[Hard to believe this has been seven years ago!] Headed out on our first ever Mississippi alligator hunt we faced problems. The weather was not ideal. We got lost. Somebody (oops, me) forgot the plug in the boat. Where did all these bugs come from. Bug spray must be made out of sugar water!! We snagged, but lost a HUGE gator. Our guide (my huntin’ buddy Jeffrey(let’s git em)Walker) is killing himself trying to make this trip work. A pole broke. I got a sore throat. I could go on and on. (Whine,whine,whine)
I think I will go on! In spite of problems, obstacles, distractions, you name it……… we had the BEST time together.
Allow me to share what happened. Being together with family and best friend…… facing problems together….. sharing with each other the good and bad……. and celebrating a successful hunt. That somehow made this one of the most meaningful family “adventures” we’ve been on.
It’s the same way in our spiritual journeys. Obstacles and distractions ( too busy, interrupted prayers and quiet times, doubts and fears of our own making, you name it. You could go on and on. If only I could _________, then my spiritual life would get better. (Whine, whine, whine)
Well friend, I want you to go on! In spite of problems, obstacles, distractions, you name it………. Keep Going!!!!!! Skin those knees, run out of breath. Swat the skeeters! Just Keep Going! Our God is there! He’s in the boat with you. Laugh with Him, Rejoice with/in Him. Celebrate!!
Proverbs 15: 13 A happy heart makes the face cheerful……..
Take the time to watch this video, . This video was made when Wilderness Preacher began back in 2014. Wow! Lots of water has passed under the bridge! Through a story it reveals what this blog/website is all about. It’s not all about me, but in the sharing of everyday stories with you. After watching this video, leave me your comments, suggestions, and even your own stories. Your opinion is vital. How can WE continue to improve this website? It belongs to you as much as to me. See Ya!!
Hebrews 13 :16 And do not forget to do good, and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
Here’s a throwback to years ago that I was sharing with someone just the other day Thought I’d share with all ya’ll as well.. DA
This pain has got to stop. Even though I hide it well, I’m suffering. Hey, I’ve done all I know to do, something has got to give. I need help.
The appointment was set, all paperwork filled out, I’ve checked in and now I’m waiting. That was quick, now I’m in the Doctor’s office. Didn’t even have time to get more nervous and scared. In walks this young man with a beard. He speaks to me with a gentle voice. He told me his name. (we’ll call him J.C.) Then he asked me what was the problem. (Time out) Now he asks that question to complete strangers every day, in and out. But, without a doubt, he seemed to totally be interested in my life and what was going on. (Okay), I begin telling him about the pain. I also tell him about the stupid stuff I’ve done over the years to cause damage to my body. Stupid stuff like all the dares and risks we took in our younger days when we think we are invincible. (I’m being real here and confessing the stupid stuff, so, you be real and admit you’ve been stupid too). You know, the sports activities, lifting loads too heavy for your back and shoulders, neglect, bad posture habits, on and on. It’s unreal what we do to our body.
He listens. Something that seems to be missing in this world. He listens. Then he says, ” let’s see what we can do about this”. He lays his hands on me. What I will always remember is that he immediately touched the muscles in my neck that were hurting. He used big words that I didn’t understand. Said I had a something in my whatever muscle. There was a “subli something or nother ” in my vertebra. What I’m trying to say is this. I didn’t understand what he was saying to his assistant who was writing it down, but I knew that he knewmore about what was going on inside of me than I did.
Then he looked inside of me. In this case he used an x-ray. Told me exactly what was wrong. Showed me why I had pain in my life. Then he said, “we can fix this.” He didn’t say, you’ve done stupid things, or you’ve waited too long, or anything to make me feel unworthy of seeking his help. He just calmly said, “I can help”.
So now he asks me to lay on the table face down. He places one hand on my neck, and brings my arm behind my back. (time out) Now you guys know me, My involvement with falconry, with wolves and predators, this position that I am now in, is totally a submissive position. In the wild, you have a claw on your neck and your wing, leg, or arm is pulled behind your back, you are totally in submission. Why would I submit to this? Because I trusted J.C.. I didn’t understand, nor did I really know this guy. But I trusted him.
What happened next is a blur. I didn’t know whether to laugh, cry, kick myself for not doing this sooner, or……….. My neck went ccccccrrkkk. He realigned me. He began a physical journey that I am now on. A journey that doesn’t have pain from the past going along with it.
So, my daily devotion for this day was this (and it can’t be a coincidence). John 8:32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will setyoufree.”
Why had I not gone to see the chiropractor before this? Well, I didn’t believe in their ways. You know, the world says that when you have pain that you need a pill, or shot, or surgery, or well, let’s just do all of them. Then we’ll cover up the problem with numbing medicines.. Does that sound like your life sometimes?? Also I thought that I could handle this on my own. After all, who better to run my life than me. A chiropractor? All he will do is some touchy feely stuff. Then he will yank on your head. People will expect me to say I’m Healed! And he’ll want to keep seeing me. Honestly though, I was just scared of him.
Is your spiritual life filled with pain. Go see J. C. “the chiropractor”, Jesus Christ. He’ll listen to you. He’ll look inside of you, and show that He knows more about what’s going on inside of you than what you know. When you come to the point that you trust Him, he will realign your life. Don’t expect to understand, or know what words to use. Just Trust!! And by the way, J.C.(Jesus Christ), will want to continue to see you. It’s a good thing.
