Being Thankful

I am so thankful for our family-time together during the holidays this year. I realize that only by God’s grace have we enjoyed such beautiful days together, eating special meals, just talking and sharing, going to church together and lots of picture taking! I am also thankful for our good health, knowing that too is truly a gift.

It’s a time of year that I find myself anxiously awaiting the arrival of the mail each day as our postman brings greetings from so many that I long to hear from and have perhaps neglected to pick up the phone or write a note during this past year. Has it been the same for you?

The time with my precious grandchildren, ages 6, 5 & 2, just seemed a little more special this year than in past years. Watching their eyes light up with excitement just seeing the decorations in anticipation of Christmas morning was such a special gift. All the efforts Grandpa and I put forth in making our home inviting and ready for the big day was all worth it when the little ones arrive and enjoyed everything from the nativity to the animated Mr. and Mrs. Santa. I am happy to say the wise men did survive, although they had several rough days; and even though the angel flew several times across the room, she is now resting above the stable.

My prayer for the New Year is that God will continue to bless our family and yours. I pray that I will take the time to stop and be still more times than not, and just listen for God’s still small voice as I seek His will for my life. May I be more of an example of what God wants me to be to those around me. I pray for God’s grace each day and that I recognize its source. Most of all, I ask that God give me opportunities to be a better witness for Him; and that I glorify Him in all that I do.
Blessings, Prissy

CHRISTMAS TIME

Wow! Is it that time already? Of course, we are reminded each year way too early, or at least we think to ourselves, why must the retailers be so persistent in putting out Christmas decorations before we’ve even digested our Thanksgiving dinner? I use to let this upset me, but now I’ve changed my mind and find it much less irritating. Actually, it’s not irritating at all. No matter how early I think I’ve gotten started with preparations for this day of all days, it always approaches faster than I thought it would. So, why should I mind those ornaments and red ribbons being displayed back in October when all the time I’m thinking, I can use all the help I can manage with these subtle reminders of a jingling bell just outside my local Wal-Mart.

It also starts me thinking that it is up to me to make this a time of happiness, when I could so easily make this a time of dread, and focus on all the sad things that may have happened during this past year. It’s pretty easy for me to be quickly carried away with true happiness when I hear giggles and cheers of joy, and see smiling faces from children, mostly from those that belong to me. But you don’t have to be grandma to be quickly transported to feelings of embracing joy at this time of year. All you have to do is open your eyes and really look. That’s the easy part. When you do, I promise you’ll see it. Just look at those sweet little smiles that tell you that all is still right with our world. No matter how bitter the news reports and stocks are plummeting, we need to remember to set it all aside. Those are only temporal things; the things that truly matter in our lives and mean the most this time of year are our relationships with one another. When circumstances have changed; what we will remember, is did we make that phone call to a loved one that was nearly starved to death to hear from us? Did we spend time with those little ones that will remember this time of year and the time with us forever? Did we take time to tell our neighbor that we were glad they lived next door?

Through our Lord, He has given us the Grace to get it all done and glorify Him as we go about our tasks for this busy season. Will we choose to let Him direct our paths over the next couple of weeks, or will be run around hurried and frazzled complaining about the crowds and how much we have to accomplish. It’s up to us!

A Blessed Day!

I'm writing this morning to say Thank You Father for too many blessings to count! You are the giver of all that is and will ever be. I'm so excited today to be sharing it with the ones that are the dearest to me and that I love the most. I realize there are many that do not share in such a rich blessing. My heart is sadden by all our troops today that cannot be with their families. I pray now for them, for their safety and their families that must be without them. I too, know what that feels like, but I also realize that nothing ever stays the same, either for good or bad and only by Your hand are true blessings received.

I just pray for everyone that reads these words today, that they will stop and ponder on this Day of Thanksgiving and understand just where such blessings come. May each of you fill your day with wonderful memories and thoughts of Him.

In Jesus Name

Fellowshipping

God is good all the time! This past weekend at the Oakwood Outlaws was another testimony to God’s goodness and blessings. If you don’t believe me, just take a look at the new slideshow I’ve added to the blog.
Dogie and I had the privilege once again to be with dear friends and share His word on Sunday morning with those of us that gathered together to feed upon it. Not only did He give us plenty to feed upon, but He also provided a beautiful canopy under which to sit as we played and prayed together.
I couldn’t help but notice this entire weekend, as we participated in two shoots with time out for the Lord in between, that He commanded the leaves to rain down both days. It was magnificent. I was distracted at times as I was constantly reminded of His handy work, of which nothing can compare.
Thank you Father for the friends you give us, the lives you touch through those of us that try to do Your Kingdom work. Thank you Father for the beauty You show us, if only we keep our eyes on You. Thank you Father for the joy You place in us. May we forever Praise You.

Resting In The Lord

Well…. We’ve done all that we can do. God is good and we can trust Him completely. We’ve made our choice in voting for who we think God would want to be our President by praying daily and sometimes many more times in that 24 hour period. Even though we may feel sad tonight not knowing how things will turn out, I feel an overwhelming peace settle upon me. Call it faith, call it trusting in the Lord, but whatever stills my heart tonight, I know it is of the Lord.
My yearning to be in His Word is overwhelming as I reach for my Bible. Thank you Lord for the truths contained herein. Thank you that I can talk to you openly and lovingly without interruption. I feel Your presence near, as I sit here and write, and think upon Your words. Father, I just ask right now that You protect all our troops overseas. What must they be thinking? Our country was established on Your principles, please don’t take Your eyes from this blessed land. I cry out to You tonight to hold on to us tightly as we honor You and love You for loving us.

Oh God, help us in this hour of uncertainty and disappointment. What is the lesson you are teaching us? Although we do not understand, we are open to Your ways.

2 Chron 7:14-15

if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

(from New International Version)

Early Voting

Done! What about you? Today it was my privilege to go and vote for my candidate for President. I typically don’t vote early in the larger elections, but with all that is currently happening in our world today, I wanted to make sure my vote was not only cast, but doing it early would be a good thing. I was even a little excited that the day had finally arrived and that early voting was now available. I’m sure there are many things that have contributed to my eagerness to get my vote cast as soon as possible. I have been reflecting on the principles upon which our country has been established. It is important to me to remember that these principles were Godly principles. As I have considered this election, these principles appear to be in question. We pledge our allegiance to this beautiful land and to God when we say, “Under God”. We indicate our trust in Him to protect our country when we print, “In God We Trust” on our currency. The very idea that our country would even consider a candidate that does not hold near and dear to these principles and a love for God Almighty is more terrifying to me than anything we could imagine or dream.
As most of you do already, please continue to pray for our country. Please pray for God’s will to be done through this election and afterwards, and pray hard. We must continue to trust Him as we go through the next couple of weeks. Many of our liberal thinking friends that have come to share in the bountiful blessings received by our country have no clear understanding that God could easily choose to remove His mighty hand of protection from our beautiful and loved land. We have been so richly blessed and respected throughout the world by many nations. I am reminded of early Israel when that nation was a God-fearing nation. Israel was blessed and protected by God. The blessings ceased and the protection ended when the nation turned its back on God. At this important time in our own history do we have an example that we need to consider? We as a nation cannot forsake the cornerstone upon which our nation was built. Why would we allow ourselves to be deceived by the evil one and put God in a position to remove His blessings from us?
Prayer is our first weapon of defense; and secondly, we must take the time to cast our ballot for the candidates that will hold to these principles and prayerfully guide us through the turbulent times ahead. There have always been turbulent times, today is no different. But if we sit idly by with the thought that our vote doesn’t matter; or, as Christians, we fail to pray, thinking our act of praying for our country doesn’t matter, we may witness God turn his face away. God matters in this election. Voting matters in this election. Prayer matters in this election. Please do your part. Please go before the Father in prayer, and then go vote.
May you and our country continue under a government that seeks God’s approval and welcomes His blessings; and, therefore pray we will continue to be in receipt of His blessings and protection. Thank you Father God!

"If my people, which are called by my name shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."- 2 Chronicles 7:14

BREATHE

If you’ve never shot Long Range, and I just bet most of you are like me, NOT. My Honey, that’s Dogie, thinks shooting long-range is right up there with cowboy shooting when it comes to fun and enjoyment. Now being a girl, I just couldn’t imagine what could be fun that took that much concentration and a steady hand, oh, and in doing it, you had to remember to breathe, Right. Too many things to remember. Hey, I’m just getting the hang of this cowboy action shooting; don’t complicate my life with more things to remember and do it as if it is natural. Huh???

Okay, I’m watching, I’m paying attention, so maybe I’ll try it? Just once couldn’t hurt. At our local home club they have a nice 200 yard range, great for practice; so being the curious spirit I am, I decided, why not? Dogie is an excellent instructor when it comes to shooting just about any kind of gun, whether it be pistols or rifles. I sit down, feet and legs forward, shooting sticks adjusted for my eye level, and then place that big old single shot Sharps rifle carefully on the leather saddle between the sticks. That wasn’t too hard, and then I hear this little voice inside saying, “You can do this” and “You can hit that target Way…..down there”! Girls, that’s got to be one of the major keys, believe in yourself and you can. So I’m ready, just line up the front and rear sites, snuggle up real close to that stock, hold it, hold it, stay on target, slowly squeeze that trigger, oh yeah, BREATHE, let it out half way, slowly, slowly and BOOM! Wow I hit it! That wasn’t bad, actually, it was fun! Let’s do it again, I told him.

Here we are in Tennessee. Side matches are held the 1st day of the match and here I sit on the long-range course. A bleak cloudy sky hangs overhead and I’m thinking how much I will not let such a dreary day steal my joy, or the cigar smoking cowboys that kind of laugh to themselves that a woman has shown up at the long-range. I’m polite as I watch cowboy after cowboy miss most of their shots. 5 sighters are given and then you get to shoot for score. Finally, its my turn and those same cowboys with all their misses are acutely aware that I’m about to try my hand at a game that has been mostly just for the fellows.

These cowboys don’t know me and may be unaware that I believe in Divine Intervention. It is my way of improving the aim. I’ve been talking to God about my effort and I’ve asked for His help. Simply stated, God, You know my reasons for giving this a try and You know that first and foremost, I want to glorify you in all that I do, even in shooting this big rifle. You and You alone can use any and all that I do to speak to those that don’t even think they need You. You know, that I know, that without You directing and showing me the way, I am nothing.

Okay, I’m ready – one last word to my Lord and my mind goes through all that Dogie has told me. Deep down inside I feel the trembling, but I draw from a deeper strength and settle a bit. Thank you Lord for the WIN !!! Oh Yeah! And reminding me to BREATHE.
Prissy

After the Storm

I can feel the warmth of the sun through the windshield of the truck. There is blue sky as far as one can see. I feel the rocking of the road beneath my feet as we roll East on I-40. Only a few days before, we were being beaten by an unrelenting wind; a wind that would not stop for hours, a wind that would destroy any and everything in its path if it were not tied down or strong enough to endure such a lashing. The rain was stinging and sometimes moving sideways. Yet, now all is changed and I find myself in a new place; a new sky, a calm that cannot be described in words, only felt.

There are so many that have attributed being spared through this storm of all storms as being lucky. I just want to grab hold of them and tell them, luck had nothing to do with it. What you experienced is God’s grace, whether deserved or not, that’s what you were given. Just like the sunshine and the rain that falls gently in better days, it’s His grace that you so proudly attribute to being “lucky”. There, of course, were many (believers in the Lord) that didn’t fair as well, but that doesn’t mean that they were not under God’s grace. They too were benefactors of His grace; only it was served in a different package. Perhaps, they kept their home, yet lost a barn, or the other way around. Maybe they will be without power for days because God has lessons for them to learn about themselves or others. He is a merciful God and truly wants our faith and trust in Him to increase. Even though we sometimes beat our chests and ask, “why God, why am I facing such hardships”? Those are the exact times He is trying to get our attention and make us focus on Him, and Him alone.

So I say to God, thanks for the trials, thanks for the hardships, thanks for the tough times before me. Because of these things, You make me open my eyes wide and see You. You and You alone are first and foremost. You are what matters, and all things that are good and not so good are dispatched by Your hands so that my faith increases in You.

Waiting Upon the Storm (Ike)

As I sit here this windy Friday afternoon awaiting the arrival of a storm named Ike, many things are rushing through my mind. I can’t help but think of the only other storm this size that came ashore when I was only 14. That storm was named Carla. She was vicious and took her toll on our Gulf Coast (Houston area). As I reflect over those few days our family and extended family came together and wondered what would happen to our home and friends as the winds increased that fitful night. Through such turmoil outside as that storm raged, how wonderful it is, so many years later, to remember the good times our family experienced being together through that ordeal. My favorite cousin, aunt and uncle were there with us. Even her grandmother had come with them. My older cousin was there with her 2 yr. old son, another aunt and uncle from E. Texas had just come down for a visit, were there as well. The total number of folks in our little 3 bedroom house was 14. What could be better than my most favorite people in the world had come to weather the storm at our house?

The power was one of the first things to go away, a sudden and sharp reminder of how much our lives and communications, even then, depended on that constant flow of electricity. I think of the source of all power, my God, my Heavenly Father, my Savior, and my Jesus. How empty and void my life would truly be without His power. Isn’t it comforting to know that through His power and mercy, we will endure this storm through this night as it approaches. It is through His power that we will trust and cling to Him for our strength. I will think on the words in the book of James. When our Lord God tells us about these trials, v.2 consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. My friends, this is a blessing from our Lord as His child.

When all else in life pales in the face of a pending storm of this magnitude, isn’t it a blessing to stop and be still and just talk to Him? How He speaks to us with His still small voice. How He encourages us to phone those we love the most and tell them of our love and just to let them know we are thinking of them. They too, express their love for you. A day like today is a good reminder of just how busy our days become and schedules get so crowded. We set far too many things of this importance on a back burner for another day. Today is that day that God has given us to make all right with Him, and with our loved ones. What will you do? Will you glorify Him today, will you make a difference in someone else’s life? Will you reach out to your family and friends. Will you be still and listen for that still small voice? God gives us these opportunities, we need only to recognize them.

So, as the trees begin to sway with God’s breath upon them, I rest in the peace that all of this show of the nature that He created is being directed by Him. How much I’ve enjoyed this afternoon, with all the preparations that we know to make are completed. Now we wait upon the Great Director and trust in Him.

Keep Those Prayers Coming for Gabriel !

Gabriel is out of Special Care and is back in a regular room. He is doing well on the thicker formula/rice cereal mix. He has been off oxygen all day. So far so good…praise the Lord.

We are rejoicing for all that God has done in restoring little Gabriel to good health. Certainly a rough few days, and now God is being glorified through this little one. We continue to pray for mom and dad as they must spread themselves so thin between the little ones at home and Gabriel in the hospital. Thank you Grandpa Ron for this latest update.
Blessings, Prissy

PRAISE THE LORD SOME MORE !

Praise the Lord some more! Gabriel has been detached from all the wires and tubes with the exception of a feeding tube. He is scheduled to be moved back to a regular room this afternoon (as soon as one becomes available). The staff tried to get him to nurse today but he fell asleep instead. Grandpa said he guessed he’d fall asleep too if he got moved from a box full of tubes and wires to his mother’s arms!

Gabriel is improving still. This isn’t completely over yet, but thanks for the prayers so far!
Gabriel's Grandpa, Ron

Holy Father, thank you for touching this baby and his family in such a mighty way. May all those that see the work of Your mighty hand understand that by You and You alone is why this little one is being restored to good health; and, may You receive all Glory and Praise. In Jesus' precious name we pray. Amen

If you are led to do so, please post your prayers for Gabriel in "Comments" so they may be shared with his family and others.

PRAYERS NEEDED FOR BABY GABRIEL

Update on Baby Gabriel, Monday, Aug. 25th
Grandpa Ron talked with Gabriel's dad, Adam, last night. They removed the breathing tube yesterday afternoon and all was going well as of about 8:00 pm last night. They were also starting to feed him - not sure if it was with a bottle or the feeding tube. They have also removed all the EEG wires, etc. from him. Gabriel was awake and alert at least part of the time. The impression Grandpa got from Adam was that he was continuing to do better which is something to praise God about.

What a beautiful day God gave me today. Even with the summer August heat, the gentle rains kept the severe temperatures from climbing to the uncomfortable zone here in South Texas. I take a deep breath and let it out slowly as I ponder what is it that I need to do today? How will God use me today? Oh yes, that’s something I can count on. You see, I expect to have at least one assignment, if not more. I’m still learning, even at my age, I need to stay open to whatever He would have me to do. But, I can totally miss His message to me, if I focused on myself, instead of getting open to the Holy Spirit.

As good as my day was going, I was sharply reminded that there are friends and family struggling with huge trails as my phone rang and my attention was suddenly focused on my friend’s tearful voice as she described her baby grandson’s (11days old) serious condition. A healthy baby boy born only 11 days earlier was now diagnosed with viral meningitis. Even after 2 days of hospitalization his condition had worsened. Over the tears, I heard her request to please continue to pray for Baby Gabriel. All I could think, was thank you Father that we can come to you with these incredible needs and we can lay them all at your feet. We don’t have to wait; You are available whenever we call Your name. All through today, we have continued to communicate via emails.

So here is the latest update on this dear little one. Gabriel stopped breathing this afternoon, and while being resuscitated, he started experiencing stronger seizures. Little Gabriel has now been moved to the full-blown intensive care unit and is on a ventilator at Children’s Hospital in Birmingham, AL. His doctors believe this to be complications from the viral meningitis. Please pray specifically for Little Gabriel to be restored to good health, pray for his believing parents, family and for the medical staff caring for him.

If you are led to do so, please post your prayers under “comments”. Updates will be posted as available.
Thank you and blessings, Prissy

A Father's Day to Remember

Today I experienced one of those moments that you just want to hold on to forever. One of those moments that you want to let your mouth fly open as you feel the tears welling up. Then you feel your mouth slowly begin to display a smile in the most profound way. Your mind has trouble getting around what you are hearing, yet you are hanging on every word spoken.

After church today, I was invited to join my son, daughter-in-law and my three precious grandchildren at a restaurant for lunch to celebrate this special day set aside for fathers. I had thought of my own father earlier this morning and shared some moments with my heavenly Father about how the missing seems to never leave. God had called my dad to his heavenly reward some 14 years ago. I thanked my heavenly Father that I had grown up in a home where my father did his best to be more Christ-like on a daily basis. My thoughts then turned to my dear husband and how, unlike me, he had experienced the worst example of what a father should be in his young years; yet, because our heavenly Father cared and loved him so much, my husband was able to move past all the unkind that had been dealt him as a child and seek the truth that only God can provide. I will be forever amazed at God’s care of His children. God is the one that provided the mentors for my husband when his own father chose to reject God’s plan. I am convinced that through the prayers of other family members praying for a little boy so ill treated, that God honored those prayers and rose up a mighty warrior for His kingdom.

I am also convinced that God heard my prayers almost 40 years ago as I asked God, just as Hannah asked God (1 Sam. 1:10-11) for a son, and I would give him to the Lord for all the days of his life. This was one of those moments when God taps us on the shoulder and softly whispers, I am the Abba of all Daddies. You trusted me, and I gave you your hearts’ desires. I still love you; and because your son loves me too, I am blessing him now through his son and the words I gave him to speak at your table today.

That’s right, out of this 4-year old’s mouth he announced, “I have a special prayer”. We all quickly clasped hands, bowed our heads as he said with a clear voice. “Dear God, thank you for Daddy. I hope You have a Happy Father Day today. Also, God, bless my Mommy too, and Grandma, and Sarah and Sydney. Amen. Although usually shy and unwilling to lead a prayer, today was a mountain-top day for our family and God’s kingdom. Our hearts were touched in a way only God can touch us. Our faith was increased by seeing in this small little one, God already at work molding and sculpting this baby into the Godly man he will become. My heart aches with joy – I can’t even imagine what life would have been for me without Jesus pointing the way to eternal life and a relationship with His father.

TEXAS HEAT

Summer has certainly arrived here in South Texas. When it comes to heat, we’ve got it, plus the humidity to really remind us that our warm months are here to stay, at least for the next 4 – 6 months, as we hear the hum of our AC units in competition with the crickets.

Some folks complain about the high temps, but we would never be able to enjoy our sport in this neck of the woods, if we only shot our guns in what we’d call ideal weather. I’m sure there are some folks that are more fortunate than us in other parts of the country, but we do have to brag a bit when it comes to being able to shoot year around. We’ve never been frozen out, to where those in charge declared, it’s just too cold to shoot. We may think it is, but somehow we just know at the end of the match we’ll get warm again with a hot cup of coffee or chocolate.

Being a lady shooter, it was hard for me to adjust to trying to shoot in such adverse conditions, especially those really hot days, those days when my makeup was off by the first stage, but as I continue to learn and enjoy our sport, I realize that I must just get to a point where I am having too much fun to really care about my shooting conditions. Now that’s being distracted by this sport. A sport that can even change this lady’s mind!

Now before you say, you’d better be careful girl! I’ve learned it is most important to pace yourself and to certainly stay hydrated. We girls are into snacks, so carry plenty. Your pard just might need a boost too! How good a slice of a cold apple taste between stages? It’s a good idea to watch others on your posse that might not realize this all important rule. No one wants to be a victim of heat stroke or worse. Learn to monitor yourself and others, wag that cooler along, no matter how much trouble it might be. Just hang it on your gun cart. You’ll be glad you did. And, most of all have fun!

I WISH WE HAD PRAYED

Today was a glorious day! Besides being a shoot day, the weather was cooperating here in S. Texas. Low humidity with high 60’s, low 70’s, and that was all day! We gathered early in the morning, which is customary for a monthly shoot. Everyone appeared to be in high spirits anticipating the activities in store. Not only was this a great day to be shooting, a picnic had been planned for afterwards for even more fun and fellowship.

By 8:30 all attending had arrived, and the shooters meeting was started by the president of the club. The pledge was recited in unison both for our USA and the Texas flag. We’re all still having difficulty remembering the Texas one, but it’s starting to catch on. The highlight of the meeting was when sincere words of gratefulness were spoken for a couple of miracles that had been witnessed by most of these club members regarding two members. These two members had suffered significant trials in their lives. Both were now well on their way to recovery. I couldn’t help thinking to myself – Praises to God for His mercy and deliverance for these two people and their families.

My eyes searched the crowd as my spirit cried out – who has been asked to voice a prayer to God Almighty who has delivered such blessings already this morning. I hear muffled voices as the officers of the club lament and ask one another what other matters need to be covered since the safety portion was complete. I see a shrug, my spirit begins to fall, more like plummet, as I think of such an opportunity to praise God and give back to Him just a portion of all He had blessed us with this glorious morning. Then I hear, “Let’s Shoot”. Scripture flies through my mind as I now begrudgingly push my gun cart to my assigned stage. Silently I thank God for myself and on behalf of the others who never acknowledged God gifts starring each of us in the face.

We can talk about Father God, but if we don’t praise Him, he clearly tells us that the very stones of the earth will cry out in praise! (Luke 29:40)

Prissy Pearlene
#59753

BACK TO BASICS

You short stroked it! What did you say? Oh, no! How could I have done that? I haven’t done that since I started shooting, and then only a few times. I learned quickly that, that was a big No No.
There I was in a big 4-day match and I had blown it. I had had trouble with my pistols, but I had seemingly corrected that problem. I was shooting smoothly with them, but now my trusty rifle had betrayed me. Oh No, not my sweet little 66. How could this have happened? I got the first rifle shot off and then it was over. I tried my best to work the lever, but nothing. It was jammed and jammed good. Helpless, I passed it off to the RO and hurried to get my remaining shots down range with my shotgun.

I kept telling myself, I must be more careful on the next stage. Think about it, concentrate, and above all don’t be shy about moving the lever all the way with a deliberate stroke. Okay, I’m ready – say the line and lets try this again. I’ve got the scenario straight in my head so let’s get’er done, as the boys say.

What, its happening again – how can this be? What is wrong? Did I short stroke it again? Oh no, another 9 misses counted against me. Oh, this will be hard to put behind me, but somehow I must. Fortunately, that was the last stage of the day. As Scarlet would say, tomorrow is another day. That’s it, tomorrow must be better and surely I can figure out why I’m having such difficulties with the one gun I love to shoot and generally can shoot pretty well.

Dogie was well aware of my complete frustration when he whispered in my ear, Honey, just remember the basics. You can do it, just remember the basics and focus on the front site. Oh, Ya! Why is it that when someone else, that really cares about how you shoot, can still your spirit and get you back on track? I’m one of those very fortunate lady shooters that has an encourager in my corner, and he just happens to be my hubby and my best pard.

I thank God daily that Dogie and I are blessed to travel and enjoy cowboy action shooting with so many clubs.

What's In A Name?

I’ve been shooting for about 3 years now, so I’m not a brand new shooter anymore, but I am still learning from each and every match or practice I participate. I hope that part never ends – I am encouraged each time by some little tidbit that I can bring home. I think attitude has a lot to do with my ability to continue to recognize and process new information.

Outside of the actual shooting side of our game, there are many other aspects. One, being the choosing of an alias. That is the name we choose to call ourselves that is usually separate and apart from our given name. That process starts when an experienced shooter tells us we need to decide on an alias name to be used to identify us as a Cowboy Action Shooter. This is the name we choose that will be registered with the Single Action Shooting Society (SASS) and that name will be ours. When we choose that name, little do we realize that as time passes we will probably be known by our alias name by far more folks than those that know us by our real name.

I was watching some old western movies today while getting some sewing done when I began to recognize names that sounded familiar to me. I chuckled to myself when I realized they were not familiar because they were characters in the movie I was watching, but because I knew real cowboy shooters, both men and women, that had the same names. These folks are real people that I know, and know well, yet I couldn’t tell you their real names. I am sure that in some cases that might not be a good thing, but in my world of Cowboy Action Shooting, it makes them special.

I thought too, how special it was to choose a name that really fits who you are, or who you want to be. There are so many sources for these special names. Some come from movies or books, some from our very own ancestors, but they are always a reflection of our personalities. Many have a story behind why they chose a particular name and how they arrived at a final choice.

One thing that still delights me, is when our phone rings and the person on the other end will ask, “Is this Prissy?” A big smile appears on my face and I immediately know that I am most likely talking to a fellow shooter. My mind races to why they might be calling, but I know whatever the reason, it will be to discuss something fun and about the game I’ve come to love, Cowboy Action Shooting!

Life's A Roller Coaster

Life’s a roller coaster. That statement proves to be truer to me as each day passes. I wake up in the mornings and my first thoughts turn to the Lord; and I think, His mercies are new every morning and I say, thank you for this another day.

Lam 3:22 It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

How blessed I am as I think, I’ve been given another brand new day – there it is, right before me, not a blemish on it, just fresh and clean, right before me to do as I see fit. Then I think, what is it that God would have me use this day to do for Him? He’s the one that gave it to me, surely I can spare a portion of it to glorify Him. Will I be pulled in many directions? Will I flow with the needs of others? And will I remember as the events of this unblemished day open before me, am I glorifying Him that has given me this day? So I whisper, “Lord please don’t let me be caught up in the ways of a selfish world”. I’m asking Him to hold my hand and direct my path for that day. This very day could be my last here on earth, or there may be many more ahead, but I want this one to matter for Him. Even if its not what I had planned for that day, let me feel His presence and let Him show me what I need to be about.

I have become so aware of how quickly time is now passing. I seem to always be asking myself, where did last year go, how did it go so quickly? My To-Do List is never completed, but now it seems to be less bothersome to me. Am I finally learning to become less anxious about accomplishing those tangible tasks? Am I learning that being with one of my grandchildren and hearing them giggle or reading a story together is what really matter. The days of rushing off to work or school are now finished. That too I find a blessing, as it allows me to spend real time with those I love, a dear friend, and especially my beloved husband. So, I say “thank you, Father” for blessing me so. Thank you for giving me eternal life that I do not feel the pressures of life on earth so much anymore, I have all of eternity ahead of me.

Are You A Cowboy Action Shooter?... Are You A Christian?...

When I began to ponder both of these questions in the middle of the night not so long ago, I was suddenly struck by how similar my thoughts and actions are on both. Do I act like a Christian? Do I live like a Christian? Do I know the rules that God has placed on my life when I accepted His gift of eternal life? Do I need to grow more in His teachings and spend more time in His Word? Do I need to better display the fruits of the Spirit? As I think of all that I am, and all that I need work on, the answer is a resounding “Yes”. I do truly love the Lord and know and believe that God sent His son to earth to die on the cross for my sins and if I only accept His love and gift of salvation, then I will be able to spend forever in heaven in His presence. What could be more wonderful than that?

Then my mind turns to my passion in being a cowboy action shooter, or in my case, a cowgirl action shooter. When I am playing this game that I have grown to enjoy so much, do I act like a cowboy shooter? Do I know the rules that are in place for this sport and for my safety and enjoyment? Do I display behaviors that tell others around me that I am practicing the “spirit of the game”? Have I taken steps to be assured that I am not a stumbling block to others as we participate, and do I play fair? Do I need to better my skills and broaden my understanding? And, do I need to learn more of how to become a better shooter? Again, I hear a resounding “Yes” to my questions.

Have you ever been around someone that talks a good game about their cowboy shooting exploits, but when it comes down to it, you ask yourself, have they actually experienced every aspect of the emotions, the settings they claim to have shot in, or some other reality that we so often get wake-up calls to while participating on the firing line? It is then you say to yourself, “Well, they may be a shooter, but they are not a cowboy action shooter.” They demonstrate that they do not even posses a basic knowledge or understanding of what it means to be on the firing line experiencing the pressure of an actual cowboy competition. Sadly, some of these folks are so busy trying to impress others of their great knowledge and abilities, they totally miss the reasons we are there. Instead of wanting to grow in this sport, they would rather make excuses for why they are there and for their poor performances. When you break it down and question their motives for even being there, it usually comes down to this statement, “Well, he may be a shooter, but he’s not a cowboy action shooting competitor”. Sadly, some of these folks passing judgment on others are the very people that are in a decision making roles for our clubs.

Is it the same with Christians? How many folks do you know that claim to be a “Christian”, but yet they are not even recognizable as such? They do not know God’s Word and what the rules are for living as a Christian. They display the sin of Adam (selfishness), rather than the “Fruits of the Spirit”, love and respect, which contributes to our inability to recognize them as Christians. They can be described as Paul says in the New Testament, (1 Tim 5: 13 They get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house (club to club). And not only do they become idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying things they ought not to.) Do we not witness this in our cowboy clubs? How sad that so many other shooters become hurt and discouraged by these less-caring and selfish participants and end up just drifting away with little to no notice of their absence. Far too often these very folks claiming to be servants of the Lord are not that at all. They posses the same sin as the boasters we find on our posses from time to time. Telling us all how to do it, when they are revealed to be nothing more than fools.

Let us, as true Christians, guard against being a braggart, or one to cause another to stumble when we are shooting in a match. Rather, let us be encouragers, cowboys and cowgirls that build each other up. We may not be in the company of true Christians while on the firing line, and that is the case more often times than not, but we need to remember “we may be the only Jesus” they will ever see.

In The Beginning

My husband and best pard, Dogie Jones, first introduced me to “Cowboy Action Shooting” back in 2002, but I took a firm stance against ever participating in the actual shooting side of the sport. It was enough for me to try to get a handle around dressing the part of a lady that may have lived back in the time between 1850 to 1899, but after a couple of years of playing hostess to our local club and telling every cowboy and cowgirl that visited how much fun it was, those words soon convinced me to give the shooting part a try.

Dogie now tells me that, that’s when he really started enjoying his shooting even more. It was a thrill for him to watch me as I took my first baby steps in learning how to handle the guns and then to actually start shooting.

Learning to shoot, and learning to shoot well has already taught me many things about myself that I would never have known otherwise; some of which are learning to move like it matters and practice doesn’t always make perfect, but perfect practice makes perfect. Welcome to my world of “Cowboy Action Shooting”