The Wilds

One day way back in high school I was out at my parents house, which is deep into the woods of eastern Washington. I was hanging on our hammock and simply enjoying the sweet smell of pine trees, the blue sky, and the sound of the forest. I would often spend my days out there in that forest carving out walking sticks, chopping wood, and exploring.

Then my mother called out to me from the log cabin front porch. Someone had called for me on the telephone.  It was my friend Tony who was in the student government. He asked if I would speak at one of our graduations ceremonies. I accepted the invitation.

I went back to my hammock and thought about the beauty in the forest and how it had changed my life. I thought about when I met Jesus on a drive through that very forest full of tall pines, windy creeks, and wildlife. I am pretty sure the Spirit of the Lord moves in the forest.

I also, thought about all of the times I was in town and how I struggled to fit in with other people. I would often feel like I needed to wear a wooden mask in order to fit in with people. It seemed rather easy to manufacture these masks, but they weren't me. Every time I would use these masks the had a poisonous effect on me and I would forget a bit of myself. This forced me to spiral into a depression an anxiety about self-image and what have you.

Eventually I took that drive through the woods where the Lord met me face to face. He questioned my masks and offered to take them away. I was terrified, but he was patient and reassuring. He revealed to me the true nature of who I am and how he sees me, as we drove through unadulterated forest which he created.

I was brought to tears and gave my masks over to Jesus. He an I burned them in the fire that is fueled by the power of his blood. He made me new and told me I would never have to be ashamed ever again. From that point on the Holy Spirit has been moving through the forest of my mind and tending to its needs. We simply let go and allow the Lord to rule what he has created, and be at peace in his grace.

The Bible

I am terrible with devotions and being a consistent Bible reader. Most people read the Bible on Sundays (maybe). While other the more devout seem to pack their reading into their mornings, evenings, etc. I am a part of the third group which has an intense passion for the Bible, but has a sincere lack of time. At the end of the day when your body has officially resolved to only do gross motor functions like brushing your teeth, shoving food in your mouth, and wiping your butt. I think many people fall into this category and that is O.K. if you ask me.
Some people dig into the Bible for theological reasons, others for personal reasons, others even for wicked reasons. For me it is so I can know Jesus more. I believe that this world desperately needs Jesus more and more each day. For me Jesus is a rock that I cling to in the midts of all the waves and confusion of this world. While the world is telling me that I need to be this or that, Jesus is telling me that he loves me for me. While the world is telling me that I should buy this or that, Jesus is telling me that He is all I need. While various stresses are pressing down on me Jesus is saying Mathew I got this. Jesus is so much more...

Ultimately, the Bible points me to Jesus.

Axes

Just the other day I found an old axe head covered in rust. I think that I'll clean it up a bit, re-handle it, re-coat it, and sharpen it up. Axes are good primary bush-craft tools that need a bit of care. I have been using a cheap axe from the store that has a fiberglass handle, a cold steel tomahawk, and a simple hatchet. Most of the time I don't need to use the large axe.
In my own opinion the tomahawk is the best tool for the outdoors. This is because one can remake a wooden handle with ease when it comes to tomahawks. Yet, if one wanted to remake a handle for an axe they would be hard pressed to pull it off. I might also add that a tomahawk with a hammer on it is an even better tool for the great outdoors, as this add the benefit of being able to pound things out without having to find a rock.
Also, with the added benefit of being able to remove the head with ease the tomahawk head can be used as a knife, or fashioned into different bush-crafting devices. If the tomahawk head is well kept it may also be used as a makeshift knife. In my opinion this is a very versatile bush-crafting device. Yet, with it's versatility it also lacks in specific duties. One would not want to go out into the pinewood forest and fell trees with the tomahawk. It bares the same qualities of the single shot shotgun.

Still the most versatile tool we need to keep honed is our mind. For me and my house we will chose to follow the Lord. It is my opinion that Jesus is the great victor and if you are not with him it doesn't matter if you have an entire army on your side.


Blessings as you go throughout this week.

Good morning all

Today I will be testing out some common bush-craft tools.

The Mora Black's ability to work with fatwood (which includes feather sticking, and making flammable dust), a Hightower custom ferro lighting system.

Splitting wood with a Cold Steel Pipe-hawk.

Creating a small amount of char cloth with an Altoids container.

Starting a fire with some Birch tree leaves.

While the fire gets going I will attempt to do some scripture reading through chapters 5 & 6 of the book of Proverbs.

Blessings as you live this day!