From the Home Place

March 31, 2026

Well, the last day of March is going to be more “normal” than most of the month has been. I don’t remember a March that was made up of so many plain “hot” days as this one was. But today, is predicted to be 35 degrees cooler than yesterday, windy, and cloudy. Yesterday I ran around with just a shirt on, today the ‘ol coat will come off of its peg and get some mileage.

I woke up about the same time as usual this morning, around 4 a.m., but I didn’t get out of bed until nearly 5:30. I spent that gap of time visiting with the Lord, praying and remembering. As I mentioned to Miss Deb just the other day, “Anytime the Lord calls me home is fine with me, we’ve had a good run!”

Yesterday was a typical day around here: I crawled around under this old house for a bit, examining the foundation, the floor timbers, water and sewer lines. Just like me, those things have a lot of years on them and need to be checked every now and again. While I was under the house, I completed a heap of measurements in preparation of installing a mitigation unit to keep fresh air flowing down in the crawl space.

After that little duty, I went to the shop to dig through some boxes looking for a particular “little plastic box” for Miss Deb. I have to admit; it wasn’t too long before I was digging through some of my hunting boxes making sure all was well there. A feller also needs to keep a close inventory on his hunting clothes and “necessary” supplies you know. Miss Deb has often said that I could “open my own Cabela’s store.” Though I wouldn’t go that far, I reckon I have at least one of everything I need to have an enjoyable hunting camp.

Oh, hunting camp! I sure enough miss being in a good hunting camp, sleeping in a tent heated by a wood stove. For some reason grub always tastes better there. Perhaps it’s because in hunting camp we eat what we want to eat, with plenty of grease in it, instead of what’s good for us. I have a bad dislike for sandwiches, unless I’m eating one that has been in my backpack for hours, sitting at 10,000 plus feet elevation, soaking in some sunshine and watching for bugle cows to walk out of the timber below me! All of a sudden, that sandwich takes on the flavor of a perfectly cooked fillet.

At elk camp, each morning starts by 4 a.m. and ends after supper and a time of visiting around the campfire, accompanied by plenty of laughter. Yep, I do enjoy tromping the mountains flat looking for a bugle cow, but if I’m honest, I enjoy the evenings around a campfire the most. And that is what the Lord brought to my mind early this morning.

He reminded me of the many great hunts I’ve been on over the years. How He has always protected me and allowed me to come back to Miss Deb after each hunt. My Heavenly Father took my mind back to several occasions when things could have went really bad, but He protected this bag of bones and let me be a part of one more evening in hunting camp.

Though my Lord has not always provided meat for the freezer, He has always provided laughter and the ability to work hard at trying to find a bugle cow. I’ll let you in a little secret, just between us, I’ve already applied for my 2026 elk tag, and I’ve been practicing my elk calls every chance I get! Yep, Miss Deb every might be correct when she calls me an “elk-oholic.”

Well, all of that is to say, that I’m extremely grateful that our Heavenly Father made a creation that allows for such joy. And as each day, His protection and provision is an amazing gift for heaven. You see my friend, no matter where you live, no matter what brings you the most joy, both are a gift from God!

When was the last time you have laid in bed, or sat in your favorite chair and just thanked God for His amazing provision and protection? If you are still drawing air today, praise Him for it! If you are getting to share life with people who bring you joy, praise Him for it! And for sure, if you get to set at your favorite place and eat a sandwich, praise Him for it!

Along with all of that, early this morning, God reminded me of many of the people who have been a great blessing in my life, all by His loving kindness. My Uncle Clayton and Aunt Marie were most like two of my favorite people of all time. As I lay in bed this morning, my pillow got a bit damp as I looked back at how these two amazing people and their family helped mold me into who I am today. As I laid there, I could easily recall Uncle Clayton’s gentle voice reminding me of the value of “never being too busy to help someone else.”

So, my friend, regardless of where you are in your stage of life, remember that someone has helped you get there. And more importantly, God has given you life, love, joy and yes even disappointment because He loves you. Praise Him for His amazing grace and for allowing you to be who you are.

I sure hope you can take a few moments and remember the people God has used to shape you into who you are today. This morning my ‘ol carcus sure feels good after some time praising God and remembering where I’ve come from, perhaps you ought to try the same? Looking back and planning forward are some of His love gifts, enjoy them.

But for now, “Where’s my coffee cup?” Oh yah, and I sure hope that He will give me one more hunting camp!

Serving a gracious God with you, Neal

Picture of elk leaving the feed grounds near Jackson Hole. (I just want one!)