So there I was, standing in the black spruce getting eaten alive by mosquitoes- stuck. My 4-wheeler was high centered in what amounted to a narrow, deep trench. Somehow I needed to tilt it up on its side so it would no longer be resting on the skid plate, and then throttle the 2 left wheels forward. I knocked down and limbed a spruce tree that I could use as a pry bar. By jamming the 6 inch end of...  Read More

Getting stuck in Alaska's wilderness on an a small 4-wheeler presents unique challenges. I'm certain that I've faced this more than 100 times, and many of them while hunting by myself. On this particular day I was 'high centered.' Not only could I not physically lift the front or the back of the machine, but even if I could, I had nowhere to move it. Each wheel rut was up against a solid earth wal...  Read More

I had snowmachined into the high country with some friends, and we were stopped just below treeline. I had hunted dall sheep in this country and knew how tough the peak and ridge above me were- both to get to and to walk. Imagine my shock when I looked high above me, and, standing on a windswept rock outcropping, were four moose... in the middle of winter... on a jagged mountain... far above treel...  Read More

One feature of Alaskan life is midnight airport runs. The 'red-eye' flights are popular because they're cheaper. In mid-summer our outside guests are always amazed that it's still light out. Light brings a degree of comfort and security along with the amazement of being able to see snow-capped mountains at midnight! Jesus said, "I am the light of the world." Light overcomes dark, we all understand...  Read More

How wide is your social circle? When is the last time you did something fun with someone new? Only NEW friends ever become 'old' friends. INVITING and INCLUDING others is hard work at times. I understand. We are busy people and only have so much extra time. For many years, I have viewed friendships from the standpoint of eternity. In other words, I may not get to spend nearly as much time with you...  Read More

Back when I was a school teacher, I was always looking for a way to support my family over the summer. I already had my private pilot's license, so I decided that I would get my commercial license and try to get a job flying for a fishing lodge during those long summer days. I was flying out of Merrill Field in Anchorage and was perhaps halfway through my training when Laura and I were offered a t...  Read More

When I went to buy a battery for my 1981 GMC 1 ton pickup, as he entered the truck details in his system, the parts man asked. "What color is it?" I laughed out loud. You see, my truck has panels from five different trucks. From back-to-front it's brown, yellow, blue, black, and red. I've met many who claim to be Christians who remind me of that truck. The 'color' of their faith seems to change de...  Read More

When Jesus sent out his disciples to proclaim the good news- "God himself has paid the penalty for our sins and Invites us to become his children"- this became the centerpiece, the driving force, the all-consuming passion of those men and women. Why? Because Jesus, the miracle worker, the man crucified by the Romans because of the demands of Jewish leaders, walked out of the grave alive! Jesus PRO...  Read More

What activities fill your day? Life itself takes a lot of work, doesn't it? Cooking, cleaning, laundry, yard work, chasing after kid activities, our own hobbies... all of that before we even talk about earning a living. If we don't INTENTIONALLY keep our relationship with Jesus Christ (and our mission) at the center of our lives, we will unintentionally LEAVE GOD OUT. My prayer life has not been w...  Read More

And so it begins. Our longest day of the year was gloriously sunny, but now we start marching the other way. For the next six months each day will be shorter than the one before it. We have four months- maybe a few weeks more- before the snow comes to stay. Between now and then, life for 'outdoorsy' Alaskans becomes almost a little frantic. Hiking, climbing, camping, fishing, dipnetting, berry pic...  Read More

Small irritants can cause big problems. When ignored or not dealt with properly, they can negatively impact how we think and speak and act in other, more important situations. I was by myself and knocked a bull moose down in heavy brush. I was in a 'walk in only' area. The 'no-see-ums' were so thick and biting my exposed skin so relentlessly that I could hardly stand it. I started cutting very rap...  Read More

When Solomon was made king, God told him that he would grant him whatever he wished. Did he ask for wealth? Did he ask for long life? Did he ask for victory over his enemies? No, none of those. He asked for wisdom so that he could rule the nation of Israel with justice. God was so pleased that he gave him greater wisdom than any person who ever lived on earth (and whoever will live on earth). But ...  Read More