September 4, 2012   

Today's Photograph . . . . Don't Let The  . . . . Hold You Back or Define Your Life   (ESRL NOAA GOV)

Bible Study Verses

Genesis 45:4-7

Then Joseph said to his brothers, "Come close to me." When they had done so, he said, "I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will be no plowing and reaping.  But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance.  (NIV)

Thoughts

The southern part of Michigan, for the last couple of decades, has been known to produce the largest bucks in our state. The food supply is great there, since it is a big farming area. There are lots of cornfields, bean fields, and hay fields. It's a perfect smorgasbord for any white tail buck looking to grow to his maximum potential.

Right smack dab in the middle of this area is an old shell of a house. It sits right in the middle of a corn field. Back in the 70's when the economy was booming in Michigan, a family started to build a beautiful house that would be surrounded by cornfields, wildlife, and especially - big bucks. However, things didn't work out the way they had dreamt, and they had to stop building the house.

Today, it still stands unfinished in the very spot dreams were supposed to have been lived out. All that is left is a shell.

(Dave M)

Action Point

Life takes its toll doesn't it? We all have had dreams about what we wanted life to be. Some of them have probably come true, and some of them haven't. Unfortunately though, some people stop living when their dream is unfulfilled. Life goes on, and they continue to exist, but in their heart of hearts - they haven't moved forward from the failure of their dream. They have become a shell. On the outside, they look the same, but on the inside - they are simply numb and incomplete. 

Being a believer requires us to move forward and not dwell in the past! Each day - every day is a day that God has given to us to live out and make a difference for Him. No matter the hurt of the previous day, week, month, or years, we must move forward with God!!! 

If we don't move on, we prevent ourselves from being useful in the present. Maybe, just maybe . . . God wants to take your broken dream and have you help someone else who is, also, in the midst of a broken dream or life. 

Don't let the failure of your dream hold you back or define your life. Don't become a shell!!!

Sportsmen's Tip of  the Day
Check to see if your area has a food bank that will accept your wild game . . . deer, elk, moose, ducks, fish . . . I know in our area, our local soup kitchens and shelters are very appreciative of food donations made to them.