| Poems by Carl Evans # 4 use these for GOD'S glory not for YOUR financial profit. these are copyrighted THE OLD SHEPHERD by carl evans 2004 He'd spent many years being a good shepherd to his sheep, travelling across the land and climbing the mountains so steep. He would lead them to pastures green and the slow moving streams across the vales of shady haze and through the mountains sunny beams. He'd traveled this life for many years since he'd left his troubled home and had passed through many lands fulfilling his desire to roam. Once he was a family man who loved his children and wife and enjoyed the times they shared and felt he had a blessed life. Then came the fire on that night that carried them all away none knew how it had started but it had ended his glad day. The neighbors extended to him sympathy and kindness but nothing seemed to ease the feelings of his sadness. T'was nothing he could have done even if he'd been nearby but nothing he could say or do would keep him from his cry. He was empty from feeling sad for he'd cried them all out and now he was filled with despair and many a doubt. Where did he go wrong in life? What else could he have done? Thus were his many thoughts while he was thinking all alone. After a few days of this kind of thinking, he met with his pastor friend. They talked a lot and shared some thoughts but his pain did not end. Therefore, he made a decision to leave his old homeland behind and he traveled through many states trying to lighten his mind. He saw sights he'd never seen in wandering across the open land, and even though they eased his mind, he was still a lonesome man. Out in the west, he came to a small town to buy some food and read a weeks old newspaper ad that sounded to him so good. It was about a shepherd that was needed far away to tend to a flock of sheep and live with them every day. He traveled to that far land and began his livelihood and as he learned from his sheep, his soul began to feel good. After he'd been there a while his tears began to subside and his soul was comforted for in HIS Shepherd he'd confide. The years came and went for him and he'd grown through every one. He'd learned a lot from the sheep and about life from the SON. Somehow, he'd packed his Bible when he'd left his old homeplace and he could understand now about God's amazing Grace. He'd had several yearnings to have another family but he was contented here since they would meet eternally. For, on that day, when all the dead in Christ would surely rise, they'd meet together in those beautiful heavenly skies. It was on a normal day when the young man came to call and the shepherd could tell that the lonely man had built a wall. His name was Sandy said he and he'd gotten this far today and wondered if he could rest before he started on his way. The old shepherd let him stay as long as he wanted to for he saw a need in him that he could guide him through. They walked together through the mists of that great wonderland, enjoying the peacefulness underneath the Master's hand. The scenes brought about healing to the young man's ailing soul and prepared him to receive God's forgiveness to be made whole. That night around the campfire he gave up his lonely quest and committed his life to the ONE who was their nightly guest. After he confessed his sins and let the Savior come in, he found far more than he sought for Jesus became his friend. Time passed for both of them and as they followed their slow sheep Sandy's knowledge of the Lord had been grounded very deep. His questions became fewer as their working days went by, for he'd learned from the Master how not to let self have its' try. They parted after their months together for Sandy hankered to go to town to see what he could find but the shepherd followed his sheep around. When Sandy got to a small sized village he began to look for work. He was in good shape and he'd been taught not to be a shirk. The old shepherd continued with his sheep but was now a bit lonely for he missed his friend traveling with him through the scenery, but he had his best friend along to talk with and walk with every day so he was contented like the sheep to find green forage along the way. Years passed while the old shepherd grew older and every day more tired and began wondering if his employer was satisfied with the one he'd hired. Then one day, as he took his sheep down to the ranch in the valley he turned them into the sheep pen for their shearing and saw Sandy. Sandy had a woman and 3 children with him as he met his old guide and introduced them all to him as he held his arms out wide. He questioned him about his job and asked how his health had been and they talked about the things that'd happened since they'd last seen. Sandy asked the old shepherd if he'd like to come and live with them that he'd thought about the shepherd and every day had prayed for him. The old shepherd was told that he would be a Grandfather to his own and he agreed to do so and traveled with Sandy to his new home. The town was still small but prosperity was showing in the town and Sandy took him by the church and helped the old man down. He said that he'd found his future mate a few days after he got in and he found Gods' ministry in helping some people deal with sin. The townspeople built a church building and called him as pastor and as he taught God's Word to them, the church grew faster. He'd told them about his own search and about the shepherd he'd found and how God had taught through this wise man to a little lost lamb. The old shepherd lived several years with his adopted family and lived to see a new generation being prepared for eternity. When he passed on to meet his reward from the God he'd served the small town turned out to memoralize the rest he deserved. For the old shepherd had faced his trials of life and learned that faith placed in the Savior Jesus Christ is never spurned. ------------------------ THE HERMIT by carl evans 2004 Once upon a time, he had been a simple family man who had all he needed and he obeyed the Master's plan. His wife was dear to his heart and he cherished her company, and provided the best that he could for his family. He was a hard working man for that's how he'd been raised plowing the fields of crops waiting for the fall harvest days. He'd learned patience through waiting for the grains to fill, so he could have some of it ground into some good corn meal. But when his wife began to cough all day and night, he could not understand how he could make her right. They were expecting their first child with great joy wanting a healthy one whether a girl or a boy. As she began to lose weight he would sit and hold her hand, and they would talk for hours for he was a loving man. When she breathed her last he didn't know what to do so he continued farming, trying to work it through. There came a time when he gave up on the crops and farm and sold it all and began to try to outrun the storm. He took his money and personal property and rode away from the farm and out of his community. He traveled through the states trying to find serenity but the memories would return and steal his harmony. He shied away from people when he could find the way so he wouldn't have to tell why he's traveling that day. He paused along the way to replenish his goods but he'd always depart for the deepest of woods. Finally, he'd passed through some sandy hills and cold streams that would better help him to satisfy his own dreams. He settled between two hills with a spring above to provide water for his peaceful little cove. He began to cut some trees for him a little house, it wouldn't have to be big for he didn't want a spouse. He cleared a few acres in the valley to farm so he could live alone and free without harm. There was a good size swamp down on the Bull Bayou where he could trap beaver for the furs and food too. He reasoned that he could truly support himself and enjoy his efforts providing a little wealth. After his house was built and chinked with mud and straw, he enjoyed his seclusion in that little sheltered draw. He farmed his few acres raising food for him and his horse and built some furniture to enjoy in his leisure of course. His tools were simple but did all the jobs just right and he could enjoy his fruits while resting in the moonlight. He still had some of his money so he bought a milkcow. She would have a calf soon and he'd use the milk somehow. He'd captured some wild hogs that'd ran through the swampland and thus he'd be closer to being a selfsupporting man. He built a barn for horse and a smokehouse for meat and his harvest would come in and he could rest his feet. That winter he killed some deer to salt it away added to his pork in the smokehouse for a cold day. In all of his solitude, he was surely content until the dreams started and the message it sent. Every night the dream would come and cause him to awake. The image of his wife and child would cause his heart to ache. They would say to him that he must get on with his life to stop running away and find him another wife. He began cutting trees and hewing them into crossties and stayed up late at night and then sleep til sunrise. He would haul the ties to the railroad ten miles away, knowing the things he needed, it'd be nice to have a payday. His days were filled with hard work til he could barely stay awake for only then could he rest and have a dreamless break. After a few weeks of that, he was getting mighty thin so he tried to sleep more but the dreams'd start again. Sometimes, he'd get out his Bible and read it for a spell to calm his troubled soul and make him feel good and well. On Saturday he traveled to the old country store to get a few essentials and possibly some news and more. The country store was like a post office in larger towns, but here there was friendliness without the questions and frowns. He'd gotten almost there when he saw a wagon stopped and as he got closer, he could feel his jaw had dropped. There was a young woman lifting the broke wagon wheel. He stared and could see the resemblance was so real. Everything about her reminded him of his first dear wife the hair and trim figure caused a jolt to enter his life. He got off of his horse to offer her a strong and helping hand. She looked him over and then said, "I'd be thankful if you can". He found a stout tree limb and levered the new one in place and by the time he'd finished, sweat was running down his face. She offered him a cup of cool water and a thank you. They chatted for a while til he remembered errands to do. They rode together down the road chatting a little bit along the way but it didn't mean very much until the groceryman had his say. After they reached the store, he helped the young lady down and entered and heard the owner say, "I see you met widow Brown". The owner told him of the young widow's situation and how she had carried on in her dedication. The country folk respected her and helped when they could after all, she was a widow in their own neighborhood. He said that they'd been married just a couple of years when the husband had been caught in a machinery's shears. He had been a hard worker and respected by one and all and if someone needed him, he'd be there when they called. He left the store to find the lady amidst her welcoming crowd but the way they were looking at him told him no men allowed. Then she turned around and gazed at him and then smiled letting him know that later they'd have time to talk awhile. He returned to the store to pick up his bundle of goods and tipped his hat to the lady and headed for the woods. He stopped about a mile out and sat neath the shady tree and waited for the sound of a wagon and the lady to see. He climbed back on the horse and rode very slow aiming to ride with the lady hoping for a chance to know. He was very shy and stumbled while he was talking with her but continued in hopes to get to know her better. They talked about where they came from to this land and there was a new warmth filling this lonely man. He asked her if she ever heard of his old hometown and the look she gave him caused him to frown. She told him that she had a close relative that lived there but they'd lost contact since before she came here. When she told him of her dear first cousin's name his heart was filled with a new and living flame. The name she had mentioned had been his wife and now he sensed that he could get on with life. They rode together until he pointed out his road but decided to ride on to help her unload. After the wagon was unloaded, she invited him in and they talked about their families and kin. She'd fixed a simple meal for them to eat and to him it was a meal not to be beat. They shared cups of coffee to top off the home cooked meal and he could sense a closeness that helped him to heal. He'd told her about his life since he'd left his home and how he'd made his way and ceasing to roam. After a while, he stood to his feet and turned to Anne and began to stutter while he held her delicate hand. "I'm out of practice in dating but would like to if you can and I'd like to see you and enjoy your time in this land." She smiled at him and assured him that she'd like that too for she'd been lonely and had trouble carrying through. They parted company but a fire had warmed his heart and he began to wonder how to do the next part. When he arrived home he was in a better mood and as he went to sleep, he thought he understood. The dreams that night were soothingly different with an approving message that it had sent. He awoke refreshed and full of working energy and spoke to the Lord how good you are to me. As he went about his chores his mind thought of Anne and how she could fulfil this lonesome man. As the months went by they'd spent many hours passing and found their hearts filled with a new love lasting. He'd helped her out with her animals and farming and surprised her as how he could be charming. They eventually set a date to be joined together in matrimony by a parson in the springtime weather. On that day the sun was shining so bright and the presence of God made it feel right. He closed his place up and moved into her house and experienced a new love from his beloved spouse. When the dreams came again there was happiness for his past family could see their joy and success. Ten months later an addition to their home took place. The little baby was so precious they named her Grace. For God in HIS mercy had blessed the two of them and the blessings continued to shower down from HIM. ---------------- |
| THE OLD TIME PREACHER MAN 11/18/2001 Carl Evans From the time he was seventeen, he'd been preaching in churches located throughout the countryside. He would ride his horse or mule to different churches on Sunday to help the scattered flocks abide. He'd teach them the truths of God's Word to encourage the struggling souls and minister to their spiritual needs. At times, he'd help a farmer plow the fields on a saturday to show his concern and plant some Gospel seeds. He lived in an area that no preacher cared to go, for it was too far just to get a few coins for their purse. But, preacher Jim was single and had no family to hold him back from helping people living under sin's curse. Most of the people in his area could not read nor write, so he helped them with their education. The people were grateful for his time and repayed him in many ways for his simple Godly dedication. Jim had a small farm and a few animals but no family to call his own except for some friends. So he spent much time on his rounds and helped the smaller flocks reap much spiritual dividends. In time, he was attracted to a certain young lady in his flock and soon asked her to be his wife. She was a blessing to him for she was heaven sent to touch him and be a helpmate in his life. Five children blessed their union and now he could see a change in the direction of his ministry. For now, he could understand what family was all about and thus proceeded to train them for eternity. Each child was taught to read and write and cipher, for they were taught from Jim's big old black Bible. He kept them busy on chores for he never wanted his children to grow up being too idle. He didn't give up his circuit riding ministry to those who he had served for many years. He would come home on Sunday night exhausted to the bone, but would relate the joy through hugs and tears. With the bigger family, he was able to farm more land and sold what he could to others in town. He'd bought more acres and cows and was considered by most a success but he still followed his circuit around. The years had passed and his children had married and started their own but would visit when they could. Some lived some distance away while others lived close by, but their love for their family was understood. Through all the years, he'd still pastored his country church flocks with devotion for it was his Godly calling. He was always available when he was needed or when someone seemed to be stalling. He always knew the right words to say to someone hurting or when not to speak as was the case. He enjoyed the pleasure of seeing many souls enter Heaven for it was his calling and place. As age increased their aches and pains, Jim and Sue leaned more upon God to get through their daily tasks. But Jim was still willing to go wherever he was needed for the people only had to ask. Eventually, his wife breathed her last midst all he loving family and went to receive her reward. Jim was lonesome without her for they'd lived many happy years serving God in one accord. When he became so feeble that he couldn't tend his flock, his son began to preach to them. He had sat at his daddy's feet and listened to him teach the Word and had learned a lot from him. Then one morning, Jimmy came to have their morning study and found him still in bed. He called his name and then he reached across to touch his arm and was shocked to find him dead. As the family met at the old homeplace to mourn their loss, others came to pay their respect. They were from the various flocks in that forgotten countryside that no one would ever expect. The day of the funeral dawned bright and clear for all to come and say their last goodbyes. Many testified to how he had been such a help to them and how they'd learned from one so wise. Today, in those communities are several active churches which have their own devoted man, but it would never have been if Jim had listened to others instead of heeding God's own plan. Can you see that some things in life is worth the sacrifice to self if you are following God's voice? No matter what the sacrifice is, it cannot be weighed in regards to making His will your choice. It doesn't take a scholar to preach God's holy message but it does take a good learner. Though many preach what pops in to their minds, to be a good preacher you must be a night lamp burner. AS THE DAYS GO BY by Carl Evans ONCE UPON A TIME HE HAD BEEN A HEALTHY MAN WITH A FAMILY OF LOVE AND A LITTLE PIECE OF LAND. HE'D WORKED MANY YEARS TO PROVIDE FOR HIS FAMILY, THINKING GRAND THOUGHTS OF HIS FUTURE DESTINY. DREAMS OF GRANDEUR AND SUCCESS FILLED HIS MIND NEVER NEEDING TO WORRY OR LOOKING BEHIND. HE'D LIVED HIS LIFE IN HIS OWN FASHIONED WAY, NEVER THINKING OF WHAT HE WOULD FACE ONE DAY. THEN CAME THE AGE AND PROBLEMS OF ALL KIND BUT HE ENDURED IT ALL UNTIL IT TOUCHED HIS MIND. HE FORGOT THE ONES HE HAD LOVED SO VERY MUCH, AND WHAT IT FELT LIKE TO RECEIVE THEIR TENDER TOUCH. THEN ONE DAY WHEN THEY COULD CARE FOR HIM NO MORE THEY TOOK HIM TO THE "HOME" AND LEFT HIM AT THE DOOR. THEY VISITED HIM WHEN THEY COULD FIND THE TIME AFTER ALL, HE WOULDN'T KNOW THEM IN HIS MIND. THEN THE DAY CAME WHEN HE WENT TO MEET HIS MAKER, THE ONLY ONES THERE WAS THE STAFF & UNDERTAKER. THE DAY OF THE FUNERAL DAWNED BRIGHT AND CLEAR, WITH JUST A FEW OF THE FAMILY HE'D LOVED SO DEAR. THERE WERE A FEW TEARS THAT ESCAPED THEIR EYES WHETHER IT WAS SADNESS OR THE SUN IN THEIR EYES. WHEN HE WAS LOWERED INTO THE PREPARED GRAVE PLOT, THE FAMILY WAS GONE AND THE BODY WAS LEFT TO ROT. IF THIS POEM HAS GOTTEN YOUR ATTENTION, PLEASE FEEL COMPASSION WHEN THE AGED ARE MENTIONED. FOR ONE DAY IF WE LIVE LONG ENOUGH DOWN HERE, WE'LL BE IN SUCH A STATE AND KNOW WHO LOVED US DEAR. LET JESUS CLEANSE AND FILL YOUR SINFUL SOUL THEN YOU CAN BE A HELP TO MAKE OTHERS FEEL WHOLE. THE EAGLE IS STILL FLYING by Carl Evans 10/17/2001 With all that's happened lately, the world wonders if we're strong enough to fight back the foes that have dealt us so much wrong. The Eagle is still flying high above this lonesome land looking around for enemies and helping the weaker man. We still believe in freedom and will fight for moral rights to help this land of ours to keep on shining the lights. No matter what you try to do to this nation of mine we'll keep on working hard and letting the freedom light shine. We've given help to many throughout this old sinful land and had it thrown back at us by evil rebellious hands. Ask yourself- where would you be if we had not shown mercy and gave many dollars to free you from adversity? How many nations have been helped by the love of the U S A? How many have seen the light and are walking a new way? We've done our best in helping others to have a better day and will continue to do so for that's the American way. But don't think we are easy for that's a foolish notion. If you think we're weak, wait til our forces get in motion. So, beware of the evil intentions of all of you no one escapes from threatening the red, white, and blue. THERE IS (Psalms 46) Oct. 2002 by carl evans There is a river that floods us with joy because our Father is OUR refuge. We do not have cause to worry nor fear when this sinful world brings forth its deluge. There is a strength that is beyond us which lasts throughout all of OUR earthly days. It will not weaken if we will just trust the hopefilled words Jesus says. There is a high tower that we can find that gives us a guarded life, and if OUR hope is in Jesus Christ we'll fret less when we deal with strife. There is a place where we can go to find help that remains stedfast and sure and if we let Jesus in OUR soul, we'll remain in Him secure. Though the nations rant and rave we shall not be filled with fear for OUR heavenly Commander is in charge and always near. There is a city where we can go to find sweet peace and serenity. OUR Savior abides there to intervene throughout all eternity. There is an inspired BOOK that we can read to discover God's words of hope. Regardless of OUR many trials, in HIS strength we learn to cope. There is a home so filled with beauty waiting there for everyone of us, and all we have to do is accept the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus. When I need help to carry on, I go to my Savior who hears me for HE's sitting on the Throne and HE rules eternity. -------------- I'VE GOT SUNSHINE by Carl Evans 7/2003 I've got sunshine in my soul today, for all my sins are washed away. Jesus came in to my life one day, now I'm walking in the narrow way. Tho I stumble every now and then, I know who saved me from my every sin. The Holy Spirit did seal my soul and He promised to keep me whole. God's Holy sunshine fills me every day, and keeps me walking in His holy way. I know I can make it all along the way, for Jesus promised by my side He'd stay. Yes, I've got sunshine and it lasts all day long for Jesus saved me and brought to me a song. And I will sing it with every breath of air, til I reach that Heavenly land up there. ---------------- WHAT HAPPENED? by Carl Evans 7/2003 What happened to the good old USA that'd cause it's people to forget the way? It was a nation founded for freedom and rights, but somewhere along the way we've lost that light. We've allowed selfishness to cloud our own minds and have left those great values somewhere behind. What happened to that which parents should teach, so future generations can be reached? Train your children in the way they should go and when they are grown, the right path they'll go. Have we been so busy fulfilling our goals that we forget the many needy souls? They need to see the love that only God can give and receive forgiveness so in Heaven they'll live. May we be the shining lights that the world needs and be the willing vessels for God to plant HIS seeds. We have the power to fulfil God's own will, if we will by the Holy Spirit be filled. ------------------- I'M SO GLAD YOU CAME by Carl Evans 8/25/2003 I'm so glad you came to see me today for I've been having a dreadful day. I woke up this morning with aches in my bones, and no one has visited and I've felt so alone. The doctor says I'm doing really fine, but I'm having a little trouble with my mind. I can't remember everyone as I used to, but I remember the visits and smiles from you. I can even remember when I held you near you were always fun to hug and love my dear, but I can't do the things I used to do and it leaves me feeling so sad and blue. Soon, I won't be able to care for myself but your hugs and smiles'll be my mem'ries wealth. I hope that you'll come to visit me there until I go to that heavenly land so fair. Up there I'll feel great without any misery, and some day I hope and pray you'll be with me. Then we both can have some heavenly fun as we worship God's only beloved Son ---------------------------- CLIMB THE MOUNTAINS by carl evans 12/1996 Throughout all our weary days we will face some troubled ways. Can we so learn from our knocks? Keep from crashing on the rocks? Will we have the faith of old that comforts our ailing soul? Will we give up and not try just fall down, grumble, and cry? Will we trust in man's power face our days with a cower? Or will we seek God above the Giver of life and love? Will we be like the ten spies who came back with weak alibis? Or like the two who did see trusted God for victory? The fast of the ten was ill they forgot whose God was real. But Joshua and Caleb knew who it was to take them through. We know not the names of the ten but the two became great men. They went on to great rewards favored by God with awards. Joshua led them to a land empowered by God's own hand. Caleb chose not to give up took the hills and bitter cup. Both were blessed with a great name listed in Faith's Hall of Fame. They had faith to lead them on until their work was all gone. Can we not do any less than to strive in righteousness? Climb the mountains in your life resting in Christ without strife. Keep your eyes on Glory sharing the age old story, how God came from up above to prove to all HIS own love. -------------------------------- SO WHAT, WHO CARES by carl evans 2000 Many people are living lives of immorality and not caring where they'll be when they reach eternity. So What Who Cares Many are being killed by the hatred in their hearts Many are living off someone else and never trying to do their parts. So What Who Cares Many are living in streets without any help from the state. Their eating is sparse and poor but they've accepted their fate. So What Who Cares There are those who are elected to represent the common people in D.C. but do they really care for hurting and poor families like you and me? So What Who Cares There are millions of babies being killed before they are born but the doctors and other performers involved have no concern So What Who Cares There are many radicals whose purpose is to put down the moral rights because they have been blinded by Satan and can't see God's light. So What Who Cares There is coming a day when the light of God will stop shining in this land of ours and then those same people will be whining. So What Who Cares Just let us lay in the pigpens of life and don't rock the boat of sin for we are content to be found in the situation that we are in. Because We Just Don't Care Anymore. ------------------------------------------------ |
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BEING THANKFUL 9/6/2007
by Carl Evans THE BIBLE IS VERY EXPLICIT IN TELLING US TO PRAISE THE LORD, FOR THE MANY BLESSINGS HE HAS SHOWERED ON ALL THE HORDES. MANY TIMES WE ACT AS IF IT ALL CAME ABOUT BY OUR INTELLECT AND HAND, BUT WE BELITTLE GOD IN THINKING THAT HE DIDN'T HAVE A GRANDER PLAN. IT IS LIKE AN UNLOVING CHILD THAT HOLDS NO THANKS FOR HIS DAD, FOR PROVIDING FOR HIS FAMILY AND KEEPING THEIR HEARTS GLAD. PARENTS DESERVE TO BE APPRECIATED FOR ALL THE SACRIFICES THEY MADE TO HELP THEIR GROWING YEARS BE GOOD REGARDLESS OF THE PRICE THEY PAID. IT SEEMS TO TAKE MANY YEARS FOR OFFSPRING TO SHOW THEIR APPRECIATION, TO THOSE WHO'VE GONE BEFORE THEM REGARDLESS OF ALL THE TREPIDATION. FAR ABOVE OUR FAMILIES AND FRIENDS WE MUST THANK GOD FOR WHAT HE'S DONE FOR IT WAS HIM WHO PAID OUR SINS BLOODPRICE THROUGH HIS SON. LET US TRULY HAVE A THANKFUL HEART AND SHOW IT TO PARENTS AND GOD ABOVE FOR HE INITIATED THE RELATIONSHIPS IN EDEN AND FILLED US WITH HIS LOVE.
------------------------- PLOWING THE LAND by Carl Evans 6/2007 AFTER THE FALL HARVEST WAS OVER AND THE CORN AND OTHER DRY FEED WAS PLACED IN THE BARN LOFT AND OTHER PLACES, THE LIVESTOCK WERE TURNED INTO THE FIELD TO EAT THE CORN STALKS, PEA AND BEAN VINES. THAT WAS USUALLY AFTER THE BROWSE IN THE WOODS STARTED DWINDLING DOWN, ABOUT NOVEMBER. IT FATTENED THEM UP FOR THE WINTER WHEN SOME WERE HAULED OFF TO THE NEAREST AUCTIONS TO SELL. WE'D HAUL YEARLINGS, AND SOMETIMES OLDER COWS, ALONG WITH HOGS AND GOATS. ALONG ABOUT THE FIRST OF FEBUARY DAD WOULD GET READY TO TILL THE LAND. HE WOULD FIX ANY PLOWS AND OTHER TOOLS THAT HE WOULD NEED TO PLOW. IF THE PLOWSHARES (THE IRON PART) WERE DULL OR NEEDED FIXING, WE WOULD TAKE THEM TO THE COMMUNITY BLACKSMITH USUALLY BY WAGON (IF THERE WERE SEVERAL PLOWS). IF IT WAS JUST ONE OR TWO, WE'D TAKE THEM ON A SLIDE (NORTHERNERS CALLED IT A SLEDGE) WHICH WAS BUILT BY 2 RUNNERS OF STURDY HARDWOOD LACED OVER WITH ABOUT 4 HARDWOOD PLANKS. MOST TIMES, THERE WERE GAPS BETWEEN THE PLANKS SO YOU HAD TO BE CAREFUL WHERE YOU PLACED YOUR FEET. THE RUNNERS WERE CUT ON THE FRONT END AT AN ANGLE SO IT WOULD SLIDE ALONG THE TOP OF THE GROUND WITHOUT TIPPING IT OVER. IT WAS PULLED MOSTLY BY A MULE BUT SOMETIMES BY A PLOWHORSE IN HARNESS WITH A CHAIN COMING DOWN BOTH SIDES AND CONNECTING TO A SINGLE TREE (A STURDY ROUND PIECE OF HICKORY WITH A HOOK ON EACH END) WHICH WAS ATTACHED TO ANOTHER PIECE OF CHAIN CONNECTED TO THE SLIDE. THE SLIDE WAS ABOUT 6 FEET LONG AND 3 FEET WIDE AND SOMETIMES A LITTLE WIDER. DURING BORING TIMES, WE'D HOOK UP A HORSE OR MULE TO THE SLIDE AND GET THE ANIMAL TROTTING AND TURN THE HORSE, WHICH CAUSED THE SLIDE TO SLIDE AROUND. IF YOU DID IT TOO FAST, THE SLIDE WOULD THRILL YOU BY TURNING OVER AND THROWING YOU OFF ONTO YOUR BACKEND. BELIEVE ME WHEN I SAY THAT IT WAS NOT ALWAYS A THRILL. ON THE LAST 6 DAYS OF THE OLD YEAR AND THE FIRST 6 DAYS OF THE NEW YEAR, WE'D PLANT ENGLISH PEAS AND AFTER THE POTATOS WERE PLANTED ON VALENTINE'S DAY, DAD, AND MY OLDER BROTHERS (WHEN THEY HAD TIME), AND EVEN MOM AND LATER ON, ME WOULD START TO TURN OVER THE LAND TO TEAR UP THE GRASS AND WEEDS WITH A TURNING PLOW. IT WAS THE BIGGEST PLOW AVAILABLE AND BUILT MAINLY FOR THAT JOB. IT WOULD DIG DEEP INTO THE GROUND AND WITH IT'S SHARP BLADE WOULD TURN OVER BIG CLODS OF GRASS AND DIRT. AFTER ALL OF THE FIELD HAD BEEN TURNED OVER, THEN CAME THE GEE WHIZ WHICH DE-GRASSED THE FIELD. THE GEE WHIZ WAS A METAL CONTRAPTION WITH CURVING ARMS OF IRON SPACED ABOUT 4 INCHES APART TO PICK UP THE GRASS. WHEN IT BECAME TOO HEAVY (ABOUT EVERY 5 MINUTES), YOU HAD TO PICK UP THE PLOW AND DUMP THE GRASS PILES AND START AGAIN. IT WAS A SLOW JOB BUT IT HAD TO BE DONE SO THEY COULD ROW UP THE DIRT TO FORM A ROW. AFTER THE DIRT WAS ROWED UP, THEY WOULD USE A MIDDLE BUSTER WHICH OPENED THE FURROW IN THE ROW. THE NEXT STEP WAS TO PLANT SEED IN THE FURROW AND THEN GO OVER IT ALL WITH A PLOW WITH SWEEPS WHICH THREW DIRT OVER ONTO THE SEED. YOU HAD TO MAKE SURE THAT YOU DIDN'T PUT TOO MUCH DIRT OVER IT FOR THE SEEDS MAY OR MAY NOT COME UP. AFTER ALL OF THE PLANTING OF EVERY CROP CAME THE MAINTAINING OF THE CROP WHICH CONSISTED OF A "GEORGIA STOCK" PLOW (WHICH WAS A TRIANGULAR SHAPE WITH "WINGS" ON IT). THE 'WINGS' LOOKED LIKE A SPREADED OUT BOOMERANG OR "V" SHAPED. THEY WERE CALLED SWEEPS. WE WOULD GO DOWN THE MIDDLES (THE AREA BETWEEN THE ROWS) AND THE SWEEPS WOULD THROW FRESH TURNED DIRT UP ONTO THE ROWS AND WOULD COVER UP THE GRASS WITHOUT COVERING UP THE PLANTS. THIS OCCURRED 5 OR 6 TIMES DURING THE SUMMER (UNLESS YOU HAD A LOT OF RAIN) UNTIL THE PLANTS WERE TALL ENOUGH FOR SHADE TO BEAT THE GROWING GRASS. AFTER ALL OF THAT PLOWING, THE CROPS WERE CONSIDERED TO BE "LAID BY" WHICH MEANS THAT YOU HAD TIME TO CAN THE RIPE PRODUCE AND OTHER THINGS. THAT WAS THE TIME WHEN WE'D GO CAMPING SOMEWHERE ON A CREEK TO FISH AND SWIM AND TREAT YOURSELF TO A REST FOR DOING A GOOD JOB. IT WAS THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE BUSY SUMMER. IT WOULDN'T BE VERY LONG UNTIL SCHOOL STARTED UP AND A FEW WEEKS LATER, IT WOULD BE TIME FOR HARVESTING THE DRIED PRODUCE FOR STORING AND FOR FEEDING THE ANIMALS DURING THE WINTER. WE WOULD SHELL SEVERAL EARS OF CORN FOR THE CHICKENS AND FEED THE NUBBINS (SMALLER EARS THAT DIDN'T PRODUCE MUCH) TO THE COWS AND HORSE AND MULES. WE HAD A CORN CRIB BUILT OF LOGS BUT PLANKED ON THE INSIDE TO KEEP THE CORN FROM FALLING THROUGH THE CRACKS. THE SHOCKS OF PEANUTS WERE STORED IN THE BARN LOFT. WHEN WE HAD AN APPETITE FOR PARCHED PEANUTS, WE'D GO PICK THE DRIED PEANUTS FROM THE SHOCK AND IF THERE WERE NO MORE ON THE SHOCK, WE'D THROW IT DOWN FOR THE COWS TO EAT. I HOPE THAT YOU CAN UNDERSTAND THAT IT WAS A SIMPLE LIFE BUT NOT AN EASY LIFE TO FARM 40 ACRES WITHOUT TRACTORS. THAT IS WHAT THE PEOPLE WERE USED TO, THOUGH IT SEEMS "HARD WORK" TO THOSE OF US NOW DAYS. IT REALLY WAS. EVEN IN MODERN TIMES, THERE ARE STILL PEOPLE (AMISH) WHO FARM MANY ACRES IN THE OLD FASHIONED WAY. THE HARD WORK KEEPS THEM VERY HEALTHY, ENJOYING LIFE IN THE SLOW LANE. SOMETIMES, WE ALL NEED TO DO THAT. TOO MANY PEOPLE NOW DAYS HAVE TOO MUCH STRESS IN THEIR JOBS AND HOMES WORRYING ABOUT HOW THEY WILL PAY THE CREDIT CARD AND OTHER BILLS, ALONG WITH BUYING THE NECESSITIES OF LIFE. ------------ WATER HAULING 2007 MY MOTHER WAS GOOD AT "WITCHING" A GOOD WELL OF WATER. SHE'D TAKE A SMALL FORKED BRANCH FROM A CERTAIN TREE AND IT HAD TO BE A CERTAIN SIZE AND SHAPE TO HOLD IN HER HANDS WITH THE LONGER PART POINTING AWAY FROM THE BODY. WHILE HOLDING EACH BRANCH IN HER HANDS, SHE WOULD WALK AROUND AN AREA - PREFERABLY AS CLOSE TO THE HOUSE AND YARD AS POSSIBLE, UNTIL THE LONGER PIECE WOULD TURN DOWNWARD. THE STRONGER THE DOWNWARD PULL, THE BETTER THE WELL WOULD BE. SOMETIMES, THE BRANCH WOULD LITERALLY PEEL THE BARK OFF INTO HER HANDS. I TRIED IT A FEW TIMES AND IT WORKED FOR ME TOO. I DON'T KNOW IF CERTAIN CHEMICALS IN OUR BODIES MADE IT WORK OR NOT, BUT IT WORKED. THERE ARE STILL A FEW PEOPLE THAT KNOWS HOW TO DO IT. SOME WELL DRILLERS STILL USE THAT TECHNIQUE TO FIND THE BEST PLACE TO DRILL A WELL. OTHER PEOPLE HAVE EMPLOYED OTHER THINGS SUCH AS CERTAIN WIRE OR ROD TO FIND WATER LINES AND GAS LINES, ETC.. OUR 42' DEEP WELL WAS "WITCHED" BY MY MOM, AND WE HAD PLENTY OF SWEET AND COLD WATER MOST OF THE YEAR, UNTIL ABOUT AUGUST WHEN IT WOULD GET LOW. THE ONLY THING WE USED THE WELL WATER FOR WAS DRINKING, COOKING, BATHING, AND SOMETIMES TO WATER THE CALVES AND POSSIBLY THEIR MOTHERS JUST FOR A FEW DAYS AFTER BIRTHING. THEN THE MOMMA COWS WERE TURNED OUT AND THE CALVES WERE KEPT IN THE LOT (CORRAL) OR THE PASTURE. THAT WAS BEFORE WE HAD OUR OWN POND DUG. THEN THE CALVES AND COWS COULD GET THEIR OWN WATER. THERE WAS A SMALL BRANCH (RUN-OFF) THAT HAD A FEW HOLES OF WATER DOWN BY THE FIELD WHERE WE PLANTED SWEET POTATOES, WATERMELONS, AND A FEW OTHER VEGETABLES THAT WOULD NEED WATERING FROM TIME TO TIME. WHEN THE PLANTS LOOKED LIKE THEY WERE WILTING FROM NO RAIN, WE'D GO AND HAUL WATER IN 5 GALLON BUCKETS OR A FOOT TUB (WHICH HELD ABOUT 5 GALLONS) AND WATER THEM. SOMETIMES, IT WOULD TAKE MANY A BUCKETFUL TO HELP THEM STAY ALIVE. WALKING DOWN INTO THE BRANCH, FILLING THE BUCKETS, AND HAULING THEM OUT OF THE HOLE TO THE PLANTS WOULD BE VERY TIRING, BUT IT HAD TO BE DONE TO HAVE A HARVEST OF GOOD EATING. WHEN OUR WELL WATER SLOWED DOWN, WE'D HOOK THE MULE OR HORSE TO THE SLED WITH 2 FIFTY GALLON BARRELS ON IT, AND GO TO THE NEIGHBOR'S HOME AND DRAW THE WATER OUT OF THE WELL WITH A 2 GALLON BUCKET AND FILL UP THE BARRELS AND TAKE IT BACK HOME. THE NEIGHBOR LIVED 1 MILE FROM OUR HOME, AND THEIR WELL WAS ABOUT 70 TO 80 FEET DEEP, AND IT WAS GOOD WATER AND NEVER DRIED UP. NOW, THAT WELL IS LOCATED UNDER THE NEW HIGHWAY (THE SCENIC HIGHWAY THAT RUNS NORTH OF TOLEDO BEND LAKE DAM). WE HAD TO HAUL THE WATER BARRELS SLOWLY SO IT WOULDN'T SPILL OUT. SOMETIMES, SOME OF THE WATER WOULD SPILL OUT AND COOL ME OFF FOR A TIME. HAULING THE WATER FROM THE NEIGHBOR'S WELL WOULD STAVE OFF OUR WELL GOING DRY. ANY CHANCE THAT WE HAD OR COULD MAKE TO HAVE A LITTLE FUN WITH THE SLIDE WAS WELCOMED. EVEN IF WE HAD A LITTLE WORK TO DO WHILE "SLIDING". THE FUN WAS ALWAYS WORTH IT.
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