A Favorite Book For Any Outdoorsman, The Witchery of Archery

The Witchery of Archery, by Maurice Thompson, was originally published in 1878 and is considered America's classic treatise on the subject of archery. It can be compared to Izaak Walton's legendary fishing treatise, The Compleat Angler. (Amazon). This book would have appeal to the more ecologically minded "pre-hunter" stage of outdoorsman and traditional archer.

ISBN-13: 978-0996799119

Reviews: "The entire book is charming, and we cordially recommend it to readers generally, whether they are interested in archery or not, certain that they will find an enjoyable freshness about it that would have been a severe loss to have missed." - Peoria Call

"Mr. Thompson is an enthusiast in his pastime, but he is not less a lover of nature and an accurate observer in natural history, especially of birds; and the reader will be delighted with his experiences as a hunter and a roamer of the woods. The book is full of the flavor of nature, like those of Thoreau and John Burroughs." - Hartford Courant

This book, although fascinating from an archery standpoint my primary love is Thompson's vivid description of traveling through old Florida and his exploration adventures. - Gus Koerner

A Word on Grace and Nature

I've been thinking about this story for quite some time, but something came together the other night out on post at the prison that forced me to put my thoughts down on paper.

It wasn't until I was 41 years old that I knew, or at least begin to understand the meaning of the word Grace, in a religious or spiritual context.  At the time I had been attending a local Catholic church and noticed that the word was being used frequently.  So one day I asked a friend specifically what Grace means, and I’ll never forget her words and simple definition.  She said, “Grace is everything good that comes from God!”

Fourteen years later I frequently still think about that simple, yet profound definition.  I've realized and learned though, that with grace comes responsibility.  For example, God blessed me with beautiful children, but I have a great responsibility to care for them.  Dietrich Bonhoeffer, in his book The Cost of Discipleship beautifully describes grace and refers to “cheap grace” and “costly grace”.  Simply put, when we abuse grace of any kind, we demean its value to us.  When we knowing and willingly "sin" like there’s no tomorrow, we devalue grace in our lives (cheap grace).  When we acknowledge and appreciate grace in our lives, take it seriously with gratitude and share it with others we heighten or raise its value toward what God meant it to be, acknowledging "costly" grace.

The other night while out on post duty at the prison (patrolling the perimeter) I came within two feet of an Armadillo rooting in the grass for grubs.  I just watched it for a while, appreciating how its armor can protect it. I saw a Raccoon scavenge for food and climbed a tree when I approached.  I was able to witness for some time a deer family feed.  The Papa was so close I could count his four young antler points in the darkness, and on the fawn I could see it’s faint spots on its hind leg.  Mama was there too.

“This is grace!”, I thought, and suddenly realized the “cost of grace” in this situation.  If we take our environment for granted, we lessen its value.  If we appreciate nature and practice sound conservation, we will be able to share this “grace” with our children and future generations.  This is what stewardship is all about, taking care of the little bits and pieces of grace we encounter daily, and share them with others.  In this way we show our gratitude to God, and bless our own lives and others.

So the next time you see a child, a squirrel, butterfly, sunset or other beautiful thing take the time to appreciate it and thank God who provided it, then say, "Hey Look!"

See my related story All Things Good, (21 Aug 14).  If you like this, share it with a friend. - gus

Journal Entry, May 19, 2014, Part 2 of 2, Obsession With Life in the Desert

I'm obsessed with learning more about the Spanish explorers who lived, explored, traveled and mapped the southwestern United States, in the Utah, Colorado, New Mexico region; specifically the southern Utah desert.  (Why do Franciscan monks always come up for me??)  The Escalente' Expedition were dedicated Christians and Catholic Franciscan monks, (Wiki photo, left) who tried to convert native Americans, but had the outdoor and mapping skills comparable to Lewis and Clark, but came before him in the 1770's.  The flintlock gun era.  I must research their journals!!  Someday I shall return to my most memorable place on Earth, which I call Solace Overhang.  It is located on the banks of the Escalente River at N 37.77445, W 111.42385.  Dead or alive, I shall return to that spot where I spent seven days alone in September of 1979, with nothing but a wool blanket, a coffee can, a pound of mixed wheat and corn flour and a half-dozen honey packs.  It was by far, the most influential time in my life where the only thing I could do was survive and reflect upon my life.  The only friend I had to speak to was my own conscious and God.  Occasionally I would explore and see a rabbit or a rattlesnake, but most of my time was appreciating the rocks, stars and cool stream a hundred yards away.  I would reflect upon my life thus far, and what the future may bring.  I was a naive nineteen year old with my life in front of me.  It was at that point, where I crossed from being a boy to a man, and the first time in my life seriously acknowledged God's grace in my life.  I also realized that the universe was much larger than I had imagined, and that spiritual life was more than a religious upbringing, or a church and didn't necessarily have to do with any particular religion or dogma.

I'll never ever forget laying on the ground under my overhang, covered by my woolen blanket next to my personal fire.  Even though I could feel warmth from the flames, I was still very very cold.  I would just lay there and wait for sunrise.  My body was facing North, and I had a clear view of the North Star, and the Big Dipper just beside.  Through the embers of the firelight, I would lay there and watch the fixed Polaris, with Ursa Major pivoting around it, completing a near full circle.  As the Big Dipper came close to the horizon, I knew that dawn was eminent, and I would soon feel the warm sun rays.  At dawn, I'd walk down to the Escalente River and fill my coffee can.  On the way back up the hill, I would collect some sprigs of Brigham Tea, Ephedra viridis, and then prepare a breakfast of ashcakes and warm tea to start my day.  For the first four days I had a little honey to put on my cakes.  At 37-111 (lat/lon) were my first experiences of heaven.

I thank God for that wonderful experience, parents who encouraged me and help make this happen, and for the people who ran the program, specifically Larry Dean Olson, author of Outdoor Survival Skills, foreward by Robert Redford, ISBN 13: 978-1556523236, the founder of BYU's Youth Leadership 480 program, and my class D-12.  I would also like to thank my program director Doug Nelson and my local Fort Worth buddy Bobbie Baird.  I also have to thank my father,Karl L. Koerner who was a course graduate in 1976.  This program is still ongoing, but under the direction of Boulder Outdoor Survival School, or B.O.S.S.

Uniting People

A Christian is one who continues to communicate across all boundaries, a sign of hope for a convergence back to a kind of unity. Thomas Merton, from The Springs of Contemplation, pg. 31.

This is the quote I read last night that put several things into perspective for me.  First it immediately and definitively answered my question of whether or not I should send the letter I wrote the other day in my Are we hoarding grace? article.  My thought was "Just leave well enough alone." and not to send the letter. Now I will.  Second, it answers my questions about why I so badly want to bring together different groups to get to know each other and collaborate on events and projects.

I've always been this way.  For the past ten or twelve years it has been my professional calling card and knack to bring groups together who seemingly have not much in common to find and collaborate on projects where both groups benefit.  I'm good at it, and I've always considered it a gift.  On the other hand, it can also cause conflict.  Like the time I wanted to invite less-Christian (in some eyes) religions like Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons to mainstream Christian functions.  That did not go over well, and it is more frustrating than angering, because we're all God's children, brothers and sisters - so why don't we try and love each other like we say we do??

I'm not going to get discouraged over this!  On the contrary, I feel more resolve to unite Catholics, Protestants, Mormons and Muslims than ever.  Until we do, let's all just keep praying for unity and realizing that our Father loves us all the same and wants us to come together for His glory.  Now I'm going to contact that nice Mennonite lady I saw last weekend on Home Joys.  Gina has some wonderful stories and home tips there.

The Beauty of the Portuguese Sinnet

For a few extra Christmas dollars I'm making bracelets out of parachute cord and selling them for $5.  They go by the names Paracord, Survival, Cobra Stick and rope bracelets.  The reason for survival bracelet, is when it is disassembled, a large one may have as much as 10 feet of cord you can use. You know I never ever make too much money at these kinds of things, because I teach people how to do it!  That's okay though.

Photo from Knots by Grog

I learned this knot a few years ago from ITS Tactical  (he does some really beautiful stuff) but today I'd like to especially highlight Animated Knots by Grog.

 Search for Cobra Knot or click here.  A great webpage with some neat links and animations.  Also checkout some of the phone apps they highlight.  The reason I'm partial today to Grog, is that he is quick to reference the source of all sources, the Knotter's Bible and my favorite book, The Ashley Book of Knots, written in 1944.  This book is worth a write-up all of its own.  My dad gave me a copy of this $50+ gem when I was 14 and I've loved tying ever since.

Here's another great source, that shows step-by-step how to make a bracelet.  Great job Wilderness Wiki contributors!  So for fun, money or carrying on the tradition of knot tying with your children, grab some rope and learn a new knot!  If you want parachute cord, check out your local Army/Navy store first or google it.  I happen to love the Supply Captain.

My First Product Review, the NIV Outdoorsman Bible by Zondervan

I find it a little ironic that my first commercial product review is the Holy Bible.  It is also a little daunting and strange - but I am honored. I think my next product review will be a gun - the other most favorite possession of many (of us) in the south!

I'm not just reviewing any old Bible off the coffee table, but a recent gem of publishing, the NIV Outdoorsmans Bible by Zondervan. This is a review that should be read by both men and women. Men because it may relate to you, and women - to you who love God, and Camo, or love the men in your life that do.

Published in 2012, this Bible is in the New International Version, red letter edition. The words Jesus spoke are written in red and the cover is in Mossy Oak. This is my first red letter edition of the Good Book, and I really love it. In my opinion, this is for every outdoors type person who wants to get a Bible. Honestly.

What makes this Bible unique, is that throughout the new and old testament, christian author, pastor and speaker Jason Cruise from Tennessee shares his outdoor stories as a hunter, father, man and how they relate to walking a christian life.

Pastor Jason is an expert on drawing parallels to a person's spiritual life from a woods point of view. He talks about chasing the elusive gobbler through the woods, fine tuning the sights of a bow and my favorite - hearing the boom of his black powder rifle aimed at a big buck!  Then he connects his woods scenario to walking daily with God, and what one has to do with another. These are real, moving short stories that can cause any person to pause and reflect.

When reviewing a product, every writer needs to take into consideration the perspective of the reader. For the person looking for instructions on how to build a fire or set up their tent, this is not the book for you. You need an outdoors guide or a similar "how to" book for skill building. But for the outdoor person (of either gender) who is a Christian young or old, or is seeking to know more about God or how the Bible relates to you, this is definitely something you should acquire.

When I review a product, I put it to the test. I carried this NIV Outdoorsman Bible with me for a week straight. You wouldn't believe how many positive comments I received!  Be aware that its not bullet or waterproof, it could get damaged in foul weather.  It is handy though, and is in a convenient size.

This week I taught in the high school. I'm around young people all day long, and I carried the book with me from class to class and left it on my desk while I taught. For the person who chooses to be less conspicuous about their faith, this is a good way to do it. However during the week, six teenage boys asked me, "Where did you get that Bible?" Its not obvious, but they saw the words Holy Bible embossed in the spine.  "That's really cool", several of them said. The cover alone helps me feel more comfortable carrying a Bible in public.  I'm always trying to be a better man, and the camo allows me to carry God's Word and not feel "preachy".

This book would be a great gift for yourself or others. I hope to buy several copies for my boys and friends.

NIV Outdoorsman Bible, eBook 

Here are some technical aspects of the book you may like to know, and it also comes in an eBook for you techie folks....

NIV Outdoorsman Bible

Publisher: Zondervan
Release Date: 05/22/2012
Price: $29.99
Format: Italian Duo-Tone™, Lost Camo Woods Print
Language: English
ISBN 13: 9780310441694
UPC: 025986441692
Weight: 1.41 lb
Size: 8.75 × 5.81 × 0 in
Length: 1152 Pages

Zondervan Synopsis: This Lost Camo woods print pattern Italian Duo-Tone™ Bible, graphically designed for the sportsman’s eye, is a one-stop destination for the person who is serious about both the outdoors as well as the Word of God. With the clear, accessible NIV translation and special devotions, the NIV Outdoorsman Bible is a great resource for you, and it also makes the perfect gift.

The process of forgiveness, from the younger brothers point of view.

A significant part of my life revolves around the fact that I've done harm to others, which can never be undone.  I'm not talking about harm in the illegal sense, but the kind that breaks the bonds of trust, remaining a positive role model to my children, the betrayal of friends, etc.

The Prodigal Son is one of the parables of Jesus, in the New Testament, Luke 15:11-32.  In the story  a father, in response to his demands, gives the younger of his two sons his inheritance before he dies. The younger son, after wasting his fortune, repents and returns home, where the father holds a feast to celebrate his return. The older son refuses to participate, stating that in all the time the son has worked for the father, he did not even give him a goat to celebrate with his friends. His father reminds the older son that everything the father has is the older son's, but that they should still celebrate the return of the younger son as he has come back to them.

In my life I have at times lived the role of each of the individuals in the story, but by far, the most challenging has been the role of the younger brother.  It seems that time after time, day after day I go to the Lord in prayer to forgive me of my sins, and I know that He has.  Knowing that the people I've harmed are going through a hard time in their life due to something I've done can cause unbearable shame and regret.  In my heart I know that God has forgiven me. The ability to receive forgiveness from myself and others takes longer, sometime a lifetime, but it is worth pursuing. By surrendering this part of our life to God and making amends to others will draw us nearer to Christ and will help in our own walk of faith as others do harm to us.

This book below is an excellent work that breaks down the story in great detail, looking at the story from several different points of view.  I hope this story will bless your life as it has mine.

The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming, by Henri J. M. Nouwen, ISBN-13: 978-0385473071.
by Andrew

The Prayer of Jabez

A few weeks ago, I was looking for something inspirational in the house to read, and my wife handed me this book; The Prayer of Jabez: Breaking Through to the Blessed Life, by Bruce Wilkinson.  Published in 2000, it is based on the Old Testament passage 1 Chronicles 4:9-10

Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, "I gave birth to him in pain." Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, saying, "Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain." And God granted his request. (NIV)

In the book, Wilkinson encourages Christians to invoke this prayer for themselves on a daily basis: "I challenge you to make the Jabez prayer for blessing part of the daily fabric of your life. To do that, I encourage you to follow unwaveringly the plan outlined here for the next thirty days. By the end of that time, you'll be noticing significant changes in your life, and the prayer will be on its way to becoming a treasured, lifelong habit."

I have to admit I didn't pray this prayer for a month, only a couple of weeks (prior to this blog starting).  Humm, I wonder if they're connected??  I urge anyone to read this book who wants to expand the circle of influence of their life, in bringing others to God.  To find it, search your favorite book seller with the title or ISBN-13: 978-1590524756.

By Andrew