Fishing in the Bottom of the Ninth

The mountains declare Your majesty, the heavens declare Your Glory
All creation shouts out Your Name, and that's good enough for me! Even the rocks cry out!

I must admit...when God paints a picture, He doesn't mess around. Even in the midst of what was a harsh and windy day, He took the time to paint this spectacular skyscape right in front of my nose. It makes me wonder how many beautiful things have I missed in my lifetime, a lifetime of serving other things and false gods. I believe the greatest things God often puts right at our feet, right under our noses. Grace, forgiveness, eternal life, truth and abundant joy. Wow! Who needs a fish, anyway?

I managed to get out and carp it a few times last week. Didn't have a lot of time but made the most of it with my friends Bob and Joe. We've been chummin at some new areas and it has paid off well. Above you see Joe with a nice carp that he got past the heavy grass and put on the bank. Images of big, golden fish invade my sleepless nights, making me restless.

My hopes of bigger game continues. Bob and Joe have each gotten a twenty plus pounders the past week, while I had to settle for mid-teen fish. I even caught my smallest carp ever...a 2 pounder... on one of the recent sessions.

Another nice one gearing up for the release...I had a cool experience on Thurs, Oct 20. Got to fish for a few hours after work. Did a three hour gig with nary a strike. Then, as I was starting to gather up, one of the alarms screamed and I just let the rod load up with the circle hook. Fish on! She made two long runs and got me down in the weeds...but I managed to get her out, and it turned out to be my best of the year. Here's my walk-off twenty pounder that saved me in the bottom of the ninth...

One run, one fish...but it was the one that I wanted! Struggled with a few photos, but got the fish back in the water and she swam off looking good. Patience and optimism...I was happy, so I went on home. Water temps are right around 60, so the carp fishing will last about another month or so. Maybe a 25 before the end of the season? The lake has produced 'thirtys'. Will I ever be satisfied with what God provides me? In Proverbs 30, Agur requests just two things from God... to know the truth of God's word and to have daily bread. How often I have had more than daily bread, and yet seemed unsatisfied. He also knew that God's word was flawless, and not to be added to. Simple truths for simple living. I need to be thankful for whatever is provided me.