Sometimes our lives become a desert, devoid of the life-giving water that normally flows through our souls. It doesn’t always happen in the heat of summer, but can happen in the midst of a cold, dark winter season. I’ve experienced thirst in both. In the heat of battle, when adrenaline is coursing through our body, Read More >
Three letters, S-E-A. Who could ever imagine the magnitude of the legacy they would leave behind? When did I first see those initials? That’s right, it was when I was helping mom reconcile the Napa Auto Parts charge tickets at our family’s Texaco station. Asking who signed for those parts, mom replied, “That’s Dad’s signature Read More >
Among the many joys I find living in what we call “God’s Country”, being able to experience nature up close and personal everyday ranks high on my list. It’s there in His created beauty that I most easily connect with God. Recently I was driving to Bonham, TX for an appointment. As in most rural Read More >
“How can I feel joy when I’m grieving so Lord?” This is the question I prayed as my dad was leaving the confines of this earthly life to enter eternity with our Lord and Savior. The Holy Spirit answered my question by bringing four words to the forefront of my mind. His-Final-First-Step. It’s been nearly Read More >
For me, the greatest thing about farming and ranching is how God’s word comes to life each day. I relish looking back and seeing where His word was at work in my life. God’s principles of sowing and reaping, preparing the soil of our hearts, and growing in Christ have special meanings for those who Read More >
So far this year, I’ve only broken two toes. It happens innocently enough. As I’m pouring out a bucket of feed into the bunk feeders, one of my cows will get excited and there goes another one. In their zeal to get the first mouthful, they’ll inadvertently step on my foot. Not long ago, my Read More >
Elpis (pronounced “L-peace”, the Greek word for “hope”) the donkey and her antics often leave me laughing. This morning, it was her daily summer beauty treatment. While filling the stock tank near her stall, she walked over to her bare spot and lay down. Next, she rolled back and forth, side-to-side, creating a mini-dust storm. Read More >
For the first 14 years of my life, I seldom felt the joy of being loved. I never knew the difference encouragement made in a young life; and never understood how being part of a family was something to cherish. By the time I was 12, I had all but given up on the dream Read More >
An interesting trait among Red Angus cattle is that they are some of the noisiest around. My herd bull “Mavric”, a registered Red Angus with amazing EPDs (Expected Progeny Differences), is a prime example. As the only bull on the Cross-Dubya, “Mavric” is normally a very happy fella. But when all his ladies are pregnant Read More >
On February 4th, God reminded me of a truth that touches every farmer and rancher in the world; “If you ain’t, you’re fixin’ to.” What does this adage refer to? Death, grief, and loss. Whether it’s livestock on a farm or a family member, we will all experience these things while on this earth. On Read More >