Some of Slim’s coffee was still left over from yesterday, a little bit warmed over and added to. And tasting it on that second day, I’d guarantee no horseshoes or anything else would survive in it one way or the other.”
–Clair Huffaker (The Cowboy and the Cossack)
Not too bad a start this mornin’ for graylight is just now appearing. Yur cup’s ready Pard; threw in a couple of extra scoops of coffee this mornin’. Yuh know, sometimes the starter just starts harder and yuh need that extra jolt to get goin’. Now, it’s nothin’ like ol’ Slim’s coffee. Yuh’ve had some of his, haven’t yuh? I figured there’s really only two types of coffee I don’t care much for, no, make that three: weak, highly scorched (and Slim’s leans thataway), and flavored. Yuh know to keep the cinos out of my kitchen!
Talked to an ol’ Pard yesterday, we’ve rode many a trail together faced the arrows of the devil together many a-time. He’s been cooped up because of this corona. He reckoned it was preparin’ him for life in the nursin’ home. I guess it’s been different in the big cities. Life out here in the woods has stayed fairly close to the same.
Ahhh, that extra scoop helped; the ol’ gizzard’s takin’ pure delight this mornin’. How ’bout some of them bureaucrats–that loud-mouthed bunch encouragin’ folk to stay at home and not go back to work. Let the government continue to feed them and that means you and me, Pard. Kids, the poor whiny babies, are still cryin’ for their student debts to be canceled. And who’ll pay for that, you and me, Pard. The wife and I were talkin’ just the other day about how I had to work each summer to make money to go to school the next fall; plus I had to take out a loan which I paid back.
No use, gettin’ the gripe over it. I know the Lord’s in charge of my life and those of my family, no matter what the bureaucrats say and do. Them an’ their cronies may be a bother, but I look to the Lord for my help. He’ll help us get by, He always has, and always will.
Pard, now yuh be watchin’ who yuh shake hands with. Don’t be dismayed if’n there are some who don’t want to be shakin’ that mitt of yurs. They’re just bein’ cautious, yuh just tip yur hat and grin. Yuh be havin’ a good start to the new month, and that means yur not goin’ to forget to check yur cinch. Why I heard the other day of a fella that…well, that’s a story for another time.
Month: May 2020
Echoes From the Campfire
The best gift to man—or, if not the best, then at least the rarest—is the power to meet the emergency: to do your best and a little better than your best when nothing less will serve.”
–Eugene Manlove Rhodes (Bransford of Rainbow Range)
“In this confidence let us hold on to the hope that we profess without the slightest hesitation—for he is utterly dependable—and let us think of one another and how we can encourage each other to love and do good deeds.”
–Hebrews 10:23-24 (Phillips)
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My mercy, it’s May already! Hard to believe. May 1–May Day, an ancient celebration to bring in the spring season. Through the years there have been many “versions” of it. The most common in the U.S. was the giving of baskets, candy and flowers, left anonymously on the neighbor’s doorsteps. It has also been designated as Law Day in the United States. However, communist countries have celebrated it by the display of the nation’s armaments. Quite a difference.
The talk continues, and will continue regarding the virus. The accusations, especially since this is an election year will harp on and on. But the most important thing is: what have you done during this quarantine? Have you done your best to keep a good attitude? Have you done your best to meet the situation as it comes to you? Have you done your best to encourage friends and family? Have you done your best to get with your Lord?
Again, I will say, I do not believe that the Lord sent this virus upon the earth. However, I do believe that He has allowed it. There are several reasons, one of which is to wake up the people. The Lord is coming soon, here is a wake-up call. Another reason is for the Church, the believers, to clean up, straighten up, and look up for their redemption draweth nigh. A third reason is to set the stage for the coming of the Antichrist and his world government. There could be several more listed, but one last thing to consider was that the Lord allowed it for you. This has been a wonderful time to spend more time with Him, study His Word, meditate and contemplate on the things of God. This has been your time.
“Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works.”
–Hebrews 10:22-24 (NKJV)
Since the Lord has given us this special time I want to close this Echo with some words from Fenelon. Perhaps it may help you during this time in your prayer life.
“When you see your mind wandering [during prayer], bring it back gently without being upset, and without ever being discouraged by these distractions which are stubborn. On the contrary, they will help you more than a prayer which brings with it very evident comfort and fervor, because these distractions will humble you, mortify you, and accustom you to seek God purely for his own sake, unmixed with any pleasure.”
As Texas begins to move back the restrictions do not neglect the habits that have been formed in your spiritual disciplines. Don’t waste and throw away this opportunity which the good Lord has given you.