Fireside Chats
Many of my favorite outdoor experiences include campfires. Something primitive & comforting draws me to the flames and makes me reluctant to leave them. Though often the only sounds to be heard is the crackling & popping of the fire itself, at other times we enjoy music, laughter, and rich fellowship that includes: embellished versions of the day afield, meaningful memories from long ago and occasionally, a glimpse of an insight or inspiration that might be helpful for the living of our days.
Many of the following ramblings had their origin there.
Many of the following ramblings had their origin there.
#1 Friar Tuck
The legend of Robin Hood has been passed down through oral tradition for centuries.
As the story goes, one member of his outlaw gang was a stout yeoman named Friar Tuck. He was a ruffian, renegade, minister (of sorts); with a healthy disdain for traditional religion. Friar Tuck was the rouge outdoor chaplain to the merry band of outlaw poachers.
He was especially fond of crackling campfires in the deep woods, sumptuous food, guzzling ale, gifted music, time spent in the company of those he loved, colorful language and people, occasional fisticuffs… and expressions of Grace wherever they might be found.
Sounds like my kind of guy. I would definitely feel more at home with him than in the company of most preachers I know.
-Bill Hoffman
#2 Outdoor Cathedral
This morning I was in attendance at one of the more meaningful worship services that I’ve been to in recent days.
For the pre-service reflection period, I was seated not on a traditional red pew cushion, but a sun faded lounge chair mat for my posterior, back, & feet, located on the front porch of our cabin. No communion cups in sight, but the gourmet coffee in my stained mug sufficed nicely.
For the pre-service reflection period, I was seated not on a traditional red pew cushion, but a sun faded lounge chair mat for my posterior, back, & feet, located on the front porch of our cabin. No communion cups in sight, but the gourmet coffee in my stained mug sufficed nicely.
Nary a pipe organ, but the birds were awakening and an old Tom sounded off from his roost on the hill. Though there was no stained glass, the delicate hues of pink and bright yellow orange emerging over a distant Ozark mountaintop silhouetting our mature hickory & oak trees were breathtaking.
I preached a brief sermon that morning on the evils of materialism. It was inspired by the disproportionate amount of time and money I have recently spent transporting and storing “stuff”!
The thesis of my homily was that humanity in general, Americans specifically, and me in particular expend far too much of our limited life resources accumulating and caring for things. Jesus said, “A man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of that which he possesseth.” My single congregant seemed to be in agreement.
The special music was not an individual hymn, but a variety of lovely melodies that were hummed & sung for an hour or so while the featured soloist cooked biscuits, washed clothes, & went about her morning routine in her checkered flannel choir robe. It was outstanding.
I preached a brief sermon that morning on the evils of materialism. It was inspired by the disproportionate amount of time and money I have recently spent transporting and storing “stuff”!
The thesis of my homily was that humanity in general, Americans specifically, and me in particular expend far too much of our limited life resources accumulating and caring for things. Jesus said, “A man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of that which he possesseth.” My single congregant seemed to be in agreement.
The special music was not an individual hymn, but a variety of lovely melodies that were hummed & sung for an hour or so while the featured soloist cooked biscuits, washed clothes, & went about her morning routine in her checkered flannel choir robe. It was outstanding.
Five other special guests (2 turkey hens & 3 nice gobblers) joined my favorite singer at one point in the service, sharing their own musical offerings. The gentle morning breeze shimmered the leaves of several dogwoods that seemed to glow with the rising sun.
All in all, it was a picturesque and tranquil tapestry & space in which I could hear the still, small Voice. The benediction was a sincere and heartfelt prayer of gratitude as well as a plea for God’s continued grace and mercy.
All in all, it was a picturesque and tranquil tapestry & space in which I could hear the still, small Voice. The benediction was a sincere and heartfelt prayer of gratitude as well as a plea for God’s continued grace and mercy.
You are invited and encouraged to attend the Cathedral of our Creator.
-Bill Hoffman
-Bill Hoffman
#3 The Setting Sun
The sun is setting. One of my favorite times of day. Also one of my favorite times to hunt. I’ve been asked on several occasions, what is THE BEST TIME (or Your Most Favorite Time) to hunt.
If I only had one hour to hunt, and I had to commit to it for the rest of my life, I’d unequivocally choose the first 30 minutes of daylight & the last 30 minutes of daylight. If I only had 30 minutes to hunt, I’d select the first 15 minutes and the last 15 minutes.
While I have harvested deer at every legal hour of the day, by far most have come early and late. I learned this experientially before I ever heard about Crepuscular creatures.
If I only had one hour to hunt, and I had to commit to it for the rest of my life, I’d unequivocally choose the first 30 minutes of daylight & the last 30 minutes of daylight. If I only had 30 minutes to hunt, I’d select the first 15 minutes and the last 15 minutes.
While I have harvested deer at every legal hour of the day, by far most have come early and late. I learned this experientially before I ever heard about Crepuscular creatures.
While the setting of the sun is a great time to hunt; and often a picturesque transition to a days ending, it also reminds me of a deeper truth.
Namely, that the Sun is Setting in our Lives. We don’t have an unlimited amount of time. It seems it would behoove us all to make the most of it.
Namely, that the Sun is Setting in our Lives. We don’t have an unlimited amount of time. It seems it would behoove us all to make the most of it.
-Bill Hoffman
#4 Guard Well Your Time
Though I’m a little leary of statistical analysis, I’ve found it striking that the U.N. Population Division recently reported that the average lifespan worldwide, irrespective of gender or ethnicity, is 73.4 years of age.
Even with the considerable medical advances in the United States, the average lifespan is 79.4 years of age. (About 74 years of age if you’re male.) In Psalm 90:10 we find, “The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labor and sorrow, for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.”
So, from Biblical days to present the lifespan hasn’t changed that much. The brevity and frailty of life seems to be a universal truth. The Bible is full of transitory images illustrating that fact. “Life is like a flower blooming in the morning withering by sundown, life is like a shadow, life is like a vapor, life is like a leaf, life is like dust, life is like the wind…” (Psa., Job, Isa., 1Peter, James) Secular and Christian artists add their affirmation in songs, poems, movies, and books.
“Don’t Blink…one hundred years goes quicker than you think.”, Casey Beathard. The sand is falling swiftly through the hour glass. In light of this reality, the Psalmist prays, “Teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts to wisdom…” Psalms 90:12 The Psalmist seems to be seeking instruction and help in taking an honest, sobering inventory of our limited time here on Earth so that we can make wise decisions.
By doing so, we could realize not only the brevity of life, but the preciousness of it; we could be encouraged not to waste, squander, or misuse the moments entrusted to us.
There is an old saying, “money can be replenished, time cannot.” Like an arrow loosed from an archer’s string, it cannot be recalled. I have personally launched many arrows that I would like to get back. I have some moments I’d like to get back as well. How are you going to spend this day? This week? This Life…what’s left of it ?
Life has been described as the sum total of all the choices we make. I hope to choose wisely. I hope you do too.
I would encourage you to reflect on the gift of time that you do have. Be grateful for it. Be good stewards of it.
Charles Osgood, was one of my favorite American Radio & T.V. Commentator, writer & musician. He passed away Jan.23, 2024. Shortly before his death He wrote, “He who loves life…Guard well your time.”
-Bill Hoffman
Many years ago, my father and grandfather taught me to effectively tell time by noting the position of the sun. I’m still surprised at how accurate this method can be.
A more valuable skill however, is the ability to tell the time in one’s life. In the seasons of life, where are you? A couple of mature friends and football fans recently remarked, “I’m in the fourth quarter of life.”; “I’m in overtime.”, another added.
A more valuable skill however, is the ability to tell the time in one’s life. In the seasons of life, where are you? A couple of mature friends and football fans recently remarked, “I’m in the fourth quarter of life.”; “I’m in overtime.”, another added.
Though I’m a little leary of statistical analysis, I’ve found it striking that the U.N. Population Division recently reported that the average lifespan worldwide, irrespective of gender or ethnicity, is 73.4 years of age.
Even with the considerable medical advances in the United States, the average lifespan is 79.4 years of age. (About 74 years of age if you’re male.) In Psalm 90:10 we find, “The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labor and sorrow, for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.”
So, from Biblical days to present the lifespan hasn’t changed that much. The brevity and frailty of life seems to be a universal truth. The Bible is full of transitory images illustrating that fact. “Life is like a flower blooming in the morning withering by sundown, life is like a shadow, life is like a vapor, life is like a leaf, life is like dust, life is like the wind…” (Psa., Job, Isa., 1Peter, James) Secular and Christian artists add their affirmation in songs, poems, movies, and books.
“Don’t Blink…one hundred years goes quicker than you think.”, Casey Beathard. The sand is falling swiftly through the hour glass. In light of this reality, the Psalmist prays, “Teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts to wisdom…” Psalms 90:12 The Psalmist seems to be seeking instruction and help in taking an honest, sobering inventory of our limited time here on Earth so that we can make wise decisions.
By doing so, we could realize not only the brevity of life, but the preciousness of it; we could be encouraged not to waste, squander, or misuse the moments entrusted to us.
There is an old saying, “money can be replenished, time cannot.” Like an arrow loosed from an archer’s string, it cannot be recalled. I have personally launched many arrows that I would like to get back. I have some moments I’d like to get back as well. How are you going to spend this day? This week? This Life…what’s left of it ?
Life has been described as the sum total of all the choices we make. I hope to choose wisely. I hope you do too.
I would encourage you to reflect on the gift of time that you do have. Be grateful for it. Be good stewards of it.
Charles Osgood, was one of my favorite American Radio & T.V. Commentator, writer & musician. He passed away Jan.23, 2024. Shortly before his death He wrote, “He who loves life…Guard well your time.”
-Bill Hoffman
#5 Get Your Mind Right
My Dad had a favorite saying (had several of them actually). Reminded me of Yogi Berra’s , “Yogi-isms”.
One saying that those around Dad heard frequently was, “You gotta Get Your Mind Right”.
Dad generally offered this often unsolicited encouragement, when someone he cared about was exhibiting some sign of cognitive dissonance.
Like being uncharacteristically quiet or throwing something across the room, and encouraging its flight with some colorful obscenities.
Like being uncharacteristically quiet or throwing something across the room, and encouraging its flight with some colorful obscenities.
He always said it with a genuine warm smile and a confident, knowing air, which made it very difficult to feel irritated, criticized or to doubt the veracity of what he was saying.
Though it seemed to be applicable to several situations, the general thrust to me was – you might want to rethink that, or put that in perspective with the broader context. Kind of a gentle way of saying, “Hmm, seems like you’ve got a bit of work to do there.”
He seemed careful not to elaborate profusely, though you had the feeling that the “well was deep” and he knew more than he was intimating.
It was as if my thinking it through, pondering it a bit, mulling it over – was part of the therapeutic process that could be helpful. Though he was careful, with me at least, not to encumber, the suggestion with obvious & multiple scriptural references (he recognized that as a preachers kid, I already felt like I had more than my share of those.
If a life lesson seemed like a Sunday School lesson- it is less likely to be heard & heeded by some. Parenthetically, it was a wise and considerate approach that I appreciate to this day.) ; but without overtly stating it as such, it seemed similar to the apostle Paul’s insight that there is considerable value in the Renewing of Your Mind.
If a life lesson seemed like a Sunday School lesson- it is less likely to be heard & heeded by some. Parenthetically, it was a wise and considerate approach that I appreciate to this day.) ; but without overtly stating it as such, it seemed similar to the apostle Paul’s insight that there is considerable value in the Renewing of Your Mind.
Particularly if you’re interested in changing or transforming things. (Bible, Romans 12:2)
-Bill Hoffman
-Bill Hoffman
#6 Traipsing through the Woods
*the following is an excerpt from the book “lessons learned…WHILE TRAIPSING THROUGH THE WOODS”, -Bill Hoffman
“…In looking back, I guess you could summarize my earliest instruction in pursuing whitetail deer, to what I have sometimes referred to as, the “B’s” of hunting.
These were imparted to me by my father and grandfather while in the field, often “Hissed” through clenched teeth…
“…In looking back, I guess you could summarize my earliest instruction in pursuing whitetail deer, to what I have sometimes referred to as, the “B’s” of hunting.
These were imparted to me by my father and grandfather while in the field, often “Hissed” through clenched teeth…
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“BE QUIET!!”
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“BE STILL!!”
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“BE READY!” (A buck is not going to hang around all day waiting on you!)
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“BE PATIENT!” (We’ve only been here an hour!)
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“BE OBSERVANT” (or…You’d better Pay Attention!)
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“BE DETERMINED” (However long it takes. How badly do you want it?)
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“BE POSITIVE” (Especially when things aren’t going well or…Don’t get your dauber down.)
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“BE GRATEFUL” ( for Every day! Especially those spent enjoying the Great Outdoors!)”
Good advice for hunting and Living. I’m still trying to follow it.”
#7 A Thing of Beauty
Fresh out of college, in my early 20’s, I was living in an older rental home. In the rental agreement I was to mow the yard, which I did occasionally and marginally with a borrowed mower.
After a bit of time elapsed, the caretakers reported to me that “some of the neighbors” were concerned that I was neglecting the extensive rose bed. This was definitely true.
It had never once been mentioned or even hinted at as part of my responsibility and I communicated that forthrightly to all concerned. Later, as I begrudgingly watered, weeded, & pruned the roses, I distinctly remember thinking, “what a waste of time & money.” … How wrong I was .
The intervening years have taught me the truth of Dostoevsky, “The world Will be Saved by Beauty.”
After a bit of time elapsed, the caretakers reported to me that “some of the neighbors” were concerned that I was neglecting the extensive rose bed. This was definitely true.
It had never once been mentioned or even hinted at as part of my responsibility and I communicated that forthrightly to all concerned. Later, as I begrudgingly watered, weeded, & pruned the roses, I distinctly remember thinking, “what a waste of time & money.” … How wrong I was .
The intervening years have taught me the truth of Dostoevsky, “The world Will be Saved by Beauty.”
Dallas Willard wrote, “Beauty is goodness made manifest to the senses.”
Edmond Burke noted, “Beauty is the promise of happiness.”
I know that now.
I know that now.
It has been said of the Trancendentals: Truth, Goodness, and Beauty; that Truth & Goodness. Convince – but Beauty Invites. Beauty has beckoned me many a time… and calls me still.
I think that was at least in part what John Muir was getting at when he said, “The mountains are Calling and I must go.”
By the way, You’re Invited as well.
By the way, You’re Invited as well.
-Bill Hoffman
#8 Stop, Look & Listen
The following is an excerpt from the book, “lessons learned, While Traipsing Through the Woods”, written by Bill Hoffman
“…we were wading through ankle deep crystal clear water. Beneath my “hand-me-down”, patched, rubber boots, I could feel the rock hard limestone bottom with each step. The air was cool, crisp & dry. As we followed the spring fed creek winding through the canyon, the rugged mountain walls formed bluffs on both sides. Scattered along the steep slopes – cedar and oak trees adorned with full fall colors contrasted the gray rough rock. Two whitetail does had startled us as we entered the stream, springing from their hiding place and racing up a steep cut in the slope, dislodging small rocks as they ran. Anticipation was high, my excitement palpable. I was 10 years old and had waited longingly over a year for this hunting trip with my dad.
Without warning my dad stopped in the middle of the creek (I can still see him doing it) tilted his head back, closed his eyes, breathed in deeply, then with a big tooth-bearing grin, excitedly whispered, “Can You Believe How Beautiful This Is!”
On many occasions, dad enacted similar joyous pauses when geese were flying overhead, owls were hooting, quail were whistling, the sun was setting and a myriad other wonders unnoticed and overlooked by many. Though I didn’t realize it then, Dad was planting the seed for what would become a source of joy for me in years to come. Namely, the desirability of living in the moment, being fully present, going through life with your eyes open, …with your mind & your heart open as well. There is So much to see, experience and enjoy when we are able to do that.
“…we were wading through ankle deep crystal clear water. Beneath my “hand-me-down”, patched, rubber boots, I could feel the rock hard limestone bottom with each step. The air was cool, crisp & dry. As we followed the spring fed creek winding through the canyon, the rugged mountain walls formed bluffs on both sides. Scattered along the steep slopes – cedar and oak trees adorned with full fall colors contrasted the gray rough rock. Two whitetail does had startled us as we entered the stream, springing from their hiding place and racing up a steep cut in the slope, dislodging small rocks as they ran. Anticipation was high, my excitement palpable. I was 10 years old and had waited longingly over a year for this hunting trip with my dad.
Without warning my dad stopped in the middle of the creek (I can still see him doing it) tilted his head back, closed his eyes, breathed in deeply, then with a big tooth-bearing grin, excitedly whispered, “Can You Believe How Beautiful This Is!”
On many occasions, dad enacted similar joyous pauses when geese were flying overhead, owls were hooting, quail were whistling, the sun was setting and a myriad other wonders unnoticed and overlooked by many. Though I didn’t realize it then, Dad was planting the seed for what would become a source of joy for me in years to come. Namely, the desirability of living in the moment, being fully present, going through life with your eyes open, …with your mind & your heart open as well. There is So much to see, experience and enjoy when we are able to do that.
We miss so much when we don’t.”
#9 The Quest
Perhaps my ceaseless quest for adventure is preparation for life’s greatest adventure…after walking in and through all the light I have – taking a step into the “Great Not Yet” and beginning my journey into the “Mystery”.
-Bill Hoffman