Just before Christmas each year I share this story written by Reverend David Griffith. It never gets old to me and next year I will share it again – it warms my heart and calms my soul. It makes me feel like I am doing just what I’m supposed to be doing with my life – I have been very blessed. We help the young and the old here at Beauty’s Haven and all ages in between – they all matter. Horses, like all animals, have feelings and are precious creatures of God and should always be treated with kindness and dignity. So many lost and abused souls find their way to us – we do our very best to help them heal and come to know unconditional love. Whether they are with us for an hour, a day, a month, or years – they will know that they do matter. While we’ve suffered many losses over the years, we have also rejoiced in many new beginnings. And it’s only because of your help we are able to make a difference and I thank all of you for that. I hope this story gives you a better understanding of what we do and why we do it – the title of the story sums it up….
Because of Love
The young couple had made their usual hurried, pre-Christmas visit to the little farm where dwelt the elderly parents with their small herd of horses. The farm had been named Lone Pine Farm because of the huge pine which topped the hill behind the farm, and through the years had become a talisman to the old man and his wife, and a landmark in the countryside. The old folks no longer showed their horses, for the years had taken their toll, but they sold a few foals each year, and the horses were their reason for joy in the morning and contentment at day’s end.
Crossly, as they prepared to leave, the young couple confronted the old folks. "Why do you not at least dispose of "The Old One." She is no longer of use to you. It’s been years since you’ve had foals from her. You should cut corners and save where you can. Why do you keep her anyway?" The old man looked down as his worn boot scuffed at the barn floor and his arm stole defensively about the Old One’s neck as he drew her to him and rubbed her gently behind the ears. He replied softly, "We keep her because of love. Only because of love."
Baffled and irritated, the young folks wished the old man and his wife a Merry Christmas and headed back toward the city as darkness stole through the valley. So it was, that because of the leave-taking, no one noticed the insulation smoldering on the frayed wires in the old barn. None saw the first spark fall. None but the "Old One".
In a matter of minutes, the whole barn was ablaze and the hungry flames were licking at the loft full of hay. With a cry of horror and despair, the old man shouted to his wife to call for help as he raced to the barn to save their beloved horses. But the flames were roaring now, and the blazing heat drove him back. He sank sobbing to the ground, helpless before the fire’s fury.
By the time the fire department arrived, only smoking, glowing ruins were left, and the old man and his wife. They thanked those who had come to their aid, and the old man turned to his wife, resting her white head upon his shoulders as he clumsily dried her tears with a frayed red bandana. Brokenly he whispered, "We have lost much, but God has spared our home on this eve of Christmas. Let us, therefore, climb the hill to the old pine where we have sought comfort in times of despair. We will look down upon our home and give thanks to God that it has been spared."
And so, he took her by the hand and helped her up the snowy hill as he brushed aside his own tears with the back of his hand. As they stepped over the little knoll at the crest of the hill, they looked up and gasped in amazement at the incredible beauty before them. Seemingly, every glorious, brilliant star in the heavens was caught up in the glittering, snow-frosted branches of their beloved pine, and it was aglow with heavenly candles. And poised on its top most bough, a crystal crescent moon glistened like spun glass. Never had a mere mortal created a Christmas tree such as this.
Suddenly, the old man gave a cry of wonder and incredible joy as he pulled his wife forward. There, beneath the tree, was their Christmas gift. Bedded down about the "Old One" close to the trunk of the tree, was the entire herd, safe. At the first hint of smoke, she had pushed the door ajar with her muzzle and had led the horses through it. Slowly and with great dignity, never looking back, she had led them up the hill, stepping daintily through the snow. The foals were frightened and dashed about. The skittish yearlings looked back at the crackling, hungry flames, and tucked their tails under them as they licked their lips and hopped like rabbits. The mares pressed uneasily against the "Old One" as she moved calmly up the hill and to safety beneath the pine. And now, she lay among them and gazed at the faces of those she loved. Her body was brittle with years, but the golden eyes were filled with devotion as she offered her gift — because of love. Only because of love.
The young and the old – and all ages in between – each and every one of them is loved and will be remembered, always.
God bless you all for caring and for helping us to help to help them.
Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
Website: www.bhfer.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bhfer.tb
What it was…
Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
Website: www.bhfer.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bhfer.tb
Guess what….
Can anyone guess what this is?
Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
Website: www.bhfer.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bhfer.tb
Triple Crown Nutrition, Inc. posted on Beauty’s Haven Farm and Equine Rescue’s timeline
Look at the notice we received below from Triple Crown! I’m SOOOO excited! Please – SHARE and SHARE some more with friends, family, and co-workers (and ask them to share too!) and help us to be one of the winners! Hollie and many others here adore Triple Crown products!
Link to submit a nomination for us: https://www.facebook.com/TripleCrownNutrition?ref=stream#!/TripleCrownNutrition/app_250073035121109.
This link is the first step to get us nominated – please take time to do this – it only takes about 2 minutes at the most. The more people that nominate us the more chance we have of being picked to go a vote and then winning! THANK YOU!
From: Facebook [mailto:notification+zcj2z9s9@facebookmail.com]
Sent: Friday, December 07, 2012 1:57 PM
To: Beauty’s Haven Equine Rescue
Subject: Triple Crown Nutrition, Inc. posted on Beauty’s Haven Farm and Equine Rescue’s timeline
Facebook, Inc., Attention: Department 415, PO Box 10005, Palo Alto, CA 94303
Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
Website: www.bhfer.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bhfer.tb
Here it is again… Because of Love
Just before Christmas each year I share this story written by Reverend David Griffith. It never gets old to me and next year I will share it again – it warms my heart and calms my soul. It makes me feel like I am doing just what I’m supposed to be doing with my life – I have been very blessed. We help the young and the old here at Beauty’s Haven and all ages in between – they all matter. Horses, like all animals, have feelings and are precious creatures of God and should always be treated with kindness and dignity. So many lost and abused souls find their way to us – we do our very best to help them heal and come to know unconditional love. Whether they are with us for an hour, a day, a month, or years – they will know that they do matter. While we’ve suffered many losses over the years, we have also rejoiced in many new beginnings. And it’s only because of your help we are able to make a difference and I thank all of you for that. I hope this story gives you a better understanding of what we do and why we do it – the title of the story sums it up….
Because of Love
The young couple had made their usual hurried, pre-Christmas visit to the little farm where dwelt the elderly parents with their small herd of horses. The farm had been named Lone Pine Farm because of the huge pine which topped the hill behind the farm, and through the years had become a talisman to the old man and his wife, and a landmark in the countryside. The old folks no longer showed their horses, for the years had taken their toll, but they sold a few foals each year, and the horses were their reason for joy in the morning and contentment at day’s end.
Crossly, as they prepared to leave, the young couple confronted the old folks. "Why do you not at least dispose of "The Old One." She is no longer of use to you. It’s been years since you’ve had foals from her. You should cut corners and save where you can. Why do you keep her anyway?" The old man looked down as his worn boot scuffed at the barn floor and his arm stole defensively about the Old One’s neck as he drew her to him and rubbed her gently behind the ears. He replied softly, "We keep her because of love. Only because of love."
Baffled and irritated, the young folks wished the old man and his wife a Merry Christmas and headed back toward the city as darkness stole through the valley. So it was, that because of the leave-taking, no one noticed the insulation smoldering on the frayed wires in the old barn. None saw the first spark fall. None but the "Old One".
In a matter of minutes, the whole barn was ablaze and the hungry flames were licking at the loft full of hay. With a cry of horror and despair, the old man shouted to his wife to call for help as he raced to the barn to save their beloved horses. But the flames were roaring now, and the blazing heat drove him back. He sank sobbing to the ground, helpless before the fire’s fury.
By the time the fire department arrived, only smoking, glowing ruins were left, and the old man and his wife. They thanked those who had come to their aid, and the old man turned to his wife, resting her white head upon his shoulders as he clumsily dried her tears with a frayed red bandana. Brokenly he whispered, "We have lost much, but God has spared our home on this eve of Christmas. Let us, therefore, climb the hill to the old pine where we have sought comfort in times of despair. We will look down upon our home and give thanks to God that it has been spared."
And so, he took her by the hand and helped her up the snowy hill as he brushed aside his own tears with the back of his hand. As they stepped over the little knoll at the crest of the hill, they looked up and gasped in amazement at the incredible beauty before them. Seemingly, every glorious, brilliant star in the heavens was caught up in the glittering, snow-frosted branches of their beloved pine, and it was aglow with heavenly candles. And poised on its top most bough, a crystal crescent moon glistened like spun glass. Never had a mere mortal created a Christmas tree such as this.
Suddenly, the old man gave a cry of wonder and incredible joy as he pulled his wife forward. There, beneath the tree, was their Christmas gift. Bedded down about the "Old One" close to the trunk of the tree, was the entire herd, safe. At the first hint of smoke, she had pushed the door ajar with her muzzle and had led the horses through it. Slowly and with great dignity, never looking back, she had led them up the hill, stepping daintily through the snow. The foals were frightened and dashed about. The skittish yearlings looked back at the crackling, hungry flames, and tucked their tails under them as they licked their lips and hopped like rabbits. The mares pressed uneasily against the "Old One" as she moved calmly up the hill and to safety beneath the pine. And now, she lay among them and gazed at the faces of those she loved. Her body was brittle with years, but the golden eyes were filled with devotion as she offered her gift — because of love. Only because of love.
The young and the old – and all ages in between – each and every one of them is loved and will be remembered, always.
God bless you all for caring and for helping us to help to help them.
Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
Website: www.bhfer.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bhfer.tb
Breakfast… they loved it!
The 3 new arrivals at breakfast this am. It’s a dull and dreary day but they certainly didn’t care!
Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
Website: www.bhfer.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bhfer.tb
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Hollie – what a wonderful sight!
What a great sight this was this morning – it made me feel really good and I wanted to share! I hope it makes you smile too!
"Good morning from Hollie! It’s a dull and overcast day here but that’s ok – I am feeling good this morning!"
Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
Website: www.bhfer.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bhfer.tb
Update – Trio, E, and Hollie
Just a quick update. Little E is ok. He was bloated and gassy – he ever stopped passing manure but was clearly agitated and up and down until medication kicked in.
Hollie’s lungs have scaring – that we know from the ultrasound. Today was beautiful and I’m not sure why her respiration was up more than usual. She didn’t seem to be in any pain. Her temp was normal. We’re starting her on Ventipulmin to see if it helps.
The three new arrivals have settled in and they all seem content. They look like I feel though – tired. By watching the way they walk and carry themselves you can tell they have lost most fat and lots of muscle. Their road to recovery will take some time but at least they are here now and won’t have to worry about their next meal. And they will have warm blankets for the upcoming cold. They all have sweet faces with very kind eyes.
We really appreciate everyone’s support and I’d like to ask that you keep all of these horses in your prayers. Hollie has me concerned. I’m glad it isn’t hot and humid.
God bless and have a good night!
Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
Website: www.bhfer.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bhfer.tb
Holiday Trio, Hollie, and Little E
The trio is here and settled in. I’ll post more pictures later but we have a lot going on – Little E has decided to have a gas colic so I need to take care of him first. And Hollie is having a tough time breathing.
I will say that no donations have come in today to help with these three and that’s got me a little worried. But at least they are here and their road to recovery has begun.
Please keep the trio, Hollie, and Little E in your prayers. Thank you!
Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
Website: www.bhfer.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bhfer.tb
Holiday Trio – on the way!
Noelle, the other mare, and the gelding are loaded and on their way to the rescue. Pam says they look bad – skin on bones. My stomach turned when I got the pictures a few minutes ago. I will post more once they are here and settled in. I still get pretty emotional when I see horses like this. I can’t help it – I find it very disturbing and it just touches my soul, deeply. But they found their way to us and these three, like Hollie, will now get what they need. Their rehab will be a slow process but we will do our very best to help them recover. Please pray for them – and please pray that needed resources come.
Please share with friends and family – their intake, rehab, and care is going to be costly. We need help to help them. Donations are tax deductible and no amount is too small. Donations can be made via our website. Donations to help with vetting can be called directly into the vet’s office at 352-237-6151. Thank you all.
Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
Website: www.bhfer.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bhfer.tb
Current Bids – Update on items…
AUCTION ITEM:
This beautiful Christmas table runner was handmade and donated by Suzanne Griesser to benefit Holly’s medical bills. All proceeds will go directly towards Hollie’s bills. Minimum bid $25. Bid increments of $5. Please E-mail all bids to bhfer.melissa. Bidding ends 12-12-12. Please share and happy bidding!! CURRENT BID: $60!
AUCTION ITEM!!
This beautiful necklace was hand made by Ginny Conrad and graciously donated by bhfer.melissa.
Happy Bidding!! CURRENT BID: $40!
AUCTION ITEM!
This is what Zenayatta.com has to say about this item:
“The official first edition Zenyatta Plushie! This heartwarming rendition pays tribute to Zenyatta’s maternity and the birth of the “Queen’s” first born. The tandem plushi
e, the first of its kind, captures Momma Z in an affectionate and nurturing nuzzle with Baby Z. Momma Z measures an ample 15″ tall by 14″ long while Baby Z is 10″ wide by 10″ tall. The two piece tandem are connected by a concealed, yet easily detachable, plastic pin tag to allow for the enjoyment of each individual plushie separately. Comes with its own individually numbered foal birth certificate – inspired by Zenyatta’s original jockey club registration papers.”
Minimum bid $20. Bid increments of $5. E-mail all bids to bhfer.melissa. Bidding will end 12-10-12! CURRENT BID: $20!
AUCTION ITEM!
This beautiful "Indian Pony" ceramic statue was hand painted and donated to us by Karen Lewandowski. We will be taking bids on it starting today and ending 12-7-12. Minimum bid is $20 and bid increments are $5. Please remember to E-mail all bids to me at bhfer.melissa. Happy bidding!! CURRENT BID: $20
Melissa Ingram
Adoptions/Events/Web Marketing
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
www.bhfer.org