Blisters by Brodie Swisher At the end of a long day on a recent elk hunt, I found myself further from the truck than I wanted to be. I stared up at a monster mountain that I really didn’t want to climb. And with lousy socks on my feet, I was past the point of blistered. Darkness was approaching, and with miles left to go, sitting down to rest was not an option. So I trudged on. And then I heard a bull bugle. The sacred sound changed everything. My weary legs came alive. I had forgotten about the pain, the distance traveled, the mountain still ahead, and the blisters that burned my feet. I pressed on with a renewed passion for why I was there. Prior to this encounter with a bull, things were much different. Mile by mile I thought about my sore feet and how they’d been rubbed the wrong way for far too long. I often found myself wanting to sit down, sit out, and put the journey on hold. But that simply won’t get the job done. I had to move on. Whether in the woods or on the journey of life, I’m finding that when I keep pushing on, even in the midst of pain, I am greatly rewarded. I love what Paul says in Philippians 3:13-14, “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” There will always be people that rub us the wrong way. There will be times when a boss, friend, spouse, or stranger irritates us to the point of wanting to call it quits. But we must press on. The trials of this life are only for a season. We have a greater goal we’re striving towards. Whether in relationships with others or your personal walk with Christ, I encourage you to hang in there. Don’t quit now! It may seem like a mountain you’d rather not climb, or a crisis you simply can’t conquer. Press on! We have a God that moves mountains! He will deliver you. Don’t be derailed, distracted, or deceived. Press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called us!
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Stomped by Brodie Swisher I had a front row seat this past weekend to quite a show as bow season opened once again in Montana. I sat in my ground blind in the middle of an apple orchard that bordered a large alfalfa field. The orchard was no doubt a magnet, drawing deer from all directions. Most of the activity on this hunt came from does and their fawns. The featherweight fawns didn’t seem to have a care in the world. On more than one occasion a pair of fawns zipped back and forth past my blind as they chased one another around the orchard. Things got interesting when a coyote showed up and began to slip in to investigate the deer herd. Every mature deer in the herd went on red alert. However, the fawns continued to play their game. They were oblivious to the danger that loomed about. They needed correction…and the boss doe of the bunch seemed to be happy to give it to them. I watched in amazement as the biggest doe in the herd marched over and began to stomp these fawns. She kicked, poked, and pushed these two young fawns until they seemingly saw the error of their ways. They soon followed the lead of the other deer in the bunch and made their way to a safer place. I couldn’t help but think of the many times throughout my childhood where such a stomping would’ve been justified. Oh, I got my fair share, but there were countless times I needed a reality check to the dangers that loomed about my life. In fact, even as adults we tend to be oblivious to the dangers lurking all around us. We often walk blindly through life unaware that satan is waiting and watching for his moment to pounce. So be alert to his attempts to attack. Don’t walk through life unguarded. And when you feel like God is working you over good, just remember, He may simply be stomping you into submission, bringing you back to a point where He can lead you to safer ground. “For the Lord disciplines those He loves, and He punishes each one He accepts as His child.” Hebrews 12:6 |
Brodie SwisherBrodie Swisher is a World Champion game caller, accomplished speaker, a notable writer, a skilled hunter, and all around down to earth guy! His travels take him across the country as a well known public speaker in the arena of outdoor events such as wildgame dinners, banquests, archery classes, and filming. Above all Brodie Swisher loves Jesus and he can't wait to share his passion for Christ with those he meets. Archives
September 2013
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