orange barrels and fish

when you go fishing there is a thing on your fishing reel called a "drag".. here is bass pro shops description of the drag on a modern fishing reel: The drag system on a spinning reel is one of the most important aspects of the reel itself. The drag is responsible for applying pressure to a hooked fish, and letting out line during the fight. Without a smooth, high-quality drag the risk of broken lines and lost fish is always a high probability.

As we read about being fishers of men the other night, (even though they were using nets in the bible story), I kept thinking of pulling in a big stubborn bass or walleye and what a bummer it is to have lost the fish or have the line break because the drag was set too tight or that i got impatient and didn't let the fish tire before I lifted it into the boat.

Orange Barrels: sometimes when i am hurrying from one activity to the next i come across orange barrels, detours, dudes with signs that say SLOW or even STOP......Its always better to follow the signs than to try and get around them and make my own path..

God doesn't always take the shortest route from point A to point B.

I am reminded of and wonder how many people were frustrated with, doubted, and maybe even gave up on me over the years, as my own story is not a smooth cruise, and certainly not a straight line!

As a 44 year old "work in progress" I am thankful for the orange barrels and signs set in my path by the God I serve. My prayer is that I and all my family and friends would see these signs and follow them always.

what happened

i think they felt abandoned..i think they need routine and consistent community..i think everyone needs to feel that they belong somewhere, and the place that they feel that they most belong is where you will find them.

power in a statement

1. You can't reach out to God with a clenched fist. You have to let go (of something) and open your hands to receive from Him.

2.Our own hands can never produce or create absolute joy.

New Song

Tonight, Danmike encouraged us to sing our own song to the Lord as he strummed away on his guitar. I found myself singing these words:

Your word is a sword
It splits my heart
it spills out sin
you fill it back in
with your peace and love

you are the healer
you are the healer
you are the healer extraordinaire