.
The track offers tours of the backstretch and the National Museum of Racing offers tours of the Oklahoma track across the street in the mornings.
I highly recommend going to the National Museum of Racing. Zenyatta’s Hall of Fame plaque hangs there! They have many other great exhibits as well. It is right across the street from the track.
Since I live only 1/2 hr. away from the track, I can’t recommend a motel because I just drive from home. Prices in Saratoga itself are very high for track season, so you might want to look for a place to stay in a nearby town.
You can check NYRA’s website a little later this year after they announce the schedule of the stakes races as well as special events such as Lady’s Day. The website will also tell you all the prices and other general info.
Old Friends Cabin Creek division is also nearby & you could visit some former race horses there.
Check out the websites and, as we get closer to “track season”, then post again with any other questions that you have. I will do my best to help you out. If my work schedule works with your visit, maybe we can meet!
Donna Z
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Wish I had realized that you were so close when Debbie G, Brenda, and I were there last summer, Donna!
Shirley, we stayed at a Homewood Suites near the Albany airport. It was a bit of a drive to Saratoga from there, but the prices were better. After I got home, I learned that there was a brand new one closer to Saratoga so it might be worth checking out. The breakfasts were good, and they had “light dinners” during the week. You need to be prepared for a bit of walking – I felt kind of overwhelmed. There IS handicapped parking available if you get there early enough that wasn’t too hard to navigate although it’s not paved. The paddock is quite a ways from the grandstand so if you want to see horses there before a race, you should aim for seats as close to the finish line end of the grandstand as possible. We were not able to get club seats for the Travers because they sell “season ticket” seats first, then “weekly” seats, and THEN single day tickets. If I think of anything else, I’ll let you know.
shirleeinindy
Donna Z
Thanks for the information. I will check out some websites closer to the racing season. Perhaps we can meet up.
Judy,
Thanks for the cat and horse video that was so sweet and cute. And of course I had to scroll down and watch the jay walking chickens
Everyone stay warm and cozy especially our girls at Lanes End.
judy berube
Dear Shirlee:
So glad you enjoyed the video. Precious friends.
Wanted to tell you that Russ and I used to stay at motels in Glen Falls, which is about twenty minute ride from the track. It’s a lot less expensive. I think Donna’s suggestions are spot on. I would add just one more. Although the Travers and other major stakes are run on weekends, it’s less crowded during the week and betting lines are not as long. Also, can be very hot and humid, so if you are bothered by the heat like I am (can’t tolerate at all), you might want to purchase seats indoors. Have a wonderful time. I agree, that’s a wonderful daughter you have; a reflection of her mother. Love and Hugs, JB
judy berube
PS: Happy early Birthday Shirlee!
Vampressqueen Sue Colvin
Hiya Zsters ?
Its cold & snowy today in nj…. Brrr.
@shirleeinindy – ?HAPPY EARLY BIRTHDAY?
Today’s devo:
When It’s Hard to Say (or Hear) “Praying for You”
by David
“I’ll pray for you,” can be a very meaningful statement. However, no matter how sincere the offer is, it can be received with less than an enthusiastic response. Broken relationships, financial difficulties or the recent loss of a loved one, can cause even the most faithful to question if God loves them or even notices their circumstance. As a person shares the pain of feeling like God is distant, our offer to pray may seem trite, insincere, or irrelevant in the moment.
So, why do we offer to pray for others? Jesus’ prayers expressed the heart of the Father towards those he touched. Prayer is an invitation for us to share the Father’s heart with His children. He desires for each person to feel known, cared for and encouraged. And, we know that through us, He can make Himself real in the moment.
When It’s Hard to Hear
Let’s face it – there are times that we as believers find ourselves frustrated with the ways of God. In our hearts we know He still loves us and longs for us to turn to Him for the comfort and encouragement we need. So even when we feel like He has let us down, we shouldn’t be so quick to tune out those who are praying. Instead, maybe request for them to specifically ask God to help us begin to trust Him again.
Another reason we as Christians might have a hard time hearing the phrase is when we feel like the sentiment is insincere. However, when someone offers to pray for us, let’s not question the motive or the follow through. The key issue is how we receive the concern of another person. And in hope and faith, remember, “The prayer of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect.” James 5:16 CSB.
A Promise to Pray
Saying, “I’m praying for you,” can so easily become a cliché, an empty promise to make a conversation a little more comfortable in the moment. Obviously, we do want to pray for people. Our intentions are good. Yet, our follow through can be less than ideal.
So how do we stand behind our commitment to pray? We need a plan to make promises happen. The easiest thing is to pray for that person right then and there. Keep the prayer quick, simple and focused on the need at hand. A one-minute prayer can move a moment filled with raw emotion to a place of renewed trust in God’s comfort, love and healing ways.
All in all, we must remember that God calls us to pray for one another. Philippians 4:6 CSB says “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
So, whether or not you feel led to actually speak the words – “praying for you” – let’s remember that prayer is a powerful tool – one which actually can bring peace and relief to a hurting heart. While we must take into consideration how others feel about the phrase, it shouldn’t stop us from bowing our heads and lifting our worries, thoughts and concerns for one another to our loving Father.
HugZ ❤ prayerZ ?, vamp
Kimberly
Oh these pictures are wonderful!!! Zenyatta still showing her fabulous personality!!! Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas!??
sheena.davies(wales)
DearJudy.Hope the weather is’nt too bad with you we are expecting an arctic blast next week.Rumours at recent bloodstock sales is that Galileo’s fee has reached €600,000.Hermes made the Scottish Metro today.Keep warm.Goodnight God bless you LM PC HT and all the sweeties.Love and hugs SheenaX
judy berube
Dear Sheena:
We lucked out; I think the worst is over and we didn’t lose power. Looks like at least ten to twelve inches on level ground and way more in drifts.
Wow, Galileo’s fee has to be a record. Hermes is a Star! Goodnight. Love and Hugs, JB, LM and all the Sweeties