When To Say When

I usually try to respond to most comments as they come in. This is usually done under the corresponding post. However, Arlen Walker's will be handled slightly different. It brought back some memories and also struck a chord with today's readings.

Here's Arlen's comment in response to the post I titled - UP
James, I may or may not have taught you anything about roping, but everytime I sit down to catch up on your blog, your messages hit me right in the gut. I’m often with your dad when he stops to talk to someone he does’nt even know for 20 mins. I wonder what in the hell he is doing talking to that guy. I’m going to work on that. Thanks for the post and tell your pretty wife hello. Love Arlen

P.S. I’m stepping out of the box with that four letter word. [love] Working on that also.

Amen Arlen. It doesn't take Morgan but a minute or two before he's going to find somebody to talk horses with. Even if it's in Colorado... on a city bus... TO THE BUS DRIVER?!??! Seriously, Dad. It's snowin' and the man has a job to do. ;)

But the driver was genuinely interested and the next day we're going to look at horses in Colorado. It's a small world if we'll just open up to it.

Back to the post at hand.

Growing up roping with Morgan O'Brien, Mick O'Brien, Dick O'Brien, Phil Lyne, Rusty Carroll and Arlen Walker blessed me with the fortunate ability to say that learning "all I know" from any one of them would be quite a stretch. However, Arlen did teach me plenty. One thing in particular.

---

James loved to rope. He was a high school kid living twenty miles from town on a ranch in South Texas. Let's call it Quincy. ;)

Well, everyday James left Quincy pretty early on in the morning to get his sister dropped off to school and still make it to class himself. More often than not, punctuality was lacking. Everyday at lunch James and Justin, a close friend of his, headed over to Justin's house to catch the horses. They even rode them back to school on occasion. Mostly, they were just getting them ready for the afternoon calf roping session.

As soon as they were able, they warmed up the horses and got after it. James rode Sonny. He is pictured above at the High School National Finals in Gillette, Wyoming back in 1995. Sonny was James' A-string-number-one-primo-mount and probably the best horse James ever had the pleasure to ride. And Justin was riding a little mare called Super Chicken that belonged to James' twin uncles, Mick and Dick. She was awesome, too. They ended up selling her to George Strait for his son to rope calves on. The Straits later retired her and kept her for a brood mare.

Anyway, on one particular afternoon Justin was unable to rope. Since Arlen and Ms. Cody (Justin's parents) had pretty much adopted James as their while-he's-in-town-son, James roped anyway. Arlen helped James quite a bit and today he was turning out and untying calves just like any other day.

One pen of calves probably had ten or twelve calves in it. After the first set Arlen asked James if he wanted to bring 'em back. (that meant re-pen them and rope another ten or twelve head)

Well hell yes he did. And he loped off down the pen to bring the calves back. Everything went smooth again. James put together some very consistant, solid runs.

"Want another pen?" Arlen asked again.

"Yea, I think so, " James told him. As he re-penned the calves he was thinking, "Man this ALL..RIGHT. Good horse. Roping well. No untying has to be done. No turning out has to be done. This must be how the pros do it."

Arlen used to rope in the RCA, that's short for the PRCA which stands for the Professional Rodeo Cowboy's Association. If you've ever been to the San Antonio, Houston or Fort Worth Stock Shows to watch the rodeo, you've been to a PRCA rodeo. If you've ever been to the NFR in Las Vegas, you've been to the Super Bowl of rodeo and I just waisted your time explaining what the RCA is. ;)

Arlen always had some helpful tips when we roped and could put things in ways that only Arlen could put them. They were funny, easy to remember, wise and helpful with a sprinkle of smartass mixed in for good measure. These days it seems his son, Justin, has mastered this method as well.

Today, just like every other day, Arlen had a few tips for James as he went through each round. What James didn't know was that he was right smack in the middle of one of those lessons ever since the beginning of the second round.

At least thirty calves later after the last calve in the third round James rode back toward the box where Arlen met him with his question of the day.

"Wanna pen 'em again?" he practically begged.

After giving a fourth round some serious thought, James finally conceded.

"Man, I don't know. You think I should?" James asked partly hoping Arlen would say yes.

"He's your horse. Do whatever you want, " Arlen fired back with absolutely no help at all.

Arlen's indifference was uncommon, but whatever... James was just going to have to make the call.

"I don't think so, Arlen. I'm done," James said.

Well Arlen came unglued.

"It's about damn time, son! You've done roped thirty or forty head on the best horse in the state. You think he needs that many everyday?"

That wasn't a question James was even going to pretend to try to answer. So, he just sat there.

"Half the pros going down the road would kill to have a horse like that. I would have while I was going. You have to take care of him. Three or four a day. That's all he needs. Keeps him sharp and thirsty for it."

The longer pause was James' cue that either Arlen was regearing for another shot at James' ignorance or else he was done. Either way, James was headed for the roping box to quit Sonny. Calf roping was over for the day.

---

I told this story in the third person for two reasons:

1. It's easier to read.
2. That day made me a different person.

I'm no longer the James from the story. Many trainers/horse professionals taught me myriad tools to use with horses. But, I can also attribute a life lesson to every horse trainer I've ever ridden with and the story shared above tells of the one Arlen Walker blessed me with.

Be focused. Stay driven. BUT... Know When To Say When.

Jesus knew when to say when. One of the reasons I was so glad that Arlen wrote that comment is because the gospel reading for today matched up perfectly with this concept. Christ pushes Peter to his limits. "Do you love me?" "Do you love me?" "Do you love me?" Christ already knew. He had to show Peter. Arlen already knew. He had to show James.

Sometimes we're Christ in the story and sometimes we're Peter. It really doesn't matter which one we happen to be. What matters is that we are aware of the fact.

Do we have the fortitude it takes to push someone or something to their limit?

Do we have the wisdom it takes to know where our limits are in order to keep ourselves and others 'sharp and thirsty for it'?

Duty Calls

I am honored to get to post today as a guest. This is Tonni and I am filling in for James as he serves our government as a juror. As you read the other day, he was summoned, and surprisingly he was just what they were looking for! While I think both he and I would rather him be at the house going about daily business, I am glad someone with his moral compass is sitting in the juror's box. How long will this take? That is the million dollar question. Hopefully it will wrap up soon and he will be back to daily posts to Spiritual Horseman as usual. Stayed tuned...

In the meantime, I wanted to share with you a few of my favorite posts from Spiritual Horseman. If you are a vetern to the blog, I'd love to hear which are your favorites.

See the Miraculous in the common
The Struggle
Comfort Zones
Blessed By Down Syndrome

Up

The Ascension, usually celebrated the fortieth day after Easter Sunday was celebrated the following Sunday here in San Antonio. This is the celebration of Christ ascending to the heavens in the midst of the apostles. It was last Sunday and this Sunday is Pentecost. Pentecost, as most of you know, is when the Holy Spirit came upon the Apostles as described in Acts:2.

OK, enough history lesson already. What does this have to do with us? Our lives.

UP: Looking up, gearing up and opening up.

Most of us run around with our heads in the sand, unprepared and withdrawn. It's OK, life tends to push us in that direction. We pile things on our plate in an effort to feel accomplished and provide for our families. Before long we're bogged down in it. We take a step back to look at the big picture only to realize that we have truly accomplished nothing. And we've failed to provide the one thing our family needs most... Ourselves.

Look Up
Like the apostles during the Ascension, spend more time looking to Christ. Sometimes just going outside and looking up can help you put your priorities in order. Get some perspective. That's no accident. He sees you and speaks to your heart. Actually looking up is quite the literal translation. Sometimes, we just need to quit focusing on ourselves, the money, the whatever and look to Christ. When the apostles saw Christ ascend toward the heavens, I gaurantee you they didn't have anything else at all in their minds other than awe. I can't even imagine. And this is the world we live in. It's full of inspiration and awe. Find it. Find Christ in your little corner of the world and look toward him.

Gear Up
Take time to prepare yourself for life. I know that sounds a little grandiose, so let's break it down a little. Everyday is a prayer. We are the Word of God. How will you speak for Him today? Take a second each morning and ask Him for a little courage, wisdom, clarity. He'll be there and it will FREAK YOU OUT. You may not hear what you want to hear. But it's not about you. When He prepared the disciples to present The Word to all the people gathered around that house, do you think they were ready. Heck no. They were scared to death. They're just people, like you and me. The last thing they wanted to do was make speeches to hundreds of people. And in languages they couldn't even speak?!?!?

I doubt that tounges of fire will light upon your head tomorrow morning. However, all you have to do to be ready to truly achieve is to ask Him what you should be achieving and how. He'll prepare you. Get ready.

Open Up
This is the hardest one for me personally. I'm naturally introverted and enjoy time alone. I guess that's why I'm so at peace with the horses. But, that's no excuse. It's our job to spread the good news.

Yes, THE good news is Christ's Resurrection. But, your good news on a daily basis may be something else. And no, it's not the latest town gossip. Just because you were first to know does not make it good news. ;) There's a fine line between opening up and not missing a good chance to shut the hell up.

Recently a jury summons arrived for me. I went yesterday, all day, and got picked. (but that's a whole other rant) While I was there, I made myself just walk up and speak to two total strangers. Those of you who know me know that this is crazy talk for me. But it's something I've been working on. And He rewarded me. One of the young men I spoke with was a computer engineer and I checked out his ASUS and we talked tech for quite a while. Enjoyable.

Next I chose an older gentleman figuring that the young guy with the sweet laptop was a subconscious cop out. Well, Wilson was recently employed by AMD and now works for Sony! He maintains the fabrication equipment used in the production of microprocessors. Score. We alked tech for a while, too.

As I reflected on this, I could not figure what His purpose was. Had I elivered whatever it was I was supposed to deliver to these men. Should I have mentioned something specific. Nope. Now I realize that the whole purpose was for Him to give me confidence in stepping out of my comfort zone. He opened me up. Just a little, but who knows what's next.

Get out there and open up. You are a treasure. Someone deserves to feel your greatness. You deserve to feel the greatness of someone else. You never have the pleasure if you stay in the corner with your head down.

Further Reading:
- Be Somebody!
- Advocacy

Jury Doodie

That's right, I've been summoned to the Bexar County courthouse this morning for jury duty. They really should spell it the other way. It would be a bit more acurate. They take your whole day and give you a $6 or $8 stipend. And in San Antonio it'll cost you $10 just to park. Ugh . . . frustration.

Well, I've counted today out and I've got to run, so no post for today. There's a good one cookin' on 'opening up' for tomorrow though, so stay tuned.

Truth

Happy Memorial Day!

Please remember the veterans and active military in your prayers. We are truly blessed to have soldiers such as these protecting our freedom. Special thanks to:

Dr. Allen Lasiter
Louis Balas
Joe Biancalana
Morgan O'Brien
Stoney Portis

Several days ago a great message was shared with me in the same time it took you to read this sentence. Sermons can run short, long or in between. Sometimes they're gripping, deep and even funny. Sometimes they're boring. You may rather be watching the big game. Guess what. . . the padre may also.

Well, this particular day was running slightly on the long side when the gem fell forth like a star in the night sky.

"What is truth?" he asked rhetorically. Then he answered, "When you let the spirit guide you. . . The result, is truth."

I spent the rest of the mass thinking about that statement. That statement, and a couple of friends of mine. Stoney and Alison Portis. They take Christ by the hand and walk through life. The spirit guides them and the result is Truth. True dedication. True faith. True friendship and True love.

Stoney is a Captain in the United States Army. Alison is a serial entrepreneur. The nature of her passion coupled with military travel arrangements creates the need for her to launch her career in intervals. See, she's a photographer - an extremely talented photographer. And with the assistance of her business minded husband, she's usually grabbing market share before her new neighboring photographers even know she's there.

OK, so he's military and she's a photographer. How does that make them so special. It doesn't. Christ does.

As the supplanter at the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority the summer of 2002, it seems that Stoney's military training at West Point was already paying off. When Alison met her field replacement, the whirlwind started. She got the bad end of a summer gig and loved every minute of it. Time would see her to New York City as often as she could get there as she traveled from College Station and her home in Seguin to see Stoney at West Point.

Stoney graduated from West Point in May 2004 with a degree in international relations. He has been trained as a cavalry reconnaissance scout and has been a platoon leader, executive officer (second in command of a company) and staff officer. He proposed to Alison in February of 2006. She graduated from Texas A & M University in May of 2006. The couple were married in July of 2006 and Stoney deployed to Iraq October of 2006. He was gone until January of 2008.

I could try to explain their marrital success despite their lifestyle, but I couldn't do it justice. I recently contacted them to get permission to write this post and to get a little info from them. This is what Stoney had to say about Alison:

• Alison makes the sacrifices for our family and our country... not me.


• I deploy away to Iraq or Afghanistan to do my part as a soldier for a year at a time. She accepts the fact that I'm gone, not always necessarily understanding what I'm doing or why I'm doing it.


• I feel called to serve the military, she never asks why or tries to talk me out of it; instead, she is patient, supportive, and prayerful.


• I'm given orders to move every couple of years to a new military base to fill a new position or receive training for progression. While I'm consumed with the new job, she's busy making a house a home, finding a new network of professionals and friends, and restarting her photography business.

Alison is more of a friend than I could ever ask for, an angel of a wife and a gifted photographer. I define a photographer as someone who captures a moment of significant importance. Alison is certainly that by trade, but she is also that as my wife and best friend. She's captured my heart and filled my life with memories covered with smiles.

Not a word about his military activity, nothing about his rank. Not even one sentence discussing the heritage of West Point. Stoney will deploy again soon. Details won't be shared here, but please pray for him and his lovely bride. Nothing in his return email mentioned that either. His love for the Lord, Alison, and Country. That's it. This is a man with his priorites in order. A man lead by the Spirit.

His bride is no different. Here's what Alison had to say about Stoney:

Stoney has always been so supportive of my passion for photography, and I am truly thankful for that.

Looking back at how Stoney and I met, our time spent courting and the engagement, every single day we are blessed with as husband and wife, I realize that I fall more and more in love with him every single day. He has a huge heart. He cares so much for me, for his family, friends, and soldiers. Stoney is such a hard worker. He puts countless hours toward his work...a job he truly feels called to do. I know he's the best at what he does. There is no doubt in my mind that he can't accomplish anything he put his mind to... I love that he puts the Lord first. I love that he is an amazing, loving, Christian husband. He is my spiritual leader. That's more than I could ever ask for.

Being in the military we have to both be committed to his service. We feel it's a calling. Deployments suck (to put it bluntly), but we know that it's what we are called to do. I think being apart ( while, of course, we would much rather be together) makes us that much stronger. Through the last deployment we learned that every moment we are able to spend together is so precious. We try not to ever take those moments for granted. Stoney always makes life interesting... I love that!

So, what is Truth. Christ is the Truth. He is the Way and the Life. These guys have it figured out. What's number one in your life? Do you trust in the Spirit to guide you always?

Stoney's response when asked about the importance of military service:

The most important thing to me about my military training is what I got inscribed on the inside of my ring when I graduated from West Point: Isaiah 6:8 - Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying 'Who will go for us? Whom shall I send?' and I said here am I Lord, send me!

That's what this is all about to Ali and me (and always has)... the service. Service to country, soldiers, family and friends.

WORD.


______________________________________________________________________
Further Reading:

• Read Stoney's poignant comment on The Journey.


• Check out Alison's photography.


• Please visit Alison's Blog and leave comments.

Thursday Word - Mr. Miyagi

Update: I think the Thursday Word Contest got me in trouble with Google. It has been canceled and the page has been pulled down. Sorry Google. Didn't mean to violate anything.
I will still have a Thursday Word just for kicks. It's always interesting to see what's going to come up on Thursday's.
We want this.

NOT THIS

Today I was up and at 'em. Not sure why, but it just felt like a good day for a Thursday trip south. Oh, and our hay truck was supposed to arrive around 7:30 am. I ordered the hay this time and it shipped from Wyoming. It's the same operation that sends hay to Keeneland. I know, whoop di do - just thought it was an interesting side note.

So I loaded up three of the two's and one older gelding and got on the road early.

Upon arriving at the ranch I noticed two things.

1. The hay truck was not there.


2. And J.M. was pimpin the long, untucked shirt tail.

Yep, it was going to be a good day.

Well, since I ordered the hay and the hay had not arrived, I was the lucky guy who got to hear all of the silly a$$ questions about where the hay truck was. That's just how it is. Plenty of ribbing goes on down there. Anyway, I'm quite certain that everyone, including myself, was secretly glad that over 560 bales of timothy/alfalfa was missing in action.

Everyone went about their day. Morgan and I got everything fed and then returned to the ranch to catch and saddle horses. Then right before lunch we penned one of the broodmare bands in order to pick up the black Gay Bar King stud. When that went smoothly and he was back in the stud barn we headed back to the Murphy pasture for some cow work. Dad took the little sorrel mare Fritz Linney rode for a while and I was on the bay paint gelding I've been starting in the heeling.

We penned the cattle out of the west trap on the south side of the Murphy and then started shaping them up. Morgan planned on sorting the older cattle out of the bunch and then sending them through the barn. The little rain they got down there was a blessing, but the pastures aren't ready for what's in store. Pick up the studs and ship the old cows - The dog days of summer are upon us.

We got all of them situated and cut the calves off so we could mother 'em up after lunch. Still no hay truck.

After lunch we headed back to the pens and mothered those calves. Morgan figured one of them had a calve and turned out she did. So we loaded the pair along with the rest of the shippers and were about to head for the Bee County Livestock Commission.

Tonni called. She told me she just got some strange message where a guy said, "Yea I'm sitting out here with a load of hay and . . . nevermind, somebody's here." No other info. Dadgum truck drivers.

Then Dad's phone rang. Yep, our hay was here.

We left the cattle parked in the shade and headed for the hay barn in the roping horse trap. Then I was introduced to a new way of hauling hay. A 53 foot Midway Line eighteen wheeler trailer, or van, was parked at the barn. WHAT!?!?!

That's right, slowly but surely we unloaded those bales from inside that dang hotbox. Over 560 bales of fun.

The only thing that kept us moving was Kelley's comedic honesty about how much he was hurtin' and Mick's coverage of his latest horse. Mr. Miyagi.

Yep, Mr. Miyagi. I have no idea why he's named that and he may have received the name that very second. And he may have a different name tomorrow. But today it was Mr. Miyagi. Dick once had one he called Captain Kirk - Star Ship Enterprise. Yes, he said the whole thing every time he talked about him. I have no idea where they get this stuff. So the Thursday Word is Mr. Miyagi..

Mathew 18:3 I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Our Lord blesses all of us with a child like demeanor. Don't wipe it out. Embrace it. It will make the good times great and the bad times bearable. There's nothing like hitting that 400th bale and then trying to figure out why anybody in their right mind would name a horse Mr. Miyagi. Just like those bales, sometimes life just keeps landing punches. One after another after another. Keep that child-like spirit with you always. And if you ever need a pick me up, come see the cuates.

Possibilities

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

It's a good thing they do, too. Because you wouldn't have any idea what was going on in horse racing if all you had were the words of Calvin Borel. Unless you speak fluent brush-track-cajun, you'd be lost.

There's not a horse one that's lost under him though. They understand him. They hear him loud and clear. In case you didn't click on the links above, Calvin is the jockey who won the Derby aboard Mine That Bird. Then he surprisingly left the gelding for a chance to ride the mare Rachel Alexandra in the Preakness. What!?!? Who leaves the Kentucky Derby winner to get on a mare? A mare hasn't won the Derby since 1924. The guy who whooped everybody's butts on Rachel Alexandra to break that streak, that's who. Calvin Borel. That's who.

Well, now he's at it again. He may be leaving Rachel Alexandra. This time I don't think it's a personal choice as Rachel Alexandra's owners just aren't sure they want to run her again. The Belmont will make three big races in seven weeks. You have to remember. These are only three-year-olds.

Who knows who he'll be on, but here's to Calvin Borel. I hope he takes the Jockey Triple Crown. I know it doesn't really exist, but he deserves it anyway.

Anybody can go through life frustrated and angry. I'm not special. My life's not harder than anybody else's. You're not special either. Life's hard. That's it. It was hard for Calvin. And look where his attitude got him. It certainly wasn't his silver tounge and eloquently enunciated prose. Our example, our demeanor, even our body language around the people in our lives influence them. Be the influence. Send the right message and you will be understood. Do it without words and you will be raised up. Calvin is on the way.

Advocacy

Advocacy: the pursuit of influencing outcomes

Today's Readings begin to share the adventures of Paul. As Easter season winds down, we transition from rememberance to taking action. John's gospel shares an intimate moment with Christ when He tells his disciples of the coming advocate. Was this Paul? Is it you?

We are all called to be advocates. Truly, the fear of sharing one's ideas is rooted in the devil's whispers. All of us are blessed with passions for something. If all we did was make the world better for our particular passions, the world would be a more joyous and Christian-like environment.

Being an advocate for Christ doesn't always mean going around thumping your bible and pointing at scripture. In fact, if we were just better examples for the couple of people we see everyday, we would be an advocate for Christ.

My advocacy goal comes into play with what we do with RanchForeman. We are building a new RanchForeman.com right now that will have one solitary goal. Reinstate the integrity of the horse business. If you're in the horse business, you know this will be quite the challenge. However, through education and example, we can make it happen. And in doing so, we will be sharing Christ's love and influence.

What are you passionate about? Be Christ's advocate in your niche of the world.

How to Forgive: 10 Steps to Forgiveness

Yea, um. . . I'm going to be needing way more than 490. ;)

If there is one thing Christ wants us to embody, it's to love our neighbors as ourselves. That includes, maybe even specifies, our enemies. Love one another. That seems simple enough. Truly, that has to be the easiest commandment. And yet, it's the hardest one to follow. I call it the Christian Paradox. But actually do these nine things and forgiving that person in your life will be much easier. Do them slowly. Complete one a day, maybe. Don't let the paradox be a part of your life.

Day 1: Think back to a time someone was mad at you. That's all. Don't analyze it, just remember it. That's all for today.

Day 2: Remember what upset you in the very beginning - Not anything since you've been mad - just what started it all.

Day 2.5: If you can't remember, find a good friend and ask them to kick you in the ass. Then go apologize to whomever you're mad at and go have a drink with them. Skip to Day 10.

Day 3: Don't forget, don't even forgive yet, but stop the grudge. Turn the grudge loose.

Day 4: Try to turn the grudge loose again. ;)

Day 5: Pray. Ask the Holy Spirit for the wisdom to understand BOTH sides. You won't agree with the other side, but you MUST understand it.

Day 6: Say Hello. Don't call or write. Just look them in the eye the next time you see them, shake their hand, and say hello.

Day 7: Try to turn the grudge loose again. ;)

Day 8: Remember that Christ loves you even though you do what you do.

Day 9: Pray. Ask God for the strength you need to care more for His Son than for yourself.

Day 10: Turn it loose.

So often the wedge enters our relationships because we feel the person we are choosing not to forgive should know better. Who are these people? They're always loved ones, close friends or even family. Sometimes especially family. The only way we could think they would know better is if we know them well. How many times have you been screwed by someone you don't know as well and just shrugged it off? Why? Because you expect everyone else to be idiots. ;) But the end result makes us the idiot. We treat complete strangers with more compassion and forgiveness than our friends and loved ones.

A good friend of mine said that every day is a gift. That's why it's called 'the present'. (thanks Stony) Well said. You are being outsmarted by Satan if you are living with a grudge. Small, large, on a person, an idea, a group of people . . . whatever. You are only making life less enjoyable for yourself. And Satan is loving every minute of it. Turn it loose. You once had some good times with (you fill in the blank) You can again. Turn it loose.

Opportunity Doesn't Knock . . . It grows.

Texas Legislative Session 2009 was buzzing in Austin today. Rep. Edmund Kuempel collapsed in the elevator yesterday evening and is currently in a medically induced coma. Please pray for him and his family as they endure these dark days. He was the author of HB 4416 relating to the establishment of the Texas Gaming Commission to regulate games of chance or other gaming activities at specific locations including dog or horse tracks, destination resort casinos, or on Indian tribal lands. It is popular opinion in Austin that the bill will not even make it to the floor for a vote.

Stan Sigman and I drove up to Austin to visit with one of our state representatives and saw our government at work first hand. (Really, they were working. I saw it with my own two eyes. ;) ) Rep. Sid Miller, of Stephenville, was busy just like everyone else. But when his aid phoned down to the floor, he came right up to his office and took some time to visit with us about the proposed Texas Equine Incentive Program. I know that Mr. Sigman's influence likely motivated Mr. Miller to miss votes to come and chat horses with us, but the fact remains that he did. And that made an impression on me. Thanks, Sid.

Speaking of missing votes, I always wondered why in the world a State Representative would fail to vote on an issue. Come on, your in session 140 days. That's it.

But now I know and I don't have quite as much of a problem with politicians. When a session starts, it progresses until it adjourns. Period. There's no bathroom breaks, no go-stretch-your-legs break, no lunch break. If a representative has to leave, that representative just misses a portion of the active session. That's all there is to it. So when Sid Miller pulled away to discuss his bill, he was paying us quite the complement.

I know plenty of you are rolling your eyes right now and thinking "that's his freakin' job, what'd you expect?" and that's fine because I still feel that way too. But now I feel that way just a little bit less.

Over a late lunch on the way back to San Antonio, I had a private chuckle. This morning, Fr. Mike, discussed today's readings regarding Jesus, the vine, as we are the branches. Here I was having lunch with Stan Sigman after introducing him to a Congressman friend of mine. Who am I to even be associated with these guys, much less making the introduction.

I'm amazed at the opportunity Our Lord blesses us with if we'll just turn loose of the everyday routine and take His hand. The people He'll place in our lives and the places we'll see will amaze us. You know how vines grow. There's no telling where it will head next. All we have to do is ask Him where to go next . . . and bear fruit. But that's a whole other issue.

Underneath Religion

The shepard was missing and, true to form, the flock was scattering. Not leaving, but just wandering . . . confused. Today, the humanity that exists in a church congregation blessed me with a glance inside the gears of organized religion.

Fr. Ed was sick and was unable to appear for mass.

Enter Fr. Mike.

Father Mike is over 80 years old and has leukemia. And I have never seen ANYBODY with more life in them than this man. He is a beautiful vision of compassion, he attends St. Mary's regularly and today he said the mass. There was no assigned reader, but Elaine quickly assumed the position. She was unable to find the reading since it wasn't on the right page yet. Gladys jumps in and helps her out.

At one point, Fr. Mike said, "Just pick out any first reading and read that."

It was comical, and in a way, a complete mess. But they were making an effort. This is probably so much like the early church. And we, in our infinite wisdom (that's called sarcasm) have evolved it into what it is today. So much ceremony and pagentry. I'm not saying that it's bad. I'm saying to look beneath it. Amongst all the tradition and fanfare exists someone who is simply trying to make an effort.

Too often people change churches because they don't like the priest (or pastor, or whatever church leader you may have). Other times it's a choir leader, or youth minister, or thousands of other things that we can make up so that we don't have to look at the real problem. Ourselves. The only way we can see real change in the world is to change ourselves. Get involved. Even if all you do is speak to the person(s) you have a problem with about the problem. Remember, they're just up there trying to make an effort. And you know how easy it is to keep everyone happy. (there's some more sarcasm for ya)

Try getting involved yourself. Even if all you do is go back to church. Peel your rear off of the couch and go. They're just people. They're just trying to do what they've been taught to do . . . Celebrate the Life and Sacrifice of Our Lord Jesus Christ. And your missin it.

Urgent: Equine Incentive Program Information

Update: The TQHA decided to testify in favor of HB 1881! Thanks to everybody that called.

Everyone,
I apologize for boring you if you aren't involved in the horse business. However, many of you are. So, here is a copy of an email I have received that addresses HB 1881 authored by Rep. Sid Miller. It will arrive in the Texas Senate tomorrow! Please take action.
Thanks,
James O'Brien
********************Start Letter***********************
Dear Friends:

I have been informed by Senator Craig Estes’ office that Mr. Gib Lewis, a lobbyist for the Texas Quarter Horse Association, is working hard to kill House Bill 1881 by Representative Sid Miller. Senator Estes is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Rural Affairs.

As you know, HB 1881 is the Texas Equine Incentive Act. The bill has already passed the Texas House of Representatives by a 144 to 1 vote. It is now scheduled to be heard in the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Rural Affairs on Monday, May 11, 2009 at 3:00 PM., in open public forum.

Gib Lewis says TQHA doesn't want this bill to pass and he is telling lawmakers that he represents the view of all quarter horse owners in Texas. Since TQHA’s membership is only about 2,000 and we have over 130,000 quarter horse owners in Texas, I am not sure that Mr. Lewis does not represent ALL of us.

House Bill 1881 creates a Texas Equine Incentive program like Kentucky’s successful Kentucky Breeders Incentive program. When Kentucky passed their program, they had the cooperation and support of both their state association, as well as the American Quarter Horse Association. The idea began with only 4 or so people who made the idea grow. They decided to pull themselves up by their own bootstraps to bring jobs and business back into the state.

HB 1881 is an industry funded plan like Kentucky’s, but not a tax. All agriculture has an industry funded check off program except horses (i.e., beef, it’s what’s for dinner; the incredible edible egg; pork, the other white meat, etc.). The bill allows any stallion owner to opt out if they don't want to participate. It will be administered by Texas Department of Agriculture and they are excited about the plan. This will prevent stretching TQHA’s already tight staff budget.

The Texas horse racing industry wants nothing other than VLTs (Video Lottery Terminals) at the tracks and has been trying to get VLT’s passed since 1991. Their past actions in other sessions leads one to believe that they are willing to allow nothing to happen rather than have anything pass that is not exactly what they want. Kentucky faced a similar conservative legislature who would not pass gaming and they decided to create the Kentucky Breeders program to get horse industry financial assistance while still working to pass VLTs. Now, Kentucky may soon have both the incentive program and VLTs.

HB1881 is a non-gaming bill that will be a start in stemming the tide that caused the Texas Horse industry to drop from $11 billion in revenue in 1998 to $5.2 billion in revenue in 2008. The Texas Legislature meets for 21 more days and then does not meet again until 2011. If HB 1881 dies, then horsemen will have to wait 2 years for any additional legislation to be considered again. We are working on a HUGE deadline.

We need your help to send a message to Senator Estes and the members of the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee that Texas Horsemen need help and that we support HB 1881. Tell them that Gib Lewis does not represent the interests of Texas Horsemen when they work to kill the only equine legislation that has passed either the House or Senate and (it has already passed the House) and is now being considered in the other chamber (Senate) that will provide financial relief to our industry.

Please fax, call, and email (it is important to do all three) Senator Estes and the other members of the committee first thing Monday morning (May 11) and let them let them know that HB 1881 is pro-Texas Horse and that you strongly support it.

We also need as many Texas Horsemen as possible to some to Austin on Monday and to testify in support of HB 1818. Please let me know if you can come to Austin and support this important legislation.

You should also call the leadership of TQHA to let them know that you do not agree with what Gib Lewis is doing and ask that they stop their opposition to HB 1881. Please remember, if HB 1881 fails to pass in the next 21 days, Texas Horsemen will have no chance for financial relief until January 2011 when the Texas legislature meets again and If a bill passed in 2011, the earliest it is likely to take affect is September, 2011. If you are a TQHA member, tell them that TQHA and Gib Lewis are not speaking for you on this issue.

Thank you for your prompt action on behalf of our industry and this important legislation.

Contact information below:

Senator Craig Estes, Chairman
Office: 512-463-0130
Fax: 512-463-8874
Email: craig.estes@senate.state.tx.us

Senator Carlos Uresti, Vice Chairman
Office: 512-463-0119
Fax: 512-463-1017
Email: carlos.uresti@senate.state.tx.us

Senator Glenn Hegar
Office: 512-463-0118
Fax: 512-475-3736
Email: glenn.hegar@senate.state.tx.us

Senator Mike Jackson
Office: 512-463-0111
Fax: 512-475-3727
Email: Mike.jackson@senate.state.tx.us

Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinajosa
Office: 512.463-0120
Fax: 512-463-0229
Email: Juan.hinajosa@senate.state.tx.us
Committee Clerk Ren Nance
Office: 512-463-0340
Email: ren.nance@senate.state.tx.us

Dr Tommy Hays
(512) 281-3396
(512) 281-5814
JTHAYS0606@aol.com

Rob Werstler
Texas Quarter Horse Association
(512) 458-5202
rwerstler@tqha.com
******************End of Letter*****************

The Wedge: A Thursday story on Friday.

As South Texas began warming up under the morning sun, the hands were making there rounds feeding. Four geldings, all four years old, are part of the routine. They waited impatiently as the feed truck made it to their corner of the corrals. They had no idea that today was going to be a little different.

Not long ago they were running at the Yenger like wild horses. And had been for almost a year and a half. Morgan picked them up and had worked them on the ground a bit and today they would get ridden. They're a nice group of horses and it's hard to believe that they slipped through the cracks. It was time to find out if they remembered anything at all from their less-than-thirty-days training they received almost two years ago. Age and so much more strength can often leave you with quite a different horse than what they were when they were started.

The bay was first. With jobs like this, I just start over. I have confidence that Morgan prepared them very well, but I didn't have the ability to see it happen. Starting over lets me get familiar with the horse as I go in order to have as few surprises as possible. I was on the bay in less than ten minutes. Then saddled him up and eased him around the round pen. No problem. The ride went the same. I was excited. The bay will be pretty nice.

On to the pale gray. In an effort to keep this short, let's just say that he did well also. In fact, this gray ended up being my favorite. On to the darker gray. The best looking gelding in the bunch did not come back from his long break like the other two. No problems other than laziness, but he just wasn't in the same class as the others on this day-one-after-two-years.

That leads me to our final horse and the lesson teacher for me today. He was bay roan and everyone's pic really. Dick and Morgan both thought he'd do the best. Well, he did . . . for a while. He kicked up just a bit when he loped off the first time but I didn't worry about it. Like I said, it had been a long time. Then we went throught the typical drill. He did well. Time to quit. Four for four. I was happy with this set. But, he wouldn't stand to dismount. I gave him the benefit of the doubt and offered him two more chances. Same results. So, off we went.

He wanted to move out so we moved out. And about that second time around he hopped up again. What?!?! He should be over this I thought. And if that's all he's got, I'll let him have it if he humps again. Well he did. I gave it to him. And then he gave it to me. That wasn't all he had. The next thing I knew, I'm looking for my horse.

That's what over-confidence gets you. I was feeling pretty good, had a good feel for the roan's movement and was going to wear him out if he wanted to pitch. I never saw him coming. I had let my guard down. If he had done the same thing fifteen minutes earlier, we would not have had any problems. But, now I was proud. I had settled in and could "do no wrong".

Such is life. That over-confidence is a wedge that pushes it's way into the things we are best at. And Satan himself can't stand that open door. He slips right in. We all look for him at the bar, in prison. Scams, thievery, murder, whatever. The funny thing is, he doesn't even have to try at those places. That wedge is what he enjoys. His creativity gets put to work in our lives in the places we think we're the strongest. Our strong marriage, bible study, even church. Seriously, how many damaging conversations are a result from something that has to do with church. ALOT.

We can't get to proud of ourselves and let our guard down. We might end up brushing the dust off and having some humble pie.

Routine

The little red dun filly went 'round and 'round today when it was time for her to be caught. She knows the drill, but she's had some time off. So I let her run. It didn't take long for her to decide that getting caught wasn't such a bad thing. There's no use in trapping her to get her caught sooner. Then I'd just have to trap her every time. And believe me that gets old. So I just gave her time to remember. She knows how to catch up and she did.

She saddled up great, though she was a bit squirmy. Again, it's been four days. That's a LONG break for a just-started-two-year-old. So I didn't worry about it too much. She'll settle back in by tomorrow.

Then out we went. She was a bit nervous heading out to the pasture but still guided around just fine. I began to notice that she was anticipating quite a ride. So I eased her into a trot and that was all she had to do today. Her and everybody else. Guide around on loose rein at a trot. Transition into a walk and back to a trot. Complete tight circles and large circles; All at a trot.

Her anxiety melted away. After her break, she must have been expecting a "Get back out there and get to work!" kind of day. Sometimes when they're just itching to rip and run, you have to let them relax. They usually aren't trying to run because they want to run.

They are trying to run because they don't know what else to do.

Sometimes we just need to slow down. Listen. Relax.

He may not be asking us to run.

The Journey

Wow. West Texas is gorgeous. A couple of days ago I mentioned we were headed for some Spiritual Fuel in Fort Davis. Well, here is my wife and I soakin' it in.

There's a winding pass in the Davis Mountains that slowly leads up to a fantastic view of Our Lord's creation. The journey is slow, the scenery along the way is breath-taking, but you're still caught off guard for what awaits you when you get to the top. Here's what we were looking at:


This trip really was a spiritual one. Some of the posts that have been put up here talk about paying attention in life since you never know what Our Lord is preparing you for and others talk about consistancy in life that leads to achievement. Well sometimes He's gonna ask you to do something you've never done. And even though you've paid attention, your preparation for what He has in store will not keep Him from taking your breath away when He gets you to the top.

Best Tough Sunglasses EVER

The equipment I use takes a pretty good beating. Regularly. Just as I discussed in the Samsung Rugby most of my stuff needs to be buckin-horse-stompin-highway-slingin-water-trough-droppin-proof. (Which is why I don't have a camera anymore.)

Well these sunglasses are. My Maui Jim Kapalua Sunglasses are unbelievable. There are huge gashes in the lenses from being stomped on. One of the plastic ear pieces was stripped from the frame when a new two-year old took them off the fence and ran off with them. Needless to say, he did not return them in the same condition as when he picked them up.

But everytime, I just bend them back and I'm back in business. And they look good too. Anyway, it's that time of year, so if you're an adventurer/hard worker, these are the specs for you.

Spiritual Fuel

I'm busy. My wife and I both stay very busy. Too busy. When Marvin Shurley passed away we had to head out to Sonora for the service. Marvin was a close family friend. While we were there I noticed something about Tonni (my wife).

She was filled with love and joy. There's no other way to say it. There was no toothy grin, for this was a solemn time, but the peace in her heart was so obvious. She was in her element.

West Texas speaks to her the same way South Texas speaks to me. Even when she's gone, she is there. And it works the other way as well. West Texas comes with her when she leaves. It's in her eyes, her smile, her body language. She has been hugged by God.

So, when some friends of ours suggested a quick trip out west, we jumped on it. I absolutely love to see new country and Tonni, well, I think we've covered how she feels about West Texas. So we're out of town until Wednesday. Posts will be automated. I'll respond to any comments when we return.

God romances us all. And a couple of West Texas sunsets will definitely speak to our hearts. Take a chance to get outside. It doesn't have to be a trip. Just get outside and listen. Watch and be patient. He'll romance you too.

National Prayer Day Set for Thursday

Thursday, May 7, 2009 has been designated a National Day of Prayer and the theme is "Prayer . . . America's Hope."

In these uncertain times, it's only fitting that hope should be something everyone relies upon. And it's no surprise that the theme chosen by our current administration relies heavily on the hope/change mantra. That's not necessarily a bad thing though. Depending on your particular flavor of hope.

I guarantee over 100,000 people attending the Kentucky Derby today were extremely hopeful. Especially the people who bet on Mine That Bird. At 50-1, come on they would have had to be crazy, but they're all geniuses now. ;)


This is Senorita. She's a four year old in training here to compete in Reined Cowhorse events. I have ALOT of hope for her. She's talented, she'll definitely have arena presence and she's very trainable. Only time will tell if she succeeds in the show pen.

But is winning bets at the Derby or getting a horse from baby to show horse really what hope is all about?

Those of you with children, go look at them right now. What do you feel? Now we're getting close to feeling the hope that we should pray for on Thursday. Hope that is pure, unrelated to personal gain and still valuable enough that we would do anything for it to succeed. That's what I hope for in your life. That you will have something like that to hope in.

Kentucky Derby 2009: Whose your pick?

The Derby runs today at 5:00.

Post your pick for the win in the comments section.

If you're the first one to post the winner, I'm going to send a set of four leather texas coasters for your next Kentucky Derby party.

Here's a link to the Kentucky Derby if you want to know whose racing before you decide.

Good Luck!

Philosophical Thursday

Et tu Thursday?

Yesterday was a long one. Not because of work, or hours (although 5:45 am to midnight makes for a long day) but because it deceived me. Thursdays have a purpose. Cattle work, horse training, ranch work, selling horses, etc. Yesterday was no exception. The daily morning feeding rounds, fixing a water trough on the south end of the Bunny Heard pasture, and re-starting a group of 4-year old geldings were scheduled for the morning. The afternoon was reserved for showing some horses to a couple of prospective buyers.

Well, the scheduled-to-arrive-after-lunch prospective buyers pulled in around 10:00am. The rest of the story boils down to this - this Thursday was cooked. Shot. Wasted. Whatever.

The fact that the new crop of geldings didn't get worked coupled with the fact that I didn't rope that well frustrated me to no end. But the kicker was when our plan changers, who were trying a head horse decided that it wasn't a good fit without ever heading a steer.

Now this Thursday was really a waste.

Fastforward to the early evening. Morgan was talking about a black horse that Matt Pettrus wanted to try and Dick was adding details about a horse he had with the same history.

They had both been hooked. BAD.

Now these horses spook at everything. Just taking the head rope off of the steer after a run was a major undertaking for a while. When Matt called Morgan about the black horse we call Black Magic, it went something like this.

"Hey Morgan. I'd like to come try that black horse I talked to James about, " Matt said after the usual damn-I-wish-it-would-rain-pleasantries that everyone exchanges in South Texas.

"I tell you what. You come pick that black horse up and take him to your house and you can do whatever you want with him, " came Dad's reply. "You need to know what he is."

"Well, will he go in the box?" Matt asked.

"Yea."

"Well, is he nervous in there?"

"Nope. He's pretty nice in the box. Scores nice, Matt," Morgan siad.

"Well what the hell is wrong with him?" Matt finally asked, a bit bewildered.

"You just come pick him up, " Morgan told him.

"I will, Morgan. I always liked the looks of that horse," Matt said.

And so it went for a while as Dick and Dad recounted stories about the horses they've ridden that had been hooked in the pasture. They all seemed to have that same characteristic. They trusted nothing. They thought anything, anytime could be the next thing that hooked 'em.

Earlier that afternoon, in my frustration, I quite vocally let my uncles and Dad know about my unsatisfactory opinion regarding the day. But, these stories taught me something. I can't let one situation cause me to think that every single similar situation could be the next thing that "hooks me". Otherwise, I'll go through life 'spooked' and not being able to accomplish anything.

Think about the thick brush in your life, what may lie around the corner that your worried about and can't see. Then stop. Stop thinking about it. 'Cause you can't do anything about it. Listen to Him. And plow through that brush. That's the only way you're ever going to get anywhere.

Today's readings talks about Ananias. Talk about being spooked. He had to go talk to the guy who was killing all the Christians. Wow.

And since he did. We have Paul. Don't be spooked. You may be the next instrument of His.