Evolution and Office Chairs

This week I was invited to a special birthday party in honor of Charles Darwin “complete with a giant birthday cake” to celebrate his accomplishments in “defining the natural world”.  I found it a little funny that I would be invited to this event as I keep no secrets regarding my opinions toward his “Origin of the Species”. However, a large number of people involved in the science and the natural resources fields were extended the opportunity to attend this 200^th year celebration.  

February 12^th marked Darwin’s birthday. It is also the day that both the Gallup and Pew Research Center’s released surveys that show only 4 in 10 people actually believe in the evolutionary theory that explains how all life was created. The report also showed that a large percentage of people were still searching for the answer to that foundational life question, “Where did I come from?”  No doubt this news would have been found disappointing by a man whose life is identified only with evolutionary theory. It is a largely forgotten or disregarded fact that Darwin is also the father of the modern office chair, the kind with wheels.

This is not going to be a blog post that delves deeply into the scientific evidence for creation or “intelligent design” as it is so often referred today. There simply is not room in this medium to do that. However, this past week I did have an experience that mirrors the survey results above. I was invited to participate in an online discussion with a number of graduate students from Virginia Tech on the subject of religion as it pertains to creation and the natural world. I accepted this invitation and prepared myself for what I believed would be a highly emotional and maybe even hostile debate. I was surprised, however, at the number of students who were very supportive of intelligent design, asked some very good questions, and generally commented that they had been conditioned to believe in evolution through academics rather than by choice. Many had been provided information that had never been challenged until now. Some of what they had been taught about the Bible and Christianity in general was blatantly false. I had the opportunity to share with them from scripture the creation story and what God’s role for man is within natural world and how we are to interact with it. All the students were incredibly appreciative and none, not a single one, offered any criticism. If nothing else, I believe some students from the class were empowered through this exchange to openly share their own, previously hidden, personal faith.

This experience reminds me of why I believe that “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). I cannot believe that nothing created something. I cannot believe that out of randomness came organization. That out of nonlife, life was created. As I spend time in the woods and on the waters of this great earth and I see the beauty that surrounds me I cannot believe it is the result of chance.  I have an especially hard time as I think back to the birth of my children that they were simply the long-term product of a cosmological accident. My own professional and academic study of the natural world constantly reminds me that an intelligent being had to be behind the miracle of life and the majesty of creation. For me to think otherwise, would demand a leap of faith into a realm of belief that academically, professionally, and spiritually, I could not achieve.

For me, the Genesis account is the only explanation. I prefer to know that it was God who spoke the world, including you and me, into existence and proclaimed, “It was good”. I believe the poetic explanation of King David who proclaimed it was God who “laid the foundation of the earth”.  I prefer to believe that I am “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14) rather than the byproduct of a random chemical reaction.  My own logic echoes the wisdom of the prophet Isaiah who said if you want to know the truth, “Look up and see who created these things” (Isaiah 40:26). But perhaps one of the greatest arguments of all has nothing to do with religion or science but is rather an expression of innermost man no matter if they believe in God or not. It is the basic human belief that life is valuable. We write laws to protect it, have parties to celebrate it, pay money to insure it, and will even die to defend it. Yet if life was simply the product of “nothing” what value would it have? Even if life was the product of “a lot of nothing” it would still be worth nothing. Life would be worth nothing nor mean nothing more than that which can be attributed to random, meaningless coincidence.

So did I go to Darwin’s 200^th birthday celebration? No I did not. You see I know the true origin of the species. Better yet, I personally know the One who created it. But thank you Charles Darwin for that wonderful invention of yours, the rolling office chair. How could we ever live without it?

A bad week for heroes and what we can learn.

The past week has not been a good one for man’s heroes.

 

First we have the news showing America’s favorite Beijing Olympian, Michael Phelps, smoking a marijuana bong at a party in South Carolina. This hero of the summer games was quickly knocked off his pedestal and his image tainted in the eyes of millions of people around the world. His sponsors sent him home from the Super Bowl. USA Swimming has suspended him and Kellogg has ended their sponsorship.

 

On the heals of this story comes the revelation that drug tests now show Barry Bonds did in fact test positive for steroid use and he once again found himself in federal court facing charges of lying to a federal grand jury. This homerun hero has gone bust.

 

Finally, our President. Just a few weeks ago millions of people were eerily chanting his name on the Mall and proclaiming change had come to America. Today, however, his approval rating has dropped, he is facing intense criticism from members of both political parties, and he has been forced to admit mistakes in some of the appointments he has made to key positions within his administration.

 

In contrast, this week I found myself in the company of heroes. Not perfect people, but heroes. I had the privilege of sitting on a panel of five other senior enlisted members of the armed forces chosen to present leadership principles to hundreds of young military officers. Everyone in that room had taken an oath to support and defend the constitution from all enemies, foreign and domestic. All had taken an oath to support something bigger than him or herself. One story from a panelist stood out. Not long after arriving in Iraq he and his platoon were on patrol when then responded to a car bombing. His job was to drive the armored vehicle that day. When they arrived on scene everyone else exited the vehicle to assess the situation. Suddenly explosions erupted all around and when the smoke cleared he saw his fellow soldiers lying on the ground. He left the relative safety of his vehicle and ran toward the danger and his injured colleagues. He immediately began applying tourniquets to the bleeding limbs of those lying around him. When he got to his platoon leader, the young officer was applying tourniquets to his own wounds and told his sergeant to take care of the others while he continued to lead their fight. The written word cannot express the emotion felt when hearing this story first hand.

 

These men and women are heroes. All pursuing something greater than themselves. Each willing to run toward danger and if necessary, give their life. They don’t do it for gold medals or hall of fame recognition. They do it because they took an oath and because something inside of them tells them it is the right thing to do. For them it is all about courage, integrity, dedication, devotion, strength, passion and honor. Core values inseparable from whom they are and the positions they hold.

 

I have some heroes today besides those just mentioned. They are not warriors in the true sense of the word but all have taken an oath. All have run to the fight instead of away from it. All have sacrificed for a greater good. All are continuously pursuing something greater than themselves and not for any recognition that man can offer.

 

Who are these modern day heroes of mine? There are three that immediately come to mind. First, there is Ray Howell. Here is a man that had all the world could possibly offer in terms of financial success and notoriety. Yet, his passion for young people and an obedient heart led him to walk away from all the world had to offer and devote the rest of his life to reaching the kind of kids that much of the world would rather forget. Now, each year thousands of kids have their lives changed, many eternally, through the Kicking Bear camps that are held throughout the nation. Who would have thought that time spent outside shooting a bow and arrow could change lives the way it does.

 

Then there is Jeff Murphy and his family. No one would have blamed Jeff eighteen months ago if he walked away from the idea of planting another church. He had to shut down his first church plant and walk away. It was an incredibly low time for him. He could have created a comfortable existence on the staff of another church. He could have chosen to stay in his “armored vehicle”, in relative safety. However, Jeff saw a need and a purpose greater than his own and, not like that young sergeant I mentioned earlier, he got out and ran toward the danger. This weekend will celebrate Jeff’s third Sunday at My Church Columbus. Their first Sunday, over 600 people showed up. Last Sunday almost the same number. More importantly dozens of people over the last two weeks have found forgiveness and new life in Christ.

 

Finally, there is the Boll family. What is it that makes a husband and wife leave a tremendous ministry in sunny Florida and with their four girls move to one of the coldest countries on the face of the earth as missionaries? What is it that makes them leave all that is familiar, all that they love, and all whom they love, in exchange for the unknown and uncertain? It is no doubt the belief in something bigger and something better. It is the certainty that they are fulfilling a greater need, a greater purpose, and a greater plan. It is the conviction that they are doing something that is bigger and more important than themselves.

 

What makes each of these different? What makes them my heroes? Are they perfect people? No, only man has ever lived that was perfect. It is because, they strive to be second. Not unlike our brave men and women in the military who are willing to risk their lives, and in some cases knowingly give their lives, for a greater calling, so do they. Not for personal gain. Not for personal recognition. Not even for personal satisfaction. They are second to a higher calling, to a greater mission.

 

Are you second? What about your heroes? Are they?

 

Of course the danger with those heroes who receive their recognition by earthly standards is that they will eventually fail us, not unlike Michael Phelps or Barry Bonds. There is only One who will never fail us. Paul tells us in 2 Timothy 4:16-17 that when he found himself along, deserted by all others, it was Lord that came and stood by him. Isaiah 45:22 tells us there is only One to whom we should direct our gaze as there is only One that can save us.

 

However, the Apostle Paul us gives us one of the greatest lessons in becoming “second” place heroes here on earth. In Philippians 1:20-21 he says his desire is that with “full courage, now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” He follows this up in Philippians 3:7-9,

 

“But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ.  Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith”.

 

In verse 14 Paul says it is the “upward call”, something bigger than himself, that moves him to do what he does.

 

Being a hero has nothing to do with what is achieved here on earth. Being a hero is to be part of something bigger than oneself. Being a hero means forsaking all. It means leaving the comfort and security of where you are at right now and without regard to yourself running to that which is need of help, wherever that might be, wherever eternal consequence is at stake. It means, being second.

 

If you want to know more about being “second” you can watch and listen to people you may recognize describe why they are second by visiting www.iamsecond.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

November’s Most Prayed Prayer

Holden’s First Buck

By now most of you who frequent my Facebook page (or were recipients of an excited phone call from me) are aware that on Tuesday, November 11^th, I had a VERY good day of hunting. First my 11 year old son Holden shot his first buck. No matter the fact he thought it was a doe, his excitement of finally harvesting a deer with antlers after 3 seasons of trying could not be abated. Then, five minutes later, I shot the biggest buck of my life. An absolute giant of a deer and one I had been trying to outsmart for two weeks. Of course, as is normally the case, God revealed Himself in these outdoor moments.

I have to believe that the prayer most prayed during the month of November is a variation of one of the following:

1. God please let me get a deer.
2. God please don’t let me miss this deer.
3. God, please help me find the deer I asked you to help me get and not miss.

4. God, THANK YOU for letting me get this deer!

You see, there is something about hunting, and big bucks in particular, that will bring out the “religion” in a man who doesn’t think about spiritual matters any other time of the year. I would bet that there are more prayers like those above prayed by hunters in November than are offered at all the Thanksgiving tables.

Don’t get me wrong. I pray for hunting success every year. On that Tuesday I was praying HARD. It was truly a frantic and chaotic few minutes. When I did make the shot I knew it was good and could tell as the big bruiser ran off he was mortally wounded. After waiting several minutes I got down from my tree to begin the recovery of my trophy. I looked around where he had been standing and found immediate sign that my aim was true but the evidence of a good hit was less than I expected. As I began following the trail the sign grew less and less until eventually there was no more blood to follow. A very sick feeling came over me as I realized that maybe I didn’t make a good hit. I was distraught over the thought of not recovering the deer. So, not unlike many others in the woods that day, I prayed. I lifted my eyes toward the sky and said, “Please God, you have to help me find this deer.” It was not so much of a commandment as it was just a desperate plea for help. At that moment, I turned around to retrace my steps and lying directly in front of me was my deer. I could clearly see the white belly and antlers gleaming in the sun. He was about 50 yards away at the bottom of a hollow. He hadn’t traveled 50 yards from where I shot him but I had obviously been following the wrong path.  At this remarkable discovery I yelled out, “Thank you Jesus!” and made my way down to the deer. I was overcome with emotion and I began to sing the Doxology out loud. I gave an invitation and three squirrels, two chipmunks, and a woodpecker all came forward (though strangely, no deer). What a great day for giving thanks!ORD with all your heart and lean not own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (NKJV).  Once I acknowledged my need for Gods help, having obviously gone off track and at the point of despair, He really did direct my path. He turned me around and showed me what I had been searching for. What an important lesson learned and even greater reason for giving thanks.  

After controlling my excitement, I sat in the now still and quiet woods next to my deer. I was suddenly reminded of Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the L

On this Thanksgiving Day I am once again reminded of these events from just two weeks ago and how important it is to be prayerful and thankful in all things, all the time. Whether it is in the big moments of life or for the small lessons learned in the stillness of a fall day, “Pray without ceasing” and “in everything give thanks” should be words that guide us daily, not just in November.

Thank You LU Students!

As a 1990 Liberty Alumnus I have always wondered how I might be able to give back. I am hoping that the survey you took will help. If you know me from my involvement in the LU Archery Club, Youth Emphasis Week, from this blog, or elsewhere, you know I have a passion for the outdoors. For the last several months I have been working closely with faculty and staff from Liberty as well as Virginia Tech to study future outdoor recreation and academic opportunities at LU. This survey will serve as a foundation and quantitative analysis for those in charge at LU to use as they move forward with what is being called the, “No Student Left Inside” initiative.

 

I believe that LU is the most exciting university in the world and that you are the greatest students. My goal is that by utilizing the resources God has provided to Liberty we can move forward with creating the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts and professionals that recognize Creation for the gift that it truly is.

 

Thanks again! I hope you will continue to follow the progress of this research. Feel free to read my blog and check back often as I write more about the outdoors and our role in God’s creation.

 

Doug Gilmer

Bristow, VA

Are Your Kids Older Than You?

What you ask? How can that be? According to a recent article published by the American Heart Association, it is entirely possible! At least, sort of.  According to the study, obese kids as young as 10 years old had vascular ages (heart and arteries) of 45-year olds. Childhood obesity is up 50% in the United States and currently one-third of children in the U.S. are overweight, one-fifth are classified as obese. See the following link for more details on this story,  http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,450547,00.html.

 

Recently I had the opportunity to participate in a media event following the White House Conference on Wildlife Policy. The main topics for discussion at this conference could have centered any number of current wildlife conservation issues such as polar bears, woodcock, manatees, the porcupine caribou herd in oil rich Alaska, or even the red-cockaded woodpecker. Instead, the conference focused on the need to involve more kids in the outdoors. As one senior administration official stated, “this is not just a conservation issue, this is a public health issue.”

 

It is true. Some studies say the average child in the U.S. spends six hours a day in front of a TV or computer screen. Combine that with an ever increasing amount of homework being sent home at the younger grades (a real pet peeve of mine) and an increasing reluctance of many parents to allow their children to play outside based out of fear (the boogeyman syndrome), and the problem is being perpetuated beyond control. Society is diseasing its kids. A number of studies conducted over the last few years have been able to draw conclusions supporting the idea that the less time kids spend outside, the less healthy they are. And it is not just physical health. Correlations between academic achievement, mental and emotional development, and spiritual health have all been linked back to the amount of time kids spend outside playing and exploring the environment surrounding them. 

 

Just what are the spiritual effects? Are we really handicapping spiritual development as well?  I do know that scripture tells us that God reveals Himself through His Creation. Paul Gorman, founder and director of the National Religious Partnership for the Environment says, “The extent that we separate out children from Creation is the extent that we separate them from the Creator.” I know that despite whatever positive lessons can be learned by watching the Lion King, it is not a true reflection of how God intended nature to function. There is no substitute to letting kids see and explore Creation up front and personal. Do not get me wrong, I am not deifying nature itself but rather stating that I believe we need to draw focus on its Creator. Creation brings us closer to the Creator.

 

Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, a renowned, reformed, Jewish philosopher and theologian once said, “To be spiritual is to be constantly amazed. Our goal should be to live life in radical amazement”. There is no better placed to be amazed than in the presence of God’s Creation.

 

So, do you know how old your kids are? Do you really?

 

A Special Veterans Day Post About IED’s (It’s not what you think)

For those of you who may have heard me give my testimony you know that while growing up I had a love-hate relationship with Romans 8:28. Actually, I loved to hate it. You know the verse, “All things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose.” There is no need here to repeat my life story and the reasons why this verse made me so bitter. However, after a number of years God truly revealed Himself to me in a way that will never make me question His promise again.

This past week I had the opportunity to hear the testimony of a local woman who just two months ago lost her son, an Army soldier, in Afghanistan. As a veteran myself, and a current reserve member of our nation’s armed forces, I listen attentively to these stories; I can empathize.

The woman shared how her son was a strong believer and his favorite passage of scripture was the 23rd Psalm. He would read the chapter each time he was about to go on patrol. Not long ago he called home to say he was about to leave on an operation but told his mom not to worry. He said, “though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.” He emphasized to her, “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Later that day, while he and his platoon were making their way through a shallow valley they were hit by an IED attack (an improvised explosive device). Her son was killed.

Instead of being bitter she rejoiced. At her son’s “celebration of life” (instead of a funeral) two of his dearest friends were saved. She proclaimed that the “shadow of death” was just that, a shadow. On the day of the attack her son had simply stepped through the shadow and into the presence of a Glorious God. She went on to say that now, whenever she hears the term “IED” she rejoices because to her the term now means, “In Eternal Destination”. What an amazing attitude! What an even more incredible faith.

 

Can you not empathize as well? Maybe you haven’t served in the armed forces, but you are still a veteran of a different sort. We have all had those unexpected IED attacks in life. They often occur without warning and leave us feeling hurt or dead, spiritually, emotionally, and mentally. Maybe it was the sudden loss of a loved one or close friend, the ending of a relationship, the loss of a job, overwhelming temptation, or financial crisis. Whatever the circumstance the result is the same. Your world seemingly explodes and you are left picking up the pieces. If it hasn’t happened to you then be prepared, it will. In the meantime, you at least know someone whose world has been turned upside down.

 

It is all about how we prepare and respond to these eventualities that is the true measure of faith. Can we respond as James suggested, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience… Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him” (James 1:2-3,12, NIV). Do we hold to the promise of Romans 8:28, and truly believe it? Can we respond with the same attitude and faith, believing that a greater purpose awaits, as this mother did? Are we prepared for whatever comes our way, no matter how great the trial, with the eternal outlook of the young soldier?

 

The story about the mother and her son is a fitting reminder that today is Veteran’s Day and more than ever, we need to remember those who serve and have served our nation at great sacrifice to themselves and their families. Pray for them. Pray for their families. Pray for our President (and our President-Elect) who leads them as Commander in Chief. Pray for our Christian military chaplains that they might be able reach an expansive mission field of young Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines with the purpose, hope, peace, grace, and mercy that only God can provide.

 

Pray for those around you that are hurting, casualties of trials so common today, that they may be able to look through the shadow of troubling times and into the glory, hope, and promise of an eternal destination.

 

 

Decemberadio: A Cutting Edge Message

Friday night we had the opportunity to see the group Decemberadio in concert. No stranger to the CCM charts, radio, GMA awards, or the Liberty campus for that matter, their music blends sounds of such groups of yesteryear like Mark Farner and Grand Funk Railroad (a personal favorite) and Creedence Clearwater Revival. If you like classic southern rock, you will like Decemberadio.Just the other day a good friend (and YouthQuest/CYM alumni) of mine and I were discussing “cutting edge ministry” and its application to the “Four Hoursemen” definition of youth ministry from YOUT 201. How close does one get to the edge? How do you know when you have gone over? Is there a point at which you cross from ministry to mainstream? From prophetic to production? Is there a simple answer? Maybe it has to do with motivation? Maybe the closer one takes his or her ministry to the worldly the more comfortable they feel because maybe, in all honesty, that is where their heart is. (I know…ouch!)

Maybe that is what sets the guys in Decemberadio apart. They believe in the local church and are all members of local congregations. They believe their ministry is first and foremost to the local church. Their commitment to missions is unwavering as is their support of Compassion International. My 9-year old daughter was moved last night to sponsor a child in Haiti for $32 per month (which means mom and dad will be helping to pay as well, but that’s ok!). Their desire to see young people saved is tantamount in all they do. Not content to just sing the Good News, they also travel with a tremendous speaker who shares with the audience in a powerful way why they need God. Last night, at the invitation numerous young people and adults knelt, prayed, and had their lives eternally changed. A cutting edge ministry? Definitely. More important, a cutting edge message.

So how do Decemberadio and the CCKEW connect? I was introduced to the band by my good friend Andrew Gue (www.gonewildoutdoors.com). It just so happens that the band is also pretty passionate about the outdoors and two of the band members are avid bowhunters. Starting to click?

After the concert we had the chance to talk, take photos (my kids were thrilled) and at least make some preliminary plans for this season and next. Stay tuned to my blog in the weeks ahead to see what happens when Decemberadio hits the woods.

In the meantime, check Decemberadio out online at www.decemberadio.com. If you like to hunt, then check out Andrew’s site as well.

Watch for a special Veteran’s Day post on Tuesday.

For now,

The CCKEW

 

My Inaugural Blog: The Ramblings, Adventures, Passions, and Theology of the Camo Clad Keen Eyed Woodsman

This is my inaugural blog. Several friends, mostly fellow alumni, encouraged me to start and after all, what better way to express those things most important.

First, you are asking, “the Camo Clad what?” The Camo Clad Keen Eyed Woodsman is a nickname given to me by friends. They know how much I enjoy spending time in the woods, hunting, hiking, etc. and how much I love sharing the finer points of creation with others. They also know that next to flannel, camo is my favorite clothing choice.

Second, you may be wondering what am I going to write about. Staying true to the CCKEW theme I will be mostly sharing my observations from God’s great outdoors and the lessons Creation teaches us. If you know me then you know I have devoted my life to sharing the outdoors with as many people as I can, particularly young people. Taking a kid fishing, or for a hike in the woods is an amazing experience. Their eyes are open to a new world, one outside of a video game, one that is living, breathing, and in 3D. There is no greater classroom than the one “outside”. I believe that God reveals so much more through his natural handiwork than the best software developers, animators, The Office, or the cast and crew of 30 Rock could ever conceive.

I believe Creation is the worlds greatest Teacher. Beyond the scientific, literary, and historical lessons one can learn from spending time in the outdoors, countless life lessons can also be learned. All one has to do is look through the Old and New Testaments to see just how many times God, his messengers, and Jesus himself used the natural world to illustrate important truths, bring nations to their knees, turn hearts toward heaven, reveal His omnipotence, or bring wayward hearts back home. Some lessons were simple. Some dramatic. Just ask Jonah. In the end all successfully conveyed the lesson of the moment. And don’t forget, about 90% of Christ’s ministry took place in the outdoors.

Second, I believe Creation is the worlds greatest Counselor. Maybe you could susbstitute the word Comforter but the truth is still the same. For me, I am happiest when I am outdoors. There is just something about being outside that truly puts me at peace. It is where I think best (Caribou Coffee is second) and at least for me, where God speaks loudest. Its where I go when I need to be refreshed and renewed. Its where I go when I am seeking answers from God. Its where I am right now, writing this blog. It is where Elijah went to hear the “still small voice”. It is where John wrote the final chapter of The Book. It is where Moses got a second chance, twice. It is where Christ retreated to fast for 40 days and nights and still had the strength to fight temptation. It is where Christ went to pray and find peace in his final hours. Not a church, not the home of a friend, but rather a garden. Have you ever had a special place outside? Maybe a quiet spot in the woods, a scenic overlook, or a spot alongside a winding stream? A place just for you, just for reflection? If not, find one. If you’ve lost it, get another. And while you are looking, bring a kid along.

Finally, Creation is the worlds greatest Evangelist. Romans 1:19-20 says it best. Nature humbles us. It shows us just how small we are compared to a very large God. We are pale in comparison to its majesty. ALL mankind has been witnessed to by Creation. No one can say, “there is no God” because they have seen God through His artistry. Nature’s wonder, majesty, and spectacular beauty points to the One who created it. And besides, I have never met or read about a person who was lost in the wilderness, stranded, at the point of complete dispair and hoplessness that did not question their relationship with the God on whose ground they wandered.

Of course I also believe that nature is God’s other great gift to man. After all he did give us dominion over flora and fauna. However, I like to think of it as more of a lease rather than a complete transfer of ownership. As such, I believe mankind is still responsinble for the use, management, and sustainable condition of the natural resources with which we have been blessed so as to ensure their use by and for future generations.

Well there you have it. My first blog sorry if it was a little “preachy” but I get excited (and maybe a little wordy) when talking about the outdoors.

Let me know what you think. Until next time…

The Camo Clad Keen Eyed Woodsman.