Thoughts
Do you think the fish really know if you are serious about fishing? My take: I think they know. Sometimes when I am fishing and deep in thought, I feel as if I am almost one with the line. When I am in this fishing mode, it seems to me the fish instinctively have to bite because they know how serious I am. (TH)

Action Point
I believe it is the same way when we are seeking the Lord. He knows if we are serious about meeting with Him, or if we are just going through a halfhearted religious exercise. My suggestion would be to seek the Lord with the same wholehearted passion as you would seek any favorite sportsman’s activity or hobby.

Thoughts
Although I had seen him do it for years, my grandson was amazed when Hoss, my fifteen-year old English Pointer threw back his head and barked a few times before eating his bowl of food. “Is he saying the blessing?” my grandson asked. That was what it looked like. Every time I put a bowl of food down in front of Hoss, he would sniff it, then raise his head to heaven and bark out a “Thank You.” Hoss and I have traveled many miles chasing the bob white quail. He has been in magazine articles, on television shows and in numerous “Can I take a picture of him while he is on point?” photographs. Now at fifteen, his days in the field are short and few; but he never fails to say the blessing.

When you and I say the blessing, we are acknowledging the provision and purpose of God in our lives. God is not just feeding us to be filled, but to be fruitful. His provision gives us the strength to fulfill His purpose. (Joey H)

Action Point
Do you pause to say the blessing? Most of the time I do, but honestly, sometimes I am in a hurry and fail to say, “Thank You.” Let me encourage you to say the blessing when eating out with the family. Now, don’t let loose with a wild sermon blessing that sounds like a flaming sawdust trail evangelist. Instead, pray a thankful short prayer. Not only are you thanking God with your family, but you never know who is watching. Often when a bunch of us guys are out eating after hunting or fishing trip, we will ask the waitress if there is anything that she would like for us to pray about for her. So many tables of men just flirt with the waitress; but when you pray for her, it is a powerful witness of God’s presence in your life.

Thoughts
My dad once said that one of the most important things you can do for yourself outdoors is to treat your feet well. What he meant was to wear the right footwear–not just shoes but socks, too. He was right, of course. We won’t get far if our feet are not treated to the best-fitting shoes and boots we can afford. Tight shoes cause blisters, and for that matter, so do loose fitting shoes. In cold weather, insulated boots sure do feel better than non-insulated boots, and vice versa in hot weather. As for waterproof footwear: well, I don’t know about you but I sure do like to keep my feet dry. When I give my feet the care they need, I can go a long way for a long time. (DAH)

Action Point
Spiritually speaking, God is the source of all our strength. He gives us what we need to move us up, over and across the high places in our lives. Like a surefooted deer sprints across the mountaintops, so do God’s children run through their own daily places. Paul said it this way in Ephesians 6:15:
. . . and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace.
Because the good news of Jesus has come to us, we should be eager to carry it to other people. Thankfully, our Heavenly Father knows how well our spiritual feet need to be prepared with His gospel, and it’s always a perfect fit.

Thoughts
It’s healthier to look at the success we have in our outdoor pursuits as gifts of God rather than our own personal accomplishments. None of us is self-made in our wealth. As we invest financially for the future, we benefit from the advice of financial counselors, a positive market environment, and many other factors. Likewise, none of us is self-made with regard to the animals or fish that we harvest. As we pursue game and fish, we benefit from more people than we can count. The bows, firearms, fishing tackle, clothing and gear manufacturers all play a role in our success. The magazines we read and the TV shows we watch give us tips and techniques that add to our skills. We don’t succeed without being in the woods or on the waters, but it is God that gives us the strength and opportunity to do that. We can thank Him for the outcome. (SteveS)

Action Point
In the 1924 Paris Olympics, it was Eric Liddell, the Scottish sprinter, who said that when he runs, he feels God’s pleasure. God will add His pleasure to your success when you engage in your outdoor pursuits while keeping family priorities in order, abiding by the laws, and thanking Him for your opportunities.

Thoughts
Whenever I hunted this area I had always seen turkeys and/or turkey sign. So after years of applying for the Spring draw, I was elated to finally draw a tag for this unit. Never having hunted turkey thereI was a little apprehensive about my odds; but the fact that I had seen so much sign during previous hunts helped put my mind at ease. Shortly before dawn, I arrived at the ground blind that I had set up earlier in the year. I was planning on a long day in the blind and had come prepared–backpack, shotgun, lunch and even a good book. I settled in and began to call for turkey. A mere 15min after sunrise the incredible sound of THUMP, THUMP, THUMP towered overhead. ” I am the best turkey caller ever born!” I thought to myself. As I searched for what I thought was the world’s largest turkey flying in to my obviously championship-grade calling, a firefighting helicopter emerged, dipped its water bucket into the waterhole 40yd in front of me and flew away with several hundred gallons of water. (BM)

Action Point
Hope is a wonderful thing. It can also be disappointing. We elevate our hopes for many the circumstances of life, but can be disappointed. We hope for a great marriage, which may not always turn out so great; for a job we love, that pays well (often fortunate just to get one); for good health, only to be reminded that our cholesterol is a few points to high or the bathroom scale is reading greater than it should. Alas, we also hope for that giant, ear-drum-deafening turkey flying down from it’s roost, only to…well, you know the rest.

One hope that will never disappoint us is the hope of glory. Because Christ died on the cross and rose again, we can have eternal life just by accepting Him. This hope is guaranteed by the Word, nothing can change it, eliminate it or diminish it. Thank God!

Thoughts
Unfortunately, I recently had to deal with some unsportsmanlike outdoorsmen. My son and sister were headed out for a morning turkey hunt and some quality bonding time; but when they arrived at their blind, they found that someone had taken a tractor with a lift and twisted the blind around. The blind was still in tact, but was facing a different direction. I had hunted in that blind until about dark the previous night, so the perpetrators had done this during the night and before 5:45am. Needless to say, none of us were pleased with the situation. As we looked around, we could clearly see the tracks of the tractor and where they had come from. We simply followed the tracks to figure out who was responsible for doing this. It didn’t take too long to gather the necessary information, and we were able to turn it over to the proper authorities. (DM)

Action Point
Because of the Fall in the Garden of Eden, sin entered this world. It is still here with us today, thousands of years later. Often, we still have the same reaction as Adam–thinking that we can either hide from God or cover up the sin. It doesn’t work that way. Sin always leaves a path! Sometimes, it is visible to the human eye and sometimes not; but God always sees it. One day, we will all be held accountable for our actions. Let’s make sure that we leave a path of righteousness and faithfulness!

Thoughts
The renewing of Spring: Buffalo calves are first to arrive in my area; not long after, the elk, deer, and antelope start giving birth to their young. Those babies depend on their mother for nourishing milk and for protection from predators. As they mature they will rely less on their mother’s milk and start to enjoy the food God has provided for them. They will become fleet of foot, able to avoid potential predators. (RT)

Action Point
When I first became a believer in Jesus Christ, I was like a baby in my understanding. I think back to that time–amazing how much I did not know. Through time in God’s word, fellowship with other Christians, and a good Bible-based church, my maturity level has and is continuing to increase. That’s how it works in nature and that’s how it works in our Christian walk with God.

Thoughts
I have been a waterfowl guide along the Texas coast for 18 years. In that span, I have had many dealings with farmers because their crops are needed, namely rice, to lure ducks and geese. Rice farmers rotate fields, planting a certain field every three years. When not planted in rice, a field becomes fallow and needs to be plowed and worked before it is seeded again.

Jeremiah tells us to develop and plow–cultivate–neglected areas of our lives and stop wasting time on harmful and unproductive things. (BG)

Action Point
When I signed up for satellite television, I had all the channels. However, I quickly determined that there were several channels that were pure garbage. You guys know what I am talking about. Plow the ground–get it out of your life.

Alcohol may be another thorn– issue. At a young age I was convicted by God to abstain from alcohol. The reason: I didn’t feel that I could witness to an unbeliever with a beer can in my hand.

Since God commands us to be on guard at all times, well, that means at all times. Consider what areas of your life need to be plowed. Is your life fallow due to sex, alcohol, pornography, lying or cheating? Be honest with yourself and ask the Lord what needs to be plowed.

Thoughts
After spending all day sitting in a blind, scouting for elk before the season began, I arrived back at camp ready for a good meal and some rest. While unpacking my backpack I realized I had left a good pair of binoculars back at the blind. As tired as I was, I climbed on my ATV and went back in the dark to retrieve them. Returning to the place I had left them reminded me of times when we are out of fellowship with God–we must mentally revisit what took place to cause the sense disconnection with Him. Just as Elisha told the sons of the prophet to go back to the place where they lost the axe head, we must go back in our minds to where our fellowship with God was broken. Only then can we ask forgiveness for our sin and turn away from it. The Lord gladly forgives us, restores our fellowship with Himself, and gives us back “the joy of our salvation.” (RK)

Action Point
When you find yourself away from God, run, don’t walk, back to the place you left His side. The longer you wait to turn back to Him, the harder it becomes. Nothing this world has to offer is worth the peace that walking with the Lord brings.

Thoughts
Recently I had a fairly minor medical problem. It is actually a recurring problem that shows up every couple of years. When I experience it, it is very painful, makes walking difficult and sometimes impossible. For some reason, during this most recent occurrence I felt so vulnerable. Vulnerability is a new feeling for me. I’ve worn various uniforms for over 30 years, had a career in law enforcement, been an outdoorsman, and had many diverse types of adventures–I am seldom afraid. This was different. I think the Lord allowed me to experience this so that I would have compassion on others who are or who feel vulnerable, whatever the cause.

This was very disconcerting for me and made me realize that we not only need the Lord (duh!), but we also need each other. We need to have each other’s back, so to speak–to have compassion on the sick, on the infirm, the widow, the orphan and all our Christian brothers and sisters, no matter what the situation may be. DWH

Action Point
Just as the Holy Spirit is our Paraclete (Helper, Comforter), He can be the Paraclete to someone else through us. Let us come along side to help. We all know someone in need. Don’t ignore them and think that someone else will do it. YOU do it. Say out loud, “Here am I Lord, send me!”