Month: May 2023

Echoes From the Campfire

by Ira Paine, Posted on

So I waited around and enjoyed another helping of ham and eggs. A man born to live his life in wild country doesn’t often get such luxuries. Well I’m a man that never passes up such an opportunity.”
                    –Lou Bradshaw  (Cain…Just Cain)

       “So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”
                    –Luke 12:21 (NKJV)
————————————
The great preacher, F.B. Meyer wrote, “I don’t want my life to end in a swamp.”  Ponder that for a moment.  If you recall the journey of Christian in John Bunyan’s “Pilgrim Progress,” you will recall that right at the start he finds himself in the “slough of despond.”  The deep bog or a scummy swamp is where many people are headed.  They try this and they try that to find happiness only to realize that all they find is hopelessness.  If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a hundred times, “Life is Living!”  But living comes only through Jesus Christ!
       When you read Ecclesiastes, chapters 11-12, read it to find out how to live.  You will see that we are to live life boldly; we are to be joyful; and most importantly, we are to be godly.  Warren Wiersbe breaks it down this way:  Life is an Adventure (11:1-6); Life is a Gift (11:7-12:8); Life is a School (12:9-12); and Life is a Stewardship (12:13-14).  If you are living the abundant life that Jesus describes you will easily see that life is not monotonous.
       We see in verse 11:1, that we are to “Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days.” (NKJV)  Notice, instead of protecting, we are to cast out.  This speaking of the cargo on a ship, cast it out.  If you don’t you will let it dry out, and it will crumble.  If we store it there is the chance that it will get moldy.  We are not to hoard it, dig a hole and hit it or we will find ourselves like the unprofitable servant and be cast out ourselves.  The thought behind all of this is that we are to release our life to others.  We are to be a light, a blessing, salt in a stale, sinful community.  God will be faithful and rewarding.
       What is happening to this present generation?  What are they being taught in school, in the home, at church?  Where is the Word of God; are they hearing it in the morning, at night before going to bed, and throughout the day?  If not, what are they hearing?  David Hubbard said, “Ours may be the first generation in civilized times that has not raised its young on proverbs.  From the beginning of recorded history…concise sayings which describe the benefit of good conduct or the harm of bad have been used to teach children how to behave.”  Now, with Postmodernism and its program of deconstruction relative truth is being taught.  Confusion is becoming the norm and chaos the way of life.
       Go back to the thought of giving–casting out.  Life, to most people, and the way to happiness is getting what they think they want.  “Most people think of it in terms of getting; success, however, begins in terms of giving.” (Henry Ford)  If you are a giver, then you are successful.  Here, remember that giving doesn’t necessarily mean money.  Modern life says:  “Get all you can, Can all you get, Then sit on the can.”  I don’t know who said that, but there is much truth there.  Don’t hoard–your money, your provisions, your talents, your gifts, your life…  “He who has pity on the poor lends to the LORD, and He will pay back what he has given.” (Proverbs 19:17, NKJV)
       Think on that–when we give (show pity) to the poor we lend to the Lord.  When we put out a helping hand, we lend to the Lord.  When we use our talents and gifts to bring a smile, direction, guidance…we lend to the Lord.  Sometimes misfortunes will come.  Sometimes, no matter how hard we try, we lose.  No one worked harder at trying to win a ball game than I did, yet we did not win all the games I played in despite my efforts.  The great pianist Arthur Rubenstein said, “There is no formula for success, except perhaps an unconditional acceptance of life and what it brings.”  Therefore, I will say it again–Life is Living!  “Life is an adventure of faith, and each of us is like a merchant, investing today in what will pay dividends tomorrow.”

               “Don’t collect for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal.  But collect for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves don’t break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
                           –Matthew 6:19-21(HCSB)

 

The Saga of Miles Forrest

by Ira Paine, Posted on
Miles Forrest was in Silverton checking on the community and was confronted by the deputy marshal of Silverton.  He had heard some information that didn’t quite settle with him, so he began to prod the deputy.  That is, he did until the town marshal came in the door.  Join us for another thrilling adventure from the days of of yesteryear in the adventures of Miles Forrest.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
       Before I could get anything out of my mouth, I heard the growling voice of the marshal.  “What’s a U.S. Marshal doing in Silverton?”
       I met him eye to eye, and I already knew that this wasn’t going to be a fun confrontation.  “First of all it’s none of your business!” I barked back, then added.  “Second, I’m not sure that I approve of your greetin’ or from what I hear of your treatment of prisoners.”
       He finally dropped his stare.  “None of that pertains to you!  What we do here is none of your concern and, in fact, out of your jurisdiction!”  He moved around me to stand beside the deputy.
       Turning to face him, I observed that he had hanging jowls, and was starting to bulge a little over the belt.  However, he carried his gun well, and I could see by his hands that he was or at least had been a rough and tumble guy by the scars on his knuckles.  “As I explained to your deputy, the badge I’m wearin’ says that I do have jurisdiction here.”  I stopped to let the words linger.
       He didn’t say anything, just turned to put his hat on the rack by the entrance to his office.  Turning his back on me he walked in his office and shut the door.
       Of all the gall.  I started after him when the deputy stepped in front of me, he hand on the butt of his gun.  “Sonny,” I said with warning.  “You begin to pull that gun and you’ll never see another light of day.”  He smirked, but he did move his hand away.  “Now, get out of my way!”
       I don’t know if it was stubbornness or loyalty to the marshal, but Deputy Cunningham didn’t move.  He wasn’t as big as the marshal, but was taller.  I reckoned it was time for a lesson in proper etiquette.  I moved the Greener slightly which was in my left hand.  His eyes went to it and I hauled off and clobbered him on the jaw with my right.  He staggered some, but didn’t fall and his hand started toward his gun.  This time I swung the Greener up and caught him under the right side of his chin.  He didn’t stagger, he simply fell to the floor with a thud.  I went past him and barged through the door.
       Upon entering I was greeted by the marshal sitting behind his desk, this time, however, he had a pistol in his hand.  “I don’t know who you think you are, but no high-tone U.S. Marshal is going to treat us thataway.”
       Perhaps he thought I would stop upon seeing the pistol.  I noticed it wasn’t cocked so I took my changes and pulled the Greener up pulling back both hammers as I did.  I had the shotgun cocked and six inches from his face before he could pull back the hammer on his pistol.  
       I smiled, “Go ahead, pull back the hammer if’n it’ll make you feel better.”  I don’t know if it was my smile or the two big eyes from the shotgun staring at him, but he set the gun on the desk.  I moved away from him, but kept the Greener pointed at him.
       There was anger on his face, but he didn’t say anything which was probably good on his account for I doubt he could say anything that would please me right now.  “Now, Marshal Johnson, since you’ve already met Mr. 12-gauge Greener, I’ll introduce myself.  I’m Deputy U.S. Marshal Miles Forrest and I’m temporarily workin’ Sheriff Gold’s circuit.  I just stopped by as I entered town to introduce myself,” I paused, not removing my smile.  “I trust that this cordial greetin’ will not happen again.”
       He nodded and sort of relaxed.  “I’m on my way to meet some old friends.  You may know them:  Joe Hoskins, Chadwick Morgan, and Jakub Brewlinski.”  When I mentioned Jakub’s name his eyes widened for a second.  “My plan is to be here a couple of days,” I hesitated, then continued, “or maybe longer.”
       I finally uncocked the shotgun and brought it down to my side.  “I’ll be around…I want to see you again an’ we’ll continue our discussion before I leave.”
       Without further adieu I turned and walked out of the office, stepped over the deputy and out the door.  My next job was to get Hawk to a livery, brushed down and fed, then get myself a room.  There were a couple of liveries in town, one near the train station, the other up the other end of Greene Street.  I rode by the Grand Hotel again and was tempted to get a room there, but I knew the county budget wouldn’t allow it.  A block over and two blocks down from the livery was a nice place I’d stayed at before, I’d stop there before getting Hawk a stall to see if there was a room.
       “A dollar and a half a night,” said the desk clerk.  For that price I was tempted to camp out up in the hills.  I knew this was a mining town and money flowed easily, but a dollar?  I took a room, then went to take care of Hawk and was shocked again;  dollar to feed and take care of my horse.  
       “What’s your name?” I asked the hostler as he took the reins from me.
       He frowned the wrinkles forming on his forehead.  “Why yuh askin’?  he asked.  
       “I sorta like to know the name of the man who’s robbin’ me,” I said then added a smile.
       He regained his composure, “Giles,” he said then swallowed.  I saw his eyes see my badge.  His eyes widened, “I ain’t done nothin’ wrong.”
       “Guilty conscience?” I inquired following him into the livery.  I wanted to talk with him some more.  I know this was a rich mining community, but I thought the prices might be a little too high.  Hmmm…

 

Echoes From the Campfire

by Ira Paine, Posted on

There’s majesty in those peaks, and grandeur in the clouds, and there’s a far and wonderful beauty in the distance.”

                    –Louis L’Amour  (Treasure Mountain)

      “Bend down the heavens, LORD, and come down.  Touch the mountains so they billow smoke.  Release your lightning bolts and scatter your enemies!  Release your arrows and confuse them!”
                    –Psalm 144:5-6 (NLT)
—————————–
In the midst of turmoil, trouble, and terror it is imperative that we keep a song in our hearts if not on our lips.  Now, I’m not one who sings a lot–out loud, but in my mind songs keep flowing.  Someone wrote, “God’s people are always strongest when their lives are characterized by joy and singing.  In the midst of persecution under Julian the Apostate, it was known that one of the favorite hymns/song of the church was Psalm 96.

          1 — Oh, sing to the LORD a new song!  Sing to the LORD, all the earth.
          2 — Sing to the LORD, bless His name; proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day.
          3 — Declare His glory among the nations, His wonders among all peoples.
          4 — For the LORD is great and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods.
          5 — For all the gods of the peoples are idols, but the LORD made the heavens.
          6 — Honor and majesty are before Him; strength and beauty are in His sanctuary.  (NKJV)

       What a psalm!  This is majestic for it speaks of the glory of God; His sovereignty and omnipotence.  Steven Lawson asked, “How could any heart consider God’s supreme authority and remain apathetic?  Such silence is sinful, completely incongruent with the majesty of God.”  This is an invitation for ALL the earth to sing unto the Lord.  It will one day become the norm during the Millennial Reign.  Note the second verse, “good news”.  What is the good news?  It is a song that those of the Old Testament could not sing, but now the earth is invited to sing a new song.  A song that denotes the salvation of the Lord through Jesus Christ.

               “Before Jehovah’s awesome throne
               Ye nations, bow with sacred joy;
               Know that the LORD is God alone;
               He can create; and He can destroy.”
                          –Isaac Watts

       While there is time, worship the Lord.  The idols mentioned in verse 5 are nothing but dumb idols; idols without power, idols not worthy of praise.  Praise the Lord because of who He is–His splendor and glory and majesty should make us tremble, and yet lift our voices in praise.  This is a psalm for the individual; this is a psalm for the nations.  “The application of the psalm is timeless for it prepares our hearts for worship.  It calls us out of our world into His.”  (George O. Wood)
       This is a hymn/song that helps us in our daily walk with the Lord.  Do you ever feel “out of sorts”?  Sing this song.  Do you ever think that you are “out of step”?  Sing this song.  Do you ever think that your life is “out of tune”?  Sing this song.  Get rid of the idols–anything that comes between you and true worship of God.  Maybe as you turn your eyes to the Lord go to Revelation 1 and see the vision that was given to John.

               “Let all on earth their voices raise
               To sing the great Jehovah’s praise
               And bless His holy name.
               His glory let the people know,
               His wonders to the nations show,
               His saving grace proclaim.”
                          –Isaac Watts

 

Coffee Percs

by Ira Paine, Posted on

I looked over at the coffeepot. ‘I’d ask you ladies if you want some coffee, but a man came in here and made it a while ago, and it ain’t…isn’t…fit for ordinary humans to drink.”
                         –Patrick Lindsay  (Pike Hardy)

Grab yur cup, Pard, fill ‘er up to the brim, take a sip first, then let’s lift it up high in a salute to mothers.  Tomorrow’s Mothers Day, if’n yuh haven’t forgotten.  Even though she ain’t my mother, I got the missus some flowers–she is the mother of our children, and a right good and special one for sure.
       Pard, let me tell yuh, this ol’ fence post has seen all types of mothers in my life.  I’ve seen the good, the bad, the ugly, and even the uglier.  My mercy, there are some doozies out there.  If’n yuh have a good mom be thankin’ the Lord.  I’ve seen mean moms, moms that never seem to smile but always grimace.  They’re the kind that have raised their kids to exasperation and now are reapin’ the rewards.  They try to cover it up with the excuse of fightin’ for them, but really they are just hidin’ their failures.
       Let me tell yuh ’bout one.  She didn’t want her two girls so she gave them up and her parents adopted them.  Come graduation time she came to the office demandin’ for their records.  The records weren’t hers, in fact, at that time they belong to the kids.  She screamed, cursed, and finally sat down in the middle of the floor refusin’ to budge.  One good thing, the girls were raised by their grandparents.  Pard, let me tell yuh there are all types.
       I won’t go into the evil ones, the ones who force their children into evil and wicked lifestyles.  This is a day to celebrate mothers.  My mercy, where would we be without the nurturer of the home?  I was fortunate enough to have three fill the position of “mom.”  I lived with and was raised primarily by my grandma and aunt.  Mom was workin’ most of the time, but she was around.  It was my grandma and aunt who took me to church.  Mom didn’t become a Christian until quite late in life.
       “Give me a son, Lord!” was the cry of Hannah, “And I’ll give him back to you.”  Pard, yuh don’t look like much with coffee droolin’ off yur chin, but yuh have a good mom to instill manners and a tender heart within yuh.  Yuh wipe yur chin an’ try to do her good.  Listen, when the mothers quit followin’ through with the responsibility that the good Lord gave them we are in trouble.  When the home is not filled with a mother’s prayers, we are in trouble.  That ol’ pard who has crossed the great divide wrote, “She is the mother of the race, and if the race is to progress instead of retrogress, she has to hold herself more sacred than men do.”  Zane Grey got it right, she is the keeper of the hearth; it is the mother who makes the home.

       So Pard, if’n yur mother’s still alive, be sure yuh honor her today, don’t let her drink any bad coffee.    If’n she’s passed on, think on some of the good memories of her.  Pard, one way to honor her is to not do somethin’ stupid like not checkin’ yur cinch.
      Vaya con Dios.