daring dialogue with a deer

The woods that were the arena for long walks were disappearing in my rearview mirror.  With a cabin full of good friends we had deepened our friendships and forged new ones.  Dreams of the future were still a bright spot for all. 

Heartaches in our past still found relief, sympathetic ears to let anxiety dissipate.  True friends listen but don’t judge.  Understanding, encouragement and even silence are the tools of the faithful.

It was odd that none of us saw much wildlife during our strolls through hundreds of acres of land.  Usually, herds of bovine entertain us with their graceful sprinting through the fields.  The young ones prance about in play, learning how strong their legs are and how fast they can run.

In years past the numbers of deer were counted by herds of 10 or 20.  They were prolific in this area of Michigan.  But, this year the numbers are not just down, they are noticeably low.

They are around but just not in this county. Locals are puzzled.  No one knows where they went.

It was time for the fellowship to end.  My gear was easy to pack and load.  Farewells were short, the way of men.

Dusk had settled in this part of our world.  Shadows were gone and night was pushing out the day.  That’s when the show began.

Two deer ran across the road.  I saw them almost like shadows appearing out of nowhere.  They raced right in front of me.  I had to brake hard and steady to avoid hitting them. 

Once they were safely on the other side of the road, they meandered around often looking back at me.  I breathed a sigh of relief and went on my way.  A few hundred yards away, another pair of were standing by the road in a field of cut corn.

Slowly I pulled over to the side of that rural road, lowered the window on the passenger side of my truck, and smiled at the closest doe.

She stood broadside with her whitetail down, big brown eyes staring, and her posture perfectly still.  That’s when I winked at her.   She flinched.  Then, I gave her a zerburt, loud and forceful.

Startled she snorted and stomped her front hoof.  Her whitetail went up.  Like a flash, she leaped into the air, turned and hit the ground on a dead run. She had the last word in this conversation.

photo credit: brucefong photography

doggies don’t like to be out done

This is the time of year when I make my annual trek into the woods. It’s rendezvous time with good friends who all share a love for the out-of-doors. Long hikes, quiet solitude and deep meditation all make for hungry appetites in the evening.

We feasted on oysters, salmon, chicken breasts, pineapple casserole, fresh bread, cheese, avocado dip, and beverages of the widest varieties. We were stuffed. So we naturally gravitated next to the warm and crackling fire.

There we told stories until our sides ached from too much laughter. The smiles of retold adventures was hysterical. Our friendship deepened with the passing of time.

While our conversation was carrying on and on, my hand dropped to the side of the sofa. There was good reason for me to do that. One of the labrador retrievers had come to sit next to me.

He looked up at me with his adorable face and sad eyes. With his mouth partly open and tongue peaking out, he couldn’t have communicated more clearly than if he could actually do human talk.. He wanted to be petted.

It was easy to comply. Once I dropped my hand to his head and did the common petting, he cooed quietly. His satisfaction was audibly expressed.

But, I have experience with dogs. I wouldn’t stop with just a petting. Soon I turned my fingers loose. They massaged his head, neck, shoulders and hips.

Now, he was a bowl of jelly and slumping over with a big yawn. Add to that his licking of his chops and it was very gratifying to be able to bring such soothing comfort to this beast of burden and loyalty.

This Golden lab has sister. She was watching from across the room. Enough was enough.
She jumped to her feet. There was no coy behavior on her part. Instead, she wormed her way between her brother and me.

She pushed and shoved until her muzzle reached my hand. That’s when she flipped up her nose and launched me hand into the air. With one final push she shoved her brother out-of-the-way and my hand came down on her head.

My scratching, massaging and petting just continued. She was now wooing and cooing. He was vanquished and never challenged his sister once. Labrador Retrievers must have a matriarchal society. The pecking order was clearly established and never challenged. I just laughed.

Preserve Don’t Punish: Wednesday Exposition #27

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On my one trip to Greece we were overwhelmed with the sights, sounds, and smells of this amazing country.  After all, not only is the natural history of this pleasant country very scintillating, also the Biblical history is captivating as well.  The people and their friendly cheer add to the unforgettable experience.

While we raced from site to site, we wearily tried to keep up with our wonderful tour guide.  She kept us entertainedy.  Her love for her country and its history made the tour very special.

During a long van ride to the south we were dozing to the hum drum of tires on asphalt.  Our guide asked us if anyone was awake.  We all laughed.

Then she pointed to the right side of the freeway.  There stood a statue of an ancient Spartan soldier.  She told us that this was the site of the famous 300 who stood in the pass of Thermopolis and kept the mighty Persian army at bay until the Greeks could mobilize a defense.

Legend tells the story of bravery, skill, teamwork and most of all loyalty.  When a soldier was wounded his fellows would close ranks and care for their comrade’s safety until the battle was over.  This devotion was especially true when the General fell. 

All of the soldiers gathered around him.  They carried him to safety.  At great risk for their own lives they moved as one to stay with their commander.

The church is also directed to display this same kind of care.  Too often the church is known for just the opposite.  We are teased for shooting our wounded. 

Like a lamb led to the slaughter Christians too often destroy what can be restored, abandon what can be nurtured or execute who can be revitalized.  Often it’s the process that confuses people.  Fear of “not” dealing with something or the delusion of “defending” what is perceived to be care cloud the attitude that accompanies the action.

James tells us a critical truth at the end of his epistle.  Everyone is susceptible to wandering from the truth.  His instruction is not to punish someone.  Rather, his commendation if for the one who brings that person back. 

There is a practical result from preserving.  Further sins that come from bitterness, revenge, hatred and the like are avoided.  Always look at the long term results of actions that address conflict.  Then follow the course of righteousness.

James 5.19,20

photo credit: Google image

big buck battle

This drive is an annual event. Good friends own a beautiful ranch that is a short hour and a half away. It is a gathering that many of look forward to every year.

 

Each year the scenery is breath-taking. Autumn is just about done. A few lingering trees hold on to their last color foliage.

 

Overhead geese are forming their flight-before-winter-sets-in famous V’s for long distant traveling to warmer climates. Their smaller cousin ducks are piddling around in small ponds bracing for winter. Tiny hummingbirds have long since flown south on their migration away from the frigid temperatures.

I was surprised by a special treat in the Creator’s woodlands. Crunchy leaves made my every step loud and nearly annoying. But, not far into my journey the noise from other leaves crunching, branches snapping and hollow sounds clanking made me sound like I was in stealth mode.

The racket made me stop and freeze in my tracks. A pulsating crashing and commotion was very curious. Then, an unusual sound caught my attention.

It was the periodic sound of antlers colliding. Then, it all made sense as deep in the thicket, flashes of brown appeared in holes around the bushes. Two buck deer were having a fight.

From where I was standing I could see very little. I followed the back and forth sounds of two mighty bovine vying for dominance in the region. There was only room for one king in these woods.

Whoever became the victor of this battle would have all the doe that he wanted for himself. The loser would have to settle for any maiden doe that would settle for his advances. The gene pool would entertain only the strongest, fiercest and most determined.

Abruptly, the battle ceased. I never saw the vanquished. But, the victor leaped out of the woods on to a trail near where I stood. In a split second, he shook off the battle fatigue and raced down the trail disappearing into the woods, melting into as if someone with the perfect camouflage turned on a switch and this 2.5 year old buck disappeared from sight.

My camera is fast but not that fast. There was no chance to snap a shot. But, I had missed the entire battle. That would have been a photo album of excellence. Two rising stars of the woods trying to impress the ladies. Only one would leave the woods with its head held high, its nose one up on the defeated, at least for this year.

ooh…Oregon!

The smile on my face was spontaneous.  I stepped out of the small jet plane and took in the fresh air of a land where I spent decades of my life.  It was exhilarating and sweet.

The weather was a welcome surprise.  The sun was shining in the distance.  But, right then and there it was snowing.

Snowflakes were blowing around.  I caught one on my wrist.  It sat there melting quickly with my body heat. 

This miniscule crystal floated down from the clouds.  It made its appearance with its unique hexagon shape.  Now, it was disappearing forever.  Even in its short life span, this one remarkable element of meteorology gave me a reason to smile.

My long time friend gave me a big hug.  We have been friends and colleagues for many years.  All of my orientation and transportation would be enveloped into our many years of past friendship.

In a few moments we drove uphill to Sun River Resort.  It would be a 40 minute drive.  Yet, the terrain was entertaining. 

Massive fields of cooled lava mark the landscape.  Towering spires of lava stacks stand-alone as geological landmarks.  Once this volcanic activity was a samples of the power of the Creator’s inner earth magma, now these jagged rocks are a tourist attraction.

 In the background stands the mountain range dividing Western and Eastern Oregon.  The higher elevations are lined with the pure white of freshly fallen snows.  Mt. Bachelor stands close by completely covered in its winter wardrobe.

My room for the next three days had a panoramic view.  The field was carpeted with snow.  Nearby pine trees had a covering of morning snowfall decorating its boughs like puffs of cotton. 

The Deschutes River snakes its way through the pure white fields.  She harbors record class trout, straggling iron heads and scores of man-made flies lost in its eddies.

While the natural beauty of Central Oregon is pristine and breath-taking, that is not what makes my heart sing.  My favorite part of this state are not the natural attractions.  Those are extras.

My friends are what make my heart leap.  When my jet plane touches down, the smiles of life-long loyal friends greeting me is what I look forward to seeing.  It has been months and years since we have seen each other.  But, we pick up like we have never been apart.  That’s the ooh in Oregon.

photo credit: brucefong photography

i need juice

The flight to Salt Lake City was a four-hour journey. On top of that my flight included a two-hour layover in Utah.  In addition to that schedule was another hour-plus flight to my final destination.

That’s the quiet cost of ministry across the country. I’m sure that it pales in comparison to my buddies who are constantly overseas. But, for me this is the common routine of the extra that I do just because…

National ministry does not allow for any slow down of the other stuff on my calendar. Even when I am booking a flight I am thinking about my regular duties that must be maintained. But, the ease of selecting my own travel schedule on-line is convenient and simple.

When I arrived at the airport, I was notified that my flight was delayed. Instantly, I did an assessment of my available time. That’s when I pulled out my computer.  Opening my backpack, my portable office popped out.  I started blogging, emailing, researching, studying and planning. But, time was not my friend.

Suddenly we are all notified that our once-delayed-flight was now being moved up. Hundreds of us quickly shut down our portable offices, repacked our gear and rose to board the plane. My eyes glance at my wristwatch, confirm the time with the terminal clock and puzzle over my schedule for the day.

There is no juice on the plane. That absence makes me antsy. I resign myself to reading, praying, thinking, and resting my eyes for a few moments.

Detroit International Airport didn’t have any juice or internet access. That made my attempt at being productive subject to substantial limitations. The crowded boarding area had precious few outlets. Each one was already claimed.

But, once I landed in Salt Lake City, the airport welcomed busy working people. Throughout the waiting area, laptops were buzzing away. some were on computer telephone connections, others playing games, and a few composing a myriad of writing assignments.

My optimism rose. Could they have free wi-fi? Yes, my computer blinked and purred into action. The icon for a strong connection lit up and I was in business.

After an hour my work ceased abruptly. My computer just shut down. The entire screen went blank. Rats! Now I needed juice.

It was hunt. Every outlet for electrical power was being used. I wandered in wider and wider circles sniffing out a source for power, a chair to sit in and a final chance to post my daily blog. There away from the crowd, I found all that I was needing. The gate agent smiled seeing the relief on my face that I could get juiced up and on my way to connecting with you.

photo credit: Google image

Moving WAS an Adventure!

A while back I was embroiled in moving. Actually, it was pre-moving. I had hired a moving company to do the heavy lifting of my worldly possessions.

Our house sale closed and now I had ten days to vacate the house. It is a helpless feeling when your know that your house has closed but you don’t have a place to live. Add to that the need to have a place to store your earthly belongings and the adventure of the unknown begins.

This small moment when I didn’t know the future was uncomfortably unsettling. Yet, right when we needed it, a very good friend offered her spare room for us to store our goods. We were amazed!

Each time I brought over a load, I thanked the Lord for such a generous friend. Carefully, I stacked our boxes, consolidated our possessions, and made this precious space as efficient as possible. I drive away each time thinking that God’s mercy is seen in special friends like this.

My muscles ached. I was winded with the heavy lifting. My clothes were usually soaked in perspiration. But, in my soul I was so thankful that the details of my move are watched over by the Almighty through His children.

My wife and I have looked at a number of apartments. We gathered as much information as we could.  Again good friends helped all along the way.

This is a time when friends define themselves by their initiative. We love the bounty of the love that has been directed toward us. We have not been in want for people who wanted to offer a helping hand.

Then, at the eleventh-hour another good friend asked how our apartment searching was going. I gave him the run down. He offered to make it possible for us to rent a place from him.

He invited us for a personalized tour. It was fun! My wife cried. We accepted his offer. Now, we have a home were we rest after long work days.

Not long ago I was surrounded by unknowns. Now, God has provided friends to help us store our priceless possessions. He has given us a faithful friend who has made it possible for us to have a beautiful cozy home.  So many helped in every small way, many little ways that added up to big time joy.  What an adventure!

photo credit: Google image

Prayer that Produces: Wednesday Expositional Series Part 26

Whenever I meet a new group of guys, conversation eventually moves its  way to our favorite hobbies. One thing common among men is fishing. Afterall, it is America’s most popular outdoor sport.

As the conversation continues,  fishermen emerge. We share stories of our favorite angling adventures. Laughter, wonderment and ideas are exchanged.

Some times those conversations lead to an invitation. Fishing is more fun when shared with friends, new and old. Companionship is a part of this sport.

But, I don’t have the time to fish a lot. When I can go, I like to go with those who not only like to fish but especially with those who catch a lot of fish. Nothing is guaranteed but fishermen are not all created equal.

I like to fish with those who are effective at catching. They are always eager to teach. Passing on secrets and techniques is a common habit by those who invite you to join them on the waters.

Those who are effective leave clues. It isn’t just the stories. True fishermen don’t exaggerate. Knowledge and details mark their conversation.

You fish for their answers. When their answers match with skills then you have clues that the words are an accurate report not an empty hope. Experts never oversell. There is a modest confidence that they exude.

Prayer is similar. All Christians pray. But, among the many there are some who are very good at it.  They bring a request to the throne of grace and experience a high number of answers to those prayers.

James describes effective prayers. Prayers are almost always good. But, prayers that are answered are special. What is the formula for successful prayers?

Effective prayers first and foremost are offered by lives that are righteous. A righteous person is someone who habitually makes right choices. These choices are not “lucky” guesses but deliberate choices made with full knowledge and desire to do what is right.

This righteous life is not lived by a super hero. Rather, Elijah, is an example of such living.  He was a man just like us. Yet, his prayers stopped the rain and brought it back as well.

That kind of success in prayer can’t be faked. Elijah is the kind of man who I want praying for me. His kind of prayer life is the kind that I want for myself.  Live this way and the resulting prayer life will also be this way.

James 5.16-18

photo credit: Google image

Driving Through Color

With time on our hands during the second week in October in the state of Michigan means only one thing. It was the perfect opportunity to do a color drive into the country. In addition the sun was shining and the Lord has kept the normally vigorous Autumns winds at bay.

We drove down Maple Road. It came to a T intersection at the Huron River. For no particular reason we turned right. It proved to be a spectacular choice.

The sun shone through the yellow leaves lighting up the route. Nearly black tree trunks stood out in great contrast.  It was a stunning drive.

The road along the river does not have a shoulder. A ditch follows the road on my right. On the other side of the road was a cliff down to the river.

But we had to find a place to stop. The color and lighting was perfect for photos. It was time to take a risk.

A wide spot along the side of the road appeared. Traffic behind me was growing impatient as I slowly looked for a place to pull over. The beauty of creation surrounding that lady right behind me was being wasted.

She glared at me when she drove by me. I shot her a smile. Maybe a pleasantry could linger in her bitter life just for a little while.

Once the automobile traffic dissipated, I got of mine. I looked up the road and back down the road. The color was amazing.

When I raised my camera, I could see the framed shot. My shutter snapped at my command. I reframed an optional sighting. Then, I changed the settings and snapped more photos.

Traffic was picking up again so I climbed back into the safety of my vehicle. We drove down the road and found a parking lot by a bridge that crossed the river. Our short hike never made it to the other side. Instead, the view from the middle of the bridge captivated our attention.

The hillside was filled with trees in full dress color. The blued sky was a fitting backdrop. Water reflected the color and highlighted the scene. This grand show is missed by so many who are in a hurry to get some where and probably go inside. I chose to take it all in and on top of that it’s free. Free is a very good price.

photo credits: Bruce Fong Photography

Delights of Urban Living

After thirty years of suburban living, Yvonne and I are living in an urban apartment.  Our new digs are not in a major city center.  But, the little downtown where we live is a very fun place to call home.

We live on the fourth floor.  A modest balcony serves as a haven for relaxation.  The view gives me many moments to take in the daily sunrise.  They are stunning.

Evening strolls around town are a new for us.  We have taken that opportunity several times.  Walking out of the apartment and finding a local eatery so that we don’t have to do the shopping or the dishes is an option that neither Yvonne nor I have to debate very long.

Our complex has underground parking.  Not only does it make us safe, it also keeps out of the weather.  There’s even a self-service car wash unit that is available to us.

Garbage collection is every day.  We don’t have to wait for a special day of the week.  And I don’t have to bundle up and go out to the curb.  Instead, the garbage closet is right across the hall from our unit.  It is very convenient.

Saturday our schedules were open for the first time since our move to our new address.  Our son had recommended a tasty place for breakfast.  We walked the two and half blocks to check it out.  Yum!  It was delicious!  Most likely we will be back.

The temperatures were low.  So we went back to our haven, picked up a coat and were back out on the streets for a stroll.  Shop after shop welcomed us in.  It was fun. 

Autumn colors are finishing up.  Their countless leaves litter the sidewalks and fill up the flower beds.  What’s so nice about observing this?  I don’t have to rake any leaves!

The sound of a lawn mower filled the morning air.  It’s time for the final cut of the season.  I don’t have to do that any more!

An air compressor was puttering away.  A local company was blowing out the lawn sprinkler system of a home.  This is the month to contract that service.  I don’t have to do that this year!

I drove past the home improvement store today.  That made me smile.  I didn’t have to stop.  Maintenance is included in my service contract.  I don’t have to do that stuff any more!