Horses have been used by mankind for centuries: they have been trained and employed in myriad ways. Horses provide travelers aid, power farmers’ plows, help soldiers fight, carry burdens and manage herds. Parents employ horses to teach children responsibility while building physical and relational skills. Of course, millions simply use horses for pleasure and enjoyment. Continue reading “Can Horses Help us Find the Path of Life?”
Category Archives: AART: Animal Assisted Relationship Training
PAL: Answer to Bullying
Nearly 80% of school age children say they feel the piercing pain of being bullied. Surprisingly 20% of children admit they are bullies. The answer for both bullies and the bullied is the same: learning the value of each individual. Christians are uniquely qualified to present this message. Believing every person is created in theContinue reading “PAL: Answer to Bullying”
PAL: The Answer to Anxiety
Anxiety now ranks as the Number One mental health disorder in America. Nearly 20% of the population are being treated for anxiety-related issues…many more receive no treatment or are unaware of the root cause of problems. As Christians, we believe that Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace, but we can’t always figure out howContinue reading “PAL: The Answer to Anxiety”
Cleaning out the heart
My animals often reveal things in my heart that I can easily manage or bury in day-to-day living. Yesterday was Gretchen’s turn to clean out my heart. It was hot and the week had been long and busy. I planned to stop by for a quick pat on the nose and a weight measurementContinue reading “Cleaning out the heart”
Family – training for relationship
God created us for relationship–and family is intended to be the safe place for learning and practicing relationship skills. We become our very best…and relate our very best to others…when we know who we are designed to be and how to live fully in Christ! What we learn only in our heads can be difficultContinue reading “Family – training for relationship”
Bunnies are Bullies
BULLYING Current statistics indicate half of school-age children report having been bullied in the past month. A strong link exists between bullying and suicide–the leading cause of death for young people. Bullying is an increasing problem, but it isn’t a new problem nor is it confined to schools. Businesses bully, politicians bully, police bully, minoritiesContinue reading “Bunnies are Bullies”
Do I matter? Does anyone care?
It is the question we hate feeling: Do I matter? Does anyone care? We spend much of our lives seeking activities and relationships that give us an affirmative answer. There is only One who can answer that to our complete satisfaction. The only One who can answer it is the One who created us. Animals areContinue reading “Do I matter? Does anyone care?”
Heartsong AART
Jesus was the Word Incarnate – the Living Word. God’s goal is for our transformation of our human nature into Christ-likeness. That is quite a project, isn’t it?! Sometimes we need help figuring out how the truths of Scripture can be incorporated into our lives. Animals have a special ability to touch our hearts. TheContinue reading “Heartsong AART”
Why won’t he listen to me?
Jump, Scooby, Jump! She’s four. She’s been on a horse for about four hours in her life. She knew what he could do. She knew what she wanted to do. She spoke clearly and told him so. Scooby, who loves jumping, ignored her. Her voice became more insistent until the words were a plaintive plea:Continue reading “Why won’t he listen to me?”
