Postman, Policeman …or Bemused Observer? 

I missed the stick! Sorry. It’s a Foundation Tabernacle

My life went a lot smoother when I kept my opinions to myself unless asked. There were exceptions but not many.

Howdy folks. I have the distinct "honor" of being one of the students from this class Mr. Noel was talking about. I further have the even more dubious honor of being the jack wagon that got thrown off the horse that never cuases any problems. And Blue, the horse in question did not have any problems this time either. The problem was entirely with me, I was wearing my fathers spurs. They are something that mean a great deal to me. and they will never be worn again, and have since been retired and hung up. They are Bronc riding spurs and have no place on my boots and had no place near Blue or even Mr. Nowl's excelent school. It was a confluence of unintended and perfect circumstances that led to me getting rightfuly thrown onto my keester in the dirt. Right where I belonged. But like wise, lessons were learned and Blue and I went on that day and the next to having a fantastic ride, pushing some cattle, and learning even more. Anf Mr. Noel is far to himble to point it out, but beyond being bemused at me on my butt, and delivering the message as the postman, and then getting rid of the spurs as a policeman, he took on the even more valuable role, he mentioned, the teacher. Anf he did it with gentle grace. He won't tell you that. I cannot say this enough, listen to this man. Just listen to him. I learned more in my week from him, his family, and his crew, than I have ever learned in a lifetime around horses off and on. And I will never be able to be grateful enough. Thank you again Sir.

We need to hold others responsible if they do wrong just like we hold ourselves responsible if we do wrong. Accountability is a one-way ticket to maintaining peace of mind.

I have had a lot of horses in my life. I have never had a bad horse. People would bring me "bad horses," and come to find out it it was the people and their communication with the horses. Spent more time training people than the animal. I really miss my horses. Your advice is straight on. Keep up the good work.

Reminds me of one of my favourite sayings - when I am getting stressed about something happening that isn't my responsibility I remind myself 'not my circus, not my monkeys'

Dewayne you should consider writing a book we all would love to read your life struggles and experiences

“Good judgement comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad Judgment.” ~Will Rogers

I'm not good at card games, but I do understand, " You've got to know when to hold them, And know when to fold them." Unless Kenny Rogers was singing about doing the ironing, of course 🤔

I have been listening to this Dwayne cowboy (apologizes if I spelled it wrong) for a while now. He seams very sincere and he communicates a lot of wisdom! I am 49 and I respect that the advice that he gives, he has earned overtime/life experience. I think there’s a famous quote suggesting that, “A smart man learns from his mistakes but a wise man learns from others mistakes”

Take as many weeks as you need, your advice always comes when it's needed

It’s my personal belief it comes down to one’s own Ego. Once you let go of that thing you find yourself living life much more smoothly and in accordance to the way of things. Not worried about the necessities of tomorrow or worried about consequences due to the past. Life is filled with many more small moments than monumental moments. Less is more in my view, and living simply has granted me peace and clarity of mind for years. Thanks for the words Dewayne, always a pleasure 🍻

Dewayne, I do so enjoy your fireside chats. I do wish that I had grown old with your logic, common sense, and ability to pick and choose your fights. Thank you, Mike

Thank you Dewayne once again for great advice. I think that I make the mistake of wanting to be a postman, or even a policeman when I should just be a bemused observer. A part of that might be because I think that other people might think less of me if I don't do something when I'm in the presence of someone doing something stupid. But most of the time nothing really bad happens, and I end up causing myself a lot of stress and drama for no reason. So I think that I will try to take your advice to heart and to keep in mind what my responsibility is in any given situation. Growing up in Canada makes it weird because there's this weird sense of responsibility pushed on us by those in power to prevent people from making a potential mistake. I prefer the classical American mindset of looking after what you are responsible for, and allowing others to live their lives and to make the mistakes they need to make.

Keep doing what you’re doing Dwayne, I love listening to you tell these stories and life experiences and then telling the point or what you learned from such experience.

Once again… You have no idea how timely and encompassing this message is. Middle management in the corporate world can take your message and use it very wisely for their day-to-day activities and lower their stress level in particular situations that can highly irritate most. Thank you for your wonderful, and sometimes unintentional, parables.

Thanks for helping me out. Your wisdom and experience helps me out. I appreciate ya!!

Glad to hear from ya again uncle Dwayne, God bless you!

This is the best channel on youtube! And you, sir , are amazing.❤Love the wisdom, please keep posting! 👍

Thanks for your channel Dewayne. Love your post and all your wisdom. Please post more videos!

Mornin Dwayne, good to see you back.

congratulations, on the new addition to your family!

I’m admittedly one of those “I told you so” people at times. It’s just irritating when you warn a loved one and they endanger themselves, so you stress that it could have been prevented. Very good time to see this video. I’m going to enter into a job role where I once was a “policeman and postal carrier”, and now I have to be a bemused observer. Will be interesting.

Hi Dewayne, Yeah, I've found that Accepting the things That I have and or Do not have Control Over gives Me So much more Peace, I have Control over Myself,And to B Accountable for my Actions, Also To Change and Grow to B a Better Version of Myself, And Also Being able to Share what I have Learned along the way with Someone, Than I had Planted a Seed there, And That Seed will take its course, As Iron Sharpens Iron, So One Man Sharpens Another, Love Hearing Some of Your Nuggets of Wisdom and Knowledge, Thank U, For Your Seed Planting, Very Much Appreciated 🦜 Take Care, Blessings to U and Family 🕊️🛡️👑🐦

Very interesting topic Dewayne! Definitely something we all experience. In any situation where this occurs, it’s good to stop and think first: what am I responsible for, and when should I go out and say something? Sometimes with friends I experienced some challenges where I knew what risks they were putting themselves in and pointed them out, but they decided to go with it anyway. Sure, while it’s a bit unfortunate to know some misfortune could have been avoided, I cannot live their life, and so it’s not my place to make decisions for them. Sometimes, we all have to make our own mistakes in order to learn and grow as people. I’m sure the guys from your story didn’t forget that experience either, and learned a great deal! Great insights once again Dewayne, take care!

Welcome back, Dewayne! We missed you. Congratulations on your daughter's wedding. P.S. Love the black hat.

I received my shirt last week. I plan on wearing it when I leave for Cincinnati in a couple of weeks. Happy to support this channel.

Your wisdom is beyond measure. This was very helpful with a current situation I have. Gave me great insight. Thank you.

Always love your stories! Thanks so much for sharing with us!

My dad always said "there's a hard way and an easy of doing things"! We learn by doing!

This is a great subject. It's good to care about others, but how we go about expressing that care makes all the difference. And too often people make themselves an authority figure in situations where it is not their place. Kind of like learning to pick your battles. I've recently found myself in middle management at work and I'm learning this kind of thing first hand. I had some wisdom on it but some things you can only learn in the moment, as our emotions try to tell us what to think and do, and we choose whether or not to let them lead the way.

Thanks Dewayne!🤠 I love to hear your stories and try to glean some of your wisdom! Have fun on your trip! Stay safe! GOD Bless y’all 🤠🙏💕🌺

I've got a 2016 model Nevada Mustang that I pulled off the wild horse coral in November 2021 and it is the best trail horse I've ever been on. 2000+ miles on her since I started riding her and on the trails she is GOLD!

I really like Challis. Nice little town in a beautiful area.

Congratulations. Super happy to hear the good news

Sage advice, sure enjoyed the video. Thank you for sharing Dewayne.

You’re part preacher, mostly cowboy, sprinkled with some philosopher. Good stuff my friend thank you.

Good advice brother. Some people just have to touch the hot stove to find out it really is hot. All we can do is watch the show. Painful, but, it is the only way some people can learn. Thanks for another great video.

Many expect you to carry the person not just the message. You reminded me.of a time when I got a call from a young man saying he and his cousins were going to go do a drive by to kill some dude I simply asked if any of them had experience in that sort of thing, and that there was a high likelihood they would get caught. People will make their own decisions in life. All I can do is point out the obvious the let the chips fall. I miss the sage wisdom I got around the campfire. Did Western stunt work back in the day. Now I'm just an old timer with a bad back having had a life worth living.

Your common sense wisdom is refreshing and we all need to hear the eloquent way in which you deliver. Thank you Dewayne

Somebody charged his batteries and came back with the ⚡️electric bill of wisdom🦉. Excellent Teaching I needed. Thank you 🙏 Postman. Policeman or… Bemused Observer!

I'm a postman. I've given the message, what you do with it is on you! GOD bless brother.

I got a chain saw chain, cut it and welded handles on the end. Works great and rolls up neatly

Great Talk Dewayne - Makes a lot of good sense! IMO - The trouble we have now days is we have a society of people who are victims. It’s never their fault the decisions they make turn out to be an unwanted adventure. Lol I’m trying to get my grandkids to understand that while they are still teenagers. Thank you!

Mr. Noel first of all I want to thank you for taking the time and making those videos. They are really encouraging. I can listen to you forever. I also listen to your Spotify channel on my way to work Good luck on your trip to Idaho !

This is one of your best videos. Especially since it is such great advice. Well done.

I was hunting elk up in the Frank Church Wilderness in 1997. We drove into Big Creek, dropped the trailer off at the Air Strip. Took the pickup and horses/mules up to the trail head and then packed in 8 or 9 miles I believe. On our way back out one of my friend's son, who was maybe 7 at the time was hot roding down the trail on his shetland , jumping logs and having a good ole time. To start out with I was the postman, telling him he might want to settle down a little bit. Before I had to become the policeman his horse dumped him and I became a bemused observer for about a quarter of a mile telling Dakota that he needed to hurry up and get to his pony who looked up the trail to catch the rest of the pack string. Finally pulled him up on my horse with me, only thing hurt was his pride and I believe a lesson was learned. Enjoy your time away. I would love to go back to that country some day.

Great advices. Thanks 🙏

Between the cigar smoke and the tac, that room must smell terrific..

Believe it or not, there really is a very strong bond between inside/outside happenings, if i have a problem with people behaving stupidly, then that is the thing i experience repeatedly in life, if i observe within how things make me feel i gain the opportunity to slowly change the beliefs if i feel they are faulty, if that makes sense

Good talk Dewayne, that was a concept that I didn't learn until my early 40's. On a side note, don't worry about the t-shirt fiasco; you made it cleat that it was a pre-sale.

Sometimes being Kind is better than being nice. Seen many people be nice and regret it but those who are kind will address the difficult issues because it’s right.

Good to see you again, Dawayne -- I'm a pastor myself, so my ears perked up when you mentioned us! I really enjoyed the word pictures you used to show the importance of discerning how direct or involved we should get in our guidance of others. That takes some experience and wisdom, and I've learned some about how to parse that out as I've done this for over 25 years. We've always got to keep thinking and re-evaluating, though! Good word, Brother, and I always appreciate your insights. Make sure you get rested up real well when you head out to Idaho for awhile.

I bought mine as a signal of support for you Dewayne! ❤

Congratulations on your daughter's wedding. May she have a blessed life, and u too😊

❤my adult son recommended me this video and it really settled some things in my mind. thank you

Great advice Dwayne. There comes a time you have to “give your horse his head” and that applies across the board. Kids, coworkers or others we cross paths with in life. Experience can and should be a good teacher. Failure and otherwise should be opportunities to learn. In the story you described, you offered sound advise or offered up some good points to ponder but those hands were intent on riding up that trail. There’s times in life we have to ask ourselves, “all because we can, is it still a good idea?” The situation with the spurs and folks riding your stock, you have every right to be the “postman” but quickly and matter-of-factly transition to “policeman”. People should learn from their decisions. We’ve all known or know those that don’t. Actually, I’d rather learn from others mistakes! It’s a lot less painful and that lesson is either witnessed or passed down through sage advice.

Sir, you truly inspire me to be myself unabashedly. May the Lord bless you and keep you.

These videos are always spot on with what’s going on in my life. Tysm

Real good video with some solid advice. When I started asking myself "Where is my place?" and "Is this something I need to be involved in?" things got a lot easier in life.

I absolutely love this channel! I've only been on a horse twice ever. The first time I was bare back and quickly treed. LoL The 2nd time it was at a recreation area that rented them for an hour ride. That was a way better time 😃. That first Appolusa* knew that I was nervous and as soon as her owner walked away it made sure that I was getting off! I grabbed a tree limb and pulled myself to safety. We all had a great laugh because it was funny because I didn't get hurt. Now I want to tell of what happened today at work, I was picking up the tool's and talking to a framer who was waiting for the builder to leave so he could "borrow" 4 or 5 sheets of plywood for a project of his own. I hate thieves but don't want to get in the middle of any of that by telling another of their intention. Why he told me I have now idea? So I just kept picking up and merely said " That's between you and the LORD bud". He turned around and said something about going to buy some but I couldn't hear exactly what he said. In the past I have told of theft that I witnessed, but this was just word's and it is between him and the LORD! That's why I love this channel, Morality is key.

I hope your trip will be great! Ty for your videos

As a man who spent his child/teen years "cowboy'in", this spoke so much truth to me. I was a hard headed kid with amused by-standers leading, and they loved it. Before 5 years old I was riding angry sheep, by 8 years old, I had faced down and ridden 1,000's of steers that were giants to me, i was a small kid, athletic but small. An angry 500kg cow is a Goliath to a 6/7 year old kid, all of 30kg, wet. The first time i jumped on a horse my cousin (my main leader/"amused by-stander", a dangerous woman close to 30 at the time) she asked what i wanted to ride (she broke and trained horses for all manner of people, taught me too as well, which i loved! I have always loved animals) and I replied I wanted a "good ride"... she was my amused by-stander, and she brought out an old and gentle tempered colt, which I jumped on, it was so gentle and good natured, and old, that it only wanted to walk :/ going from an angry ram/pig/cow ect to that was beyond disappointing. I jumped off 30 seconds later and told her it was no good, i liked riding the other animals and asked if all horses were "this boring?" She gave me an odd, sidways look and asked if i "wanted to ride some fire?", and as a strong willed kid, I replied "the hotter the better...." she left on her horse and retuned with another on a holter. Then she became the "postman". She told me "this hack is still semi-green and no one has ridden her yet, 4 people have tried and she threw all 4 over her head in all of 1 second"... in my head I was a little nervous, because she always encouraged me to "have adventures", as you put it, and she had never looked me in the eye and said (to paraphrase) "be very careful".... Well this beauty was a "standard bred/Arabian mother and wild horse father off the loacal plaines", 16'4 hands and a richer brown than I have ever to see again, i believe she was about 4 years old (at a guess). Well I looked into this horses eyes and saw a fire/passion, tempered with an intelligence that felt like a kick to the face. This was no piss3d off cow, this was a sentient creature with the mental capacity, potential will, and lord knows the ability, to end me, permanently... so my "postman" gingerly begins putting on the tack, and I asked her to let me do it and just talk me through it? (if you are not familiar with "saddling up", it is far more complicated than you would think, plus even if everything is "in the right place" there are nuances to the process which can be catastrophic if done incorrectly). As I did this I got a second warning from my "postman", but I was far more entranced by this beautiful creature. I listened, but I kept on going "up that hill". Once all was in place she told me how to swap out the holter for a bridle, now I had never done this, but i knew from being observant that horses don't tend to like the "bit", and I wanted to give this horse (and by extension, me) the best chance I could to build a relationship, with that beauty (her name was tequila, which turned out to be a VERY fitting name) so i asked "is there any way to avoid/use something other than the standard, bitted bridle?" She said there was, a "hackamore" (I apologise for my spelling, that's likely wrong) however most people don't like them, "less control". And most horses don't "respond as well", but I was determined. So after everything was done all that was left was to mount up... I led her out of the saddling area and onto "open land", we had, i believe, about 1,200 acres of forest, fields, mountains, cliffs, a winding river cutting through through, a boys dream! (at least it was my "dream" place). I talked to tequila before I tried to mount, I looked her in the eyes and spoke to her like an equal, with a calm tone of voice and calmness to my intention... no fear, no stress, no "outside world", (certainly no phones, not that it was a thing then anyway) and I talked, I stroked her nose and neck, I let her smell and nudge me. In that moment I fell in love. I had never had a relationship with an animal soo intelligent AND so large and potentially dangerous before, but this horse saw through me like glass, and I felt it. I knew where we were headed for that days work, my cousin had the dogs, so I mounted and (physically and mentally) asked tequila, "what have you got? And what do you want to give?"... I had never ridden before that day, and i had recieved both of my warnings from my "postman", the world was ahead. There was a moment. A golden, bright, scorchingly electrifying moment that felt like the calm before a earth changing storm.... We mostly used "GP" saddles (so i was ablebto get flush with her neck), unlike a "western saddle" with a horn. I stroked her neck once more and wispered in her ear, "show me what you've got"... she went off like a gun! I knew where we were headed and basically let her pick the route, I probably didn't tension the reins for 5 straight minutes... She charged and charged and kept on charging, jumped fences like they weren't there, up and down hills, over rocky terrain and jumped anything that got in the way, short of trees, it was terrifying, and i loved it! I took everything she gave me and once SHE had decided I could "handle her", she became as a loyal dog in 1 ride. She gave to my every instruction. She was FAST but stunningly controlled (sure footed as I've never known another horse to be). I never blinked an eye at riding down a bull, flat out galloping down rocky banks, night riding, jumping, roping, you name it, and neither did she. I trusted that horse with my life and soul, and short of horses learning english, I knew she felt the same... She was a bictch ;) bit at other horses who got too close to me, kicked stuff, bucked everyone else who ever tried to mount her instantly, wouldn't even let people get close if she could help it. However she followed me around like a duckling, licked me at every chance, would lay down and demand patting/a good rub and scratch, and would calmly "lean" on me and seemingly sleep... I craved adventure and I had my "postman" give me my letter, and then turn back into an "ammused by-stander". She got a show she had never seen and I got every bit of adventure i wanted that day, 15 hours of riding can be pretty rough if you ain't used to it, but i didn’t care. I was having one of the best days of my life! That night my cousin said "you ride like you've done it for 30+ years, on a horse nobody could even mount, with 0 instruction... just wait till the world gets a look at you". The next day it was cross-country, barrel racing and bucking training (easy with 20 odd green horses), on top of the farm work. By day 3 I was competing in my first rodeo and signed up (with special permission) for all of the local events, hunts, rodeos and anything else I could get my hands on. The moral of this story is essentially yours. I got my warning. But I needed the chance to make my mistakes and to "fail"/get hurt, and I didn't do either. I was "thrown in the deep end" during a storm I had knowingly chosen to enter... I came out a better, stronger, more humble and definitely more skilled person than going in. Built a bond with a creature i won't forget, even in death. And in the process discovered a passion and soul forefilling love I would otherwise have never known. We need more freedom as a people, freedom to make mistakes, freedom to get hurt, freedom to decide our course in life. If I had been surrounded by "policemen" and not "amused by-standers" or "postmen", I would have gone off the rails and likley be dead before i turned 15 years old, doing what i wanted anyway but with no guidance. Thankfully I had at least 1 good person around me who let me make mistakes and test my limits. Now, in my thirties, I see children told "not to run, not to climb" :( not to have some rough and tumble play, basically telling young boys (and not just boys) "don't be what you are, don't learn in a way that suits you and is natural". And look at the result? It's pathetic, a teenager should be reaching a point where they are capable and responsible enough to make their own decisions, at the very least! But no, we have frail children who turn into frail adults who cry about their weaknesses instead of focussing on having adventures and learning from the mistakes you make to turn those weaknesses into strengths. What used to be called "having character"! I have lived out of home and supported, clothed, fed and housed myself from 15 years old. I was often told I am "wise beyond my years" and I don't believe that for a second, i believe others were "policed", not gently guided. I had the advantage of 10,000+ mistakes by the age of ten, and the advantage of learning from each and every one. Now I see adults who are still a child at heart, and I really don't mean that in the "good sense" of the term. Plus with all those risks and mistakes.... I never broke a bone, never needed to be taken to the hospital, never seriously hurt anyone else.... Some mistakes are inevitable, and if you aren't allowed to learn them growing up, they may destroy you as an adult... Thank you for a great video and a true pearl of wisdom (as usual), i will be using that analogy to explain to others the concept, it's a great one and I deeply appreciate it. Much love from New Zealand 🇳🇿

Thanks Dwayne, really enjoy your talks and insights keep them coming 👍

Reminds me of the time I was meant to go up to Edinburgh with my capoeira group. They all wanted to take the train but I took one look at the prices and said I'd drive, which was half the price. I parked easily at the endinbrugh park an ride, took the metro into the city centre and book at bed. Before i started off however the heavens opened and it was horizontal rain all weekend. It was vile weather. I started talking to an Itallian Lass at the hostel and we ended up having dinner together and I got an early night. Meanwhile my group got on the train which was cancelled because of the storm. The train had three goes to go the 80 miles to Edinburgh and managed at 4am. I heard them all come in and had to stop myself from laughing.

Another great video. I hope your trip into the mountains is a good one. God bless.

I needed to hear this. Most of my stress comes from trying to control all circumstances around me. Maybe I need to let go of the reins more often and let the horse go where he goes. Thank you, sir. God bless.

I'm in the "over 50 year old group" and I'm experiencing that I NEED the guidance, and advice. Perhaps it's life experience that is blocking me from recognizing people are trying to help and advise me? But I really feel like I am a "block head" because I don't get it for a few days after. Thank you and Momma, and several other people for the continued guidance that I never thought I would need at this age in my life.

My father in law once had a saying If you can’t listen you will have to feel

Regarding the hanging down rear cinch, I’d have to say something like “Your rear cinch looks like it needs to be tightened” not for the rider so much as to keep the horse safe.

It's been a long time. Finally I am happy you are back

Maybe my favorite video that you have made. Profoundly insightful, thank you for the wisdom. As a young teacher, your words mean a lot to me. Thanks again

It's always a pleasure to sit down, relax and watch your videos Dewayne. Your voice is pleasant to hear and the words it vocalizes are just as pleasant. I wish only the best for you and yours and thank you for your dedication and heart. :)

I've long waited for you uncle DeWayne. I've been worried about you

Great video, as always. Thank you for the updates. Save travels and God bless you and your family!

Love you uncle! Thanks for your advice. Now the attempt to determine which one to be and when... Enjoy Vegas!

Hello Dwayne, I received the Zippo. Thank you!

Great talk, Dewayne. I thoroughly enjoy your videos.

Dwayne I love your channel. Your viedos are always great and on point. P.S. I saw RU-vid unsubscribed me from your channel for some reason.

So good to see you again. Brilliant story. Perfect analogy. Very useful 👍❤️

Love that this little spider is also enjoying the story and wisdom

Truly enjoyed your video, Im so glad Im a subscriber and several of my friends Ive told them about your Chanel!! Take care god bless you and your family!!!🙏🙏

I loved Louie Lamour books, I have read several of them

Great story and great lesson. Thanks!

I grew up 50 miles south of Challis Idaho in Darlington graduated high school from Mackay

I did enjoy the show, lessons pondered and learned . Thx😎

Thank you, Dewayne, this bit of wisdom came at a needed time. God bless.

Thank you for sharing such wise counsel.

I love it. The the types fit. The last time I did cattle work ( which was a day or to ago) I watch the owner’s friend. Some were capable,afew were …. questionable. I was told by the owner’s wife to stay in my chute. I went and gathered up more than one horse. Doctored a couple of cuts and raspberries. Basically I had a day of shaking my head. Being Bemused.

Amen! Well spoken!

Funny , at the beginning you talked about a stocky mare and got me to thinking about a stocky mare I loved , out of Dirty oldman Bloodline. Then talk about Poco line. Knew a mare out of that line that could side step and leave you doing a perfect Scorpion. 😅

Wisdom. No fluffy BS... Thank you.

As a rural carrying postie I 100% agree with the postman example, observe, don't judge, give the dogs a treat and drive on 🙏

I really enjoy listening to you.

I was raised under the wise adage that stupid SHOULD hurt. Unless the animal is in danger, or the person is in life threatening danger, I always set back and watch.

Good stories and great advice as always. GOD bless you, Dewayne. Keep up the good work.

The lighthouse doesn't HAVE to chase nothing. Thank God!!

Great to hear from you.

Just the video I needed needed to see at exactly the right time. Thank you.

Thank you. Enjoyed the video. Have safe travels ❤️❤️