Christian Cowboy Poetry and more

Christian Cowboy Poetry and more
Available thru rangerhymer@hotmail.com

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Amazon Kindle-liscious

Just wanted to let y'all know that my rhyming resource is now available on Amazon Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=jeff+hildebrandt
Ridin for the Boss and the Brand is about using our faith. Sayin ain't Bein is more or less my journey to turn head knowledge into faith. Now, back to your regular programming!

BQ 2

This is not a commercial. Rather, it is a writing exercise about a restaurant in Englewood, Colorado that we try to get to on Saturday mornings. Writers who know what they're talking about say you have to write everyday. So this is me, keeping the words flowing, like the coffee at BQ 2.

Breakfast Queen #2

Burritos, Rancheros and Huevos Garcia
are three of the reasons I’ll probably see ya
at the Breakfast Queen.
Biscuits and Gravy, Chicken Fried Steak,
ten different omelets, each order they make
is served with a smile. They’re happy you came
and it won’t be too long till they know you by name.
The French Toast is tasty and so is the bacon
so get what you like. Everything that they’re makin’
is done like you like it, guaranteed to taste fine.
The Green Chili’s so good you won’t mind the line
if you find that you got there a little too late.
I’ll tell you for certain its well worth the wait
for waffles or pancakes or Quesadillas.
That’s three more reasons I’ll probably see ya
at the Breakfast Queen.

Jeff Hildebrandt © 2/24/2012

Monday, February 27, 2012

Sometimes I Forget

You know how the Bible says we're all different parts of the body and have different skills, talents and responsibilities? I've been told that I must be the big mouth. Ha Ha, not very funny....maybe true, but not very funny. Well, it strikes me that we all have a past that enables us to better use the gifts we have been given. For a long time, that didn't occur to me. I tried to block the memories of what I used to be until I found that my past actually helps me relate to the people around me. I know, it seems like common sense to a lot of you, but I'm a little slow on the uptake. Sometimes, I just forget.

Sometimes I find that I forgot
what put me in that place;
the honkytonks and rowdy rides
that lead to my disgrace.
Then, just like on that C.S.I.
a flashlight casts its beam
around my mind until it finds
a memory I’d not seen
or thought about for many years;
the folly of my youth.
The worldly haze and spiteful days
spent running from the truth.
Santana sang of evil ways
and that you had to change.
I’d sing along, like nothing’s wrong
while riding Satan’s range.
And then I see what blinded me
and kept me from the light.
I recognize that blood-shot eyes
had blurred what was my plight.

Sometimes I find that I forgot
just how I left that place.
I did not do it by myself,
it took Amazing Grace.
I marvel at how God saved me
and know I represent
the transformation God intends
for all who will repent.
When I accepted Jesus Christ
the things I valued most
became far less important
than the Holy Lord of Hosts.
Eternal life began right then
despite the devil’s rush
to keep me sinking deeper
in my mire of mental mush.
So I slog on thru the quagmire
on my way to higher ground
where I know the Rock of Ages
and God’s Glory will be found.

God tells me I should not forget
the reason for my past;
how He allowed my worldliness
until the time, at last,
was right for me to turn around.
And now I can relate
to those who run from righteousness.
Show them their sorry state
can be replaced with love and life
like God has done for me.
The Truth is that it’s not too late
to start life eternally.

Jeff Hildebrandt © 2010

Friday, February 24, 2012

The Least of These

I remember writing this after a church board discussion about people who came to the office looking for money because they were driving to who-knows-where and needed gas or a room for the night. It brings up a question about being a good steward or being a good shepherd.

The Least of These

We don’t want to be taken advantage of
by people not really in need.
Oh, we’re willing to give to the down and out
if we’re sure that their motive’s not greed.

There are those we all know
who will put on a show
of poverty, hard luck and pain.
And we must be aware
if we let ourselves care
that our charity might be in vain.

So, we form a committee
designed to take pity
on those who can’t make it alone.
When the funding runs low
we kick in some dough.
And that’s how our charity’s shown.

But what did God say
in describing the way
faith’s tested to see if it’s real?
What matters, we’re told
is not how much gold
but our feeling for someone’s appeal.

In the 25th of Matthew,
start at 35,
The Lord’s describing Judgment Day
and those who will survive.
The sheep are those the shepherd chose
to get their just reward.
Because they offered what they had
to those the world ignored.
The goats are those who saw a need
and then had this reaction;
because they feared they might be conned
the simply took no action.

So what does Christ say
in regard to the way
we should treat everyone that we see?
Do all you can do
because, it is true
you’re doing it as unto Me.

Jeff Hildebrandt © 2/6/12

Friday, February 17, 2012

Treading Water in a Skeptic Tank

The skeptic's mantra is to only believe what you can see, hear, touch, and document. So, faith is a concept they can't understand, or if they understand the concept, they can't accept the reality. But our lives can show them the reality of Grace. Afterall, we once were lost and now we're found; we're blind but now we see.

Treading Water in a Skeptic Tank

They live their lives as over-achievers,
wine and diners, unbelievers.
They pride themselves on planning ahead.
Like all good little sheep, they’re led
to always put the max amount
in their IRA account.
They live their lives with kicks and grins
cause he who has the most toys wins.
They’re treading water in a skeptic tank
with no one but themselves to thank.

They won’t put trust in anyone.
They feel when all is said and done
it’s best if they stay skeptical
and use that round receptacle
to crumple up and throw away
requests for help they get each day.
They’re treading water in a skeptic tank
with no one but themselves to thank.
And when they get too tired to tread
they’ll stand on someone else instead.

It’s up to us who know what’s true
to show them there are people who
only want the chance to say,
“I’d like to be your friend today
and I want nothing in return
except the chance to help you learn
there’s more to life than how you’re livin’.
Just take the gift that God has given.
God sent His Son to earth with love
to open heaven’s gates above.”

See, Jesus is the one we thank
for lifting us from the skeptic tank.

jeff hildebrandt © Feb. 17, 2012

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

2/15


It’s two fifteen;
not the time, but the date
No heart shaped cookies
remain on the plate
No unopened cards
with words of romance
No unfulfilled dreams
of a dinner and dance
No fondue for two,
no chocolate or wine
No hand-holding stroll,
no stand-still of time
No, all that remains
are a flower or two
and the whispers of love
that were said to you.
All that remains
is the warmth of embrace,
the touch, the caress
and the smile on your face
All that remains
is the love that you share
not just for one day.
It’s always there
In good times and bad;
easy or hard
Your smile and your touch
are my Valentine card.

Jeff Hildebrandt © 2/15/11

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Won't you be my Valentine?


Roses are red,
and so are your lips.
I'd give you some sweets,
but they'd go to your hips.
You must avoid chocolates,
or anything yummy
'cause once you indulge,
it goes right to the tummy.
And flowers are out.
With your allergies,
just a mention of mums
and you start to sneeze.
I could whisper sweet words
of love and romance,
but with your heart condition,
I won't take the chance.
Though a candle light dinner,
with music and wine
seems perfect,
it's just not for my Valentine.
You see, the meal might
make your arteries hard.
So, I guess the next best,
is to send you a card.
Of course I'll need one
where the printing is bold
Poor eyesight's a sure sign
that you're getting old.
It has to say love,
for now and forever.
A love for all time;
that nothing can sever.
A love that will last
despite what you do.
And say, I want only
the best things for you.
The love that I offer
has been and will be
just waiting for you,
unconditionally.
It's a life changing love,
so pure and so clean.
It’s the love that’s described
in John 3, verse 16.

For God so loved the world, it says,
He gave His only Son
to get us out from under
all the rotten things we’ve done.
And if we just believe in Grace
and take the gift God’s given
then when He comes in Glory
we’ll go home with Him to Heaven.
Where we’ll ride the finest ponies
on saddles, pillow soft
and never have to stack the hay
up yonder in the loft.
The streams will all be clear and cool
with lots of rainbow trout
and every time you wet a line
you pull another out.
You can sleep past every sunrise
and the victuals will be fine.
If you say “yes” when Jesus asks,
“Won’t you be my valentine”?

Jeff Hildebrandt © 2009

Monday, February 13, 2012

When Reality sets in

A pre-Valentine quicky.

When Reality sets in

When they got back from their honeymoon
the bride called mom in tears
and said her husband’s language
is the worst she’s heard in years.
“He’s using those 4 letter words,”
she said, “I can’t adjust.”
“Words like what,” her mother asked?
Words like Wash, and Iron and Dust.

Jeff Hildebrandt © 2/13/12

Waddayamean

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day so I thought I'd share a love poem that just points out how men and women see love differently.

Waddayamean

I let you fry my bacon.
I let you bake my beans.
I let you cook my cornbread,
and wash my old blue jeans
in that brand new Kenmore washer
you got in ’93
as a sign of my affection
on our anniversary.

Waddayamean you want to leave?
I let you groom my pony.
Now, suddenly you’re all upset
and wantin’ alimony.
I let you drive the pick up
when you get the feed and such.
And I kept clear out of your way
when you replaced the clutch.

So, whaddayamean you don’t feel loved
and you’re just a hired hand?
Didn’t you say for better or worse
when the ring went on your hand?
And darlin’ you’ve had better than most.
I don’t know what you’re thinkin’.
Aren’t I here to remind you
of things to be done
and don’t I come home after drinkin’?

Whaddayamean we never talk?
You hardly say a peep.
Last night I tried to talk to you
and you just fell asleep.
It looks as though your mind’s made up
though I don’t know why you’re peeved.
But there’s one thing I’d like to ask
Can you clean out the barn ‘fore you leave?

Jeff Hildebrandt © 1999

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Lest We Forget


December 7th, ’41;
a day that changed the world,
A sneak attack on sunny shores
and suddenly we’re hurled
into a globe, trench deep in war.
We rallied for the fight;
we scrimped and shared and sacrificed
for others day and night.
That Sunday morning massacre
woke up this sleeping giant
and we became UNITED states;
resilient and reliant
on everyone to do their job,
at home or over there.
December 7th brings to mind
a truth I’d like to share
about how great our country was
and all that we can be.
We are one nation under God,
conceived in liberty.

9-11 hit us hard;
a day that changed our world.
A sneak attack in our back yard
and suddenly we’re hurled
into a war a world away
where mad men terrorize
and believe in killing innocents.
It’s the devil in disguise;
a wolf dressed up just like a lamb
whose only goal is slaughter.
A heartless demon who won’t quit,
come hell or come high water.
So you can pray for peace and love
but be prepared to fight
cause freedom isn’t free my friend
and cowboys know that’s right.
Then seek the wisdom from on high,
not Washington D.C.
cause we’re one nation under God
and that’s our liberty.

Jeff Hildebrandt © 1/26/12