GOD AROUND THE HOUSE
So here we go! I have had an idea for a daily devotional that has haunted me for a long time.
My quest is to write about the daily simple things right in front of me.I think God is always with us.
Most of the time we miss him because we are looking for him in the big stuff.We fail to see him right smack in front of us each and every day. I want to see if I can adjust the lens of your heart so you can see and spot him in your world.
We may ignore ,but we can nowhere evade the presence of God. The world is crowded
with him. He walks everywhere incognito. C.S. Lewis
LATEST ENTRY
I had a lot of pain last night. I have been having a lot of hip and back issues that haunt me
from time to time . I had a pretty good day pain wise but it it was Halloween all night long. I even got up during the night and took the combo of pills that usually work but it did very little to put the fire out. I do not feel like myself this morning and probably should not be at my computer. I do not like pity parties or like being around people who tend to throw them.
This short entry is about my alarm clock . A week or so ago it was just an alarm clock. It is small black
and battery operated. It still does it's job and wakes me and sends me off to work even when the electricity
is off. I think I have shared before in print my family's weird habit of naming things we own and use.
For example , our red ATV is called ,Chuck. You see it is used as I go around the pasture to feed our horses.
Even the sound of it , causes great excitement and nickering as the chuck wagon delivers vittles.
Wisdom comes into our lives from many different ways. Yes we earn a lot from books, movies and even You
Tube. Many lessons come to us through things we learn from other people . The may say things that cause us to look at something with a new perspective. I see myself as one who tries to glean and from time to time pass on and along things that may help others as well as just being too good not to share.
I was talking with a patient that had just had a tumor removed from his kidney. It was benign and
he discussed the discomfort of his surgery and the after effects but was grateful for that and
glad to be alive. I had tapped into one of my previous loops about being frustrated at the alarm
sounding off rousing me from sound sleep . I got up staggered towards it with an attitude.
The patient told me what he had learned recently. He corrected me and said that was not the way I should treat it at all. He went on to say , I should pat it gently after I turned off the alarm button.
He gently scolded me and I should not approach it in that manner. I should not be irratated or angry
but grateful. It was not a rude awakening but was just reminding me of something that I had forgotten.
I was alive and could get up out of that bed and go about my day and on my way. To be honest , I did not do this this morning. My restless night caused be to be ticked off. I am working on putting this new habit in place and I guess I do not have it down pat just yet. By the way, the alarm that sits near by my bed and reminds God has given me another day has been given the name Pat. ;)
Learning sleeps and snores in libraries, but wisdom is everywhere , wide awake on tiptoe.
Josh Billings
Time marks us while we are marking time. Theodore Roethke
This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalms 118 : 24
ENTRY
Less than a week ago ,it was Opening Day for shotgun season in Indiana. My sons who
live close to us were busy that day and our oldest was in Japan. My heart was a little heavy as I set out
for a solo hunt. It was a great morning to hunt and there was little to no wind. I only saw one deer all morning right at first light. I was to dark and too far away to even tell if it was a buck or a doe. I do some of my best praying in the woods and I had plenty of time on my hands because the deer certainly did not distract me.
Shortly after daybreak I was distracted several times over the next 4 hours by the lowing of a cow to
the north. I knew what this was all about. This is the sound of sadness. A cow that recently had a calf
has been separated from her little calf. Perhaps it had been put up in a pen because it is time to wean
the little one. I never heard the sound of the calf making me wonder if it has been sold . I listed to her bawl
and must admit it evoked emotion in my own heart for when the boys lived under our roof and we all went out and hunted together on opening day.
Her persistant lowing caused me to think of a Bible story. The Israelites were in a war against the
Philistines and they were losing. They decided to bring the Ark to the battlefront to give them courage
and hope. This caused the Hebrews to shout so loud it made the ground shake. The Philistines were afraid when they realize the Ark was present.
This was not enough and the Philistines won the battle and captured the Ark. They took it and placed
in their temple in front of their God ,Dagon. The next morning their statue of Dagon had tipped over as if bowing in front of the Ark. They stood it up again and the next morning found it had fell over yet again but this time the head and arms were broken off as it laid prostrate before the Ark.
Sickness and tumors broke out and the people panicked. They sent it off to a nearby town and the same thing happened there affecting old and young alike. They wanted to get rid of it in a hurry. The built a new cart and hitched up two cows that had neved been yoked. Both cows had just had calved and the little ones were penned up. They loaded the cart with gold shaped tumors and gold rats as a token hoping the God of the Hebrews would forgive them. They knew if these new moms would lead the cart away and back it was from God. The cows did not turn to the left or right and took the ark right back to the Israelite
nation. This is not natural or normal and was indeed a miracle. The Bible tells us the new mothers were lowing all the way.
Our nation, a nation that is supposed to be under God is now under attack. We have taken God our of our schools and lives. We thought we need not heed his commands and laws and have put the truck in the
truck in the ditch. Our country is having separation anxiety from God and the cries of despair can be heard thoughout the land and rightly so.
As the deer pants for streams of water , so my soul pants for you , O God.
Psalm 42:1
The slaughter was very great ; Israel lost thirty thousand foot soldiers . The Ark of God was
captured. 1 Samuel 4:11
ENTRY
There is a grave in the field behind our house. It is where my father's horse is sleeping in the ground.
His name was Rusty. My dad bought him from some people who lived near the Ohio River in small
town called Derby. My dad loved the show Bonanza. Rusty was the spitting image of the horse the
that the main character, Ben Cartwright, rode in the hit tv show.
He was a buckskin. to this day it is one of my favorite colors. He was tan in color with a black mane
and tail. He had strands of silver in his black mane and tail. He was a tall horse and was very muscular.
He was a crossbreed. His mother was a Saddlebred named Easter because she was born on Easter
morning. His sire was a full blooded Quarter horse. He had the muscularity of a quarter horse and stood around 16 hands. He had a proud walk and held his heard very high. As you sat upon him, you looked out at the world between his ears like a picture frame.
We had to break him and he was hard headed and stubborn. I did not like him at all at first. In the end it
was well worth it and was the best horses we ever had and to this day my favorite. As dad got older he gave him to me. I brought him to our farm to take care of him but in my heart Rusty was dad's horse.
We were very close and he always looked forward to me coming home from college and would run to greet
and meet me. I had to rub his big ole head before I would go into the house. It was tradition and my dad claimed he could tell the sound of my car long before I came into sight.
I most often rode him bareback and rode him all day and he came into the barnyard with his head held high and a spring in his step as if he was ready for another long excursion. He would slide down a creek bank and swim across the creek and often I would would fall off and show off and grab his tail. It was fun but not fast enough to ski behind.
My wife says to this day Rusty did not like her. She thinks that Rusty was jealous of her. Rusty and me
were tight. Then I bring this pretty gal home from college and spent less time with her him and more and more time with her. I must admit she may be on to something. Rusty would lay his ears back and bare his teeth at Kim. Even though she was not in the pen ,this would cause her to take a few steps back. To this day
sometimes I try to lay my ears back as I shave and I look in the mirror . I would give anything to back her up like that when we have a disagreement without saying a word.
I would take off my tee shirt and put it under his hugh neck. This 1200 pound animal would neck reign with just this gentle pressure . I would run him as fast as he could go and he would turn and stop with the gentle pressure of my shirt. My dad was shocked and surprised the first time he ever saw me do this. I often think of this and his trust and loyality to me. It reminds me that I should be responsive to the gentle nudges of my Master. This fine horse set a fine example that I think of when I am not sure where life is taking me. I just need to trust and obey knowing God knows the way.
Remember I said I did not like him at first? He was difficult to break and had some really bad habits. It took it a lot of time and trouble to get him to come around. My dad taught me that you have to be careful when breaking a horse. You need to teach them good habits and break them of their bad habits, but must be careful to never break their spirit. There is an old saying that the wildest colts make the best horses
and we found this to be true.
When I think back on this , I often think about the apostle Paul. He hated Christians an was an enemy.
Despite this, God did not give up on him and saw great potential to be a powerful force . At first Christians
were very wary of Paul thinking it has to be some kind of trick. Jesus saw something special in him and saw he had raw potential that he could use for good. He would need to tweak him and hone his skills some of which were a little rusty.
Over the years , many who do not believe come around and come to Christ have proven to be some of the most effective spokesman and recruiters in bringing people to closer to him. How exciting to know God
can use you or me if we just follow His lead to a tee.
Habit is habit ,and not to be flung out a windowby any man, but coaxed downstairs
a step at a time. Mark Twain
The wildest colts make the best horses.
Plutarch
When we put bits into the mouth of horses to make them obey us, we can turn
the entire animal. James 3:3
ENTRY
It is fall and here of late I have being doing little around the house chores as we prepare for winter.
I am always filling up the horse troughs and each and every time must try to remember to
unhook the hoses to prevent freezing. I have goofed up in this area a time or two and dodged a bullet as nightly temps have dipped below freezing.
The vehicles must be winterized as well. The boat must be put in storage after it tuned not up but down for a winter rest and sleep. Begrudgingly I go about these tasks . I know what to do but I do not want to
but I have no choice. The beautiful trees that give us beauty, refreshing shade, and relief from the
scorching summer sun lose their leaves and leave us with yet even more work to do.
I am not near as fond of winter as I was in my youth. I loved snowy days which led to no school and sled
riding. Those days are far behind me. Now I must get up very early on rough weather days
and make the call to see if we will still run that day or if we need to stay put and close the office that day.
I must factor in my office staff as well as patients who will get out and about to make their appointments .
The sidewalks at the offoce must be salted to prevent falls.I will need to get out the tractor and grade our steep hill with the grader blade so we can get up and down our drive.
I wanted to be a grown up so I could do whatever I wanted whenever I wanted. That has not worked out
as planned so far. It seems there are not enough hours in the day as need be. Too be honest it, bothers
me because it takes me longer to do things than it used to. Back in my younger days my back did
not hurt like it does these days and the bones do indeed know when a front is moving in .
Nonetheless I praise God that I am still here and thank him for all the days of life he has given me .
My friend you and I have something in common with a calendar... you see our days are numbered too.
I am in the winter season of my own life and I must make adjustments because of this. We need to get our affairs in order and make sure we are right with God .We can get side tracked and forget the most
important thing of all. We must think ahead and be prepared prepare to meet our Maker regardless of our
age.
Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
Psalms 90:12
Winter is not a season ; it is an occupation. Sinclair Lewis
ENTRY
Years ago my oldest son and I drove down to Evansville to look at cars. I had worked that day and had no clue my son wanted to look at every single car on lots scattered across the city. There were lots and lots of lots. We got home around one in the morning and I had to work the next day. He drove home and I snoozed for an hour. I woke up about a mile from our house and rubbed my eyes. As I did so, I saw something white along the road on the right side in the weeds. It was drizzling rain and I asked Josh to stop and back up. I reached down into the weeds and picked up a small little yellow and white kitten. He was cold and wet and easy to find because he was very vocal. We have had him for close to 15 years now. His name is Sushi.
He spends his nights in the garage but is quite the hunter and roams all over our yard and down into the woods as well. He is spoiled and comes running when we tell him we have cookies (treats). He is very picky and loves his treats . When he is successful on a hunt, he will bring his kill into our garage and place it right in front of the door . We literally have to step over his trophy to walk out . The thought of eating one of his
victims has not ever crossed his mind.
One time I was fussing out loud to my wife about yet another kill I will have to pick up and dispose of.
I thought this was odd and funny that he does this. My wife kim asked why I thought that this was so
amused by this and then with great pleasure pointed out to me that I do the exact same thing.
She explained that I go out into the woods after a big buck. I shoot him and then bring it out of the woods.
I drag it into our garage and then knock on the door with great excitement. I make everyone come out into the garage to show off my most recent kill and trophy. I think a spotted yellow and white cat has my tongue . I cannot think of anything to say back to refute that.
What I was not picking up on was the fact that this story is a perfect example how much easier it
is for me to spot other's spots rather than my very own!
Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention
to the plank in your own eye. Matthew 7:3
If cats could talk, they wouldn't. Nan Porter
Kittens are angel with whiskers. Alexis Flora Hope
No matter how much cats fight, there always seem to be plenty of kittens.
Abraham Lincoln
ENTRY
We have a small beautiful lake on our farm. It has been a great source of fishing and fun down through
the years . I pass by it often as I travel over to the horse barn . I feed the critters early the other morning before work and there was a fog hanging over the water. Many colorful leaves were floating upon the surface and it was indeed pretty as a picture. I had time to go back up to the house to get my phone and snap a picture but I did not do so and regret it.
As life often does , memories flow in and out of our minds without order and even our permission.
As I sat here reflecting and pondering this, another memory of our little precious dog" Hans "stirred within my heart and gently surfaced . We had trouble getting pregant and had to wait quite awhile but God came through for us and again for that I raise my hands, and heart to him today. Hans was our firstborn and was a special little dog and had no clue he was a dog and slept in the bed with us his entire life. He is burried on the farm behind our home but he will live forever in our hearts.
Back then, we lived in a house about two miles away. Hans loved to come out to the property and
ride in my old pick up truck just as much. I am a fair weather fisherman at best. I can talk the fish are not concerned or probably even aware I am there.
One evening, I walked along the bank casting artificial bait. I came around the boat and was crossing the dam. Hans decided to get a drink. As he did so little circles ripples went out as his little pink tongue lapped up the cool, clear water. I noticed a large dark object crise up a few feet from him . This was a nice bass intent on having a quick snack of this little pink bug or so he thought struggling near the bank.
Without thinking I threw my plug between them and twitched the line to make it look like it was injured.
The bass nailed it and I pulled in the 4 1/2 pouder and gave Hans the assist. I let the bass go but I go back to that day often wondering which of the two would have been more startled . I regret my interference
and wished I had just observed. I would bet Hans would be hesitant to even drink from his water bowl and the bas would pass on little pink bugs from that day on.
Many men go fishing all their lives without knowing that is not fish they are after.
Henry David Thoreau
Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you....
Psalm 55:22
Some go to church and think about fishing ,others go fishing and think about God.
Tony Blake
ENTRY
As we head into fall, there is less daylight each and every day. It takes a lot of work to keep
things going on a farm. The horses are a labor of love but take a lot of time as well. I spent several hours this past week fixing fence . I do not like to think about it or much less want to admit it , but my energy
is also waning with each passing years. I would like to think I can still hold my own but it takes more effort and time to do the same task as aopposed to years ago. Me and the old gray mare have
a lot in common!
So last week , I was delayed at the office and again ran out of daylight. I was feding 4 hungry
horses on the east side of the barn. It was pitch black and as I walked out of the barn a bright light shined down on me and the entire area! No it was not an alien encounter .Nor was it a Saul
expericience.
It did not startle me at all in fact I smiled and said my mind and my heart said thank you Jarah
without audible words. This was solar light that our youngest had put up there a few years back.
We had a very sunny day and the light was fully charged and helped me see what I was doing
and made the tasks much easier and go much faster.
Had I known his intentions, I probably would have said no. He had to climb very high up on the side of the barn to place it above the barn door. It was late and I thought that most likely he was already in bed at that hour. Still even thought he was not here and present this present that did did for me was
actively at work.
I think many times the things we do and say may help others in this same way. I live with the hope that maybe my feeble ministry efforts through books and stories could be at work when I am not awake
or even perhaps even alive.
Jarah's efforts also reminded me to send a pray upward thanking God for giving me another day and
for watching over me and my family. I also thanked him for my eyes that allow me to see or the
solar light or even the light of day would not help.
I also thanked him for the Bible that allows us to see through His eyes . It helps us to continue to have hope in a crazy world where darkness seems to be gaining ground. If you are having trouble finding
your way, open your Bible and ask God to see him in the dark and by the light of day. May His face
shine down upon us as in Him alone we trust.
Ears that hear and eyes that see - the Lord has made them both.
Proverbs 20:12
Immediatly, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes , and he could see again. He got up
and was baptised. Acts 9:18
There is always light. If only we're brave enough to see it. If only we're brave enough to be it.
Amanda Gorman
ENTRY
It is bow season and I have yet to be in the woods . I have been looking at several trail cam pictures
fellow hunters have shared with me. It has started to get those juices flowing down within me
as gun season is not far off.
I love bow hunting and it actually prefer it. The deer are relaxed and tend to follow their usual
habits. By noon on opening day of gun season all bets are off and all of the shooting lets them
know that something is up.
I spoke a few weeks ago on a Friday night as a guest speaker. I was invited by a friend of mine and we all gathered around a big bonfire. I shared with the younger dads that one of my biggest regrets was spending way too much time in the woods especially deer season when our sons were young. I shared with them how fast their kids will grow and leave the nest in know time. Yes, I was told the same and had not clue how true this would and it took awhile for those arrows of truth to hit home.
I am not sure what this season will bring. Last year was not a good one! I was having terrible shooting pains from sciata down my left leg. I was not able to walk near as far as I would like too. I caught myself hunting in stands closer to the house when some of the best and my favorites were a long way off.
One cold morning ,I decided to use our yougest sons stand which he claims as his own. It is where Jarah always goes and where he got his first buck. It was well before daylight and had been awhile since I had ventured into the woods and you would be surprised how easy it is to lose your bearings in the dark. I shined my flashlight down into the valley and saw several small things shining close by and in the distance. It was not the eyes of a lion, tiger or bear.. oh my!
I had forgotten that years ago, I had lined the trial from the edge of the field to his stand with reflective
tacks in the tree leading him where he needed to go. I smiled as I walked with ease and confidence as
headed in. This lighted path was a great help. Soon I was at the base of the tree. There on the tree at eye level was a group of the reflective white tacks in the shape of a cross. I remember telling my young son that he had nothing to fear even in the darkness and there was no need to be afraid because Jesus was right there with him .
My leg was hurting and I was not looking forward to the climb up the steps. I knew it was gonna be a little rough but my reward was waiting above. I hope this metaphor helps you . I soon would be suspended
between heaven and earth and many and most times feel closer to God in a deer stand than any building I have ever been in.
As I reflected on this , I was amazed how my own words and teachings returned to help me. I know that all of us will go through dark periods as life goes on and we will beat times feel bewildered and feel lost. We just need to believe that Jesus is with us. We need to keep keep our eyes on the cross to lead us home and to things that are far beyond and more wonderful than anything this world can offer!
For our present troubles are quite small and wont last long. Yet they produce for us an immeasurably great glory that will last forever. 2 Corinthians 4:17
To lead an unexamined life means to rush from task to busy tasks , but not call enough time-outs to reflect
on life's larger meaning and purpose. Patrick Morley
There are times when we stop, we sit still. We listen and breezes from a whole other world
begin to whisper. James Carroll
ENTRY
My favorite season is summer but fall for me is a close second. I enjoy hunting but the show of the leaves in Southern Indiana is indeed a sight to behold. If I would move from here I would long to go back home when I heard the leaves were in their glory.
It is a challenge to know how to dress this time of year. The other morning it was 46 degrees and today we will be in the mid 70's. You need to have a tee shirt handy as well as a hoody and may need and use both before the day is over.
I love these kind of fall days. I have always called them October Flannel Shirt days. You start off working in the morning with a tee shirt and a flannel shirt. Around 10 ,I take off the flannel shirt and throw it over the horse fence. I work until about 3 in the afternoon and start getting goose bumps on my goose bumps. I look around wondering where I left my shirt and if ginkgo tablets really help your memory.The air is clean , crisp , and cool and goes to the very bottom of your lungs . As our warm breath leave our body we see it. I believe it reminds all of us who do believe just how blessed we are to be given another day of life. We should then
use our very breath to thanks God for each and every one.
I will praise the Lord as long as I live. I will sing praises to my God even with my dying breath.
Psalm 146:2
Autumn is a second spring where every leaf is a flower.
Albert Camus
ENTRY
I have told stories before about the flowers in and around our house. I have shared how it takes
to do this chore. I often whisper a little prayer of thanks upward when we have a rain and I get to take
the evening off.
I do not like to admit this, but I often forget that some rains don't reach. The flowers that
enjoy the shade on our porches are deprived of the gentle rains that they need as well. Often
when I do remember to water the porchies , I think about parenting. I know and can think of several
situations where well meaning overly protective parents deprive their kids from learning valuable
skills that they will need long after the parents are no longer here to hover over them.
One day I was on our raised porch on the back of our home. I needed to water 2 hanging baskets
and 2 potted plants that sit right below the potted plants on both sides of the porch. The hanging
plants do not have as much soil so I usually water them first and give them just a bit more.
I watered one of these hanging plants, I headed to the other side of the porch but suddenly stopped.
I heard the sound of water dripping and tried to process this without turning around.
I looked back to see that the plant was running over and sharing it with the flowers below and
under them.I smiled because this was a good example and reminder to all of us to share the blessings
that we have been given with others.
He who betows his goods upon the poor, shall have as much again, and
ten times more. John Bunyan
A good measure , pressed down and , shaken togeher and running over , will be poured unto your lap.
For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Luke 6:36
ENTRY
I usually get up around five in the morning. The first chore of the morning is to let the dogs out.
As the microwave warms my cup of tea, I stand out on the deck and watch the dogs . I put a lighted plastic collor on each of them. Skyler has a pink one and our three legged dog Buster's is blue. It is easy to see where they are in the early morning darkness. This morning both took care of their business rather fast . Some mornings it takes a lot of searching to find the perfect spot to go. It seems the more pressed for time that I am the greater chance there is of that very situation.
It is October now and the morning air is quite cool and you can see your breath most mornings. I am
trying to wake up and figure out who I am . When I see my breath , I often say a little thank you to God for my breath and another day of life.
As I watched the dogs , my eyes were on the skies. I looked at several constellations high in the sky.
I thought of how my dad had taught me how to spot them. Since fall is upon us , several are now present
that are not present during the summer months.
The Bible mentions a few of these. I think how God has placed them for not only to admire but to help us find our way and discover new lands. Sure we came up with instruments later on, but he put them up there far in advance waiting on our wits to sharpen.
As I stand on the deck, I stand in awe. These very stars I look upon will be still be here after my time on this earth is gone. All of the characters we read about in the Bible looked up and saw these very same stars. They looked down and saw Jesus, Moses, King David as well as all the others.
They could bear first hand witness for the stories we only read about. This applies to not only the Bible but all stories down through history. They continue bear witness to God and in turn bring him glory . It serves as a shining example for us all to look up to.
I have not been to the Holy Land. I would love to see the places where Jesus lived and to look upon the things with my eyes the things his eyes have seen.What the heck, right on my back deck, I can do just that.
You see, it will aways be a type of Holy land as well for me.
Be glad of life because it gives you the chance to love and to work and to play and to look up
at the stars. Henry Van Dyke
The common tasks are beautiful if we have eyes to see their shining ministry.
Grace Noll Crowell
ENTRY
We have many flowers around our house. It takes quite a while to water them all. It seems
to me that many ideas and thoughts that I will write about later will come to me when I am doing this simple chore. It is very cool this morning and soon our first frost will arrive. It is kinda sad because I will miss doing this.
Since it has not been as hot here of late ,I have not had to do this as often. I was disappointed in myself as
I walked behind our house the other day. We have a trellis on both sides of our home. I plant different colors of morning glories and they climb up and onto a railed porch.The ones on the north side are not exposed to the sun near as much as those on the south side. The ones on the south side looked puny and were in need of a drink and refreshment bad.
This can serve as an example to all of us. Often the playing field in life is not level. We may work at the same job and have equal pay but one may have a loving and supporting spouse and another is raising his or her kids alone. Maybe both families have the same number of kids but one family has a child with medical issues
or special needs. Maybe your family is close and supportive and your neighbors have dysfunction in theirs.
I seen Satan uses this to cause great distress for people because he makes them feel like there is something wrong with them. They beat them selves up and and Satan adds more woes to cause more pain from the blows.
These flowers cannot get up and move to the other side of the house. They have to depend on the one who planted them and placed them there. Even if they could move across the street or across the county, they would still need someone to care for them. In this way they have this in common with us.There is something you can do right now that will not only to level the playing field but tip it largely in your favor. Call on God an ask him to help you . I want to share something that I have found in my own life. When we give up and throw our hands up, that is when God shows up.
Take heart knowing God has placed you right where your are. Maybe you are the one that is feeling high and dry and are in need of help. Maybe God is causing you to look across the road or street and wonder what you can do to help lend a hand to your neighbor. Perhaps you have been planted there for such a time such as this.
We take excellent care of our bodies, which we have only for a lifetime; yet we let our souls shrivel
which we have for eternity. Billy Graham
A generous man will prosper; that he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.
Proverbs 11:25
ENTRY
Upstairs in our master bedroom ,there is an eclectic display on the wall. I have bragged on my wife's
ability to decorate in the past .Her skills have made our home look both comfortable and inviting. On the wall are two different pieces of metal both the same size. They have been sprayed black and even though they are the same size the patterns on them are a little different.They are the top and bottom grates on a register that came from the house where I grew up.
My faimily would be surprised to know how many times I sit and stare at them. They take me back to my
childhood home . My brother and I slept upstairs in twin beds. The living room was right below us. I would get up from my bed and sneak over to the register and through those grates was a great way to watch tv after I was suppose to be sleeping. I knew which boards in the hardwod floor creaked and the ones that did not. Despite my best stealth , my dad more times than not would yell at me and tell me to get back in the bed.
It was not until I was an adult that my mom spilled the beans. She told me where and how I messed up and alerted my dad that I was up there. To see the tv , I had to use gently push a lever that caused the grates to slant to best view the television. In these old homes this allow heat from the stove below to rise up and into upstairs rooms. The vent was usually wide open to allow best air flow. So when I adjusted the register , it never registerd that small little particles of dust would fall like snow and trickel down below. That is how my dad knew ! Dust particles would trickle down and fall like snow in a direct line of sight between my dad's recliner television. So see it is my mom's fault! If she would have only cleaned that area a little
better. Knowing my dad, I would bet a shiny nickle he probably told mom not to touch it so he would know when I did.
I cherish these memories. Sometimes as I am getting ready for work, I have more serious thoughts.
I am fearful because many people I know and are fond of ,are on their way to hell . They do not care
about God, faith, and heaven. They are unaware and are not concerned of what is in store for them because they do not know Jesus as both Lord and Savior .When we surrender and give our life to God our names are registered in the Lamb's book of life. I cannot think of anything you are doing today that is more pressing or important than doing this. I do not are who you are. If you have never done this , I pray maybe the slant on my story will help you see how trully important this is ,and will eternally register with you.
Dust you are and to dust you shall return.
Genesis 3:19
I will never blot out his name from the Book of Life, but will acknowledge his name before
my Father and his angels. Revelation 3:5
I hate housework. You make the beds, you wash the dishes and six months later you
have to start all over again. Joan Rivers
ENTRY
We have a very old small barn on our barn. It was there when we bought the property years ago.
It has a lean to on the east side where I store our old tractor. The horses can go in and out any time
they wish . They mainly use it as a shelter not against rain and wind, but most often to escape pesky summer flies.
My wife's granpa , Pete Markul, worked for a electric company for many years up north. Years ago, we did not have electricity on the property. He ran a bunch of wires up to to a bright lamp in the barn. He ran the wires to a special plug and put another on my old Ford truck engine. I could pull up close to the barn and
plug it in and have lights using the truck engine as a generator. This was a hugh help when I was treating a sick or injured horse. He would be surprised to know that my favorite horse is named in his honor, Feather Markul.
Years later , we had a newer tan pole barn built up on the hill. It had a living quarters as well.
We spent many hours there before we were able to build a home on the farm. We made many memories in the cabin that I will always cherish. We often joke that if our rowdy boys are ever asked if they grew up in a barn , they can say we sure did!It was in that very room where I first started to study God's word and began to get serious about my faith. It was there where I first flirted with the idea of possibly writing a book .
I look back on those days with great fondness.
I had to stop writing this story and it has been almost 24 hours since I had to stop. I find it ironic but
it seems I need yet another barn! There were horse out in our front yard ! They had been there quite awhile but darkness consealed their presence. I said a prayer asking God to help me get them in easily and without mishap and I am greatful for that. It did take several hours to repair the fence.
Our barns and even others I see as I travel often make me think of a wonderful Bible story . A man was
so rich that he did not have enough room to store all his stuff. He thought he would just tear down his barns and build bigger ones and just kick back and take it easy. In this parable told by Jesus ,this man is rich in earthly wealth but has a poor relationship with God. He is unaware that very night will lose not only all he has but his very life. This should be a warning as well as a reminder to all of us as to not let money cause us to lose focus of what is most important. It is ok to have money as long as it don't have you.
Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not to have a rich relationship with God.
Luke 12:21
Time goes , you say? Ah ,no! Alas, Time stays ,we go.
Austin Dobson
It's no use closing the barn door after the horse is gone.
John Heywood
ENTRY
I was over at our horse barn feeding the horses. As I was trying to fill up the feeder bucket,
the horse in its eagerness bumped my hand and spilled a great portion of it upon the ground. I was a little perturbed at her ,but then wondered if perhaps this could be by grand design.
A few night ago I was very tired after a long day. It was late. I was so tired and thought about waiting
till morning. It took a while but I finally got up enough to go over to the barn when all I wanted to do was head for my bed. Of course I was in a hurry and that always leads to mistakes. In my haste , I made
much waste as I spilled a lot of feed upon the ground as I raised up one of the 50 pound bags of feed.
There was enough there that I could have filled two or three scoops. I actually planned scoop it up for the horses. I wondered again if God had something else in mind. I felt in my heart he was behind this, and
it was to be left behind.
I do know this that something always comes up and cleans this spilled food. I do not know if it a deer ,
rabbit, or even a coon. All I know is that some one of God's creatures has figured out that a snack can be found here from time to time.
This makes me think of the Bible story about Boaz. This wealthy man told his men to not to glean the fields perfectly. He wanted them to leave some behind for a young girl named Ruth who went out into the fields each day to provide for her and her mother in law, Naomi. I suggest you read the Bible story found in the Book of Ruth. Things turned out pretty good for him .
Be it a little larger tip at a restaurant, or dishing out a few bucks to someone we know who is having
hard time greatly pleases God. Maybe the stray kitten who shows up on your doorstep was sent to see if you can spare a little saucer of milk. I know you are afraid if you feed it it will come back. That could very well happen but I think other wonderful things may come your way because of your kindness and compassion. I think that when we do this , God opens up his hand even wider on our behalf.I have found you cannot outgive Him, believe me I have tried.
When you harvest your crops, do not harvest the grain along the edges of your field,
and do not pick up what the harvesters drop.It is the same with your grape fields,- do not strip
every last bunch of grapes from the vines, and do not pick up the grapes that fall to the ground.
Leave them for the poor and the foreigners who live among you, for I, the Lord , am your God.
Leviticus 19:9-10
ENTRY
We have a curved walkway leadind from our sun room out to the garage. It is glassed in on both sides and has flowers on both sides. Often when we have guests they will comment on this as they pass through this area of our home.
We keep our shoes lined up in this area. It takes away from the wow factor but it is functional. There are not near as many shoes there as when our sons lived here. They always grumbled because the rule was left on left , right on right ,and both toes touching the wall. Our oldest son went to OCS in Rhode Island and these young navel recrits were told to leave their shoes in the hallway with specfic instructions. You guessed it.
At one time I was the big man on this campus. I do not have a picture of this, but remember all our boots lined up largest to small. My size 13's were top dog . My dad teased me as a youth saying that if my feet grew any larger, I would have to back up to a door to knock on it.
He would be amused to see that if we would line them up now, my feet would be the smallest of all the guys. We have a size 14, 15, and a size 16. My dad passed away many years ago and only got to meet our oldest and boy were they tight. My dad wore a size 10. I try to keep his memory alive and tell my boys stories and lessons that he passed on and along to me. I use these nuggets of truth each and every day and I often share these with patients . I am so blessed to have such a great dad. I hope that I can measure up as a father. I have big shoes to fill indeed.
What a father says to his children is not heard by the world ; but it will
be heard by posterity. Jean Paul Richter
If you want your children to keep their feet on the ground , put some
responsibility on their shoulders. Abigail Van Buren
A lie can be half-way round the world before the truth has got its boots on.
James Callaghan
ENTRY
Years ago I bought a big white dually . I was and so far the only new vehicle I have ever owned.
I paid close to 40 k for the truck 20 years ago. That same model of F350 runs about 95k now!
Our family likes to name our cars and trucks and I really am not sure why. I called this big white truck
BIG VIC mainly because we have victory in Jesus. It served me well and told me down many roads
and miles. As a lay speaker it has heard many prayers said out loud before I would enter churches as
a guest speaker.
My favorite picture of me with our three boys is on a shelf in my office at home. My wife kim took the picture. I am in the drivers seat with the 3 boys looking at the camera from the seat behind me.
I would not have sold that truck to anybody but I wound up giving it to our youngest son years later.
We gave it to him on his 16th birthday. I wote a short poem on a big circular piece of cardboard.
It said:
Roses are red and violets are blue
Now the dually belongs to you!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
As I red and studied this morning I went back in time and replayed this memory as I read about
God told Moses in regard to his name. God told Moses his name was I AM. God told him to go and ask his people to be set free. When they ask who sent you tell them I AM has sent you. We see from scripture God has many names . Because of that story the plate on that big white truck was IAM4AM.
Looking back I would bet that many people tried to figure out what on earth that stood for. Many would ask me in a parking lot as I parked and it gave me a chance to do a little witness for Christ because of that big truck.
Once in a while I would get behind a car whose plate was 3RD DAY. I liked to be reminded of that especially when I was having a rough day. When things are not going well and all hell is breaking out, Jesus
broke out of the tomb on the third day and broke death grasp on us . That should give us hope and joy to know that no matter what is on our plate today , it is all going to be ok. We need to keep our eyes on Jesus
who has paved our way home with his own blood.
God replied ," I AM THE ONE WHO ALWAYS IS. Just tell them , I AM has sent me to you."
Exodus 3:14
ENTRY
In the southwest corner of our yard is a large tree. This is the direction one would
need to travel to get to the place where I grew up. As a crow flies it would be 25 miles away.
It is a sweetgum tree . I planted it there because there was a sweetgum tree in my parents yard
off to the side and behind my parents home. While mowing I often look at the tree in our yard
and my mind takes me back in time .I think of the large tree in my parents yard and the back
story behind it.
I was young and was in my physical prime. I had my shirt off and had just finished lifting weights in my parents basement. My dad had just come home from work and called down for me to come up.
He said he had a chore for me and we hopped in the truck and traveled a few miles down the road .
Dad had spied a small sapling along the road and wanted it for the yard. We dug it up with I would guess a dirt ball around its roots close to 300 pounds. Maybe I was showing off or maybe I just wanted to see if
could lift it alone. I did so but it was not easy. I waddled thru the weeds and a small ditch and put it on the tailgate huffing and puffing. He seemed pleased and impressed but his was going agaist the grain from
his teachings. Through him, I had been taught a wise man knows to try use his mind more and his back less.
Over the years I watched that tree grow into a tall and mighty specimen. I glanced at it many times as I
was visiting my parents. My back is not near as strong as it used to be but no man on this planet could move or lift that tree now. It's roots are firm and it is set in it's ways.
I write children's books as well. I often think how we must try to bend the lives and minds of this precious children towards Christ Jesus while we can. Studies have shown that the chances of them accepting him as their Lord and Savior go down with each passing year. The time to teach them and to reach them is now.
The soil in return for her service keeps the tree tied to her, the sky asks nothing and leaves it free.
Rabindranath Tagore
ENTRY
Our kitchen is to the left side of our house as you come up the hill. As you step out onto a covered porch with a few flower pots. Off to the right is a lime green swing which was a must have as we built our home.
I blush as I write these words because I do not have enough sense to sit out there and reast and relax as
planned . Sometimes I do sit there for a few minutes before supper. I look out and see a piece of paper in the landscape or a tuft of grass we missed by the sidewalk while weedeating. So instead of resting, praying , and relaxing , it turns into another work session.
Near the swing is a large triangular shaped piece of metal. Hanging from it is another hollow tube.These
items are banged or clanged together when it is time to call us up to the house and for supper. We hardly ever use them but it looks cool and it is how cook let the cowboys knew that supper was ready.
Our youngest son came out the other evening and wanted to tag aong with me as I went out to "feed the ponies ". I was eager to show him something I had been doing to call some babies up to the fence instead of going out into the field to find them. I did my dad's whistle and then banged the scooper between the bars on the metal red gate. They equated this hillbilly dinner bell with the promise of of vittles In no time flat , these youngsters came flat out running as hard as they could go. I heard the mixture of thundering hoofs and Jarah's belly laugh.
The little church I grew up has someone pull on a rope and ring the bell right before church starts. It lets the
sleepy little town know people are being fed up on the hill. Not many go to church these days down there
these days or anywhere for that matter. It is certainly not a laughing matter.
A good example is like a bell that calls many to church.
Danish proverb
Time has no divisions to mark its passage; there is never a thunderstorm to announce the beginning of a new year. It is only we mortals who ring bells and fire off pistols.
Thomas Mann
ENTRY
When a doc or nurse asks me about allergies of any kind, I always tell them poison ivy. I also add that
my lips will probably break out because I said it.I have had giant bubbles between my fingers so big I have
trouble making a fist. When I do close them, the bubbles would erupt and of course would spread to other places.
Often in the office , I have to help patients try to find and figure out what they used or were around that
caused an allergic reaction on around their eyes. Sometimes it is a new pet, change of shampoo, or a new
contact lens solution. I have honed this area of questioning and have flushed a lot of rabbits out and into the open over the years.
About a year or so I have a personal situation that stumped me. There was something in my life that would
cause my lip to swell up .It would first start to tingle and within 10-15 minutes . I first thought it was a gel
on my son's head because I always kiss him on the head. When it puffed up when he was not around, he was
taken off the suspect list. I blamed my wife , the dog, a son's girlfriend and could not figure this out to save
my life. My family and staff at worked showed no mercy and found it amusing especially when it caused
difficulty speaking and would playfully mock me.
I always tell patients I learned in school our bodies never have an allergic reaction when it first is exposed .
The next time is when the body has decided this is not welcome is when it blows up in some way or another.
I went down one Saturday afternoon to see Helen Keller's homeplace in Tuscambia Alabama. I drove up on Sunday morning to find it was closed . I was disappointed but decided to go home through Columbia Tn.
and visit James Polk's home.
It was late Sunday evening and I was tired. I dreaded the Nashville traffic. I read years ago chewing gum helps
with mental capacity especially when we are fatigued. Knowing this, I reached down and popped a piece of Juicy Fruit chewing gum in my mouth as I neared the city. I have a habit of running my hand though my hair
when I am stressed out. I had done this more than once in anticipation and dread of big city traffic. I felt my
lip start to tingle and in no time my upper lip was hugh.
I had bought a hair gel in florida at a grocery store. I help my hair in place better than anything I had ever
used. I knew I had found the problem. I had this on my fingers as I popped the gum in my mouth with my left
hand which is my usual go to when I run my hands through my hair. I never used this any more and my lips
have not been quite but have been quite normal.
Imagine you were sitting in a little country church right now and you see a stranger come in. We might turn our head out of curosity and maybe even flash them a smile or nod to make them feel welcome.We do not know anything about them . I do know one thing indeed , they have never hurt you or someone your love. In short , no prior history!
Now imagine the same setting and we turn to see our least favoite person on planet earth. I know you know who I am talking about even thought I do not. I know one thing, their had been prior history beteen the two of you and their presence has made you feel funny and uncomfortable. That person or persons that have that
done this to you, you need to try to forgive them. Even though we thought we had , this shows we were wrong.
Yes, I have people too I do not care for and would like to never be near or around but that is often not possible.
When a deep injury is done us, we never recover until we forgive.
Alan Paton
Face your deficiencies and acknowledge them;but do not let them master you. Let them teach you
patience ,sweetness, insight. Helen Keller
A warm smile is the universal language of kindness.
William Arthur Ward
ENTRY
In front of me and on my desk, I have a very special book. I look forward to reading it in the near future.
Our youngest son ,Jarah, and his wife ,Kirby, gave it to me on a Saturday afternoon not long ago.
It was about 3 days after my birthday and they told me it was a belated birthday gift. It is called FAMOUS
HORSE STORIES. I kidded and asked they how on earth did they know that I love horses.
Jarah said told me that I should look inside . He said the author had signed it for me. I had my doubts because
it has been around for awhile and was publihed in 1949. As I opened it to the front, I did not see
an inscription but a sonogram! This picture of a baby inside this book told me a baby was growing inside
our beautiful and wonderful daughter in law.
I am not sure how I held it together' but I did. I told them I can't believe you was able to get this signed for me.
I handed the book to Jarah who passed on and over to my wife , Kim. She opened the book and then
became unglued. She cried like a baby and melted as she saw a picture of a baby. She saw her first grandchild for the first time. Tears and hugs all around as our hearts were joyous with this news.
I plan to read this book soon .I have been known to loan books out or even to give them away. This book
is too special and will always have a special place in my library and my heart.
Grandchildren are God's way of compensating us for growing old.
Mary H. Waldrip
ENTRY
It is ironic but as I was writing the story below, my wife fell as she was out in the yard with the dogs.She was not hurt bad but fell on her right arm. She came in and sit in my big leather chair and told me her story as
I was telling mine.
Turns out that she had turned the dogs out in the back yard for a potty break. One dog obeyed the rules ,did his thing and came back up and on the deck. The one one is usually the most responsible decided to go for a
stroll way down behind the house and close to the horse pasture. Kim had walked out there to keep her , Skyler,
away and alive. As Kim walked across the yard, she was tripped up by a large piece of barb wire some idiot
had left in the yard.That idiot would be me!
She was not mad and I was able to keep her from calling a lawyer. I felt so thankful she was not hurt but felt bad because it was indeed my fault. In my defence, I do not have a leg to stand on...either. I had repaired a
section of fence the day before. I picked up all my tools and headed back to the house. It was not procrastination but I planned to take this over to the barn on my next run .
As I thought about what to do with this, I pondered throwing it in the pond. I imagined someday someone getting snagged and held in the water by their clothing or worse yet their skin. I did not forsee Kim going
down to that remote spot as even a remote possibility. It goes to show that we all need to think about the o loose ends during any project for that matter. We need to think about those who will will come up behind us .
There are some wonderful moms and dads out there that would do anything and everything for their kids.
They do not have faith and are not raising them in Christ or the church. It concerns me greatly that these parents do not realize how much their family including their kids are in danger of hell after this life is over.
Much sorrow and pain will be caused because of what they did not put in place and leave behind . They were doing this that and the other thing and forgot to give the most important of all lessons. They need need to make sure that their legacy is about following Jesus and making him their Lord and Savior.The Word will protect them from the world and all the evil it offers. They will see things that the others do not see or even know to look for.
We never know the love of a parent until we become parents ourselves.
Henry Ward Beecher
ENTRY
A few days ago, I was trimming some low limbs off a clump or river birches in our front yard. It has
become more difficult here of late to mow around them. I did not want to take away from the look of the tree
but still need to take away a few limbs. As I snipped and clipped, I wondered if there was something that I
could take away and use in an upcoming story, sermon , or blog.
I clipped a larger limb that had spit off into two limbs. I did not want to cut it but it was way two low and
went too far out into the yard. I did not notice it at first . When I began to gather them up, I saw that a small
nest was in the fork. The family that had been raised there was long gone . I looked up the hill at our home
and felt a twinge in my heart as my wife and I are now empty nesters.
I picked up the nest and held it in my hand. It looked like any other nest but it had a lot of white in it. Upon
closer inspection , I realized they were long white hairs. They were horse hairs either from a mane or tail.
I smiled because our only white mare has had a baby of her very own this summer. Her name is Wish.
When I curry the horses they seem to enjoy it. In the spring , large clumps of hair fall to the ground. If the
wind is blowing often the hairs will cling to your clothes or get in your mouth. Every time I do this I marvel at
God keeps the horses warm as winter comes. Then in the spring , the birds use the strands to make their nests.
Our barb wire fences have many stands of hair all over the farm as the fence steals a few hairs from their
tails as they swat at pestering flies. I can sometimes tell who the donor was by the color of the strands
swaying in the breeze.
So what can we take away from this story? I have learned that everything God does has a purpose and
a plan. I like you forget this sometimes ... most of the time to be more exact. Maybe you lost or misplaced something recently like the awesome hoodie I bought in Lake Tahoe last year and left behind at the airport.
Maybe God let me use it for a few days. He needed me to position right where the one he had in mind
could find it . As I study His word and , I am in awe of his ways. I wish I could tell Wish this story and how
her loss helped another. I also wish I could see the person who is wearing that awesome hoodie.
Have you given the horse its strength or clothed its neck with a flowing mane?
Job 39:19
Troubles are often the tools by which God fashions us for better things.
Henry Ward Beecher
ENTRY
It is Saturday. I was off today but a patient who had been working on a home project got
something in his eye. I came in removed it and patched him up literaly. The foreign body had got up in his eye and under the lid. About 1/8 of his cornea was missing, and he had a pain of 9 on a 10 scale.He is going to be fine but there is a good chance I will need to come in tomorrow depending on how things go. Notice I did not say we will play this by ear. We will play it by eye.
When I was first learning to ride , my dad always stessed how important it was t make sure there wer no
burs or any thing underneath the saddle blanket. He preached that when the riders seat hit the seat in the saddle that is when the rodeo will start!
This patient favors his left eye and it is the one I just put a patch on. I warned him to be careful because
his depth perception will be reduced even more so with the best eye out of the line up.I also warned him
will pick on him and tell him every pirate joke they have ever heard.
When I see him again, he will tell me something I hear every single time when one has to do life with a single
eye. He will have a much greater appreciation for having two eyes than ever before. His short affliction will
make him more understanding for those who must do life like this for the rest of their lives.
I told him that years ago one of my favorite horses ,Rusty, had injured his eye. The poor guy coud not hold it
open and it watered profusely. I doctored up the big guy's eye and used similar human meds I used on my patient this morning. I used seveal red shop rags to patch his eye and used several rounds of gray duct tape spands around his hugh jaw.His eye healed as well but my 1200 pound patient did not make this easy .
Our wonderful farm neighbors has taken a walk through our woods on a beautiful October afternoon. Rusty
and the other horses came up to the red gate overlooking the field. They saw Rusty's occluded eye and concluded this must be how I practiced doing this. Rusty knew the full story and did not say a word.
I shut my eyes in order to see.
Paul Gauguin
An animal's eyes have the power to speak a great language.
Martin Buber
ENTRY
When I was growing up, we only had a well in our yard. We did not have a spigot and a hose to clean our cars
or water the flowers. This well water was deep and clear and cool .It was the best water I have ever had.
It took quite a while and to be honest I am not there yet, acquiring a taste for what us country folk
distastefully referred to as' city water.'
I spoke about this in the small church in bristow several years ago. I told how King David longed for a drink
from a certain well. Three of his finest men risked their lives and fought their way to that well and brought
it back to him. The king was touched by their kindness and devotion. He did did not drink it put poured
out upon the ground.
A lady who heard me speak that day still had a well. She brought some to the small little church and they kept
in the fridge until I could get back down and down it. I was with my youngest son and shared it with him.
Jarah was amazed how it was so different than what he knew as the taste of water. It was a special moment for me and him. I will always remember her act of thoughtfulness . The water passed over my lips and and is lone gone . It left a good taste in my mouth and her act of kindness shall remain well into the years.
The common tasks are beautiful if we have eyes to see their shining ministry.
Grace Noll Crowell
ENTRY
Last week I went around to the various water tanks. I needed to make sure they all were topped
off . Most people do not realize how much water a horse can down in one day. Because of this, I often stand
amazed of the water drop in 24 hours during times of high heat.
I pulled up the lever and looked at the tank about 100 feet away and slighty down the hill from me. I
counted in my head knowing I will see turbulence in the water in about 8 seconds. I did not see anything and
thought the hose must have feel out of the tank. Sometimes a young horse will play and pull the hoseoff and away. The were two youngsters in this field so they were on the list of suspects.
I walked down the hill and found that was not the case. There has to be a kink in the hose somewhere along the way. I checked the entire span and was trying to figure out this mystery. I went back
to the sourse. Two hoses split off from that same point. I had forgot that when I last used it I had switched hoses and a tank to the south that was full was running over and then some.
Everytime I fill either tank , I am always reminded of a bible story. An angel would from time to time
stir the waters and the first to enter were healed of their infirmity. It was called the pool of Bethesda
and we are told large crowds of sick people gathered there. A man who had been sick for 38 years was there.
Jesus walked up to him and asked if he would like to be well. The sick man explained he had no one to help
him .W hen the water was stirred up, someone always get in before him. Jesus told him to pick up his mat
and he was healed instantly.
This really caused a stir among the religious leaders. They got bent out of shape because Jesus healed him on
on the Sabbath . They pointed out the man was sinning by carrying his mat as he walked away. Seems like
they should have been happy that a man who was down and out was now up on his feet and on his way.
They were as confused as I was about trying to figure out why the hose was not working. Blessings were indeed being poured out and needs were being met but not in the way I thought it should be. When we are
connected toJesus and have him as our source, life is indeed full of surprises.
Crowds of sick people -blind, lame ,or paralysed lay on the porches.
John 5:3
ENTRY
Since my youth, I have always been fond of the color orange. I think that is another reason I enjoy
looking at the trumpet vines. Often as I trim them, I think of a heated discussion I had with an elderly patient
a few years ago. He was very well versed in his bible and knew scripture well. He belongs to a church where
they do not allow musical instruments in worship and feel this is indeed wrong.I have preached a time or two
in this type of church and I have often wondered what they feel this is so off limits.
I told him that many musical instruments are listed as being used as praise . We all know as a youth David
would play a harp when a tormenting spirit would come upon Saul. Several times prophets would listen to waited upon the Lord's spirit for guidance and direction. The use of trumpets were used to call men to arms
and used in battle as well as worship.
This gentleman drove a car down to his appointment. In my heart, I do not think he is going to hell because
he drives a vehicle. . Up in the area where he is from many churches have music in their churches but the
parking lot is full of hitching posts for horse and buggy.
As I asked about this, he told me that all of the things I had just said were true. He said what I had failed to understand that this was all in the Old Testament. He said there is not a single mention of any kind of music in the New Testament. Since Jesus came, it all changed and music was not used or mentioed and challenged me to find a single example proving otherwise.
I don't mean to toot my own horn, but I have read the Bible a few times as well. I told him I think there was going to be a certain sound we would all hear when Jesus returns , correct me if I am wrong but iI am
certain it is a sound made by a certain musical instument. ;)
For the Lord will decend from heaven with a cry of command , with the voice of an archangel, and
sound of the trumet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.
1 Thessalonians 4:16
ENTRY
Frow where I am sitting, I can see the arbor that covers our sidewalk as you walk up to our
front door. I planted trumpet vines on both sides and it is full of these beautiful orange
flowers . It is so full that I need to trim it back... again. There are a few misguided sprouts that are reaching
and over to a nearby rose bush. I will have to be very easy and train them to wind them in and
around the arbor, or Lord knows where they might end up.
When I go about this I often think about our three sons who have since moved out and now have lives and God fearing wives of their own. They grew up in the church and all attend faithfully and I could not be any more proud of them. I think back upon my own life and my mother was the spiritual leader in our home and she made sure my brother and I were in God's house every Sunday morning.
I am so thankful for the small little country church I grew up in . I have been known to sneak down there
from time to time if time allows. Many and most of the people have passed on . I can still see them and hear
their voices. they unknowing were bending, training , and influencing me . They were teaching me with their lives to cling to that old rugged cross.I am so thankful for each and every one of them, or God only knows where I would have ended up.
Train up a child in the way that he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it.
Proverbs 22: 6
ENTRY
We have a large rock down in our front yard. It came from a field in the horse pasture down on my parents
forty acre farm. I mentioned the idea of bringing it up and into their front yard . My dad at first dismissed
but later was all in. It sits off to the right as you come up the hill to our home. It is placed pretty close to the
way it was down home. When the time to come sell the farm , I took my tractor and bucket and brought it up
to our farm. I spend a lot of time there . It is one of my very favorite places to pray and talk to my Maker about
the things on my heart.
I have had so far a rough summer in regard to my health. I have had severe sciata issues that led to a back
surgery and a month later a second one as pieces of my spine broke loose causing a drop foot. I am not free of
of pain even know but it is starting to lessen a bit. I am trying to put my best foot forward(joke) but some days
are hard. I wonder if perhaps the lesson at hand is that I need to put my pride aside and let others help me.
As I sat on the rock a few days ago, there was a nice wind blowing on a warm summer evening. Sometimes
I take the dogs with me. I was by myself. I had my hands clasped together and my head down and my eyes
were closed. I had just started to pray and I heard a weird sound but at first dismissed it. Then it started again
kinda the same but yet different. It had a longer and louder two toned moan or groan sound. I stopped praying
and looked up. I had ridden down to the rock on our red ATV . I had not closed the door and the groaning
sound was the door being moved by the wind.
I could not help but think how we become more verbal as we age. I am amused sometimes as the sound I make move about when not one is around except the dogs. I know they will not say a word. Often I pray for
pets we have and some we have had in the past that have passed. One of those is buried near the rock. His
name was Gus, and I put him there because he loved going to the rock as much as I did. I still miss
my little buddy.
The door swayed in the wind. It creaked ,moaned, and groaned as I prayed. A verse came to mind .
The bible tells us that Jesus prays for us! It also tells us the Holy Spirit prays for us when we are without
words and do not know what to say.
This verse makes me think that since all creation looks forward to what lies beyond the grave, we may see
pets that we have loved and lost . I am not certain this is the case, but I live with that hope in my heart.
All creation anticipates the day when it will join God's children in glorious freedom from death and decay.
And even we Christians, although we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, also groan
to be released from our pain and suffering. Romans 8:22-23
To touch a childs face, a dog's smooth coat , a petaled flower, the rough surface of a rock, is to set up a new
order of brian motion. To touch is too communicate.
James W. Angell
ENTRY
Our oldest son and he is a naval aviator. I checked my email earlier and did not hear from him today. When he is out at sea , we can only email him . At times the ship goes quite and for many days
we will not hear from him.
I will be out doing chores and will hear a small play flying over our farm. Before I can think I turn my eyes
up to the heavens wondering if that is Josh. He did that many times during his college days . My wife says
does the same.
I was with him in a small Cessna one afternoon and we circled our home several times. I remember exactly how things looked far below. Our wives came out in the front yard and we could tell which one was
was ,Christina, because of her bright pink shoes.
We covered a lot of ground or I guess sky that day. It was mainly clear skies but there were a few
large clouds here and there. As he zeroed in on one he asked if I had ever seen a cloud . I said,' Maybe
one or two (Optometry humor)." He then asked me if I have ever touched one. He told me to crack my
small window on my side and stick my hand outside. My hand was wet with moisture when I pulled it
back inside the aircraft.
I have been through a cloud and I have been through the Bible. The combination of things floating around in mind affect what I see, hear, and feel not only on my hand but in my heart .You tend to look at things a little differently when you have been through them.
A child on a farm sees a plane overhead and dreams of a faraway place. A traveler on the plane sees the
the farmhouse and dreams of home. Carl Burns
The clouds are the dust of his feet.
Nahum 1: 3
ENTRY
I have written about getting older before. I leave notes all over to remind myself to do things.
All kidding aside, I think this is one of the best habits we should aquire. We are all so busy and daily
overwhelmed with information coming at us from all angles all day. Even last night as we slept, the world
kept spinning, and those who feed us our news have put a spin of their own as we are informed.
I see many patients who write on their hands. Perhaps that is even wiser because truthfully I often lose or
misplace my sticky notes or forget where I put my reminders. I guess if you really thing it is that important
and you want to make sure.
I saw a preacher yesteday morning in the office. I had not seen him for years and we had church and
enjoyed a chat about our Lord . We enjoyed the freedom of those who have learned you do not need a building
to have fellowship.I told him that morning I had read about the fact that God has written on his hands our
names on his palms. Look at your own cheat sheet. You have a large M on each palm. That stands for
memento Mori. That means,'Remmember you will die."
Whatever your hand finds to do do with all your might. Ecclesiastes 9:10
ENTRY
I am a person who tends to get a lot of things done. I have my share of bad habits . Over the years I have
absorbed a few good one. I try to get things done and then move on to the next one. In order to do that ,
you need to realize one is almost always more important than the next.
If that statement bothers you , please try to put your shoes on and now your socks. I also think pants
come first. If I am staying in a hotel and there is a fire, I can live without my shirt.
Many times as I plan my day , I need to keep an eye on the weather. I have some yard work
that I need to do and another task is to cut up some boards in the horse stalls over in the barn.
I will do the outside work first and the stalls later. Why? If it rains, I can still work innside the barn.
Even if the day gets away from me and I run out of daylight, we have lights in the barn.
I see a lot of students right before they go off to college. Many will have some requiements in subjects
that they are worried about. For many it is math. I ask them what is their favorite time of day.
I am amazed that many do not know and admit they never really thought about it.They are gonna have
trouble in math but in life as well. You can count on it! Why? They do not think ahead.
Let's say they hate mornings and math is a weak subject for them. Then they take a college math
course at 8:00 A.M. . The same course is offered at 4:00 P.M. . They may be smart but it seems
they have made a mistake before they enter the classroom.
I made a mistake in the office a few days ago. We had a good day and seems we were going to get out
and go home early. A gal came in and my heart sunk as I read the note. A young man had just splashed
gas in his eye . He was in severe painand 45 minutes out. I gave the green light to head our way but did not use my head.
I needed to tell them that was ok but if they could not make it by then, go to the ER. They came
almost an hour and a half later! I know better. If you do not give them a timeline they will not only take
their time but yours as well.
I am not a fan of procrastination. I often jke that I am writing a book about this but it is not finished yet.
The title will be, JUST YOU WAIT. All my sons know this never did fly in our home and one grew up to be a pilot.
They grew up hearing a constant mantra:
Do it right, do it now, do it right now!
This is gonna be a bit confusing and a bit hypocritical. One of my chores today is to pick up and haul off
several large limbs I cut and left in the yard almost a week ago. It is because the limbs full of leaves will
have died and they will not be near as heavy. So sometimes there is a reason to wait. So there is always a
never an always and always a never.
I know that I am going out on a limb here ,but they do not teach stuff like this in college. I wish
they did. I think they should.
It is not easy taking my problems one at a time when they refuse to get in line.
Ashleigh Brilliant
I got my start by giving myself a start.
Madam C.J. Walker
ENTRY
In the back of our house are many flowers. You would have trouble finding another male who
appreciates and enjoys them as much as I do. I spend a lot of time caring for them and watering them
in a chore in itself that takes several minutes.I can do nothing but think as I stand there and I am amazed at
how many ideas that may make their way to stories are being born at such a time.
As i went about my routine the other evening, iI looked at the stalks that a few weeks ago held the
orange tiger lillies upright and on full display. I love those flowers and have written about them
before. I miss them already and am a little sad because their time has passed. As I refect on them , I look
forward to seeing my friends next summer if the god Lord allows me to be here to see them.
I need to take my snippers and cut down these straw like stalks. I then notices that there was a vine
not only growing around the stalk on several of them. I had planted some morning glory seeds nearby.
Morning glories come in different colors but my favorite are the purple ones that have a red center.
So I will let them stand and soon these purple flowers with adorn the now barren stalks.
This made me think about you and me you see. We all have others who came before us and we
are enjoying things passed down to us who have lived before us and their time has such since passed.
An example would be money passed down after or parents have passed or to those great men
who have passed down and along their great thoughts and ideas that have made the world a better place.
I read years ago in the Bible that wisdom would give us pleasure. When God allows me to see things
I get excited. I hope when it is my time to go that somewhere along the line, someone will be inspired when
they read my words....perhaps even this one.
God speaks to all individuals through what happens to them moment by moment.
J.P. DeCaussade
We are here on earth to do good to others.What the others are here for , I don't know.
W. H. Auten
The morning glories and the sun flowers turn naturally towards the light, but we have to be
taught , it seems. Richard Rohr
LATEST ENTRY
I was mowing our yard the other evening. I knew that I might not have enough to finish. I pulled the mower
pot of our garage and found that all 3 big red cans of gas were empty. I needed to run into town and get some.
I was a little miffed out myself because I driven the truck in to work that day.
It was a nice summer evening with a pleasant breeze. I rolled the dice and rolled on into the yard
to get as much done as possible. I almost finished our yard. I could have not been any farther from the house
when it started to sputter. I sputter caused me to mutter and chew myself out for being out of gas.
Mentally I was out of gas too. I am a completion freak and it was hard for me to walk away and on up to the
house but it it what it is. I will get gas tomorrow after work. I wondered if this unfinished task would
rob me of sleep.
Around ten o'clock I let the dogs out for bathroom duty. As I stood on the deck I saw a strange glow down
near where the mower was. I thought it was a reflection of the porch light. My theory was shot down when
turned off the porch lights. I knew what it was. I had not turned off the key. I had yet another thing to do
before bed. I went all the way down there but I was glad that I saw that. It had not been long so it did not
drain the battery .
I was amazed how even though it as pitch black, the tiny little orange light stood out in the darkness.
I wonder sometimes if I am wasting my time writing these stories and if anyone out in this world is
being inspired . The world in which we live is indeed a dark place and getting worse day by day.
That little glow from that button on the mower help shed a little light for me. I know it sounds silly but I slept soundly.I drifted off praising God thinking about how he used a mower out of gas to fill me with
hope and encouragement. I will remember the next time I feel like I can't cut it and cannot do this
any " mower".
That glimmer of light , surrounded by so many shadows,seemed to say without words
:Evil has not yet taken complete dominion. A spark of hope is still left.
Issac Bashevis Singer
There is a time for words and a time for sleep.
Homer
ENTRY 1
Our farm is about 4 miles east from Jasper In. We live on East Greener Road. Iknow you have heard
the phrase about the grass being greener on the other side of the fence.
I am here to tell testify and tell you that it is indeed greener on our side of greener road. It is because we
had issues with our septic system even before our home was completed.The septic system is on the southwest
side of the house and our wind usually comes from that direction. I am sure you get the drift.
Nonetheless we love our farm, and it has been a wonderful place too live and raise our three boys.When we
turn off Greener road and start up our lane we say aloud and praise both God and Jesus.We thank them for
for allowing us to return home safely.
I would like to think our sons do this as they drive up to their own homes now . I hope they will someday teach
their own children to do the same.I share this with you with the hope you would consider doing this as well.
I feel this pleases God and is good for all of us reminding us that even making it home safely at the end
of the day, is an very much overlooked blessing we all take for granted.
The grass is not always greener on the other side of the fence. The grass is always greenest where it
is watered. Robert Fulghum
ENTRY 4
Right now, there are several daffodils blooming in various places around our farm. There seems
to more and more with each and every day. I have planted many bulbs over the years and they have
spread quite nicely. There are different color varations and I enjoy them all.
About a week or so ago, I took a large vase to the office with I think 15 or so to be displayed and enjoyed
up at the front desk.
Often as I gather them I think of a pre Easter jaunt on a farm near my parents home years ago. I took a
picture of our youngest son, Jarah, with squished daffodils hanging out of both pocket as he gathered more.
The place where I took them was a Homeplace to a family that lived there years ago. I know of only one
other field that would even come close to this massive display.
I read a book about flowers years ago . I learned something there that I have shared many times since.
It is hared to find a good spot for flowers to grow as we match their need for light and shade. Even after we do '
the deer and other animals mangle then even more than Jarah.
Here is something we missed. The book says they are delicious especially the stems. The stems are made in such
way that it hurts to eat them. They are untouched because it just hurts too much. They slice and dice the tongue
and the critters leave them alone.
Have you noticed how God watches over and protects things he loves and that he has made? ;) It was not in the book
or anywhere in your Bible, but I think God really love those yellow flowers too!
Flowers always make people better,happier, and more helpful; they are sunshine , food, and medicine to the soul.
Luther Burbank
ENTRY 3
Our driveway is about 3 tenths of a mile long. I have had estimates for asphalt down through the
years and the prices keep going up.That is why we continue to go up and down our hill on a gravel road.
The steepness of our hill allows the hard rains to take our gravel road and wash it away. In fact I asked our
neighbors if could just dump the next load on their property to save the rain the trouble.
Gravel comes in many sizes usually in numbers. One would think that 53's would be much larger than a 2.
It is the complete opposite.The smaller the number, the larger the rock size.
I have found there are other things that seemed to be named backwards. Patients are always confused
by the term farsightness and near sightedness. Myopia the term for near sighted patients means the can
see close up. I fully agree it seems that would mean that they could not .
Flower terms are another example. It seems the ones that come up every year on their own or annually
would be called annuals and not perennials.
I thinks people also get confused about the size of sins. They feel some are much worse than others
but that is not at all what the Bible clearly explains. Sin is sin! They might look at the list of the Ten
Commandments and feel number 1 is worst than number 10 or vice versa.The Word of God
makes it clear that if you have broken even one... you have broken them all. There is not anyone
who has ever lived that is guiltless except for Jesus.
All have sinned , and come short of the glory of God.
Romans 3:23
So we are all sinners and in need of a Savior.When His red blood ran down from His body that did not save
you. When Jesus arose from the tomb , our sins are still in place. When we ask Him to be
our Savior and into our heart, our sins past, present, and future are washed away.
The next time Satan wants to dump a load of guilt on you, remind him you are in Jesus and
your salvation is assured and you are safe and no longer in trouble.
FULL
ASSURANCE
IN
THE
HEART
I believe America has gone a long way down the wrong road. If we ever needed God's
help, it is now. Billy Graham
As you come up our drive and after you cross the small creek,you pass between two field stone
pillars that match the stones on our home. There is a light atop both of them . Right now, one is green and the the side is white. The green light is to show support for all the people who serve our military as well
as those who have done so in the past.
At Christmas i hang white lights along the 4 rail horse fence. We change the white one to red and
The entryway is good to go. The placement of the red and green has a reason behind it as well.
It may seem to be be random but Iassure you is not the case.
On a plane the red light is always on the left side and the green is on the right side. green and right both
have 5 letters and this was how I was taught to remember as a boy. This applies to boats as well.
Our oldest son, Josh, is a navel aviator. He and his wonderful wife , Christina, are a week or two from going
to Japan. They have lived in several places over the last few years. They lived in Fallon Nevada
most recently and we were blessed to have all of our boys and their girls under our roof and together
the holidays.
Since they aproached our farm from the west the right light was green and the left one was on the left
came home. When they were out east in Va it was the reversed. Japan is on the other side of the world
so I am not sure what I will do. I have not stepped it off but am told it is about as far east to west as it is
west to east.
God is a concerned loving Father who loves you so much! He has made a way for you to come
home through his son Jesus. The porch light of heaven is on . You have a green light my friend.
Because of the red blood of Jesus ,your sins are forgiven . Your approach is cleared as well as all your sins.
As far as the east is from the west,so far has removed our transgressions from us.
Psalm 103:12
ENTRY 26
I love to drink coffee. When I was younger , I could not understand why anyone would drink this nasty
muddy water. Nowdays, I cannot tell you who I am or where I am without at least 2 cups.I have often
joked with patients that there should be a law where spouses should not look at each other or speak
to each other until both parties have had at least 2 cups. I feel this would save a lot of marriages.
My wife gets mad at me because I will often buy coffee mugs. We have too many and the strange thing is,
I always use the same one. It is gray and has two owls on it. I don't think of it as making me wise or that it is lucky.
It is a little larger than most and 2 filled would maybe equal 5 cups of a normal mug.
It is on my desk and I soon will be headed into the kitchen for another hit. Our dog Skyler loves to drink the
last sip out of it and this is a part of our daily ritual. I think that is why I tend to pick this mug because
it is a part of my daily routine that keeps me grounded(coffee joke). In this daily frenzy and hurried pace we all
live in , it is nice to keep a few things the same.
I have shared in other stories about things my dad has taught me. Many of those to do with hunting. He
taught me to drink only from streams that are moving . He showed me how to cup my hands together
to form a cup and bring the water up to my lips. Often I will stop and do this not because I am thirsty but I do
this because it makes me feel close to him.
When I do this , It always makes me think of a story found in Judges chap 6-7. God seeks out a man who
is hiding . The angel tells him that he is a warrior. When God's spirit comes upon him, it raises
his courage and he raises an army of 32,000 men. God feels a victory with this many men would not be impressive.
He tells Gideon to tell his men if they are fearful they can leave.
After the dust settles, only 10,000 remain! The Lord still feels there are too many . He instructs Gideon
to lead his men down to a small stream . He was to watch how they drank. This was to see who would fight and to see who would sit this one out. Out of 10,000 soldiers only 300 cupped their hands as my dad taught me. All the others , 9,700 knelt and drank like a dog. They were not to take part in the upcoming dogfight. It was an odd
way of hand picking so to speak. God wanted the odds to be against them so he could show what he could do with
so few!
Gideon and his 300 men won the battle that day.God showed that numbers mean nothing to him. God's
ways are so mysterious. I would have used another method and offered the 10,000 men their choice of water
or coffee. I would use those who chose coffee!
If this is coffee, pleas bring me some tea, but if this tea, please bring me some coffee.
Abraham Lincoln
Not by might nor by power, but by my spirit.
Zechariah 4:1
There are no atheist in foxholes.
William Thomas Cummings
ENTRY 27
It is a beautiful early May morning . I was up fairly early today. I read some Scripture and went
out on our deck off the great room. We have two very comforable chairs out there that is the
perfect place to sit and think.
If my family would rent this very house on Airbnb , this is where I would spend most of my time. I
have said this to my family many times. The funny thing is that we do live here and have unrestricted
access to this elevated sanctuary and hardly ever go out there.
So ask I sat there this morning my thoughts took me down to the ocean. I thought about a conversation
my wife had with our young waitress last time we were there. I think she said she was 23 and told us
she wanted to travel but had yet to leave Florida.
She asked where we were from and my wife told her . The young gal then asked Kim what is like up there.
Kim said, 'We live on a farm and have horses. I stand at our sink in the kitchen and watch the horses play
in the pasture behind our house. Many times we see deer crossing the field and we have lots of turkeys too.'
The young lady"s eyes were wide with excitement. She exclaimed, 'there is really a place like that?'
Without thinking, I added,' It is a different kind of beauty.' We love this restaurant and have been eating
there for years. We sit outside and dolphins swim by on a regular basis. We marvel at the sea and take in
all the sights and sounds. I have thought about this encounter many times. Shame on all of us for how quickly
we get used to things. We forget all marvelous things we have right here in front of us. I would go as far as
to say we do the same with our loved ones and take them for granted as well.
I would bet if we would move to Florida , the sea and the beach would soon be neglected. We would be driving
off to pay bills or to get groceries and not even turn our heads to look at the same ocean that used to leave us slack jawed as we sped by .I would venture before long my heart would soon long for a place 600 miles
due North .
After I finish this, I am going to go back out and sit on the deck again. I really doubt if I will see a dolphin.
I will bow my head and thank God for this place. I will ask Him to help me see with fresh eyes all the the I look upon daily but fail to see and appreciate. I think God will like a prayer like that and let me see more
if I think less and thank more.
If you change the way you look at things,the things you look at change.
Wayne Dyer
There's no question dolphins are smarter than humans as they play more.
Albert Einstein
ENTRY 28
My wife Kim has many skills which I truly admire. I have watched her faith grow and blossom
over the years. I praise God for that. She is unaware but this has made my faith even stronger.
Here of late we have been through a rough patch .I have had to lean on her after having some back issues and
she has carried her load and then some. She is depending on God and not doing this alone. She is
using God's strength and not her own.
Every morning she gets up very early and studies her Bible and devotions. She sits and reads in our
dining room table. It is a wonderful room where we eat meals at family gatherings. Me and the dogs are not
allowed in there . She has agreed to let us look through the french doors as long as we don't put our noses
on the glass.
She worked very hard on this room to make it look awesome It may well be the coolest room in our home.
She has tweaked it a time or two. I would say she has an eye out for a certain piece that she may add
in the future.
When we moved in ,the color she used was aweful. She asked me what I thought and I said it
was the color that runs out of sick our boys when they are sick.She laughed and told me to settle down and wait
until it was done. I walked away unsure how anything good could come from that!
Looking back, I should I have given her more credit because she has a gift in this area. She has made our home
look wonderful. It is beautiful but not much as she is. From the kitchen fills this place with heavenly smells
as well. Gifted indeed!
People often tell me after meeting her how lucky I am ,and how beautiful she is. I often share this with her and
she says but they just need a new prescription. When people meet me they tell her she will be in their prayers.
Wha is that all about?
After the other coats of paint were added, a she used a rag to dab different patterns and designs. It blew me
away . She could see how it would look from the get go. She could see it before it was and came to be.
She knew all along and what she was doing.
I think all of us are too quick to doubt God when things are not going our way.He knows what he is doing with us.
As we look "back' shouldn't we give him credit for all the other things seemed at first like defeat? When the
paint dried ,we landed on our feet and in a better place than we ever could at first imagined. The process
made our faith stronger . If I am not mistaken, does not the color green the color of growth?
God is a specialist at making something useful and beautiful out of something broken and confused.
Charles Swindoll
God's heavenly plan doesn't always make early sense.
Charles Swindoll
ENTRY 29
I have worn a beard for many years. I used to wonder how anyone could stand to have hair on their face
in the summer. I found to my surprise that as your sweat it has a cooling sensation and actually
feels pretty good.
Several years ago I went in the bathroom and shaved it completly off. In a few days our family would be flying
to Cancun with several other close friends and their kids. I did this because I knew we planned to go snorkling
and facial hair allowed water to get inside a mask and made it almost impossible to see underwater . As I came out of the bathroom, our youngest son Jarah had the strangest look on his face. He keep staring at me
knowing something was different.It took him a few minutes before he figured it out. We later realized that he
was age 13 or so and had never in his life seen me without a beard.
I try to keep my beard short and well groomed. It is amazing how fast it grows when I will often let it go on
vacation and days when I am not in the office. I hate to admit this but I do I have a trace of anxiety when
I do this right before work. I know this is not the time to trim a beard especially when I am cutting it close
on time.
I have screwed up more than once but going too short even with the guard in place and them have to
do it all to match that length. My biggest fear is the trimmer goes dead when I half way into this project.
There is no time to rechare the trimmer and I have had to shave it almost all off with a razor. I can tell
everybody is looking at me like Jarah knowing something is odd and different despite my best efforts to hide my botch job.
Often when I am doing this, I think of a story back in the Bible. King David sent some men with good wishes
and intentions to another king. David has been friends with Nahash for years and he passed away. This new king was his son and was paranoid and thought they were sent to spy on his country. His advisors gave him poor advise .He did something to humilate them and sent the men back home and on their way . He cut off half of their
robes exposing their backsides. He also cut off half of their beards as well as this was a badge of honor back then.
These men were sent to Jericho to live in until their beards grew out.
This angered King David and this led to a war and the loss of life and much bloodshed. Several armies
came together to fight against Israel but in vain.
So Hanun seized David's ambassadors and shaved off half of each man's beard , and cut off their robes
at he buttocks, and sent them back to david in shame. 2 Samuel 10:4
If you're never scared or embarrassed or hurt , it means you never take any chances.
Julia Sorel
Advice is an uncertain gift.
Whitney Jeffery
Half of art is knowing when to stop.
Arthur William Radford
ENTRY 30
The other evening our youngest son and his wife came out to help with some chores around the house.
One of the very last tasks was to help me pull up a rose bush that had not made it through the winter. We
went over and I dropped my son off at the horse barn and he drove the tractor back to the house. We
pulled the tractor up close to the plant and put a chain at the bottom. It took a try or two but I could not help
admire how stubborn the plant was and stood its ground perhaps providing a lesson to us all.
The tractor is still sitting out in the yard. It is New Holland and is a newer Ford and is blue. My grandpa
had blue tractors as did my dad . We have two on the farm and they are both blue. We do blue .
The newer one is called 45 D . It has been a great tractor and has been loyal and has been a good investment.
I was looking for this make and model for awhile. I found another one that was a better deal had convinced my
better half this was needed and had her blessings. The dealership was closed but we drove over to show my boys
the newest addition lord willing. There was a slight drizzle and I climbed up on the seat. I was excited and eager
pull the trigger when they opened the next day.
I heard God speak to my heart . He told me not to buy this tractor. I was sure about this and was disappointed to
say the least. I joined my family in the truck and my wife asked me what was wrong. I did not say anything
my excitement was gone as was the spring in my step. I really wanted this tractor! I was as blue but knew what
to do, or what not to do in this case.
I have taught the boys to ask the Lord for guidance on decisions they need to make especially on big
purchases. We pray to help it to go through if it is his will and block it if it is not his will for us.He sees everything
including the future. We are to trust in his judgement and not our own.
I have told this to a few down through the years. I think about that tractor and wonder where it went .
Maybe this blue tractor was a lemon and was going to be a moneypit .Perhaps a mechanical issue could have led
to harm or death to one of my sons down the road.
I will never know the reason I was told no. There might be another reason and this would be something
I think is a strong possible reason all of us should consider . Maybe God blocked me because he wanted someone
else to have it. Without knowing it I was blocking a blessing he had in mind for another.
He knew I would find another and could have told me the serial number would be before
I was born. Things have been given to me and my family and the chain of events down through the years
have been miraculous.
As we walk in faith , may we listen to his voice trusting him to guide us with our steps as well as our stops!
The steps of the Godly are directed by the Lord. He delights in every detail of their lives.
Psalms 37:23
Obedience is better than sacrifice.
1 Samuel 15:20
ENTRY 31
It is Memorial day 2023. This morning I was thinking about one of the rituals we did at this time of year
when we were growing up. Our dad would get us up early and we would drive up the hill to the cementary.
The local veterans would shoot a 21 gun salute to honor those who had fought and served in the military
of our great nation. They would place small American flags on each soldiers gravesite.
To be honest ,my heart is a little heavy this Monday morning. As usual a few people have texted me asking
pass along thanks to our oldest son Josh who serves in the navy. I always do this but at present he lives in Japan.
He is at sea and we cannot text or email him until he reaches the next port.
I sleep in what used to be his bedroom. On the wall is a poster of a jet coming up and towards us with
the aircraft carrier below. I look at this often and cannot wrap my mind around the fact that he does this for
a living. He is aboard the USS Ronald Reagan somewhere off the coast of Japan. It is ironic because he is a navel
aviator and that was the first ship he landed on.
It is a very dangerous job and even more so while doing night landings on a ship whose runway is always
moving. As I type these words it is 9:23 in the morning. Another thing I cannot fathom is that he is on the other
side of the world and is 13 hours ahead of us. So our day is just starting but he is about to put Monday to bed
and in 90 minutes it will be Tuesday there!
My own dad is up on the in the cementary sleeping with those who served . He was in the army and served
during the Korean war. He loved airplanes and I wish he could have lived to see what his grandson does for
a living.
Afew years ago, we went as a family to Wright Patterson in Ohio. The have a museum there and it is divided
into different sections. I lingered in the area about the korean war beacuse of dad. There was something there
that 'blue' my mind.
In a glass case was the belongings of a soldier who was a POW. He had a short pencil and a small spiral
notebook. Several pages were on display. To keep from going crazy, he would try from time to time recaal states
and their capitals. He did a lot of math primarily 3 digit numberes times 3 digit numbers. He would try to recall
as many U.S. presidents from time to time sometimes doing far better than others.
At the back of his book was a things to do list. This young soldier had a list of things he planned to do
not if but when he got home. I read the short list but one entry stood out and said:
Change the oil in the blue Ford truck.
We will never know if he made it home safely or even alive. His list inspires me and should do the same for
you as well. He had to keep hope alive and know he would make it.
If you see a vet thank them for their service. Also thank God for allowing us to live in the greatest
nation on earth. Thank him also for for he went through to make a way for us to get home and live with him forever. Read God's word to give you the patience and stamina to hold on. These words are like no other
you need to anchor your hearts to them. They will give you to courage needed to weather any and every storm.
May God bless all those who have served, are serving, and those who will. May he be with their families
who miss them but are so proud of what they stand for.
The average pencil is seven inches long, with just a half inch eraser in case you thought optimism
was dead. Robert Brault
ENTRY 32
Our black stallion , Aztec, is a wonderful animal. He is big and muscular and is well behaved.
He is a fresian cross. I have always read about this breed and knew they were known for their
high intelligence. I often joke that I not only think I could teach him to play euchre but to renig as well!
He is a good dad and has passed on his laid back manner to his babies . That is a big plus when it comes
to sires. Good and bad temperments can be passed on and along and down to offspring. You
probably thought that only applied to people didn't you?
I must admit , he is a charmer and he is one of my favorites. He is in a side pasture right now with two mares.
He is quite sociable and always comes up for a meet and greet wheter I have feed or not. Some of the others
require much more coaxing and calling and almost proof you have feed before they will even bother.
The other evening, I was running low on feed. I had just a little . Even though he is much bigger ,
he lets the mares boss him around. I gave him what little I had. He was excited to see me and I rubbed his
jaw and powerful neck. He was glad to see me but even more excited when I reached for the green feed
bucket . He started making sounds , loud sounds. I told him to be quite. I knew these grunts and squeals
would alert the others. I knew they would come up and take his food away. Soon he was quitely munching
the others did not have a hunch he was eating a late lunch.
I felt a little guilty and wondered why I favored him. He seems to be loyal to me and is always
happy to see me. I think I rewarded him not only because of this but because he does not cause trouble
and lets the others take his feed and does not fight . He is much bigger and stronger than the others
and could easily overpower them should he choose to cause trouble. The fact that he does not is maybe why
I will give him a little more now and then for being a peacemaker. When I do this, I cannot help but
wonder if God does the same with us.
Aztec was able to scarf down his grain before the other figured out what he was up to. I thought how
tried to get him to be quite after I blessed him. It made me think of a few instances in the Bible where
Jesus healed someone but told them not to tell anyone. Sometimes they did not listen and shot their mouth
off probably making it harder for him to do his thing without notice.
Jesus's own brothers wanted him to go public and attend a large gathering . They thought it would be a
place to showcase his talents and gain limelight. Jesus told them that this was not the time to do this.
Jesus later went but kept a low profile staying out of the public view.
It seems to me that sometimes we need to stand our ground and speak up . Perhaps other times we
help God keeping our mouths shut. By not causing trouble and showing kindness, this goes against
the grain and people will be drawn to Christ because of what we do not do.
You cannot train a horse with shouts and expect it to obey with a whisper.
Dagobert D. Runes
Have you given the horse its strength or clothed its neck with a flowing mane?
Job 39:19
After his brothers had left for the festival,Jesus also went,though secretly, staying
out of the public view. John 7:10
Instantly the leprosy disappeared . Then Jesus instucted him not to tell anyone
what had happened. Luke 5:14
ENTRY 33
Often the last task of the day is to let our two dogs out right before bedtime. We put a plastic neon
collar on them to help keep track. Skyler is black as night and finding a black dog at night
is impossible. Since she is a girl , her collar is pink. Buster has a blue one. The collars can be set on
blinking mode or continuous . I prefer steady eddie, the dogs could not care less.
I love these warm summer nights. As I sit there, I enjoy a far more spectacular light show! Thousands
of lightning bugs flicker on and off all across out yard and far out into the fields. The stars sparkle in
the heaven I am in awe of the beauty God teases us with. I am tired and cranky and often scold the dogs
to get in the house. I am disappointed how in many ways I have lost my childlike wonder.
As I sit there on our back porch, these luminous insects take me back to a memory that happened in Troy
In. years ago. My grandparents built a red brick house in this small river town in the late 60's .I spent many hours there and often took my bike and rode all over town. I made many friends that I looked forward to playing with . My favorite spot was a park that allowed one to look out and over the Ohio River far below. I spent many hours of my youth there and still to this day will drive up there from time to time.
There is a large statue of Jesus there. His arms are wide and stretched out . There is a bright light that shines
upon it. For years I was the keeper of the light. The lady next door would call me when it went out and I
went down and replaced it. I miss doing that, but I still try to shine my light on Jesus with my writing and stories.
Also at the base was flowers. They started looking rough . I took dirt from our farm to put around the base
and planted several knockout roses on each side. As I was completing this task one evening , I ran out of daylight.A little girl next door ran out of the house next door . She was running and jumping and was excited
about the green flashing lights all around her. She was speaking words I did not know. She kept saying
'fear flew" . Neither her or her dad could catch one getting closer to me with each and every unsuccessful try.
I showed them my childhood trick. You bend real low and you can see them above you. I grabed one on the first
try. I slowly opened my hand. I was watching her eyes when she saw her first lightning bug up close. I saw the greenish glow relected on her face . She whispered with amazement 'fear flew'! I will never forget that wonderful moment. I will never be able to look at them without thinking of her.
We talked for just a few moments. They were visiting from Denmark. She had never seen lightning bugs before. Know why? It is because they do not have them in their country. How blessed we are to have this amazing
light show in our very own back yards.
I believe our childlike wonder will return when we get to heaven . Jesus looks forward to showing us things
not seen or known in this world. When we gaze upon them for the very first time, He will not be looking at it but at us. He will be smiling and it will give him great pleasure as our eyes light up each and every time.
Some people , no matter how old they get , never lose their beauty- they merely move it from
their faces into their hearts. Martin Buxbaum
ENTRY 34
I love this time of year. There is a flower that comes in to bloom that I am fond of. It is the orange Tiger Lilly.
Out in a field in front of our home is a large circular patch of them. Over the years I have dug them up
transplanted them to various places around our house and yard. As I sat on our back porch watching our dogs,
last evening I spotted yet another spot where 3 large clumps of them would fit in nicely.
We have a flagpole in front of our house and at the base the pole is surrounded by lillies. I put some along the side
our stallion barn and they are coming up nicely . By far my favorite place showcasing these flowers is at
entry way of our farm. I have watched them mature and spread along the small creek or branch that meanders
below the hill over the years.
As usual and so often I am worrying as I am hurrying as I head off to work. My mind is already gearing up for days packed too full with too many patients. In just a few minutes, I will be up to my eyeballs with eyeballs1
I know I can do it but I secretly ask myself if I can do it another day
without losing my mind. Surprised? You thought you were the only one who thinks that at times.
As I head down the hill, I pass along the small creek lined on both sides with lillies. Without fail, they preach to my heart. My eyes enjoy what I envisioned years ago. Their placement was very much strategic.
They were put there to help me put it all in perspective when I get off track and lose focus which it seems is
daily. Their placement is to remind to ask myself if God has first place in my life. Most often I do not like my own answer.These flowers speak to my heart and often scold me. The Bible tells us to consider
the lillies. It reminds us that they do not work . It tells us they do not worry about their clothing . Yet this is all
done for them. It tells us that even King Solomon in all his glory was was adorned as nicely as they are.
These flowers are showcased to show us that God loves them . He takes care of them and they do not toil
in the soil. They do not worry or hurry and remind us to do the same . Scripture tells us God loves us even more
these wonderful flowers. He will meet all our needs and concerns if we just put him first. Lets all consider
the lillies and consider doing just that from now on.
Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing. Yet Solomon in
all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. If God cares so wonderfully for the flowers
that are here and gone tomorrow, won't he more surely care for you?
Matthew 7:28-30
It is not the man who has too little who is poor , but the one who craves more.
Seneca
There is material enough in a single flower for the ornament of a score of cathedrals.
John Ruskin
ENTRY 35
I get to talk with a wide variety of people in the office. This lends itself to all kinds of topics
and interesting conversation. I often ask about their hobbies and learn what they enjoy doing.
Many tell me they enjoy taking pictures. My heart skips a beat or two because I also always have
a camera handy and have taken thousands of pictures down through the years.
When the say they like to write songs, I ask about their favorite song. When they say the like to read,
I ask about the best book they ever read. When the tell me they enjoy photography, I ask them
about the favorite picture they ever took. More times than not, the have the answer quite ready.
Often they will turn the tables and ask me the same. This is an easy one for me . My best shot took
place over at our horse barn then the boys were quite young. I took it over at our horse barn
on a very hot day. The boys took off their clothes and all three got in the large horse trough. The
oldest, Josh, and the youngest, Jarah, are at the ends of the tank. Out middle son,Jace, was in the middle.
I had my Canon AE-1 all ready focused and good to go. Jace was diving below and we all laughed because we did not know what he was doing or what he was looking for. As he keep resurfacing only for oxygen , he
would head into the deep yet again but his white butt would stick up and out of the water .
I saw a pattern and he popped to the surface and put his hands on the edge of the trough. The water is dripping
off his face and it all clicked. The brand of the trough is called IDEAL and is in large red letters on the side of
tank. This was indeed an ideal setting . This wonderful photograph and cherished memory has been enlarged
and framed and sits on a shelf in my office.
When the picture was developed, wife Kim voiced a concern about the tank. She knew that was the
very tank our horses drank from. I assured her that the horses did not seem to mind and the horses
will be fine! ;)
The old saying is that you can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink. I once read where a
marketing student at a college quoted that to his professor. The mentor told him that was so true
but marketing was to make the horse thirsty.
We are besieged daily with ads to make us want things. Have you ever found anything that does not lose
it appeal after it is ours? These things are well and good and not bad in themselves but the should
lead us to the one who gave them to us. I am not sure what Jace was looking at the bottom of that tank.
I am sure what we are all looking for. There is no thing , nothing you can ever find that can
give you the joy, peace, and purpose that is found in knowing Jesus. Once you have him, it makes
all the things in this world more enjoyable It brings everthing else into proper prespective and focus.
Things that used to lead you astray won't any longer. Things that used to confuse you will start to click.
Get the picture?
Jesus replied, "If you only knew the gift God has for you and who I am, you wouls ask me , and I
would give you living water." John 4:10
A good snapshot stops a moment from running away. Eudora Welty
More important than a work of art itself is what it will sow. Art can die , a paiting can disappear .
What counts is the seed. Joan Miro
ENTRY 36
The horses are being bothered by the flies this time of year. They seldom go into any kind of shelter
when it is cold. However the flies make them head into the shed to get away from them. I try to put fly
spray on them to help. I also use fly strips up in the barn and one shed has a timer that sprays a mist
in the air making a fly want to be elsewhere.
Often when mowing a field , I will leave my old Ford tractor out in the field. The next day I can get on
right where I left off. I noticed the horses would always be all around the tractor when I did this. I
now realize the smell of fumes such as diesel most likely make the flys back off.
We have one horse that is very hard to catch. When I put fly dope on the others, they find very quickly
it helps from the get go and they have relief. The smarter ones are just almost as glad to see me pull the spray
out as a bag of carrots. When I have put the dope on all but the one difficult to catch, she is if for a long
day by her own design. She is the only one without cover .
I often think about those Jesus has been pursuing for years. He offers us his presence and a peace
that is beyond human understanding. He wants you to let him cover you and your sins with his blood
but we run from it. We are afraid to let him catch us . What we do not realize we are already caught.. caught
up and in our sins as the Bible clearly explains. Jesus wants us to come to him to see how much better
our lives can be near and in Him.
It is early morning. It looks like we are in for a hot day. If the horses are not already in the shed, they soon
will be. I would like to shed a little light on something you might have missed. The last words of Jesus
were, it is finished."
Hidden in the word finished are the words, he and shed. When he shed his blood, there was nothing more to do. It is finished. So are you my friend unless you come forward and let him cover you with his precious blood.
You will have one regret. You will wish you had done this years ago!
You will show me the way of life granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living
with you forever.
Psalm 16:10
Even the animalsthe donkey and the ox know their owner and appreciate his care, but not my people
Israel. No matter what I do for them , they still do not understand. Isaiah 1 :3
ENTRY 37
Yesterday I put on my old boots in the garage and was going out to check on the horses. As the garage door opened I was not expecting company at that hour. He sprang into action and launched himself 2-3 feet the door. What exactly was hoppening here? Perhaps this was this intruder a spy sent to see what is kept inside and on the other side of the door.
We live in the country and are used to garage surprises. Last week we have 2 raccoons eating
food from our cat's bowl. We had a turkey right up beside our garagedoor recently but did not enter. Not long agoone of our young horses, Mingo,got out in the yard.She then came up to and in the garage eating food of a red bucket in the bed of our ATV.
Yesterdays guest was quite small compared to a horse. It was a grasshopper. I am not sure what he
thought was kept in the garage. I thought about it longer than I would like to admit. I came up with the thought he might have been trying to flee for his life. Perhaps the noise from the garage door spooked off the very thing he was afraid off. I am not so sure about this theory. He was not afraid of me.
I must have seemed like a giant to him.
These insects always make me think of the story where Moses sent spies for forty days into a new and
distant land God was giving them. This land of milk and honey waiting but was filled with people who
were large and strong. Even thought they brought back bounty, ten spies thought it was a bad idea.
They reported these people,Anakites, were large and said we are small and like grasshoppers compared to them.
God was displeased with them and this led to a forty year long hike . The two spies ,Joshua and Caleb,who
wanted to enter despite the problems ahead were rewarded later much later. Forty years later they
not only got to see but own property in the promised land.
This story now has another lesson hidden in it . When they could ask for the property they wanted ,
Caleb asked for and was granted one still occupied. He was in his eighties and still have that can do we
can whip em mindset in later years. This story dos not have a name but I named the grasshopper.
His name is Caleb.
Then Caleb quited the people before Moses , and said " Let us go up at once and take possession ,
for we are well able to overcome it.
Numbers 13:30
Most people say that as you get old, you have to give up things. I think you get old because
because you give up things. Theodore Francis Green
But my servant Caleb, because he has a different spirit in him and has followed me fully, I will bring
into the land where he went , and his decscendants shall inherit it.
Numbers 14:24
ENTRY 38
As I prepared for work the other morning, I had something happen that I found interesting. I stood at my
bathroom sink looking all around for the cologne planned to wear that morning. I mix it up now and then but it is one of my favorites and my usual go to. It was the last thing I needed to do before I headed out the door.I
could not find it to save my life. I even looked on the other shelves and moved things around thinking it was
behind other bottles. I had to make a move and used another.
I was still puzzled but the mystery was solved when I closed the cabinet door. There it was down and to the right and right in front of me. The opened cabinet door kept me from seeing it.As I sped out the door and headed to work
thoughts bounced around in my head. What could I take away from this lesson? What am I missing ?
I heard a funny once where a comedian said his dad told him when one door closes another opens. He said his
dad was a very wise man but a terrible cabinet maker. This jocoserious statement made me smile . I want
you to open your dictionary and look up that word.That task keeps you busy and it keeps you from doing another.
My point is rather simple.When we open ourselves to certain things, we may miss out on other chances
or options. We need to chose wisely my friend!
Failure is success if we learn from it.
Malcolm Forbes
ENTRY 39
About a week ago, we had some rough weather push through our area. I came home from lunch to let
our two dogs out. As I exited my truck ,I heard a sound that at first I could not comprehend. It was the sound of our security alarm going off inside the house! The sound was killing my ears and them for my short walk inside.
I knew it was not an intruder when I saw that the control panel was toast and from there I could not disarm
it. I had to go to the main box and shut off the system.
So for about a week we were without the internet, no television, no security, no phones, and our garage
door opener is also toast. On top of always busy fun filled days, I have been trying to get it all up and running
again. It has been hard to have match our time at home with the service visits. We are getting close and in a day
or two may even have Direct TV. Because of all our damage ,they are sure it was a direct lightning strike. We lost
two televisions and the status of the other two is pending.
Despite all the time and trouble lost, I give God praise for protecting our home and beloved pets. We very well
could be sleeping in a motel or with family had we lost our home to fire. All this stuff has been small taters.
I was very frustrated several times and had to rein in my emotions and give my God praise instead of
giving Satan the satisfaction.
Years ago, I was speaking at a large church. I told a story about how mad I had been earlier in the week when my
muffler fell off my truck. As I was speaking, I told them my truck feel off my muffler. The crowd gave me an off the
charts laughter. They thought this guy is good. How witty to say it like this since I was preaching about keeping it
all in perspective. I screwed up but it went over so well, I have been known to say it like that since and i
always get a wonderful reception.
Sometime God has to take things away to make up appreciate them. I feel from the bottom of my heart I have
given far more than I deserve. However I could lead the parade of not Shriners but Whiners. Many of
newer tech items have a reset button. We hoped this would bring many of the damaged items back to normal
but no such luck. When our luck lets us down lets send up some praise regardless. If you hear me raising hell
instead of my hands and heart in praise... please tell me to put a muffler on it!
You can preach a better sermon with your life than with your lips.
Oliver Goldsmith
In everything you do, stay away from complaining and arguing so that no one can speak a word
of blame against you. Philippians 2: 14-15
ENTRY 40
On average, I would say we tend to buy three to four bags of carrots per week. People who do not
know me or what I do for a living will often ask about them. The ones who know I am an eye guy often remark about them even more often.
See it seems everyone knows carrots are good for the eyes. I think they think I am a firm
believer in them and their help with vision and overall eye health. I always explain we have horses
and that these are treats for our oatsmobiles at home. I always leave them with this caveat about carrots.
Have you ever seen a horse wearing glasses?
When my wife buys groceries, she often leaves the bags in the garage or throws them in the Rhino
that we use on carrots runs. The horses know the sound of the red ATV and we call it Chuck. We call it
that because it is a chuck wagon and is used to transport as well as deliver goods and goodies to the
horses out in the pasture. They nicker in excitement which is their way of saying goody in horse lingo.
Even if they are munching on sweet feed and content, the sound of me tearing open a plastic bag of carrots
quickly turns heads. Seems these big horses are a little like us. They are happy and content until
comes along that is better.
On my desk and right in front of me is a pack of carrot seeds. Next to it is a pack of pumpkin seeds. They are there
to remind me of something I heard of years ago and I often share with patients from time to time. I goes like this:
If you plant carrot seeds, what do you get?
If you plant pumkin seeds , what do you get?
What do you get when you do not plant anything?
They get the first two right of course and usually miss the third question answering with nothing.
The correct answer my friend is weeds!
It takes a lot of work to even stay even. It takes a lot of work to keep the pasture and fence lines looking good.
I am excited because lord willing , I will be outside and up on a tractor brush hogging most of the day. I don't
think the horses care one way or the other about the sound of the tractor approaching, but I don't think the weeds
like it at all.
Sometimes we need to hang our on carrots on a stick to propel or prod us on . We get stuck in a rut and
idleness indeed is the devil's playgound. Plan for the next vacation or go out and reward yourself if you can lick
"ick "you been fighting be it booze, drugs, food, or even another type of karet addition.
I seed forth these words with the hope they will help and reach good soil. I am not sure they will ever find
into a book. I hope they do. I think a great book cover would be a carrot hanging out in front of us . Now, if we
just come up with a title to match. I am not sure if you will like this suggestion as much as I do but
"I HOPE SOW" ;).
Words are like diamonds. Polish them too much and all you get is pebbles.
Bryce Courtenay
Lord , give me the determination and tenacity of a weed.
Mrs. Leon Walters
ENTRY 41
I have been spending a lot of time on the tractor here of late. The pastures are filled with tall weeds
and the field look much nicer afterwards. It makes it easier for the horses to graze. I have an old blue ford
tractor that I bought about the same time I bought the farm years ago. It has a big sturdy roll bar to
provide protection . On the rolling hills here on our property in southern Indiana , this is a desirable feature.
I get up close to the fence line and this leads to tree limbs hitting me and often puting scratches on
my arms and legs. It comes with the tuff. I was pretty well finished with this field the other evening .
I took a little pass across the field to see if there were any places I had missed.
The field was all good but I saw a potential problem . As I had went under a wild cherry tree, the roll bar
broke off a limb. It was still hanging on the tree but dangled all the way to the ground. It was still hanging
by a thread but would be dead in a day or two. I am so glad I saw this. I had to go back to the house to get some
snips and cut it off from the tractor seat high above the ground. I then have to put it outside the pasture so the
horses could not munch on when it dried.
My very first horse was named Dusty. I went up to ride one morning then I was a youth. The other horses were
present but Dusty was not there. My dad's horse seemed excited and agitated and would not let me catch or pet
him. It was like something you see in a movie and he led me to a steam up in the pasture .My beloved friend was
dead and laying in the steam at it deepest spot. The farmer who buried her said animals do this to try to stop the pain after the eat something toxic or poison. Green leaves do not hurt them nor even dead or dried wild cherry leaves after the first frost. If one of our horses had nibbled on this, I would have to bury another one.
My hands shook as I typed the words above. I had to stop a time or two. It has been over 50 years.
I felt the shock and pain again as I shared this story. Why am I telling you this? Well it may help you protect your
livestock down the road. I guess I just want this story to remind you that things that are behind us can cause
harm if we do not know how to properly deal with them. Chew on that awhile.
Watch out that no bitter root of unbelief rises up among you,for whenever it springs up, many are
corrupted by its poison. Hebrews 12:15
Conseit is a weird disease- it makes everybody sick but the guy who has it.
James Dobson
ENTRY 42
It has been pretty hot here of late. Sometimes I have to water the flowers around the house after work.
I enjoy flowers and keeping them looking nice but it takes a lot of time and effort . I often send a little pray up
thanking God when he sends down a nice rain shower.I have noticed they seem to do much better with His water.
Could it be there are things in the rain we do not have access to? Maybe the chemicals we use in our water are
not good forthe flowers all in all. I am sure glad do not drink that stuff!
I am as a rule not a forgetful person . I will admit more slippage with age. I read something in my youth that will
stick with me as well as any sticky note It said:
The best mind is no match for the palest of ink.
You must realize by now,I love quotes. I also tell you who said what. I find this ironic that I did not write
down who said this so to this day....no clue.I love and agree with the wisdom . I do not care who you are or how
smart we claim to be, the ink remembers longer. We all are so busy. We have too much on our minds.
I do take a vitamin to help me remember but I can't remember where I put them.
ENTRY
Yesterday I went out to check on the horses. It has again been vey hot here of late and a daily chore
to top off the water troughs will cool clear water.As I make my rounds the horses ususlly get excited when they hear the sound of our old red ATV. Because this vehicle usally has horse feeds as well as carrots, we c call it "Chuck" short for chuck wagon .
There is a mare and two young ones in the south pasture. I whistled and they did not come. I banged on the
red tubes on the gate with the scooper. It makes a sound that sounds like a hillbilly dinner bell. I had seen them the evening before and knew they were ok. I surmised they had found a place with a breeze and had it made in the shade.
I set the bright orange bucket filled with feed and carrots in front of the gate. This bucket was a physical reminder for me to "lets do this later". I had some mowing to do and that filled several hours of the afternoon. I kept looking down at the water tank seeing they had not yet drank from it and for the first time became a little concerned.
I went down to the gate and did the two tone whistle my dad taught me. I do this in honor of him and have taught my sons to do the same. They all would turn and prick up their earsand know it was me if I did this even in a crowd.
I banged again on the gate and in no time flat heard the three of them flat out running as hard as they could
go. They seemed happy to see me and even more to see Chuck .They were breathing heavy as they devoured their snacks.
My friend I believe God is calling all of us. As we read Scripture, we learn he calls us all differently . Many people tell me after I speak that I missed my calling. I would quite my practice and enroll in seminary school tomorrow if I felt in my heart that is what God wanted for me. I answered my "call to the see" many years ago. I love the interaction I have with patients for the most part. I never would have believed God would and could could use me to write these stories for his glory.
He has blended and used the very things I love and hold dear such as horses, hunting , and rivers . I am often very surprised at how stories and lessons come together in such a way that I know it is not me but him working through me. Here is the exciting part, he wants to do the same with you. You may not be called to write or do eyes but you are being called . What do you do that gives you joy and satisfaction? There is your best clue in regard to what God is calling you to do.
I pray that at times this website feeds you. I write for all God's people and not just those who gather under the steeple. All I know is when I do this with the hope of pleasing my Savior, it just feels so "write"!
Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things
you do not know. Jeremiah 33:3
When you empty yourself, God rushes in.
A.W. Tozer
For the man who prays in his heart ,the whole world is a church.
Sylvain of Athos