Tag Archives: Goals

Me Be Still? 

  

If you know me at all; you know that I don’t do still well at all. I am a mover and shaker. I tend to live ahead of today in my mind and actions if possible.  

I have always had a plan and couple of back up plans to go along with that plan.  I have thrown my prayers up to God and then ran off to work my plans. 

Today because of my shoulder; I find myself in a situation with no plans and no back up plans. I have no idea what I am going to do. How I am going to pay my bills or when I will be able to return to work.   

I find myself totally dependant on others in my situation. Having to sit still for hours and hours at a time. Today MommaJo said the famous words that make me cringe lol Be Still, and know that He is God. Me be still?  WUT???  

Being still and knowing He is God is way more than physically being still. It’s making my mind be still, trusting that He has a plan, beyond any I could ever have. 

A month and half ago I got my own place. I had a plan and a back up plan to make this work. Well that plan blew up quickly. I injured my shoulder and was off work. My roomate bailed, leaving me with full rent. I then went from thinking I would be off work a couple weeks to no job and facing surgery. 

I know that God didn’t do any of these things to me. He comes to give life and not take away life.   So I am having to now do that one thing that makes me cringe. BE STILL AND KNOW THAT HE IS GOD. 

I am at a point with all of this that I can’t understand any of the whys and howcomes. I am going to lean on the ONE who does. 

  

My God has a plan that blows all the plans I have ever had out of the water. 

  

So my goal at this point is to BE STILL inside and out. Let my Daddy God heal my body, soul and spirit man. I know God is getting me prepared for all He has in store for me. 

I will wait for His direction and follow after His Peace. 

  

Dream Catcher 3:20

Cassie G

The Myers Family and Sky Ranch

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The Myers Family

 

 The Myers Family and Sky Ranch

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I have always loved watching Rope Myers compete in Rodeos.  I was talking with Carol and Hannah Hogner one day about my blog and they mentioned to me that Rope and his wife Candice work with Sky Ranch.  I went and looked up Sky Ranch and fell in love with what they do and what they are all about.

 

Sky Ranch is one of North America’s premiere Christian Camps, as well as a Recognized School Programs Provider, and Retreat/Conference Center. Sky Ranch exists to provide people with a  positive, recreational, fun, and memorable experience, while being exposed to the truths of the Word of God. About Sky Ranch

 

INTERVIEW WITH ROPE AND CANDICE MYERS

What led y’all to link up with Sky Ranch? In 2004, I was singing and speaking at a regional FCA banquet in Tyler, Texas.  At that time, we had lived in a Van for nine years, but neither Rope nor I knew much about Sky Ranch – – so much of our time had been spent on the road.  As part of our rodeo and ministry schedule, we were doing several rodeo camps across the country each year.  After the banquet, a woman introduced herself to me, gave me her card (she worked at Sky), and told me that she thought the Lord was telling her that I was supposed to be connected to Sky Ranch somehow.  A few visits, a tour, and one long meeting later, and we decided she was right.  Rope came on in 2004 as a consultant for their horse program, recognizing that at some point, what he really wanted to do was build a rodeo training program that would build champions in and out of the arena.  During the 2005 rodeo season, he decided he had been missing too much of our own kids “stuff”, and came home, to a semi-retirement from rodeo.  He began plans for building a program called “Champions Rodeo” and the facilities to support it.  I continued to travel some in ministry, but also came on staff to help with the marketing and communication of the new rodeo program.  My role at Sky Ranch has continued to increase over the years, and I currently serve on the Leadership Team as Director of Marketing.  I manage the marketing strategy and team for all Sky Ranch locations – in Texas, Oklahoma, and Colorado.

 

Can you tell our readers what your program is that you offer at the ranch?  Sky Ranch is celebrating 60 years of “impacting lives forever”.  The program Rope is most closely connected to is the one he established – Champions Rodeo.

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This program consists of a variety of camps – Young Riders- for the beginner – – this is for kiddos just beginning their rodeo career – some are just learning how to ride, and some have a little experience.  They are 7-12 years old, and learn the basics of timed event rodeo – horsemanship, barrels, poles, goat tying, and roping.  We have three sessions each summer, which are a week long.  In addition to several hours in the arena, campers enjoy all of the fun activities at Sky Ranch – the Blob, swimming pools and water slides, ropes courses, ziplines, and more!  Sky Fillies is a new program this year, and was birthed out of the need to have a session for early teenaged girls who just love horses, but may not ever compete in rodeo.  We are offering it for one full week session in June. Champions Rodeo Clinic is for the more advanced competitor – generally kids who are already competing in rodeo.  We bring in world class rodeo athletes like David Key, Lynn McKenzie, Janet Stover, Blair Burk, Jacky Stephenson, Chad Masters, and others, to instruct kids in their chosen area of rodeo.  They also have opportunities to share their faith and testimonies with the campers.  Over the years, we have been blessed to have so many incredible rodeo role models come through this program and share what they have with these kids.  This clinic takes place in August, toward the end of the summer camp season.  Elite Rodeo Clinic is for our most advanced competitors – high school and college aged.  It is an invitational program that is held over the Christmas/New Year break, and includes event instruction as well as classroom time that covers subjects such as “Marketing Yourself”, “Finances for Rodeo and Beyond”, “Health and Fitness”, “Rodeo 101 – How to Enter, Practice, and Get Down the Road”, as a few examples.  We also invite several college rodeo coaches who use this time for recruiting future athletes.

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YOUNG RIDERS

 

 

How many children a year are you able to touch through this program? Current capacity for all of these programs is about 350 kids per year.  As we continue to fund raise, one of the items on our “wish list” is a “bunkhouse”.  We currently share cabin space with traditional Sky Ranch camp, which is topping out at capacity each session – this limits the numbers of sessions that we can do each summer.  Rope puts a limit on how many campers he will take each session, to ensure the integrity of the program, and individual attention to every camper.

What would you say has been the most heart touching experience for y’all while working with these children in your Champions program? Over the years, we have had the opportunity to get to know so many kids and their families.  They all have a story.  Of course there is no greater joy for us than to witness a camper (or their parent) come to know the Lord for the first time.  But lives are impacted in so many ways during these camp sessions.  Here are a couple of quotes for you to use:  . “My daughter said she came home feeling closer to the Lord. May God bless what each of you guys do there and continue to touch the lives of so many youth!” – Champions Rodeo camper mom   “I just wanted to take a moment and thank you and all of the staff which participated in the Elite Rodeo Clinic.   (My son) came back with such enthusiasm about everything the camp offered.   He immediately said for me to budget for the camp in 2015.   The entire experience sounds like exactly what he needed after having such a difficult year in 2014 with his injury.   If possible I hope you will let each of the staff members involved know how much our family appreciated them taking the time to instruct and encourage (my son) in rodeo and in life events.”  Mom of an Elite Rodeo Clinic student.

What’s the greatest need you see at Sky Ranch that we can let our readers know about for support?  We have an annual fundraising event called “Cowboys & Cowboys”.  The Gala raises money for the scholarship program and to support all of the ministries of Sky Ranch.  This is one way that we are able to send many rodeo kids to camp, who might not otherwise be able to afford to go.  Legends of the rodeo arena, along with former and current Dallas Cowboys, show up for the evening to help raise the funds necessary through a dinner and auction.  Beyond that, there are always ways that people could help support the rodeo programs specifically – first, with their faithful prayers.  Second, with in-kind donations.  We serve a very creative God, and have watched Him bring the coolest things across our path – – from big fans for the arena, to outdoor lighting, to dirt work for the driveway and parking area.  We do our best to not limit God by the things we think we need.  He knows what we need – usually before we do! – and He knows how He wants to provide.

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Champions Rodeo Clinic

The perfect blend of summer camp and rodeo training school is offered at Sky Ranch Champions Rodeo Clinic. This camp is recommended for young people who already have some rodeo experience.  Campers  entering grades 4 through 12 get the chance to learn from the nation’s top rodeo experts in Sky Ranch’s two competition-sized rodeo arenas.

ABOUT CHAMPIONS RODEO CLINIC

Becoming the “Leading Lady”

Let me first start by saying, this will not be a short blog. So grab a cup of coffee and settle in for a few .
I also want to say that we sometimes get in a box and limit what God can use to speak to our hearts and change our lives. I am going to share with you today; my life’s journey and how three movies have impacted me so! There are things and lifestyle choices I don’t condone in these movies. However there are lifestyle choices and things I don’t condone in my own life story.

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The first movie that I will mention is The Holiday. This is where I got the title for my blog today. This movie is about two ladies journeys in overcoming their fears, suppressed hurts, and disastrous relationships.

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Then we have Eat Love Pray. This movie is about another lady who finds herself waking up one day; married but lonely and no clue who she is. She goes through a divorce and sets out on a journey to find herself and God. A journey we have all been on

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The final movie is Under the Tuscan Sun. The leading lady of this story finds out she has been betrayed by the one person she trust the most; her husband. After going through a painful divorce she sets out on a journey she never knew she needed. She is given a trip to Italy so she can deal with her divorce and emotions. It is this trip that turns into her journey of finding who she truly is.

I will be quoting from these movies throughout this blog.
I have always had this person inside that wanted more in life. I admired strong women. I would fall in love with movies like these above. I would see the “me I was” in them and the “me I wanted to be”.
Growing up, all the way to recent years I would find my identity in; who I was friends with and who I was in love with.

Iris, in the movies we have leading ladies and we have the best friend. You I can tell are a leading lady, but for some reason you are behaving like the best friend. ~Author

In the old romantic movies, a leading lady is confident in who she is. She stands and shines. The best friend in the movies is always behind the scenes. She is taken for granted and used as a backup plan. Always trying to be what everyone else needs and wants them to be.

As I was listening to the quote above I saw myself as Iris as she responded to Author.

You’re right. You’re supposed to be the leading lady of your own life, for God’s sake~Iris

Now the way she uses for a “God’s Sake” and the way I mean it are different. She said it as a saying. I say FOR GODS SAKE -FOR GODS GLORY WE ARE TO KNOW WHO WE ARE! Be the leading lady of your own life.
I married at a very young age and had babies quickly after. I am so very grateful for my babies. I look back over my life in the area of boys, men, romance and love. I see where my way of thinking was wrong. These thoughts caused a lot of choices that led to hurt, fears, disappointments and regrets. Instead of asking God who Cassie was, what her dreams were and what her purpose was, I found it in others.

I jumped from one marriage into another. I found myself in the most dysfunctional relationship I could imagine. I continued to go back with this man because I believed the best was possible. I saw potential. I had fears of being alone. AND I was addicted to this dysfunction and drama. We divorced and remarried 3 times. Who does this? That’s what I would ask myself as I layered on years of guilt and shame.
“Who does this?” A person who is not being all they are called to be. A person; who doesn’t know who they are in Christ.

God dwells in me, as me~Elizabeth Gilbert/Eat Love Pray

 

Now wait before you throw stones at that quote!! God says in His word that we are ONE.

John 14:20 at that time when that day comes you will know for yourselves that I am in My Father, and you are in Me, and I am in you.
John 17:21 That they all may be one, just as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be one in Us, so that the world may believe and be convinced that You have sent Me.
1 Corinthians 6:17 But the person who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with him.
“I have a history of making decisions very quickly about men. I have always fallen in love fast and without measuring risks. I have a tendency not only to see the best in everyone, but to assume that everyone is emotionally capable of reaching his highest potential. I have fallen in love more times than I care to count with the highest potential of a man, rather than with the man himself, and I have hung on to the relationship for a long time (sometimes far too long) waiting for the man to ascend to his own greatness. Many times in romance I have been a victim of my own optimism.” ― Elizabeth Gilbert, Eat, Pray, Love

I’ve been in love with being in love. Hoping I would find that strong woman I was so searching for; through being a wife and a mom. When reality is the only way to be a good wife and mom is to be a strong woman in Him first and foremost.

A man cannot tell me who I am, they can only mirror who I am.
“People think a soul mate is your perfect fit, and that’s what everyone wants. But a true soul mate is a mirror, the person who shows you everything that is holding you back, the person who brings you to your own attention so you can change your life. ~Eat Pray Love
I have jumped from relationship to relationship or to dreaming about the next one in my life. I’ve thought if I find that “one” all will fall into place. I’ll become strong and have a backbone and be that woman I admired in others. I wouldn’t have had a backbone I would have had my husbands “backbone” I would have been as weak or strong as he was. Relying on; his faith and identity.

My children lived with me for the first few years after their father and I divorced. Then life become more and more complicated, as they each decided to go live with their dad. Children need both parents. So reality is this was not a bad thing. If I would have had my security in God and not as a mom this would not have rattled my world. This time in my life added to a sense of being a failure and a lot of shame.
I have been on a journey of truth and forgiveness for several years now. I believe I have arrived at finding truth in God and forgiving myself. It has been through many tears but worth it to know now I’m on the other side of that.

“Someday you’re gonna look back on this moment of your life as such a sweet time of grieving. You’ll see that you were in mourning and your heart was broken, but your life was changing…” ― Elizabeth Gilbert

Romans 8:1 with the arrival of Jesus, the Messiah, that fateful dilemma is resolved. Those who enter into Christ’s being-here-for-us no longer have to live under a continuous, low-lying black cloud. A new power is in operation. The Spirit of life in Christ, like a strong wind, has magnificently cleared the air, freeing you from a fated lifetime of brutal tyranny at the hands of sin and death.

In this journey I allowed the fear of living and being alone to control my life. I would step out to try to be a “leading lady” only to fall back on securities of others. In 2011 I moved out of my apartment and into a friend’s home to “help” them with a ranch and to “find myself”. My plans fell apart when this was the choice I made that caused my daughter to move to her dads to be with him and her brother.

From this time in my life till present; I have not lived alone. I have wished, dreamed and even planned to make that step. However the fear I had was stronger than the faith I had. This is all okay though. You know why? He is a God who meets is where we are. I’ve experienced things, traveled to places, and met people I never would have without this part of my journey.

Hebrews 4:14 Now that we know what we have—Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God—let’s not let it slip through our fingers. We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He’s been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. So let’s walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help.

I have had people speak into my life and try to tell me that they see me stronger than I see myself. That has taken me a long time to see. Sometimes we get confused and lost on our journey. But God says He will make the crooked paths straight for us. If you are lost, don’t worry! He knows where you are.

“When you’re lost in those woods, it sometimes takes you a while to realize that you are lost. For the longest time, you can convince yourself that you’ve just wandered off the path, that you’ll find your way back to the trailhead any moment now. Then night falls again and again, and you still have no idea where you are, and it’s time to admit that you have bewildered yourself so far off the path that you don’t even know from which direction the sun rises anymore.” ― Elizabeth Gilbert

It’s in these times that the SON will rise and shine light on your path!

Changing how we think and speak about life and ourselves develops who we become in this life. It determines if we will behave like the “best friend” or the “LEADING LADY”

Groceries, you need to learn how to select your thoughts just the same way you select what clothes you’re gonna wear every day. This is a power you can cultivate. If you want to control things in your life so bad, work on the mind. That’s the only thing you should be trying to control. Drop everything else but that. Because if you can’t learn to master your thinking, you’re in deep trouble forever.Elizabeth Gilbert, Eat, Pray, Love
Proverbs 18:21 Words kill, words give life;they’re either poison or fruit—you choose.

Philippians 4:8 Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.

There comes a time when we have to stop wishing and talking and start doing.

You’re wishin’ too much, baby. You gotta stop wearing your wishbone where your backbone oughtta be.” ― Elizabeth Gilbert, Eat, Pray, Love

So where am I at today? Am I in the best friend mode or leading lady? Well let’s just say I’m well on my way to leading lady!

 

 

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My children and I have amazing relationships. I have recently encountered a friendship with a male who God used to heal a brokeness in me as a parent. He also allowed me to realize through this friendship that HE ALONE is all I need. Anyone else in my life is a bonus. And the big kicker is after 4 years I am now holding the keys to my very own little place to call home.

So like these ladies in these movies my joinery has brought me to truth, love and strength.

I hope that you too will take this journey! Become a leading lady! Besides they make the truest best friends!!

Dream Catcher 3:20
Cassie G

 

Interview with Jake Long

Dreams just keep coming true for this rodeo cowboy

Known as Jake Long

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Jake is married to the beautiful Tasha Long and they have two beautiful children.  I have not ever met them personally but I’ve heard such wonderful things about each of them. I have been blessed to get an interview with him. I had the help of his awesome mom, Pam Weatherby.

 

Jake grew up in Coffeyville, Kansas.  In town I am very familiar with, growing up in North East Oklahoma myself. Jake is the son of Crickett Long  and Pam Weatherby.  He began his career roping at Junior rodeo’s in Kansas and Northeast Oklahoma. Jake won his first buckle at the young age of eight years old. He won two horse trailers in 1999 team roping in Guthrie and Pawhuska Oklahoma.  I 2007 Jake  won his first truck. It was a Dodge so you know it was a good one (of course writers opinion).  He won his truck at the Dodge finals in Pocatella, ID.

 

Jake won the Champion Heeler  at the George Strait team roping in San Antonio in 2007  this time he won another nice new shiny truck this one was a Chevy truck and he also won a horse trailer as well as his earnings

 

In 2010 Jake’s dreams just continued coming true.  He was roping with Brady Tryan, of  Huntley, Montana.  They took first in St. Paul, Oregon and Silver City, New Mexico and placed in a lot of other big rodeos.  Jake also became a 2010 WNFR qualified contestant!  Making it a dream come true!

 

It is now 2014 and once again Jake Long as made it back to the National Finals Rodeo.   Jake has answered a few questions for this blog and I hope that you enjoy getting to know a little bit more about him.

 

Thank you Jake Long and Pam Weatherby for helping me get the word out to others that dreams really do come true!!

 

INTERVIEW WITH JAKE LONG 

It’s that time of year again!! It’s the WNFR14! How many years does this make for you as a NFR qualifying contestant Jake?

Jake:  4 years

 

At what age did you know that this was the dream you would follow?

Jake:  As long  as I can remember

 

Who has influenced you the most in your career?

Jake:  Clay O’Brien Cooper, also I have had several friends who help me learn to rope and progress. My family has always been a huge influence and great support for me.

 

What would you say the most difficult situations are that you face out on the road?

Jake:  All night drives and schedule conflicts

 

If you could tell us what it takes to be a winner what would you say?

Jake:  To be a winner have faith, dedication, lots of practice, and confidence in yourself!

How does your faith play a role in your Roping Career?

Jake:  God blessed me with an amazing talent and I am so thankful for it. I have to have faith and know He will help me every step along the way.

 

Is there one main piece of advice you can give to all of those kids and adults out there who want to pursue their dreams?

Jake:  Stay focused and keep your eye on the goal.

 

There are a lot of Team Ropers out there that watch you close and want to learn all they can from you; what are three tips you would have for them in their Roping years ahead?

Jake:  Maintain your game plan. Do not conform to others. Keep strong and focused staying mentally ready.

 

**Be be sure to check out this YouTube video to learn more about**

**Jake Long and his faith and how it plays a role in his roping.**

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interview with Cesar de la Cruz

I am so excited about this interview with Cesar de la Cruz.  I hope my readers enjoy this as much as I do.  It’s always nice to get to know these guys a little more and see what’s behind their dreams and goals.

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Cesar de la Cruz

Cesar de la Cruz grew up in Tuscan, AZ. He has a long line of Cowboy roots and grew up roping steers. His uncle, George Aros, a 4-time NFR qualifier, was a big influence on his rodeo career.

Cesar and his wife Arena were married in 2008. They have two adorable boys, Camilo and Gio. I have seen them in the stands many times at the US Finals cheering him on.

Cesar qualified for his first NFR at the age of 22. He is now 31 and continuing to watch his dreams come true

How many years does this make for you as a  NFR qualifying contestant Cesar?
Cesar:  This is my 9th Year!

At what age did you know that this was the dream you would follow?
Cesar:  I was about 15 when I decided this is what I wanted to do!

Who has influenced you the most in your career?
Cesar:  My Uncle George Aros.

What would you say the most difficult situations are that you face out on the road?
Cesar:  Finances and being away from home.

If you could tell us what it takes to be a winner what would you say?
Cesar:  You need to have a short term memory and have to expect yourself to win!


How does your faith play a role in your Roping Career?
Cesar:  For me I have have to have faith that God has a plan for me and I have to trust him with my roping career!

Is there one main piece of advice you can give to all of those kids and adults out there who want to pursue their dreams?
Cesar:Refuse to Lose, Never give up, and Hard work pays off.


There are a lot of Team Ropers out there that watch you close and want to learn all they can from you; what are three tips you would have for them in their Roping years ahead?
Cesar:  Lots of practice, you need a good horse, Set and try to achieve your goals.

For more on Cesar de la Cruz be sure to check out this Youtube video.

Thank you Cesar for letting me do this interview with you.

Above and Beyond,

Dream Catcher 3:20

Cassie Gilman