Men’s Outing in August 5 – 8, 2021

Eleven of us showed up in Arkansas at Gene’s Trout Resort. We came from Missouri, Kentucky, Texas, Tennessee, and Mississippi. We came to fish the Norfork and White Rivers. For me, it was an outdoor experience like nothing I had ever faced. The air temps hovered around 90 while the water temp held its ground at a frigid 55.  It was an odd couple. The fishing, however, was good. People come from all over to catch trout from these waters, and I can imagine very few leaving disappointed. I sure didn’t. And I’m glad we had Don, Kendall, John, and Gaylon to help us newbies navigate this swift and cold river.  What time we weren’t fishing, we were eating, playing cornhole, and laughing at each other. (We also talked a lot of trash during the cornhole tournaments.) As bad as I hate to admit it, my team did not win when it counted. (I’m still upset over that) John and Jerry were the winners. (cheaters! Lol)

We also made this a little different when it came to our study time. Unlike any other conference, we wanted to focus on apologetics, and our theme was “The Problem of Evil.” It is, without a doubt, the most difficult topic for all of us deal with. I tried to share some things to remember about this most problematic subject. I think we all learned some truths to help us down the road.

I think Jerry, Jeff, and Kendall caught the most fish. John, Joe, and Jimmy were our camp cooks. Cody and I got into some deep theological conversations, and Don was our one expert that gave us a sense of comfort because he had been coming to Gene’s for nearly 25. And then not only did Gaylon help guide, he also made and donated a custom fishing rod that we raffled off. Jeff Bowling was the winner. Geoff Lawrence is our media guy. He not only fished, but found time to take pictures, gather up everyone else’s pictures and post them here for your viewing pleasure.

Last of all, because of this event, we are now planning two more men’s conferences in Texas and in Mississippi for early 2022. One will be a golf event and the other will be a goose hunting event. As always, there will be room for only about 15 people, so get your name in the hat soon. I appreciate Don, Kendall, and Jimmy for taking the lead in these. Like always, we will have a blast.

Here’s a list of our attenders and some great pics. Enjoy

Don Davis, Kendal Adair, John Davis, Gaylon Johnson, Joe Basham, Geoff Lawrence, Cody Pope, Jeff Bowling, Jerry Shoffner, Jimmy Ray

April 2021 Turkey Hunt Davis Ranch

Another Great Event at the Davis Ranch

Last week, I headed back to Jacksboro Texas for another event. This time with a turkey hunt for those who came. After a couple of dropouts from scheduling and sickness, we finished with 9 strong. Four of them had never been. Darrell, Tracy, Ken, and Jimmy would experience what we do there twice each year. And I think we may have sealed the deal with Tracy and Jimmy. Both bagged a turkey (their first), and Tracy won the shotgun! (We told him; he probably needs to buy a lottery ticket on his way home)

Besides the great hunting, we had fantastic conversations, learned some things about God and his daily presence and how our faith and man’s outlook affect us and others we are impressionable to.  God is good!! As always, we ate like kings from breakfast to late in the evening. These meals are always topped off by our standard fajita night and Joe’s cobbler that he makes in his Dutch oven.​

Look for Ken’s bacon-cooking skills, and what’s not seen were his words of wisdom.

Check out Jimmy’s proud display of this turkey, after flying all the way from Detroit to be with us.

And then there’s Jason who can do anything, has become regular attender, and is all about jumping in and helping as is Joe, who’s wisdom and heart is as big as the sky, of course his cobbler alone is why we welcome him.

I appreciate Darrell for forgoing his own opportunity to hunt to be a guide.

And of course, our host John, who among other gifts, has the gift of hospitality. Check out the pic of the gift of appreciation we presented him with.

January 2021 Hunt Davis Ranch

January 2021 Midland Event at Lake Ivy