With new calves on the ranch, “Magic the Donkey” should be on high alert. This year, he’s in timeout instead. For several years I’ve had donkeys intermixed with my cattle for a specific purpose. As social/herd animals, donkeys make wonderful guards against predators such as the coyotes that are so plentiful here in Texas. While Read More >

We’ve all been there. That moment when it seems everyone else has abandoned you. You’re on your own and not sure you’re up to the challenge. My moment came in the middle of a pasture; with a cold rain falling and darkness all around. What do you do in that moment? I prayed. As much Read More >

Do not define a writer as someone who earns a living by writing. This definition might fit an author—someone whose creative work has been published—but even that is a stretch. I began writing before I was ten years old. Making an income with my writing didn’t happen until in my twenties. Earning a living through Read More >

2018 was the second wettest year in recorded history in Texas; receiving over six inches in December alone. It takes longer to do everything around the farm when it’s raining. Half my barn is flooded inside. I create deep ruts everywhere the tractor goes. The entire southern edge of my property is under water; and Read More >

Over the past few months, I’ve noticed my buddy “Bubba the chocolate lab” has experienced significant weight gain. A little back story; Bubba was a beautiful, collared, chocolate Labrador retriever puppy we think someone abandoned near our home. He wandered upon our friends’ ranch one day, and after weeks searching for an owner, he became Read More >

Calving season started late. Desiring fall calves, I get winter calves as it was almost February before breeding began. This year, calving season at our Cross-Dubya ranch began on Thanksgiving Day with a little heifer we named “Giblets.” We’ve had other calves, but there’s always something special about the first one each year. Anyone who Read More >

Last year’s New Year’s Eve saw my wife Diane and I renew our marriage vows. Married twenty years ago on that day, we stood in front of a retired county judge and said our vows. Last year, our pastor allowed us to renew our commitment to one another in front of God and our “Family Read More >

As Christians, we have many reasons to celebrate the Christmas season. Jesus Christ is my “Reason for the Season.” While my Savior gives joy year-round, His miraculous birth is the reason for this holiday. Things I enjoy during this season include watching the expectant joy in children’s faces and observing almost everyone being just a Read More >

As people, one of the most important things we can do for one another is live out the words of 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV); “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” I’m not talking about “blowing smoke” (false flattery) as many are apt to do today. Instead, we Read More >

What a year 2018 has been. After a tumultuous 2017; two heart operations, cataract surgeries, and lots of time to focus on writing (thank you Lord), I eagerly awaited the New Year. Praying often about my calling to become a Christian writer, I had no idea what I was asking for. I attended my first Read More >