Pheasant Hunting on Christmas Week

Monday December 20 I took a hunting trip to eastern Colorado; leaving before 4 A.M. and returned around 8 P.M. It is reminder of one the hardships of living in the Denver area for hunting and fishing a long drive anywhere productive. Those living in the front range area will be glad to hear, the 170 miles to Julesburg CO is more than worth it. In one huge field our team of 6 scared up 13 birds in one field and less than half was hens. We only hunted Colorado Department of Wildlife walk in hunting programs leased fields and found most of them above average in production. The only thing I ashamed to admit is although the birds were plentiful this groups shooting was poor.

At sunrise we entered a frosty field clouded by fog. The edges of the grass field did not yield any birds, in fact every flushed bird held very tight. I laughed very hard when one of the boys I brought along almost stepped on a bird, when the rooster flushed, the bug eyed youth did not get off a shot and I was so much in mirth I squeezed off a shot to find I still had the safety on. The whole day we never got a double flush and only one bird flushed on a field edge all day, even though there was bird sign everywhere. We chose Sedgwick and Phillips counties for the hunt for they had the most walk in fields.

But all the fields near 385 and 6 showed a lot of traffic and several of the fields where occupied on a Monday. We were also perplexed because some the state leased land you were more likely to bag a zebra in than a pheasant, the cover was sparse or non-existent. This is too say you best hunting will be your first field of the day and the best field are those most off the beaten path. For a successful hunt you will need to scout and mark the primo fields, so you have at least one quality field.

This hunt cemented in my mind that for the new hunter there is nothing better than pheasant hunting. First, my media addicted boys have a new obsession Pheasants not because of the massive amounts of fowl shot-but the fury of a flushing pheasant. Hunting pheasants where there are pheasants keeps the attention of young hunters. The other issue was it was great for reinforcing the lessons learned in hunter safety. Walking through a rough field with six other guys, helped them see the importance of knowing your field of fire. But the best experience was when a rooster flushed after a

hunter walked past him, all turned to see the noise, but they first checked to see if it was a hen or rooster, all yelled rooster, they checked each other's position and the one with the best shot downed a pheasant. It reinforced a lesson you always know what you are shooting at¸ before you shoot.

All in all we were all very appreciative at the end of the day for Colorado Department of Wildlife Walk in Program. We were also amazed at how many birds we saw. Lastly, the long successful day caused us all to pledge to do it again soon.

Mary

Snippet

To each of us, Christ comes as he came to Mary herself, wanting to stretch us spiritually,physically, emotionally, and socially, taking away everything, even all we might have thought good or godly of ourselves: our good names, our good futures, our innocence.

Mary certainly had reasons to say "No" to the invitation that came to her on angel's wings. She was facing an assuring future: a husband to wed, a home to create, a good reputation. Saying "Yes" to God and the words of the angel Gabriel was to put all of this on the line, everything she had and might have once clung to with good reason. Could you do the equivalent?

Could you release security, love, reputation, or even your youth from your own determined grasp? Mary's risk was no less difficult than the most sacrificial act you could imagine of your own life. Saying "Yes" to the Christ child and to the knocking of his love will surely bring down the houses we have built, even the rooms that house the things we hold onto most fiercely. Yet this is precisely his invitation: "⁶For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6). He comes with the ann-unciation of great sacrifice and pregnant impossibilities, and he assures us not to be afraid. Where meek and foolish souls give everything to receive him, they still find themselves the wisest.

The Gifts of Magi Slice of Today Monday, Dec 20,2010 Jill Cartinia

Scripture

During Elizabeth's sixth month of pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin. She was engaged to marry a man named Joseph from the family of David. Her name was Mary. The angel came to her and said, "Greetings!

The Lord has blessed you and is with you." But Mary was very startled by what the angel said and wondered what this greeting might mean. The angel said to her, "Don't be afraid, Mary; God has shown you his grace.

Listen! You will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus.

He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of King David, his ancestor. He will rule over the people of Jacob forever, and his kingdom will never end."

Mary said to the angel, "How will this happen since I am a virgin?"

The angel said to Mary, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will cover you. For this reason the baby will be holy and will be called the Son of God.

Now Elizabeth, your relative, is also pregnant with a son though she is very old. Everyone thought she could not have a baby, but she has been pregnant for six months.

God can do anything!"

Mary said, "I am the servant of the Lord. Let this happen to me as you say!" Luke 1:26-28 NCV

Song

Mary, did you know
That your baby boy will one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know
That your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?
Did you know
That your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you've delivered
Will soon deliver you

Mary, did you know
That your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary, did you know
That your baby boy will calm a storm with His hand?
Did you know
That your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
And when you kiss your little baby
You've kissed the face of God

Mary, did you know?
The blind will see
The deaf will hear
And the dead will live again
The lame will leap
The dumb will speak
The praises of the Lamb

Mary, did you know
That your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know
That your baby boy will one day rule the nations?
Did you know
That your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?
This sleeping child you're holding
Is the Great I Am

Oh Mary did you know?

Sentence Prayer

We hold before God:

Those whom life is very difficult;

Those who have difficult decisions to make, and

Who honestly do not know what is the right thing to do.

We hold before God:

Those who have difficult tasks to do and to face,

And who fear they may fail in them;

Those who have difficult temptations to face, and

Who know only too well that they may fail too

Them, if they try to meet them alone.

We hold before God:

Those who have difficult people to work with;

Those who have to suffer unjust treatment, unfair

Criticism, unappreciated work.

We hold before God:

Those who are sad because someone they loved has

Died;

And any who are disappointed in something for

Which they hoped very much.

William Barclay

Celtic Daily Prayer Pg 218

December

 

Snippet

Just a minute - just a minute. Now, hold on, Mr. Potter. You're right when you say my father was no businessman. I know that. Why he ever started this cheap, penny-ante Building and Loan, I'll never know. But neither you nor anyone else can say anything against his character, because his whole life was - why, in the twenty-five years since he and Uncle Billy started this thing, he never once thought of himself. Isn't that right, Uncle Billy? He didn't save enough money to send Harry to school, let alone me. But he did help a few people get out of your slums, Mr. Potter, and what's wrong with that? Why - here, you're all businessmen here. Doesn't it make them better citizens? Doesn't it make them better customers? You - you said - what'd you say a minute ago? They had to wait and save their money before they even ought to think of a decent home. Wait? Wait for what? Until their children grow up and leave them? Until they're so old and broken down that they... Do you know how long it takes a working man to save five thousand dollars? Just remember this, Mr. Potter, that this rabble you're talking about... they do most of the working and paying and living and dying in this community. Well, is it too much to have them work and pay and live and die in a couple of decent rooms and a bath? Anyway, my father didn't think so. People were human beings to him. But to you, a warped, frustrated old man, they're cattle. Well, in my book he died a much richer man than you'll ever be.

 

It's a Wonderful Life 1946 George Bailey to Harry Potter

Scripture

And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream,

saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou

there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. When

he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:

And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the

Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son. Then Herod, when he saw

that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the

children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under,

according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men. Then was fulfilled

that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, In Rama was there a voice heard,

lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would

not be comforted, because they are not.But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the

Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, Saying, Arise, and take the young child and

his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's

life. Matthew 2:13-20 KJV

 

Song

 

If we make it through December
Merle Haggard

If we make it through December
Everythings gonna be all right I know
It's the coldest time of winter
And I shivver when I see the fallin snow

If we make it through December
I got plans of bein in a warmer town come summer time
Maybe even California
If we make it through December we'll be fine

I got laid off down at the factory
And there timings not the greatest in the world
Heaven knows I been workin' hard
I wanted Christmas to be right for daddy's girl
Now I don't mean to hate December
It's meant to be the happy time of year
And why my little girl don't understand
Why daddy can't afford no Christmas here

If we make it through December
Everythings gonna be alright I know
It's the coldest time of winter
And I shivver when I see the fallin' snow

If we make it through December
I got plans of bein' in a warmer town come summer time
Maybe even California
If we make it through December we'll be fine

Sentence Prayer

In the darkness of evening the eyes of my heart are awake to

you. In the quiet of the night I long to hear again intimations

of your love. In the Sufferings of the world and the struggles

of life I seek your graces of healing. At the heart of the

brokenness around me and in the hidden depths of my

own soul seek your touch of healing¸O God, for there

you reside. In the hidden depths of life, O God, There

you reside.

Amen Celtic Prayer

 

The Pocket book of prayers ed by Jim Palmer pg 121

 

A.doration: In this darkness of this World Praise the Father

For being the only light

C.onfess those times you have treated people life cattle. . .

Ask forgiveness when you have put making a buck above

loving others.

 

T.hank God for what you have-Think of those who have

less pray for their needs

 

S.upplication: Pray for those you know who are

struggling to make it through December financially,

spiritually, emotionally and morally

The Child

Snippet

This is the irrational season
When love blooms bright and wild,
Had Mary been filled with reason
There'd have been no room for the child.  

After Annunciation Madeleine L'Engle

 

Scripture

She gave birth to her first-born son. She dressed him in baby clothes and laid him on a bed of hay, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:7

 

Song

Boy Like Me / Man Like You

Rich Mullins and Beaker

You was a baby like I was once
You was cryin' in the early mornin'
You was born in a stable Lord
Reid Memorial is where I was born
They wrapped You in swaddling clothes
Me they dressed in baby blue

But I was twelve years old in the meeting house
Listening to the old men pray
And I was tryin' hard to figure out
What it was that they was tryin' to say
There You were in the temple
They said You weren't old enough
To know the things You knew

Well, did You grow up hungry?
Did You grow up fast?
Did the little girls giggle when You walked past?
Did You wonder what it was that made them laugh?
And did they tell You stories 'bout the saints of old?
Stories about their faith?
They say stories like that make a boy grow bold
Stories like that make a man walk straight

And You was a boy like I was once
But was You a boy like me
Well, I grew up around Indiana
You grew up around Galilee
And if I ever really do grow up
Lord I want to grow up and be just like You

Well, did You wrestle with a dog and lick his nose?
Did You play beneath the spray of a water hose?
Did You ever make angels in the winter snow?
And did they tell You stories 'bout the saints of old?
Stories about their faith?
They say stories like that make a boy grow bold
Stories like that make a man walk straight

Did You ever get scared playing hide and seek?
Did You try not to cry when You scraped Your knee?
Did You ever skip a rock across a quiet creek?
And did they tell You stories 'bout the saints of old?
Stories about their faith?
They say stories like that make a boy grow bold
Stories like that make a man walk straight

And I really may just grow up and be like You someday

Sentence Prayer

Jesus, help me to see as you were, so I may see me

as I am.

Help, me to see a normal child; that played,

loved and got upset.

So I see a Savior that Sympathizes with a struggling

sinner.

Open my eyes, Holy Spirit to see footprints in the water

and a empty pallet

So I May see a Holy God, to know better the

destruction of sin.

Amen.

Christmas Tree

Snippet

The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree is the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other Burton Hillis

 

Scripture

A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.

The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him— the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding,

the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the LORD—

and he will delight in the fear of the LORD.

 

In that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to him,

 

and his resting place will be glorious. Isaiah 11:1-3,10 NIV 2010

 

song

 

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy leaves are so unchanging;
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy leaves are so unchanging;
Not only green when summer's here,
But also when 'tis cold and drear.
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy leaves are so unchanging!

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Much pleasure thou can'st give me;
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Much pleasure thou can'st give me;
How often has the Christmas tree
Afforded me the greatest glee!
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Much pleasure thou can'st give me.

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy candles shine so brightly!
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy candles shine so brightly!
From base to summit, gay and bright,
There's only splendor for the sight.
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy candles shine so brightly!

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
How richly God has decked thee!
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
How richly God has decked thee!
Thou bidst us true and faithful be,
And trust in God unchangingly.
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
How richly God has decked thee! !" 

Sentence Prayer

 

Christmas Tree Blessing

 

Holy Creator of Trees,

bless with your abundant grace

this our Christmas tree as a symbol of joy.

May its evergreen branches be a sign

of your never-fading promises.

May its colorful lights and ornaments call us

to decorate with love our home and our world.

May the gifts that surround this tree

be symbols of the gifts we have received

from the Tree of Christ's Cross.

Holy Christmas tree within our home,

may Joy and Peace come and nest

in your branches and in our hearts. Amen.

- Author Unkown

 

Snow

Snippet

The future lies before you, like paths of pure white snow. Be careful how you tread it, for every step will show. unknown




Scripture

Learn to do right; seek justice.
Defend the oppressed.[a]
Take up the cause of the fatherless;
plead the case of the widow.
18 “Come now, let us settle the matter,”
says the LORD.
“Though your sins are like scarlet,
they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red as crimson,
they shall be like wool.
19 If you are willing and obedient,
you will eat the good things of the land
Isaiah 1:17-19 NIV




Song

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
Just like the ones I used to know
Where the treetops glisten,
and children listen
To hear sleigh bells in the snow

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
With every Christmas card I write
May your days be merry and bright
And may all your Christmases be white

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
With every Christmas card I write
May your days be merry and bright
And may all your Christmases be white

Irving Berlin



Sentence Prayer

Father you send snow as one of the good and perfect gifts from above thank you. Jesus you are the redeemer who makes our sin stained lives as white as snow, thank Jesus you are the redeemer who makes our sin stained lives as white as snow, thank you. Holy Spirit you fall on my life as softly as the first snow falls.
Help me to not make or eat yellow snow today. Keep me as pure as the driven snow from your hand. Help me to see the gifts you send my way today-as simple and deep as the snow on the ground. Amen

cowboys funeral

Jerry Smith’s Order of Service

Welcome Pastor Bill Ivey

Scripture Pastor Bill Ivey

Opening Prayer Pastor Bill Ivey

Old Rugged Cross

Cowboy’s Last Request Pastor Roger Miller

COWBOYS LAST REQUEST"
By Terry Ike Clanton 6-15-00 copyright 2000

Let me tell you folks
Who have gathered here today
That I'm a proud and thankful cowboy
Who has just passed away
I know it's hard
But, please don't cry
Fer I'm now ridin' Gods trails
High up in the sky
The hoss I'm ridin' now
Don't spook, buck or kick
Fer God stables perfect horses
And now I have my pick
Lord, please forgive me of all my sins
Fer I haven't been perfect
But I know that he who believes in You
Forever wins!
I have lived a good life
A cowboys dream come true
Thank You Lord,
Fer I'm now ready to ride into eternity
Me, my horse, and You.

Obituary
Gerald Wilber Smith, 73, of Gothenburg, Nebraska, died November 30, 2010 in
Gothenburg, NE. He was born November 29, 1937 in Ontario, Oregon, son of
J. Elton and Edith (Rettig) Smith. He grew up in Eastern Oregon and attended
schools in Durkee and Brogan and graduated from Ontario High.

Jerry served his country in the Army from Dec. 1960 to Nov. 1962.

Jerry married Judith Miller, March 1964 in Reno NV. Jerry and Judy lived and
worked on a ranch in Oregon. They moved to Nebraska in 1972 where Jerry
operated a Well Service for almost 25 years. Jerry enjoyed hunting, fishing,
and horses. Surviving are wife, Judy Smith of Gothenburg, NE; son, Brad
Smith of Citrus Heights, CA; son, Rick (Julie) Smith of Kearney, NE; daughter
-in-law Bev Smith of Hampton, NE; grandson, Ethan, granddaughter,
Courtney, brother, Jim Smith of Anchorage, AK, brother, Rod (Bobbi) Smith
of Eugene, OR; and numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews. Gerald was
preceded in death by son, David Smith, his parents and grandparents.

Message
One of the things about Jerry was his ability to tell stories and to laugh about it
-so I thought he might appreciate the following. . .
Cowboy Joe was telling his fellow cowboys back on the ranch about his
first visit to a big-city church.
"When I got there, they had me park my old truck in the corral," Joe
began.
"You mean the parking lot," interrupted Charlie, a worldly fellow.
"I walked up the trail to the door," Joe continued.
"The sidewalk to the door," Charlie corrected him.
"Inside the door, I was met by this dude," Joe went on.
"That would be the usher," Charlie explained.
"Well, the usher led me down the chute," Joe said.
"You mean the aisle," Charlie said.
"Then, he led me to a stall and told me to sit there," Joe continued.
"Pew," Charlie retorted.
"Yeah," recalled Joe. "That’s what that pretty lady said when I sat down
beside her."’

For those who love to hunt, fish, and the outdoors as Jerry did the reality of
God is unmistakable. I have been a pastor for awhile-where I connect with
God most often is in my creators creation. Catch a mess of fish and you notice
they are each uniquely designed for a purpose. Ever spent time around horses
or livestock you will discover each is unique as well. Every sunrise and sunset
is a unique masterpiece of our heavenly Father.

Maybe, that’s why when a person that worked with Jerry on the ranch always
insisted on discussing politics and religion, he kept after Jerry and kept after
Jerry for his opinions on the subject. . .finally exasperated Jerry says I am not
crooked enough to be a politician, and I do not go to church often enough to
discuss religion.

Thats the hang up for most of us. . .we know there is a creator-we are sure
there is a designer who is bigger and smarter than we are. . . we just can’t
stand the Pew of life. We see crooked politicians and Christians living like the
devil and it confuses us! But it’s also our own stench we have a hard time with,
our own sins our own failings, our own dreams that no matter how much work
and prayer that never came true. The son or daughter that died before their
time. The innocent baby that suffers for no apparent reason. The stench,
cruelty and hardness of life can either make us bitter or better in our walk
with God. The reality of God in a broken world either blinds us to his goodness
or breaks open the possibility of something better!

A bit of trivia for you this morning. . .who is the first hunter or trapper
mentioned in the good book? Genesis 3:21 The LORD God made garments of
skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them. It is our heavenly father who was
the first sportsman. After man and women chose the stench of sin-he sacrificed
one of his beautiful creations to clothe man! Thousands of years later, our
heavenly father would sacrifice an even more precious gift to redeem man-his
only begotten son Jesus Christ was given on the Cross to pay for the stench of
sin,he was buried as all men are, but he rose from the dead to prove to all he
was the God Man!

Listen to John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and
only Son,[f] that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have
eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn
the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in
him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned
already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only
Son.

One of the ways we know for certain that God loves us is the unique gift of
JerrySmith’s life. Yes we are sad he is gone-but we should see that when
our heavenlyfather created Jerry he broke the mold. Jerry’s life was full
he grew up in a uniqueway in a unique place eastern Oregon. He loved salty
stories and also loved to listen to old time gospel. He was a rodeo cowboy,
served in the army, drove truck everywhere, loved Judy and the boys, and
worked hard! He was as honestas the day is long! As you remember Jerry
every twinkle in your eye, every chuckle, and every tear is reminder that
God loved you so much he put Jerry in your life.

The memories of a person are reminders by the Holy Spirit-that one day
there will be no stench-there will be no death or suffering-that one day
there will be peace in the valley!

Jerry’s logic was sometimes hard to follow, but it was always consistent!
Several years ago Michael Martin Murphy wrote a song called Cowboy
Logic let me share a few verses from it. . .

There's a great American hero, we all look up to

When the times are hard and the chips are down,

he knows just what to do

Now a cowboy's got a set of rules that he lives by day to day

If you ask for his advice, he'll more than likely say

If it's a fence, mend it. If it's a dollar bill, spend it

Before if burns a hole down in them jeans

It it's a load, truck it. If it's a punch, duck it.

If she's a lady, treat her like a queen

That's cowboy logic, every cowboy's got it

It's in the way he lives his life and the songs he sings

That's cowboy logic, every cowboy's got it

He's got a simple solution to just about anything

If it's a job, do it. Put your back in to it.

'Cause a little bit of dirt's gonna wash off in the rain

If it's a horse, ride it. If it hurts, hide it.

Dust yourself off and get back on again.

That's cowboy logic, every cowboy's got it

It's in the way he lives his life and the songs he sings

Over the years there has been hundreds of snippit’s written about
a Cowboy’s logic. Let me give you five that fit Jerry

If it’s broke, fix it. A cowboy understands that when things aren’t going
right it is time to sit back, take a hard look at the situation, and to take
corrective action when needed. Sometimes it isn’t the strategy or tactic
that is wrong it is just unfortunate circumstances, when that’s the case
a cowboy understands to buckle down and work your way through it.
Standing at the sink yesterday Julie made the mistake of leaning against
the faucet and Rick playfully slapped the back of her head-I made that
mistake around dad once in a rental house-he said to me that’s how those
things get busted do you want to fix it?

Every man deserves respect. That includes others as well as yourself. What
cowboy hasn’t made mistakes, when a man rides into camp he is treated with
respect till he proves otherwise. In his well business that is how Jerry always
operated-Some one that had lots’ of money was treated exactly as the widow
who had nothing! He would be up in the middle of the night if your cattle had
no water or leave a family dinner to make sure the well was fixed-exactly
because he respected everyone-no not like everyone but respected everyone.

Be creative. One cowboy said; Sure if you’re ten miles from home and all you
have is a piece of wire and a stick then if you are going to get it fixed all you
have is your wits. At the Nursing home they were found of calling Jerry
MacGyver- because he could fix anything!

Act. Contemplation is a good thing when riding drag or at the campfire at
night, but a cowboy is a man of action. To “cowboy up” means to give it
your all. When Jerry took on anything that is how he did it!

Believe. Believe in God. Who can ride across a pasture on a good horse
on a spring day and not know there is a Maker? Believe in yourself. A
cowboy who doesn’t have faith in his abilities isn’t worth spit. A cowboy
who doesn’t have faith in something bigger than himself is worth even
ess. Now God did not give us many trails to get to heaven only one-but
one is enough-that trail is not a religion it is a personal relationship with
Jesus Christ. Listen to the first excerpt of the first sermon that was probably
preached outdoors. . . Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has
ade this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”
37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said
to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name
of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the
gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and
for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them,
“Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” 41 Those who accepted
his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their
number that day.

Tim Mcgraw recorded the Cowboy in us, one portion of the lyrics is We
Ride and Don’t worry about the Fall! If you want to know how a cowboy
can ride a rank horse or bull there it is- we ride and do not worry about
the fall!

The truth about life is -it is both soo good and sometime soo hard we
get on it and ride through it without ever thinking of the fall!

Judy’s story about the dialysis

One of my favorite Old testament prophets was Amos Amos was
a shepherd under the reigns of Uzziah and Jeroboam II Amos, good
man he was. Good shepherd man. Good herdsman. I prefer to think
of him as a cowboy preacher. Amos preached about God’s justice
and righteousness. He condemned all people who made themselves
powerful or rich at the expense of others. And his main message
to the people of Israel was this: Amos 4:12 “Prepare to meet your
God, O Israel.”

And, of course, everyone needs to prepare to meet God in person.
This is a big part of what life is about. We start life with God
(even though we don’t realize this), we continue our lives with God
(even though many people stubbornly refuse to admit this. He is
our sustainer in life). And we end life with Him even though many
people deny this. BUT WE OF ALL PEOPLE SHOULD RECOGNIZE
THIS FACT AND BE HUMBLED BY IT! Life is a preparation to meet
God in person!

Peace in the Valley

Benediction
When I see a windmill, I see the Holy Spirit at work in the life of a believer. First, pneuma is the same Greek word for both wind and Spirit. "The winds
are yourmessengers; flames of fire are your servants" (Psalms 104:4). The
windmill adjuststo the direction of the wind in order to work, just as the
Christian must adjust to the divine Wind in order for life to work. Jesus said, "The wind blows wherever itwants. Just as you can hear the wind but
can't tell where it comes from or where itis going, so you can't explain
how people are born of the Spirit" (John 3:8). The windmill brings forth
life-giving water to a dry and thirsty land, just as Christians are to
overflow with the Living Water of His Spirit! "Whoever believes in me, as
the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.
By this hemeant the Spirit. . ." (John 7:38,39). So, the next time you pass
one of the prairie's whirligigs may you be amazed at the works of God.
Roger Miller

Scripture
The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear it’s sound, but you cannot
tellwhere it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born
of the Spirit.” John 3:8 NIV


Turning to Face the Wind
I hear the windmills creek and squeak,
As Wheels turned toward the wind.
Those mills pumped water for the stock
On which our hopes were pinned
The sucker rods moved up and down
While wheels spun round and round
They sucked the fossil water up
For use above ground.
The windmills made life possible
On flat and dry terrain.
They kept the stock tanks well-supplied
Despite infrequent rain.
To us those wooden windmills were
The pyramids of the plains,
More monumental than the ones
Built during pharaoh’s reigns.
My family, too, faced winds head on-
The winds of chance and change
The winds that blew with Blizzard force
And howled across the range.
And like the windmill derricks,
We anchored to that place,
And Turned as did the Windmill Wheels
To face what we must face
Cowboy Poetry (turning to face the Wind) Jane Ambrose Morton

Sentence Prayer
Father
There is neither Sail or windsock that can capture your gust. We all are being
driven home by your mighty gusts. Jerry is at home with you -so Help us adjust
Holy Spirit to the direction you are blowing today. Help us see in your wind
there is no chance or change, that you cannot use for your glory. Help
us anchor enough to this life that we are able to serve you, but may we be free
enough to adjust to your will. Amen

Rom 14:7-8
For none us lives to himself alone
and none of us dies to himself alone.
If we live, we live to the Lord;
and if we die, we die to the Lord.
So whether we live or die we belong to the Lord.

Message
We may have come here to committ Gerald Smith To the
Lord our God Father, Son and Holy Spirit But this is not
the end We who are Christians know,we know that we will
be with Jerry again. Because of the risen savior, our Lord
Jesus Christ Because he lives We shall live also We are a
people full of hope. We are a people who are not Grieved
but full of hope for we know Jerry is at peace with Christ

Committal
In sure and certain hope
of the resurrection to eternal life,
through our Lord Jesus Christ,

Jerry - we commend you to almighty God
and we commit your body to its final resting place,
ashes to ashes, dust to dust

Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord,
they will rest from their labor,
for their deeds will follow them.

Prayer
Lord,
Thank you for blessing us with the life of
Jerry
Instill in our hearts,
the knowledge of the hope that we have in you.
Fill us with your love,
and grant us your peace.
Amen

The Cowboy's Prayer" by Badger Clark
O Lord, I've never lived where churches grow;

I love creation better as it stood

That day You finished it so long ago

And looked upon Your work and called it good.

Just let me live my life as I've begun,

And give me work that's open to the sky;

Make me a pardner of the wind and sun,

And I won't ask for a life that's soft or high.

Make me as wide and open as the plains,

As honest as the horse between my knees,

Clean as the wind that blows behind the rains,

Free as the hawk that circles down the breeze.

Just keep an eye on all that's done and said,

Just right me sometimes when I turn aside,

And guide me on the long, dim trail ahead,

That stretches upwards toward the Great Divide

Benediction
May the Lord hold you and keep you
May the Lord give you comfort
May the Lord shine his face upon you
and give you peace.
Amen

True Wealth

Have you ever just felt sorry for yourself? Recently, we have had quite a series

of unfortunate financial events. And I was not pleasant to be around, because I

had forgotten the blessings I have. When your desire is for what you do not

have- you are blinded to the treasure in your hand.

Out of the blue, we had a friend show up to volunteer to paint our

house. We had some one feeling very generous give us 5 gallons of paint. I spent

money I did not have taking mynephews out for pizza, and in return found a

connection that I had not experienced in a while. I have a son in the Navy,

who has found his calling in life. A daughter who talks to her dad, as a

friend not a parent, who tells me I am the perfect dad. (Not true-but I

will take it!) I have two children living with us, who tell me they love me!

I have a wife, who has been loyal, loving, and my best friend for 24 years.

No, I have no more cash in the bank-but now that I have stoppedto count

my blessing-I know that I am rich beyond measure.

During these difficult times we all have the tendency to think, we

would be happy if we could just get caught up on the mortgage. We curse

the car repairs that seem to just keep oncoming! The kids growth spurt

and hunger never seems to stop and the grocery kart runneth over! But if

our focus is on life’s challenges we will miss the blessings God has graced

us with!

Christ moved heaven and earth to bring us freedom from guilt-peace with

God and a home in heaven. We are also told time and again in scripture

that the same effortput into saving us, will be put into making us like

Jesus! When is the last time over coffee, you sat real still and

counted the blessing of your friends and what little you have done

to deserve their loyalty? When is the last time you sat with a loved

one and became awed at the love showered on you unconditionally?

During a recession we are tempted to be envious of a raise-a better

financial situation-or house values. But Jesus reminds us. . . .

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth,where moth and

rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up

for yourselves treasures in heaven,where moth and rust do not destroy,

and where thieves do not break in and steal. Matthew 6:19,20

That is exactly what Friendship First Church campaign is all about-

finding the one thing we cannot live without friendship with God

and Other People. Something that can never be taken from us, Love!

Gusts of God

Father
There is neither Sail or windsock that can capture your gust. We all are being driven home by your mighty gusts. Help us adjust Holy Spirit to the direction you are blowing today. Help us see in your wind there is no chance or change, that you cannot use for your glory. Help us anchor enough to this life that we are able to serve you, but may we be free enough to adjust to your will. Amen

Team Sunday

Sunday was one of those days, I love as a pastor. There was an abundance of new faces

along with mugs I have gotten used too. The church was filled with every team uniform

to the poor couple who did not know about Team Sunday who dressed up.heir was an

abundance of Bikers and Cowboys. During the service we recognized three past elders,

who have made this church family what it is today. Unofficially still Shepherding

God's children who worship at Elbert Christian Church. A man diagnosed with cancer,

came up at the end of service so the Elders could pray for him. With tears in his

eyes, he said thank you to his God.

After service every one helped people set up displays for their different

ministries. Our attendance for the day was 130, but we had over twenty different

mission people of ECC were involved in. Everything from funeral dinners at ECC to

music ministry seeking to journey to Cameron Africa. Eric and Deborah Johnson are

looking to start an Evangelism Explosion class and Answers in Genesis. Eva's Coffee

bar raised $75 dollars for Hati.

While all of this was going on upstairs, the food servants were downstairs setting

up a tailgating feast. Homemade brats to chips and dips were found. Charlie the

rancher was disappointed for their was no more beef to be had.

I found there was only one problem; at 1:30 after a 10:00 A:M Start time no one was

leaving! I finally had to turn lights off and drop hints like: don't you think it's

time to leave?! I was speechless most churches struggle to get people in the door,

we can't get them to leave!

Thank you Elbert Christian Church-you reminded me once again why it's a Joy to serve

the Lord.