The Ultimate Gift
I am far from perfect; I do not feel like this is a secret. In fact, none of us are perfect. We all sin in some way shape or form. We all give into temptation from time to time. For me my temptations are fatty cakes and Dairy Queen ice cream. I should not indulge in these with my health issues, but I do at times. Being a human and a combat veteran, there are times that I lose my way. It is in these times that we must remember to keep our faith and relationship with Christ strong and focused.
Truth be told, I am very blessed. I have an amazing wife; I mean I totally married out of my league! She is better than I am in most every aspect of life. She has provided me with my daughter, who is my favorite hunting partner. After my second combat tour, I returned home to contaminate my household with my negativity, anger, stress, anxiety, depression, etc… I finally saught help per my wife’s request. I made the trip to the VA, and I still struggle with these issues, but the VA has added some tools to my tool box that help greatly.
While in an inpatient program for PTSD, I was watching some movies with some other veterans. One of the movies that we watched was the Kirk Cameron film “Fireproof”. If you are not familiar, or haven’t seen it, I strongly recommend it. It is an exceptional film. Any way, it is a film about a firefighter that is dealing with a failing marriage. His father pushes him to seek help and guidance through Christ. This movie has a book mentioned “The Love Dare” written by Stephen and Alex Kendrick. This is a 40-day task devotional based on the gospel. You really learn a lot about yourself. I truly did not like the person that I had become. This book actually, saved my marriage.
Relationships are very hard work. It takes consistent dedication and effort to make them work. To have a strong marriage, or any relationship, you must first have a strong relationship with God. Forgiveness is the key to a strong relationship. If I was not forgiven for my faults and sins, then who knows what my life would be like. I would not have Nikki (my wife), and most certainly would not be strong in my faith.
Created Outdoors Pro Staff Evan Gersper
The same goes for professional relationships, or in extracurricular activities. Here at Created outdoors, we all support each other. When one of us are struggling, we all offer support in some way. It is apparent to anyone just joining the team that the support is there. Praying for one another, and sometimes it is just mere advice, sometimes it is a bible study, or hunting trip. Help with things around the house, or tracking a deer. Everyone is welcoming, caring, and supportive. It is important to surround yourself with people that support your journey in Christ and in life. That forgive your short comings, and assist in your personal growth. The Created Team does just that.
Created Outdoors Pro Staff Derek Denlinger
Colossians 3:13 & 14 tell us this: “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you, and over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” God sacrificed the life of his only son Jesus Christ so that our sins may be forgiven. The Lord’s eternal love and forgiveness of our sins is in fact the ultimate gift. Remember to pray for forgiveness, and the courage and strength to forgive others. We must all continue to grow. Grow as people, in our faith, and in our relationships.
Until Next time, hunt hard, hunt safe, and remember you are loved, forgiven, and blessed.
