mancrafter

Changing times, changing people

2010-12-29T18:09:00.000-08:00

For those of us older ones, we grew up in a very simple lifestyle. Most things were home made.
From clothes, to food, to fun. Rarely were these items ‘store boten’. Hand me downs were anticipated and expected. We looked forward to our older brothers or sisters ‘growing out of’ their clothes, so we could then wear them. Food was home cooked, usually from the garden and wild game was a staple. Ah those fried ‘taters’ and home made gravy! Probably not the best for one’s health. Least ways that would be the prognosis in today’s world. My folks rarely ate out. I can count on my hand the times I seen my mom or dad eating out at a restaurant. We always raised some cows, but rarely did we eat the cows we raised. They were sold to market for cash. Now fun was not is short supply. It is amazing what one kid or a group of children can do to invent fun. From riding stick horses to playing house or roasting potatoes in a campfire. Snow games in the winter and sledding. Then for real excitement getting the hood of an old car and pulling up a steep hill for a real ride. Of course we always had chores to do. Cows to milk or calves to feed. Wood to get in and snow to shovel. And snowball fights were loads of fun, with forts and snowmen, etc. Well times have changed. There are new and interesting things happening. Not all are good. But there is still good things happening and people adapt to change. I just hope that Change doesn’t take the Good out of people. And yes it is still fun to play fox and geese or build roads in the dirt with a Tonka truck, or? Keep smiling we can all find something good in our lives that can bring us joy and it doesn’t have to cost money!

A Successful Hunt

2010-12-12T17:40:00.000-08:00

Well we did get out there and hunt the elusive Wapiti. Friday morning after Thanksgiving found us braving early cold weather to track down and harvest one of the most regal and impressive animals on the American continent. We had spotted this herd of elk the evening previous as they began their evening graze. We also had seen them the prior Saturday as we drove through the area in the early morning. We had plans to set up on a couple of ridges north of where they were graving with the intent to head the off as they headed for their bedding area. We arrived there and found that someone else had the same intent. So we moved on to another location. We had recieved a few inches of snow on Thanksgiving evening and conditions were prime. We did not encounter any elk that morning. We later returned to the spot previously selected and talked to my cousin who had hunted the area and had shot at a spike. He had also talked to a man and his daughter who has spotted two large bulls at a long distance. To make a long story shorter anyway we then hunted several other areas and seen some cow elk. There are lots of elk in this area. Our son Brad had came down from Utah to check out the hunting. He and Brian my oldest son then went to a place called Bailey Point. They were able to get into a herd of elk there but they were too far off to get any shots. We made plans to go back the next morining and check the area. Brian had a plan to be dropped off and hunt into the spotting area and my son Chantry and I were to make a drive from the South. We had just gotten out of the truck when we heard shooting. Brian had shot at an elk and was unsure of a hit. We told him we would work our way towards him and then help him look for sign. As we dropped lower on the ridges we seen a herd of elk making their way up the ridge. We then heard more shooting. Brian called and indicated that he had taken an elk. He was quite excited as this was his first big game animal. You all who have experienced this know the adrenalin rush. We worked our way down to his location and he had a nice spike. Well a little lesson in field dressing and I'm on my way back to get the truck. They will pull the elk downhill to a location we can get to with the truck. We are having cold nights and cold days so we know the elk will hang and cool out in great shape.
Sunday is a day of rest so we get some good rest and anticipate getting back in the field on Monday. We hunt in another location on Monday, seeing elk but no horns.
Tuesday we are back in the area from the previous evening and anticipate seeing some elk. We find several cows. They come within 40 yards of me but I cannot put horns on any of them. About noon we head for town to gas up the truck and get some vittles. As we are leaving Overgard we decide to take a road up through the forest. We are talking about Ashley Davis our brother in law has said has elk crossing the roads in this area. I"m somewhat skeptical and just about at that moment a herd of elk are trying to cross the road. Brian yells that there is a bull in the lead. He has already broken ahead of the others and is long gone through the trees. We just weren't ready for them. I make a round through the timber hoping to get a glimpse. They are traveling hard and fast. An elk can cover a lot of territory when they are pushed. So it is getting on towards evening by this time and we decide to make a drive up by Deer Springs Lookout. We pass the look out and are heading down the canyon when Brian sees a herd just in front of us heading up the hill. I exit the truck and am looking for them on the left and Brian motions to me that they have crossed the road the right and and heading South. I step out of the road and get up to a nice pine tree for added support. I glass the area and find a bull standing with his head just out of the trees. I shoot and he dissapears. I'm not sure of a hit. Then this same bull steps into sight. This time a pull down on his front shoulder and pull the trigger. He again disappears.
I walk rapidly towards his location and find him down. After putting him completely down, Brian walks up with a big grin on is face. We have completed a successful Arizona elk hunt. It is about 1/2 hr from dark and after field dressing we do a redneck loading job and off we go to the house. I had called my wife earlier when we were ran over by elk on the road and how we messed up getting one and would be coming home empty handed again. Well she would be surprised when we came in with on after all. The fun was over and skinning and cleaning was next on the agenda. Overall we had a very enjoyable hunt with Brad and Chantry getting to participate and good weather. It is a great privilege to have the freedom to hunt and enjoy the outdoors. The extra bonus is having some great eating. We cut Brian's elk up a week later and hung mine in a cooler for another week to keep it from spoiling as the weather warmed up to 60 degrees during the day. One doesn't wast this precious meat. Ah! those backstrap steaks and elk burger will go a long way and when we munch down on it, it will bring back a flood of great memories.

A Successful Hunt

2010-12-12T17:39:00.001-08:00

Just wandered in

2010-10-03T20:03:00.000-07:00

This six point elk wandered into our yard last Wednesday evening. It had been wounded and I"m sure was somewhat disoriented. He lay down in a Cedar thicket about 10 yards from our swing set. The game and fish dept was called and they ended up putting him down. He was a young bull with good genes. A six point. The meat was donated to a local kitchen and the horns will be auctioned off in Phoenix in the spring. Me an my son Brian will be looking for this ones brothers the day after thanksgiving.

As a man thinketh!

2010-09-19T20:19:00.000-07:00

Many different things affect our thought processes. We get hungry, cold, hot, thirsty, lonely, etc. All of these physical senses cause us to think. More often than not after our physical senses and the thought processes related to them are attended to, and if we are of a mind to, we will contemplate and meditate upon other aspects of our lives. Most of us will be involved in improving our education on a variety of subjects and matters. Some will ponder and reflect on philosophy, theory, and or religion or the arts. Our thinking regarding our associations with others will begin to develop from the very beginning of our lives. Since we didn’t come to this earth preprogrammed to do and act and understand everything that we need to, we learn by trial and error for the most part as we mature and become learned. Learning in and of itself is a wonderful thing in our lives. We are the ones who really determine what we learn from our experiences. No one can “learn” for us. It is important to make our own decisions based on information we receive. We need to learn from an early age to do our own “thinking”. When we are young we need to let others guide us. But as we age and are capable of thought we should be trained to do our own thinking. After we have studied it out, researched it and yes maybe even prayed about it. Lets do our own thinking and own the result. It is the way to truly grow and be happy.

America

2010-07-26T18:46:00.000-07:00

*“My Country Tis of Thee, sweet land of Liberty”
*“My Native Country Thee”
We recently traveled across several northwest states as we have done numerous times in the past few years. One doesn’t have to travel far across any part of our wonderful United States to be aware of the bounteous earth in all of its varieties and terrain. From the desert beauty of the southwest and through the mid states and into the northern states what grandeur awaits our eyes and our hearts. As we traveled I reflected upon the verdant farms and small and large settlements along the way. I thought of the labor of the farmers and other workers as they have labored to build and to plant and to care for the land and its animals and other things that sustain our lives and provides for our general welfare. I also ref-lected on the industry and efforts of so many to provide roads and hospitals and schools and retail and other businesses and industries to sustain our capitalistic economy. We are a blessed nation and many wonderful productive people still live here. Some of our large corporations have moved out of country to make even larger profits. They have forsaken America for more money. Many businesses have remained here and have paid family wages and have made lesser of a profit, but by staying, they have made and continue to make America great. The innovation and energy of the American people will long sustain them as they continue to give their best efforts in their work and service. May we all do our part to keep us free!
*“Our Father’s God to Thee” Author of Liberty;”
*To Thee We Sing”
*“Protect us by thy Might, Great God our King”

*Text: Samuel F. Smith, 1808-1895

Liberty

2010-07-03T20:01:00.000-07:00

Liberty*: right to choose: the freedom to think or act without being constrained by necessity or force.

The colonists in the early 1770’s were quickly loosing their liberty. The ‘crown’ had initiated laws and taxes that were burdensome to these new free spirited Americans. After no redress of their grievances was found, the leaders of this promised land adopted the “Declaration of Independence”. War was declared and a rag tag group of undisciplined and unprepared men and women took on the greatest army and navy in the world. George Washington led this army. He felt that the ‘Hand of Providence’ would see them through. Suffering and defeat occurred at almost every hand. How could liberty be won?
Every American should study and come to know how this country won its independence.
It matters not what religion or culture you are a part of, you can know that a Supreme Being had a hand in the outcome of this world changing event.
While we ‘bask’ in the ‘liberty’ where in we are made free may we never forget the ultimate sacrifices of those who helped fulfill the destiny of this great nation, “Under God”!

Daughter catches a Pike

2010-07-03T19:54:00.000-07:00

Spring elk pics

2010-06-06T19:27:00.001-07:00

Expectations

2010-06-06T19:26:00.000-07:00

A person’s expectations of life and happenings therein is worthy of thought. From our birth we develop expectations that fuel the things we seek. Like food and comfort, etc.
We learn almost by intuition that if we cry we get attention. We are picked up, fed or comforted in some way to quiet us and bring us back to a state of peace and serenity. As we age our expectations increase. Realistic expectations are good for us. They are coupled with thought and action of those that are directly affected by the achievement of the expectation. For example when as a child we will expect to be able to either do or to acquire something that we feel would be a benefit to our life. If that is consistent with our age and our capability and the welfare level of our family or responsible adult, we may be able to obtain the desired outcome. Expectations and the fulfillment of them can either be a boon or a disappointment.
Oft times our expectations can be fueled by the self centered aspirations one can either develop through peer pressure or selfishness or other lustful or carnal desires. There are times when expectations far exceed the actual needs of those involved. For instance a teenager who receives his new driver’s license may feel that now it would be justified to also be able to have a new red Corvette. The expectation far exceeds the justification for such an outcome. I believe each of us who lives will eventually learn to manage our expectations. We will surely have been disappointed a number of times as we have made expectations either for ourselves or others that were unrealistic. Also factored into all of this is the agency of those who we may expect to provide or do something. The bottom line is that the sooner we are taught to use sound reasoning regarding our lives and the things we will accomplish or attain in our lives we will find our lives much happier and life more rewarding. Many of life’s expectations are a given. The sun will come up, it will be at times cold, warm, hot, etc. We will experience sickness and death. We will also experience happiness and joy. Many other expectations will only be wrought by the effort you and those affecting your desired expectation will put forth. Also all these things are looked upon by a Loving God who will with great wisdom and love and knowledge of what is best for us provide the needed thing. To be content with life’s expectations and see them fulfilled is a wonderful thing!

Memorial Day Deer Pics

2010-05-31T20:37:00.001-07:00

A blessed nation

2010-04-26T18:42:00.000-07:00

When I attended High School we studied about the Roman Empire. It was the ruling authority on most all the earth at one time. We have heard the term “When in Rome do as the Romans do”. The other day as I was parking the car after having driven through the drive through at a local fast food place. I thought to myself ‘the Romans didn’t have it this good’. Since that time I have pondered on the many advantages that we have especially here in America that the Romans in all of their splendor and greatness did not enjoy. I’m sure that they enjoyed many pleasures and had the ‘fat’ of the land. But they certainly did not have all the advantages that we enjoy today. Even the poor are able to enjoy a good portion of ease and providence. Can you imagine traveling by carriage over dusty and broken roads? Think of the wonderful roads and freeways that we enjoy. Think of our automobiles, with all their comforts (radio, cd/video players, air conditioning, heated seats, etc) We can travel in 30 minutes what would have taken them at least a day. Home heating must have been a chore as well as laundry and providing meals. We have access to electricity and gas as well as supermarkets that provide a convenience and array of options that you cannot even imagine. If one got sick in Roman times one of the remedies was blood letting. We certainly have come a long way from those days. We have health care for every malady both real and imagined. Food and nourishment for every type of situation and allergy. We enjoy immunizations that protect us from disease and plague. We don’t have to think too hard to realize that we have many bounteous blessings and opportunities. I don’t assume that too many of us would want to return and live in those conditions and times. Somewhere it is written that ‘where much is given, much is expected’. We certainly are a giving nation. The nations of the earth have been significantly blessed by the generosity of our nation, and our kind people. Yes, most of us enjoy a life richer and far better than our predecessors, which cause our hearts to rejoice and be humble. And yet there are some of those about us who are less fortunate. May we be looking after their welfare and helping where we can to ease their burdens and provide the nurture that they so need. For it is written “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these…………”

Growing People

2010-04-11T18:29:00.000-07:00

At the place I work we recently had a new mill manager assigned to work at our facility. After a few days he came by and introduced himself to our work crew. I asked him what his background was and he went into his history and what he felt strongly about. One of the things he said was that he believed in ‘growing people’. This is an interesting term, one that I have heard a number of years ago and I myself believe in. You might ask the question, “What does ‘growing people’ mean? How can we grow people or how can people grow? In essence we are all growing from the time we are born until we depart this life. Our bodies grow from infants to our adult stature, but there is another growing that takes place. Our intellect, knowledge, character, etc are also growing. We are all placed here in ‘earth’s garden’ if you will, to increase in wisdom. Some of us will be one thing and some another. We will have the opportunity to ‘grow’ in many facets of life. A mother for instance will develop her talents in many aspects as she nurtures and cares for her children. She will have the opportunity to grow in so many areas. She will be shaped and guided by many sources, her own mother’s example and other mothers and sisters who have and who are experiencing like things. Men and fathers will have opportunities to grow also in their work and life’s associations. I think that when we put our lives into this type of perspective we might have a little different outlook on our associations with one another. Is how I’m treating or dealing with this person helping them to grow, to be all that they can be in the realm of their current sphere of existence? It is not hard to look back on one’s life to see that there have been those who have nurtured and guided and corrected us to be better, to develop skills and to be a more successful and capable human being and brother or sister in the garden. We in turn are then cognizant of our own responsibility to help another. In this type of atmosphere everyone can grow and develop in the full stature of what we were intended. So if in your work career you find yourself working for a supervisor who has this kind of attitude, you are blessed indeed. And then you will also remember that your supervisor is in the garden him/herself and you have an opportunity to help them grow as well. May we all provide nourishment to one another as we were intended to do!

Feelings or Emotions

2010-02-21T16:05:00.000-08:00

Have you ever used the term? “It just feels right.” Maybe your are looking for a new car or busying a new home in a new neighborhood or whatever. You have looked at all the things that are related to that decision and it has for the most part met all of the criteria that you have used in reference to that decision.
Feelings about things and emotions about things are two different scenarios. We need to be careful in making decisions especially when we let our emotions get in the way of us making sound decisions. We bought a new car a few years ago and we had been looking at a pretty blue gray one. After deciding that we would purchase the car we noticed a pretty red one with the same equipment and price. We made the decision at the drop of a hat to buy the red one. Low and behold the car was a lemon. We had noting but trouble with it. I always wonder how reliable the blue gray one would have been.
Of course there are some decisions that we make that are probably neutral driven. In other words it really doesn’t matter if we choose either option. Probably buying the red car really was a neutral decision. We just weren’t very fortunate for the turn of events.. But other decisions can have serious ramifications. For instance if we choose to marry a guy/girl because he/she has lovely blue eyes that are just adorable, and forget every other needful character trait, we could be letting ourselves in for a real experience. It is best, if when making decisions to put the level of study and thought into making the final decision commensurate with the level of consequence or desired result. Obviously some decisions are life changing all the way down to (shall I have a burger or a burrito). One could effect you for life or eternity and the other might cause indigestion. It is important to study the important things out in your mind, and it’s ‘ok’ to ask other for input, but on major decisions a person should make the final decision. Then they own it. We then cannot blame someone else for the decision. Look, we all do the best we can. If after all your effort, you can say, “yea, it feels right” . Hey go for it! And live and do all those things that will make the decision the right one!
P.S. Don’t forget to pray!

Food for thought

2010-02-07T15:16:00.000-08:00

When the winter months come each year it is a good time for sitting by the fire and visiting or watching a good movie or picking up a good book and reading. Reading is such a wonderful medium for entertainment or for learning or keeping one abreast of what is happening in our world. For those of us who love to read it would seem like a very sad thing to consider what we would miss out on in our lives if we had not been taught to read, or to read poorly and not understand or comprehend. We know that there are many in the world who cannot read. Some have never learned to read because of circumstances beyond their control or because they did not develop that ability at a young age or any age. I’m thankful for parents and teachers who took the time to teach me reading fundamentals and comprehension. Reading for entertainment is one of my interests. You can learn things by reading for entertainment. We especially have the opportunity to learn by studying text books on a particular subject and also by studying the scriptures and other books relating to religion, science, history and human relations.
By reading for example we can come to know that there where what is referenced to as ‘the dark ages’. Where learning was suppressed. Aren’t we thankful that the ‘age of learning’ or ‘understanding’ came to be. I am thankful for those who took then and take the time now to put good things in print, for our learning and joy. We truly do live in the greatest age of mankind. Think of all that is available to us in writing. Books and magazines and publications as well as the internet. We need to be careful of what we take in. Someone once said ‘garbage in, garbage out’. There is multitude of good and wholesome things to read. Lets soak up some good stuff!
“And the eyes of their understanding were opened”

Governed by LAW

2010-01-28T18:29:00.000-08:00

We are all governed by “law”. Usually we think of laws that are set by society to govern behavior of those who live there in. There are also laws relating to other aspects of our life. There are laws of nature and laws of science and mathematics. Some laws are irrefutable. In other words you cannot escape them. If you put your hand on a hot stove, you will be burned. If you jump out of a tall building you will either be seriously injured or suffer death. If you follow the proper formula for doing a mathematic problem you will get the correct answer. Other laws given to govern people’s behavior are not inviolable. We have a choice to either follow the law or to ‘possibly’ be penalized if and when we are caught. I always say that if we ignore or try to avoid abiding the ‘basic’ law of behavior (for instance) then if and when we are caught, we will become even more intimately aware of the ‘remainder or supporting laws’ that are related to that law. For example say we steal something from someone. We are caught and not only do we have the basic law presented to us, we then are subject to all the remaining laws and penalties regarding that law.
Living by law is really a wonderful thing. Having a secure knowledge that if we are in obedience to the laws governing things we understand and know, will increase our happiness and joy. We learn these things from the time we take our first breath until we take our last one. We are nurtured in our homes and learn in our schools and our life’s work. I think laws also are related to how we treat others. If we are kind and forgiving, generally we are treated kindly ourselves. Someone once said something like this “what we send out usually comes back to us”. May we live so as to garner the best in our life’s efforts!

Politics as usual.

2010-01-19T19:53:00.000-08:00

Well the Republicans are on a high tonight if Brown is elected in back east in Ted Kennedys stronghold. What is really the difference between a Republican and a Democrat anyway? They both are corrupt. Nothing is going to change UNTIL! We read all kinds of e-mails about why we lost the election to the Democrats.
You know the sad thing I think is that we as Republicans still don''t get it either. We lost the election because the Republicans stink too. We don't determine elections by land mass or location of people but because of numbers of people. We lost because the Republicans got off track and are no better than the Democrats. The sooner we really find an alternative political party the better. The Republicans need to have their feet held to the fire on TRUE conservative principles! Until we hold them there we will not really gain any leverage against abortions, etc. It will continue to be a seesaw battle for majority in our leadership that will not really fix anything in this country. It will just allow different people to rip off our country at any given time.
Wow I feel better now!
marshall

Text messaging board

2010-01-09T15:26:00.000-08:00

Now most of you have a sweet heart at home and you really want to give her something to (remember ) you by. Believe me they will remember you. You can get these for 3 small monthly payments of 195.00. This totals up to just a few bucks for you buckaroos. Anyway let me splain what this little ltem can do your you and your relationship buildin with the little ladie. You present this to here say just before hunting or fishing season. It hangs on the wall in visible place where she can eye it from time to time and contemplate on just exactly what it is for. Anyway after you give it to her you explain to her how it works. You can call it your TMB (text messaging board) or your GPB (Global positioning board) Now let me splain how it works. Say you are going fishing to your favorite water hole. (no I don't mean tavern (we are Mormons) And the little lady does't have a klue where that would be. And since you want her to find you or your body (So she can collect the insurance) case you don't return in a few days or weeks, she can point the local search and rescue and give them a general idee where you may be. So anyway you just draw her a litle picture (this is a black board) of a rough sketzh of where you are a headin. Presto she will know where you are at. Now say you want to use it as a TMB. Say you get outa bed early before she rises and you don't want to wake her and as you are eating your korn flakes or burnt toast and jam you get to ruminating as we are all prone to do when we are eating, just what we will be a planning for the next meal. It never hurts to plan ahead. So you just jot down on the TMB (text messaging board) what you want for supper and the general hour (give or take 4-6) hrs you expect to have it put in front of you. Your wife will really love this way of a comunicatiing. Also if you are a little timid of verbalizing (that means talking direct to the little lady) you can leave little tidbits of love talk to here here. Like say you could rite ( I like you better than my black powder pistol) or something real tender like that. or Your pelt is cuter than a possum or ??? You will notice that you an stick little magnets on the board as well. The little women love those magnets. You can stick those water bills or garbage bills under a little magnet and agin presto she'll jump right on getting it paid. Also you will notice those 270 shell casings for little hangers. Great for earrings, for her and binoculars for you and other items to hang right there so you can grap them and head either out on the town or out to lake or woods. This is hot item and will go fast so get your orders in. It is guranteed to bring real life into your relationship.

Get your facts straight

2009-12-20T15:49:00.000-08:00

Theory vs. Fact

A few years ago I took a personality survey to determine what type of personality I had. I was skeptical about these types of things and began the activity with a cynical attitude. After all of the questions were answered, I realized that the survey certainly had me for the most part, accurately identified.
At the beginning I felt that all the parameters were based on theory rather than facts. At the end, I realized that someone possibly had a theory and then gathered relevant facts and could determine through a set of questions and their answers, the characteristics that made up certain predominant personality traits. Thus by surveying people and getting honest answers, someone could determine how someone would generally behave. (More on this later)
As we go through our lives it is important that we understand that much of what we study or learn is based upon one or the other. We don’t want to be misled by theory. We can also be misled by facts distorted or misrepresented or taken out of context.
For instance let us consider the following: In our present time we see almost on every hand, old customs and ideas being challenged. What has worked for centuries and has proved good and useful is now being challenged with so called progressive ideas. Now I for one am not against being progressive in terms of moving forward, or raising our level of understanding and knowledge.
I for one think this is a forever or eternal part of our very existence.
But to just advocate progressiveness on unsound or non factual theories is regressive rather than progressive in nature. Instead of moving our society upward we will digress to a lower level.
In the study of history it is not hard to see a pattern of growth and achievement only to be followed by period of social upheaval and or destruction or unrest. If we are not careful we can continue this cycle, rather than learn from it and really move the whole world upward and forward.
As we are sitting here in Clay Springs we might wonder what we can do here in this little place to accomplish so great a task. Well we really can make our influence felt by just doing those things that we already know will make a difference right here in this little part of the world. If we can make this little part better then won’t we have influenced a part of the whole? I think so! Yes by doing what we know to have been factually realistic in the past, will also work in the future. Yes we can explore new ideas and if they prove to be factual and true, it will work for the betterment of mankind. If we plant corn we can expect corn to come if we nurture it and follow proven theories. We cannot expect to always have corn if we do not plant or do plant and try unproved practices. If no corn is planted there will eventually be no corn chips.

Good Thinking!

2009-12-06T10:12:00.000-08:00

Benjamin Franklin said, “The foundation of all happiness is thinking rightly.” We spend our whole lives sorting out, what is ‘thinking rightly’? From the time we are infants and as we age, we are constantly evaluating and rationalizing things. For the most part we can only determine what is ‘right’ from our personal experiences and our observations and from the learning and wisdom we have attained. I think the one of the keys to ‘thinking right’ is to feed our minds. Read books, listening to people and searching and pondering upon positive information will help provide us with stimulation to ‘good thinking’. From our births we are in what I call ‘the discovery mode’. It should never stop. Isn’t it a wonderful thing? Isn’t it marvelous to behold little children discovering new things? Even when we are older and maybe tend to consider that we have accomplished our work, the family is raised and we are retired, we are still discovering new things about ourselves, our health, our relationship with others, etc. There is something that attends ‘good thinking’ and although intangible, is a powerful influence upon good thinking which leads to good behavior. A person can feel its effect upon him/herself and even those around them. We are not alone!

Shall we choose to yield?

2009-11-09T17:33:00.000-08:00

Shall we yield to the unbeliever?
When we yet believe
We hear the flattering words of the ungodly
Will we let them convince even us?
Random chance, perpetual evolution
Shall we forget the saint, the martyr, our forebears?
Yea shall we even let them change the story?
Rewrite our history books, reinterpret our Bible?
They who cry for us to respect diversity
And yet they have no tolerance for us
Shall we sit idly by and let our sacred rites be tread upon
Shall we cover our ears that we hear not their slanderous words
Shall we close our eyes and say there is no evil before us
And who will lead the little ones when we are gone?
Yea the tender branches, which way will they bend?
We must arise and remember
We must speak so that others will hear
We must look steadfastly to the light, for He will come
Even being afflicted, we must be kind
Being assailed upon, we must be tolerant
Belittled, we must be humble and forgiving
Hearts can be changed
Minds can become enlightened
Faith can become a sure knowledge
And God is mighty to save… “For he so loved the world..”
Every life is a story, and epic and powerful sequence of events that began and will end here and then go on in another sphere. If we could really see the heart wrenching, poignant events and emotions of everyone’s personal life we would witness a masterpiece and would be in awe. No Broadway hit could compare.
May we live our lives each day in real happiness, believing and trusting, being kind, and letting our voices be heard. Each day is another scene and the story is being written and we are co authors.
Someone once said “Because of choice we can choose” “We can really come to know how powerful we are when we have choice” and “When we choose, the transformation occurs”
May a happy accounting of choices be ours.
May God bless us all.

What am I?

2009-11-05T19:09:00.000-08:00

I’m active at night

But mostly by day

I have no feelings

I have nothing to say

I scare little children

And surprise adults too

I make nary a sound

When I do what I do!

I can move very fast

And move so slow,

I’ fixed yet I’m free

I want you to know!

Sometimes I’m short

Sometimes I’m tall,

Sometimes I’m humongously big

Sometimes ever so small

I’m subject to objects

Controlled by design,

Sometimes I’m blurred,

Mostly defined.

I slip around here,

And I slip around there,

In all of my slipping,

I fall anywhere.

I can fall on a wall,

I can fall on the ground,

If you look closely,

I’ll be around.

In all of my falling,

I’m still kind of cool,

People and animals seek me

Unless they are a fool.

Now that this story

Is pretty much said and done.

I would not exist

Without the light of the Sun

After writing the poem, I realized how like our lives this goes. And for sure we are all dependent upon the light and life of the Son. The Son of God (Jesus Christ) Can you find some parallels in our lives?

Where is the real conservative leader?

2009-10-21T18:52:00.000-07:00

Well we don't have to listen to the news or the commentary on the news or the commentary on the commentary very long to realize that most everyone is heading down the wrong trail. Both sides will distort the truth to make one believe in their agenda. It is almost sickening. I think there is a third major group out there who is waiting for some real leadership to come forward and lead the true conservatives, who by the way I still think is the majority. When he/she/they do come forward those rino conservatives and other conservatives will quickly see the light and come to it. The talk radio people that profess conservatism of times talk the good talk and keep that second group energized. I guess there is some good in that. But when they alter the facts and embellish them with untruths or take things out of context to make a point, it puts them out of bounds with truth seeking, conservative christians. Its not hard to know that the left is out of bounds, that is pretty much a given. Lets face it a lot of Republicans have put us into this mess we are in as well. They all need to go. We need to vote them out. I've said for a while that you could take about any well educated and moral teenager and put them in the places of these senators and representatives and get a better result.
We still have the best country in the world. Not because for the most part of anything this current generation of vipers have done, but because of previous patriots and true countrymen and women who have served and sacrificed for the good of the whole and not the 'whole for the good of one or just a few".
There are millions and millions of good hard working people who really make this country work. They are all busy doing the things that were ingrained in them by the early baby boomer and previous generation that taught them good values. Maybe our only fault might be that we wanted to give our children and grandchildren more than we had. That is ok in a way but we must not also give them that same work ethic and purpose that we have garnered so much from. We have to set aside some time now to help preserve what we enjoyed or it is going to disappear. In many instances we may be too late. Have we given too much to our children that they haven't gotten the rest of the message? I hope not!
I have talked with a few young people that want to go into politics. They have high hopes and aspirations. I hope there are more of them out there and they are preparing themselves with God's help to lead us out of the self serving corruption that surrounds us all.
When 3000+ babies are still aborted everyday.
When bribery and corruption is overlooked.
When the Constitution is walked upon.
When the office the President is used for a pornographic event
When high government leaders berate our brave soldiers
When lies and libel abound in public view and are vouchased as truth
When the media make news rather than report the news
When business men/women are rewarded for failure and corruptive practices
When religions are vilified and abborent practices glamorized
When the family is assaulted and marriage denigrated
When the true concept of procreation is demeaned
When the definition of marriage is changed to mean something else
When the teaching of the morbid, the deviant, the ungodly behavior will be forced upon our young
When the teaching of truth and good are supressed
When the majority of the people vote to support these actions
Then will the God of this world and especially this nation withdraw and we will be ripe for
destruction.

We can do something about it. We will do something about it. Either we will work to reject it or we will suffer it when it comes. It will be hard to bear. Then if we repent and humble ourselves as did people of old and our Loving God will look down upon us with mercy, He may help us to return to Him and His commandments. His word will all be fulfilled. We know it! It has always been fulfilled. It is there before us to read. We can be part of the problem or part of the solution.
My countrymen/women ponder upon it. We don't have to panic, but we must begin now doing good. Maybe now it will be our turn to sacrifice. To leave a legacy of returning to those values that made us what we are today. May it be our lot!
marshall

My Turn

2009-10-18T19:05:00.000-07:00

Well in a couple of weeks my son and I will be out there chasing the mighty mule deer. We were successfully drawn for the event. I got my favorite draw at 3A area and Brian got his second choice for 4A. It will be fun although it would have been better to get to go out the first day in the same location. Anyway I planning on getting mine first day and then going with Brian if he doesn't score right off.
Hunting if a privilege and right we have in this country. I was raised on it in Arizona and then in Colorado and on to Oregon. My father instilled in me the hunting zeal. It brings with it responsibility and in many instances humility. It isn't easy to get out of bed way before light, its is often cold (biting cold) and yet the enthusiasm and hope for a successful day will keep one going. To see the sun coming up and the anticipation of its warmth and being able to see where you are going gets the blood working and the brain anticipating.
I've spent lots of mornings doing just that. Many fond memories of particular hunts.
You haven't really lived until you have woke up early and jumped into your warm clothes. Gathered your gear, make a few sandwiches which you know will be mashed flat before you get to eat them and headed out to the hunt. Then along about 10 am when things have settled down and you haven't had any great excitement yet, you walk out in a little clearing where the october or november sun is bearing down and it feels so good on your body and you lay down and just soak it up and look up into the sky, maybe the clouds are going by and before you know it you are enjoying a relaxing and much needed rest and nap. You may wake up in a little sweat as you warm up in those extra clothes you put on that morning. But wake up invigorated and ready to go over the next ridge where you know you will have success. Then as you walk along you not only look for that elusive animal but you notice the terrain, the shrubs and trees and vegetation and how the trail lays and many wonderful things that make up hunting, hiking and just being out in nature. It is all very humbling. And wondeful!
God has blessed man to be a part of this wonderful world and to consume at times a portion of its bounty, with respect and honor for it all. It is a great responsibility and opportunity.
marshall

General Conference

2009-10-04T11:29:00.000-07:00

Isn't it always great to hear from our leaders? The older I get the more I am affected by what I hear and feel about what they say. It is probably just my point in life. But I often wish that I had experienced these 'greater' feelings and appreciations for what they say at an earlier age.
I know that they are telling us what a loving Heavenly Father would want us to hear and then for us to act under that information and inspiration.
We go out into the world and work and play and spend out time and interests and it is good to have many of these ideas brought back to our rememberance. We are attracted to all kinds of activities and ideas that affect us daily. Some are good and some are damaging to us. It is important to know what is happening in our lives. To be aware. To do some self examination daily.
It was interesting what we hear and what sticks with us.
Sister Dibbs from the General Young Womens Presidency said in talking about Lehi's tree of life dream. "Get a Grip" to use a modern phrase. Meaning we need to grip the iron rod and follow along the path.
I enjoyed the Prophet's (Pres. Monson) address about service. He has been a great exemplar in service. I know I need to give more warm fuzzies out to others.
Did you have any special feelings about conference? I would love to hear them!
mancrafter

Introduction.

2009-09-28T19:44:00.000-07:00

Well here I am, Blogging. Who would of thought that a little old dusty chap from the little town of Pinedale, Arizona would live to see the day. Well there has been a little water down the dry washes of Arizona and many steps have been taken across the country and into the wild woods, etc. But the Lord has favored me with somewhat of a curious mind and willing heart to explore the physical world and the spiritual world as well as the secular world. Now, I'm just like about everyone else, I have and idea about most things and an attitude about some things and a downright fixed belief about other things. I'm a man who knows that we are eternal beings and to think that most anyone who thinks he/she is going to be happy in a fixed condition, certainly has not explored and thought very deeply about it all.
I hope to provide some insight, some clean humor and maybe a few simple ideas or thoughts that I have garnered over some nearly 60 years.
No, I don't expect to be immortalized over anything you may read here on these pages. But if they will cause you to think or lighten your day or give you some hope, that will be reward enough.
I think that every life lived is a wonderful event. I wish we could understand that every person is dealing with special circumstances and challenges or possibly just happiness that is unique to them and them only. But yet if understood we might stand in awe at their ability to cope or to seek help or deal with in the manner that they deal with it. We would possibly not want to change places with them but regard them in a totally different light from what we see on the outside lookin in. (and for the most part probably making incorrect assumptions for their behavior or attitude.)
So here it goes. Life is great!
mancrafter