Men's Elk Advance part (4) Navigation

"Making Memories With Our Sons"

series has given opportunity to deepen relationships and develop skills on varying levels.


During our Men's Elk Advance, the men had to navigate through the wilderness in difficult terrain while climbing mountains and dangerous cliffs. One can easily get turned around unless a good compass reading is taken before starting out and at various points bringing one back on track.

Many men have lost their lives over navigating with only with their senses to guide them. This is true in the Christian walk. Many forget to study their bibles "our road map for life" and get their bearing before starting out. They easily get distracted, confused and off course by following their senses and the prevailing culture. The word of God is our navigational system giving points of reference for every thought and decision. How easy it is to loose our way especially during difficult valleys and rough terrain. We must be determined to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, looking only to the bible as our guide and only answer. As we do, everything becomes clear again and we will find our way back when lost in the dense forest of life. May God help us all to spend time reading our bibles, lining our thoughts, feelings and decisions with God's word alone. Then we will succeed in the hunt for true trophy, a life which glorifies God.

Men's Elk Advance part (3) Character Development

I love this picture!!!

In the series of articles I am writing on "Making Memories with Our Son's" this picture surely fits!

Daniel Ruglowski had such a look of surprise as he accidently found himself at the bottom of a mountainside, slidding down in a funny way! These boys were amazing as they tredged through some of the most difficult terrain, floating their clothing while swimming across a large ice cold river, finding their bearings in the darkest of nights, avoiding treacherous cliffs and dangerous beasts around them . They were real troopers too as they followed my husbands "No Scent" rule for their food to keep the game unaware of their presence. Daniel, I think falling down the side of the mountain may have spilled the beans though! Sort of a bugle call all in itself! This picture is worth a thousand words. Any takers? Let's see who can come up with the best caption?

Much character development is learned when young men suffer difficulties while bowhunting. They develop proven qualities such a patience, endurance and longsuffering. These characteristics and more can be transferred in other aspects including spiritual matters, life difficulties, business or leadership skills. It has been said that some of the greatest strategist in history were young men practicing alone in the fields just like this one, pushing their endurance, stretching their abilities and developing the character needed to become the great leaders and world changers of all time.

Men's Elk Advance part (2) Preparation

"Making Memories With Our Son's"

Bowhunting takes good planning and preparation

It is an "Extreme" form of hunting

Much skill is needed when bowhunting. One must be well prepared, willing to develop techniques and inner qualities that will overcome a multitude of obsticles. Attention to detail is a must! These men were well abled bowhunters and it was a privilege for my husband to share more of his skills with them. We were impressed with our guests mountain abilities. The younger men carried GPS systems while the more seasoned men relied on their personal skills and knowledge.

Our little boy learned so much on preparation, character and wise planning just by watching and observing his daddy and the other men. This too is part of...

"making memories with our son".

Each hunter was put to the test as it took much skill and endurance to navigate through the mountain terrain.

As Christians, we too must carefully prepare our walk with God, considering all aspects in lieu of scripture. We must pay attention to the details of God's word to overcome the many obsticles set before us. Daily we must prayerfully aligning our thinking with the knowledge of scripture and not our feelings. Even with faithful time invested in God's word, we too will be tested to see how well we will apply what we have learned. Too many believer's get pulled into comfortable Christianity which cater to their feelings or the "prevailing culture" as their guide. God's word is the only true navigational system through the rough terrains of life. His GPS (God's Perfect System) is the only reliable compass we will ever need.

Men's Elk Advance "Memories With Our Son's"

"Here I am"

How lovely on the mountains

Are the feet of him who brings good news,

Who announces peace

And brings good news of happiness...

(Josh Ruglowski high upon the mountain looking for elk)

Who announces salvation,

And says to Zion, "Your God reigns!"

Listen! Your watchmen lift up their voices,

They shout joyfully together;

For they will see with their own eyes

When the LORD restores Zion

Isaiah 52:6-8

I am going to write a series of articles on "Making Memories with Our Son's". One way we were able to strengthen the father son ties was through a Men's Elk Hunt we hosted. I used a term "Advance" from a seminar my husband went to this past year. I rephrased our hunt in honor of the "Men's Advance" developed and hosted by the Serven Family. I liked the idea of men not retreating but going forward and that is exactly what my husband and a few other men did this hunting season.

Our family was blessed to serve these men for a special Elk hunt. It was a time to advance forward into the wilds reaching for higher ground. Our dear friends from Texas flew in and spent a week of hunting, fishing, horse back riding, swimming in ice cold mountain rivers and covering a great deal of terrain day and night. They even got some mountain biking in. What a time of special fellowship and manly activities while they stayed in a log cabin in the wilderness.

It was great fun getting creative with cooking game and lots of goodies hunters love. The men had great stories and gave me a fright or two with their high adventures and late night wonderings in the wilderness. God was so good and they came back in one piece with a happy tired that comes from a great experience. One story really jumped out when told by one of the men describing being sheltered in heavy branches and brush which he broke his way into. As he waited for elk he could hear in the distance a storm heading his way. As it rushed through the mountains he could hear it pass around him in the protection of his covering. It reminded me of how God is our shelter and our strength through storms of life. As we take refuge in Him we can find peace and protection even when all around us is raging.

I hope to post more pictures and give a birds eye view of our Men's Elk Advance as I call it. It was great time to be alone with the Lord and be rekindled afresh in Christ.

He only is my rock and my salvation,

My stronghold; I shall not be shaken.

On God my salvation and my glory rest;

The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God.

Trust in Him at all times, O people;

Pour out your heart before Him;

God is a refuge for us.

Psalm 62:6-8