Bachflock

Nice looking dog. I'm trying to get my dog in-tune with squirrel hunting. I'm not sure if I'll ever get to the point where I'm comfortable with him off a leash but he sure does recognize what a squirrel is. If I could get him to stay on the tree I'd be happier.

I am "checking the handle" on a door of opportunity that would relocate us 2.5 hours north. It would put us near my brother and his family - something I've wanted to do for years but haven't for one reason and another. I saw a job posting in my field and have sent in an application but really want to seek out God's will. I'm 99% content where I'm at but don't like seeing my and my brother's family growing up so far apart. I grew up in northern Michigan and as beautiful as Muskegon County is, it isn't northern Michigan! LOL Fitting in and excelling in my career, if hired there, isn't much of a concern but I don't want to interrupt a good work God has going here unless it is His will that we move. Again, application has been sent but only because of the deadline - we've also been praying about a week already. Thanks for you prayers ahead of time!

You guys are killing me! I've made it out once since the fall season, it was 5 degrees and the windchill was -20. Sort of takes the heart right out of it. Oh well. Well done! The chances of me getting out again before the end of the season are pretty slim.

We'll be going out on snowshoes in a couple of weeks. No dog, however. Might be tough but it'll be fun. Sure like to run into a squirrel or grouse as well!

A solid church should first and foremost feed and stir the spirit of the person through a truthful and doctrinally correct presentation of God's Holy Word. Everything else should be secondary. If a person walks into a church and isn't either challenged to find salvation through the saving grace of Jesus Christ or motivated to further their relationship with God the Father through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ its a dead church. Period. Not every sermon or message will make a person want to jump up right there and delve into the Bible for more. However, the life of believer is as dependent upon God's Word as it is with condition of his heart. The church can be doctrinally sound and true to the Word but the person's heart can be cold and hardened and generally immobile except by self will. Meaning - you have to have a heart willing to learn in order to seek out God's truth. Unfortunately the Bible cannot be taken in passively to be effective. No church on Earth will ever reach perfection because human beings are involved. Tragic fact that points back to Adam and Eve. NOW - I understand what you're saying for the most part. Over the years I've been to only a couple of churches that I felt at home very quickly. Only two churches did I know immediately it wasn't the church for me. Others have been in between. Church service is no place for entertainment; at heart its about praising and worshiping God and growing spiritually. Being bored in service sounds like a self serving excuse. Not trying to be bitey there, simply offering my opinion. However, if the preacher isn't sticking to the Word or you get a cold reception from the members (and you generally have to attend more than once to get a true impression) then maybe it isn't a living church. One church in my experience: The members fell over themselves welcoming us in; very friendly and receptive. However, it was clear early on the preacher didn't rely on the Word to teach from. Sure, he'd read a qiupette of scripture to start but the rest of the sermon seldom referred back to it and it was stories and non-biblical illustrations. We went to that church for about two months but simply weren't being spiritually fed from the Word. Another church we tried was just the opposite. Great pastor, preached right out of the Bible true to the Word. I felt like an outcast among the members. Never once invited over for a cup of coffee, lunch, or even a simple sit down and chat. I stuck to that church for about a year. The church I attend now we've been at for 9 years. Rock solid in the Bible teaching. The very first time we visited people were walking right up and greeting us, even got invited to lunch by two different families, etc. Strong music ministry that glorifies God - not as contemporary as some but it doesn't take the focus off its primary purpose simply to draw in more people or keep people entertained. ETC ETC ETC... I guess my point if you're heart is in the right place then being challenged to grow in God would be your primarily goal in finding a solid church. The other stuff, while important, is secondary. NO church will have everything dead on 100% of the time.

Congrats! I, too, know exactly what you mean. We'll be praying for you.

Been crazy around here. We had a fairly warm spell and squirrels were everywhere. Didn't make it out though. Now its "up" to 12 degrees with about 6" of fresh snow. Getting out is going to be tough.

I'm a trail runner and LOVE running a particular trial near by brother's house. This past fall I snapped a few pictures and this one adorns my wallpaper for my computer.

LOL! Great stuff...

Never to early! LOL I took my mouth calls out for a good workout the other day. I still pick up the pot calls occassionally. However, I haven't started pre-season inventory as of yet!

Well done! I'd love to put some rabbits in the pot this year. Guess I'd better get myself out there.

Prayers going out.

Never been to one and won't likely go soon. I'd like to, though. Just got into turkey hunting last year so hopefully I've got time to make one someday.

Prayers going out for you. That is a huge decision. Our church has a travelling evangelist we sent out and he is supported but several churches. He loves serving God in that capacity. Mike Patterson is his name - maybe you've met him. He is currently making a circuit through Florida, Georgia, and the area.

Here's the two youngest: Tabatha waiting for her turn with the bow and Tjaden (Tj) my flinging away.

Sad. Prayers going out.

I am VERY tempted but honestly, I'm so out of practice it would be a long shot - no pun intended. Haven't completely decided against it but...

Welcome sir! This coming spring will only be my second spring season so I'll try to keep you busy with inquires...

Its funny how melancholy can pollute our vision during this time of year. I struggle with it every year for no apparent reason around Christmas. Shorter days/less daylight I am sure is part of it.

Beautiful squirrel! I've never seen a gray phase of the fox. All red phases locally. When I went to school at Michigan State (GO GREEN!) we had black phase foxes there. They were all black with chestnut faces - pretty cool.

Thats a GREAT bird1 Well done!

Nicely done! Tag stew for my this fall.

That'd been a story to tell to the rescue unit - how you got knocked out of your blind by the turkey they found under you as they lifted you onto the back board! LOL

Fantastic. Glad to hear norm.

You got it Coach.