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Church, bbq and horses – The Natural Horseman
By Steve Stevens
A Cowboy’s accidental church service in a barbeque restaurant on Mockingbird Lane in Dallas.
I found myself killing some time before I was to pick up my mother-in-law at Dallas Love Field Airport on this chilly, rainy afternoon. I had been craving some good barbeque and drove by Smokey John’s BBQ, Home Cooking & Catering.
It looked authentic (as I have always been a fine connoisseur of great barbeque and always on the hunt for it).
I find the ambiance to be just as important as the barbeque for any self- respecting bbq joint.
As I walked through what looked like to be an old shopping center from the early eighties, I entered through the glass door and found myself taken back in time. It was a combination of all kinds of people from all walks of life, eating, smiling and celebrating. This reminded me of my time I spent in southern Louisiana.
The energy in the room was electric and the smell of barbeque worked its way through every corner of the brick interior.
As I walked in, I was a little taken aback by the moment and that there was a man in front of the room giving a testimonial.
I ordered a beef tip stew with cole slaw and mac and cheese sides and a slice of cornbread. I found a seat in the back of the room to take everything in and put my cafeteria tray down on the red vinyl table cloth.
I was riveted. The older African American pastor was giving a sermon on how we as men sometimes are too proud and too stubborn to listen to God’s signs and how he will keep giving them to you. But if you don’t listen, they become more difficult.
The beef stew was melting in my mouth and the cole slaw mixed well with its creaminess and tang.
I listened to one person after another talk about their struggles of not listening to the signs and with humor, spoke of how their wives were the first to warn them and that they would not pay attention. Some struggles were about near-death experiences with their wives, (which I could deeply connect to, after all my strong beautiful wife has been through.) And one talked about driving the wrong direction for an hour without wanting to ask for directions just to prove he was right, once again not listening to his wife.
It was really about having faith that God is leading you in the right direction if you just listen to him.
I can’t help but always compare everything to horses and I was thinking about how many times we are given the signs by the horse that we are not going the right direction, but how we stubbornly push through, knowing that our way is the right way no matter the consequences instead of stepping back and listening to what the horse is telling us. And like above where God will give us signs and they will become more difficult if we don’t listen, I can promise you—so will the horse—that sign can become down-right dangerous if we have ignored the warnings given to you by the horse.
If we step out of our own way, we can have faith that we are given these signs for the right reason and if we listen to our horse we can build a better relationship quicker and truer, and be the horseman and horsewoman we dream of being.
More importantly, if we listen, we can just be better in life.
Today’s message touched me.
God Bless
P.S.
I was going to go for the peach cobbler but just didn’t have the room.
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Being A Woman In The Outdoor Industry
By Emily Gleason
The outdoor, hunting, and fishing industries have long been perceived traditionally as a male-dominated realm. However, as societal norms shift, the experiences of women in these industries have been increasingly coming to the forefront. Being a woman in the outdoor industry today is a complex blend of passion, perseverance, and community, marked by both challenges and triumphs.
Women who hunt or engage in outdoor activities frequently find themselves confronting preconceived notions about their capabilities and interests. Many of us have experienced skepticism or outright disbelief when we express our enthusiasm for hunting or other outdoor activities.
Despite these stereotypes, women are increasingly challenging and redefining what it means to be involved in these activities. Female hunters and outdoor enthusiasts are not only participating but excelling in such skills. They contribute unique perspectives and insights to the hunting community, showcasing that passion for the outdoors knows no gender.
To read more, pick up a copy of the January edition of North Texas Farm & Ranch magazine, available digitally and in print. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
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Winecup
By Norman Winter
It’s easy for us to take for granted the multiple forbs that are growing throughout our North Texas and Oklahoma grazing lands. They play an important part in the health of our soils and of our livestock, and we should be aware of how they fit in our grazing environment.
Winecup is one of the forbs that many of us can recognize. There are both annual and perennial species, and of significant numbers in our area is Trailing winecup, which is a perennial.
To learn more, pick up a copy of the January edition of North Texas Farm & Ranch magazine, available digitally and in print. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
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Miss North Texas Fair & Rodeo
By Hannah Claxton | Editor
The North Texas Fair and Rodeo, held annually in Denton, Texas, has a rich history that dates back to 1928. Originally conceived as a small agricultural fair, it was organized to showcase the region’s farming and ranching heritage while promoting local businesses and community engagement.
The fair quickly gained popularity, and by 1958, it incorporated a rodeo, which became a central feature of the event. The rodeo added an exciting element to the fair, drawing competitors and spectators from across the region to witness events like bull riding, barrel racing, and steer wrestling. Over the years, the fair grew in size and scope, expanding to include live entertainment, carnival rides, livestock shows, and various exhibitions celebrating North Texas culture.
Today, the North Texas Fair and Rodeo has become one of the largest and most anticipated events in the region, attracting thousands of visitors each August. It remains true to its roots, continuing to celebrate the region’s agricultural and ranching heritage while incorporating modern elements such as concerts, arts and crafts, and food vendors.
The rodeo, which is now a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association sanctioned event, draws top-tier competitors from across the state- both in the arena and for the accompanying rodeo queen contest.
To learn more about Miss North Texas Fair & Rodeo, pick up a copy of the January edition of North Texas Farm & Ranch magazine, available digitally and in print. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
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