The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Greetings ta ever one in western Illinois and all readers of "The Quill."
RAIN
It was a welcome sight to see rain again in the forecast fer this week and if'n we could order it, we'd have it come at least once or twice a week if'n its the nice gentle type.
FARMERS
The farmers really had a nice set-up at the 2nd Olde Tyme Farm Show over in Stronghurst this past weekend.
There was a plenty for the children to do and learn about as well as learn'n about the way things use to be fer farm folks. Of course the boys were really like'n the antique tractor pull and was impressed in the number of hitches for the second annual event.
We all were enjoy'n the ham and beans and homemade desserts they were servin' on Saturday evening and the friendliness of the folk there abouts.
We're hope'n the event keeps a growin' and people mark it on their calendar to attend these live history lessons that are close-by and so afordable. Support'n each other in their social events is time you can visit and get ta know ya neighbors and encourage each other along life's way.
The tractor parade is a lot of fun to see as they trail through town and down ta the Oak Lane Nursing and Rehab and Oakwood Estates for those residents ta enjoy.
Dessa tells me that she and Mr. Don Fry of Stronghurst performed a theatrical version of "The Lord's Prayer" in her Stronghurust Presybterian Church that was taken from one of my earlier columns. She asked if I would repeat it for reflect'n on. It really makes a feller think, so here it is:
"OUR FATHER"
"A conversation with God"
Our Father who art in Heaven.
Yes?
Don't interrupt me. I'm praying.
But you called Me.
Called you? I didn't call you. I'm praying. Our Father who art in Heaven.
There you did it again.
Did What?
Called Me. You said, "Our Father who art in Heaven. "Here I am. What's on your mind?
But I didn't mean anything by it. I was, you know, just saying my prayers for the day. I always say the Lord's Prayer. It makes me feel good, kind of like getting my duty done.
All right. Go on.
Hallowed be thy name.
Hold it. What do you mean by that?
By what?
By "Hallowed be Thy name"
It means... it means.. good grief; I don't know what it means. How should I know? It's just part of the prayer. By the way, what does it mean?
It means "Honored." "Holy." "Wonderful."
Hey, that makes sense. I never thought about what "Hallowed" meant before.
The Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven.
Do you really mean that?
Sure, why not?
What are you going to do about it?
Do? Nothing, I guess. I just think it would be neat if you got control of everything down here like you have up there.
Have I got control of you?
Well, I go to church.
That isn't what I asked you. What about that habit of lust you have? And your bad temper? You've really got a problem there you know. And then there's the way you spend your money, all on yourself. And what about the kind of books you read?
Stop picking on me! I'm just as good as some of the rest of those phonies at the church.
Excuse me.. I thought you were praying for My will to be done. If that is to happen, it will have to start with the ones who are praying for it.. Like you for example.
Oh all right. I guess I do have some hang-ups. Now that you mention it, I could probably name some others. So could I. I haven't thought about it until now, but I really would like to cut some of those things. I'd like to, you know, be really free.
Good, now we're getting somewhere. We'll work together, you and I can have some victories that can be truly won.
Look, Lord, I need to finish up here. This is taking a lot longer than it usually does. Give us this day our daily bread.
You need to cut down on the bread too. You're overweight as it is.
Hey, wait a minute! What is this, "Criticize Me Day?" Here I was doing my religious duty and all of a sudden you break in and remind me of all my hang-ups. Praying is a dangerous thing! You could wind up changed, you know.
That's what I'm trying to get across to you. You called me, and here I am. It's too late to stop now. Keep on praying. I'm interested in the next part of the prayer. Well, go on.
I'm scared to.
Scared? Of what?
I know what you'll say.
Try Me and see.
Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.
What about Sarah?
See, I knew it! I knew you would bring her up! Why she's told lies about me, cheated me out of money. She never paid me back that debt she owes me. I've sworn to get even.
But your prayer. What about your prayer?
I didn't mean it.
Well, at least you're honest. But it's not much fun carrying the load of bitterness around inside is it?
No, but I'll feel better as soon as I get even. Boy, have I made some plans for ole' Sarah! She'll wish she never did me any harm.
You won't feel any better. You'll feel worse.
Revenge isn't sweet?
Think of how unhappy you are already. But I can change all that.
You can? How?
Forgive Sarah. Then I'll forgive you. Then the hate and sin will be Sarah's problem and not yours. You may lose money, but you will settle your heart.
But Lord, I can't forgive Sarah.
Then I can't forgive you.
Oh, you're right. You always are . And more than I want revenge on Sarah, I want to be right with You. All right, I forgive her. Help her to find the right road in life, Lord. She's bound to be awfully miserable, now that I think about it. Some way, some how show her the right way.
There now! How do you feel?
Hmmm, not bad. Not bad at all, in fact I feel pretty great. You know, I don't think I'll have to go to bed uptight for the first time since I can remember. Maybe I won't be so tired from now on because I'm not getting enough rest.
You're not through with your prayer. Go on.
Oh, And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Good, good. I'll do just that. Just don't put yourself in a place where you can be tempted.
What do you mean by that?
Quit hanging around the wrong places, watching inappropriate movies and television. or listening to sinful conversations, getting into compromising situations. Change some of your friendships. Some of your so-called friends are beginning to get to you. They'll have you completely involved in wrong things before long. Don't be fooled. They advertise they're having fun, but for you it would be ruin. Don't use me for an escape hatch.
I don't understand.
Sure you do. You've done it lots of times. You get caught in a bad situation, you get into trouble and then you come running to me. "Lord, help me out of this mess, and I promise you I'll never do it again." You remember some of those bargains you tried to make with me?
Yes and I'm ashamed Lord. I really am. I'm sorry Lord. Up until now I thought if I just prayed the Lord's prayer everyday, then I could do what I liked. I didn't expect anything to happen like it did.
Go ahead. Finish your prayer.
Oh yes. For Thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory forever and forever. Amen.
Do you know what would bring me glory? What would really make me happy?
No, but I'd like to know. I want to please You. I can see what a mess I've made out of my life, and I can see how great it would be to really be one of Your followers.
You answered the question.
I did?
Yes, the one thing that you would bring Me glory is to have people like you truly love Me. And I can see that happening between you and Me. Now that some of these old sins are exposed and out of the way, there's no telling what we can do together.
Lord, let's see what we can make of me, OK?
Yes, let's see. And don't forget to ask, "in Jesus name!"
Well, there ya have it then, food for thought.
I'm a guess'n me and the boys will dwell on this conversation fer quite a spell.
Watch out for children as they head back to school
Hope'n ta see ya in church this weekend. Why not bring along a neighbor or a friend.
Remember, where ever ya is, what ever ya be a do'n, BE A GOOD ONE!
Keep on smile'n,
Catch ya later,
BARNYARD BRUKE