THE BROKEN CAN HEAL

Growing up with three brothers in a neighborhood of mostly boys, things usually got pretty physical. Being young boys we had no reservations about taunting and teasing each other; it was usually in good fun though. Every so often when we were all gathered together, usually standing around in a circle poking fun at one another, someone would get shoved into the middle of the circle. While in the middle of the circle, the other boys would push back and forth. The one in middle would try to fight their way out of the circle, but the others would just push harder. The bigger boys would typically fight their way out of the circle, while the smaller boys couldn’t make their way out. The longer someone was stuck in the circle the higher the tension would get.  Sometimes the tension would get to be too much and the boy stuck in the middle would feel like cracking and get mad. If that happened, the other boys would increase the tension and push the limits. I was usually one of the boys that would crack and get mad.  Once that happened, the fun was over and the other boys would pick me up and let me out of the circle. It took about five seconds to get over it and get back in the game. Little did we know how this exercise would teach us to endure life’s pressures

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See the new growth on this damaged tree

Recently, there were very high winds in our area for several days. The continued tension left many trees with broken and cracked branches. Trees don’t stop growing because one part is damaged; sometimes new branches come back even stronger.

Psalm 34:18 The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

WHAT'S NOURISHING YOU?

This past weekend our family took a trip to northern Minnesota to visit our oldest boy in college and on our way, we drove through a small town called Floodwood. Now, over the years I’ve driven through Floodwood many times and the same thing always catches my eye, many pine trees are stunted in their growth, while ones across the road are flourishing.

Stunted on the left  and flourishing on the right

So, of course, when one has questions and needs answers, what do you do?  “Ok Google…”, or, “Hey Siri…” Those sources were helpful to a certain degree; they gave information like there are two rivers that connect nearby and that the area is very flat and prone to flooding. The information seemed to allude to the possibility that the mostly wet soil does not offer well-balanced nourishment, thus stunting their growth. Since I was not completely satisfied with the web’s information, I contacted a friend who works for the forestry department. After he explained that he works more with the social effects of forestry rather than the biology of trees, he agreed with the thought that the wet soil probably did stunt their grow…that was enough for me.

All living things need water, but water alone isn’t enough to properly nourish for a long period. Just like trees, we need well-balanced nutrition. For humans, food and water are our main source of nourishment, but it also comes from people we talk to, those who we allow to influence our lives. One of my favorite quotes is: “you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.”

What’s feeding you; more importantly, is there something/somebody preventing your growth?

John 4:34 Then Jesus explained, “My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, and from finishing His work”

DON'T BE AFRAID TO GO OUTSIDE

Part of my job is to talk to people throughout the nation. Whenever I talk to someone from the southern states and they find out I live in Minnesota, they typically ask, “how can you live up there?  It’s so cold!" or " do you ever go outside in the winter?” They’re amazed by the idea of ice fishing, downhill skiing, and the many other outdoor activities there are here. If you live in the Midwest, you may have had similar conversations.

Now, I realize some Midwestern people don’t consider themselves as outdoor enthusiasts. Thankfully, there are others who construct things that individuals can enjoy from the comfort of their car as they drive by.

The following are a few local examples:

A high school friend, Jim Gorbunow, has built many snow sculptures to help educate people about kidney health and the importance of becoming a donor. His sculptures have earned the attention of local news outlets, which is a great thing to help spread the word. Not only does Jim take full advantage of the Midwest winter, but he uses it to help bring awareness. What a guy!

Photo courtesy: Jim Gorbunow Transplant page

Photo courtesy: Jim Gorbunow Transplant page

A man in our neighborhood also came up with a creative way to have fun with the freezing temperatures.

Frozen Pants creator: Tom Grotting

There are even companies that capitalize on the freezing temperatures. Ice Castles, LLC, builds ice castles throughout the nation and Canada. They charge a fee for people to walk through and enjoy their creations. This ice castle was within 30 minutes of our home so, of course, we checked it out.

Inside the castle

Of course, some of you may like the idea our dog, Ruby, has.

These are great examples of taking advantage of whatever your current situation may be, and no matter what, don’t be afraid to enjoy yourself!

Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.

WHERE'S YOUR PATH LEADING YOU?

It was a crisp fall morning during deer hunting season (my favorite time of the year), the sun had been up for an hour and the woods were coming alive. There was just enough snow to cover the ground, which made it easier to see deep into the woods. The birds were singing and the squirrels were being squirrely when out of the corner of my eye I noticed movement on the main trail I was hunting. It was a large deer…a large buck! I quietly re-positioned myself to look straight down the trail in his direction. He slowly kept walking in my direction; just as he was about to come out of the thick woods, he left the main trail and started veering around me. He stayed in the thick woods, on a narrow path, keeping a safe distance from me. I would get a glimpse of him every 10 yards or so, until he was out of sight and safely enjoyed his day.

That was at least fifteen years ago, and I’ve learned a lot since then. For instance, when the hunting season is over and there’s snow on the ground, it’s a good time to scout for the next hunting season. The snow helps show the typical patterns of your prey. Some trails have so much traffic that the snow is worn away. Now, if one looks off the beaten path you’ll find that there is a secondary trail, one much less traveled. That secondary trail is where the wiser deer travel; they know predators typically hunt the heavily used trails.  The worn-down trail is easy to travel; everyone’s using it so it must be safe, right? But, what’s waiting for you down that trail?

 

Here it's easy to see what trail the deer are using.

Matthew 7:13-14 Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road the leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

ARE YOU UNIQUE?

Our youngest boy likes to play with fire...let that soak in for a bit.

When our family was asked to light the Advent candle at church a couple years ago, he was more than happy to be the one holding the lighter. If there’s a camp fire to be started and tended to, he’s on it as well. When he starts a camp fire, he has his own way of doing it. He does it differently than I would, so it’s hard for me to just sit and watch him do it without throwing all kinds of advice at him. Thankfully, he’s always had a healthy respect for fire.

Everyone has their own unique way of starting a fire; some form a tee pee, others use the log cabin approach, and some dump gas on it, throw a match and run. Any way you choose, fire is the end result.

Everyone has a uniqueness about them, whether it’s appearance, physical ability, or personality, we’re all different and do things differently. No two trees are identical either and those differences make for a beautiful landscape.

Tree mushrooms are unique. (photo credit: Shakyphotography.com)

...But I enjoy their beauty...Oh, by the way DON"T EAT THEM

Mark 12:31 …Love thy neighbor as yourself.

LET THEM GO, SO THEY CAN GROW

As our oldest boy was packing his car to head back to college a couple weeks ago, his mom stood in the doorway with tears in her eyes, and I watched with pride as he methodically packed everything in its place. As parents, I believe that one of our jobs is to train our children to be independent and live their own lives. If that’s done successfully, it can be the most fulfilling, yet heart wrenching feeling.

Let’s take a moment and think about how trees release their children (seeds). When a tree’s seed is mature, it’s time to let it go. When a seed falls, if it stays too close to the parent tree there may not be enough nourishment for all to thrive and grow effectively. Sometimes animals and rain (jobs, friends, or future spouse) will pick up the seed and carry it further away than intended, but still to a place where it can grow effectively. Ideally, a gentle breeze will cradle it to just the right location where all can admire its growth. The point is, no matter how the seed leaves the tree, it can’t grow if it doesn’t leave.

One of our little seeds safely placed to spout.

Every time our son comes home we’re fulfilled and every time he packs his car to leave it’s heart wrenching. We raised him to the best of our ability and no matter where his travels take him, we must have faith in where he lands and pray the winds carry him home every now and again.

Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

KEEPING MY WORD

The new year is here; it’s that time of year when people make resolution like lose weight, save more money (or save money period), be a better person, stuff like that. Those are all good things to do, and I personally could benefit from by doing all of them, but those aren’t my main focus for this year.

Let’s back up a little bit, I used to think “resolutions” were kind of silly because most people (myself included) don’t usually keep them.  Several years ago, I started making “goals” instead of resolutions.  It felt more serious to me, however it doesn’t matter what you call it if you don’t stick to it. After comparing the definitions of resolution and goals, I realized resolution is a more concrete decision, so I’m going with it.

While planning my resolutions for this year I reflected on some from last year, one of which was to write this blog…and a year later I’m still writing. Whew! The purpose of the blog was to share outdoor stories with a religious message tied in. It really has been a lot of fun and I greatly appreciate you reading it. Some of you share it with others and many have given some heartfelt feedback…thank you! I am very grateful for the many outings with family and friends; I look forward to many more.

One of my resolutions for 2017 is to continue the blog and to create more stories with more people, particularly those that haven’t had the opportunity to enjoy God’s creation. If one of your resolutions or goals is to spend more time outdoors, let me know. Here’s to another great year!

  

1 John 2:5 But whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in Him.