While going through some video footage I have had the pleasure of capturing, I came across the doe and rabbit clip I captured on video while hunting one day . An unlikely encounter  between the two put a bounce in both the young deer and rabbits step, while at the same time putting a smile on my face. (was filmed with a Hi-8 so excuse the quality)

 I couldn’t help but relate this uplifting encounter  with the yearling and rabbit with what takes place in our own lives when we are side swapped with a smile from a stranger or a friend, especially on a day that hasn’t been going so well. Our spirits immediately are uplifted.

During the holiday season especially, it is important to remember the gift of a smile, a kind word or gesture.  So many times we tend to underestimate the power of a smile…Such a simple little facial expression, yet such an impact it can have in someone’s daily life.  A smile needs no interpretation , its known universally all over the world. A smile generates energy and creates a more positive attitude . A gift of yourself is given each time you share a smile with someone. Sometimes its going out of your way to  smile or say a kind word that matters…When you feel an incredible urge to reach out to someone even if its someone you never met before, Don’t ignore that urge….More times than not, GOD is prompting you to make a difference in that persons life , to be a small blessing if just for a little while. A smile can be long remembered and even more so a smile with a kind word attached,  may not ever be forgotten!  You never know what someone is going through or battling with on the inside. A smile can give them a glimpse of hope to what may seem hopeless to them, it could turn their way of thinking around.

A smile is a simple gift of yourself  share it, embrace it and pass it on. After all smiles are contagious. J

I want to wish all of you a Merry CHRISTmas…remember today  the reason for the season. Christ was born.

Below is a small video clip I put together of some animals I have encountered while hunting….It makes me smile so I wanted to share with all of you. The video has more of an impact if you will notice the animals movements go so well with the music I added. J

 
~Tala~

My heart pounding so hard I was certain the high racked buck would hear….I kept my eyes on him as I took a couple of deep breaths to remedy the ecstatic passion  that never fails to overcome me each time the elusive whitetail presents itself to me. I watched the buck as he fed hoping he would come closer, but it was as if an imaginary line was drawn, keeping him just at a distance far enough away  to keep my arrow from flying.

My hopes of him coming any closer were quickly diminishing as I watched him turn around to walk away….I instantly reached for my grunt call in hopes of changing the course of action…..for a split second I thought my attempts were working as the buck stopped, turned his head and looked around…..but I was quickly reminded that until everything falls into place a plan cannot be carried out….as the buck, clearly not the least bit interested in my attempts to bring him back , nonchalantly walked away and out of sight.

Naturally my first thought was, ”why?”

 It wasn’t until the following Thursday ,while hunting the same area and replaying the events  of my encounter with the buck that  I realized a life lesson could be learned from this. The words that came to mind were God’s timing.

Human nature tends to make us want everything now. How many times in our lives have we asked, “God why hasn’t this happened yet,” or “why cant I have what I asked for?” 

God has an appointed time for things to happen in our lives…no matter how hard we try to make things happen ourselves it wont come to pass until He is ready . Not understanding God’s timing or His methods in making things happen ,we often get frustrated and upset at the situation. We may think we are ready for our dreams to come to pass and our prayers to be answered ,but there may be someone else or something else involved in Gods master plan for us that needs work. Every piece has to fall into place and when it does that’s when Gods perfect timing will happen and things will change.

Learn to trust in Him and have faith in Him.

How amazing life is when you can relax and enjoy each day knowing that while things may look the same today , He is working on your behalf, the wheels have been set into motion. God will bring it all together and your life will change.

So whether you are waiting on a prayer to be answered or  for a deer to pass by….always know Gods timing is never wrong… we can choose how we will wait. I think waiting with a good attitude and  faith that God is working in your favor is far better than waiting frustrated and upset.

Tala

With the youth rifle hunt taking place this weekend here in Alabama thoughts of my childhood came to mind as well as the thought of how important it is for us to pass down to future generations our hunting heritage and traditions.

I can remember  at the early age of 6 my fascination and love for the outdoors began. I could never just pass by a patch of woods…I was drawn into them…as if they called out to me. I would enter with eyes wide open in awe of everything there was to feast my eyes upon.  This fascination continued to grow as my dad started taking me squirrel hunting and I started tagging along with my uncle on his trapping expenditures. Eager to learn anything he was willing to teach.

While squirrel hunting one day, a new passion was introduced with my first encounter with a deer. At first glance I was mesmerized, a feeling I still get to this day when seeing a deer. I have been chasing whitetails ever since. I owe so much to my dad who recognized my interest  in the outdoors and furthered my interests even more and to my uncle who patiently took the time to teach  me to see beyond the obvious signs and explain his trapping methods to me. I will always hold dear to my heart those memories.

Traditions and GODS word go hand in hand. Our beliefs need to be incorporated through the practice of any tradition. What better way to do this than through hunting?  Hunting has long since been a part of our heritage , being mentioned numerous times in the Bible, with many references in the first book of Genesis. One in particular that comes to mind is Genesis 27:3 “Now therefore, please take your weapons, your quiver and your bow, and go out to the field and hunt game for me.”

The tradition of hunting has been kept alive from generation to generation helping to preserve the values and principles that are necessary in becoming a good sportsman or sportswoman, much like passing  on the values and principles of GODS word in order to become a better Christian.

Hunting experiences strengthen relationships, forming a sense of belonging. Not only are you able to indulge in the majestic wonder that nature has to offer, but you are also creating an interest in a tradition that opens the heart and mind of each person involved to both spiritual and personal growth.

So in closing I will leave you with my thoughts of hunting, being a hunter and passing it on.

I believe the good LORD’S intentions for hunting were to be spiritual. A gift given to those who never cease to be amazed by GOD'S creations, a gift to those who are willing to learn from experiences they are given, a gift to those who never fail to thank GOD for the harvest they were blessed with, and a gift to those who have always felt a passion deep in their soul start to stir as another season approaches.

                                “And he was a mighty hunter before the Lord” Genesis 10:9

This is the hunter who has proved himself worthy of GOD'S divine gifts. Someone GOD intends on using to do HIS work here on earth. This is the hunter who will instill in the next generation the love and respect of all GOD'S creations and will apply the same values and principles of true sportsmanship to the values needed in their own lives as they seek spiritual guidance through Jesus Christ.

I am sure GOD smiles down as this hunter shares his own experiences and teaches the word of GOD to the next generation through a tradition , a tradition honoring HIS creation. 

Many times our questions or solutions to problems we are facing are answered from GOD in many shapes and forms.

I will be honest, I was a little intimidated and nervous when asked to be a part of Holy Ghost Outdoors.   I was over thinking everything…”What if I don’t know what to write…what if its not interesting…who would want to read what I write?”  Over thinking can definitely cause anxiety and I was feeling very anxious. Realizing the anxiety was a tactic used by Satan, I decided to clear my mind.  So I grabbed my bow and retreated to the place I do my best thinking, yep you guessed it ,the woods.

Once I was situated I immediately felt a calmness take over.  In fact I got a little too relaxed and I found myself wanting to doze off.  I looked around for something to interest me enough not to fall asleep.  Please just let the deer move I thought but no such luck.  I noticed a wren flitting back and forth flying around. Unfortunately he didn’t hold my attention too well and I was back to dozing.  All of a sudden I was startled awake by a boisterous chirping.  My eyes flew open  and there the little rascal was telling the news as loud as his little ol’ heart would allow, as if making it a point to get my attention.  Whatever he was yapping about, it sure sounded heartfelt and it definitely got my interest.

Then all of a sudden it hit me…there was my answer.  I was over thinking writing and sharing my thoughts when all I need to do is write from my heart.

This got me to thinking of how in life too many times we catch ourselves saying, “I am just me, I cant make a difference”, or “I am not qualified or smart enough to do that.”  What we are doing is limiting ourselves, keeping us from far greater things GOD has in store for us.  HE knows the potential in us all and wants us to excel. Simply put, we need to stop focusing on what we can’t do and start focusing on what GOD can do through us.

GOD speaks to each one of us, sometimes loud and obvious, other times subtle and soft with something as simple as a wrens song.   Learning to recognize HIS voice just takes a willingness and an open heart. 

I look forward to sharing my thoughts and experiences out in GODS creation with yall. Whether they be deep or comical….it will always come straight from my heart.

Tala