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!
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Are You A Cowboy Action Shooter?... Are You A Christian?...
When I began to ponder both of these questions in the middle of the night not so long ago, I was suddenly struck by how similar my thoughts and actions are on both. Do I act like a Christian? Do I live like a Christian? Do I know the rules that God has placed on my life when I accepted His gift of eternal life? Do I need to grow more in His teachings and spend more time in His Word? Do I need to better display the fruits of the Spirit? As I think of all that I am, and all that I need work on, the answer is a resounding “Yes”. I do truly love the Lord and know and believe that God sent His son to earth to die on the cross for my sins and if I only accept His love and gift of salvation, then I will be able to spend forever in heaven in His presence. What could be more wonderful than that?
Then my mind turns to my passion in being a cowboy action shooter, or in my case, a cowgirl action shooter. When I am playing this game that I have grown to enjoy so much, do I act like a cowboy shooter? Do I know the rules that are in place for this sport and for my safety and enjoyment? Do I display behaviors that tell others around me that I am practicing the “spirit of the game”? Have I taken steps to be assured that I am not a stumbling block to others as we participate, and do I play fair? Do I need to better my skills and broaden my understanding? And, do I need to learn more of how to become a better shooter? Again, I hear a resounding “Yes” to my questions.
Have you ever been around someone that talks a good game about their cowboy shooting exploits, but when it comes down to it, you ask yourself, have they actually experienced every aspect of the emotions, the settings they claim to have shot in, or some other reality that we so often get wake-up calls to while participating on the firing line? It is then you say to yourself, “Well, they may be a shooter, but they are not a cowboy action shooter.” They demonstrate that they do not even posses a basic knowledge or understanding of what it means to be on the firing line experiencing the pressure of an actual cowboy competition. Sadly, some of these folks are so busy trying to impress others of their great knowledge and abilities, they totally miss the reasons we are there. Instead of wanting to grow in this sport, they would rather make excuses for why they are there and for their poor performances. When you break it down and question their motives for even being there, it usually comes down to this statement, “Well, he may be a shooter, but he’s not a cowboy action shooting competitor”. Sadly, some of these folks passing judgment on others are the very people that are in a decision making roles for our clubs.
Is it the same with Christians? How many folks do you know that claim to be a “Christian”, but yet they are not even recognizable as such? They do not know God’s Word and what the rules are for living as a Christian. They display the sin of Adam (selfishness), rather than the “Fruits of the Spirit”, love and respect, which contributes to our inability to recognize them as Christians. They can be described as Paul says in the New Testament, (1 Tim 5: 13 They get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house (club to club). And not only do they become idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying things they ought not to.) Do we not witness this in our cowboy clubs? How sad that so many other shooters become hurt and discouraged by these less-caring and selfish participants and end up just drifting away with little to no notice of their absence. Far too often these very folks claiming to be servants of the Lord are not that at all. They posses the same sin as the boasters we find on our posses from time to time. Telling us all how to do it, when they are revealed to be nothing more than fools.
Let us, as true Christians, guard against being a braggart, or one to cause another to stumble when we are shooting in a match. Rather, let us be encouragers, cowboys and cowgirls that build each other up. We may not be in the company of true Christians while on the firing line, and that is the case more often times than not, but we need to remember “we may be the only Jesus” they will ever see.
Then my mind turns to my passion in being a cowboy action shooter, or in my case, a cowgirl action shooter. When I am playing this game that I have grown to enjoy so much, do I act like a cowboy shooter? Do I know the rules that are in place for this sport and for my safety and enjoyment? Do I display behaviors that tell others around me that I am practicing the “spirit of the game”? Have I taken steps to be assured that I am not a stumbling block to others as we participate, and do I play fair? Do I need to better my skills and broaden my understanding? And, do I need to learn more of how to become a better shooter? Again, I hear a resounding “Yes” to my questions.
Have you ever been around someone that talks a good game about their cowboy shooting exploits, but when it comes down to it, you ask yourself, have they actually experienced every aspect of the emotions, the settings they claim to have shot in, or some other reality that we so often get wake-up calls to while participating on the firing line? It is then you say to yourself, “Well, they may be a shooter, but they are not a cowboy action shooter.” They demonstrate that they do not even posses a basic knowledge or understanding of what it means to be on the firing line experiencing the pressure of an actual cowboy competition. Sadly, some of these folks are so busy trying to impress others of their great knowledge and abilities, they totally miss the reasons we are there. Instead of wanting to grow in this sport, they would rather make excuses for why they are there and for their poor performances. When you break it down and question their motives for even being there, it usually comes down to this statement, “Well, he may be a shooter, but he’s not a cowboy action shooting competitor”. Sadly, some of these folks passing judgment on others are the very people that are in a decision making roles for our clubs.
Is it the same with Christians? How many folks do you know that claim to be a “Christian”, but yet they are not even recognizable as such? They do not know God’s Word and what the rules are for living as a Christian. They display the sin of Adam (selfishness), rather than the “Fruits of the Spirit”, love and respect, which contributes to our inability to recognize them as Christians. They can be described as Paul says in the New Testament, (1 Tim 5: 13 They get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house (club to club). And not only do they become idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying things they ought not to.) Do we not witness this in our cowboy clubs? How sad that so many other shooters become hurt and discouraged by these less-caring and selfish participants and end up just drifting away with little to no notice of their absence. Far too often these very folks claiming to be servants of the Lord are not that at all. They posses the same sin as the boasters we find on our posses from time to time. Telling us all how to do it, when they are revealed to be nothing more than fools.
Let us, as true Christians, guard against being a braggart, or one to cause another to stumble when we are shooting in a match. Rather, let us be encouragers, cowboys and cowgirls that build each other up. We may not be in the company of true Christians while on the firing line, and that is the case more often times than not, but we need to remember “we may be the only Jesus” they will ever see.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Closure
I think its called closure. It is that sense of satisfaction that comes from successfully completing a difficult task.
Several weeks ago I agreed to work up a long range load for a good friend and fellow cowboy shooter. His tool of choice for this little choir was a replica sharps in 45-70 caliber. Just looking at the gun I knew first off it needed long range sights. I figured I could order and install the sights, work up several loads of differing powder and bullet weight. With a good set of sights installed all that was left to do was go to the range and pick the one that shot the best. I’ve done this many times and was not anticipating anything challenging. Boy was I ever wrong! That was six weeks ago and today I finally found the sweet spot.
I loaded heavy bullets and light bullets. I loaded lots of powder and just a little powder. I loaded fast burning powder and slow burning powder. In all of this I could have done better damaged to the paper target with a shotgun than I did with this rifle. I just could not get the thing to put two shots on the same piece of paper. All I managed to do was identify what loading the gun did not like.
A couple of days ago I was giving the gun a thorough cleaning when I noticed some leading in the barrel. What was lead doing in the barrel? I checked the rate of twist. I slugged the barrel and found the lands barely marking the bullet. I went back and reviewed every load, every sequence of shots. Could it be I was dealing with a slightly oversized barrel? If the barrel and bullet do not match, upon firing the bullet does not seal with a good fit in the lands and groves allowing hot gases to escape around the bullet and melt some of the lead as the bullet make it way down the barrel. The answer was right there in front of me all the time and I just couldn’t see it.
I ordered some 405 g. bullets sized to .459 inch, loaded them up last night and went to the range this morning. I cannot describe the feeling I had when the second bullet keyholed the first. I moved the sight and the point of impact actually moved like it is supposed to do. Thank you Lord for allowing me to see what was right in front of me. Sometimes you just have to return to the basics to clear up vision problems.
Several weeks ago I agreed to work up a long range load for a good friend and fellow cowboy shooter. His tool of choice for this little choir was a replica sharps in 45-70 caliber. Just looking at the gun I knew first off it needed long range sights. I figured I could order and install the sights, work up several loads of differing powder and bullet weight. With a good set of sights installed all that was left to do was go to the range and pick the one that shot the best. I’ve done this many times and was not anticipating anything challenging. Boy was I ever wrong! That was six weeks ago and today I finally found the sweet spot.
I loaded heavy bullets and light bullets. I loaded lots of powder and just a little powder. I loaded fast burning powder and slow burning powder. In all of this I could have done better damaged to the paper target with a shotgun than I did with this rifle. I just could not get the thing to put two shots on the same piece of paper. All I managed to do was identify what loading the gun did not like.
A couple of days ago I was giving the gun a thorough cleaning when I noticed some leading in the barrel. What was lead doing in the barrel? I checked the rate of twist. I slugged the barrel and found the lands barely marking the bullet. I went back and reviewed every load, every sequence of shots. Could it be I was dealing with a slightly oversized barrel? If the barrel and bullet do not match, upon firing the bullet does not seal with a good fit in the lands and groves allowing hot gases to escape around the bullet and melt some of the lead as the bullet make it way down the barrel. The answer was right there in front of me all the time and I just couldn’t see it.
I ordered some 405 g. bullets sized to .459 inch, loaded them up last night and went to the range this morning. I cannot describe the feeling I had when the second bullet keyholed the first. I moved the sight and the point of impact actually moved like it is supposed to do. Thank you Lord for allowing me to see what was right in front of me. Sometimes you just have to return to the basics to clear up vision problems.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Cause and Effect
Have you ever noticed that generally speaking, those who should know; don’t? I was reminded of this caveat recently on the subject of prayer. Attend any evangelical worship where public prayers are offered extemporaneously and listen to the words. Most folks could not voice a prayer if the phrase “Thank You” was removed from their vocabulary.
I participated in the babysitting chores with the grandchildren this past week. Business took our son out of the country and with three small children our daughter-in-law needed a little help. It was a good reminder that our children need to be taught not to be selfish. It is definitely a dominant trait in the nature of Adam. Selfishness is the first characteristic of Satan. It was selfishness that led the angel of light to seek the glory that was God’s alone. It is selfishness that causes my four year old grandson to attempt to hold many more train cars than he can ever possibly control, and then become excited when one of his sisters touches another one. Selfishness, it is the worship of self; me first, everything else after that.
Take a brief inventory of the daily little difficulties we confront every day and consider how many of them are caused by selfishness. Drivers running red lights are caused by selfishness. That driver feels he has more of a right to be in that intersection than you do and asserts his feeling by forcing you to wait on him. Speeding is another example. You are expected to obey the laws regulating speed but he is in a hurry. His need is greater than yours. Make a list and consider how many items are fundamentally motivated by selfishness. The list is long and varied and can run from theft on one end to talking when we should be listening on the other. We must learn not to be selfish.
Study the prayers recorded in the Scriptures and you will quickly realize that our prayer is an element in our worship of God the Father. Prayer is the effect, worship the cause. In the same manner as a selfish nature (the cause) is revealed in running a red light (the effect), peace, harmony, comfort, and abundant blessings (effects) are ours by our personal worship (cause) in our prayers. Close personal conversation and fellowship with God is the effect, worship is the cause. You see, prayer is about God before it is about us.
I participated in the babysitting chores with the grandchildren this past week. Business took our son out of the country and with three small children our daughter-in-law needed a little help. It was a good reminder that our children need to be taught not to be selfish. It is definitely a dominant trait in the nature of Adam. Selfishness is the first characteristic of Satan. It was selfishness that led the angel of light to seek the glory that was God’s alone. It is selfishness that causes my four year old grandson to attempt to hold many more train cars than he can ever possibly control, and then become excited when one of his sisters touches another one. Selfishness, it is the worship of self; me first, everything else after that.
Take a brief inventory of the daily little difficulties we confront every day and consider how many of them are caused by selfishness. Drivers running red lights are caused by selfishness. That driver feels he has more of a right to be in that intersection than you do and asserts his feeling by forcing you to wait on him. Speeding is another example. You are expected to obey the laws regulating speed but he is in a hurry. His need is greater than yours. Make a list and consider how many items are fundamentally motivated by selfishness. The list is long and varied and can run from theft on one end to talking when we should be listening on the other. We must learn not to be selfish.
Study the prayers recorded in the Scriptures and you will quickly realize that our prayer is an element in our worship of God the Father. Prayer is the effect, worship the cause. In the same manner as a selfish nature (the cause) is revealed in running a red light (the effect), peace, harmony, comfort, and abundant blessings (effects) are ours by our personal worship (cause) in our prayers. Close personal conversation and fellowship with God is the effect, worship is the cause. You see, prayer is about God before it is about us.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Common Courtesy
Joyce Landorf Heatherley wrote a little book titled “Balcony People”[1]. Occasionally I find myself pulling it off the shelf and rereading her words. It’s a small paperback of only 69 pages; yet, it contains volumes on the subject of being an encourager. You see, there were days when folks lived from day to day with conscious, courteous consideration for the other guy.
Recently I have found myself thinking more and more of the demise of common courtesy. You remember that most recent of extinct dinosaurs? There were times even in our recent memories when folks went about their daily routine giving conscious thought about their neighbor. When someone exhibited some kindness in thought or deed the minimum accepted response was usually a kindly spoken, “Thank You!” The idea that one good deed deserves another was common and broadly shared. That idea has been changed to the philosophy that no good deed deserves to go unpunished.
We play our game in a time when there was a distinction between “men” and “gentlemen”, “women” and “ladies.” If we are attempting to be of the rough and tumble, quintessential frontiersmen type, we dress in course cloth, broad leather and heavy boots. We stick a big knife in our belt or boot, big guns on our hips, and attempt to chew and spit tobacco without getting sick. On the other hand, if we are attempting to emulate the more genteel, gentlemanly type, we wear softer cloth more finely cut, softer leather, a slimmer knife and, probably, smaller frame handguns. I’ve noticed there haven’t been many gentlemen on the firing line lately. This is made as obvious for their lack of manners as it is by their dress. Perhaps the “men” on the firing line would benefit by paying more attention to the “ladies” on the firing line.
It appears that in our game today, the drive to win has made a dinosaur of common courtesy. We forget too easy that for someone to win, someone has to loose. Where did they go, those days of conscious consideration for the other guy? What happened to those cowboys that when they won would shake the hand of the looser and compliment him on being a tough and good competitor? Today the street has been turned into a one-way avenue where everyone congratulates the winner and ignores the looser. This drive to win at all costs, this killer of consideration for the other guy has made a dinosaur of the honorable win.
I remember the times when it was fashionable to shake hands with the adversary on the firing line and to acknowledge the little courtesies with a “Thank You!” But, then again, I do have a lot of grey hair.
[1] Heatherley, Joyce Landorf. Balcony People. Balcony Publishing, Salado, Texas. 2004.
Recently I have found myself thinking more and more of the demise of common courtesy. You remember that most recent of extinct dinosaurs? There were times even in our recent memories when folks went about their daily routine giving conscious thought about their neighbor. When someone exhibited some kindness in thought or deed the minimum accepted response was usually a kindly spoken, “Thank You!” The idea that one good deed deserves another was common and broadly shared. That idea has been changed to the philosophy that no good deed deserves to go unpunished.
We play our game in a time when there was a distinction between “men” and “gentlemen”, “women” and “ladies.” If we are attempting to be of the rough and tumble, quintessential frontiersmen type, we dress in course cloth, broad leather and heavy boots. We stick a big knife in our belt or boot, big guns on our hips, and attempt to chew and spit tobacco without getting sick. On the other hand, if we are attempting to emulate the more genteel, gentlemanly type, we wear softer cloth more finely cut, softer leather, a slimmer knife and, probably, smaller frame handguns. I’ve noticed there haven’t been many gentlemen on the firing line lately. This is made as obvious for their lack of manners as it is by their dress. Perhaps the “men” on the firing line would benefit by paying more attention to the “ladies” on the firing line.
It appears that in our game today, the drive to win has made a dinosaur of common courtesy. We forget too easy that for someone to win, someone has to loose. Where did they go, those days of conscious consideration for the other guy? What happened to those cowboys that when they won would shake the hand of the looser and compliment him on being a tough and good competitor? Today the street has been turned into a one-way avenue where everyone congratulates the winner and ignores the looser. This drive to win at all costs, this killer of consideration for the other guy has made a dinosaur of the honorable win.
I remember the times when it was fashionable to shake hands with the adversary on the firing line and to acknowledge the little courtesies with a “Thank You!” But, then again, I do have a lot of grey hair.
[1] Heatherley, Joyce Landorf. Balcony People. Balcony Publishing, Salado, Texas. 2004.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Prayin'
I have taught the subject of Biblical prayer a number of times and I am still amazed at the number of folks who do not understand that prayer is about God before it is about us. I have a preference to reduce things to their lowest common denominator. This helps in understanding and definitely aids in communication. Biblically speaking, prayer is a form of worship. As His children, we are allowed into His presence only by His grace. Our first duty as we come into His presence is to praise Him. Remember that we praise Him for who He is. We give thanks to Him for what He has done – with us..
I like to refer to our prayer time as our personal battleground! Spending time alone in prayer with our Father will find you tested as never before. This is spiritual warfare, up front and personal.
We have several of our partners standing in need of our prayers. Intercession, the act of praying for someone else, is an obligation of our faith of the first magnitude. Prepare first by spending time thinking on the attributes of God the Father. Complete this sentence: “God is _______________.” Be prepared to control your thoughts. The enemy will attempt to lead you to think of other things. Be prepared for interruptions. The enemy will try every resource available to interrupt your time seeking the presence of the Lord. Remember, you are in the kingdom of the enemy. You will have to work at it. Never forget that subtlety is the first attribute of the devil. The promises of Scripture are true, “Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” He will flee, but not without a fight.
Remember Starry Knight as she continues to struggle with health issues. Dutch Dave now has her home. This in itself is a testimony of God’s goodness (an attribute). Praise Him for His goodness and for His continued grace on Starry and her family and pray for strength where there is weakness, and continued healing all to the praise of His glory.
Remember Tody Brown as she struggles with a troubled heart with family and job issues. Pray that God will lead her as she seeks that path solidly in His will and that she will be at peace in His will.
Pray for Don Stanton as he struggles with God’s call on his life and the effort to balance ministry and full time employment.
Personally, a heart felt “Thanks Partner” to Sawbone Dan for being an encourager. We all need balcony people and the words from your balcony were most kind when they were sorely needed.
Pray for our witness in this game we all love.
I like to refer to our prayer time as our personal battleground! Spending time alone in prayer with our Father will find you tested as never before. This is spiritual warfare, up front and personal.
We have several of our partners standing in need of our prayers. Intercession, the act of praying for someone else, is an obligation of our faith of the first magnitude. Prepare first by spending time thinking on the attributes of God the Father. Complete this sentence: “God is _______________.” Be prepared to control your thoughts. The enemy will attempt to lead you to think of other things. Be prepared for interruptions. The enemy will try every resource available to interrupt your time seeking the presence of the Lord. Remember, you are in the kingdom of the enemy. You will have to work at it. Never forget that subtlety is the first attribute of the devil. The promises of Scripture are true, “Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” He will flee, but not without a fight.
Remember Starry Knight as she continues to struggle with health issues. Dutch Dave now has her home. This in itself is a testimony of God’s goodness (an attribute). Praise Him for His goodness and for His continued grace on Starry and her family and pray for strength where there is weakness, and continued healing all to the praise of His glory.
Remember Tody Brown as she struggles with a troubled heart with family and job issues. Pray that God will lead her as she seeks that path solidly in His will and that she will be at peace in His will.
Pray for Don Stanton as he struggles with God’s call on his life and the effort to balance ministry and full time employment.
Personally, a heart felt “Thanks Partner” to Sawbone Dan for being an encourager. We all need balcony people and the words from your balcony were most kind when they were sorely needed.
Pray for our witness in this game we all love.
Refusing To Engage
It’s not unusual for me to be reading along in the Scripture and hit a passage that I have a negative, knee jerk reaction to. For example, Paul tells us Colossians 2:16 to “let no one judge you…” then he gives us a list that we are not to allow others to condemn us for either doing or not doing. How do you do that? How do I stop another from judging, or condemning, me if that is what he is determined to do?
How many of you are growing weary of the term “gamer” being thrown around like it is the greatest insult small-minded people can think of. Any cowboy who is not “casual” in his approach to this game we play is in jeopardy of being tagged a “gamer”. The problem with the folks hurling insults is the same as the folks passing judgment on your actions. They draw their conclusions from their private stock of prejudices. It is an individual thing.
There is a quirky thing about human nature. The more you attempt to convince folks that you are right in what you are doing, the more convinced they become that you are wrong. So how do you respond to these folks who are determined to pull you down to their level?
The truth is, you can’t stop them. If their glass is half-empty and they are determined to attack you, there is little you can do to stop it. However, you can not allow them to be successful. In verse 18 of chapter 2 of Colossians Paul instructs us not to let anyone “cheat you of your reward…” Here is a hint to the truth of living. We can’t stop them from trying, but we can stop them from being successful.
I spent close to 25 years of my life in law enforcement which I describe as being a professional fighter. I was paid to do whatever I could at the moment to restore turmoil to peace and tranquility. Sometimes doing this was little more than reacting to the selfishness of a person running a red light, you know, he has a greater right to be there than you do. At other times it was engaging in physical combat. (In those days we could do that) In every instance the option not to engage was never a consideration. I had to – it was my job.
Since retiring, I find myself more and more reluctant to engage when someone is taunting me or attempting to cheat me. I find it much more to my liking to follow the instructions of Jesus to shake the dust from my feet, turn and walk away without response. It’s tough to argue with someone when they’re walking away from you.
How many of you are growing weary of the term “gamer” being thrown around like it is the greatest insult small-minded people can think of. Any cowboy who is not “casual” in his approach to this game we play is in jeopardy of being tagged a “gamer”. The problem with the folks hurling insults is the same as the folks passing judgment on your actions. They draw their conclusions from their private stock of prejudices. It is an individual thing.
There is a quirky thing about human nature. The more you attempt to convince folks that you are right in what you are doing, the more convinced they become that you are wrong. So how do you respond to these folks who are determined to pull you down to their level?
The truth is, you can’t stop them. If their glass is half-empty and they are determined to attack you, there is little you can do to stop it. However, you can not allow them to be successful. In verse 18 of chapter 2 of Colossians Paul instructs us not to let anyone “cheat you of your reward…” Here is a hint to the truth of living. We can’t stop them from trying, but we can stop them from being successful.
I spent close to 25 years of my life in law enforcement which I describe as being a professional fighter. I was paid to do whatever I could at the moment to restore turmoil to peace and tranquility. Sometimes doing this was little more than reacting to the selfishness of a person running a red light, you know, he has a greater right to be there than you do. At other times it was engaging in physical combat. (In those days we could do that) In every instance the option not to engage was never a consideration. I had to – it was my job.
Since retiring, I find myself more and more reluctant to engage when someone is taunting me or attempting to cheat me. I find it much more to my liking to follow the instructions of Jesus to shake the dust from my feet, turn and walk away without response. It’s tough to argue with someone when they’re walking away from you.
CowboyPreacher.Com Has Changed
The enemy is alive and well. Hell has attacked CowboyPreacher.com through the forum, members and marshals pages and we have been inundated by inappropriate postings (selling, porn, etc.). In an environment which is focused on Cowboy Action and clearly Christian in nature, the filth became overwhelming. I found myself removing upward of 6 of these postings a day.
The changes we made are clearly visible. The new CowboyPreacher.com is bright, easy to navigate and clearly focused on praising the Lord. Gone are the venues used to compromise this ministry.
We are working hard to develop a “Prayer List” for those of you sharing our conviction in the power of prayer. Everything now is performed through the Email. Use the “Telegraph Key” and tell us what you think. Standing in the need for prayer? Use the key! I will personally respond to every message you send.
All to the praise of His glory …..Dogie
http://www.cowboypreacher.com/
dogie@cowboypreacher.com
The changes we made are clearly visible. The new CowboyPreacher.com is bright, easy to navigate and clearly focused on praising the Lord. Gone are the venues used to compromise this ministry.
We are working hard to develop a “Prayer List” for those of you sharing our conviction in the power of prayer. Everything now is performed through the Email. Use the “Telegraph Key” and tell us what you think. Standing in the need for prayer? Use the key! I will personally respond to every message you send.
All to the praise of His glory …..Dogie
http://www.cowboypreacher.com/
dogie@cowboypreacher.com
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