I've had a chill in my bones recently. This is largely due to the fact that I have refused to break out any of my warm clothing. Add to this that I was working outdoors in continuous rain for several days. I go through this every year in September. Believe me, I am properly equipped when it comes to warm gear. But what good does 'being equipped' do me if I refuse to use what I have? This is the st...  Read More

I had a strange feeling this morning. For some reason when I looked outside I thought I was seeing a blanket of snow. I was relieved when I turned on the outside light. Two of my friends got snowed on last week out hunting- that must be it. Maybe it's the chill in my bones from working out in the rain the past four days. Whatever it is, I'm ready for some blue sky, crisp fall days. Life marches on...  Read More

Dazzling intellect.Near photographic recall.Almost intuitive understanding of the complexities of modern culture and the solutions needed to move forward.Charlie Kirk was first and foremost an ambassador for Christ in this generation. He was a loving husband and father and a lover of this nation.His murder was undoubtedly inspired by the hateful rhetoric of the party of slavery, the party of the K...  Read More

Rained all day yesterday and harder all night- still raining. This makes excavator work tricky for an amateur. Clay soil quickly turns to mud, and I was stuck twice yesterday. I have a great deal that I want to get done today, but at this point in my walk with Jesus I've learned not to stress over unwanted delays. True, my patience is still tested at times when I'm driving, but I most often recogn...  Read More

Proverbs 3:5-6 (AMP) "In all your ways know, acknowledge and recognize him and he will make your paths straight and smooth, removing obstacles that block your way." I took a giant step up from a chainsaw (which is still needed) to an excavator. I'm trying to remove obstacles. I'm trying to make paths at my cabin. Those who love the outdoors understand the pleasure of discovering a good path or tra...  Read More

And so I finally learned. My 'empty' pack when hunting in the wilderness includes warm gear, rain gear, spotting scope, tripod, binoculars, rifle, ammo, knives. game bags, food, water, fire starters, phone and more. If I am packing for overnight, then add a tent, sleeping bag, cook stove, fuel, sleeping pad, extra clothes, head lamps, first aid kit, and more food. Carrying all of that weight is a ...  Read More

After the disaster with my plastic rain gear, I agreed with Laura to begin purchasing quality gear. We were on a tight budget, so one year was rain gear, the next year was a tent and the third year was a sleeping bag. My first 'geared up' trip out, the weather was beautiful and sunny. I exited my warm sleeping bag and waterproof tent, stretched my legs, packed light, and began my climb. Since this...  Read More

With my thin, plastic rain gear shredded and gone, I continued to climb up above treeline in my white cotton jeans and T-shirt. As I gained elevation, the temperature dropped quickly and it was blowing hard and raining sideways. I began to shiver and my teeth were chattering even through the heavy exertion of the climb. These were warning signs. Hypothermia was setting in. Both strong and fit, phy...  Read More

I was new to sheep hunting and new to wilderness hunting in general. My tent cost $20 and my sleeping bag cost less than that. My 'rain gear' was thin plastic jacket and pants that came in a tiny ziploc bag and cost a $1.99. I tell you this because I spent a night in the black spruce at the foot of a mountain in the pouring rain. My tent was not waterproof and I could have 'bailed' the water off o...  Read More

What, ultimately, is needed to live a successful life? The most common answer is, "Money," but in truth, it's the power and freedom that money brings into a life that people desire.  And yet the rich and powerful among us are amongst the least happy and most dysfunctional portion of our society. Money and power bring pride and the illusion of 'independence.' This is the very opposite of what is ne...  Read More

"This is love- not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins." -1 John 4:10 God initiated our relationship. He loved FIRST. More than that, he loved us when we were living a rebellious life. "While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."Love is not passive, it initiates. Love is ACTIVE, and is proved by its ACTIONS. Jesus told us that if we w...  Read More

"This is love- not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins." -1 John 4:10God initiated our relationship. He loved FIRST. More than that, he loved us when we were living a rebellious life. "While we're still sinners, Christ died for us." Love is not passive, it initiates. Love is ACTIVE, and is proved by its ACTIONS. Jesus told us that if we wil...  Read More