Thoughts
With my outdoor business I have had to get into the internet more than I thought I would. I now subscribe to YouTube, Face Book, and Twitter (still not sure about that one).

Anyway, on Face Book, at least, they have opinion polls. Do you believe in this or that, etc? There was a poll on God. So my response was, “Yes I believe in God with my whole heart and soul. For you non-believers, look at it this way. If I am wrong, so be it. If you’re wrong, God gave you plenty of chances and I will miss you not being there.”

God’s judgments will be true and just.
(Jim C)

Action Point
In your outdoor adventures you will encounter people who are non believers. If the opportunity arises, let them know HOW YOU feel and be careful not to tell them how THEY SHOULD feel.

Actions are louder than words. Show them; don’t tell them why you choose to follow Jesus.

Sportsmen’s Tip of the Day
It’s not too early to start practicing for bow and shotgun season. Take a little time each week to tune up. It’s fun and when the season is here, you will be ready!

Thoughts
Here we were: Twelve year old kid, rod over twice his size, reel almost bigger than his head, and fighting an unknown, as yet unseen, behemoth over 50 yards offshore. After an hour of countless “don’t give up’s” and “you can do its”, we became aware that the fish held the advantage having probably lodged itself against an offshore ledge and the kid wasn’t getting any closer to winning the fight.

An observer fishing from his boat off the beach also noted the same, beached his rig a few feet away, and offered to let the kid and his dad take the fight to the fish. Once out on the bay, the unknown fish was off and running, advantage lost, and followed closely by the new fishing team of boater, dad, and kid fisherman. Over the course of the next hour the marina became captivated by the image of the little figure of a fisherman in the bow of the boat, supported by his father, with a too-large rod bent to the limit, line tight, and chasing an unknown prize. The frenzied fervor and fevered pitch of excited enthusiasm and cheers of support that erupted each time the fish broke the surface proved to be the needed encouragement as the kid ultimately was rewarded with the largest Jackfish ever landed at the marina.

After pictures were taken and congratulations made, every kid on the marina could be found casting into the surf in search of the next one; wanting to be a part of the action.
(Jay C)

Action Point
I imagine any fisherman in observance had a similar reaction to Peter and company’s haul on that particular morning. We have no reason to believe that anyone else had experienced any better fortune the evening before. Honestly, we have no indication there was anyone else around. But, given the reputation that Jesus was gaining, I think it’s reasonably safe to assume there were other observers. Imagine the excitement, the amazement, the desire to be a part of the action or to share in the experience upon seeing neighbors and friends, recently having empty nets, have their boats nearly sunk with the load of fish harvested by following a simple direction: “Fish over there.” I imagine anyone being unfamiliar with Jesus immediately wanted to know who He was. I also imagine there weren’t any boats anchored to the shore.

What if Peter instead had said, “You know, that’s an interesting idea but as we’ve been up all night, why don’t we rest first and then give it shot?” What if his partners instead chose to not join in assistance, but rather continued cleaning up their equipment after a long, disappointing night? But, that’s not what happened.

Jesus knew their hearts. He knew he could depend on this crew of men to follow His specific direction, use the skills, and preparation He had instilled in them. He knew the timing was right. They cast their nets where He directed. They became “fishers of men”. Those in witness saw a mighty event they would not only want to be a part of, but would recount to others over the coming years.

What are the consequences of our deciding to keep fishing where we are? Or, to not fish at all? What are the consequences of waiting for the “security” of our retirement pensions to kick in, the children to grow up and start their own families, the economy to improve, or all our mortgage and car notes to be paid- in-full? What is the impact on those who observe our reasoned reluctance as opposed to bold obedience?

What do we need to see that the kid in us becomes so enraptured in the fervor of service that we choose to act from God’s heart and in so doing, experience the unmasked joy of landing the big one upon responding obediently to: “Fish over there”.

Sportsmen’s Tip of the Day
Always thoroughly wash off your equipment and gear after a day of off-shore fishing. The salt water will rapidly corrode all the metal components of your baits and tackle as well as degrade any of your unprotected clothing or soft-sided tackle bags.

Isaiah 46:10
I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please. (NIV)

Thoughts
“If you don’t like the weather, just wait five minutes and it will change!” We all have heard this or a similar statement concerning where we live. I sit here in my office praying that the weather will immediately change so my plans for today will work out as I want. Several times I have asked God to change the weather, to stop the rain. Will he do so? I do not know. (Later addition – He said no. He did not make it stop as I asked!)
(Jackie M)

Action Point
When the weather does not perform as we expect or desire, we are reminded that God is in control and we are not. One thing is sure. God knows best! Another thing is sure, we are not in control. Only God can plan something and make sure it does come to pass.

This applies to other changes in our lives. I am also in the process of moving to a new opportunity of service. It was a totally different direction from the way I wanted and had prayed to move. We wanted to move East, and God has called us West.

God knows best. I will trust Him. After all, wherever I go, he is with me. Will I trust Him enough to obey Him? Will you trust Him? Even when things don’t go as you have planned, will you continue to trust Him?

Sportsmen’s Tip of the Day
Prepare for the unexpected when you make a hunting trip or even when you are out for the day. This is especially true if the hunt takes you long distances from your vehicle or from camp. Matches or fire making supplies, emergency blankets, rain poncho, knife, and a multi tool of some kind could all be life savers.

Thoughts
Have you ever tried to light wet wood? How many matches did you go through? Unfortunately I have done this one too many times, most recently on an outing with my family. The day before our outing it had rained all day on the San Francisco Peaks, the mountain and trailhead we had planned to hike.

After a long wet hike and decent from 12,000 ft, everyone was freezing and wet. I attempted to build a fire with wet wood. I’m happy to report that after three boxes of matches and a few blisters from splitting kindling, we had a fire. I just had to get to the core of the wood, it was plenty dry.
(Donny N)

Action Point
Who needs matches with Jesus! One strike of His match and he will change us, transform us, and re- create us forever. He provides a light and warmth that will never end, no matter how many times you try to put it out.

My dad has a saying that has always stuck with me, “when life gets you down and you can’t seem to get away from it all, you need to get around a campfire. It’ll clear your thoughts and relieve the stress in your life.” Thanks dad for the advice, I’ll do just that. I know who has the match.

The question is who will be around your campfire? Who will you share the match with? This week, ask God to put someone on your heart that you can share your campfire with.

Sportsmen’s Tip of the Day
A unique way to waterproof matches is to glue sandpaper around a 20 ga shotgun shell and insert matches inside the shell, Then take an empty .12 ga shell and slide the two together. This makes a perfect fit and an economical way to carry waterproofed matches.

Thoughts
I love tracking animals or at least finding animal tracks and identifying them. A couple of years ago while fishing, I ran across bobcat tracks in the soft ground near the water’s edge. They looked relatively fresh. Sure enough when I moved to the other side of the cove, the bobcat came out of the brush, apparently having watched and waited the whole time for me to get out of the way. I had a great view as the wildcat hunted the shoreline. My guess is that a den of kittens was nearby.

Intentional or not, animals will leave tracks and signs. It might be perfectly formed paw prints in the mud or blotches of blood on snow. It might be a single bent weed or bedded-down grass, wing drag marks, claw marks, or hoof marks, or well-used game trails, scrapes, dust baths, digs, or dens.

Whether we’re hunting, scouting, or nature- watching, tracking helps outdoorsmen learn a little more about an animal’s habits and hangouts. We discover where they feed and water, what terrain they prefer when they’re out and about, and why they do what they do.
(Don H)

Action Point
God spoke to Solomon about the kinds of tracks and signs that mark a man’s walk with Him, the Heavenly Father. For Solomon, the right walk meant security for his kingdom.

For Christian men today, the right walk means security IN the Kingdom. That walk is marked by integrity, uprightness, obedience, love, and a never- ending desire to keep God’s statutes and judgments. The right walk is a lockstep. Locked up and locked on march with the Lord.

Sportsmen’s Tip of the Day
In addition to your water bottle, carry a couple of apples while making hikes or long walks. Eat them first before drinking water to help lighten your load. They are a good thirst quencher and make an excellent supplement for hydration and nutritional intake purposes.

Thoughts
The sun wasn’t even peeking over the horizon. The ducks were flying against an orange sky in what seemed to me a mad fashion this way and that. The caller sang a synchronization of quacks, cackles, and whistles gaining the birds’ attention. The ducks were answering back with their own version of the song.

Suddenly a pair of ducks looked down at the water and saw the decoy spread. The vision was like a sky diver opening his parachute as the ducks simultaneously cupped their wings and committed to the final approach. They glided into the decoys like they were meeting old buddies, but were faced with a dire situation that left them as part of a hunter’s bag limit.
(Dennis W)

Action Point
Too many times our lives are flying around in a mad fashion with really no purpose. This is when Satan throws out his decoys and calls to us. He knows that when we are not focused on abiding in Christ that our human nature can be distracted. We look at Satan’s decoy and say, “Oooh, shiny!”, pop our chute, and glide into destruction.

I John 2:16-17 reflects, “For all that is in the world- the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life-is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever, ” (NKJV)

Sportsmen’s Tip of the Day
Being new to the sport of duck hunting, I have learned there is a right way. a wrong way, and then your host’s way. Always follow your host’s rules in the blind when it comes to shooting lanes, when to call, and calling the shot on birds. Your host will more than likely invite you back if you follow his rules.

Thoughts
This last month we were blessed with the opportunity of spending three weeks in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. On one of our days there, we decided to hike up to the top of a mountain that overlooked the Columbian Glacier Field.

As my son and I arrived at the top, we were amazed at the difference between the bottom of the mountain and the top. At the base, it had been about 65 degrees, but when we arrived at the top, it was near freezing. The wind that swept over the mountaintop was gusting up to around 60 mph. We stood there looking at the ice field with our clothes tightly pressed against our bodies, our clothes flapping loudly, and us shouting at each other even though we were only a few feet apart. The wind was incredibly powerful!
(Dave M)

Action Point
In the Bible, the Holy Spirit is often compared to a wind. At times, we develop this idea that the Holy Spirit is somewhere out there passively watching our world as it passes by. The Bible says the Holy Spirit is like the wind. Let me tell you what I know from the mountaintop. The wind is real! Even though I couldn’t see it, I could feel it – strongly. It impacted how long I stayed in certain places. It actually directed where I was able to go on the mountain.

As Christians, we need to remember that the Holy Spirit is on equal grounds to God and Jesus Christ. It’s a mystery for all of us, but the Holy Spirit is not passive. He directs my path, and he directs yours. We need to not underestimate the role that the Holy Spirit plays in our lives. Ask the Holy Spirit to direct your ways today and recognize the power he has in your life.

Sportsmen’s Tip of the Day
If you are going to hike mountains, make sure to take layers of clothes for your ascent. You might start out with shorts and a tank top, but it’s very likely that you’ll end up on the top in a wooly hat with your gloves on.

Thoughts
OK, I want you all to do something with me. I want you to think back to the first time you held a gun and the first time you went hunting. So, who were you with? Your father? Maybe an uncle or maybe an older sibling? Now, think about all those years since. Who is it that has been the most influential on you in your thoughts and actions as a hunter? Is it the same person or is it somebody that came along and became a mentor or maybe a trusted friend? Either way we all learn from those that are better and more experienced than us. I know I have.

I learned my first lessons about mule deer from Dad. I learned about desert bighorn sheep from Dean, Dan, and Jim. Turkeys? Back to Dean. Elk? Back to Dad. Quail? Dean and enter Eldon. Archery? Then in come Steve and Todd.

Now I have an antelope hunt coming up and guess who I’m in the field with? Yep, it’s me and Dean again, only this time we have our boys along to play pack mule for us! Why do I keep going with these same guys over and over again? It’s because I’ve learned that they can be trusted. I’ve learned that what they tell me will be accurate and honest. I know that they care about me and the quality of my hunt. Simply put, I’m convinced that I can have confidence in them from years of experience.
(Cliff S)

Action Point
My Mom and Dad were my first Bible teachers. They were the ones that started taking me to church, helped me to begin to understand the Bible, and to come to Christ at an early age. Then there was a long line of Sunday School teachers and youth group leaders. Bill and Melovee, Cecil and Evelyn, and more lately Dr. Les Parrott and Dr. Tim Smith. These and a few others have had a significant influence on the growth and development of my faith because they not only taught the Word, they lived it! These people earned my confidence because, as well as hearing the Word professed, they have helped me to unpack tough scriptures and understand concepts I couldn’t grasp on my own. These people were and are all doers of the Word and not hearers only (James 1:22).

As you grow in Christ, seek out mature Christians from whom you can learn. Spend time with them discussing questions you have about God and the Bible. Seek out others through books that are written to help us understand how to live the Christian life. Chuck Swindoll comes to mind as one that has much to offer through his writings. Then, pass on what you have learned by being a mentor for a younger Christian. You see, that is when we really learn, when we begin teaching others.

Sportsmen’s Tip of the Day
Seek a mentor. Be a mentor. That’s how hunting and outdoors skills are passed from generation to generation. But, be careful who you choose to be your mentor. Be sure he or she is someone worthy of your trust.

Thoughts
The big ten-point stepped quietly out of the woods and began to walk slowly down the field-line. With great caution, he tested the wind and kept his head moving as he watched the open field carefully. Finally, he was broadside, a muzzleloader sounded off, and my brother had his biggest buck to date. (Brian H)

Action Point
That big buck encounter didn’t just happen. You see, I’ve left out some details in that story. I left out the hours we spent scouting and glassing that field. I didn’t tell you about the time spent setting up a stand, clearing shooting lanes, trimming limbs, and figuring out prevailing wind directions. I didn’t mention that we worked to figure out how to walk in to that stand so that we would remain undetected. The moral of this story is that it took hard work for this big buck encounter to happen.

The Bible has something to say about laziness as well, look at Proverbs 12:27. Wow! That passage paints a great picture for all of us hunters. But, it’s a picture that is a metaphor for life.

My paraphrase would go something like this: “Do everything that you do in life to your best ability.” Perhaps you wouldn’t categorize yourself as lazy, but what about those remarks that goes like this: “For what I’m paid for this job, that’s all that I’m going to do.” How about this one: “Nobody knows if I finish my paperwork or not. Nobody’s checked it, so why bother?”

The correct attitude is that God gave us abilities and we should do everything that we do to the best of OUR ability, but do it for HIS glory. Whether hunting, working, or anything else, you won’t roast your game unless you are diligent.

Sportsmen’s Tip of the Day
When trimming limbs for shooting lanes, you don’t always have a pole saw with you. Try tying a medium weight stick about a foot long to a length of rope. Toss the stick over the offending limb and then pull it down to your reach with the rope. We call that an “Arkansas Lasso.” Happy Hunting!

In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. (NIV)
VETERANS DAY — We thank you and give honor all who have served and who are currently serving and protecting America!! Practice the attitude of gratitude. Find at least one veteran and sincerely express your appreciation.

Thoughts
I used to teach science to middle school kids. Every Veterans Day, there would be a couple of student who would ask if I was a veteran. These kids’ idea of a veteran is colored by what they see today on television.

I told them I was in the air force. Then the obvious question was did I fly an airplane? I would explain to them that only a small percentage of the active military people in the air force are pilots, that most of the airmen are supporting our pilots/aircraft. I was in communications.
(Tom B)

Action Point
There are two ways to remember the men and women of our country who have given their time, their families, and some, their lives. First, ask someone today whether he or she is a veteran and what it was like when they fought for America. Visiting with a family member or a friend of a veteran and asking about their experiences helps to preserve our proud heritage and pass it along to others so these soldiers won’t be forgotten.

Too many times in today’s world with the media always looking for the sensational story, the stories of our young military men and women are flavored with what was done wrong; and not with the multitude of good actions that our people are doing to protect us at home and the people of the country for which we are fighting.

Second, be alert and always keep on praying for all the men and women now serving our country. We at home can’t put on our body armor, pick up our weapons, or physically fight alongside our soldiers. But, we can put on the body armor of God, our salvation, pick up the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God, and support our troops with our prayers.

Sportsmen’s Tip of the Day
A soldier in the field is only as good as the training he or she has received and the weapons they use. The same is true of a good hunter. If a hunter is not physically fit for the rigors of hunting, there is a good chance the hunt won’t be successful. If a hunter’s equipment malfunctions or is forgotten, he or she won’t be successful. A part of every hunter’s trip is going over their equipment when they come home from a day afield, not only just before they make the trip. Clean, repair, and replace what needs attention. Don’t procrastinate; things have a habit not being accomplished if you put them off.