Lesson of the Locked Door

He walked out thru that door for years
and always checked the lock.
He’d seen his wife forget to check
and laughed when she would knock
to have him let her come back in;
not laughing with, but at her.
Then one day he forgot to check.
Now, it’s no laughing matter.

Got the Picture?

It struck him that it’s almost like
the way some people feel
about the promises from God.
Their words and acts reveal
the feeling they have lots of time
to heed the Lord’s decree.
So they keep going thru the door
and never have a key.
If you or anyone you know
is living life that way
remember there’s no guarantee
you’ll have another day.
There’ll come a time God locks the door
and turns off all the lights.
Then those outside will find themselves
in everlasting night.

But, right now, while you still have time,
choose life eternally.
God’s given you a way back in
and Jesus is the key.

Get the picture?

Jeff Hildebrandt © Oct. 4, 2012

I'm curious about what this poem says to you and what it inspires, if anything.
And please, pass it on.

Cowboy Up America

Some of you have seen this before but as long as there are those fighting for our freedom, I'll keep reminding everyone I can of the reasons we're "over there."
God Bless our desert cowboys!

Cowboy Up America

When a Cowboy’s in a pinch,
he just tightens up the cinch,
spurs his horse and rides right through it
cause that’s the way the Duke would do it.
He’d Cowboy Up.
And when our country is in danger
a cowboy’s like the old Lone Ranger.
Ridin’ hard and shootin’ straight,
fightin’ those who spread the hate.
He’s Cowboy’d Up.
A Cowboy’s ready and he’s willin’
to face the foe, like Marshal Dillon.
And when the gun smoke clears away
Cowboy Spirit wins the day.
So, Cowboy Up.
Pull your hat down tight
and don’t back down
when you know what’s right.
We’ll bring back “Happy Trails” for you
like Hoppy, Gene and Roy would do.
Think back about Flight 93
and how those heroes came to be.
They knew that thousands more could die
if they just let that airplane fly
They Cowboy’d Up.
One widow had this tale to share,
a husband’s love and one last prayer.
And when their sacrifice was done
terror lost and Freedom won
“Let’s Roll”, he said and Cowboy’d up.
Cause Cowboys fight until they win
just like TV’s Paladin.
They will not let our flag unravel
as long as they Have Gun, Will Travel
And Cowboy Up, hell bent for leather.
Cause we’re all in this fight together.
We’re ridin’ hard right on their trail
and with God’s help, we will prevail.
If Gary Cooper, Joel McCrea
and Randolph Scott were here today
they’d fight for what is right and true.
But now, it’s up to me and you
to Cowboy Up.
So, let’s give Uncle Sam a hand
cause we’re all ridin’ for his brand.
Let New York and the Pentagon
inspire resolve to carry on
We’ve Cowboy’d Up. In God We Trust.
We fight because our cause is just.
We’re standin’ tall and standin’ free
Cause we won’t stand for tyranny.
So America, Cowboy Up!

Jeff Hildebrandt  2002

Politics as Usual

Once again, manufactured enthusiasm clouds better judgement. What sort of choice do we have when we're forced to pick between the lesser of two evils?

Politics as usual

The RNC is over
The DNC’s ahead
and if we lived on promises
we’ll all be better fed.
I get so aggravated
at how they smile and say
I’ll solve all your problems
if you just vote my way.
I’ll tell you what I told you
when I warned you once before
we have to stop the politics.
Vote incumbents out the door.
Petty Party Politics
are the order of the day.
So let’s get out a great big broom
and clean the crud away.
You want to be my President
Then pledge to end this strife.
If you force a change in Washington,
We can have a better life.

Jeff Hildebrandt © August 31, 2012.

Inspirational views

I had the pleasure of taking part if the True West Rail Fest in Durango, Colorado a few days ago. Met some wonderful people and rode the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gage railroad, pulled by an 1875 steam locomotive. Thought I'd share some of the pictures.

Beatitude # 7 and 8

We've come to the end of the Beatitude postings. I certainly hope these thoughts have been helpful.

5:9 “Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.”

“It’s my way or the highway.” We’ve all heard that refrain
and may have even said it when other folks complain.
It’s human nature just to bark at some obnoxious jerk
but God says He will bless you if you strive for peace at work
as well as in your church and home where discord and dissension
can simmer then boil over and shift your good intention
from doing unto others to fighting for your cause.
So, when you feel the urge to lash, just take a breath and pause.
Ask The Lord to help you speak with love so hate will cease.
Remember, God says he will bless all those who work for peace.

5:10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

The world seems like it’s closing in and beating down believers.
But God will not forget the way the faithful face deceivers
by maintaining Christian values and not crumbling with the weight
of Satan’s persecution; the evil lies and hate.
See, Jesus is a stumbling block to those who don’t believe
but a stepping stone to heaven for those who have received
God’s passport to Salvation by asking Jesus Christ
to make his home inside your heart and help you change your life.

In light of all God’s done for us, we should show gratitude
by living life with grace and love. That’s our Be-Attitude.

Jeff Hildebrandt © July 19, 2012

Beatitude #5 & 6

5:7 “Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.”

“What goes around will come around,”
we often hear folks say
referring to some nasty thing
that soon will come your way
because you did a dirty deed
to someone in your path.
And so you’ll end up suffering
from cru-el Karma’s wrath.
But Jesus said, be merciful
to all those that you meet.
Show them real compassion
and make God’s love complete
by doing something for them
to ease what causes pain.
Then you will see its mercy
that comes around again.

5:8 “Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.”

Those Hallmark moments make us think
the heart is full of love.
But Jesus said the heart is full
of stuff to get rid of
like coveting and arrogance,
adultery, lust and pride
that give our thoughts and words the stench
of something that has died.
This cesspool needs to be cleaned out
and that takes Holy Grace.
When we accept the gift of Christ,
His Spirit can replace
the wickedness, deceit and hate
with empathy and love.
That pure heart opens up our eyes
to blessings from above.
So if you want to see the Lord
the way most people don’t
you have to do the sort of things
most other people won’t.
You have to focus on the things
that God wants you to do.
Then you will see God’s glory
in what’s surrounding you.

Jeff Hildebrandt © July 19, 2012

Beatitude #4

Matthew 5:6...

5:6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.”
And here’s to those who try to live the way the Lord intends.
They hunger after righteousness and strive to make amends
for all the times they’ve fallen short. They look to God above
and know that He’s the fountainhead of mercy and of love.
They daily walk the narrow path with Jesus by their side.
The ones who thirst for righteousness will soon be satisfied.

Jeff Hildebrandt © July 19, 2012