July 14, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . Someone's Gotta Dig The Worms . . .   (Fred B) Bible Study Verses I Corinthians 12:18-23, 27  But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. And if they were all one member, where would the body be? But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. And the eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you"; nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you." No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty. Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. (NKJV) Thoughts Paul portrays believers within the Body of Christ, by using appendages and organs of the human body--the eye, the head, the foot, and the hand. In all of chapter 12, he reminds us of the interaction and interdependence of each part within the Body. Almost in the same words that Jesus used to teach His disciples that the "humble will be exalted,"  Paul refers to, "No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it," I Corinthians 12:22-24 (NKJV). (Fred B) Action Point It is imperative upon us to treat others, as Christ treats them. How many times have we looked at some in our church, as if they were more important than others, just to find:  Their accomplishments or prominence, was due to someone behind the scenes?  Those who were more behind-the-scenes in their service of others, were actually quietly serving Christ, and not men. My pastor-mentor from my teen years, the man under whose ministry I surrendered to preach the Gospel, is now 97. Once I told him that after God called me at age 16, the two greatest influences on my life were Billy Graham, and him.  He replied, "That puts me in good company." To which I replied, "No, Pastor Scribner, that puts Billy in good company." This humble, Godly, mostly unknown man, is definitely one who is "worthy of greater honor." Sportsmen's Tip of the Day When teaching others to fish, don't take anyone who won't help dig the worms. My granddaughter (above) and grandson know that it's all a part of the fishing trip, including cleaning and eating the catch. Exception? If you're practicing "catch and release." When teaching others to hunt, don't take anyone who won't dress their game, and eat it. In this way, you teach them to respect the quarry, do their part on the trip,  and appreciate the seriousness of taking an animal's life.         Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

July 13, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . David Disagrees   (Fred B)

Bible Study Verses Psalm 119:30,38, 128, 140, 151-152, 160 I have chosen the way of truth; Your judgments I have laid before me.  Establish Your word to Your servant, Who is devoted to fearing You.  Therefore all Your precepts concerning all things I consider to be right; I hate every false way.  Your word is very pure; therefore Your servant loves it. You are near, O Lord, and all Your commandments are truth. Concerning Your testimonies, I have known of old that You have founded them forever. The entirety of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever. (NKJV) Thoughts There was no doubt in David's mind, nor in his writings, that ALL of God's Word was true, absolute, eternal, pure, holy, and awesome. The list goes on and on, especially in Psalm 119!     God's Word has been preserved by Him throughout the ages:  Still totally reliable for us to place complete faith in, without fear of God's promises ever failing. "Blessed be the Lord, who has given rest to His people Israel, according to all that He promised. There has not failed one word of all His good promise, which He promised through His servant Moses," I Kings 8:56 (NKJV).  Never changing, like Him, "For I am the Lord, I do not change," Malachi 3:6a (NKJV). Never lies. "In hope of eternal life which God, Who cannot lie, promised before time began," Titus 1:2 (NKJV). Everyday paths for our lives lies in the absolute truth of the Word of God. David said, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path," Psalms 119:105 (NKJV). (Fred B) Action Point Like David, each of us need to stand firm on the Word of God. When the flow of this world, even in some church movements, is that there is no absolute truth, we need to: Anchor our lives on the Bible.  Lead our families in believing and in knowing the Word.  Live out the precepts of God as we are strengthened to preserve the purity and Christlikeness that God wills for us in these last days.   As people founded on shifting sands proclaim "new revelation" and "new liberty in Christ," we will be able stand on the absolute truth of the holy and eternal Words of the One Who is Truth. Sportsman's Tip of the Day When your state's updated/new game reg's are published: Read the changes from last year, usually highlighted in the front of the booklet.  Review the maps to make sure what special reg's your hunting area is under, and what this year's bag limits are. Carry a copy of those game laws in your hunting vehicle, in case you might have any question or need reassurance of legality. Also, important phone #s are enclosed, to report poachers and/or emergencies. Contact your wildlife office/officer if you have any questions, and get their interpretation, just to be safe.  Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

July 12, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . Accept His Answer With Thanksgiving  (Ron M)

Bible Study Verses I Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (NKJV) Thoughts "If one perceives each day of existence, labor, and basic provisions as a gift from God, and accepts whatever God gives, then that person lives an abundant life," (author unknown). God is so good. He gives us what we need to live an abundant life every day. Whether we are at work or sitting quietly waiting on game, we should enjoy the things God has provided.  My wife and I have a favorite place to go to fish. Even if we do not catch a single fish, it is so peaceful and refreshing to sit in the boat and reflect on how God has blessed our lives.  I have always found that it is so much better to enjoy the simple pleasures of this life than to fret over the things we don't have.  (Chris Q) Action Point God tells us to pray every day--about the things that we need, about our concerns, and about things that we want, or what we think we want.  God will always answer our prayers. His answer maybe, "Yes", "No", or "Wait". He knows what is best for us and He knows what we need. Best of all, He knows what we can handle.  Accept His answer with thanksgiving. "Remove falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches-feed me with the food allotted to me; lest I be full and deny You, and say, "Who is the Lord?" Or lest I be poor and steal, and profane the name of my God," Proverbs 30:8-9 (NKJV). Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Do not forget the camera on your hunting and fishing trips because what you take home for the day may not be the quarry you intended but the picture that God painted. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

July 11, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . Pray Constantly, They Need Your Support.  (MQ) Bible Study Verse I Thessalonians 5:17   Pray constantly. (HCSB) Thoughts Many years ago, I started a simple activity. Let me encourage you to practice it, from this point on. Okay, here it is . . . Whenever you hear a siren, pray for two things: "Lord, give the authorities wisdom and safety to deal with the situation to which they are responding."  "Lord, help the person needing assistance come to know You today and rely and trust in You." As you know, only when people are faced with life-threatening circumstances are will they usually address their own mortality, and are open to God. Would you join me in this endeavor?  If you live in the big city, you may be busy. But, you may never know the difference you praying will make: Walls falling. Strongholds dissolving. Hearts opening. Holy Spirit working. Hearts receiving God's love. Lives, marriages, families healing. (MQ) Action Point Let this Sportsmen's Devotional live on as you listen for sirens starting today. Consider sharing this practice with others. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Always carry a first aid kit in your vehicle. You never know. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

July 10, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . Want Your Children To Treat You With Honor, You Need To Be Honorable (Rebecca L) Bible Study Verses Ephesians 6:1-3 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. "Honor your father and mother"-which is the first commandment with a promise - "so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth."  (NIV) Thoughts Have you ever watched a wild animal with its young, maybe in person or on an outdoors show on TV? There is no question that the young do what momma says; they do it, or very probably die. And when mother speaks, the young obey right now!  So, let's apply that to mankind. God said to honor our parents, that we'll be blessed for doing so. Notice, it doesn't say anything about obedience. It's just a given--if you honor your parents you'll also obey them.  Now, let's talk about our relationship with our heavenly Father. If we're to honor our earthly parents, isn't it much more important to honor our heavenly Father, God, with our absolute love and obedience? And, isn't it also true, that if we don't honor God, if we don't obey Him, and accept His gift of forgiveness for our sins, that we'll die?  God loves us as no other parent can, even those of us whose parents loved us more than anything else. He loved us enough to send His Son to die in our place. He deserves complete honor!  (Cliff S) Action Point Godly parents are a gift. Honor them every day of your life. Honor God, as He is our heavenly Father, and gave us the greatest gift of all--eternal life through Jesus Christ, His one and only Son! Sportsmen's Tip of the Day If you want your children to treat you with honor, you need to be honorable. Follow your personal "hunter's code of ethics", and set an example for your kids to follow. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

July 9, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . Build More Dams, Use Your Words To Encourage Those Around You And To Build Them Up  (NPS)

Bible Study Verse Proverbs 17:14 The beginning of strife is like releasing water; therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts.  (NKJV) Thoughts We all have angry thoughts that sometimes turn into angry words. For me, they usually have been with my wife, or with the man I for whom I have just written a ticket.  Over time, I have learned that it is best not to respond to my wife with angry words; although at times, I still do. Boy, when I do, the dam bursts, and it floods for quite awhile.  With regard to the wildlife violations, I no longer respond to the guy who took over his limit of fish and is now mad, because he got caught. Through the years, before I learned this lesson, my response got me a few complaints. So, no more "dam breaching" here. Now, if the situation gets too bad, I just take him to jail.  Maybe you have just blown up your dam to a good fishing hole (at home or work). The good news is-- dams can be rebuilt over time, with hard work.  (MQ) Action Point Instead of breaching (blowing up) your dams, why not consider this: try building more dams. By that, I mean, use your words to encourage those around you and to build them up.  God's simple advice is good here--just "stop the conflict." Matters may not be dropped on the part of the other person in the situation; but they can be in your words. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Due to the terrorist age in which we live, be diligent; help law enforcement watch over the dams near you. Report suspicious activity. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

July 8, 2013 Sportsmens Devotional

July 8, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . Is It Something Physical, Like A Camping  Box, Or Spiritual, Like Modeling The Christian Life  (Tom B)

Bible Study Verses Psalm 127:3-5  Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from Him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court. (NIV) Thoughts My youngest son and I liked to combine camping and fishing when he was growing up. Every trip required gathering up all the needed items. Things needed for fishing was easy-grab the fishing rods and tackle box. Anything else we needed was in one of the storage compartments on the boat.  Getting everything together for camping was a different matter. The bigger items such as the tent and the cooler were simple. But getting everything else took a lot of time, and quite often we would forget something. We needed something that we could put all of the smaller items into one box, kind of like a fishing tackle box, but different in size and how it was compartmentalized. We could grab the box and go. I built a plywood camping box with different compartments. One side accommodated the bigger items such as the lantern, lantern fuel, and non-perishable food items. This same area was used to store a large aluminum bowl that was used to wash dishes in. The right side of the box held three sliding drawers and a small open space on the bottom. The open space was set up where it was a good fit for the camp stove. The drawer on top held miscellaneous items such as matches, a Bible, extra mantles for the lantern, a set of dominoes (we liked playing dominoes), and other things we accumulated. The other sliding drawers held items like paper plates, plastic silverware, the hose/valve for the camp stove, and a small ax. One side of the box was hinged so it could open and lay down providing a work surface. I put handles on two of the sides so you could pick it up. I have to admit it got a little heavy, but we could put it in the back of the pickup truck, or on the back deck of our bass fishing boat for transporting to the camp ground. Now we were ready, super ready to go fishing and camping without a lot of hassle. (Tom B) Action Point I didn't realize it at the time when we were making our trips, I was making lasting memories for both my son and I. The camping box was mentally connected with our trips and being outdoors. He has told me on several occasions that he wanted the camping box some day. We haven't been camping in quite a long time, because he now lives in Colorado. But, he has been blessed with a wife and two children that like to camp. He's building a legacy with them. What kind of legacy or inheritance are you leaving with your children and family? Is it something physical, like a camping box, or spiritual, like modeling the Christian life? In I Thessalonians Paul admonishes the Thessalonians to become a model for all believers, imitators of the Lord, letting their faith be known everywhere, encouraging, comforting, and urging others to live lives worthy of God. David says in Proverbs 13:22 that it's good to leave an inheritance or legacy for others. "A good person leaves an inheritance for their children's children, but a sinner's wealth is stored up for the righteous," (NIV). Sportsmen's Tip of the Day To organize your camping box even better, consider using small Tupperware type bowls. The bowls are especially good for storing food items such as rice or flour. Although the lids will probably stay shut, tape the lids to prevent any accidental spills.    Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

July 7, 2013

July 7, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . God Is Not Willing That Any Should Perish Due To A Lack Of Physical Or Spiritual Food   (MQ)

Bible Study Verses Genesis 1:11-12  Then God said, "Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb that yields seed, and the fruit tree that yields fruit according to its kind, whose seed is in itself, on the earth"; and it was so. And the Earth brought forth grass, the herb that yields seed according to its kind, and the tree that yields fruit, whose seed is in itself according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. (NKJV) Thoughts As we take to the outdoors, and take time to examine the great variety of plant life, there is no way a thinking person can conclude that it was put there without divine purpose. Genesis 1:31  states, "Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day," (NKJV).  Plant life serves as food for great varieties of created animals, many of which are available for man's enjoyment as tasty game. Without edible plants for game species, there would be no game. Without honeybees to pollinate flowering fruit trees, there would be no fruit on display at grocery stores and fruit stands. The existence of many is vitally dependent on the interaction of these processes and on many others in order to provide a stable, inexpensive food supply. For these reasons, it is important to give Him thanks for how these things were created, and for the food we enjoy daily, provided by Him Who set these processes in motion.  (MS) Action Point God is not willing that any should perish due to a lack of physical or spiritual food. For this reason, giving Him prayerful thanks for what He has provided, not just for the dinner table, but for the Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:9), is a daily, worthwhile practice. Thank Him for giving His Son, Jesus, the Messiah, to provide the banquet that will be remembered throughout eternity. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Hiking in the desert can be a "pointy" matter. If cactus spines don't stop you, a rattlesnake might. Wearing thick leather shoes in suspect areas can prevent spines and fangs from doing permanent injury as you walk into the wilderness.  Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

July 6, 2013

June 6, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . Did He Really Mean For Javelina To Smell Like That   (NPS)

Bible Study Verses Genesis 9:2-3 And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be on every beast of the earth, on every bird of the air, on all that move on the earth, and on all the fish of the sea. They are given into your hand. Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. I have given you all things, even as the green herbs.  (NIV) Thoughts I don't know about you, but I'm sure glad that these verses are there for us to read. They confirm that we aren't doomed to be vegetarians!  Of course, God didn't have to put quite so much fear in the hearts of the deer and elk I pursue; and did He really mean for Javelina to smell like that? But, they are still good in red chili, and for a good time harvesting them!  Thank you, Lord, for your wonderful creation!  (Cliff S) Action Point We didn't get here by accident. God has placed in all of us the desire to provide the basic necessities of life for our families and loved ones; and He made the plants and animals for just that purpose. It's up to us to be sure that we use them wisely and as good and appreciative stewards. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Take special care of your animals after you've killed them. Get them cleaned and skinned, and keep the musk and other odiferous contaminants off of the meat. Keep them clean, cool, and dry, and they'll be the best eating you've ever had. Even the Javelina! Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

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July 5, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . We Need Someone Who Can Get Us To The Target  (MQ)

Bible Study Verse Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (KJV)  Thoughts As bow hunters know, adjusting the sights on a bow sort of goes against logic. If the point of impact is too far to the right, the pin on the sight must be moved to the right as well. And if the point of impact is too far left of the bull's eye, the pin must be moved to the left. It seems wrong, but it's not.  When the sights are adjusted perfectly, a hunter can simply hold the pin on the exact place he wishes to hit; and, if everything else is right, the arrow should hit that exact spot. What you don't want to do is have to aim left or right of the bull's eye in order for the arrow to hit it. That means that you would actually be moving the target to adjust for your poor sight adjustment.  The verse describes our inability to get to God on our own merit.. Our sin has caused our "sights" to be off. We need someone who can get us to the target--God. Jesus became that someone. He went to the cross without sin; and when He died on the Cross, He took our sin with Him. Now, we can get to God through Him. All we have to do is admit that we have missed the mark, and that we need Him to adjust our sights.  (NS) Action Point Have you lost sight of the target? Let Jesus come and adjust your sights. Then we will clearly see and hit our target. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day When bow hunting, make sure you practice for many hours prior to hunting season. When we draw back and lock on our target, we want to be assured that we are prepared to make a clean kill shot. We owe this to ourselves, other sportsmen, and the game we hunt..    Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

Happy Birthday America

July 4, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . A Christian Nation, One Nation Honoring God, That Task Is Up To Us (Wendy C) Happy 237th Birthday, America!   Let us honor God and the Red, White, and Blue!

Bible Study Verse Isaiah 45:22 Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other. (NASB) Proverbs 21:1 The king's heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He  wishes. (NASB) Thoughts I enjoy my hunting and fishing heritage, and I am so thankful that I live in a country where I am free to pursue those endeavors.  On his tour of America in the 1830's, Alexis de Tocqueville of France wrote, "America is great because she is good. If America ceases to be good, America will cease to be great." In my opinion, the main reason that America is good is that she was founded on Christian principles. Many people will argue as to whether or not we were founded as a Christian nation; but I don't think anyone can argue the fact that we were founded on Christian principles.  Those principles are now being called into question. This nation cannot survive with its current form of government without relying on Christian principles. The Founding Fathers knew this and wrote extensively about it. In this current age of existentialism, even the meaning of "good" and the meaning of "truth" are being called into question.  (Dave H) Action Point Jobs are needed, our deficit needs to be eliminated, and this country needs to utilize its energy resources we haven't begun to harvest. Eliminating our debt and becoming financially solvent is within America's reach, but not a concern of many of our elected officials. Who will pay their salaries should America collapse?   As important as the role of the president is, it is not up to the president to make sure that we remain a "good" nation, a "Christian" nation. That task is up to us. We the people will determine what is "good". We are the ones who can call the nation to revival, to turn, and to be saved. We need to be sure that those who represent us represent our values (as well as our position on hunting and fishing). It' going to take everyone of us to pray, to fast, and to change this country's leadership back to those we can trust and follow. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Let Freedom Reign! God bless each of you! Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

7 3

July 3, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . I Would Probably Be As Far From God's Kingdom As Possible If I Were Rich With Money  (Suzanne S)

Bible Study Verse Mark 10:25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. (NKJV) Thoughts Sometimes I wonder if God gave me a simple life with a humble income just to save my soul.  When I read this verse, I think to myself, "I would probably be as far from God's kingdom as possible if I were rich with money."  But instead, He has made me rich with a great appreciation for His creation and the critters that abide here. I work outside every day, usually doing good things for wildlife.  Better yet, I have a wonderful wife and daughter who love to enjoy God's creation with me. I am thankful that He has blessed me with such.  (Jimmy S) Action Point Ask God to reveal your riches to you today. Search your heart for your spiritual gifts and ask God to help you put them to use for His glory. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Remember: always give someone an itinerary-- where you will be and when you plan on returning-- no matter how short the outing may be.   Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

7 2 2013

July 2, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . Being A Follower Of Christ Is A Journey  (Raymond R)  Bible Study Verse Acts 2:46-47  Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. (NIV) Thoughts Being a follower of Christ is not a single point or destination, it is a journey. Hopefully, a long, full one. Making the turn to faith is a big step at first; and we all need help and support to continue the journey.  As outdoor people, we often place a high value on our solitary connection with creation and, therefore. with God. That value can be accommodated as a Christian as long as we also value the necessity of corporate worship.  Our walk in faith can be compared to our educational system, in that there is a need to start with basics and continue to grow to our potential. We are to follow Jesus; and He clearly instructed us to join together as believers so that our individual gifts would be combined for the benefit of God's kingdom, meeting the needs of a wide variety of people and communities.  (Brent B) Action Point If you are not connected to a Christian congregation now, start searching for one where you can learn, grow, serve, and be served. If you are connected, think about how you can be of greater service, finding a way to use your special gifts to help build God's kingdom. If you are seeking a place to worship, some vital questions to ask would include:  Is the holy Word of God taught and preached there?  Does the church hold the Bible up as the complete and inerrant Word of God?  Are the pastor and church leadership mirrors of Christ?  Do they use the study of the Bible as the means to interpret the Bible?  In your search, if you find that congregations fall short, perhaps your mission is to go there and help them improve. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day If you are going to be hunting with a firearm, it is important to practice your marksmanship and the function of the firearm. The most effective practice would include using the same ammunition, clothing rest, shooting sticks, or other aids you plan to use. Once you know the firearm and ammo are sighted in, make the practice as much like expected field conditions as possible. If long distances might be involved, practice at those distances and learn how wind can affect your shooting.  Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

SD

July 1, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . We As Humans Are Also Very Resourceful And Adaptable  (MQ)

Please Join The Sportsmen's Team In Surrounding The Families and Friends Of The Deceased 19 Heroic Firefighters and The Firefighters Who Are Continuing To Fight This 100% Uncontained Arizona Yarnell Fire. Bible Study Verses Ephesians 5:28-29 In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church. (NIV) Thoughts Drought has been hitting Arizona for the last ten years now. Water tanks are dried up, reservoirs are low, and trees and wildlife are showing the effects.  During a wild fire moved through an area called Mingus Mountain in northern AZ. A friend of mine was the base camp manager for the forest service firefighters' camp. Near the camp on the main highway, which had been closed, was a large, portable water trough that the helicopters used to retrieve water in order to drop on the fire.  As he approached the trough in the dimly lit morning he saw something unusual, a black mass near the trough. Blurry eyed and still a little sleepy he approached the trough and the black mass came into focus. It was actually two large bears standing on their rear feet with their front paws on the edge of the trough getting a much needed drink.  (Brett M) Action Point Wildlife is resourceful. When they are unable to meet their needs in the traditional ways, they adapt and change. We as humans are also very resourceful and adaptable. We have certain needs and we will typically make adaptations to meet those needs, often times in self-destructive ways.  Many of us are married and have made a vow to seek certain needs only from our spouses. Most commonly it is sex that we seek from our spouse. But what about the other needs that should only be found in our spouse. Men are you meeting all of the needs of your wives? Do you love her "as your own body?" Neither spouse should have to go to a wayward trough to seek what they need. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Old burned areas of the forest are great places to hunt. Increased sunlight and fresh vegetation are keys. Pay attention to your hunting area during wildfire season, note if and where an area may have burned and then scout that in future hunting trips. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up