by MS Christian Living | Dec 27, 2023 | Columns, Inspiration, Outside In
By Chris Bates We had far too little rain prior to duck season this year, as has been the case many times. The main challenge this presents on our land is that in areas where we normally can boat out to our blinds, the low water levels leave behind soft, sticky mud...
by MS Christian Living | Nov 2, 2023 | Columns, Inspiration, Outside In
By Chris Bates There are few things as intense and impressive as a working dog in the outdoors. On one opening day, my black Labrador retriever turned to me with that intense gaze to see which direction I would send her for the first retrieve of the morning. In a...
by MS Christian Living | Aug 30, 2023 | Columns, Inspiration, Outside In
By Chris Bates While I have not stood close to a grizzly bear, I have encountered them in a couple of different settings. Needless to say, they are to be feared and respected. They have natural instincts that are dominant and can be ruthless by design. On a...
by MS Christian Living | Jun 30, 2023 | Columns, Inspiration, Outside In
By CHRIS BATES My buddy and I had spent countless early mornings fishing together. One weekend morning, we met about 30 minutes before dawn for coffee on the pier. It was nice to sit and listen to the crickets still chirping and watch the last of the stars...
by MS Christian Living | May 4, 2023 | Columns, Inspiration, Outside In
By CHRIS BATES We watched a grizzly bear and her two cubs devour an elk carcass. Granted, it was from a significant distance through a spotting scope, but the refuge was indelibly marked in the visual memory of our brains. It demonstrated the real...
by MS Christian Living | Mar 1, 2023 | Columns, Inspiration, Outside In
By CHRIS BATES Nature’s transitions are remarkable. The harsh bite of winter will test your body and senses when hiking to 12,000 feet in the snow. There is a window in my house that perfectly frames the entire spectrum of leaves changing color each...
