“I am thankful for my struggle because without it I wouldn’t have stumbled across my strength.” – Alex Elle. As Fall is upon us and thanksgiving draws near, we all begin to think about the many blessings we have to be grateful for. Normally that list is full of positives like your health, happiness, success, family and the list goes on, but how often are we thankful for the things that did not go as we planned? In the words of Garth Brooks, “sometimes I thank God for unanswered prayers”.
I have always been a “glass half full” kind of gal but even I have days where the hurdles of life seem to get me down. Those are the moments I try to remind myself, “if it were easy then everyone would do it”. So I challenge you this season to find the joys in your blessings and to be thankful for the hurdles that keep you on the right path.
I am truly thankful for the Florida Beef Industry and the opportunity to serve the Florida Cattlemen and CattleWomen. I am thankful for the people I get to meet along the way and the impact these people have in their communities. Citrus County CattleWomen have revived their association, installed their new officers, and are hitting the ground running by partnering with the Hernando County CattleWomen to host a CattleWomen’s Steak Dinner event & fundraiser.
I am also thankful for the youth of our industry, the future leaders of our organization and Florida agriculture industry. The University of Florida Gator Collegiate CattleWomen, Block N’ Bridle, and Animal Science Ambassadors are the young people you often see running around FCA & FCW events offering to help wherever is needed. These amazing young people have such passion for the industry and want to make an impact. I had the privilege to visit with these students and I challenged our GCCW young ladies to introduce themselves to new people at every event they attend. You never know where a connection could lead you in the future. Intern, Florida Cattlemen and CattleWomen, I challenge you to welcome these young people, take time to visit with them and hear their passion for the beef industry, offer your advice, mentorship and guidance. This industry will be far better than we can ever hope by developing the next generation to lead it forward.
November will be a busy month for FCW, November 11 -14 is the Junior League of Tampa Holiday Market at the Florida State Fair. Stop by the FCW booth and sample some delicious beef recipes, grab some recipe cards, or take a selfie with the Lonesome G Ranch bull.
We will be collecting the Hope Children’s Home Christmas presents at the December Quarterly. If your county would like to sponsor a child or donate money to purchase beef certificates for Hope Children’s Home, please email Debbie@lonesomegranch.com.
FCW will again be participating in National Wreaths Across America Day on Saturday, December 18, 2021. Visit our Facebook page or email FLACattlewomen@gmail.com for more information about volunteering or sponsoring a wreath.
On behalf of the FCW Executive Committee, we would like to wish you and your families a wonderful Thanksgiving season with more blessings than you can count!
