Savage Sam

We’ve owned the movie for many years.

Our children have grown up laughing at the way Bud Searcy made that “brag shot” and then promptly fainted.

They’ve discussed how spoiled Arliss was and how he should be more respectful to his elders and older brother.

They have always liked Travis, who never gave up trying to protect Lisbeth and Arliss, even enduring torture for trying to make a way of escape for them.

So, it seemed like a good idea when I had the opportunity to own an old library copy of the book.

I’d never read it, but figured if the movie was good the book would be better.

When I finished reading it aloud to our son, Jase, I was surprised.

I like the movie better.

The book was probably more true to life, but it was a lot sadder and more violent.

I didn’t grow up in Texas, nor am I old enough to know many “Old West” stories, besides a few told by a very elderly neighbor when I was a teen.

But I was born in the West, and I have known my share of people who understand wild animals, the danger they can pose; farmers and ranchers who never really stop working; as well as a few people whose families have lived in the same area since their ancestors crossed the prairie in search of a future.

There’s a separate feeling to those folks, which still bring a realness to stories like Savage Sam.

Although, it won’t make our “frequently read” list, I’m certain we will continue to enjoy the movie.

And the entire experience has reminded me, again, how evern in a fictional story, my heart cheers for those who are willing to sacrifice to save others from the grip of evil.

I’m even more thankful to God for His payment for us to escape the clutches of wickedness.

For our true enemy is not mankind, even when they fall prey to begin the mode utilized by evil, but rather it is our ancient foe, the devil and the demonic spirits.

Matthew 25:41 KJV — Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

But through Christ, we have freedom, redemption, and salvation from the ways of evil.

Psalm 9:16 KJV — The LORD is known by the judgment which he executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. Higgaion. Selah.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your salvation. Lord, thank You for the men and women whose names are unknown, but are people who have stood in the way of those trying to harm the innocent, who have sacrificed to protect the helpless. Lord, thank You that we can find faith and hope in Your Word and know that no matter the circumstances, You will judge, evil will not endure. Lord, thank You for Your promises and especially the confident expectation of Your return. Lord Jesus, for those who are being a pawn in the hand of the enemy of our souls, please help them to break out of the abuse, the self-destructive behavior, the ways of wickedness. Please help each one of Your followers to love others, to walk with integrity, and to speak the truth, that we might be used by You to thwart the efforts of the enemy. Lord, help us to remember that we don’t fight against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers. Thank You that You defeated sin and death once and for all. I praise Your holy name, Jesus. Amen.

You are what you read?

Some of my most favorite books.

I can’t say I totally agree with this statement:

“You are what you read.”

I think what we read, watch, and listen to all have an impact upon our hearts.

Yet, for something to change me, I have to accept it.

I’ve read plenty of things I rejected (those magazine headlines at the grocery store).

To prove none of them changed me is simple. I can’t remember a single one.

Yet, I’ve learned to be guarded on what I do accept.

With that, there is plenty of literature I read with the purpose of changing.

First and foremost is Scripture.

The Holy Bible is my daily joy and it is continually sculpting my thoughts, attitudes, and actions.

I read and study curriculum.

When I choose a curriculum I look at the information as more than an opportunity to teach, but also an opportunity to learn.

I also read for enjoyment.

Always understanding that even in that my perspective can be tweaked by what I allow into my heart.

So when my sweet husband gave me a novel for Christmas I was expectant.

Neither of us were familiar with the author but he really felt God lead him to it at the Christian book store.

I really enjoyed it.

And it did change my perspective.

After reading the story I began to reflect upon my marriage.

The heroine was married to a man she didn’t choose, yet she chose to love him, because she wanted to honor God.

I gladly said “Yes!” when my husband asked for my hand.

Do I always choose to love him as an honor before God?

The woman in the book also had been given advice: “Don’t judge him…”

In her circumstance, she would cause havock if she were to try to explain to her husband what was “right and wrong” in her eyes. They were from vastly different cultures and had been raised with completely different rules.

So when her heart was breaking over a choice her husband made, she didn’t judge him. Instead she took it to God.

How easy it is to judge first and pray later.

Yet, my twenty plus years of marriage have taught me that judging my husband normal causes more pain.

Instead, praying for him and seeking God’s perspective has helped me discern when and how to speak with my husband, if at all. Sometimes I am the one in the wrong, normally because I jumped to a conclusion without listening.

There are other tidbits of perspective I’ve picked up from this Christian novel.

I’m thankful to God for the ability to change my way of thinking.

It’s a blessing to allow God to hone my character even through a book I read as entertainment.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for using a book to teach me new ideas. Thank You for Your Holy Word which sculpts my heart and mind daily. Lord, please continue to help me be wise as to what I allow myself to read, watch, or listen to. Please keep my heart safe from the lies of the enemy. Thank You for loving and teaching me each day.