CANORA – There were a lot of things to see at PALS Draft Horse Field Days in Rama, but on Sunday, Aug. 31 at around Noon, everyone had the opportunity to slow down and take in Cowboy Church, presented by the weekend organizers.
Gospel music was provided by the Rama Rednecks, including: Judy Johnson (vocals, ugly stick), Nancy Genoway (vocals) and Sheldon Landstad (guitar, vocals). Their selections included: Amazing Grace, At the Old Country Church, In the Sweet By and By, There is no Secret What God Can Do and When the Roll is Called Up Yonder
Steven Halifax opened with prayer.
“Thank you Lord for this beautiful day where we can celebrate the early days of farming in this area. Thanks for helping us get the threshing machine working yesterday, please help it to work well again today. Thanks for bringing everyone safely here this weekend and please guide them safely home again. Amen.”
Nancy Genoway and Judy Johnson each shared inspirational readings.
Johnson read a poem, I’m Glad I Touched Shoulders With You, written by Earnest Hughes, grandfather of Walter Hughes, former PALS president.
There’s a comforting thought at the close of a day
When I’m weary and lonely and sad
That sort of grips hold of my crusty old heart
And bids it be merry and glad.
It gets in my soul and it drives out the blues
And finally thrills through and through
It is just a sweet memory that chants the refrain
I am glad I touched shoulders with you.
Did you know you were brave, did you know you were strong?
Did you know there was one leaning hard?
Did you know that I waited and listened and prayed?
And was cheered by your simplest word?
Did you know that I longed for the smile on your face
For the sound of your voice ringing true?
Did you know I grew stronger and better because
I had merely touched shoulders with you?
I am glad that I live, that I battle and strive,
For the place that I know I must fill
I am thankful for sorrow I’ll meet with a grin
What future may send, good or ill
I may not have wealth, I may not be great,
But I know I shall always be true.
For I have in my life that courage you gave
When once I rubbed shoulders with you.
Nancy Genoway followed with a reading from God wants you to win! Vol. II. The story is called Success is not what you accomplish, it's what you overcome, written by By World Champion Jeff Copenhaver.
“Have you ever had a day when everything seemed to go really wrong? I'm talking about the kind of day where you're tempted to get back into bed, go to sleep, wake up and try it all over.
"Well, I had a day like that recently. Physically I was in pain, financially I had a challenge and when I rode my favorite horse, he acted like his good horse sense had gone on vacation. I finally made it through the day slightly battered; and when evening came I was ready for a peaceful night's sleep.
“That night I had a dream, and in the dream the Lord spoke so clearly to me. He said: 'Success is not what you accomplish, it's what you overcome!' Wow! Ten words from heaven – ten words that I really needed. The next morning as I began to dress, everything in my attitude, perspective and overall outlook had changed! I realized with such clarity that the prize isn't necessarily the end accomplishment, but in overcoming whatever needs to be dealt with that day. I also knew that if I was going overcome, it would be done in God's power. Look at 1 John 5:4, 'For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith.'
“Our faith in Him is what overcomes – our faith in His promises. That next morning I purposed to lock in on God's promise in every area of my life. Well, get this – within five days my physical pain left, my financial situation turned around, my horse did better than ever, and two or three other things got better. Psalm 34:19 says, 'Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him from them all.'
“Jesus didn't say we wouldn't have challenges, but He did say we could overcome and be victorious it we would seek Him and walk in the power of His Word. What are you dealing with today, relationally, maritally, financially, or physically? Has discouragement, worry, confusion, self-pity or shame come to steal your joy, your peace, your excitement or hope for living? Are your friends at school making fun of you or giving you a bad time? Do your dreams appear so faint that they feel like they're in another galaxy? Well, let me encourage you – success is not what you accomplish, it's what you overcome.
“The year I won the calf roping championship was the toughest year of my life. As I was in pursuit of my life dream, I experienced some incredible obstacles – financial hardships, physical exhaustion, and extreme disappointment. One at a time I had to deal with them and decide whether or not I would continue forward. My success that year was truly not the gold belt buckle, but the choice of continuing forward – not folding under the storms of difficulty.
“Let's put faces with stories on overcoming. My wife, Sherry found this on the internet; a thalidomide baby girl born with no arms is now grown up and is an accomplished horse woman.
"She rides with her reins in her mouth, and she bridles her horse with her feet. She competes in Olympic dressage. Incredible – she overcomes! A young pianist from China is the best of the best! He plays beautiful classical music with his feet, because he has no arms.
“A college wrestler wins almost all of his matches. Does he have anything to overcome? No legs; yes you heard me right. And there is the man who has no arms or legs and drives his own car and loves to swim. Now we can see why true success (or winning) is not what you accomplish, it's what you overcome. These people are overcomers, champions at the highest level. Everyone in life is dealt a different hand. We have to play the cards we have, and with Him we can… overcome!”
Following Cowboy Church, the guest band Ken and Boys took over the stage, with members from Lintlaw, Kelvington and Kuroki playing well-known country tunes, including: Good Hearted Woman, The Gambler and Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’.
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