http://cowboyupamerica.blogspot.com/

[Jeff Hildebrandt]

This is a Christian Cowboy Poetry page featuring my original work.

(some secular, most faith-based)

[Jeff Hildebrandt]

Stuck in the Round Pen

 

For those who’ve never trained a horse, there’s something you should know.

It’s about what’s called the Round Pen.  It’s where most horses go

to learn to follow signals thru a tender teaching touch.

But, horses in the round pen can only learn so much.

Pretty soon, a cowboy needs to let the pony out

so it can use what it’s been taught.  Cause training’s all about

just getting ready for the ride and knowing what to do

when challenges and obstacles pop up in front of you.

 

Like ponies, we can study until the cows come home

in the safety of our round pen.  But really, we should roam

outside our Bible study group, outside our churches walls

and use our training where it counts, in grocery stores or malls

or at the doctor’s office, or any other place

where we can show God’s saving love and talk about His Grace.

 

But, I’m just like a fresh-broke colt that shivers at the thought

of leaving comfort zones behind.  I’d really rather not

put my faith out on display where others criticize

so I seek incognito ways I can evangelize.

I can talk about the weather, TV shows and foreign aid.

I can argue over politics or the latest sports team trade.

But when it comes to life and death, I seek my comfort zone

cause there’s no confrontation in my round pen all alone.

 

But God’s Word says to go and do.  So, I must get a grip.

Security’s not the round pen, it’s in relationship.

The closer that I get to God, the more my faith increases

and when I leave my round pen, I won’t go to pieces.

I’ll walk and talk with confidence about my transformation

since I accepted Jesus Christ, the gateway to salvation.

I know that God is faithful and with him I’ll succeed

so let’s all leave the round pen with Jesus in the lead.

                   jeff hildebrandt© July 7, 2011

 

[Rocky Morris, Founding Director]

Enjoyed very much Jeff!!! God bless you brother!

[Jeff Hildebrandt]

Thanks Jan.  The poems come from God, I just write them down.  I hope you'll remember to visit AllAboutGOD.com from time to time and let them know what you think about their website.

God Bless You.

JEff

[Jan Harbuck, Network Manager]

Your poems really blessed me! So honored to have you on ICCAN!!!

[Jeff Hildebrandt]

Have you heard about the website, AllAboutGOD?  Check this out:

From: MeLissa Houdmann [mailto:[e-mail]]
Sent: Thursday, January 27, 2011 1:31 PM
To: Jeff Hildebrandt

Hi Jeff,  I published two of your poems today.  

http://www.allaboutreflections.org/truth-poem.htm

http://www.allaboutreflections.org/salvation-poem.htm

Thanks and great writing!

In Christ,  MeLissa

www.AllAboutGOD.com

www.AllAboutGOD.net

[Jeff Hildebrandt]

I need to tell you that "Ridin' for the Boss and the Brand" is more than just another book of Christian poetry and it's not a just book of Cowboy poetry. (I have one of those if you're interested) I thought I'd give you a taste of what the book is about by printing excerpts on this blog.


"My purpose is not to relate life in the saddle, but use life in the saddle as a way to relate what I consider eternal truths. I hope that explains why I wrote this book.

For the record:

Like most folks who enjoy cowboy poetry, I don’t make my living in the saddle. But I can dream of cool nights under a big sky, campfires and camaraderie. I feel “cowboy.”

I am a Cowboy Poet

I am a cowboy poet.
Well, not the “cowboy” part.
I don’t spend days on horseback
but there’s cowboy in my heart.
I am a cowboy poet.
I wear a wide brim hat
just like those for-real cowboys do.
I make dern sure of that.
I am a cowboy poet.
I use phrases like “Dern sure,”
“All-you-all” and “Adios”
to give my rhymes allure.
I am a cowboy poet
and I love the out of doors;
The glistening mountain glaciers
and verdant valley floors.
I love the smell of fresh cut pine,
the chill of mountain streams
and the sound of saddle leather.
I’m bustin’ at the seams
with joy for all things cowboy
except the cowboy way
of walking round in high heeled boots
for all the live long day.
But, as a cowboy poet
I have to play the part
cause folks expect the image
when there’s cowboy in your heart.

That’s sort of like a Christian;
There is joy, but also pain
when standing on God’s principles
while those around complain
that you’re just a soggy blanket;
A fool and not real smart.
But God applauds the sacrifice
when there’s Jesus in your heart.

God has truly blessed me when it comes to Cowboy Poetry. In 2006, I did something that had never been done before; perform in mainland China. I was part of the Great American Cowboy Concert Tour that played on The Great Wall, in Beijing and in Shanghai.

Two years before that God opened the doors to New York’s Carnegie Hall. Only one other cowboy poet had ever performed there. What an honor!"


Just so you know, I was asked to record an abridged version of the book and it is now available on CD. I'm keeping the cost low so you can order some for all your friends.

[Jeff Hildebrandt]

RIDIN FOR THE BRAND

 

When the boss says,

“There’s some fence to mend

and you all lend a hand”.

There’s never hesitation

cause you’re ridin’ for the brand.                             

If you have to move a herd of beef

much sooner than you’d planned

you saddle up and head out

cause you’re ridin’ for the brand.

There are certain obligations.

There is pride and loyalty

and you’ll always lend a hand

because you’re in the family.

I think that it’s the same for those

who heed the Master’s call

and witness to the love God showed

through Jesus Christ for all.

The Lord said there is right and wrong

and you must take a stand.

He won’t accept the middle ground

when you’re ridin for His brand.

 

The branding iron that sears your heart

was fired by sacrifice.

God sent His Son to die for you

so take some good advice.

Count yourself as lucky

if you’re cut out from the herd

by the wrangler that is wisdom

on a horse that is the Word.

And know that what awaits you

is the glory that God planned

when he sends His Son to round up those

who’ve been riding for the brand.

 

Jeff Hildebrandt, copyright 2000

[Jeff Hildebrandt]

I am a Christian Cowboy Poet.  Ridin for the Boss and the Brand is my latest book of what I call, Poetry-with-a-Purpose.  It's a message using my original poetry for emphasis.  I also have produced an abridged version of this book on CD.  It runs a lilttle more than an hour and is broken into 8 chapters.  It is meant to encourage believers to do something with their faith.  I have been blessed to speak at "Cowboy Church" services around the country as well as speak to groups in more traditional churches.  If you know of an opportunity where I can share my gift, please contact me.

[Jeff Hildebrandt]