Short stories for your enjoyment...
Without a Compass
It was an overcast snowy Northern Minnesota afternoon and the hunt was ending. I stepped down from the old rickety deer stand located in the heart of a brush infested swamp. Finding my buddy’s footprints I began to track him in order to get to the boat and cruise home before the stormy darkness overtook us.
Much to my chagrin I came upon another set of tracks in this dense isolated forest. And for some odd reason my buddy was nowhere to be found; worry turned to fear as I realized the tracks I was following were my own. I had been walking in circles; I was lost without a compass. You see, we Northern Minnesotans are tough; compasses were for the city folk. We could always find our way… so I thought.
This story took place back in 1978 during my junior year in high school. The sad part, the next five years of my life were like that afternoon in the woods; a life without a compass, a life of wandering. The wandering turned to recklessness, rebellion, and doubt. But much to my surprise it all changed the fall of 1983.
My boss opened his Bible and shared the glorious news of Jesus Christ. It was John 3:16 that drew me, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” I trusted Jesus Christ; through His blood I was completely forgiven. I now had the true compass, for Jesus said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” He showed me the way; both now and forever! My recklessness turned to carefulness, my rebellion to submission, and my doubt to faith. I was no longer without a compass.
I don’t recollect how I found my buddy, but we did find our way back to the boat. Recalling that hunt, I chuckle at my foolishness but thank God for His faithfulness. Yet that day would not be the last of my wilderness experiences and stories; for besides growing up in the Northwood’s of Minnesota, I would spend the next twenty years working in them. But folks, those stories are for another time.
It was an overcast snowy Northern Minnesota afternoon and the hunt was ending. I stepped down from the old rickety deer stand located in the heart of a brush infested swamp. Finding my buddy’s footprints I began to track him in order to get to the boat and cruise home before the stormy darkness overtook us.
Much to my chagrin I came upon another set of tracks in this dense isolated forest. And for some odd reason my buddy was nowhere to be found; worry turned to fear as I realized the tracks I was following were my own. I had been walking in circles; I was lost without a compass. You see, we Northern Minnesotans are tough; compasses were for the city folk. We could always find our way… so I thought.
This story took place back in 1978 during my junior year in high school. The sad part, the next five years of my life were like that afternoon in the woods; a life without a compass, a life of wandering. The wandering turned to recklessness, rebellion, and doubt. But much to my surprise it all changed the fall of 1983.
My boss opened his Bible and shared the glorious news of Jesus Christ. It was John 3:16 that drew me, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” I trusted Jesus Christ; through His blood I was completely forgiven. I now had the true compass, for Jesus said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” He showed me the way; both now and forever! My recklessness turned to carefulness, my rebellion to submission, and my doubt to faith. I was no longer without a compass.
I don’t recollect how I found my buddy, but we did find our way back to the boat. Recalling that hunt, I chuckle at my foolishness but thank God for His faithfulness. Yet that day would not be the last of my wilderness experiences and stories; for besides growing up in the Northwood’s of Minnesota, I would spend the next twenty years working in them. But folks, those stories are for another time.
| 1_without_a_compass.pdf |
The Right Map
What a sinking feeling I had. I should have known better. Blasted map!!!
I was working in a desolate area of the Superior National Forest, and due to its remoteness, I was spending the night at a ramshackle resort kept open for diehard deer hunters. It was dark, cold and snowy. After the long day’s work, I was tired and anticipating a nice warm cabin. As the crow flies, the resort was not that far away, but the main road was over double the length of the shortcut I found on my official U.S. Govt. map. I could save 30 minutes! But to my horror, I discovered it was not a road as the map indicated, but a winter logging trail built through a spruce swamp! What a time to learn about map qualities.
As I worked my way down the muddy, rocky four-wheel drive trail with my two-wheel drive truck, I became frustrated, for there were more options than the map indicated. I guessed and slowly moved on. I couldn’t turn around for the trees pressed against the truck. What came next was demoralizing; the road before me was under water. The busy beavers had done their job! All I imagined was this Forest Service truck sinking out of sight. How do I explain that one?
Looking back over the early years of my life, I realized my life was like that anxious night in the North Woods. The life maps I used were not the best. It was the Bible that changed my life’s direction, for it stood alone as the only trustworthy road map of life. It had withstood the test of time and inquiry. Jesus said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” His Word does not change; His way does not change. Following Him is moving - in the right direction that is!
Okay, I was in a fix, I had no other choice; I floored the gas pedal and came out the other side. I made it to the resort. Yes, the sinking feel was gone! But much to my vexation the heater in the cabin didn’t work. The sinking feeling was back! It was a miserably cold night in a damp cabin. I’m glad Jesus never disappoints!
What a sinking feeling I had. I should have known better. Blasted map!!!
I was working in a desolate area of the Superior National Forest, and due to its remoteness, I was spending the night at a ramshackle resort kept open for diehard deer hunters. It was dark, cold and snowy. After the long day’s work, I was tired and anticipating a nice warm cabin. As the crow flies, the resort was not that far away, but the main road was over double the length of the shortcut I found on my official U.S. Govt. map. I could save 30 minutes! But to my horror, I discovered it was not a road as the map indicated, but a winter logging trail built through a spruce swamp! What a time to learn about map qualities.
As I worked my way down the muddy, rocky four-wheel drive trail with my two-wheel drive truck, I became frustrated, for there were more options than the map indicated. I guessed and slowly moved on. I couldn’t turn around for the trees pressed against the truck. What came next was demoralizing; the road before me was under water. The busy beavers had done their job! All I imagined was this Forest Service truck sinking out of sight. How do I explain that one?
Looking back over the early years of my life, I realized my life was like that anxious night in the North Woods. The life maps I used were not the best. It was the Bible that changed my life’s direction, for it stood alone as the only trustworthy road map of life. It had withstood the test of time and inquiry. Jesus said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” His Word does not change; His way does not change. Following Him is moving - in the right direction that is!
Okay, I was in a fix, I had no other choice; I floored the gas pedal and came out the other side. I made it to the resort. Yes, the sinking feel was gone! But much to my vexation the heater in the cabin didn’t work. The sinking feeling was back! It was a miserably cold night in a damp cabin. I’m glad Jesus never disappoints!
| 2_the_right_map.pdf |
On the Rock
One glimpse revealed the tough childhood. My heart broke for him.
Here we were, the North Shore of Lake Superior holding our church’s first VBS program in the area. The first afternoon we went to a state park for some relaxation. While walking along the sunlit shoreline searching for agates, I noticed him sitting alone on a rock outcropping at the shore’s edge. Curious as to why he was so far from everyone and alone, I approached him.
As our conversation ensued, it became apparent that his emotional condition was the same as his physical. He was from a rough home. As we watched the waves beat against the rock on which we sat, I mentioned how nice it was that the rock was unmoved. He readily agreed. It was obvious the 12 year old was anxious to talk. I explained to him how God had created the beautiful lake in front of us and the rock on which we sat, and the creator was like this rock, unmovable and strong. He was all questions as we discussed the parable of Jesus from Matthew 7:24-27; Jesus said that those who respond to His words “may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock,” Jesus Himself being the rock.
The young man compared his life to that of the unstable pebbly shore, moved by each wave; he compared Christ’s life to that of the solid rock, unmoved by each wave. He wanted Christ’s life. He believed the promise, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” He rejoiced and said that, “he had always wondered if there was a God and Creator.” And now he knew Him! Satisfaction was written all over his face.
After a bit, I watched him walk away from the rock on which we sat, never to see him again. His worn out, ill-fitting clothes and girl’s shoes were forgotten in the joy of his salvation. I sent him a Bible and letter of encouragement. He wasn’t allowed to respond.
I have never forgotten the boy on the rock, who discovered the True Rock that beautiful day. This Rock would “never leave him or forsake him,” for Jesus is unmovable!
One glimpse revealed the tough childhood. My heart broke for him.
Here we were, the North Shore of Lake Superior holding our church’s first VBS program in the area. The first afternoon we went to a state park for some relaxation. While walking along the sunlit shoreline searching for agates, I noticed him sitting alone on a rock outcropping at the shore’s edge. Curious as to why he was so far from everyone and alone, I approached him.
As our conversation ensued, it became apparent that his emotional condition was the same as his physical. He was from a rough home. As we watched the waves beat against the rock on which we sat, I mentioned how nice it was that the rock was unmoved. He readily agreed. It was obvious the 12 year old was anxious to talk. I explained to him how God had created the beautiful lake in front of us and the rock on which we sat, and the creator was like this rock, unmovable and strong. He was all questions as we discussed the parable of Jesus from Matthew 7:24-27; Jesus said that those who respond to His words “may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock,” Jesus Himself being the rock.
The young man compared his life to that of the unstable pebbly shore, moved by each wave; he compared Christ’s life to that of the solid rock, unmoved by each wave. He wanted Christ’s life. He believed the promise, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” He rejoiced and said that, “he had always wondered if there was a God and Creator.” And now he knew Him! Satisfaction was written all over his face.
After a bit, I watched him walk away from the rock on which we sat, never to see him again. His worn out, ill-fitting clothes and girl’s shoes were forgotten in the joy of his salvation. I sent him a Bible and letter of encouragement. He wasn’t allowed to respond.
I have never forgotten the boy on the rock, who discovered the True Rock that beautiful day. This Rock would “never leave him or forsake him,” for Jesus is unmovable!
| 3_on_the_rock.pdf |
Anticipation
It was finally here. Spring had sprung, the snow was gone, ice was off the lakes, mosquitoes were not yet hatched, and my jail (my parents called it school) term was almost up. It was mid May and to northern Minnesotans that meant the highly anticipated fishing opener. The prized walleye was now within hook’s reach!
Living on a boundary lake even made it more exciting. Getting the dock in the lake, putting the boat in the water, prepping the outboard, along with gathering all the fishing gear. Add to that, my dad was a guide and knew all the sweet spots! And to top it off, he never learned how to count walleye! We could catch all we wanted! Yes, anticipation ran high.
Yet, as much as I have enjoyed fishing openers, there is one event I eagerly anticipate; and that is the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is the hope of His people. It is the promise He has made. Revelation 1:8, "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty." Rev 22:12, "Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done.” Jesus bookends His apocalypse with those promises; and in between He warns of difficult days ahead. Considering this, I am thankful that He has provided salvation and a glorious future for all who believe in Him!
Recollecting my first opener, it was such a disappointment. I was 5, the youngest of three brothers, and had to stay home with mom. Maybe it was the 4 AM start, or the tough portages, but I was left to fish alone. Unbelievably, I had hooked a nice walleye, only to lose it five feet from shore; I had gone from victory to defeat in a mere moment. I had tasted the bitterness of fishing. I probably needed psychiatric help after that, but never got it. But what helped psychologically, were the many fishing openers that followed in which we filled our stringers. Funny, I didn’t learn how to count walleye either. Huh, funny how things run in the family?
It was finally here. Spring had sprung, the snow was gone, ice was off the lakes, mosquitoes were not yet hatched, and my jail (my parents called it school) term was almost up. It was mid May and to northern Minnesotans that meant the highly anticipated fishing opener. The prized walleye was now within hook’s reach!
Living on a boundary lake even made it more exciting. Getting the dock in the lake, putting the boat in the water, prepping the outboard, along with gathering all the fishing gear. Add to that, my dad was a guide and knew all the sweet spots! And to top it off, he never learned how to count walleye! We could catch all we wanted! Yes, anticipation ran high.
Yet, as much as I have enjoyed fishing openers, there is one event I eagerly anticipate; and that is the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is the hope of His people. It is the promise He has made. Revelation 1:8, "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty." Rev 22:12, "Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done.” Jesus bookends His apocalypse with those promises; and in between He warns of difficult days ahead. Considering this, I am thankful that He has provided salvation and a glorious future for all who believe in Him!
Recollecting my first opener, it was such a disappointment. I was 5, the youngest of three brothers, and had to stay home with mom. Maybe it was the 4 AM start, or the tough portages, but I was left to fish alone. Unbelievably, I had hooked a nice walleye, only to lose it five feet from shore; I had gone from victory to defeat in a mere moment. I had tasted the bitterness of fishing. I probably needed psychiatric help after that, but never got it. But what helped psychologically, were the many fishing openers that followed in which we filled our stringers. Funny, I didn’t learn how to count walleye either. Huh, funny how things run in the family?
| 4_anticipation.pdf |
Almost Gone?
Regarding the work place, being the lowest on the totem pole is both a blessing and a cursing. The blessing: you don’t have to sit at a desk looking busy and important. The cursing: you get the nasty jobs nobody else wants.
This unwanted job: removing a large beaver dam and pond obstructing an engineering survey for a new road. The obstacles: packing chest waders axes and shovels 5 miles through tangled brush and woods (no trail); my partner (so I thought); a large beaver dam (holding back a 20+ acre pond); my 19 year old invincible (and sometimes know-it-all) attitude; and the ever present mosquito (our Minnesota state bird).
At the site we undid what the natural born engineers had effectively constructed. As we tore away at the beaver dam the water went from a trickle to a torrent as the sticks and mud were washed downstream. The water below the dam was building up and reached a depth well over my head. It was at this point I was almost gone! I lost my footing and the torrent of water coming over the dam caught my chest waders like wind in a parachute. In an instant I was slammed toward the depths! I was going to drown!
Have you ever thought that you were going to drown in the torrents of life? I have. There is One who has reached down and proved His worth as the rescuer, and that is Jesus Christ. Recall the disciple Peter’s words as he was sinking into the sea, “Lord, save me!” And what does the Scripture say next? “Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, ‘You of little faith, why did you doubt?’” Matt 14:31. Jesus is ever present, His saving right arm is there; may we never doubt His faithfulness, may we reach out to Him as Peter did that day!
In a moment, my co-worker became my savior that summer day. His hand immediately reached down and grabbed my outstretched hand; he pulled my body away from the torrent and into a place of safety. I had escaped injury. It was going to be a few years before I truly understood why.
Regarding the work place, being the lowest on the totem pole is both a blessing and a cursing. The blessing: you don’t have to sit at a desk looking busy and important. The cursing: you get the nasty jobs nobody else wants.
This unwanted job: removing a large beaver dam and pond obstructing an engineering survey for a new road. The obstacles: packing chest waders axes and shovels 5 miles through tangled brush and woods (no trail); my partner (so I thought); a large beaver dam (holding back a 20+ acre pond); my 19 year old invincible (and sometimes know-it-all) attitude; and the ever present mosquito (our Minnesota state bird).
At the site we undid what the natural born engineers had effectively constructed. As we tore away at the beaver dam the water went from a trickle to a torrent as the sticks and mud were washed downstream. The water below the dam was building up and reached a depth well over my head. It was at this point I was almost gone! I lost my footing and the torrent of water coming over the dam caught my chest waders like wind in a parachute. In an instant I was slammed toward the depths! I was going to drown!
Have you ever thought that you were going to drown in the torrents of life? I have. There is One who has reached down and proved His worth as the rescuer, and that is Jesus Christ. Recall the disciple Peter’s words as he was sinking into the sea, “Lord, save me!” And what does the Scripture say next? “Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, ‘You of little faith, why did you doubt?’” Matt 14:31. Jesus is ever present, His saving right arm is there; may we never doubt His faithfulness, may we reach out to Him as Peter did that day!
In a moment, my co-worker became my savior that summer day. His hand immediately reached down and grabbed my outstretched hand; he pulled my body away from the torrent and into a place of safety. I had escaped injury. It was going to be a few years before I truly understood why.
| 5_almost_gone.pdf |
By the Lakeside
Ah… these jobs didn’t come often; relaxing by the lakeside at a public picnic grounds directing the building of a new pavilion and play area. Another unique feature; I was training an out of state civil engineering student. He had come to Minnesota hoping to gain engineering skills and also to satisfy his appetite for fishing. Yet, something greater was to happen of which he was unaware.
He was very quiet and appeared fairly insecure the first time I met him. The first year engineering student had no experience, and was 1,300 miles from home. To my delight, he was put on my crew and so began our friendship.
The student showed great curiosity not only for engineering, but also for life in the north. It was a joy to chat with him. In time I brought up the topic of spiritual beliefs; he seemed not to care. I prayed that he would. You see, he was like many others, seeking fulfillment without Christ.
It was a Monday at the construction site when my new friend opened up. The day before he had had heart palpitations; he now shared his fears. Sitting by the lakeside we discussed the Bible and its answers to life in Jesus Christ. He listened intently and at the same time struggled inwardly. Like many, he thought eternal life was to be earned, not received as a gift. He had never heard… “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast” Eph 2:8, 9. He began to grasp the difference. By grace the sinner receives the unearned gift of life through faith in Christ alone. This discussion continued for the remainder of the summer.
It was the next summer when my friend placed his faith in Jesus Christ and was eternally saved. “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name…” John 1:12. What a joy we now shared!
When in Minnesota, I visit that picnic grounds and am pleasantly reminded of that day by the lakeside, when my friend first heard of God’s grace!
Ah… these jobs didn’t come often; relaxing by the lakeside at a public picnic grounds directing the building of a new pavilion and play area. Another unique feature; I was training an out of state civil engineering student. He had come to Minnesota hoping to gain engineering skills and also to satisfy his appetite for fishing. Yet, something greater was to happen of which he was unaware.
He was very quiet and appeared fairly insecure the first time I met him. The first year engineering student had no experience, and was 1,300 miles from home. To my delight, he was put on my crew and so began our friendship.
The student showed great curiosity not only for engineering, but also for life in the north. It was a joy to chat with him. In time I brought up the topic of spiritual beliefs; he seemed not to care. I prayed that he would. You see, he was like many others, seeking fulfillment without Christ.
It was a Monday at the construction site when my new friend opened up. The day before he had had heart palpitations; he now shared his fears. Sitting by the lakeside we discussed the Bible and its answers to life in Jesus Christ. He listened intently and at the same time struggled inwardly. Like many, he thought eternal life was to be earned, not received as a gift. He had never heard… “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast” Eph 2:8, 9. He began to grasp the difference. By grace the sinner receives the unearned gift of life through faith in Christ alone. This discussion continued for the remainder of the summer.
It was the next summer when my friend placed his faith in Jesus Christ and was eternally saved. “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name…” John 1:12. What a joy we now shared!
When in Minnesota, I visit that picnic grounds and am pleasantly reminded of that day by the lakeside, when my friend first heard of God’s grace!
| 6_by_the_lakeside.pdf |
More stories to come!