Yesterday I participated in a BPCRS match at the Yaupon Creek BPCRS Club in Columbus, Texas. I’m new at this long range shooting with this match being my fifth competition. BPCRS is an NRA sanctioned shooting event. In these events a shooter is recognized when he passes a bench-mark in his shooting growth. Yesterday was my first bench-mark day.
In BPCRS, which stands for Black Powder Cartridge Rifle Silhouette, a metallic silhouette target of must fall to be counted a hit. A shooter is awarded a small pin when he is able to knock down five targets in a row and again when he knocks down ten targets in a row. These are bench-mark occasions. The targets are chickens, fired at 200 meters offhand, pigs fired at 300 meters, turkeys fired at 385 meters, and rams fired at 500 meters. Pigs, turkeys and rams are fired from crossed sticks in the sitting or prone position. My first bench-mark day was occasioned by knocking down five pigs.
Like most bench-marks in our lives, this one caused me to reflect on the occasion. It recognized a personal achievement. I was only competing against me, and I won. I can’t help but think of the large majority of cowboys and gals in Cowboy Action Shooting, who come, pay their money, participate and applaud the winners. They return to their homes and are never recognized for their effort.
Wouldn’t it be nice if we could devise some method in cowboy action with the same ability demonstrated in BPCRS? The best cowboy and cowgirl is the one standing on the firing line and supporting our clubs. Every cowboy who completes a match is a winner. In Cowboy Action we expend a lot of effort emphasizing the fellowship, friendships, and fun of the game. I believe it is time to support the winners, those whose only competition was themselves and they won.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Earning the Right
TV news commentators never cease to amaze me. They will pick a occurrence they consider news worthy and report it like it is the last important thing in the world. Then in their never ceasing effort to insult the intelligence of every viewer of their broadcast, they will pick some brain dead person who is unable to express themselves and ask them what they think. Of all the people standing around watching their little show at the time it was shot, what caused them to pick that particular individual?
There was a time when honor was strong within the police fraternity. Often you life depended upon knowing that the man behind you could be trusted to do what he had to do. If one of these demonstrated himself as a Judas other officers would have nothing to do with him. He then joined the ranks of the sick, the lame, and the lazy. That means he was assigned to a desk. Few listened much to what he had to say for he had not earned the right to be heard. When the political atmosphere changed and officers learned they could advance themselves at the expense of their fellow officers, everyone became worthy to express their opinion. After all, they now had an agenda and the political atmosphere found its strength in numbers.
What makes an individual worthy of being heard? What happened to earning the right to speak? In the same manner that respect is earned not assigned; creditability must be earned, it is not automatic. The news folks search for someone willing to voice an opinion agreeable to their agenda. What happened to honor? What happened to the value of experience and individual creditability? When did honor and truth become a casuality?
I fear that honor and creditability has gone the way of silence. We have lost our appreciation of being still and realizing that God is all around us. Knowing God has been replaced by noise. It seems that honor and creditability are causalities of agendas. These have been replaced by anyone’s opinion that is found agreeable.
There was a time when honor was strong within the police fraternity. Often you life depended upon knowing that the man behind you could be trusted to do what he had to do. If one of these demonstrated himself as a Judas other officers would have nothing to do with him. He then joined the ranks of the sick, the lame, and the lazy. That means he was assigned to a desk. Few listened much to what he had to say for he had not earned the right to be heard. When the political atmosphere changed and officers learned they could advance themselves at the expense of their fellow officers, everyone became worthy to express their opinion. After all, they now had an agenda and the political atmosphere found its strength in numbers.
What makes an individual worthy of being heard? What happened to earning the right to speak? In the same manner that respect is earned not assigned; creditability must be earned, it is not automatic. The news folks search for someone willing to voice an opinion agreeable to their agenda. What happened to honor? What happened to the value of experience and individual creditability? When did honor and truth become a casuality?
I fear that honor and creditability has gone the way of silence. We have lost our appreciation of being still and realizing that God is all around us. Knowing God has been replaced by noise. It seems that honor and creditability are causalities of agendas. These have been replaced by anyone’s opinion that is found agreeable.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
I WISH WE HAD PRAYED
Today was a glorious day! Besides being a shoot day, the weather was cooperating here in S. Texas. Low humidity with high 60’s, low 70’s, and that was all day! We gathered early in the morning, which is customary for a monthly shoot. Everyone appeared to be in high spirits anticipating the activities in store. Not only was this a great day to be shooting, a picnic had been planned for afterwards for even more fun and fellowship.
By 8:30 all attending had arrived, and the shooters meeting was started by the president of the club. The pledge was recited in unison both for our USA and the Texas flag. We’re all still having difficulty remembering the Texas one, but it’s starting to catch on. The highlight of the meeting was when sincere words of gratefulness were spoken for a couple of miracles that had been witnessed by most of these club members regarding two members. These two members had suffered significant trials in their lives. Both were now well on their way to recovery. I couldn’t help thinking to myself – Praises to God for His mercy and deliverance for these two people and their families.
My eyes searched the crowd as my spirit cried out – who has been asked to voice a prayer to God Almighty who has delivered such blessings already this morning. I hear muffled voices as the officers of the club lament and ask one another what other matters need to be covered since the safety portion was complete. I see a shrug, my spirit begins to fall, more like plummet, as I think of such an opportunity to praise God and give back to Him just a portion of all He had blessed us with this glorious morning. Then I hear, “Let’s Shoot”. Scripture flies through my mind as I now begrudgingly push my gun cart to my assigned stage. Silently I thank God for myself and on behalf of the others who never acknowledged God gifts starring each of us in the face.
We can talk about Father God, but if we don’t praise Him, he clearly tells us that the very stones of the earth will cry out in praise! (Luke 29:40)
Prissy Pearlene
#59753
By 8:30 all attending had arrived, and the shooters meeting was started by the president of the club. The pledge was recited in unison both for our USA and the Texas flag. We’re all still having difficulty remembering the Texas one, but it’s starting to catch on. The highlight of the meeting was when sincere words of gratefulness were spoken for a couple of miracles that had been witnessed by most of these club members regarding two members. These two members had suffered significant trials in their lives. Both were now well on their way to recovery. I couldn’t help thinking to myself – Praises to God for His mercy and deliverance for these two people and their families.
My eyes searched the crowd as my spirit cried out – who has been asked to voice a prayer to God Almighty who has delivered such blessings already this morning. I hear muffled voices as the officers of the club lament and ask one another what other matters need to be covered since the safety portion was complete. I see a shrug, my spirit begins to fall, more like plummet, as I think of such an opportunity to praise God and give back to Him just a portion of all He had blessed us with this glorious morning. Then I hear, “Let’s Shoot”. Scripture flies through my mind as I now begrudgingly push my gun cart to my assigned stage. Silently I thank God for myself and on behalf of the others who never acknowledged God gifts starring each of us in the face.
We can talk about Father God, but if we don’t praise Him, he clearly tells us that the very stones of the earth will cry out in praise! (Luke 29:40)
Prissy Pearlene
#59753
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
NEW UPDATE ON CHEROKEE JONES
Wednesday Morning - April 23, 2008
Cherokee Jones update from wife, Joeanne
....A good update on Cherokee . . . The doctors had a cat scan run on him and found the red and warm place was old blood and IV fluids. They went in and drained the fluid, and found no pus or other signs of infection. The tube down his nose and into the stomach has been removed . . . he's so pleased about that.He was moved again, this time into the regular ICU in the Cullen Pavilion. He says he isn't up to having visitors . . . right now there isn't much dignity in his treatment plan and he would rather wait until he can retain that dignity. He is improving rapidly now so we dare to start thinking about a private room and eventual discharge.
I will keep you posted as I find out more. Thank every one for their concern , just knowing he had all of you in his corner was uplifted his spirits. Please continue to pray for his speedy recovery.
Cherokee Jones update from wife, Joeanne
....A good update on Cherokee . . . The doctors had a cat scan run on him and found the red and warm place was old blood and IV fluids. They went in and drained the fluid, and found no pus or other signs of infection. The tube down his nose and into the stomach has been removed . . . he's so pleased about that.He was moved again, this time into the regular ICU in the Cullen Pavilion. He says he isn't up to having visitors . . . right now there isn't much dignity in his treatment plan and he would rather wait until he can retain that dignity. He is improving rapidly now so we dare to start thinking about a private room and eventual discharge.
I will keep you posted as I find out more. Thank every one for their concern , just knowing he had all of you in his corner was uplifted his spirits. Please continue to pray for his speedy recovery.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
For or Against?
Digital photos are nice. You shoot the pictures and stick them in a folder on the computer and there they sit until you decide to flip through the folder. I was looking at last years shooting photos and I couldn’t help thinking about all the cowboys and gals we had shot with. I begin to wonder, “Why do some of these shoot cowboy?” In the photos some are happy, obviously having a good time. Some are intense. It’s good to have your mind on what your doing. Some appear to be in pain and there were a few who appeared angry.
There are as many reasons for engaging in this game as there are folks. Some of the reasons are deeply personal and will never be voiced. Some have to nothing to do with the game but are more political in nature. I know a few shooters who are there for the competition. It makes little difference what they shoot, spit-balls or cannon. What’s important is that they are in competition with someone else.
Thinking about this question of “Why do it?” I’ve come to the conclusion that fundamentally there are only two reasons to go through all this trouble and expense. We are either shooting “for” or we are shooting “against.” I know that when Prissy first started shooting she did it “for” me. She was already dressing and helping in the administration of the match and she knew how much I wanted her to join me on the firing line. The personal “for” came later.
As I flip through the photos I see “that look” of intensity. The expressions when a cowboy or gal gets “zoned in” and are attempting to git’er done as quickly as possible. These are shooting “against” all the others in the game that day. They do not appear to be enjoying themselves and it’s not until after the match and they have won that the smile and satisfaction is apparent.
Then there is that great part of shooters who enjoy the game for what it is, a game. These are those who shoot “for” the game itself. Those who are shooting “against” are missing the good part. Prissy had it right when she said, “If I had fun, I won.”
There are as many reasons for engaging in this game as there are folks. Some of the reasons are deeply personal and will never be voiced. Some have to nothing to do with the game but are more political in nature. I know a few shooters who are there for the competition. It makes little difference what they shoot, spit-balls or cannon. What’s important is that they are in competition with someone else.
Thinking about this question of “Why do it?” I’ve come to the conclusion that fundamentally there are only two reasons to go through all this trouble and expense. We are either shooting “for” or we are shooting “against.” I know that when Prissy first started shooting she did it “for” me. She was already dressing and helping in the administration of the match and she knew how much I wanted her to join me on the firing line. The personal “for” came later.
As I flip through the photos I see “that look” of intensity. The expressions when a cowboy or gal gets “zoned in” and are attempting to git’er done as quickly as possible. These are shooting “against” all the others in the game that day. They do not appear to be enjoying themselves and it’s not until after the match and they have won that the smile and satisfaction is apparent.
Then there is that great part of shooters who enjoy the game for what it is, a game. These are those who shoot “for” the game itself. Those who are shooting “against” are missing the good part. Prissy had it right when she said, “If I had fun, I won.”
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Easter Sunday Morning
In the last few days I have taken a renewed and different look at the Easter season. What caused this renewed examination other than it’s that time of the year was an unexpected response to the season.
Prissy and I begin planning to participate in a shoot over the Easter weekend. Now Easter Sunday is my absolutely most favorite time to be preaching. Since retiring from the ministry I miss being in the pulpit on Easter Sunday morning more than any other time. Now it occurred to me that here was an opportunity that would have meaning to Cowboy Shooters, the opportunity to have Sunrise Services on Easter Sunday morning on the cowboy range. It was in this mindset that I made inquiry if this was possible. I was thinking perhaps arrangements had already been made since Easter was about a month away, but if they have not, then I would certainly be willing to conduct the services. Their response was a reality check.
First, we were confronted with the reality that the club we were planning to visit was the home club for a couple of shooters having a completely different perspective on this season. The first was a cowboy of the Jewish persuasion. To say he was less than excited about the idea would be an extreme understatement. Then, as if that was not enough resistance, the club is also home to an avowed atheist. Needless to say, this cowboy wanted nothing of the sort being conducted anywhere close to his territory.
I have a preference to reduce things to their lowest common denominator. Doing this helps me get my mind around complicated things in a way that I can grasp what it is all about. I started thinking about Easter. What is Easter all about and what is it about Easter that would cause some to respond in such a negative and emotional manner?
Simply stated, Easter is about reconciliation. It was God’s method of “reconciling” us to Himself. That is a good thing, I thought. But what is “reconcile”? Simply stated, reconcile is God’s way of bringing about a changed relationship. Since it is the sin in our lives and heart that makes us the enemy of God, being “reconciled” to God changes us from being His enemy to being His children. There is only one way that we can have peace with God and that is through Jesus. (Romans 5:1)
We all know folks who thrive in conflict. If there is nothing to fight or fuss over, they’ll invent it. It seems that Easter Sunday morning is no exception. We will be in our home church Easter Sunday morning.
Prissy and I begin planning to participate in a shoot over the Easter weekend. Now Easter Sunday is my absolutely most favorite time to be preaching. Since retiring from the ministry I miss being in the pulpit on Easter Sunday morning more than any other time. Now it occurred to me that here was an opportunity that would have meaning to Cowboy Shooters, the opportunity to have Sunrise Services on Easter Sunday morning on the cowboy range. It was in this mindset that I made inquiry if this was possible. I was thinking perhaps arrangements had already been made since Easter was about a month away, but if they have not, then I would certainly be willing to conduct the services. Their response was a reality check.
First, we were confronted with the reality that the club we were planning to visit was the home club for a couple of shooters having a completely different perspective on this season. The first was a cowboy of the Jewish persuasion. To say he was less than excited about the idea would be an extreme understatement. Then, as if that was not enough resistance, the club is also home to an avowed atheist. Needless to say, this cowboy wanted nothing of the sort being conducted anywhere close to his territory.
I have a preference to reduce things to their lowest common denominator. Doing this helps me get my mind around complicated things in a way that I can grasp what it is all about. I started thinking about Easter. What is Easter all about and what is it about Easter that would cause some to respond in such a negative and emotional manner?
Simply stated, Easter is about reconciliation. It was God’s method of “reconciling” us to Himself. That is a good thing, I thought. But what is “reconcile”? Simply stated, reconcile is God’s way of bringing about a changed relationship. Since it is the sin in our lives and heart that makes us the enemy of God, being “reconciled” to God changes us from being His enemy to being His children. There is only one way that we can have peace with God and that is through Jesus. (Romans 5:1)
We all know folks who thrive in conflict. If there is nothing to fight or fuss over, they’ll invent it. It seems that Easter Sunday morning is no exception. We will be in our home church Easter Sunday morning.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
You know ...
As I achieve more grey hair I find there are fewer things that irritate, really irritate. One is to have someone finish my sentence before I can get there. I get the message I’m just not capable of thinking or talking fast enough for them. That one is right up there with those youngsters who talk so fast I catch the first and last word. Everything in between is gibberish to me. I’ve been known to interrupt them and tell them they will have to speak slower, I’m not capable of thinking that fast. That usually solicits a stunned look. Another irritation is the word “cool” which usually comes out of the same mouth talking so fast. I have yet to figure out what “cool” is when used in the manner they use the word. Is it a good thing or a pretty thing? Is it unique or common? I’ve come to the conclusion from the way it’s used that many who use the expression use it due to a lack of vocabulary more than its application to a specific meaning.
The grandest of all irritations is the overuse of the term “you know”. Folks seem to be programmed to use the expression every time they exhale. “I was walking down the street,” take a breath and start to exhale, “you know when this dog ran up and bit me.” I have always wanted to interrupt them and say, “No, I don’t know, that’s why I’m talking with you; explain it to me.” But then, if I did, they wouldn’t understand— you know!
The grandest of all irritations is the overuse of the term “you know”. Folks seem to be programmed to use the expression every time they exhale. “I was walking down the street,” take a breath and start to exhale, “you know when this dog ran up and bit me.” I have always wanted to interrupt them and say, “No, I don’t know, that’s why I’m talking with you; explain it to me.” But then, if I did, they wouldn’t understand— you know!
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