Peace

As I sit in my treestand this beautiful evening ready to film for one of my TGO staff members I'm at peace with all the craziness out there that's happening in the world. I've realized that when any storm rises that God always comes thru to rescue me! You see the name Jesus means "Deliverer" so why should I or anyone be afraid? Christ offers Peace every second for the one who calls on him and knocks on heavens door. Humble yourself and ask for Peace then The Lord will lift you up. This is not our home! March forward in victory!

~Refuse to Lose~2012

Clarity

Over the last several days of hunting the weather has been quite unique. Foggy mornings, rainy evenings and just last Saturday Carl and I were hunting in a snow storm! Different weather for every hunt but looking out through my binoculars were quite the task! Steamed up from moisture in the air! I had to keep wiping the lenses so I could see. I ponder on that tonight as my father and I were hunting, clarity, perfect vision to see what I needed too see without all the hassle to do it! We all need good vision, to hunt, fish and to do pretty much everything we love to do. The question is what do we do when we can't see to well, when life does get really foggy and dark? Do we keep wiping the lenses or just pack it in and quit! The spirit of quit is out there all the time whispering go home, stop what your doing its to tough, you will never make it! I choose to live life even when I can't see to well with faith and trust and knowing God will never leave me or forsake me! So when you can't see with perfect clarity remember the words of the Apostle Paul- 2 Timothy 4:5 But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don't be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you. Keep pressing on- Fight the Good Fight! [In The Moment of Truth]»»(Never Be Shaken)2011»»
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Beautiful

Well were up in our stands ready to go! I must say what a beautiful and majestic view we have on this ridgeline! My heart needs this today, to be romanced by my Heavenly father! So it is with everyone who is reading this! The bible says to guard your heart for it is the wellspring of your life! That means go out and do things, listen and read whatever gives you nourishment deep in your soul! The grass withers and the flowers fade but the word of the Lord endures forever! Go guard your Heart! Let God speak to you and give you peace that surpasses all understanding! Draw close to God and he will draw close to you! [In The Moment of Truth]»»(Never Be Shaken)2011»»
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I Can Hardly Wait!

I can hardly wait for the opening day of the bow season in PA, 2011!!  I have been prepping all summer, shooting my new PSE Vendetta, Shooting broad heads, washing hunting clothing, watching hunting videos from others who are in the business!  All these things just so that I can chase a monster whitetail buck!!  What an amazing time of the year it is too!  Leaves changing, cool mornings, and tree stand sitting.  It's what bowhunters dream about.  But think with me, all that work that we have put into this, from cutting shooting lanes, to hanging trail cams, to planting food plots.  What's it all for, what's the purpose of all of this.  As a member of TGO I think about all of these sacrifices that we make and I wonder is it all worth it??  I know that it will pay off in the end, but when you are in the middle of the 100 degree August heat, you second guess yourself.  It all reminds me of the preparation that we have to make for when we leave this world.  One day we will ALL have to stand before the Creator of the heavens and the earth and make an account for all of the things that we have done.  I hope that you are prepared for that day.  I hope that He says to you "well done thou good and faithful servant!"  Examine your heart today, if Christ were to return tonight would you be ready?  Do you still need to do some prep work with God.  If so, take care of that with Him right now... even as you read this.  His Holy Word says that, "many shall come on that day and say Lord Lord, did we not cast out demons, heal the sick, and raise the dead? And He says to them, depart from me I never knew you!"  Get things right with Him today!  He's longing for you to cry out to Him, He'll meet you right where you are at.  Do the prep work now, your eternity depends on it...

Blessings,
Pastor Carl

Low-Light

As we sat in our treestands on the opening day of the North Carolina archery season my camera man and very close friend says to me....there's a deer! Wow! What a rush! But...to dark to shoot! As we watched several bucks in and around our stand I was chopping at the bit to draw my bow and lay the smackdown! Greg say's to me we don't have enough light for the camera yet! My goodness i'm thinking to myself, I just need a few more minutes and I can draw my bow and shoot! But, just as shooting light was near the bucks slowly went out of sight! Let me tell ya, I was discouraged for a few minutes! Greg say's they will be back and sure enough they were! At 7 am Saturday morning I shot my first buck of the 2011 TGO season! 16 yards right through the pump station! We celebrated, Thanked God for his grace and the opportunity to just enjoy the outdoors! So it brings me to the scripture that say's in - John 8:12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” So when you feel there is not enough light around you, depend and lean on Jesus, the Son of the living God! He is a lamp unto your feet and a light for your path!

On Your Honor...

You know we used to say that as kids all of the time.  It's on your honor.  Meaning, you take a soda out of the refrigerator you are responsible to pay for it later.  Many circumstances in life offer us to be "on our honor!"  We know that our character is built, or tore down, by the "honor system." I thought of that over the last few days as we sat and re-watched the tragic stories that came from the 9/11 circumstances.  We watched in horror and in shock as the planes smashed into the World Trade Center Towers.  We watched and responded as if we had not seen it hundreds of times before. For me it was just a reminder to be thankful for what I have.  A reminder that God is in control of my life, knowing that the grace and peace that we experience as a family is a direct result of His hand on us.  The images are powerful, and the stories that came out of those events move us to emotion.  So, we paused this weekend...  we remembered those that have been lost.  We also Honored!!  We honored the heroes from 9/11 and we honored the heroes that work or are on call every day of our lives.  The ones that show up to help at a moments notice, true heroes in our society.  Also, we honored those that have sacrificed so much to protect the freedoms that we enjoy!  Our military personnel past and present all around the globe! We truly live in the greatest country on the face of the earth because of those that have been willing to sacrifice their lives in service.  We all know that sacrifice always requires bloodshed.  Approximately 1.2 million American men and women have done just that by the shedding of their own blood during war time.  We honor you.

It reminds me of a scripture that says that without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sins. Hebrews 9:22 

Jesus paid the ultimate sacrifice by the shedding of His blood and it is of the utmost importance that we honor Him everyday of our lives.  Our relationship with Him depends on it!  As we go about our days and weeks to come this year.  Remember the importance of Honor.  Honor God for sending Christ to die for us.  Honor, those that have served and are currently serving.  Honor each other by living the way that Christ modeled to us and remember to do the right things in your life.  It honors Him when we do...

Blessings,
Pastor Carl

Rain

As I sit here tonight listening to the rain fall from the heavens i'm grateful! We planted alot of food plots this year and the rain always came down just at the right time. The truth is no matter how well you prepare the field for planting, ultimately you always need the rain to make it grow! So it is with God! Just stay prepared, ready and with great faith believing that the rain will come for your life! We just have to prepare the fields! The man without a vision will fail!!! Walk by faith...not by sight!!! Stay prepared!!! [ NEVER BE SHAKEN ] 2011