Tori and I thought this would be a most grand adventure. We felt really free out on the road by ourselves! We stopped at garage sales on the way up and drove all over Sioux Falls shopping. I introduced her to the store Claire's and she had a blast shopping for her Christmas person. She purchased the most beautiful tea party hat made of silk with a large bow and ribbon and I joked with her about wearing it back to the rodeo.
Cole has made many friends now within the rodeo so we didn't see that much of him throughout the weekend. I've gotten closer to two women in particular, one a Christian and the other not. Sitting around the campfires talking at the day's end is such a great way to get to know people as they loosen up and let their guard down. At the end of the day these people aren't nearly as tough as they like for you to think they are, in fact there is a lot of sadness in their lives due to some of the choices that they make in their lifestyles.
I heard a woman describe us as " very Conservative but really nice." I had to chuckle at that. I think in this circle the word conservative would simply mean that we don't drink, cuss, or glare.
If you can slow down the video and watch Cole's Larchwood ride in slow motion, you are in for a treat. This horse leaped in the air so high. It was a remarkable ride to watch. Cole has rode four horses this season and covered all four. Another college recruit came to talk with him from an Iowa college about riding with his college rodeo team. So many doors opening up to Cole. He is praying his way through them and is excited to see what is in store for him next. I can't help but say that I am proud of him. He has taken a real leadership role within the high school association and says he'd like to be class President by this time next year. He is friendly and seeks out all the information he can from others. Smart boy, as we can all stand to really listen to those who have been where we would like to go. I've had two different men say that for even just that reason Cole will go far. There is such an arrogant attitude amongst these young men who think they can just do it all. They are above reproach or correction. The wiser older men agree that they will only make it as far as their conceitedness and good luck will take them.
As for Tallis, Kirksville drew him a good bucking bull that got the best of him. He has one more chance for points at Unionville the Tuesday evening before State Finals. He is currently sitting 10th in the points standing. There is between 28-35 boys in each age division of the minibulls (Pee Wee, Junior, Senior) and Tallis still has a chance at moving up 3 or more places if he covers. He would really like to secure State Finals and move on to World Finals in November.
To sum up this weekend I would use the word endurance because that's what we've needed to survive. Cole and us girls left Saturday morning and returned home at about 12:30 AM Tuesday morning with Tori having piano in Lancaster at 7:30! Then basketball on Wednesday, musical on Thursday and somehow I am to have everything unpacked, washed, and repacked for leaving again by 10:00 AM on Friday. Remember, we tent camp with 9 people so this is no small feat. Everyone is great about pitching in and helping. School is getting done for the younger two grades and the boys are learning a real life lesson on prioritizing as they juggle high school, work, and rodeo on the weekends.
Next weekend we're Osceola for Tallis State Finals.
Wow, girl, you either don't post at all or you post a whole bunch in one day! :) I was stalking your blog there for awhile, and had given up on another post until Christmas break or next summer or something! giggle
ReplyDeleteSounds like a fun weekend. I'm glad to hear you are making some connections. I hear you loud and clear on people not being as rough as they might seem, but rather sad. That was one of the biggest things I learned during the time I spent (supposed ministering TO) women in jail. I learned we are all just humans regardless of the mask/shell we wear and but for the grace of God, I could be right beside them.
You got a giggle out of me with your definition of 'conservative in this circle'.
So, is Osceola THIS weekend, as in the 18th?
Oh, oops, since I've read more closely, please disregard that last question about Osceola! :)
ReplyDeleteShonya, Osceola was this past weekend AND this coming weekend. IRCA Finals this last weekend/Mini Bulls Finals and the 18th this coming weekend is high school rodeo. I own a camp spot there now. giggle.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of the mask/shell we can wear. I've been thinking a lot about that. I'm too quick to pass a judgement on someone. Too quick to accept or write off. Like or dislike. I can't tell you how much God and I argue this through.
For example: there is this #1 bull rider that is just captivating. He is good at what he does and puts on such a show. One of those people who just has 'it.' giggle...
Anyways, I've always liked him and was friendly to him UNTIL I spent the night next to him at the campground this past weekend.
All night long that man got drunk, yelled, cussed, screamed, threw a drunken fit while I had to lay there awake and listen to him. I would have preferred to be sleeping. I got to a place where I seriously disliked this man. I caught myself the next morning as I passed him by, turning my head away from him as I passed.
God grabbed me by the ear. Seriously, I felt it! The reminder was to hate that drunken sin but to love that sinner. I argued with God about this all the way to the women's bathroom and back. I did not want to smile and be friendly to this man!!! I heard the pain he was causing his young daughter and girlfriend/wife. And I was hating him for it.
You know I want to do what God says....so I let it go. but not until after I had voiced my feelings at our small church meeting. Our old high school friend looked me right in the eye and said, "that was once you." And he would know. He knew me before Christ. Yes, that WAS me and COULD BE me again apart from Christ.
God speaks through His people. Ouch. But it was what I needed to hear. I'm glad I voiced how I was feeling so I could keep my heart clean. Ya know?
Chills. Ya, I know.
ReplyDeleteAnd how interesting that the first like is driven by a 'worldly' appreciation for his talents and charisma, followed by, hmmm. . .how would we classify the dislike? And then the love of God for the soul. Thanks for sharing that example, made me think!
And a way we're different--I'm reeeeaaally slow at deciding to like/dislike (which really boils down to acceptance, don't you think?) someone--too slow, I think! :)
Oh, and if I subscribe, I get updated comments. But I usually check back to see if you say anything, b/c you're better about responding to comments than I am! :)