HE HOLDS THE REINS: Christian Cowboy Poems

by Brad Curtis

Overview

As a pastor of Mountain Top Cowboy Church I have discovered that there is little material designed specifically for cowboy churches or cowboy ministries. Although I have been in the ministry for 16 years I had never considered writing a book however the Lord had other plans. In October of 2009 I broke my leg while competing at a 40 and over bull riding which required surgery. I do not believe that it was God’s plan for me to ride a bull at the age of 46 but my books are an example that the Lord will use every situation we are in for good if we will allow Him to use us. During my time of recovery I started writing poems and short stories about my rodeo days then it turned to cowboy poetry. In the beginning it was a way to pass the time and deal with my situation. As I continued to write I began to relate my poems to scripture and it was then that the Lord truly began to use them to reach others. After sharing a few with my church I discovered that they could be a useful tool in cowboy churches and ministries or those in the western culture. My first book of poems and proverbs On The Trail was just another example of the Lord’s Grace and Mercy in my life. He Holds The Reins is a continuation of that Grace and Mercy. Now that I am On The Trail with Christ I allow Him to take the reins of my life while I ride toward heaven on the narrow trail.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781468549775
Publisher:	AuthorHouse
Publication date:	02/15/2012
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	236
File size:	429 KB

Read an Excerpt

He Holds the Reins

Christian Cowboy Poems

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By Brad Curtis

AuthorHouse

Copyright © 2012 Brad Curtis
All right reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4685-4979-9

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Chapter One

    The Sounds of Thunder

    When Bob came through the gate
    All of heaven took note
    He said, Pete I'm a rounder
    Where's me a young colt

    I don't want me no dead-head
    That some kid could ride
    Give me a rank one
    Then Pete, you step a'side

    Yep, I'll break 'em all
    The Lord will have a string
    Them there white ponies
    Will be fit for the King

    That's when one of the saints
    Said, They're gonna let him in
    Don't they know
    His life was full of sin

    Why he use'ta drink
    Now I don't mean to fuss
    But that cowboy there
    Well, he was bad to cuss

    That's when the Lord spoke up
    Said, Bob is my good friend
    He's a real twister
    And he can rope the wind

    Yep, he was a sinner
    Running fast and wild
    Then one great day
    He became my dear child

    So Bob belongs here
    On my father's place
    Not because he was perfect
    But because of my grace

    If you will remember
    You were lost in sin
    But I died for everyone
    And I let y'all in

    Heaven grew silent
    As Bob gathered up his tack
    Roped a young colt
    Then climbed up on his back

    When that colt began to buck
    All of heaven watched in wonder
    As Bob spurred that colt
    There was a clap of thunder

    So when you hear the thunder
    And see a lightning bolt
    That's just ol' Bob
    Snappin' out another colt

    Matthew 9:10–11


    Blu Healer

    The Lord looked down on Blu
    A dirty sinful man
    Said, Blu, saddle up
    My Pa has a plan

    You're the one he's picked
    No other cowboy will do
    The herd is a bit wild
    They'll be just right for you

    Pa said not to worry
    He knows what you need
    Yep, you're rough as a cactus
    And tough as tumbleweed

    Pa sees your heart
    And he holds your soul
    He knows you're a new hand
    Kind 'a like a sucklin' foal

    Your walk ain't that strong
    'Cause you were just reborn
    But when Pa is finished
    You'll be sharp as a thorn

    Yep, you're still on milk
    But Pa will build you up
    You'll be after the herd
    Like a blue heeler pup

    At first folks will doubt
    Because at times you'll fail
    But you follow my Pa
    And stay on the trail

    Yep, you'll get kicked
    But just stay on the herd
    Your bite will keep 'em gathered
    'Cause it'll be Pa's word

    The herd is runnin' wild
    But they'll listen to you
    Tell 'em about the healer
    That's why Pa picked you, Blu

    1 Samuel 16:7


    Welcome Home Cowboy

    In Memory of Randy Medlock

    He rode in the main gate
    Green grass was knee-high
    Swayin' in the breeze
    Under a clear blue sky

    Ridin' a fresh mount
    White as a new snow
    This spread was bigger
    Than anything down below

    He met up with a top hand
    His name was Sailor Pete
    Said, Welcome to heaven, cowboy
    Hope you're ready to eat

    There's a feast awaitin'
    And it's there every day
    I'll show you around, cowboy
    Until you learn the way

    We'll ride up to the main house
    It's just over that there hill
    We have eternity to ride
    So there's time to kill

    As they crossed a creek
    Water cool and clear
    In the distance
    They could hear people cheer

    Pete said, We have another
    Who has joined the spread
    We shout for joy
    When one leaves ol' Devil Red

    Then Pete pulled up on his pony
    Said, Ain't this a place
    You're goin' a love it here
    I can tell by the smile on your face

    When they topped the hill
    Pete said, Welcome home
    This here is your mansion
    And your fields to roam

    They rode down to the ranch
    Pete raised his hand
    Said, Everyone, this is Randy
    He's ridin' for The Brand

    Then the Lord came out
    Said, Cowboy, well done
    You're welcome in Heaven's Ranch
    Because you believed in my Son

    2 Timothy 4:7


    End of the Trail

    Ol' Red rode up
    Slid to a stop
    Shouted up at me
    There on that mountaintop

    Said, Pard, come on down
    Ride with me today
    Get up off your knees
    Ain't no need to pray

    The boys they all miss you
    Yep, the gang ain't the same
    The tell you the truth
    They say you're to blame

    So I got up from my knees
    After sayin' Amen
    Looked down at ol' Red
    With a heavenly grin

    Said, Red you're a liar
    Yep, one ol' sorry snake
    I'll never ride with you
    My soul you can't take

    I've saddled up with Jesus
    Ridin' the high plains
    He is now my Lord
    Yep, He holds the reins

    You're no longer my pard
    Sure ain't a friend
    See I'm heaven bound
    Glory in the end

    Now if you want to fight
    I think you should know
    You ain't got a chance
    'Cause you're headed down below

    If I ride off this mountain
    I'm not comin' down alone
    Red, you're goin' a reap
    What you have sown

    Yep, Jesus is a comin'
    He is right by my side
    Always with me Red
    And Devil you can't hide

    So Red, you just scat
    Head on down the trail
    I'm ridin' to heaven
    And you're headed for hell

    Revelation 20:10


    Grand Entry

    In Memory of Mary Cravens

    Prairie Pete was a waitin'
    When she came to the gate
    He said, Hurry up cowgirl
    There's no time to wait

    I know this is your first day
    But they're about to eat
    And there many a cowhands
    You still have to meet

    We're goin' to the main house
    To have us a bite
    It's a big ol' cowboy feast
    Everything is cooked just right

    Yep, it's a cookout
    Like you've never seen
    Now don't worry a bit
    You won't have to clean

    When they got to the ranch
    The Lord had a big ol' grin
    Said, Welcome home, Mary
    Won't ya come on in

    I have news for you
    Before we begin to dine
    Peanuts is out back
    And he's doin' just fine

    After we are done eatin'
    You can take him for a run
    It'll be like old times
    Yep, have you some fun

    After they blessed the food
    Mary ate in a hurry
    Pete heard her sayin'
    Peanuts needs combed and curried

    Pete said, He's just fine
    She said I better go and check!
    When Mary seen him
    She ran and hugged his neck

    Saddle in a second
    She climbed up and took a seat
    Said, Pard, it's been awhile
    I'll have eternity to eat

    When she rode through the main gate
    Onto heaven's arena floor
    The ground was perfect
    And she let ol' Peanuts soar

    Isaiah 40:31


    Frontier Faith

    Josh looked down at the river
    From high upon a bluff
    Said, I think we can cross
    Surely it can't be that rough

    Skip just shook his head
    Mumbled under his breath
    I swear he is blind
    It's gonna be our death

    Turnin' to his pard
    Said, Josh the water's high
    I know we're scoutin'
    But I don't wanna die

    Josh kind 'a laughed
    Said, Well I'm headed across
    That there's the frontier
    And I'm ridin' for the Boss

    Josh said, Boys we are hands
    I think some of the best
    You can stay here if you want
    But I'm a pushin' West

    Yep, I know it's been rainin'
    But now it's clear and sunny
    That's where I'm headed
    To the land of milk and honey

    Cal rode up to Josh
    Looked him in the eye
    Said, We're burnin' daylight
    That ol' river is runnin' dry

    They headed down the mountain
    To the raging river
    Skip said, I ain't goin'
    Just call me a lily liver

    Josh said, Now Skip
    We're gonna cross
    With that he pulled his hat down
    And put the iron to his hoss

    Cal let out a yee-haw
    Then the grabbed the horn
    When he hit the water
    Yelled, This is why I was born

    Josh and Cal crossed the river
    While the others rode away
    They stepped off their ponies
    Kneeled down to pray

    Josh said, Lord thank you
    For Cal my pard and friend
    We've been ridin' together
    And will be till the end

    But thank you most of all
    For usin' this ol' cowhand
    To cross that ol' river
    Into the Promised Land

    Numbers 13:27


    Hot Iron

    As the sun was settin'
    The coyotes began to howl
    Cattle a bit jumpy
    Something was on the prowl

    Thomas poked at the fire
    Then let out a sigh
    Looked toward the heavens
    Not a star in the sky

    Turned to the boys
    Said, We're in for a fight
    This fire is dim
    Not much good for light

    John jumped to his feet
    Grabbed his old saddle
    Yelled out to Thomas
    Them are our cattle

    Those coyotes out there
    Well ... they don't have a prayer
    Boys, take a look at that brand
    There on my mare

    Yep, the J Bar C
    Is who we ride for
    Those coyotes have no idea
    What I have in store

    Boys, grab them irons
    Put 'em in the flames
    Get 'em red hot
    And wake up my brother James

    When them irons are ready
    We'll be up for the fight
    Yep boys, them coyotes
    They're gettin' branded tonight

    See we'll use them hot irons
    To light up our way
    Then scorch their ol' hide
    And they'll run away

    Here on the J Bar C
    We will always have light
    And them ol' coyotes
    Can't stand its sight

    So boys grab an iron
    That's hot as the sun
    Time to show them ol' coyotes
    We'll never turn and run

    John 12:46


    The Captain's Call

    Captain come ridin' in
    His pony white as snow
    Said, Boys I'm here for my herd
    Yep, it's time to go

    One of the new hands
    Asked about the drive
    Captain said, Don't worry pard
    You're about to really be alive

    You see, we're headed north
    To my Pa's heavenly place
    It's the grandest ranch of all
    Nothin' but wide-open space

    Not nery'a strand of wire
    No post in the ground
    Your pony will never stumble
    Nope, a hole won't be found

    The river never rises
    Nor does it go dry
    Green grass year round
    Not one single blade will die

    Cowboyin' will be easy
    Your herd will never stampede
    Lots of time for chow
    It won't be Cookie's feed

    The new hand asked the captain
    Are we the only hands
    Captain smiled and said, Pard
    My crew is from all the lands

    Remember how we met
    When I called you that day
    You humbled yourself
    Kneeled with me and prayed

    The new hand said, Sure do
    Your pony showed me the cross
    Never had seen anything like it
    Captain that's quite a hoss

    The captain looked around
    Said, All that believed in me
    Will be on this great drive
    That's how Pa said it would be

    Then he pulled out a trumpet
    Said, Well it's a time to go
    Gave his horse some iron
    Then gave the trumpet a blow

    Hands began to appear
    Risin' in the air
    The new hand praised the captain
    Thankful he would be there

    Then the captain looked back
    Shouted for his crew
    Come on, boys, mount up
    Pa's waitin' for you

    It was then the new hand
    Told this world good-bye
    Followin' that white horse
    And the captain into the sky

    1 Thessalonians 4:16–17

(Continues...)

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Excerpted from He Holds the Reins by Brad Curtis Copyright © 2012 by Brad Curtis. Excerpted by permission of AuthorHouse. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.

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Table of Contents

Contents

The Sounds of Thunder ~ Matthew 9:10–11....................3
Blu Healer ~ 1 Samuel 16:7....................5
Welcome Home Cowboy ~ 2 Timothy 4:7....................7
End of the Trail ~ Revelation 20:10....................9
Grand Entry ~ Isaiah 40:31....................11
Frontier Faith ~ Numbers 13:27....................13
Hot Iron ~ John 12:46....................15
Captain's Call ~ 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17....................17
Schoolin' ~ Psalm 16:11....................19
The Rising Son ~ Psalm 19:1....................21
Lead the Way ~ Psalm 113:3....................23
Sheep Up ~ Matthew 9:36-38....................25
Saddle Tramp ~ Haggai 1:6–7....................27
The Flyin' J ~ 2 Timothy 1:6–9....................29
Rustler Revealed ~ 1 John 4:1....................31
Ringo Red the Rustler ~ John 10:10....................33
Workin' on the A Bar G ~ Luke 5: 31–32....................35
Little Man Big Ol' Tree ~ Luke 19:1–5....................37
Ben and Purdy ~ Ephesians 4:32....................39
Buzzards and Bandits ~ Hebrews 13:8....................42
Ol' Pep ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:11....................44
True Grit ~ Ephesians 6:13....................47
Bushwhacker ~ 1 Corinthians 15:58....................49
Justices of the Peace ~ Romans 8:15....................52
The Gun Slinger ~ Acts 9:3–8....................54
When the Dust Settles ~ 1 Peter 5:10....................56
The Wanted Poster ~ Matthew 11:28....................58
Ranch Rules ~ Philippians 4:8....................60
Milk Pen Gentle ~ Romans 8:28....................62
The Quick and the Dead ~ Romans 10:9....................64
The Last Drive ~ Isaiah 55:6....................66
Pastures of Peace ~ Jeremiah 29:11....................68
Hit the Trail ~ Proverbs 3:5–6....................70
Back in the Saddle ~ Psalm 40:1–3....................72
Stirrup Deep in Trouble ~ Psalm 119:105....................74
The Bar Zero ~ Luke 15:10....................76
No Fear ~ Proverbs 28:1....................79
The Lost Ranch Revival ~ Jonah 3:1–2....................81
Timothy the Kid ~ 1 Timothy 4:12....................83
Doctor's Orders ~ 2 Corinthians 12:7–10....................85
Cowboy in Snakeskin Boots ~ Isaiah 14:12–14....................87
Advice from Ol' Cookie ~ Matthew 26:41....................89
Open Range ~ Galatians 5:1....................91
Family Reunion ~ 1 John 1:9....................93
Slow Hand ~ Luke 9:49–50....................95
I Thought He Was Broke ~ Hebrew 12:1....................97
Bunkhouse Door ~ John 10:9....................99
Recipes from Prairie Pete ~ Matthew 26:75....................101
The Scout ~ Isaiah 41:9–10....................103
Commander and Chief ~ Joshua 6:20....................105
Cowboy Rest ~ Leviticus 23:3....................107
Back in Camp ~ Romans 6:4....................109
Happy Trail ~ Luke 4:8....................111
Fine with Me ~ Acts 1:8....................113
Struck it Rich ~ Acts 3:6....................116
Sam the Carin' Cowboy ~ Luke 10:25–37....................118
The Helpin' Herder ~ Ephesians 2:8–9....................121
Beatin' the Bunkhouse Blues ~ Philippians 2:14....................123
It's in the Past, Pard ~ Philippians 3:13–14....................126
Just Limpin' Along ~ 1 John 2:6....................128
The Drifter ~ John 14:6....................131
Singin' Joe ~ Psalm 33:3....................133
Branded 1 Bar 3 ~ James 1:3....................135
All the Boys ~ Psalms 18:1–3....................137
Salty Pete ~ John 1:41–42....................139
Praising with My Pards ~ Psalm 100:4....................141
Barnyard Reminder ~ Luke 2:7....................143
Cowboy Christmas Gift ~ Matthew 2:11....................146
Cow Camp Christmas....................149
Wild Ride ~ Psalm 31:7....................151
Heavenly Herders ~ Luke 2:20....................153
Ride To Renewal ~ Isaiah 40:31....................155
Just Passin' Through ~ Genesis 3:14–15....................157
The Northern Drive ~ John 14:1–3....................159
A Twister Named Ruby ~ Proverbs 31:10....................162
Code of the Best ~ Romans 14:13....................164
The Triple Tree ~ Act 7:59–60....................167
The Big Spread ~ Ephesians 2:8–9....................169
House Top Husband ~ Proverbs 21:9....................171
Tongue Tamer ~ James 3:5....................173
Well Water ~ John 4:14....................175
Shady Sam ~ Psalm 17:8....................177
Deadly Decision ~ Revelation 6:8....................180
Ready to Ride ~ Ephesians 5:20....................182
Dust the Dirt Off ~ Philippians 3:13....................184
Wrangler Wade and the L & M Boys ~ Psalm 133:1....................186
Sky Rider ~ Colossians 3:2....................188
The Guidin' Light ~ John 8:12....................190
Partin' Ways ~ Psalm 122:1....................192
Buildin' a Loop ~ Matthew 3:1–6....................194
A Boost Up ~ John 8:10–11....................196
Rough as a Cob ~ 2 Peter 3:18....................198
Broke and Happy ~ Psalm 51:8....................200
Stranger in Camp ~ Hebrews 13:2....................202
Breakin' Pride ~ Proverbs 11:2....................205
Lat and Twiggs ~ Psalm 3:3....................207
Heart of Gold ~ Matthew 7:12....................209
Let'er Buck ~ Corinthians 10:13....................211
Ride Devil Ride ~ Psalm 103:12....................213
Hobbled....................214
Runnin' on Empty ~ Proverbs 13:20....................216