“Cricket, you on?”; those haunting words came from somewhere deep in my past. When we heard our call sign, everything around us faded. We listened intently for what was coming next. When on overwatch, you were even more focused because the lives of your buddies was in your hands. Whether on “glass” (looking through a Read More >
Many Christian friends have shared how they employ the concept of Prayer Walking, where they pray and meditate as they stroll down a quiet nature trail or country road. Not farmers and ranchers. If we’re walking down a path, it’s usually on our way to get another chore done. Feeding, cleaning, repairing, etc., our days Read More >
Isn’t it just like God to bless us when we least expect it? Happened to me last Wednesday. When I posted my Deflated, Not Defeated blog post in the early morning hours of August 10th, I had no idea what was in store. The weather forecast was about the same as it had been for Read More >
For farmers and ranchers, our mood can change with the seasons. In the fall, we are excited to see and gather the harvest. In winter, we rest and prepare for the coming spring. As spring arrives, our “busy” ratchets up as calving, tilling, and planting fills our days with activity. The bursting forth of vivid Read More >
“Over an inch-wide and ten-inches deep Lord. Yes Father, I know it goes deeper, but the tang on my tape measure gets hung up. Father God, I don’t know why You’re keeping the rain away, but I love You and praise Your name. Can’t You see Your way to give us just a little?” The Read More >
I’ll never forget that morning at a ranch near Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. I’d seen cowboys and their horses work in the movies and thought how skillful the cowboy was; until I saw it up close and personal. If you’ve never seen a cutting horse at work, ridden by a capable and skilled rider, you are 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 >
If you ever visit our Cross-Dubya ranch, there’s one character you’ll never forget, Bubba, the chocolate lab. He’s our friendly, fierce, funny, and fluffy farm dog; and he constantly teaches me what my relationship with God should be like. Countless times, I’ve heard myself think or exclaim, “Help me be more like Bubba Lord.” Please Read More >
I’m certain this only ever happens to me, but more than once in the past 25 years my dear spouse has said, “You’re hearing me, but you’re not listening.” Most guys don’t distinguish between the two words, so I’ve made the matter worse before by cocking my head and looking like someone just said “fahrvergnügen” Read More >
My donkeys spend their lives on soft pastureland with plenty to eat, which means they need their hooves trimmed every couple of months. Observing my two donkeys during their recent hoof trimming reminded me how there are no “one size fits all” solutions for learning trust. Christian or donkey—admittedly, it’s sometimes difficult to tell the Read More >