Walk into any old rancher’s house and it wouldn’t be a surprise to find a rope hanging on a wall somewhere. Ask them about it and you’ll hear a story along the lines of, “That’s the last lariat I used at ‘The Granddaddy’ up in Cheyenne, back in ’82. Made the short go, but lost Read More >
Looking to the right, from my desk, is my “Wall of Grace”. It’s my constant reminder of how God shows His love for me in times when I need His grace in my life. I’ll agree with you, that’s all the time; but we’ve all had those moments when our tanks are running low, when Read More >
The air was saturated as the old rancher carried another bale to the livestock he so selflessly cares for. He wondered, would there be enough hay to make the winter? He sold off as much of his herd he could to survive the long drought and anticipated drier than normal winter. How am I going Read More >
If I’ve learned nothing else in my 25 years of marriage to my amazing and beautiful Italian-American wife, I’ve learned there is much more to life than salt and pepper. Ms. Diane’s cooking has taught me that when you mix the right spices together to season a meal, amazing things happen. This might explain why Read More >
As much as they demand, fuss, argue with me and one another, and make me laugh, is it any wonder I treat these two goofballs like family? “Magic” and “Elpis” (pronounced “L-peace”, the Hebrew word for hope) are my wonderful, inquisitive, fun-loving donkeys who patrol the pastures here at our Cross-Dubya ranch. Whenever I’m outside, Read More >
As I continue seeking spiritual maturity, I try to limit the time I spend atop my personal soapbox. Sometimes, the Holy Spirit unbridles my heart and mouth and allows me to speak what is on my heart. I believe this is one of those times. This week, I depart from sharing lessons learned here on Read More >
As a young boy, I wondered why Mamaw (grandmother for my northern friends) saved tin foil, kept a can for pan drippings on the back of the stove, and was the “Queen of Tupperware.” With the rising costs of everything these days, I understand. Most years, hay season ends when I’ve stacked the last bale Read More >
Notice the ladies in the photograph? The photo I quickly snapped with my phone during a Sunday morning service doesn’t tell much of the story. What you’re seeing is something that brought tears to this crusty old rancher’s eyes. The only way I can attempt to explain it is that I captured worship in its Read More >
It often happens when you least expect it. I guess that’s what gives it such an impact. In my case, it happened on the way to the feed store. In less than 30 seconds, I had to pull off onto the shoulder and pull myself together. That allowed me to make it to an empty Read More >
With a nod of his head, he states matter-of-fact, “We’re burnin’ daylight.” As he sits down beside me, I think to myself, This fella doesn’t talk much; but he sure is a good worker. After early morning chores (feeding, watering, and herd checks), he glances my way, “Time to feed the critters”, and off we Read More >