Big Sky Writer

After the Marines left, we turned their base into our own, setting up an aid station to care for our soldiers. From organizing the pharmacy to handling a fainting soldier during a blood draw, to a long day of conducting malaria tests in the field, these anecdotes capture the humor, challenges, and lessons of military life. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clintmorey.substack.com

Click the player above to watch the video or read the transcript below.Thank you, Mark. And thank you for dropping by to listen.Time for another history lesson.I have always been fascinated by how people developed things throughout history.Think about it.The very first people on earth had to eat. But there were no stores—no supermarkets, no Walmarts, no Costcos, no McDonalds or Burger Kings. And no DoorDash to bring the food right to their door. Yet people still had to eat.They had to look around the world they lived in and try to figure out how they would survive.Check out the image of the field of wheat below.If you saw that field of wheat and you were really hungry, you might grab a stalk, pull it out of the ground and start gnawing on it. If you did that, I don't think you would enjoy what you were eating.But I guess if you were desperately hungry, you might grab anything that growing out of the ground and eat it, hoping that you would satisfy your hunger without making you sick.Historically, what fascinates me is that people figured out that the field of wheat in front of them was food. Good food.But they had to do some things first.They could take that stalk of wheat, remove the heads from the stalk, clean the kernels from the head, get rid of the outer husk of the kernels, and then take a couple of rocks to smash the kernels into flour.With that flour, they could add some ingredients, heat it in a fire, and create a tasty loaf of bread.Would you have ever thought of doing something like that?I don't think I would have.Which means that even if I was surrounded by a field of wheat, I just might starve to death. I certainly wouldn't have a loaf of bread, or an English muffin, or a cinnamon roll.The Family MillstoneArchaeologists have discovered that people learned to process wheat thousands of years ago. Initially, a family might get a couple of rocks to crush the grain into flour. Probably something like a mortar and pestle.Over time, however, things became a little more sophisticated. People made two circular stones: one stationary stone was placed on the ground, and the other was set on top of it. The kernels were placed between the stones and the top stone was rotated by hand, crushing the kernels into flour. The stones were small, 12 to 18 inches in diameter, weighed between 20 to 30 pounds, and they worked for a single household.The Donkey MillstoneBut for a larger farm, of if a group of farmers got together, they needed something bigger to handle turning their wheat into flour.They created what was called a “mýlos onikós” which means “donkey millstone.”The mylos onikos was a very large millstone. It could be 3 to 5 feet in diameter, 6 to 12 inches thick, and weigh hundreds of pounds. Some have even been found that weigh over 1,000 pounds.The millstones were so big and heavy, they needed an animal such as a donkey to turn them.Hence their name.Jesus and ChildrenWhich brings me to the point of today's history lesson.About 2,000 years ago Jesus was teaching his disciples an important lesson. He had a child brought to him and he explained:“… whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.” — Matthew 18:6 (ESV)Jesus didn't mince words when he described what someone deserves if they cause a child to sin.He used the term “mylos onikos”, which his listeners understood to mean a massive stone that weighed hundreds of pounds.The image is brutal.If you play a role in causing a child to sin, Jesus says you deserve far worse than having a millstone weighing hundreds of pounds tied around your neck, being taken out on a boat into the ocean, and being dumped overboard.It's a serious warning.Are We Leading Children Astray?As we look at our world today, are the influences bombarding our children leading them to sin?Streaming videos, social media, movies, TV, video games, smart phones—even our schools and some of our churches.Our children are spending hours every day marinating in a culture that seems determined to keep them from the God who loves them while encouraging them to embrace sin as a way of life.Ask God to show you how to be a light to the people, especially children, that He brings into your world today.Before I go, I'd like to share a blessing with you from the Old Testament.“May the Lord bless and protect you; may the Lord's face radiate with joy because of you; may he be gracious to you, show you his favor, and give you his peace.”Numbers 6:24-26 (The Living Bible)Until next time … be the reason someone smiles today This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clintmorey.substack.com

Justice is a big deal to God.In fact, God had a warning for people who thought just doing “religious” acts would give them a free ride to heaven.“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”Micah 6:8 (ESV)To do justice.God requires it of people who want to please him. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clintmorey.substack.com

Our local mall isn't what it used to be. Another store just closed, leaving yet another empty storefront in its wake. During a recent visit, I had an unexpected conversation with a store clerk facing an uncertain future—and it reminded me how important it is to offer encouragement.In this post, I reflect on the decline of brick-and-mortar retail, lingering Christmas displays in mid-March, and a couple of books worth reading if you're curious about the people shaping our government. Plus, I leave you with a blessing from the Old Testament.Until next time … be the reason someone smiles today! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clintmorey.substack.com

I had a birthday a couple of months ago and felt pretty good about being alive.And then I ran across a report that put a damper on my day.It was just a number.Only a number. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clintmorey.substack.com

Thomas Sowell, an American economist, wrote book in 2000 called Basic Economics: A Common Sense Guide to the Economy.“It is hard to imagine a more stupid or more dangerous way of making decisions than by putting those decisions in the hands of people who pay no price for being wrong.”Thomas SowellThink about that for a minute. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clintmorey.substack.com

Winter in Montana is no joke—especially when you weren't born here. In this lighthearted piece, I share my battle with snow shoveling, my close encounter with a driveway snowbank, and a few reflections on surviving the cold. Plus, a quick update on my latest writing project and some recommendations for Valentine's Day gifts. Grab a cup of something warm and join me for a snowy adventure! ❄️ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clintmorey.substack.com

You probably know people who say all the “right things” but whose lives demonstrate something very different than what they say.We give those people — “them” — a number of names: phony, hypocrite, two-faced, pretender … to name just a few. Many of those names are less-than-kind.But whatever you call “them”, you have to admit it's a pretty common human condition. People have been talking a game they don't live for a long time. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clintmorey.substack.com

As the dust settles from the recent elections, it's worth reflecting on an observation often attributed to Milton Berle:“You can lead a man to Congress, but you can't make him think.”Milton BerleWhile this quip might seem unfair to our elected officials, it's hard not to recall moments that make you wonder—like the time a congressman expressed concern that an island might tip over if the military stationed too many resources there.In fairness to the Congressman, when critics pointed out that islands are mountain peaks rising from the ocean floor—not flat, floating thingies—he later claimed he was just joking. Whether or not that's true, the incident highlights the colorful moments that often accompany public office.NOTE: Although Berle is widely credited with this quote, some attribute it to other sources. Regardless of its origins, the humor and insight resonate across generations. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clintmorey.substack.com

In a speech at an Ecumenical Prayer Breakfast in 1984, President Ronald Reagan emphasized the importance of recognizing God sovereignty in our national life.Reagan stated that democracy and the nation itself would not survive if the people forgot that we are one nation under God.“… without God, democracy will not and cannot long endure. If we ever forget that we are one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under.”President Ronald Reagan This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clintmorey.substack.com

I absolutely loved working at the 91st Evacuation Hospital. I learned so much and felt I had acquired some useful skills that I would be able to use in helping others, but I have to admit I was looking forward to returning home.Home being Hawk Hill. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clintmorey.substack.com

Imagine a world where your pillow adjusts to stop your snoring, a smartwatch tracks your sleep cycles, and a robot mows your lawn. Two weeks ago, I stepped into that future at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, where over 140,000 people gathered to witness cutting-edge innovations from more than 4,500 exhibitors. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clintmorey.substack.com

Travel in our world today is always an adventure.I recently attended CES 2025 in Las Vegas and thought I'd share a few observations about my travel experiences. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clintmorey.substack.com

Have you ever imagined a church in a shopping mall? In this piece, I explore some of the challenges my church has faced in trusting God's plan for finding a home for our congregation. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clintmorey.substack.com

Christmas 2025 is over, but as I reflect on the messages our culture conveyed through various media, I see that most either missed the point or deliberately ignored the true significance of Christmas. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clintmorey.substack.com

Today I'd like to take a trip back into history to look at a particular town.It was a small town. Historians guess — and that's all they really can do … just guess — that the population was around 2,000 or 3,000 people.Like I said, it was a small town.But something happened in that small town that would change the world. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clintmorey.substack.com

About 700 years before the birth of Jesus, the prophet Isaiah foretold the coming of the Messiah."For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."Isaiah 9:6 (ESV) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clintmorey.substack.com

Did you know the first Presidential Thanksgiving Proclamation was about more than just gratitude? Let's look at George Washington's 1789 proclamation and its call to acknowledge God, thank Him for His blessings, and seek forgiveness for our nation's sins. Discover how Thanksgiving was originally intended to unite Americans in faith and reflection—and consider how we can celebrate it today. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clintmorey.substack.com

“A government big enough to give you everything you want is big enough to take everything you have.”This warning has echoed throughout American political discourse for decades, surfacing in debates on government power and personal freedom. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clintmorey.substack.com

On October 25, 2024, which is just a few weeks ago, the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Defense issued a report titled “Audit of C-17 Spare Parts Pricing.” I grant you that title probably won't make you rush out to buy it just so you could have fun reading material.But it's an interesting report as we consider how the government spends the money they take from us. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clintmorey.substack.com

The government always wants ... needs ... our money. But there is a problem.“Giving money and power to government is like giving whiskey and car keys to teenage boys.” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clintmorey.substack.com

With the national debt soaring over $35 trillion, it's time to take a closer look at how our leaders are using taxpayer dollars—and whether we, as citizens, need to reclaim responsibility. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clintmorey.substack.com

It's been a long time coming, but finally it's here.You know what I'm talking about.Yeah, the day … the day.Finally.It seemed like it would never come, but we don't have to wait any longer.It's here. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clintmorey.substack.com

“I don't make jokes. I just watch the government and report the facts.”Will Rogers, 1879 - 1935.I'm sure you know the government likes to spend your money. The question is, what is the government spending your money on?Well, one of the things the government likes to spend your money on is … producing reports on how they are spending your money. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clintmorey.substack.com

I received my official ballot in the mail a couple of weeks ago which enabled me to vote in the coming election.All I had to do was darken in some little ovals with the designated writing instrument, sign in the appropriate spot, stick the ballot in the postage-paid envelope, and drop it in the mailbox.That's it. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clintmorey.substack.com

In "Returning to Hawk Hill," I recount my experience as a medic during a MEDCAP mission in Vietnam, where an unexpected land mine explosion tested our skills and resolve. This article highlights the life-saving efforts we provided to local villagers and the lessons learned about compassion, courage, and faith in the midst of chaos. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clintmorey.substack.com

Relfecting on Robert Frost's famous poem "The Road Not Taken" about the choices we make in life, I share some personal experiences with life-altering decisions and connect them to Jesus' teaching on the narrow and wide gates, which deals with the most important decision each one of us will make. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clintmorey.substack.com

Billions of taxpayer dollars intended for COVID-19 relief were lost to fraud. From fake businesses to inflated employee counts, this article uncovers how a lack of oversight enabled criminals to steal an estimated $200 billion. And the big question is will anyone be held accountable? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clintmorey.substack.com

The bird flu is making headlines again, and it's not just about rising egg prices. There are concerns now about its spread from birds to cattle and even humans. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clintmorey.substack.com

Dr. Robert Malone shared an interesting comment on his Substack page a couple of months back.“If ALL the news medias are saying the same thing, word for word, you know you're being fed propaganda!”If you've ever watched or listened to a series of news broadcasts and heard EXACTLY the same wording describing an event or person, you may just be the target of propaganda.It's a fairly common practice in our world today.Get used to it. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clintmorey.substack.com

Description/Show Notes:In "Running off the Cliff," we explore the moral and spiritual crisis America faces today. Drawing a parallel with the ancient city of Nineveh, this article calls for national repentance, reminding us that the true solution to our problems lies not in politics, but in turning back to God. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clintmorey.substack.com

In this reflection, I explore the profound promise God gave to Solomon during the dedication of the Temple and its relevance for us today. As we consider the challenges facing our nation, this article invites readers to look inward, seek God's face, and turn from their ways in pursuit of healing and restoration for the land. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clintmorey.substack.com

In a world where majority opinion often dictates what's accepted as truth, Booker T. Washington's words remind us to hold fast to our principles. "A lie doesn't become truth, wrong doesn't become right, and evil doesn't become good, just because it's accepted by a majority."This powerful quote challenges us to think critically and stay true to what is right, regardless of popular belief. Watch this short video for a moment of reflection and inspiration.NOTE: This quote is often attributed to Booker T. Washington, but I have not been able to find an original source. It's still a great quote! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clintmorey.substack.com

This article is a reflection on some of the lessons learned from my grandmother, focusing on the values of gratitude, observation, and compassion. Through personal stories and the practice of people watching, I want to encourage readers to let their light shine in everyday interactions. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clintmorey.substack.com

On August 28, 1963, Marting Luther King, Jr. delivered a speech to about 250,000 people from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.King's “I Have a Dream” speech became one of the most famous speeches in American history. If you haven't heard it, or haven't heard it in a while, I would encourage you to listen to speech. I've included a couple of links to it below.The History Channel (5 min video)The Educational Radio Network (audio only of the entire 17-minute speech. King's remarks begin at 1:30 in the recording.) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clintmorey.substack.com

Isn't it convenient to have a big government?They decide what issues are important and what should be done about those issues.That spares us so much worry. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clintmorey.substack.com

People have rioted for various reasons throughout history.Let's take a brief look at a riot that took place about 2,000 years ago and compare to the riots we have today. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clintmorey.substack.com

It's important to consider what is important.“By replacing your morning coffee with green tea, you can lose up to 89% of what little joy you still have left in your life.”From Robert Malone's Substack This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clintmorey.substack.com

The government demonstrates its power in our lives by maintaining programs and laws even when they are ineffective.“The half-life of the average business start-up is only about three years. Half of all new businesses are history before year number 5. But the half-life of a law, a regulation, an agency, a department…etc…is forever.”Pivot Fervor - by Bill Bonner - Bonner Private ResearchThe government is spending all of us into oblivion as a society.Can anyone fix it?Will anyone even try? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clintmorey.substack.com

During the 2020 presidential campaign, Joe Biden promised to get high-speed internet to everyone.Who could be opposed to that? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clintmorey.substack.com

Do your trust your news sources?“The man who reads nothing at all is better educated than the man who reads nothing but newspapers.”Thomas Jefferson in a letter to John Norvell, 14 June 1807If you don't realize you are constantly being lied to, you are the type of person Jefferson was talking about. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clintmorey.substack.com

In a world where digital connectivity is often taken for granted, some remote areas are just beginning to experience its impactI know it's hard to even imagine. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clintmorey.substack.com

Have you ever wondered why some of the most profound questions in life often go unanswered?Questions like “Why am I here?” or “What happens after I die?” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clintmorey.substack.com

When I was in high school, I was fascinated with acting and even considered pursing it as a career. I was especially captivated with musicals — the Sound of Music, My Fair Lady, Oklahoma, The Music Man, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, West Side Story, and the list goes on and on and on. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clintmorey.substack.com

School districts, teachers' unions, and teachers themselves have been accused of hiding their curricula from the parents of the children in their care. That makes this particular quote worth thinking about: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clintmorey.substack.com

I thought it might be interesting to look at some of the recent uses of artificial intelligence — not the capabilities and potential of AI but the actual uses of it in our lives today. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clintmorey.substack.com

I might as well admit it.This will probably surprise a lot of you, but I'm not a native-born Montanan. I was born and raised in that concrete jungle known as Los Angeles.But you'd think after 46 years of living here I would have acquired some of the traits and skills of a true resident of the Big Sky Country.You know, things like hunting, fishing, and riding horses across the vast plains. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clintmorey.substack.com

Through an examination of key biblical passages, the article delves into the concepts of sin, judgment, and the redemptive power of faith in Jesus Christ. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clintmorey.substack.com

Click on the player above to listen to the podcast or read the transcript below.The national debt has soared over $34.6 trillion dollars positioning the U.S. as the record holder for the greatest national debt in human history. This monumental debt grows by approximately a trillion dollars every 100 days, signaling a potential crisis for our economy. But don't worry, our politicians have a solution — spend, and spend, and spend some more. What could possibly go wrong?Most of us work hard for our money. Then the government (federal, state, local, and special districts) takes a big chunk of our money from us, in order to spend it on what they feel are meaningful and worthwhile projects. In this episode of Big Sky Writer, I thought it would be instructive to see how the government has chosen to spend some of your money by looking at one project at a time. This episode is titled:Bye, Bye, KittyThe National Institute of Health (NIH) is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and serves as the nation's premier medical research agency. It is the largest source of funding for medical research worldwide.One project that was highlighted by critics way back in 2022, involved more than $770,000 (remember, that was your money) being given to the Pavlov Institute of Physiology in St. Petersburg, Russia.They wanted to study the “neuronal network over the spinal cord, so they came up with a nifty little experiment.They took 18 healthy cats, removed portions of their brain, implanted electrodes in their spines, then forced them to walk on a treadmill for spinal cord experiments. When the experiments were completed, the cats were killed and dissected.Some people were upset about the treatment of the cute kitties. Some were upset about sending $700,000 to a Russian group when the U.S. and Russia were on the verge of war. Some were upset because they felt the entire process was unethical, unproductive, and too secretive.I'm pretty sure no one asked you if you wanted your tax dollars spent this way. A government bureaucrat made the decision, and your money was spent.“Taxpayers shouldn't be forced to pay white coats in the Russian government to torture and kill cats in wasteful treadmill experiments.”Mackie Burr, Vice President of the White Coat Waste Project.This is just one very “small” expense for a government that spends trillions of dollars on a regular basis. You probably know, there here is an election coming up in a few months. Perhaps you ought to make it clear to your politicians (they sometimes actually listen to you during a campaign season) that you want them to stop spending.Resources“Federal Government Paid to Study Cats on Russian Treadmills” by Tristan Justice. The Federalist, June 1, 2023.“NIH Funds ‘Deadly' Cat Experiments in State-Run Russian Lab” The Catnip Times.“Congress Pushes NIH to Cut Funds For Russian Cat Lab Exposed by WCW” by Maryann Hussey, White Coat Waste Project, September 21, 2022.“Exclusive — NIH Funds ‘Deadly' Cat Experiments in State-Run Russian Lab” by Katherine Hamilton, Breitbart, Mar 2, 2022. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clintmorey.substack.com

Sometimes we need a break from all the serious problems impacting our lives and our country. That's what I'm doing today. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clintmorey.substack.com

I love springtime in Montana.Blue skies, sunshine, forests, and mountains.For those of you who are trying to scrape t a living in a big city, full of concrete, smog and cars, you can't imagine what you are missing.So I thought you might enjoy this This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clintmorey.substack.com