There are a few projects I’ve been talking about doing for a long time. I’m not referring to the always-present discussion of getting fit and losing weight, but projects related to providing Christian inspiration for horse people.

I’m happy to report that I’m no longer “fixin” to launch a daily inspirational email, but it has really happened! “An Extra Flake”(http://www.inspiredbyhorses.com/subscribe) is officially two-weeks old, and I have been overwhelmed with the positive response I’ve received.

My plan was to use this flake to encourage and inspire people, to be a bright spot in their day. I have prayed that the right words would arrive in someone’s e-mailbox at just the right time.

While I write most of the flakes, I have extended the invitation to be a “guest flake” to Christian ministries and people with good thoughts to share, as well as photographers who want to bless other people with their photos.

The great feedback from “An Extra Flake” made me wonder why I didn’t act on this a long time ago, instead of letting the idea brew. That also got me to thinking about how many other good ideas never see the light of day.

It takes courage to launch something, to take a stand, to make a decision that you are committed to follow through on. Business owners face this problem every day. Moms and dads make tough decisions, and horse people are always facing “do I or don’t I” situations.

As much as I’d like to have you subscribe to “An Extra Flake” and tell me what you think of it, I’m not writing this post for that reason. I want to tell you what went into my decision, in hopes that will be an encouragement to you.

The idea sat in my head a long time. I chipped away at it, writing bits of this and that, and letting those pieces sit in my computer while I mused and prayed about it. I did the back end stuff, figuring out how to deliver the emails, manage a mailing list, not get stuck in the spam filters, and so forth.

Then there were the what ifs — what if I say something that isn’t Biblically correct — what if I offend someone — what if someone thinks I’m trying to be holier than thou? And the big one — what if I can’t keep my commitment to send an email five days a week?

That time “on the fence” wasn’t comfortable, though it served to help me make a good decision. I finally knew it was either fish-or-cut-bait time. I can’t tell you I had an Aha! moment or heard a voice, but somehow I sensed the door opening and it was time to walk through it. I launched “An Extra Flake.”

I will tell you, there was a release that accompanied that decision, and I’m trying to apply that to other areas of my life. Maybe this project has even given me the gumption to tackle cleaning the garage!

P.S. If you’d like to receive “An Extra Flake,” go to http://www.inspiredbyhorses.com/subscribe

Two weeks ago I attended the Extreme Mustang Makeover in Tenn. (http://extrememustangmakeover.com/easternstampede.php). This wasn’t my first Mustang Makeover, so I knew what to expect. Yet I have to tell you I still came home impressed.

100 days prior to the event, 100 trainers each took home a wild Mustang. Then they came together to showcase the training they had done in that time and to compete for cash prizes. Most importantly, the horses were each up for adoption, so by the time they went to owners, they had solid three month’s work under their girths.

The horses were scored on body condition, which measures the overall health and condition of the animal; an in-hand course, which requires the trainer to demonstrate their ability to handle the Mustang on foot, including moving through an obstacle course, picking up the horse’s feet and loading it into a trailer; and a “horse course,” which requires the trainer to ride the horse through a series of obstacles and complete basic maneuvers, such as walk, trot and lope, stop and back.

The riding and training was good, and the show itself was first rate. But the spirit and enthusiasm really made the event. Everyone cheered for these amazing horses, and the camaraderie among contestants could be felt even up in the stands.

There was also a great sense of celebrating America, with the U.S. Marine Corps Mounted Color Guard riding palomino Mustangs, presenting the flag.

A number of riders did something to indicate they wanted to honor God with their training and performance — either by the choice of song for the freestyle, their comments when interviewed, or the discreet point of a finger toward heaven at the end of their run.

It was an uplifting weekend. If you’re tired of all the negativity on TV, put this Mustang project on your calendar for next year. You’ll be inspired by the horses and their trainers.

If you are anywhere near Heber City, Utah this weekend, you have a chance to attend the last Makeover of the year. (http://www.extrememustangmakeover.com/mountainvalley.php) It will be worth your drive.

And if you’ve even thought about training a Mustang, be sure to check out the 2010 Extreme Mustang events (http://extrememustangmakeover.com/). You could participate as a trainer or adopt a horse trained by one of the best!

P.S. I’ve been working hard at redesigning my website. And, in next week’s blog I’ll announce the launch of a free, daily, inspirational email called, “An Extra Flake” from Inspired by Horses. If you want to get in on the ground floor, you can sign up at http://www.inspiredbyhorses.com/subscribe.