Excerpt

Erin personally handed her the most elegantly wrapped box she had ever seen. Hating to destroy the wrapping job, Jessie carefully opened the box. Inside was an embossed brown leather journal with her name imprinted on the cover in the bottom right hand corner. She ran her hand over the soft leather and opened the journal to the first page. In Erins flowing handwriting Jessie read these words:

You once came to me and asked if
I was angry at God when my parents
were killed in the car accident so many
years ago. If you remember, I told
you about the journal my grandmother
had given to me and how much it helped to
sort out my feelings in writing. I want
you to have a special place to talk
with God each day. Record your thoughts,
anxieties, joys, and heartaches. God will
always be there to listen. I want to leave
you with a special verse that my grandma
gave me. You will find it in Jeremiah 29:11.
For I know the plans I have for you,
declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you a hope
and a future. Always remember that God
is your hope and He wants what is best
for you.

Your big sister in the Lord,
Erin McCormick

Jessie finished reading Erins encouraging words and couldnt hold back the lone tear that fell down her cheek. How did Erin know how much she yearned for Gods love and attention? Holding the journal close to her heart, she softly whispered a thank you to Erin.

We have one more gift for you, Jessie, but this is the one youll have to hunt for, said her dad. Dr. Doug gave Jessie and her friends the first clue which would lead them to the next clue hidden in the hay barn under an old milk jug. The group found the first clue easily. It was the very last clue that proved to be difficult. The clue ultimately led them to the stables, but the group looked and looked and could not find anything out of the ordinary. By this time, all of Jessies guests had made their way down the mile long dirt road to the stables. Jake was getting bored waiting for the surprise, so he sat down next to Midas stall to wait. He noticed something new.

Sissy! Sissy! he said.

What Jake? Im kind of busy here.

Come see Midas, he said barely able to contain himself. I see surprise.

Jessie could not imagine what Jake thought he was seeing, so she joined him at Midas stall and stopped dead in her tracks. He had found the surprise. Sitting on Midas back was a deep brown leather saddle with red leather trim. The saddle from the feed store. The one she was saving for. It fit him perfectly. She ran her hand over the seat and took in the sweet smell of freshly tanned leather.

Walking up behind his daughter, John asked, Do you like it?
Do I like it? Im speechless. I didnt expect this at all.

But, do you like it?

Dad, this is the best gift you and Mom could have given to me. I love it.

Why dont you climb on up and give it a try, suggested Jessies mom.

Right now?

Sure Jessie, Ill ride with you, insisted Becca.

Jessie didnt need any more encouragement. She put the matching reins on Midas and mounted up into her new saddle. Erin helped her adjust the stirrups to fit her lanky legs, while Becca finished tacking up Javas Delight.

If you girls can wait just a minute, I would love to ride along, said Erin.

Me too, said Dr. Doug.

I want to ride horse, begged Jake. Mom, I ride horse too?

I can take him with me, said Jessie.

I go with Sissy. Please. Please. Please.

Lifting his son onto Midas, John said, Remember to support his weight by wrapping your arm around his waist. Hes not quite able to do it all by himself yet.

I know, Dad. I have watched Erin do this in his hippotherapy sessions many times. Besides, he is a lot stronger now. It wont be too long until he can sit in the saddle by himself. Even Erin agrees with me.

Lets ride, Sissy.



Jessie led Midas out of the stable and waited for a few minutes for the rest of the riders to join her and Jake. Erin suggested a short trail ride in the woods behind the arena and led the group in that direction. Jessie was flying high on the events of the day. This was the perfect ending to a perfect day. She couldnt imagine anything better. As they returned from the trail, Jessie stopped near the creek and gazed at the horizon. The crisp February air nipped at her fingers, but she was mesmerized by the sight of the unusual sunset. It was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen. The other riders followed her gaze and stopped as well. The sun seemed to hang in the sky supported by a lone purple cloud in the shape of a hand.

Does anyone else see that? asked Jessie.

Jesus holds sun, said Jake innocently.

It does look like Jesus is holding the sun, said Dr. Doug as he rode up right beside Jake. They all sat and watched the scene until the sun fell behind the hills and the air became too brisk to stay where they were. Jessie believed with all her heart that the sunset was meant for her that day. It was Gods birthday gift to her.