Dad, I See You Put Your Life Into Words

Posted on by Gary Fultz

Each Day With God

By Doyle Fultz

When in the early morn awake, slumber from your eyelids shake.

Hasten to thy closet fare, Begin the day in humble prayer.

Thank Him for the day at hand, and the sun so bright and grand.

Ask for care through early hour, And for strength and serving power.

The morning hours have passed so soon, now the sun is high at noon.

Hasten to thy closet fare, Sustain the day in earnest prayer.

Thank Him for His care and power, and the peace of early hour.

Ask Him for sufficient grace, to end the day at normal pace.

Oh, the day has passed so fast, as darkness spreads its hovering cast.

Hasten to thy closet fare, End the day with grateful prayer.

Oh, the days they come and go, Peace and war with friend and foe.

But the one who hastens fare, to his closet in petitioning prayer.

Is the one who stands abreast, and wins the victory of trial and test?

Life is one big cross to bear, Bear it strong-in fervent prayer.

I found this poem in dads things. It’s time (after a couple years) to share the thoughts of a man of God trying to grow through all life’s struggles. I still hear his voice sometimes and I turn around in the old shop to ask him where he put….???

This is how I remember my father. I have spent much of my life on my own journey, yet, experiencing the presence, power and sometimes the absence (feeling) of an ever present God who enjoys and rewards one drawing near.

Standing on the promises here in the woods Dad…bye for now. I’ll be along in a while.

Gary

Running with the Steers

Posted on by Gary Fultz

I got run over by a 1600 pound steer. It’s true. Not as glamorous a story as Grandma and the reindeer but this steer was 5 times as big as any reindeer. I’m quite sure no song will come of it either. I’m OK, thanks for asking. The hooves missed me after a good head butt to send me flying and then run over the top of me.

I had agreed to drive two hours to bring a steer to market for a brother. Just drive the rig, back up the trailer and let the steer out into the chute. Two experienced professionals took it from there. I was an innocent bystander. I stood at the end of the closed gate until the big angry steer charged at one of the attendants. The steer hit the side of the chute and made an opening at the end of the gate. One moment I was standing in front of where the gate closes. The next moment I was in front of the opening. The massive animal saw the opening and charged. His big head caught me in the chest and tossed me into a perfect back flip. I landed a belly-flop onto the gravel driveway. I imagined my guardian angel and a couple others just watching and holding up signs…they were giving me a straight 10! Then he ran over me. Thankfully no hooves mashed me. I’m f.f.f.fine.

My body is sore in places where I didn’t even know I had places. Some odd memories are coming to me. I now believe those who tell about their whole life flashing before them in less than a second. As I was flying through the air, I remember thinking “I’m never traveling to Pamplona to run with the bulls”. Something did not feel right thinking of communion in church…”this is my body broken for you…” my mind fragmented more than my body.

At days end. Evaluating life might be a good thing.

Some changes have taken place. mostly in my heart and mind. living, dying, accidents or just an odd happening, does so instantly. I mean, what unforeseeable accident happens slowly? The last couple of days I’ve been shying away from parts of my morning prayer, mostly where I pray “well Lord, what do you have for me today?” I am very open to praying differently if you have other ideas. I find myself talking to God like Moses at the burning bush; “here I am Lord, please send Aaron.” I’m quite sure my default prayers should include needing more wisdom.

So, what does it take for God to get your attention? Trust me, in life, at any time, God allows some extreme attention getters.

Gary