Feed me, water and care for me,
and when the day's work is done,
provide me with a shelter,
a clean dry stall large enough
for me to lie down in comfort.
Talk to me, your voice often means
as much to me as the reins.
Pet me sometime that I may serve you
more gladly and learn to love you.
Shoe me properly that I may serve you in comfort.
Never strike, beat, or kick me when
I don't understand what you want,
but give me a chance to understand you.
And finally oh master,
when my youthful strength is gone,
do not turn me out to starve or freeze,
or sell me to some cruel owner
to be slowly tortured or stoned to death,
but do thou, my master,
take my life in the kindest way, and
your God will reward you here and hereafter.
You will not consider me irreverent if I ask this
in the name of Him who was born in a stable...
Amen...
I'll lend you for a little while
My grandest foal, He said.
For you to love while she's alive
And morn for when she's dead.
It may be one or twenty years,
Or days or months , you see.
But, will you, till I take her back
Take care of her for me?
She'll bring her charms to gladden you,
And should her stay be brief
You'll have treasured memories
As solace for your grief.
I cannot promise she will stay,
Since all from earth return.
But, there are lessons taught on earth
I want this foal to learn.
I've looked the wide world over
In my search for teachers true.
And from the throngs that crowd life's lanes
With trust I have selected you.
Now will you give her your total love?
Nor think the labor vain,
Nor hate Me when I come
To take her back again?
I know you'll give her tenderness
And love will bloom each day.
And for the happiness you've known
Forever grateful stay.
But should I come and call for her
Much sooner than you'd planned
You'll brave the bitter grief that comes
And someday you'll understand.
For though I'll call him home to Me
This promise to you I do make
For all the love and care you gave
He'll wait for you, inside Heaven's Gate.
Christmas Blessings for an Abused Horse
Twas the night before Christmas, but my manger was
bare
My coat is still matted, the spots that aren't
bare.
My thirst shows no mercy on this day of the lord.
My stall is still filthy, manure covering the
floor.
Outside the stars are brilliant, in the clear sky
they
shine.
Peace and love fill the world, except the corner
that's
mine.
Here it is cold and hunger that are more the rule.
The seasons joys and blessings aren't shared by
the cruel.
My owner is comfortable, all snug in his bed.
He doesn't care that I haven't been fed.
When out in the pasture, what should I hear?
But the sound of a sleigh and the hoofs of
reindeer!
I peered out of the stall for there rose quite a
clatter,
as Santa strode in to see what was the matter.
I heard your poor suffering, even from afar.
Your owner doesn't deserve you, the good horse you
are!
The scowl on his face didn't fit the jolly old
elf.
His anger had gotten him quite beside himself.
He threw open the stall door and in a flash,
Had my rack filled with hay and feeder with a
mash!
You enjoy this, he said as he strode to the
house,
I'm going to stir up much more than a little old
mouse!
As I munched I looked to see what would occur.
Santa entered the house and he caused quite a
stir!
He grabbed my owner by the back of his shirt.
And pulled him to the barn, where he stopped with
a jerk.
This horse is Gods creature, placed in your
care!
Santa fairly shouted his wrath filling the air.
You have used and abused him, for far to long.
And worse, you don't even think it is wrong!
'I have your Christmas list. Santa brought it
forth from
his coat.
You want toys and gizmos, a new car and a boat!
Santa said with a grin Your gift this year is
much better
by far,
Then any shiny new toys, or even a car!
My owner's eyes grew wide and filled with fear,
Not sure what it was that next he would hear!
Santa took a deep breath,, then said with a sigh.
You shall switch lives with this little guy!
Then laying his finger beside of his nose,
He winked at me and swiched our roles.
I was no longer a horse, all battered and thin,
But stood on two feet, wearing a grin!
The horse in the stall neighed loudly in protest.
Santa just smiled and shook his head as he left.
I heard him exclaim as he drove out of sight.
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.
I watered my horse, and cleaned out his stall.
Amazed that there are some seasons blessings after
all!
By Beverly Whittington
Dearest God in heaven.
Give me the strength to guide my horse.
Make my hands soft and my head clear.
Let my horse understand me and I him.
My heart you have blessed with a special love of these animals,
let me
never lose sight of it.
My soul you have gifted with a deep need for them,
let that need never lessen.
Always let my breath catch as the sun gleams on an
elegant head.
Always may my throat tighten at the sound of a
gentle nicker.
Let the scent of fresh hay and a new bag of grain
always be sweet to me.
Let the warm touch of a warm nose on my hand
always bring a smile.
I adore the joy of a warm day on the farm.
The grace and splendor of a running horse,
the thunder of its hooves makes my eyes burn and my heart soar,
let it
always be so.
Dearest God grant me patience,
for horses are harnessed wind and wind can
be flighty.
Let me not frighten or harm them,
instead show me
ways to understand them.
Above all, Dear God, fill my life with them.
When I pass from this world, send my soul to no heaven without them.
For this love you have given me graces my existence
and I shall cherish it and praise You for it for all time.
Amen
Email
rescue@icehorse.8m.com
or
iceryder@cableone.net
