Hunting On Purpose by Tim Smith The Story: Twelve hours later, I'm still riding a wave of emotion. For the last 5 days we've had one close encounter after another. We just haven't been able to seal the deal; until today. Had I been by myself, I think I would have stood a better chance of putting one in the bag earlier; not because I'm a great or even good turkey hunter. I just think it's simpler by yourself--less movement, less logistics, less commotion, fewer moving parts, etc, etc. Most times less is more in the turkey woods. However, this season is different. I'm "hunting on purpose" and I'm committed to doing it with my best friends. Together we are part of something bigger than just the chase. There's a little girl in the country of Moldova by the name of Ana. She is an orphan. For now she's safe. She's in an orphanage. However, in a few years she'll turn 16 and she will be sent out into the streets alone and desperate. Ana, along with thousands of girls just like her, don't stand a chance. In fact, 7 out of 10 of the girls like Ana will be sold into sex slavery. You read that correctly, 7 out of 10. You may be asking yourself "what has that got to do with turkey hunting?". Here's the answer. "On Target Outdoor Ministries" has partnered with Jason Cruise and "Mission" to bring you "Spring Chronicles", a daily video, Turkey Tip, or tactic published on the "Mission" Facebook Page. We call it "Spring Chronicles" because it chronicles the turkey season of four different teams across the country. It's our collective prayer that after checking out the hunt, viewers will take time to check out the "Mission" website. "Mission" sells hunting gear that every hunter can use. Seventy percent of the proceeds from the sales of this gear go to fund efforts to stop the tragedy in Moldova; thus allowing all hunters to "hunt on purpose". I mentioned that this morning was different. As the big Tom gobbled on the roost, I thought of Ana. As he made his way through the Alabama woods I prayed this hunt would all come together and maybe help her in some small way. I also thought of the memories I've shared with my buddies this season. Shortly after, the old Tom came to the decoys as if he were on a string. It was at that moment I introduced him to #6 Winchester Supreme Elite Turkey Load. To top it all off, this experience was all captured on video with my buddies. The Word: The writer of Ecclesiastes was one of the smartest men the world has ever known, King Solomon. In his wisdom I believe Solomon understood the power of brotherhood. He wrote "For two are better than one because they have a good return on their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls where there is not another to pick him up." (Ecclesiastes 4:9-11). Field Tip: Go to Mission Facebook Page and the Mission Website. There you'll find a plethora of tips and tactics for Spring Turkey Season. You'll also find out how to "hunt on purpose". Together with you we can make a difference. Together we can "hunt on purpose." Making Him known, Tim
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A Ricky Bobby Frame of Mind by Time Smith The Story: As I write this Field Tip, I'm in a NASCAR mode. The racing season was officially kicked off last week and we were all treated to one of the craziest Daytona 500's ever. After the race, I started pondering what it would actually be like if Tim Smith was a NASCAR driver. No doubt it'd be AWESOME! I'm pretty sure my day would go something like this... Me and ol' June bug (i.e. Dale Jr.) would be 1 and 2 on the pole (I'd be 1st of course). As soon as that green flag dropped, I'd be "boogity, boogity, boogity" "checkers or wreckers baby". After several laps, I'd tell my crew chief "it's a little tight in center" not really knowing what that meant but wanting to sound all "official" on the radio. After tweeting all of my fans during a red flag stop (which would be caused by a jet dryer and a racecar) we'd go green, white, checkers. In turn four of the final lap, I'd gently spin Kurt Busch out, putting him into the wall in a kind, Christian, loving sort of way. As I crossed the finish line, I'd complete my victory lap with a monumental burn out and do a back flip as I exited the car all the while waving to the Tim Smith Nation (my fans). In victory lane, I'd thank all the boys in the pits and those back at the shop for getting the Primos Game Call, Realtree Outdoors, Winchester Ammunition, Brunton Optics, Mission, Without Excuse, On Target Outdoor Ministries #89 Ford Fusion to "victory lane". I'd wrap up my post race interview with the immortal words of Ricky Bobby himself (i.e. Talladega Nights) -"If You Ain't FIRST--You're LAST." The Word: Although it sounds kind of funny, I believe many of us have acquired a "Ricky Bobby Frame Of Mind". If you ain't first -you're last. Outdoorsmen are no different. Time and again we pull out every stop and spend countless hours in pursuit of the biggest buck, biggest fish, or biggest you fill in the blank. The problem with this mentality is that being first can easily consume us and become our first priority. Jesus gave us a reality check in Matthew 6 when He stated "its impossible to serve two masters"-you'll end up "devoted to one and despising the other". He also makes it clear what our priority should be in Matthew 22 when He informed us of the greatest commandment. "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." Field Tip: I often use my time in the woods to connect with God by spending time in His Word. If you haven't done so already, place a small Bible in your turkey vest, day pack or tackle box. If you're tech savvy, there are numerous Bible apps for your smart phone. When you have a break in the action while in the woods or on the water, make it a priority to explore God's heart by spending time in His Word. Making Him known, Tim |
Tim SmithField Tips is a light-hearted look at everything outdoors. The stories will make you laugh, the verses from God's Word will inspire you and it'll always provide a "tip" you can take into the deep woods. The best part is you can read it all in under two minutes (even if you're like me and a proud product of the Alabama Public School System). Archives
January 2013
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