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What is a dog symbol? For that matter, what is a conditioned instinct? Well, when we look at dreams, most images in dreams are symbols. Symbols are expressions from the human psyche (our psychology and more) that have deep and varied meanings. A dream image of a car, for example, is a symbol with a variety of meanings, such as the way we move through life. Frequently the symbol of a dog in a dream represents a conditioned instinct. To understand this, we must ask: What is a conditioned...
Readers of the Pathfinder have enjoyed the special feature “20/35 Year Look Back” during this past year. Since Double Arrow Ranch was in existence 35 years ago, let’s take a look at what it was in 1986 (35 years ago), and how it had changed by 20 years ago in 2001. In 1986, the most recent phases of the Ranch were eight years old. While it was an established subdivision, in many ways it showed its youth. The Homeowners Association as we know it today, Double Arrow Ranch Landowners Association (DARLOA), was still coming into existence. Since...
It seems like we are regularly bombarded with conflicting truth claims. From advertising (who makes the best truck/dishwasher/phone) to politics (which candidate or issue should we support) to sports to religion and other everyday conversations, we constantly have opportunities to evaluate what we believe is true. If you have had the opportunity to sit on a jury, you were involved in a process of trying to evaluate the truth of the case. Christmas is nearly here and is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. He was born a couple of...
Grizzly bears in the Mission and Swan mountains have likely entered their dens for the winter, but an important habitat linkage for the species will remain conserved as open space next spring-and for generations to come. The Vital Ground Foundation expanded its conservation protections in the Condon area last month, purchasing 20 acres to help maintain the Upper Swan Valley's rural character and connect existing open lands. The newly-conserved acreage lies in the Simmons Meadow wetland complex,...
"In the beginning..." You might be thinking the next words in this quote are: "...God created the heavens and the earth." But today we will be finishing the quote in the gospel of John. Often, when we read the Christmas story, we turn to Matthew or Luke. But I'd like to look at the birth of Christ through John's perspective in his gospel. Instead of looking at the story narratively, as Matthew and Luke do, we will be looking at it theologically. The first verse of John's gospel starts with the...
In this season of thanksgiving, we want to express our gratitude to the Seeley-Swan Search and Rescue professionals and volunteers who responded to Andrea’s medical emergency up near the Swan Crest on Aug. 12. You dropped everything on a weekday afternoon to drive to the end of the road, then hike a couple miles to help stabilize and extract (with the aid of Two Bear Air’s helicopter hoist), and finally deliver her by ambulance to St. Pat’s for definitive care. Well done and thank you all for your patient care and dedication to community servi...
It's that holiday time of year when we give thanks and gifts to our neighbors, friends and family. I want to let you know how grateful I am for you. It truly is an honor to represent our district. November was an especially busy month legislatively. I attended the national conference for legislators and I learned a great deal on everything from economic issues to bringing dignity back to politics and I was asked to present on college access and affordability. In order to address the housing...
Missoula Aging Services (MAS) announced the expansion of a program to connect older adults with online resources, family and friends. Technology can address many of the challenges associated with social isolation during the pandemic but some of our older neighbors have limited access to computers or an Internet connection. Others have outdated equipment without cameras or microphones, leaving them unable to take advantage of telehealth opportunities to stay connected to their physicians. MAS...
The smell of freshly cut limbs and trees wafts through the air as I walk through the project area. The low hum of the harvester, a large and impressive piece of logging equipment, works right over the hill. This is the first of what I, and Swan Valley Connections (SVC), hope to be many forest stewardship and restoration projects on the Swan Legacy Forest that can be used to engage students and other landowners by demonstrating examples of stewardship and property management. Swan Legacy Forest...
1 Corinthians 10:21 “You are not able to drink the cup of the Master and the cup of demons. You are not able to partake of the table of the Master and the table of demons.” Our journey takes us past two cups and two tables. We can choose one cup and one table. We can choose the Master’s cup and table or the demon’s cup and table. The righteous cup and table is uncluttered and has its start and finish in the word of Elohim; easy to discern because it will set you apart from the world. You may not choose from the Master’s table and the demons’ t...
The Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship Act was introduced to Congress by Montana Senator Jon Tester and is a wonderful example of how legislation can unite various groups to solve local problems. The bill is the culmination of a 15-year effort by a diverse set of Montanans: environmentalists, timber producers, conservationists, recreation management, local businesses, politicians and the public. The bill would first serve to defend the Blackwater River and its most important tributaries, as well as secure and expand protections to the Blackfoot...
Many, many, moons ago whenever I took to the hills, there was some good advice in that famous packers guide and artist Joe Backs book, "Horses, Hitches and Rocky Trails." Have yer check list so ya don't forget. Elk season com'n up so I went over my list like them folks go'n over Obama's birth certificate. Yup, looked good at the time. Sett'n up the wall tent with Indian autumn com'n on sure was grand out here in the great outdoors. Had the ponies on the high line out back. Gave'um a little hay...
The apostle Paul writes, "in everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" (1 Thess. 5:18). As Christians celebrate Thanksgiving each year and enjoy time with loved ones, we hope they will continue to display the same kind of gratefulness to God for our many freedoms and blessings in the sincerity exemplified by our courageous forefathers. Every Thanksgiving season I sit down and write a list and then meditate about all the blessings I have been provided from...
SEELEY LAKE - We would like to say a big thank you to all of the community following our house fire. We would like to thank everyone for all the prayers, support and donations. We are truly humbled by all the support we have gotten. We have felt so loved. This is why we chose to live here in Seeley Lake. We wanted a close and loving community to raise our kids in. We are so blessed and grateful. Thank you to everyone for everything....
The Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship Act is supported by 75% of Montanans. The bill on a whole, accurately reflects Montanan values. With its plan to protect approximately 80,000 acres of land for conservation, recreation and restoration, the bill speaks for the people of Montana that wish to preserve our precious land. The BSCA restores fish and wildlife habitats, increases space for outdoor recreation for Montanans and conserves precious Montana wilderness by adding 80,000 acres of land to the Bob Marshall Wilderness Area. In response to...
As an honorary Missoulian, I can confidently say Montanans in particular have a deeply rooted connection to the environment. Jack Rich, the hardworking owner of the local family-owned Rich Ranch, said “our hearts belong to the wildlands, wildlife and waters...” The Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship Act, a bill that Rich and many other Montana experts have contributed to over the past two decades, would designate 79,060 acres of new federal wilderness. This is vital not only because of the 2,013 acres that would be allotted towards snowmobile rec...
Thanks to advances in veterinary medicine and increased nutritional knowledge, many animals are living longer lives. This means there are more and more senior pets out there who tend to have specific needs. In general, most veterinarians consider a dog or cat who is older than seven years to be a senior pet. Most pet parents will notice things like more grey hair or a slower pace as their animal companions age but there can also be subtle changes that people don't always realize are a symptom...
At the Blackfoot Challenge, we believe that the best place to learn about the watershed is in the watershed and that our best teachers are those who have experience here. That's why our education programs are outdoors, hands-on and rely on a multitude of local residents and partners willing to share their expertise with the next generation. Based on the guidance and direction provided by our Teachers Steering Council, earlier this fall we coordinated two outdoor education days focused on the...
It was another one of those times when the cupboards began to look like Ol' Mother Hubbard's pantry. It seemed like a time to worry. However, Jesus reminded me in Matthew 6 how "He takes care of the birds of the air...and not to worry about tomorrow." So I had to come up with a plan or so I thought. No work locally. But God had a better purpose. For the same chapter sez "to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these thing will be given to you as well." So my wonderful wife...
HOW DOES YOUR SEPTIC SYSTEM WORK? The septic tank holds the wastewater from homes or businesses until solid debris settles at the bottom of the tank (the sludge layer) and lighter waste, such as oil, rises to the top (the scum layer). Between the two layers lies the effluent liquid, which flows into an outlet pipe and is gradually dissipated through a drain field. Bacteria in the septic tank naturally break down organic waste matter and slows the accumulation of the sludge layer. WHAT IF THERE...
Depression is a common affliction. The percentage of people suffering from depression is staggering. Of course, the pandemic contributed to these numbers, but even before the pandemic the numbers were staggering. There are many ways to define depression. I want to use descriptions, not definitions. Depression is experienced as feeling low -- not having much energy for daily events or situations. Sleep tends to be affected, as well as thinking and focus. Depression affects appetite, and a person'...
Perhaps you've heard the expression, "Born once, die twice" or "Born twice, die once." These are both references to the verse in the book of John where Jesus explains to Nicodemus what it means to be "Born again. Jesus explains the first birth is a physical birth, and the second is a spiritual birth, or awakening. Paul explains in Romans 6:4, "We were therefore buried with him through baptism unto death in order that just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the father, we too...
An October day several years ago next to a lake where I was working for the government on a grizzly project… The first lavender light of day is a time when the softness of shapes can barely be seen through the mist rising from the lake… The early morning fog slowly begins to clear, revealing pastel-hued forms that seem to float on the autumn air… I’m sitting on a dock at the edge of the lake. The day promises to be clear, sunny and calm. There is no breeze so the lake’s surface is a mauve mirror. Scattered throughout the fir and pine forest ar...
Senator Steve Daines is holding the Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship Act (BSCA) hostage. The BCSA, a bill introduced by Senator Jon Tester, intends to strengthen public land protection while ensuring public access to outdoor recreation and the economic advantages to the Montana economy that follow from it. The BCSA is an outstanding example of what can happen when Montanans work together, because the act stems from collaborative conversations between recreationists, timber companies and conservation advocates that began in 2005. According to...
To my fellow citizens of Seeley Lake, How many of you are fed up with the approach to the Post Office parking lot? Here is where to complain: Montana Department of Transportation PO Box 7039 Missoula, MT 59807-7039 406-523-5800 Remember the squeaky wheel gets the grease!! ** Editor's Note: Please note the address was corrected as of Friday, Nov. 5....
