The Wise Counsel of Paul Tierney

Week 18
January 31 - February 6, 2010

+There are more details to come (Philippians 1;6, Psalm 119:105)
     *I know that there is more that my Father wants to tell me
     *Some things only make sense in context
     *This is about the Walk with Him (Micah 6:8)
     *He is known as Jehovah Jireh (Genesis 22:13-14)
     *Seek wise counsel  (Proverbs 20:18)

Lessons Learned
"Plans succeed through good counsel; don't go to war without wise advice." Proverbs 20:18 NLT

This week I sought the counsel of Paul Tierney, a multi-time WTEC champion and brother in Christ.  I want to share with you some of the wisdom that I received from Paul....

Physical Preparation- Paul's advice was to never really quit preparing in this area.  To always stay flexible, strong, and agile, he stretches, runs, and maintains a physical lifestyle (i.e. trains horses, ranches...) Right after the NFR each year he begins to train in earnest (i.e. crunches, jump rope, lifts, walk instead of drive the ranch truck...)

Mental Preparation - Paul reminds himself to compete at his level in each of the events.  In the events that are his strong suits, like the calf roping and the steer wrestling, he knows how to strive to maximize his potential in the arena.  In the same way, in the events that he hasn't made the NFR in, he stays within himself - not trying to head steers like Daniel Green or trip steers like Trevor Brazile

Spiritual Preparation - Paul says that is it very important to remember that he is prepared and that "the success of any journey is always in the preparation".  Remembering these things gives him the confidence to know that he is the "head and not the tail" - that it is not just Paul, but "Christ in Paul" that gives him the strength to compete without fear.  He is reminded that we do not have "a spirit of fear but of power and love and a sound mind".  Knowing this helps remove the fear of victory and the fear of defeat.

I have learned many things from guys like Paul Tierney, Al Bach, my dad, and other, and I would hate to go to battle without all of the wise counsel that I have received from these great men.

Editor's note: In reading through the conversation between Rope and Paul Tierney, it remains no surprise that Rope named his third child, a daughter, Tierney Faith.

By the Numbers

• Sunday
       *roped dummies
  
• Monday
       *roped calves
       *tripped steers
            +good trips
  
• Tuesday
       *steer wrestled at Ft Worth Stock Show
  
• Wednesday
       *roped calves
            +hustle
       *breakaway roped off the tripping horse
            +catching