Apart from two years when I had midterms in college I have not missed the Michigan rifle deer opener in 44 years. In that many years you develop some habits or rituals. Good habits like sighting in your rifle, freshening up your blind with new cedar boughs, washing your clothes in scent free soap, repacking your back pack with matches, compass, extra socks, shells, gutting knife, hunting license, water and of course snacks.
In 1976 my dad, uncle, cousin and best friend Al "the Swamp Rat" were hunting together at our deer camp in Marion, MI. The 400 Club was the nicest piece of deer heaven a hunter could ask for. The 400 acres of rolling hills, mixed hardwoods, beaver ponds all bordered by farm fields. It was loaded with game. The typical routine was that my Dad, Al and I would arrive first and get the cabin propane stove fired up , the flies swept up , the wood for the wood cook stove stocked , water pumped for dishes, our bunks set up for the restless night’s sleep. Usually Uncle Ken and cousin Kenny would roll in sometime after midnight. They're ETA was always up in the air because of Uncle Ken’s work schedule. He would do all he could to get to camp for opening morning because in Michigan over 50% of the bucks were shot on the first day. You don't want to miss it!
The three of us had dinner. Then we checked and double checked our equipment, told stories, and confirmed on the map which blind each would be hunting the next morning. The anticipation was high, and it would be 1-2 am before we would get into a deep sleep. Ken and Kenny showed up later and more tired than normal "Mike, what time did you set the alarm for?" " Five thirty " I replied and we finally all settled in. Wouldn't want to sleep in on opening morning and miss it!
We don't know when the Lord is coming back, and we don't want to miss that either! He wants us to always be prepared because he is coming without warning. Heaven like deer camp is best enjoyed with those you love. Why would you want to leave anyone behind?
The sun was streaming through the window and everyone was still sleeping. We had missed it! As I woke everyone up the question was "I thought you set the alarm?" I did it must be broken! The Swamp Rat took it out of my hand and says, "I will fix it." While the rest of us are scurrying to get ready. All at once we heard a shot just outside the cabin. We all ran outside to see who was shooting this close to the cabin. Here stands the Swamp Rat in his boots and pajamas with a big grin on his face "fixed that alarm clock”!
The world we live in is in serious need of fixing. Man would rather live in sin than follow what is good and right. There will be a day when the alarm sounds (trumpet) and we will rise to be with Jesus. He is going to fix what is wrong with this world. I wouldn't want to miss it for anything even opening day of deer season.
For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 - By M. Ritchie
In 1976 my dad, uncle, cousin and best friend Al "the Swamp Rat" were hunting together at our deer camp in Marion, MI. The 400 Club was the nicest piece of deer heaven a hunter could ask for. The 400 acres of rolling hills, mixed hardwoods, beaver ponds all bordered by farm fields. It was loaded with game. The typical routine was that my Dad, Al and I would arrive first and get the cabin propane stove fired up , the flies swept up , the wood for the wood cook stove stocked , water pumped for dishes, our bunks set up for the restless night’s sleep. Usually Uncle Ken and cousin Kenny would roll in sometime after midnight. They're ETA was always up in the air because of Uncle Ken’s work schedule. He would do all he could to get to camp for opening morning because in Michigan over 50% of the bucks were shot on the first day. You don't want to miss it!
The three of us had dinner. Then we checked and double checked our equipment, told stories, and confirmed on the map which blind each would be hunting the next morning. The anticipation was high, and it would be 1-2 am before we would get into a deep sleep. Ken and Kenny showed up later and more tired than normal "Mike, what time did you set the alarm for?" " Five thirty " I replied and we finally all settled in. Wouldn't want to sleep in on opening morning and miss it!
We don't know when the Lord is coming back, and we don't want to miss that either! He wants us to always be prepared because he is coming without warning. Heaven like deer camp is best enjoyed with those you love. Why would you want to leave anyone behind?
The sun was streaming through the window and everyone was still sleeping. We had missed it! As I woke everyone up the question was "I thought you set the alarm?" I did it must be broken! The Swamp Rat took it out of my hand and says, "I will fix it." While the rest of us are scurrying to get ready. All at once we heard a shot just outside the cabin. We all ran outside to see who was shooting this close to the cabin. Here stands the Swamp Rat in his boots and pajamas with a big grin on his face "fixed that alarm clock”!
The world we live in is in serious need of fixing. Man would rather live in sin than follow what is good and right. There will be a day when the alarm sounds (trumpet) and we will rise to be with Jesus. He is going to fix what is wrong with this world. I wouldn't want to miss it for anything even opening day of deer season.
For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 - By M. Ritchie
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