THE LITTLE THINGS - THE GREAT TEXAS DROUGHT

The drought here in East Texas has reach what the experts call "Exceptional."  I'd agree with that.  In my half-century of life this is the first time I have seen trees turning brown in midsummer all across the state.  Even though I have watered my garden regularly, the heat apart front the dryness is killing the plants.  Even the weeds are dying!  The exceptionally hardy Bahia grass is even struggling.

It is so hot that fires are starting spontaneously.  As we drove last weekend to Austin, there were numerous scorched areas, some still smoldering along the highway.  We even saw the remnants of a truckload of hay burning along the highway!  According to the local firemen responding, the truck had come out of Mississippi with a large load of rolled hay bales.  Somehow it had caught on fire.  They had offloaded the truck and saved it from damage, but the cargo was lost!

Back home the lawn had turned brown and crunchy and the shrubbery and plantings are dying.

The positive side of this is that there are no flies, mosquitoes or roaches.  The mice are almost gone and we haven't seen much of the usual varmints like coyotes, skunks or raccoons.  I haven't had to mow the lawn all summer and


Even so, we are looking forward to rain. I am eager to plant the fall garden and get back to being able to burn in the backyard.

After the Response in Houston earlier this month, I expect we shall see rain in abundance in due time.  God does answer prayer after all!

THE LITTLE THINGS - RESOLING THE BOOTS

I have a pair of black leather combat booths that I wore during my enlistment in the Texas State Guard some years ago.  Unlike most such boots I have owned, these are quite light and comfortable.  The result is that I wore them in preference to my other boots, and they eventually wore through on the soles.  I kept the upper parts well polished and so these are in good condition.  However, when I asked at the shoe repairer if they could be fixed, they said they didn't fix that type of construction.

MY FAVORITE BOOT WITH WORN-THROUGH SOLE

Six years ago the boots cost about $25.  Now, comparable boots are around $35. If they could be resoled, it would cost almost as much.  I have other boots, but am reluctant to throw these away since they wear much better.  So I looked about to see what was available to repair them with.  The results were a truck innertube and some Gorilla brand glue.  Some newspaper, a bottle of isopropyl alcohol (IP) a sharp pair of scissors, a pair of hand weights and a sharpie were all that were needed to carry out the plan.

TRACING THE HALF SOLE

First, a large section of inner tube rubber was cut off and laid flat.  Then the half-soles were traced with a Sharpie marker.  The half soles were then cut out, one for each boot, and these were check for fit on the sole of the boot. 

The next step was to thoroughly clean both the boot sole and the half sole with the IP on a wad of newspaper.  This removed the dirt and especially any oil that could prevent the glue from adhering well.  After cleaning, I let the soles dry for about an hour before proceeeding with the gluing.

HAL SOLES TRACED ON INNER TUBE MATERIAL

The glue was spread liberally on the boot sole and the half soles were pressed on by hand.  Then the boots were set upright on the newspaper.  Two five pound hand weights were set on top of the boots to hold them flat on the floor with a little clamping pressure. The glue was then allowed to dry overnight.

The next day I trimmed off the excess rubber and glue with the scissors.  I found the new soles adhered well and I could once again walk about in the boots without exposing my stocking feet to the harsh environment of the outdoors. Cost: $0, time about 1/2 hour.  Quite a bargain for a pair of serviceable boots.  Perhaps I shall try tire tread rather than inner tube next time for longer wear. Not adding to the landfill is another plus!

CLEANING THE HALF-SOLES WITH IP

THE LITTLE THINGS - SALVAGING THE POULTRY WATERER

We've been enjoying a mosquito free summer here in East Texas. That's largely due to the near absence of rain.  Another aspect of this hot, dry weather has been an ongoing need to keep the poultry well watered.  We have a pair of turkey hens that go through over a gallon a day.  To keep them happy, I bought a galvanized waterer two years ago when they were chicks.

Recently I filled the waterer with fresh water and set it down in their pen so they could drink.  I came back an hour or so later and noticed it was already dry.  Amazed at the turkey's capacity to consume the water, I refilled it.  Then, on closer inspection I saw that it was leaking.  The waterer had already rusted through.  Whether it was due to thin galvanizing or the nature of the soil it sat on, small holes had already appeared in the base.  Though the size of pin-pricks, they allowed the water to leak out rapidly, making the waterer pretty much useless.

I'd bought it previously for about $18, and now they were running $30.  That would buy a lot of feed, and I really didn't want to spend the money just now.  So, looking around the yard, I found the materials I needed to repair the waterer.

There was some plywood, a partial can of roofing cement and some sheet metal screws.  In a short while I had coated the base of the waterer with roofing cement and cut out a round base for it from the 3/8 thick plywood sheet I had lying around. (With the sticky roof cement on the base, it would have been messy to set the waterer back down on the bare dirt of the pen) It took just a few minutes to screw the base onto the waterer with my cordless drill.  I waited overnight for the cement to dry a bit, then put the waterer back in service.  It held water just fine, and was fixed for free.

In less time than it would take to drive to the feed store and back I was back in business and the turkeys are once again well supplied with fresh water to endure the drought. The birds didn't complain about the odd looking repair.

MOONLIGHT ON THE BAY

The sun was setting in the west

As we walked along the beach.

The waters were at evening rest

Your hand within my reach.

The moon was full and partly hid

Behind a scudding, mackerel cloud.

As feet beneath the surf foam slid

And two hearts new love gladly vowed.

Time passed in a silent rush

As we rested upon the sand

Til the moon’s light took eve’s blush

While closeness our passion fanned.

We shall return again I’ve planned

With a blanket to restrain the sand.

ON THE ROAD - PAULS JUNK BARN

ENTRANCE TO PAUL'S JUNK BARN

 I was driving on Texas US Highway 59 north of Lufkin when I saw a very interesting sight.  It was a chain link fence enclosing several acres of assorted equipment, tools and other paraphernalia.  A neatly lettered sign at the entrance announced "Paul Nerren's Junk Barn."





PAUL NERREN



To enter the main building I had to thread my way along a narrow, winding path between stacks of various tools, equipment and household goods.  In the building I was greeted by several of Paul's family members and asked if I needed help.  I was looking for a scythe blade and the business end of a turning fork and was directed to shelving overflowing with assorted hand tools. It didn't take long to find what I came for, but the place was so fascinating I continued to wander.  it is like a museum on sale - without the labels and history of the items.  For that you need to talk to Paul or his daughter, Phleshia.  Both were glad to explain what things were and a little history about them.  I enjoyed speaking with both but Paul was more flexible about the prices.  He was kind and hospitable, but the double barreled shotgun laid by his side showed he was also serious about business. 



 

 Paul briefly told me he had originally worked for the local paper mill and started 25 years ago trading at the flea market in his spare time.  The business grew to the point where he was able to buy the current location and set up full-time. Now there are several rooms, each with it's own special class of item.  One held books and phonograph albums, another parts for gas heaters.  Hand told were everywhere and it was quite unpredictable what could be found with a little searching and digging.  I imagine someone trying to furnish a period house or display would do well here.



In fact Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz, better known from the History Channel’s show “American Pickers,” paid Mr. Nerren a visit this past March.  Paul proudly displays their autographed picture above the spot where he sits and greets visitors in his well used recliner.

WAGON WHEEL RIMS OUTSIDE



Outside there is much more.  Besides and open fronted shed, tarps cover some of the grounds but much of it is open to the weather. 

Not only did I find what I came for, but a few other things.  Had my budget permitted, I'd even picked up some other things for future projects.  Where else near home can I find wagon wheel rims and timber saws? I think I shall return when it's not raining for a more extensive search for bargains.





SHELVES OF GLASSWARE



SHELVES OF HAND TOOLS







CERAMIC GAS HEATER INSERTS

A VISIT TO JOPLIN, MO - SURVEYING THE AFTERNAMTH OF THE TORNADO

As I returned home from the family reunion in Newton, IA, the opportunity came to pass through Joplin, MO and see the tornado damage first hand. It'd been six weeks since the EF-4 rated tornado (the second-strongest classification with winds ranging between 166 and 200 mph) with a nearly mile-wide funnel blasted a six mile long path through the city.  I wanted to see both the devastation and the restoration efforts first-hand.

WELCOME TO JOPLIN!

 

RELIEF SUPPLIES AT JOPLIN FAMILY WORSHIP CENTER

Compared to hurricanes, tornadoes typically affect only a narrow and short region, though with much more severe damage due to the higher wind velocities.  Thus, when I first came off the interstate into Joplin, the only evidence of the disaster were tents in the parking lot of a local church.  These were piled high with relief supplies for sorting and distribution.  Traffic flowed normally down the main streets and businesses were open as usual.  It was a Lord's Day morning so many people were heading to church as I exited from interstate 44 onto the business loop.

DAMAGED SUBSTATION

Downtown Joplin seemed quiet and normal as I cruised around looking for the damages areas.  News reports had described 25-30% of the city as damaged, but none of that was apparent at street level where I was.  

Eventually I came across a large tent in a parking lot where relief volunteers from Austin, TX were holding a worship service.  I asked a youth from Round Rock, TX who wore a yellow safety vest if he knew where the damage was.  He politely directed me south to 22nd street where I saw the damage for the first time.

STRIPPED CONVENIENCE STORE

 My first sight of the damage was the remains of a convenience store that had been stripped to the steel framework.  I had seen hurricane damage from Katrina, Rita and Ike, but nothing like this before.    And there was more to come.

 Driving through the residential area I saw many homes, garages and other buildings in various states of damage from windows blown out to foundations stripped clean and everything in between.

DAMAGED RESIDENCE

The death toll was reported at 153.  I could believe it.  At best, the residents had 20 minutes warning from the tornado sirens (unless they'd been watching the weather reports).  I read that at St. John's Regional Medical Center it was barely five minutes warning. Five patients died, all from a power failure that shut down their respirators.  Considering that two whole floors were blown away and all the windows lost, that's remarkable with only five minutes warning. Perhaps if the generator had been in the basement as was the case with Phoebe Sumpter Regional Hospital, it would have been better.  

The hospital fared better than most buildings directly in the tornado's path.  Homes, businesses, schools and churches alike suffered from the storm.   It's destructive force was applied equally in all cases.  However, some recovered better than others.  I came across a humble nail salon that had been completely rebuilt in the six weeks since the storm and was open again for business.  Amazing!

One lesson I learned from examining the pattern of destruction is that there were only two safe places when a the tornado strikes: elsewhere and below ground level.  I think when I have a place of my own it will include an underground tornado shelter.

WORK CREW REMOVING DEBRIS

A month and a half later the signs of recovery were quite apparent.  Streets, sidewalks and parking areas were clear of debris.  Power and communications are mostly restored and traffic lights are working again so traiffic is flowing smoothly through the area.  Work crews are all around, even on a Sunday morning, demolishing ruined buildings and hauling away debris.

FLAG DISPLAY - US AND US ARMY RETIRED

The signs of recovery are good as is the spirit of the community.  Volunteers are frequently seen, especially at the local, undamaged churches. Signs are everywhere advertizing firms to remove debris, rebuild and rent or sell homes to the displaced.  The construction firms are especially active; for one representative even stopped me and offered his services.  I had to point to my Texas license plate and explain that I was just passing through.  It seems there's plenty of work here for quite awhile. On numerous lots various flags were displayed to reassure the public that faith in God and America is still strong here too.

DESTROYED STRIP MALL

It's an ill wind that blows no one any good.  It's a clear tragedy for those who died or suffered loss.  God only knows how that will be resolved.  The insurance companies and the taxpayers are surely suffering too.   However, it means work for many, renewal for the damaged districts and a huge opportunity for the scrap metal business.

TRUCKLOAD OF STUMPS BEING REMOVED

I also wondered what will be done with many tons of scrap wood being removed.  It would be tragic if it were landfilled.  It could be recycled into gas, charcoal and potash, all valuable for energy and agriculture.  I hope some thoughtful official or engineer will arrange for such a project.

In an interesting twist, the Home Depot hardware store was destroyed in the storm and had resumed business under a tent.  It is appropriate that such a store would be among the first to rebuild and will surely do well in the rebuilding cycle.  I also noted that the Lowes hardware store was undamaged and also doing steady business.  I can't say for sure if there's a correspondence, but I do imagine that former chain's support for homosexual activism could have brought divine wrath closer to home and spared their competitor.

LOWE'S RESUMES BUSINESS IN TENT

HOUSE FOR SALE - JOPLIN MO

MATAGORDA BEACH

School is out and summer has begun.  It was nearly time to leave for summer camp and a busy summer schedule.  My daughter was concerned we wouldn’t have time to go to the beach this year if we didn’t go soon.  I liked the idea, so I looked into the possibilities.  When we lived in central Texas it was feasible to drive by car to some nice beaches in Port Aransas or Padre Island.  Now that we live in East Texas it’s much too far to go there and have time left to enjoy a full day or two at the beach.  The nearest popular coastal beach is Galveston.

Add caption

Galveston is convenient and has nice facilities and restaurants and plenty of decent hotels.  However, it’s close proximity to Houston means the beaches are quite crowded when the weather is tolerable.  We like Port Aransas, Mustang Island and Padre Island because the facilities there are as good or better than Galveston and the beaches and water are cleaner and there is less Sargassum on the beaches.  However, now it’s a full day just to drive there. 

There’s a reasonable compromise between these that I am somewhat reluctant to advertise.  That is Matagorda Beach.  Near Matagorda, TX is the Matagorda Bay RV Park.  It’s a small but well designed and maintained park that borders on the coast and includes the mouth of the Colorado River.  The part has a full-time staffed office, a nature center, bath house, RV parking and a beach side picnic area with showers and changing rooms.  For me, it’s main attraction is that it is off the beaten track and only lightly populated with tourists.  The beaches are comparable to Galveston and the water is also murky compared to Port Aransas and points south. The town of Matagorda offers few conveniences beyond a smattering of small restaurants, hotels, shoreline cottages and a supermarket.  They do rate a post office though and have a high per-capita of churches.

View from Intracoastal Waterway Bridge

We drove there from our home in East Texas and arrived late in the morning in the proclaimed “Birding Capital of North America” with over 230 species of birds observed in the area.  My daughter wanted to park on the beach so we had to backtrack to a nearby fish camp to buy the $10 beach parking permit.  Boldly lettered signs at the entrance to the county beach warn visitors that the fine for parking on the beach sans permit ranges from $50-$500.  I presume the range allows for the variations in attitude of those caught parking without permit.  The signs also warn that there is no towing allowed.  I should have paid more attention to this part as I drove slowly down the graded lane on the beach looking for an uncrowded parking spot.

THE CATCH OF THE DAY

The sun was bright, but a partly cloudy sky and a steady on-shore breeze kept things tolerable for the first few hours.  My daughter fished, collected shells, swam and built a small sand castle while I swam and walked up and down the beach.  It was a nice morning.

Around noon it began to get hot and we were getting a little pink so we decided to head in for lunch to escape the hottest and brightest part of the day.  As we started to put out, I heard a familiar and unwelcome sound.  It was a rear wheel spinning futilely in the soft sand.  Unperturbed, I tried all the standard strategies such as rocking back and forth, creeping forward slowly and even soliciting passerby to help push.  I even tried putting seaweed and other flotsam such as a sneaker and some boards under the tires. None of these things worked and the car sank until it’s undercarriage rested comfortably on the damp sand and sargassum. (Note: do not use sneakers for traction.  They melt.)

Some youth in a maroon pickup passed by and laughed derisively without offering any assistance. Sigh! God bless them with more compassion.

Providentially, I found some lengthy 2x6 boards.  Using the shortest as a base, I jacked the car off the sand and dug a shallow trench under each rear tire.  Into the trench I put the other two boards to make a solid surface on which to drive.  Then I lowered the car and stowed the jack back in the trunk.  

STUCK IN THE SAND

All this took more than an hour while we slowly baked in the increasingly intense sun.  Something about being a teenager kept my daughter from seeking shade or using sunscreen to protect her fair skin.

About the time I stowed the jack, another pickup arrived and the two local men in it offered to tow the car out with a handy tow strap they carried.  Remembering the legal prohibition of towing and eager to test my engineering skills, I politely declined and attempted t drive the car out of its sandy resting place without assistance.

A LITTLE IMPROMPTU ENGINEERING

In the driver seat I said a brief prayer, engaged the transmission and slowly depressed the accelerator.  The right rear tire squealed a bit as it fought for traction, but the car slowly advanced and rose out of the sand.  Delighted, I drove onto the graded lane and did a slow and graceful turn about. I waved triumphantly to the kind family that had helped push earlier, blessed the locals with the pickup truck and picked up my sunburnt daughter on the way to the exit.

VIEW FROM RIVERBEND ACROSS RIVER

For dinner we went to the Riverbend Restaurant and Tavern. The menu was a bit sparse and the food ordinary but edible.  The main attraction was a clearing across the Colorado river where we could watch wildlife such as peccaries come out to feed in the late afternoon.  The restaurant staff provides binoculars so the diners can see better.

 

After our dinner we went back to the hotel for a rest.  My dear child was exhausted from watching me extract the car and in pain from her sunburn.  I left her to rest and reflect on the wisdom of acting on parental advice and took a solo driving tour of the nearby town.

Matagorda is small, and the tour lasted less than half an hour.  The primary occupation of the inhabitants after retail, restaurants, hotels and rental cabins appears to be boat storage rental and government work.  There were a large number of churches and little entertainment. Matagorda is the third oldest city in Texas, founded in 1827, but most buildings date after the Great September Hurricane of 1854 which leveled a majority of the town.  It was hit hard again in 1941 with nearly 11’ tides.

St. Peters Baptist Church

Matagorda even has a connection to the Texas War for Independence.  It is the final resting place of Samuel Rhoads Fisher, 1794-1839, signer of Texas Declaration of Independence and Republic of Texas Secretary of the Navy.  Originally from Pennsylvania, he died there as a result of a shooting.  His heirs deeded land on which St. Peter’s Baptist Church was built.  That’s what I know of Matagorda history so far.

HISTORICAL MARKER AT ST. PETERS

After the tour, I too was tired and turned in for the night.

NATURAL SCIENCE CENTER

In the morning we went to the Natural Science Center at Matagorda State Park.   It was a nicely appointed facility with very friendly staff.  The attendant gave us a personal tour or the center and let us feed the live turtles kept in aquariums there. The center has a nice collection of hands-on displays and learning activities as well as classrooms and a small souvenir shop.  As we were leaving, two women arrived with a carload or caged bids for a traveling lecture.  I helped carry some in and had a close up view of fine specimens of great horned owl and barn owl. 

After visiting the science center, we returned to the beach for a last visit, understandably short.  While there I noted three other visitors being towed out of the sand by considerate locals.  That helped me feel better about my adventures the day before. 

Satisfied with our beach trip, we packed up and headed home.  I think we shall return again with sunscreen and a four wheel drive vehicle.

THE FUN THINGS - THE BATTLE OF TEMPLE JUNCTION?

THE BATTLE OF TEMPLE JUNCTION

GUESS WHICH TENT WAS MINE? (CENTER)

After attending artillery school at Mansfield, LA, I dearly wanted to participate in the reenactment of the battle of Jefferson, TX.  There were only a few significant battles in Texas during the Civil War, and the next opportunity wouldn’t be until October at the reenactment of the battle of Hallsville.  However, certain unsympathetic persons obstructed that dream.  So, I thought I’d have to wait some eight months before putting my new found skills as an artilleryman to use.

Then I learned about the “Battle of Temple Junction” which was reenacted last month.  Those familiar with Civil War history may give me a puzzled look, scratch their head and ask, “Why haven’t I heard of the battle of ‘Temple Junction’ before?” 

BREAKFAST COOKING ON CAMPFIRE :`)

The truth is there was never a battle in or near Temple, Texas.  However, some folks in Temple wished there had been.  And since it’s nearly a five hour drive to Hallsville and further to Jefferson, they decided to reinvent their history.  It makes sense when you realize the value of living history and that it’s important for today’s generation to be able to connect with it while having some consideration for convenience and a little nod to creative license.

So, the city made arrangements with Cleburne’s Division to stage a reenactment of Civil War camp life and a scripted battle complete with infantry, cavalry and artillery.  It was a great excuse for about a hundred adult men (and some women) to dress up in period uniforms and bring their pistols, rifles, cannon and assorted camping gear out for a weekend of jolly good fun and camaraderie.  Many brought their spouses and children.  Assorted vendors, called “suttlers” to be more authentic, also came out to enjoy the occasion and make some money from their hobby.

 

USING A BLOWPIPE TO START SMOKEY FIRE

It reminded me of my days as a youth when the neighborhood boys would gather to play army or cowboys and indians.  We had cap guns and sometimes cowboy hats or even child sized military gear.  It was great fun play-fighting across the playground at school or in the lots and woods near our homes.  It was a little frustrating when the opposition was fairly shot and killed, but they refused to admit it and kept on shooting back and insisting that you were the one who had to pay dead.  It wasn’t much different here, only the toys were more realistic and a lot louder with plenty of smoke and noise.

Before each of the two days of battle, the “soldiers” could be seen lounging around camp preparing their weapons and uniforms and swapping chitchat and sage sounding advice with each other.  Loading the firearms is a bit different than for a real battle.  Actual bullets are forbidden since this is simulated warfare and the intent is to entertain and educate, not maim and kill.  Unfortunately there have been some accidents in the past where weapons were brought loaded and people were accidentally shot at the past reenactments.  So great care is taken to assure that live rounds are not used and only blanks are fired.  Reenactors are not even allowed to use ramrods to tamp down the black powder in their rifles and shotguns.  It has also happened that an errant ramrod has been left in the barrel and accidentally fired at some innocent reenactor. As a final precaution, weapons are fired away from or over the heads of the opposition and at a safe distance.

This is especially important in artillery.  A no-fire zone is established in the front of the cannon some fifty yards in front of the muzzle.  The muzzle blast of a blank charge from cannon like the six-pounder I crewed is so powerful that it can deafen, seriously maim or kill at close range.  More than once, reenactors from both sides wandered into our no-fire zone and we had to hold our fire and yell at them to be more careful.



LOADING A PISTOL WITH CORNMEAL INSTEAD OF BULLET

 

PREPARING FOR BATTLE



 

Crewing cannon is quite exciting, and I will write about that shortly, but the camp life can be just as interesting.



RIFLES AT REST BEFORE THE BATTLE



LINE DANCING ON SATURDAY NIGHT



We stayed in reproduction period tents.  So, the floor was dirt or grass (a tarp was laid on the ground if you were being fancy), there was no A/C, electricity or running water.  I slept simply on a folding cot with a sleeping bag and pillow.  Better equipped campers had clever knock-down wooden framed beds with real mattresses. Others has cleverly constructed folding wooden chairs and tables. Cooking was largely done on wood fires with many clever innovations used to prepare excellent food.  (I ate so well that I gained four pounds in just that weekend!)  Some campers brought coolers and camp stoves, but most were traditionalist.  One reenactor even apologized because he was using a butane lighter to start his campfire!  The city of Temple provided ample seasoned cord wood so we didn’t have to forage in the nearby woods.  (I was warned that chiggers abounded there, but actually found none.)

It was quite entertaining and educational to walk from tent to tent to see the various implements and camp furniture people had set up.  There was an endless variety of flag holders, rifle rests, pot hooks, grills and other implements.  It was a blacksmiths dream. There were also many folding wooden chairs, tables and other furniture.  Some were cleverly made from recycled wooden pallets.  Nearly all were sturdy, serviceable and period appropriate. I took many pictures with the thought of showing them to my blacksmith and cabinet maker friends.



THE BATTLE  (OR PART OF IT)





 The sutlers were also quite interesting.  The sold not only gear for the reenactors, but a broad variety of food and souvenirs for the curious public.  There were genuine Civil War artifacts, reproductions and lots of gizmos for children.  Food and drink was also abundant.  This however was more modern fare than period.  Not much market for hard tack and black coffee I suppose.  The sutlers were also a diverse and interesting crowd.  Some were reenactors or their spouses making a little extra to pay for their hobby. Some were enthusiasts buying and selling period items just as happy to talk about their collections as to sell them.  Others were simply business people drawn by the prospect of a crowd.



JAMES HORN'S 6 POUNDER CANNON IN ACTION



Among the most interesting side attractions was the band.  Playing period instruments and calling period dances they livened up the camp life on Saturday night with merry tunes and humorous anecdotes.  Young and old enjoyed Virginia reels, square dancing and line dancing.  The women looked beautiful in their long flowing dresses with bustles and the men were dashing in their uniforms and polished boots.  If you squinted just right, it was possible to imagine you were watching some antebellum gathering of southern elites.

Here and there you could also see a young girl with her hair tucked up under her cap or a plump grandma with a baggy military overcoat over her well endowed figure having just as much fun as the guys. Other women enjoyed their own company in the camp, cooking, chatting and chasing children about in a congenial atmosphere of the extended family of reenactors.



CAVALRY PAUSE WITH EARS RINGING AFTER CLOSE ENGAGEMENT



The battle was reenacted twice, one on the 21^st and again on the 22^nd.  Union and Confederate sides fought bravely each day, switching ends of the battle field for the respective battles to introduce some variety to the occasion.  I was triggerman for Captain Busters’ cannon and stayed put for the entire battle.  Between volleys, I watched the infantry and cavalry skirmish back and forth across the field.  Due to the relatively small number of participants, casualties were light until near the end of the battle.  Then whole ranks of soldiers dropped to the grass for the grand finale of the show.  It was clear the men were having just as much fun as nay boys playing army, perhaps more so.  Even the horses seemed to be enjoying the fun!  Few cared which side won and reenactors and audience alike had a fine time! 

 

HAND FORGED RIFLE REST



A CLEVER LID LIFTER FOR A DUTCH OVEN

Among the most interesting side attractions was the band.  Playing period instruments and calling period dances they livened up the camp life on Saturday night with merry tunes and humorous anecdotes.  Young and old enjoyed Virginia reels, square dancing and line dancing.  The women looked beautiful in their long flowing dresses with bustles and the men were dashing in their uniforms and polished boots.  If you squinted just right, it was possible to imagine you were watching some antebellum gathering of southern elites.

Here and there you could also see a young girl with her hair tucked up under her cap or a plump grandma with a baggy military overcoat over her well endowed figure having just as much fun as the guys. Other women enjoyed their own company in the camp, cooking, chatting and chasing children about in a congenial atmosphere of the extended family of reenactors.

The battle was reenacted twice, one on the 21^st and again on the 22^nd.  Union and Confederate sides fought bravely each day, switching ends of the battle field for the respective battles to introduce some variety to the occasion.  I was triggerman for Captain Busters’ cannon and stayed put for the entire battle.  Between volleys, I watched the infantry and cavalry skirmish back and forth across the field.  Due to the relatively small number of participants, casualties were light until near the end of the battle.  Then whole ranks of soldiers dropped to the grass for the grand finale of the show.  It was clear the men were having just as much fun as any boys playing army, perhaps more so.  Event he horses seemed to be enjoying the fun!  No one cared which side won and reenactors and audience alike had a fine time!

I look forward to the battle of Hallsville later this year and hope to write about that one too.

BOOK REVIEW - SETTING YOURSELF FREE, DELIVERANCE FROM DARKNESS

BOOK REVIEW

Title: Setting Yourself Free, Deliverance From Darkness

Co-Authors: Jesus Christ and Judith Farris-Smith

Publisher: Ingram Book Company

ISBN: 978-1-4276-3506

ISBN 13: n/a

Digital ISBN: n/a

ASIN: n/a

Library of Congress no.: n/a

Physical Attributes: 

Price: $15.95 USD

Reading Time: 10-11 hrs

Construction: paperback

No. of Pages: 150

Dimensions: TBD ¾” thick

Weight: TBD oz.

Cover Design: unattributed

Illustrations: 18 line drawings, several charts and some symbol illustrations in Table of Contents: yes

Glossary: yes

Maps/Inserts: none

Appendices:

     Index: none

     Bibliography: 3 pages

     Biography: no

     Glossary: Occult/New Age Terms (7 pgs)

     Other:        Appendix 1: Who You Are In Christ

                        Appendix 2: Signs Associated With Occult/New Age Involvement

                        Appendix 3: Occult Signs And Symbols

                        Appendix 4: With occult Signs And Symbols

                        Appendix 5: Hand Signs Associated With the Occult

                        Appendix 6: Recommended Healing and Deliverance Resources

Other books by author: Targeted Prayers, Set Yourself Free Little Children and Come to Me, Truth vs. Lies, Information for Teenagers, CÓMO LIBERARSE DE LA OSCURIDAD, Spanish Version of Setting Yourself Free, Deliverance From Darkness, and Little Bit, The Miracle Kid.  Web site:  littlesparrowministries.com

Rating 4/5

Abstract: This is a self-help manual for Christians for deliverance from demonic influences.  It is a practical, step by step process that starts with the identification of the fundamental source of the problem in personal and inherited sin and curses.  Beginning with selected scriptural sources, the author explains the cause and effect; and also the cure for demonization in plain easy to read language.  Following the explanations are short prayers to be read that facilitate the expulsion of demons from a person or material thing. The book concludes with some concise introductory material on how to maintain deliverance and identify various sources which can contribute to relapses and or additional demonization.

Review:  The subject tackled by this book is a very important one that affects people everywhere.  It is written from the presumption that the reader is a Christian, that they are familiar with the Bible; and they desire to address the subject of demonization.  The book also presumes a basic understanding of spiritual authority, the existence of demons and how they interact with Christians.  The author refers the reader to Kenneth Hagan’s book, “The Believer’s Authority,” and other titles for additional material.

                                                                                     

For the reader’s sake, I will interject here that demons are real, sentient beings that are primarily spiritual in substance but may take on a tangible visible and physical form.  They exist in an infinite variety of forms and functions, but are by nature universally hostile and predatory towards humans.  They derive their sustenance and pleasure from human emotional states, primarily negative ones.  Their effects on people can be generally classed into two levels: demonization and demon possession. Demonization occurs when humans and demons interact but the human remains in conscious control of themselves, may not even be aware of the interaction and are capable of resisting the demonic activity.  Demon possession occurs when the demon becomes deeply integrated into a person or the person becomes greatly weakened, exposed to demonic influences and the demon assumes partial or full control of the person’s conscious activities.

The main premise of the book is that people are naturally resistant to the influences of demons, but that trauma, sin, and curses create opportunities for demons to influence, exploit and even harm humans.   Sin may be generally described as disobedience to God’s commandments which may be succinctly defined as rejection of God’s authority and selfish behavior towards others.  The effects of demonization can be manifested as illness, mental instability, failure in relationships, “bad luck” and a host of other things.   Once sin has had its effect, only the Grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ can restore a person to freedom from demonization and a right relationship with God.

Therefore, the book begins with a prayer for salvation that acknowledges a person’s need for salvation from the effects of sin and that Jesus Christ is the only source of that salvation.

There is a brief introduction titled “Setting Yourself Free – Deliverance From Darkness.”  This sets the tone and pace for the rest of the book by explaining the spiritual nature of our struggle with the demonic and the need for spiritual tools, weapons and defenses.  This introduction also explains the need for a progressive approach to deliverance from the demonic.

The book is primarily divided into six parts:

I – Doctrinal Affirmation and a prayer for discernment between truth and deception. Establishing a relationship with God and receiving power and discernment from the Holy Spirit is critically essential to the deliverance process.

II – An explanation of inherited sin and curses, the necessity of forgiveness, humility and the need to put away bitterness and pride.  It then introduces soul- ties and explains how these affect a person.  This second section concludes with the effects of negative speech and sexual sins. Each topic includes a formal prayer that is intended to address the issues discussed.  Something not commonly understood because of its peripheral treatment in scripture is the subject of soul-ties.  That is addressed in more detail later in the book.

III – The third part addresses occult practices.  This is a far ranging subject that is touched only topically in the book.  Some familiar practices such as witchcraft and divination are addressed here.  Other topics included with the occult are abortion, homosexuality and substance abuse.  This section also deals explicitly with Freemasonry and Roman Catholicism.  These delicate subjects are addressed in a practical and straightforward manner that acknowledges both the sincere Christian beliefs and motives of the latter practitioners and the institutional errors that compromise their faith and expose them to demonization.  It includes prayers intended to address these problems and release the individual from the consequences of the above mentioned compromises.

IV – The fourth part is the heart of the book.  At this point, it may be presumed the reader has understood and dealt with all issues detailed in the book.  They have been taken from generational curses through forgiveness, pride and other issues. The process of deliverance is a step-by-step process of cleansing which culminates in Part IV of deliverance. In this section, the reader is lead through a sixteen part series of explanations and prayers that are intended to address inherited and acquired sins and curses.   According to the author, the consequences of sins may be passed down through multiple generations leaving even young minor children vulnerable to demonization.  Besides inherited or acquired sins, they may be affected by curses laid on them or their ancestors which abet demonization. Curses are causal actions either made by others or self-inflicted which enhance a demon’s ability to affect a person. 

The approach to deliverance here is to first renounce personal and especially ancestral, racial or institutional sins and curses. The next step is to use authority given to Christians by God to bind each of sixteen “strongmen” (particularly powerful demons of a type related to broad categories of sins) and their subordinate demons.  Then the person orders the demon to leave them and cease to interact with them.  The third and most critical step is to invite the Holy Spirit to enter the formerly demonized person and occupy the capacity vacated by the demon to preclude its return. Only briefly mentioned in the book but often essential to the process is intercessory prayer by others for the demonized person.

V – It is a given that demons are reluctant to leave and eager to return. This section deals with how to prevent them from reestablishing themselves in a formerly demonized person.  This is important because if they are allowed to reestablish themselves, it is very likely they will do so much more thoroughly than before and it may be more difficult if not impossible to remove them afterwards. This fifth section also includes some advice on how to remove and exclude demons from residential and other property.

VI – The last section is a catch-all for whatever hadn’t been addressed previously.  It quite simply explains the general structure and relationships among the principle spiritual realms and entities.  Subjects such as demonic hierarchies, the difference between water and Holy Spirit baptism, power in the spoken word, the necessity of forgiveness, additional prayers for protection from the occult, and an explanation of our necessary relationship with God.  Here are also found the glossary and appendixes mentioned above.

Overall the book is a compilation of experience from some two decades of ministry work in deliverance and this is demonstrated in its compact, progressive and practical approach to the subject.  Ms. Smith doesn’t delve deeply into the nature or behavior of demons, nor does the book attempt to explain much about the specifics of what sin is, the mechanics of demonization or how deliverance works.  It is tightly focused on getting rid of them, establishing a right relationship between a person and God and keeping things that way. 

Although the book is clearly deigned as a self-guided approach to deliverance, my observations of her work indicate that the book is not a sufficient resource to achieve deliverance by the reader alone.  Ms. Smith states that many people are delivered by just going through the book.  Some people call or email the ministry for additional help and advice.  I observed several deliverance sessions where Ms. Smith went straight to the business of talking her client through the process after they had worked through the prayers in the book.  There was no need for theatrics, high emotion or elaborate rituals.  Once the prerequisites had been met, demons began leaving the subject at a rapid pace.

There was nothing to see or hear that a camera could catch, but all those in the room could feel various sensations as the demons came out of the subject and were dispatched.  The sensation was something like being charged up on a Van de Graaff generator while dry sand or rice was being poured over one’s head and shoulders or an electrostaticaly charged bed sheet was being pulled off of one’s upper body. The room became crowded with them and in close proximity to them one could feel the hair rising on the back of the neck, a tightening of the throat muscles or a sensation that something was gripping firmly about the lower legs.  Similar sensations accompanied the invocation for Jesus to cast out the demons or for the Holy Spirit to come down and fill the person with His presence.  It was an awesome experience to know that one was in the very presence of God.

Apparently the deliverance process is greatly enhanced by having others present to pray for, encourage and guide the person being delivered.  I noticed too that some symbolic gestures and movements were required at several points to achieve the deliverance.  In particular, taking a physical step to symbolically “step out of” ancestral lineages was essential to realizing that part of the process before the demons would depart.  Occasionally, the laying on of hands and some repetitious rebuking of particularly stubborn demons were required.

The short of it was that this is a real problem and this approach is effective.

I can’t say how thorough or complete an individual deliverance is using this method, but the changes observed for those ministered to was immediate and profound.   Ms. Smith cites a variety of manifestations that accompanies deliverance such as physical healing, a return of mental and emotional stability, freedom from depression and addiction, restored relationships and much more. She describes the process as a tearing down walls in an individual that have prevented an intimate relationship with our Lord and Savior.  The person is no longer a “victim’ but a “victor.”

The book does not specifically address in detail involvement “Christian” cults such as Mormonism and Jehovah’s Witnesses or false religions such as Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism. Ms. Smith frankly admits it is of little effect for someone deeply involved in the occult. It is also not clear how this might be of help to an atheist or agnostic either.  (The companion book “Set Yourself Free Little Children and Come to Me” is the version appropriately designed for children.) There was also a lack of distinction made between cult ritual oaths and oaths taken for non-religious purposes such as testimony in court, government or military service.  The reader could get the impression that oaths and rituals of any kinds are demonic, which is not the case.  The distinction between the use of ritual objects and gestures for occult purposes and deliverance ministry is also not well addressed.

The book is directed at a fairly literate, doctrinally mature Christian adult.  So, the focus and audience is fairly narrow.  I found the concise and practical approach to be quite appropriate since it is about deliverance for Christians and makes no attempt to explain more than is necessary to achieve the goal. This appears to be intentional for it avoids emphasizing the demonic at the expense of the real goal which is a right relationship with God and freedom from demonic influences.

One serious shortcoming of the book is that while it is very effective in forcing the demons to leave a person, it does not appear to prepare the person being delivered from their return.  Once out, the prescribed prayers direct the demons to go to "...the arid places."  And though it warns them not to return, prescribes no penalty for returning.  This may explain why I have observed them returning quite persistently.  A variation on the address to the demon "May God do to you as He did to the serpent of Eden." appears to address this subject quite effectively. (Unlike people, demons are not protected by grace.  Therefore, when they sin by tempting a person or invading their body, God's judgement upon them is swift and thorough, but it appears it must be invoked.)  Another point not well emphasized enough is that the person delivered should forgive those who harmed them, repent for what they have done and seek reconciliation wherever possible to prevent future demonization.

Due to some technical shortcomings and a clear need for some additional material in the book I deduct a point from the possible score of five.  In the future it will be great to see this book and its companion books republished with the additions and corrections that will make them even more powerful and effective tool for individuals and deliverance ministers alike.