ABUNDANT LIFE

Monsta' PumpkinGill!

Yeah...you've heard it before...."plenty of fish"...."more where that came from" and perhaps "abundant life". Yeah...I like that last one right there, about abundant life. To a lake or pond or river, it means lots of fish and aquatic critters to sustain them. To God, abundant life means many things. Family, health, a home, a job, good friends and relations and blessings too numerous to count. What's your idea of "abundant life"? To we fisherfolk along the Mason Dixon abundant life can mean a multitude of fish species and a chance to catch them!

To Matt, it might be a big cattie from a small river.

To Alvie, it might be a monster creek smallmouth bass.

To me, it might be a bluegill too big to grasp!

We have been blessed, despite the record heat of September and now October, to still manage to catch a few nice ones in our area. More recently, it's been a panfish gig with gills, pumpkinseeds and crappies now moving into the picture. I got a few nice largemouths at some local venues on the Whopper Plopper 130 and that was a nice change of pace. Crazy weather...we had an 87 degree reading today along the Mason Dixon Line. The week before we were in the 50's...shheeeessshhhh! Here are a few more shots from the past two weeks bassin' and panfishin' escapades...

Ploppin' good times!

His eyes are bigger than his belly!

Live Target sunfish and pond bass...cool!

Fall bassing is picking up!

Alvie and his world class pumpkinseed sunfish...wow!

Plus big bluegills...

...and more pumpkingills...

And some slab crappies on those cooler days.

Sometimes, less says more for big crappies.

Yes...plenty of fish, something for everyone, abundant life. Jesus Christ pointed out in the Gospels that he  had come to provide abundant life to those who follow him. Unfortunately, most people view abundant life as something completely different than what Christ had in mind. "Plenty of money" comes to mind along with "abundant possessions". Perhaps a beautiful house, perfect health, high-paying job, recognition, pride, ownership of many things, image, self-confidence, positive attitudes, boasting and respect in the work place. Not that these are, unto their own, all bad things. But collectively and in a modern world, they are put on a pedestal, far and above things like worship, humility, kindness and forgiveness. We live in a world where the almighty dollar, and the almighty cell phone, occupies our thoughts and lifestyle to the point where we just don't have time for kids, grandkids, friends or family. Courtesy is lost, integrity is terminal and when someone does stand up for righteousness they are immediately ridiculed and written off as "old fashioned", a religious freak or even labeled a "hater" simply because they have an opinion that sides with the Savior.

Yes, abundant life can mean many things to many people. I love what it says in Proverbs 16:25...

"There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end, it leads to his death"

Abundant life...healing waters. Think about it.