Mark Beeson

Another Year Ends...

I took this picture yesterday. 

Battle weary and exhausted, this old monarch is fatigued yet whole. There are harsh winter days ahead, but he seems well enough. He broke the G-2 on his left beam, but that's the only damage I can see. If another buck gored him in one of the violent battles of the late rut, he might die; but I can't see any evidence of that. He looks like he'll make it another year. 

Did he let me get this close because he's just tired of running? Could be, but if he's going to keep living he'll eventually need to get moving.

That's for sure.

There's something about "what's ahead" that's predicated on "what's behind," as if past behaviors predict future performance. (It's certainly not a one-to-one correlation, nor is it a perfect science, but it is a fairly reliable indicator.) So unless something unanticipated happens, this ol' buck will probably spend the rest of his days as he spent his last ones; and that's fine with me.

 How are you these days? 

• Fatigued but well-enough? 
• Content to stay next year on the same path you walked last year?
• Ready for some changes?

If you're like me, you're glad to have New Year's Day "off," but you want to finish 2011 well so there are still a few things you'd like to do before the year ends.

We have things to accomplish on the last day of the year. Here's my partial list. What's yours?

1. Post this blog.
2. Worship God with our church family at GCC tonight at 5:00 PM.
3. Receive Holy Communion with true gratitude and humility.
4. Offer my final 2011 financial contribution to GCC. Finish my tithe in full. Fulfill my "New Normal" pledge.
5. Write a few "Thank You" letters.
6. Walk in the woods with my son.
7. Pray for understanding.

 

Proverbs 4:7  -  Above all and before all, do this: Get Wisdom! Write this at the top of your list: Get Understanding!

Ever Feel Like You Need A Little Help?

- Photo by Josh Hunter -

A lot of people came to my mom's funeral and during the visitation I tried to talk with all of them. I was super busy so I gave my camera to one of my nephews and asked him to shoot and shoot and shoot. Josh is a great man, awesome dad and devoted husband. He's also a photographer with a good "eye" for composition, so I was thrilled when he burned through nearly 500 pictures in 5 hours.

When I saw this shot of Luke (one of my sister's grand-kids) I thought, "That's how I feel sometimes - like everything going on around me is beyond me, out of my control and overwhelming." 

During those moments I find myself doing what Luke was doing when his Uncle Josh took his picture; I look to my Father for help. You can see it in Luke's eyes. It's like he's saying, "Hey Dad. I'm pretty tired and miserable. Any chance you'd be willing to get me through this?"

Of course, Luke's dad picked him up and helped him past this moment of sadness, just as my Heavenly Father has so often picked me up and carried me through my heartaches and difficulties. 

Loving Fathers are like that.
 

Psalm 130:1-2  -  Out of the depths I cry to you, LORD; Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy.

A Sunset of Note: We Bury My Mother Today

Sheila and I made a long drive so I could get some grief counseling a few days ago. It was worth the trip. It helped us both.

Well into our session, after talking about the cumulative effects of loss and grief, I said, “I’m going to bury my mom next Wednesday.”

Before I could speak another word the doctor interrupted me and said, “But not her memory.”

“What?” I asked. I’d been paying so much attention to what I was saying that I feared I'd misunderstood his sudden rejoinder.

He said again, “Not her memory. You’re not going to bury your memories of your mother.”

“No.” I said, feeling at once like I was stating the obvious, but desperately needing to say it out loud, whether it was obvious or not.

“That’s true,” I agreed, “I’m not burying my memories of my mother.”

Alzheimer’s is a terrible and curious disease, and the good doctor sitting with me was able to brilliantly juxtapose the anguish of Mom’s last decade of memory loss with my strong and clear memories of her.

In that moment I felt a great wave of faith wash over me. I trusted God. I didn’t feel my grief disappear, nor was I aware of the slightest deliverance from my sadness. But I knew my mother was lucid once again, that she was unclouded, set free from the confusion of Alzheimer’s and thinking clearly – more clearly than ever before.

And that brought me great comfort.

Mom’s OK. In fact, she just enjoyed her best Christmas ever. So as I grieve losing her, and acknowledge the sun has set on her life on earth, I take comfort in knowing she’s already in the presence of Jesus. Mom’s memories have returned to her as she has returned to God. 

My memories of her are strong. I think I’ll take a few days and treasure them, going back to cherish each memory for a while before I move on to other things. My doc says that’s what I should do, and I’m in no shape to argue.

The days of our lives are numbered, as are the hours of each day, so I want to make each day count. I want to add value, encourage others and cheer others on, especially because the day is coming when all my days on this earth will end; the sun will set on my life and I’ll join those who’ve journeyed ahead of me into the presence of God Almighty.

May God keep us in the palm of HIS hand as that Day approaches.

Hebrews 10:23-25 (The Message)  -  Let's keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let's see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.

Tufted Titmouse / Baeolophus bicolor

On Christmas Day I had time to walk outside and take some pictures. In a moment of personal reflection I was surprised by two things: how much I knew about the animals and trees around me, and how much I didn't know. I have a degree in Biology. I've spend thousands of hours in the wilderness. I'm interested and curious, but there is one thing I know for sure; I don't know more than I know. 

Psalm 50:11a  -  (God declares)  "I know every mountain bird by name."

Not A Partridge, But It'll Do...

It's not a Partridge, and I don't have any Pear trees, but it'll do. 

It's a diminutive Goldfinch, flying near my house on Christmas Day, and he's pretty impressive. He's just a little guy, but God's creative brilliance is proclaimed in every beat of his wings, every blush and shade of his colorful feathers and each miraculous pump of his rapidly beating heart.

His very existence declares the Glory of God.

I'm praying mine will do the same.

Psalm 71:7-9

My life is an example to many,
      because you have been my strength and protection.
 That is why I can never stop praising you;
      I declare your glory all day long.
 And now, in my old age, don’t set me aside.
      Don’t abandon me when my strength is failing.

When God Displaces Worry At The Center Of Your Life

The instant I took this picture, I turned the camera over to check my histogram. I noted the image on the preview screen and thought, "Christmas." Right then, I knew: "This is the picture for my blog on Christmas Day." 

I pray this image reminds you of God's power and creativity. I pray it comforts you to remember God is at work in secret places you know little about: in the deep woods and forests, in the depth of the seas, on mountain tops, in the deepest valleys and in the souls of men and women everywhere.

I pray this image reminds you of God's care. I pray you're comforted to know God is as work, searching through unsearchable places, as HE relentlessly loves you. HE is searching through your emotions, your mind and the depths of your soul. HE is reaching to you, to heal your broken places, mend your wounded hearts and give you joy. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness - everything coming together for good - will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.

Don't be anxious. Let the Prince of Peace guard your hearts this Christmas.
 

Philippians 4:6-8  -  Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Learning About Christmas: A Child's Need

With each day of Christmas comes a reverential fear, a profound awe of the glory of God and a sober awareness of HIS love for HIS children everywhere. Is it any surprise that God would reveal that love through the birth of HIS Child?

As long as I live, I'm going to tell Clara about HIS love. 

I'd be honored to help you tell your kids and grand-kids about HIS love too. Maybe you can participate in one of our Christmas Eve services ... and we can share the Story of God's love with them...together.

Luke 1:65-66  -  (The Message)  A deep, reverential fear settled over the neighborhood, and in all that Judean hill country people talked about nothing else. Everyone who heard about it took it to heart, wondering, "What will become of this child? Clearly, God has his hand in this."

Christmas Child

The wonder of a child at Christmas is twofold. There is the wonder we experience as we see innocent children drawn to the love of their Savior and there is the wonder every child experiences - no matter how old they are - when they hear the wonderful story of Jesus. It is the greatest story ever told and every child should hear it.

Ruby will hear it again this Christmas. 

You can make sure your children and grandchildren hear it too. Go here and get your free tickets for GCC's Christmas Eve service. We're offering it 12 times: 4 @ Bristol Street, 6 @ Granger and 2 On-line.

Luke 1:30-33  -  The angel said to Mary, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.  You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.  He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David,  and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”

Lydia / God's Gift

God gives a gift when God gives a child.

How much greater is the gift of HIS own child?

Luke 2:11

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour,
which is Christ the Lord.

Bristol Street / Ready for Christmas Eve Services

Tim and I took our entire staff to the Bristol Street campus. We meet every member of our staff on Wednesdays, but our rendevous in Elkhart made this week special.

Everyone was excited to see the renovated auditorium decorated for Christmas Eve. We asked Mark Waltz (GCC's "point-pastor" for Elkhart) to lead us in the celebration. His vivid description of the ministries that will begin at Bristol Street amped me up! 

Almost all the Christmas Eve @ Bristol Street tickets are gone, but at the time of this blog posting there were still a few free tickets available for the 11:00 PM Service. 

By the way, two of the Granger campus services are already "sold out" but there are some free tickets remaining for the other four services offered at Granger.

Ready to do more than read about what God is doing? Ready to do more than just talk about it? You're invited to embrace it.

Don't miss it.

Romans 9:22 (The Message)  -  All those people who didn't seem interested in what God was doing actually embraced what God was doing as he straightened out their lives. And Israel, who seemed so interested in reading and talking about what God was doing, missed it. How could they miss it?

Sitka Blacktail Buck / Odocoileus hemionus sitkensis

Since I saw this guy while I was hunting on Kodiak Island last month, I knew it was entirely possible that the next world record Sitka Blacktail buck was just over the next ridge. So I let him walk.

I had decided I wasn't going to shoot anything less than a "book" buck. So, as is often the case, I shot nothing. Even with two weeks of opportunity, hunting in the best Sitka territory on earth, it was "all or nothing" for me, so I came home with nothing (except for some wonderful pictures and incredible memories, which I'll cherish forever).

Ever hear the old saying, "A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush?" Yeah. Well. You could probably say the same thing about "A buck on the hill..."

 Colossians 4:5  -  Make the most of every opportunity.

Three Granddaughters...and counting.

Angela and John are due to deliver our next granddaughter in February. (Sounds like they're delivering a present, doesn't it!)  

This Christmas we have three granddaughters on the scene.

• Clara is rolling around on the floor.
• Lydia is gazing in wonder at her little cousin.
• Ruby, wearing her ruby red slippers, is in charge of the rocking chair.

My original vision of the girls, posed together for a Christmas picture, was a long cry from this one. But by the time I got this shot I was happy just to have one photo with all three girls in the same frame. It may seem a small victory, but I consider it a monumental success.

It's almost Christmas. 

You can help your children and grandchildren worship Jesus Christ.

Have you got your free tickets for GCC's Christmas Eve Service? We're offering it 12 times on Christmas Eve: 6 times at Granger, 4 times at Bristol Street in Elkhart and 2 times on-line. 

Philippians 2:9-11  -  God lifted him high and honored him far beyond anyone or anything, ever, so that all created beings in heaven and on earth—even those long ago dead and buried—will bow in worship before this Jesus Christ, and call out in praise that he is the Master of all, to the glorious honor of God the Father.

Merry Christmas!

 

From our family to yours,

Sheila and I wish you a very Merry Christmas.

 

Luke 2:10b-12  -  I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.  This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.

High School GSM / December 18th

 

We're wrapping up today's student ministry initiatives. The conclusion of the High School program puts a nice finishing touch on a long day and ties a beautiful bow on a fantastic night. 

Our Granger's Student Ministry Leadership Team is incredible.

Everything our GSM leaders did this evening served the kids: encouraging them, enriching their faith in God and deepening their relationships with each other. Rob Wegner and I shared the whole experience and we came away confident: GSM is in good hands and great days are ahead.

Proverbs 16:12  -  Good leaders abhor wrongdoing of all kinds; sound leadership has a moral foundation. 

MIddle School GSM / December 18th

I got word that the guys were wearing "green" and the girls were wearing "red" at GSM this week. Not wanting to miss this rare opportunity to actually be in-style with the students, I put on a green sweater. A lot of other guys wore green, and a bunch of the girls wore red, so I joined in as the "red" and "green" wave of students stormed the stage. There were more kids still sitting in the chairs than sitting on the stage but it was a fun moment for everyone.

Rob Wegner stood on a chair and took one picture, as Jonathan Bartkowiak shot my camera from the back of the room. I'm not really sure what we're doing with our hands, but Jeff Myers shouted, "Jazz Hands," and we all waved like crazy.

Isaiah 13:2b  -  Wave your hand to encourage them!

Kids' Christmas at GCC / Sunday AM

 

 

Both campuses were packed this weekend. At Bristol Street and Granger hundreds of children joined the adults in "Big People Church." The children's joyful songs prompted the crowds of grateful worshippers to join them in singing the songs of Christmas. It was a fantastic weekend for everyone.

Luke 18:16  -  Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these."

Kids' Christmas at GCC / Saturday PM

The one weekend each year, when the "little people" join the adults in "big people" church, it's an unmistakable Kodak Moment.  I thought you'd enjoy seeing some of the children who sang Christmas songs with us during our Saturday night services at the Granger campus. 

Proverbs 20:7  -  The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them.

Some Big Bucks Are Still Out There

I didn't kill this buck.

I shot him, but I shot him with my camera, not a gun. So you can take comfort in the fact that there are still some big bucks out there, and though tomorrow is the last day of the muzzle-loader season, you can be of good cheer; there is another season coming next year.

Ecclesiastes 3:1  -  To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.

Morning Calm

This picture may be one of my best examples of "the calm before the storm." 

I was at the marina before dawn. Kodiak Island was in for a blast of arctic air; a storm some described as "epic" was about to hit Alaska. The squall was coming, inexorably bearing down on us, but it wasn't due for days.

Those who prepared for the storm, securing their gear and mooring their boats before the gale winds blew, fared well. Those who didn't prepare, failing to seize the opportunity to make preparations and take advantage of the calm seas, suffered loss. 

The point?
Here it is. "What you do when life is easy has a lot to do with how you fare when life is hard." 

Matthew 7:24-26  -   Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.

One Light In A Dark Time

I've been repeating one of the lines I heard last week during our "Let It Be - Christmas" musical. It's comforting to me.

"A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.."

As I wait for daybreak, I'm clinging to the one light I have in this dark time.

2 Peter 1:19  - We couldn't be more sure of what we saw and heard—God's glory, God's voice. The prophetic Word was confirmed to us. You'll do well to keep focusing on it. It's the one light you have in a dark time as you wait for daybreak and the rising of the Morning Star in your hearts.

Looking Back On The Last Few Days ...

Life's challenges (often referred to as "opportunities") occasionally position themselves in our minds as the only things that matter. When that happens, our driving agenda becomes getting through this, moving forward, pressing on, ignoring the pain and climbing the next mountain - all good ideas but not necessarily the only things that matter.

So I'm shifting into neutral and taking a minute to look back and thank the friends and family who've offered me so much love and support in the last few days.

• Life is about so much more than pressing on. It's about those you're with; it's about the friends who've got your back; it's about the family you're a part of.
• It's about the journey; it's also about your companions.
• It's about what you see; it's also about who sees you through. 
• It's about where you go; it's also about who goes there with you.
• It's about mountains and valleys; it's also about who stays beside you during those highs and the lows. 
• It's about courage and sacrifice; it's also about the ones willing to do whatever it takes to accomplish the mission.
• It's about faith in God; it's also about being faithful to each other.

So, I'm pausing for a moment and looking back to express my profound gratitude to everyone walking beside me on The Jesus Way. Many have offered love and support, a listening ear, a word of encouragement (see yesterday's blog comments) and heartfelt prayer. Some, knowing my "wilderness pathway of connection with God," even offered me free access to their woods and property. Amazing love!

Sometimes our journey is very hard and we must endure trials.

Thanks for helping me along the way.

2 Thessalonians 1:3-4  -   We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing. Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring. 

And On A Personal Note...

My mother died this morning.

Sitting quietly at her breakfast table, she just laid her head down and went Home. I know for the first time in more than a dozen years she is without confusion and filled with the joy of a life well-lived. She always chose to walk The Jesus Way ... and she still is.

Don't call.

I am weary of these days.

I think I'm going to go outside. I know my GUIDE is always ready to lead me on the journey ahead, so I'm following HIM.

Psalm 35:14b  -  I bowed my head in grief as though weeping for my mother.

High School GSM Tonight

There is an astounding capacity resident in the hearts and lives of GSM High School students. They are powerful, competent and (according to Newton's 1st Law of Motion) virtually impossible to slow down. They are in motion and this night I received confirmation; they are going to stay in motion. I have no doubt. These kids are going into their world with a passion for Jesus. They won't slow down, give up or back away. God has their hearts.

John Keim closed our night with an admonition for the kids to use their two hands to hold-on to Jesus and hold-on to each other. It was good advice.

Our High School GSM meeting was incredible tonight.

I wanted to let you know.

Psalm 40:2-3

He lifted me out of the slimy pit, 
   out of the mud and mire; 
he set my feet on a rock 
   and gave me a firm place to stand. 
He put a new song in my mouth, 
   a hymn of praise to our God. 
Many will see and fear the LORD 
   and put their trust in him.

Middle School GSM Tonight

MIddle School GSM was incredible tonight.

I thought you'd want to know.

Psalm 20:7  -  Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. 

Seth Abram @ GCC

When Seth finished leading us in worship this weekend, a couple of things popped into my head. I thought,"I'll never again be able to hear 'O Little Town of Bethlehem without thinking of his incredible rendition." Then I remembered his incredible "looping" guitar solo and wondered if a dozen guitarists would have been able to sound so awesome. I doubt it.

I'm glad Seth was here. He helped us remember Christmas is ahead, just around the next curve.  

Get ready.

The delivery of God's perfect MASTERPIECE is almost here, and we're called to new lives that reflect HIS glory.

Ephesians 2:10  -  For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

Joy To The World!

I couldn't resist posting one more picture of Rachel Wilkins and Chuck Zook delivering their grand finale performance as Mary and Joseph in our "Let It Be - Christmas" musical.

Simply fantastic!

Luke 2:10-11  -  The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord."

Let It Be .... Christmas!

 

You already know the times and location. You know some of the cast and crew. With a quick glance at these rehearsal photos, you'll know GCC's "Let It Be ... Christmas" musical extravaganza is at hand.

                 

Let It Be .... Christmas : Thursday (6:30PM) and Friday (6:30PM & 8:30PM). Get your tickets here.

Let It Be .... Christmas : Thursday (6:30PM) and Friday (6:30PM & 8:30PM). Get your tickets here.

               

Let It Be .... Christmas : Thursday (6:30PM) and Friday (6:30PM & 8:30PM). Get your tickets here.

 

Let It Be .... Christmas : Thursday (6:30PM) and Friday (6:30PM & 8:30PM). Get your tickets here.

               

Let It Be .... Christmas : Thursday (6:30PM) and Friday (6:30PM & 8:30PM). Get your tickets here.

Let It Be .... Christmas : Thursday (6:30PM) and Friday (6:30PM & 8:30PM). Get your tickets here.

               

Let It Be .... Christmas : Thursday (6:30PM) and Friday (6:30PM & 8:30PM). Get your tickets here.

Let It Be .... Christmas : Thursday (6:30PM) and Friday (6:30PM & 8:30PM). Get your tickets here.

               

Let It Be .... Christmas : Thursday (6:30PM) and Friday (6:30PM & 8:30PM). Get your tickets here.

               

Our "Thanks" to Kristin Baker for Directing the Christmas production.

Let It Be .... Christmas : Thursday (6:30PM) and Friday (6:30PM & 8:30PM). Get your tickets here.

Let It Be .... Christmas : Thursday (6:30PM) and Friday (6:30PM & 8:30PM). Get your tickets here.

Let It Be .... Christmas : Thursday (6:30PM) and Friday (6:30PM & 8:30PM). Get your tickets here.

Let It Be .... Christmas brings the Christmas Story to Michiana on Thursday (6:30PM) and Friday (6:30PM & 8:30PM). Get your tickets here.

 

Luke 2:9-11  -  An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord." 

 

A Date Which Shall Live In Infamy

 

It’s Pearl Harbor Day, marked by President Roosevelt as, “A date which shall live in infamy.” 

Only a few of us know what it’s like to be surprised by an insidious, devastating attack. By God’s grace, most of us haven’t experienced the atrocities of all-out-war, being ambushed by a relentless enemy in pursuit of one goal – our absolute destruction.

An attack like that changes everything. A brutal and startling attack is horrific; its consequences are private, pervasive and long lasting.

It’s a terrible thing to be under attack, unsure of your ability to stand against your antagonist’s ruthless tactics. It’s terrifying, and if you’ve ever experienced the staggering shock of a sudden assault, you know exactly what I mean. It can feel like you’ve got no chance, like there’s no hope.  The circumstances can be so overwhelming you might even question GOD, crying out, “How could GOD let this happen? GOD! I thought YOU would never give me more than I can handle! Can’t YOU see that I can’t handle this?”

GOD might reply, “Do you think you should be able to handle this without ME? Nothing could be farther from the Truth. I always give you more than you can handle. I AM everything to you. I AM the Way. I AM Truth. I AM Life. Apart from ME you can do nothing. Of course you can’t handle this alone; I never intended that you should.”

When Moses stood between the Red Sea and Pharaoh’s military, ambushed by merciless soldiers bent on destruction, motivated by revenge and ordered into action by their Pharaoh (who had lied to Moses hours earlier with his promise that Moses could take the Hebrew people out of Egypt), those ex-slaves felt doomed. They could not save themselves. The Hebrews despaired as they cried out to GOD, admitting they couldn’t handle the surprise attack, saying, “It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!”

Moses said, “Stand firm and watch GOD do HIS work.”

The people did the next right thing: following GOD together, walking by faith and trusting the only ONE really able to save anybody. 

Our lives are in HIS hands, so when you’re surprised, confused and facing more than you can handle alone - don’t even try. Instead, just keep doing the next right thing. Your responsibility is to stand firm in your faith, obey Jesus and watch GOD do HIS work.

Exodus 14:13a  -  Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today.”

The Meanest Critter on Kodiak

Pound for pound the white weasel is probably the meanest, toughest, orneriest critter on Kodiak. Of course, they don't weigh a pound, but that doesn't seem to matter. Their ferocity has nothing to do with their size.

I got this picture of a big mature ermine (Mustela erminea) near the Ugak Bay shoreline during low tide. He's probably 15 inches long, weighing in at a whopping 7 ounces. His high metabolic rate drives him to search for prey day and night. Since he eats 40% of his body weight every 24 hours, and Nature seldom provides a steady source of food, a weasel's mode of survival involves killing whatever it can, all it can, whenever it can. It often kills more than it can eat at one time, pouncing on prey with its forefeet and killing with a bite to the back of the neck. Like a miniature version of a roaring lion, these weasels often emit a shriek when seizing prey.

My advice?

"Do not pick up a white weasel."

How do I know you shouldn't pick up a white weasel?

Don't even ask.

Proverbs 16:27a  -  Mean people spread mean gossip.

Sitka Blacktail / Odocoileus hemionus sitkensis

Here's a curious notion. Sitka Blacktails are virtually color blind (they see a very limited range of the color spectrum). The don't seem to notice bright colors, but they lock-in on the slightest movements. Apparently, my hand must have moved when I put my finger on the shutter because this doe nailed me.

I froze.

She froze.

I didn't move until moving seemed the only way I could keep my un-gloved hand from freezing to the camera. So I snapped this photo and said "Goodbye" to one of Kodiak's 60,000 Sitka Blacktails.

I chalked the whole experience up as another day of hunting success on Kodiak Island. I didn't bring any meat back to camp, but I did return with a fun picture to share.

Colossians 4:5b  -  Make the most of every opportunity.