Does your child’s school use the Accelerated Reader (AR) Program to encourage students to read? If so, I’m happy to announce that Turkey Trot is now available within their program. That brings the total to six of the seven books in the series.

If your child is trying to rack up those AR points, Turkey Trot will give them five more toward their goal. Combine that with the other books in the series, and they can really pile up the points!

The short version: I’m now a full-time author. If you want the longer version, I’ve added it below.

Writing books was never on my radar screen. It certainly wasn’t something my wife and I ever set out to pursue. It’s something we genuinely feel God dropped into our laps—and over time, we’ve come to see that He may have a bigger purpose for it than we first realized.

As that became clearer, we also became convinced that refusing to walk down the path God had laid out for us would have been disobedient. It would have been pretty ironic—and pretty hypocritical—for a pastor to constantly encourage others to follow God’s leading while being afraid to do so himself.

But, it wasn’t only concern about disobedience that led us to take this step. It was also the slowly growing recognition that through these books God was opening bigger doors of ministry for us—doors of ministry we never expected. Some of the opportunities are within the Church itself. Others fall into what I would describe as “common good” ministry—work that strengthens families, schools, and communities.

For example, helping a child get excited about reading may not feel like traditional ministry. But we all know that becoming a confident and capable reader can change the direction of a young person’s life and ultimately that of his or her family—both now and in the future. God has helped me to see this sort of work as an important ministry as well, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to pursue it in this new season.

And so, after much prayer and careful consideration, I followed where God was leading and made a transition from full-time pastor to full-time author at the beginning of 2026. Again, this doesn’t mean I’m stepping away from ministry. I fully expect to continue serving in churches for the rest of my life—just not in a vocational role at this moment. I will now be ministering in a variety of new ways, thanks in part to these books that were never on my radar screen, but were always on God’s.

What this change means for you: Well, first, it means more books and a faster release schedule. With writing now my full-time focus, I’ll be able to write more often and thus publish books more regularly—including a new devotional series many have requested.

Second, a less hectic weekly calendar means I now have greater availability for school visits—something I see as important for getting kids excited about reading, which is a big part of that “common good” ministry work I was speaking of earlier.

And third, this transition also opens new possibilities for visiting and speaking at other churches, whether these visits are related to my books or me simply filling a pulpit for a worn-down pastor who could use a break. Just like with school visits, this new season gives me more freedom to say “yes” when those opportunities arise.

This was a difficult decision and one we wrestled with for a while. But we are beyond convinced this is where God has been leading our family. I’m thankful to each and every one of you for your continued encouragement and support as this new chapter is written. We are excited about what’s ahead!

Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to visit with students from three elementary schools in the Northern Tioga School District in Tioga County, Pennsylvania. There were over 600 third to sixth graders in attendance, whom I was able to speak with about the importance of reading and writing, and even about how becoming an author is no longer a far-fetched idea. I had a great time, and from their reactions, I believe they did too!

If this is something you would like to see at your child’s school, fill out the form on my school visits page. We’ll see if we can make it happen!

I’m very excited to be able to tell you about a uniquely designed Bible I have known about, used, and personally enjoyed for nearly fourteen years. It also thrills me to be able to offer a Hunt Club Kids version to my readers.

When I handed Jet his copy yesterday afternoon, he said, “That’s awesome!” over and over again. Of course, that’s exactly what we all hope our kids will say when we put a Bible in their hands. But Jet is right, this Bible really is awesome—especially for those of us who love the outdoors and want to take God’s Word with us.

Let’s face it, the Bibles we are used to carrying aren’t designed for what a hunting trip might subject them to. They don’t stand up well to being crammed in a backpack, dropped in a creek, or smeared with mud. But there is a Bible that’s made for those very things. It even floats! And you can now get a Hunt Club Kids version for the young hunters in your family.

I really think this is a great Bible. Because it contains only the New Testament along with the Psalms and Proverbs, it’s compact enough to take with me every time I enter the woods. And I can’t think of a better birthday or Christmas gift for the young hunter in your life.

Does your child’s school use the Accelerated Reader (AR) Program to encourage students to read? If so, I’m happy to announce that Maine Mission is now available within their program. That brings the total to five of the six books in the series.

If your child is trying to rack up those AR points, Maine Mission will give them six more toward their goal. Combine that with the other books in the series, and they can really pile up the points!

Have your kids tried audiobooks? If not, the audiobooks I have available from The Hunt Club Kids Series really bring the stories to life. I recently heard from a teacher who was getting audiobooks from my series for a couple of students in her class. She was hoping these versions could spark a love for reading in these two students of hers who already love hunting. I hope so, too!

Well, I’m happy to announce that with the recent release of Maine Mission, there are now five books from The Hunt Club Kids Series available in audio format. I really think your kids will like them. They are great to listen to together while traveling to and from school or on your next hunting adventure.

During my break in July, Jet and I headed over to the mountains of North Georgia to do some scouting for bear. Earlier in the summer, I purchased a fifteen-foot camper to serve as basecamp on wheels for these more remote hunting adventures we are starting to enjoy together as he gets older. So, in addition to scouting for bear, it was also our first real test of the new camper.

We had a great time. The camper proved that it would serve us well on these sorts of adventures. And we are planning to get back over there soon to chase bears in some of the areas we scouted.

While we didn’t see any bears while scouting, we did have one pay us a visit in the campground one afternoon. (Sorry for the grainy pictures. It was close to dark.)

And yes… a bear hunting book will be out soon.

I’m thrilled and honored to announce that Sticks and Strings received the Outstanding Achievement Award in the book category at the Professional Outdoor Media Association’s annual meeting. The Professional Outdoor Media Association’s (POMA) membership consists of writers and other creative professionals who produce traditional, outdoor sports-focused content (books, articles, photography, and other media). POMA’s 2025 meeting was held at Ohio’s Maumee Bay Lodge & Conference Center from June 23-25. I was happy not only to receive the award but also to have had the opportunity to do some fly fishing in a stream that was so full of trout it was like fishing in a barrel.

It is rewarding and a true honor for my writing to be recognized by experts within the outdoor industry. I am so very grateful.

Me with James Shin, Director of Marketing and Communications for Safari Club International (SCI), the sponsor of this year’s awards.

One of the trout I pulled out of the barrel.

The stream was not only loaded with trout, but also a beautiful place to fish. 

If you didn’t notice, I missed sending my newsletter last month. Part of the reason was that I was super busy with school visits (and fulfilling book orders related to school visits). I had a great time meeting with students at several schools and getting them excited about reading—and the outdoors!

I know school is about to wrap up for this year, but I’d love to get on your school’s calendar for next year. If you’d like to help me out with a visit to your child’s school, you can direct the school librarian to my website and have them complete the school visit form.