The Thrills, Chills, and Spills of Kayaking

Our recent trip to Beavers Bend included a leisurely, afternoon, 2-1/2 mile kayak trip down the Mountain Fork River. Right away, Staci and I decided to get a 2-man kayak. We asked which of us should sit at the back or front. The kayak rental guy said, “It depends on brains or brawn”. Evidently, I have the brains, because he recommended Staci take the back seat as it would require more focus on rowing. As it turned out, we both enjoyed casually rowing and occasionally giving it a heave-ho. We meandered off the beaten path…er the water-way and paddled into a grove of trees and just chilled out and then we found a huge flat rock formation and “beached” our kayak on it. We disembarked and cooled off in those chilly river waters. The rest of our kayaking buddies thought that was such a great idea that they joined us. This kayaking ride was a joy ride – just basking in God’s creation and enjoying His peace throughout.

Now let me tell you about a kayaking adventure that was quite different. It included thrills, chills, and spills. This one was with my husband and our two oldest grandsons, then 12 and 14 (11 years ago). Our plan was for a leisurely float trip down the Illinois River. The river was up to 8+ feet because of recent rains so it was mandatory that we all wear life jackets. My husband and younger grandson had the 2-man kayak and the 14-year old and I each had a 1-man kayak. It was impressed upon us to avoid any fallen trees because that is where the more dangerous rapids would be. Being the adventurous team that we were, we opted for the 12-mile, instead of the 6-mile trip.

We were off and rowing. We were having a great time enjoying each other and the Illinois River's beauty and serenity. At 4 miles in, Barrett (Bear), the 12-year old, assured us he was now well trained and ready to have his turn in the 1-man kayak. So he took it on for his solo ride while Ron and I took over the 2-man.

Then our guardian angels went into double duty. Not 5 minutes into Bear’s "solo ride”, rushing water pulled him into the "fallen trees with heavy rapids" waters. He was stuck. Papa and I quickly rowed to assist him, but no sooner than we reached him, he laid back on his kayak, and was freed from the perilous waters and floated on down the river. We weren’t so fortunate. The fierce rapids pulled us into the trees and turned our kayak over. In a matter of seconds, I was stuck under the kayak. I had the momentary thought that I could drown right here. At the same time, my husband was using all the strength he had to pull the kayak off of me. Then, as if an escape hatch was opened, the kayak came off of me and I popped up out of the rushing water. I am convinced, was it not for divine intervention, my husband's strength, and the life jacket, the sharp branches of the tree and the rushing waters would have resulted in someone else sharing this story with you. When we were toppled, we lost our oars and the kayak took off down the river without us. We were free-riding in the rushing river with only our life jackets keeping us bobbing.

Braden, the 14-year old, caught the 2-man kayak, but in the process lost his 1-man into a clump of fallen trees and rushing water. During this whole perilous experience, a family in a raft (the first people we'd seen since we started), witnessed our predicament. They pulled off to shore to see how they could help. They were able to retrieve our oars as they floated down the river. They were expert swimmers with experience in whitewater rapids and insisted on helping us free the kayak that was stuck in trees. As their two young children, our grandsons, my husband and I watched from shore, this precious couple took our 2-man kayak, and with great skill dislodged the 1-man sending it on down the river. We expressed our heartfelt gratitude when we made it to their camp. They were "angels on assignment" for us. Their presence was divine intervention.

TRon, Bear and I boarded the two-man kayak, Braden was on the one-man, and before long, we saw the kayak stuck in another treed area, with oar and cooler still attached to it. This time, my hero, Ron, climbed the treed area, worked his way through poison oak vines, limbs, and branches, enduring lacerations, cuts, and a terrible poison oak rash that last for days, but released the kayak. Thankfully, the kayak floated to a shore up ahead where we were elated to stop and express our thanksgiving to God for safety, protection, and to eat our lunch that, unbelievably, was completely dry. After lunch, we continued on down the river, for an uneventful 5 more miles.

Our most recent kayaking adventure reminds me of the times that our faith journey is more routine, uneventful, calm and often extremely filled with joyful and peaceful times. God is with us in those times of smooth-sailing waters.

The other death-and-harm defying kayaking adventure is a reminder of the times that our faith journey is filled with highs and lows, pitfalls and pretty scary and painful times. It’s in those times that we don’t take life for granted and we call on divine intervention. Every day, whether we are aware of it or not, our lives may be spared as we may be in near-death situations, near-devastation circumstances – but God is with us in those stormy, perilous waters times. The reassurance of it all – God NEVER leaves us or forsakes us in ALL our kayaking experiences of life. We just need to hang on for dear life and enjoy the ride!

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

When You Pass Through the Waters, I Will Be With You

I showed this map of the Sea of Galilee and the places of many of Jesus' miracles to my kids when I was sharing with them about my recent trip to Israel.

The question most of our tour group had was how could there ever be such winds and waves in this small body of water that could cause such fear in those who were sailing from one side to the other? Our guide told us that there have been waves that exceeded eight stories on those waters. No wonder the disciples were concerned for their lives.

Over the years, our family has enjoyed every water feature you could imagine. We frequented lakes and rivers all over the U.S. and Canada where we camped, sailed, fished, river rafted, canoed, and kayaked, and there are no adequate words to convey about the majestic oceans and seas that we cruised.

I recall my Sweetheart sitting back, delighting in the stillness and beauty of those moments in all of those water places. He loved taking it all in. He was "home" by the water. I'm quite sure he's made sure that our mansion in heaven is right by the River of Life.

What if life was like living by a pond or lake? A lake can represent stability and tranquility. A lake doesn’t change much from year to year. With the exception of a severe storm (we were at the lake on plenty of occasions when a tornado was coming through), a lake is a secure place with clear boundaries, stable waters, and a quiet shore. There is a sense of order, control, and safe predictability about a lake, with few major surprises from day to day.

I have found life to be more like traveling down a river. It's extremely unpredictable and filled with many twists and turns, highs and lows, rapids and calms, unseen obstacles and unexpected objects that go drifting by. But, it can also be filled with exhilarating experiences that are packed full of adventure. You can ride the currents of a fast flowing river in a raft or kayak, but you have to avoid the potential dangers which can be devastating to a rider. We know that for a fact – when, one time, our kayaks tipped over and we were pulled into the rapids, and but for the grace of God, could have lost our lives. Our kayaks went on down the river….without us in them. Thank God, we had on life preservers.

As we journey on, we want life to be safe and secure for us and our loved ones, like that lake with borders -- no big changes or surprises. But, in reality, life is more like a river as it is continually moving in ways that we cannot control, predict, or expect.

The good news for us is that our security, stability, AND sanity are not found on the rivers of our lives, but in the Lord of of our lives. Our hope is in Him who knows the way through the obstacles and the twists and turns. Our peace is found in the One who directs our course. Our hope is fixed upon the One whose hands not only created the waters, but calms them, and He is THE ONE Who causes the unpredictability of the waters to work things together for our good.

Isaiah 43:2 "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you....."

That's What Papa Said -- Words of Fishing AND Life Wisdom

order), Payton Wallace, and of course, as his usual request, we've come to his/our (and Papa's) favorite fishing spot at Marval Trout Camp on the Illinois River in Oklahoma. This year, he brought two of his friends with him. We drove up here yesterday. We got our cabins all set up (guys in one cabin; girls in the other) and then they couldn’t get their poles in the water fast enough. Before daybreak this morning, fishing had already begun just below Tenkiller Dam. Fishing will be hearty until noon when the alarm will sound and the gates from the dam will open and the tumultuous waters will warrant resuming fishing just behind our cabins.

I can’t help but recall how this all got started. At age 10, Payton tells it best in the book he wrote and published, “That’s What Papa Said!” Here’s an excerpt about his love for his Papa and fishing:

“I remember sitting down to play the piano only two months ago as the church was filled with people from around the world. There were hundreds of people of all ages and backgrounds and even a few kids. They had come to celebrate the life of my Papa, his wisdom, and the things he said. Papa was the greatest person I have ever met, and I was so happy to play the piano that day and remember everything he had taught me.

As I walked to the front of the church to play his favorite song on the piano, I could hear his voice still playing in my head -- oh the things that Papa said. This book is about the stories of my Papa, and the things that Papa said.

Papa: The Fisherman
I’m only ten years old, but I love to fish and play the piano more than anything in the world. These are only two of the many things that Papa taught me. My Papa could play the piano, go fishing, think up great ideas, a builder, could fix almost anything and he would always tell us the story of Jesus on Christmas Eve.
From the day I was born, my Papa would tell me exciting stories of the many fish he caught and even the ones that got away. I really enjoyed listening to them because they were always funny and interesting. When I would spend the night at Papa’s house, I would always look forward to bedtime because Papa would take time to tell me a cool story about fishing or some great outdoor adventure. Papa took me fishing and was the first to help me learn how to be a real fisherman. My favorite fishing adventure with Papa was the time he took me to Marvel Camp to teach me the “Six Steps of Becoming a Great Fisherman”.

Step 1) Keep your supplies in order. Papa said to keep my fishing supplies organized so they would last longer and be easier to find. He told me to always hang my fishing rod on the wall and put my rubber boots in the same place so I could find them easily.

Step 2) Keep trying. This one took practice. It was learning to cast the line into the water. That was kind of hard the first couple of times because my line usually ended up in the trees. And sometimes the line would get tangled. Papa said to "just keep trying". The more I tried, the more I got better and better.

Step 3) Be patient. It took me time to learn this one because sometimes the fish got away. When that first happened I was sad. Once I was standing on a rock and there was a giant bass right under my feet. I dropped the lure into the water and BAM! The fish bit the lure. I was so excited that I jerked the rod up and when I did, the hook came out of the fish's mouth. I was really upset because the fish got away. Papa told me not to jerk the rod because if I did, the hook won't set properly. Papa said, "Great fisherman are patient, take their time, and don't rush.”

Step 4) Never be afraid. Step four was learning to take the fish off the hook. It was pretty tricky and slimy, too. The first time Papa told me that I had to hold the fish, I thought the fish would bite my finger off. He told me to put my thumb in the fish's mouth and pull back. The first time I tried I was freaked out because the fish had little teeth. Finally I had the courage to hold the slimy fish with a glove and put my other finger in its mouth. As soon as I did though, the fish wiggled and it scared me so much that I dropped the fish and it got away. Papa just looked at me and said "Great fishermen are not afraid."

Step 5) Take time to do things right. Step 5 required me to tie my own hook on the line and it took a lot of practice. I would get the line tangled up when I tried to tie the knot. First he showed me how to hold the hook. Then he told me to put the fishing line through the eye of the hook. With my fingers holding the line tightly, I had to twist the hook and then thread it through the hole. Papa said, "Great fishermen take their time to do things right, even if it means doing it over and over again."

Step 6) Never give up. Step six was the hardest of them all because I had to learn how to use a really sharp knife. Papa waited till I was 10 years old for this step because I had to use that sharp knife to filet my own fish. I still need a little practice on this, but I am getting better. Learning to filet the fish was very hard because if I cut the fish too close to the back bone it messed up the meat. I messed up a lot, but Papa was patient with me. I kept on going till I did it perfectly. I remember Papa said, "You're my champion. You did all six steps. You are now a GREAT fisherman."
That's What Papa Said!”

I shared all of this with you because of sweet memories on Payton’s 17th birthday and now, Payton is proficient at all those tips Papa gave him, and he’s a great fisherman, too. In fact, Payton brought two friends with him on this trip, and because Payton is carrying on the “teaching” that his Papa gave him, he teaches others. He’s got “fishing” disciples!

There’s a family "bond" we all have with fishing that gives us all great memories. But most importantly, those "fishing steps" are also "life steps" in reeling in success in every area of our lives. I know it has worked for us, and I pray, that put into practice, will work for you, too! Now go and catch THE BIG ONE in life, in business, in your family’s success, in your ministry and your love walk!

When You Pass Through the Waters, I Will Be With You

Over the years, we’ve enjoyed every water feature you could imagine. We frequented the lakes in Texas, Oklahoma and Missouri. And then there was Saddleback Lake in Canada where I officially became a Master Angler when I caught an 8 lb 9 oz Walleye. Mama brought home the fish. Papa had it mounted, and it's prominently placed in Mama's office!

We had fountains in three of our homes that provided such calming sound effects in our backyards. We had a pond at our Sapulpa OK home where our grandkids loved to hang out with Papa. In fact, they all learned to fish there. There's a fishing pond where I live now. We camped, fished and river rafted, canoed, and kayaked in rivers and there are no adequate words to convey about the majestic oceans and seas that we cruised on.

I recall my Sweetheart sitting back, delighting in the stillness and beauty of those moments in all of those water places. He loved taking it all in. He was "home" by the water. I'm quite sure he's made sure that our mansion in heaven is right by the River of Life.

What if life was like living by a pond or lake? A lake can represent stability and tranquility. A lake doesn’t change much from year to year. With the exception of a severe storm (we were at the lake on plenty of occasions when a tornado was coming through), a lake is a secure place with clear boundaries, stable waters, and a quiet shore. There is a sense of order, control, and safe predictability about a lake, with few major surprises from day to day.

I have found life to be more like traveling down a river. It's very unpredictable and filled with many twists and turns, highs and lows, rapids and calms, unseen obstacles and unexpected objects that go drifting by. But, it can also be filled with exhilarating experiences that are packed full of adventure.

Larry, Staci, the kids and myself recently enjoyed a trip to the Illinois River. When the Tenkiller Dam is closed, the river flows nice and slow, and it’s easy to swim and relax, even fish while standing right in the middle of the river. But when the gates at the dam open up, the strong force of those waters is a force to be reckoned with. You can ride the currents in a raft or kayak, but you have to avoid the potential dangers which can be devastating to a rider. We know that for a fact – when our kayaks tipped over and we were pulled into the rapids, and but for the grace of God, could have lost our lives. Our kayaks went on down the river….without us in them. Thank God, we had on life preservers.

As we journey on in life we want things to be safe and secure for us and our loved ones, like that lake with borders -- no big changes or surprises. But, in reality, life is more like a river as it is continually moving in ways that we cannot control, predict, or expect.

The good news for us is that our security, stability, AND sanity are not found on the rivers of our lives, but in the Lord of of our lives. Our hope is in Him who knows the way through the obstacles and the twists and turns. Our peace is found in the One who directs our course. Our hope is fixed upon the One whose hands not only created the river, but calms it, and He is THE ONE Who causes the unpredictability of the river to work things together for our good.

Isaiah 43:2 "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you....."

SHEER Fish-ness!

It's good to be back home, but our home away from home was AWESOME-ness with SHEER Fish-ness over the last several days. Hootsuite, an app to use to schedule Facebook posts, sure made me look like I was really trying to get a message across.... emphatically, as it reposted Sunday's post about 8 times (one for each photo I posted, which I had lumped together in one). Oh me!

God and I have a pact that I will do a daily post (Yes, I know, you don't give "teachings" on FB because it's for quick messaging, but I know folks may not take the time to go to my daily blog at www.livinginthepeacezone.blogger.com, so I post on both places, daily.) Because we were in a no-wifi zone in the deep woods, and on the banks of the Illinois River for the last several days, I had to pre-schedule my posts at a laundromat in Gore that had wifi. Hootsuite provided my Day 2 posts over and over again with each photo I added, individually. I apologize for that!

Since I'm home, I deleted them all but one, and now have the whole album of all the fun photos posted here -- from me walking into the cabin and seeing the photos Staci brought from home of my Sweetheart to these I'm posting here of years ago when he kicked off the love of the Great Outdoors in our family and now to this trip where we gave "Big Larry" a birthday surprise celebration, the kids floating down the Illinois River, making s'mores and playing in the fire (Kids, don't do this without adult supervision!), lots and lots of fishing, and lots and lots of cleaning those fish. Larry and Staci were fish-cleaning machines and I was the chief cook and cheerleader for everyone. I said, "I haven't caught a single fish and Lexi said, "Nana, it would help if you'd put a line in the water!" LOL! I just loved getting caught up in all their successes.

Technology may often disappoint, but God sure doesn't! I loved taking photos with "memories to treasure" in mind, and postings in mind to archive. This photo album is some sweet photos of yester-years with our big boys and Staci's two, and these last few days. You can see we're a "fishing family" both when it comes to fishing for fish AND fishing for men and women to know God, His amazing WORD and all that He has created for each of us. It just doesn't get better than that on this side of heaven, and oh what a time it will be once we cross over to the other side!

Gone Fishing – Gone Home

I don’t endorse too many places just because my experience may not be your experience, but for years we’ve come to Marvel Family Trout Camp. And, sincerely, it is a little piece of heaven on earth, but that depends on what your “heaven” might look like. Like I said earlier, we call it the “Red Neck Yacht Club”. You’ll see every kind of RV, camper, tent, 5th Wheel and Motor Home imaginable. When my Honey and I were looking for a place to take our oldest grandsons for a fun summer outing, we ran across this place. Needless to say, it was our little “home away from home” that was filled with so much fun, laughter, with making lots of memories. So much so, that we continue to want to make more.

The first time we came here to check it out, we had a conversion van and my Honey and I pulled into a space right on the Illinois River. We heard the water lapping against the rocks, saw all the potential of family fun (swimming pool, basketball, tether ball, outdoor theater, miniature golf, craft shop – but best of all FISH, fishing and fishing some more. That night it became our little oasis. Now, for 10 years, this has been the place where we recall memories after memories.

Night before last, the kids were making s’mores, playing in the campfire, and laughing and having a grand old time. Larry, Staci and I went for a walk – passed by all those campsites and saw where other people made this their little oasis too. What I saw in Larry and Staci was they REALLY got away from it all. They had a therapeutic time of letting go of technology, business and all the routines they are so involved in on a daily basis. Here, it's early rising to wake up to a new day of fishing, meeting other fishermen who exchange stories and tips for catching the “big ones”. No make-up and dressed-to-the-nines needed here. It’s sheer simplicity, maybe even wearing the same jeans two days in a row. LOL! Doesn’t matter. No one judges us here.

I loved it last night, after we had enjoyed our beer-battered trout and striped bass fish fry, we sat around and talked – no rush – no need to. It was family time. Staci asked the question of the kids. Tell us what you’ll be looking for in a wife or husband someday. When she saw Payton looking at his cell phone, Staci said, “Payton why are you looking at your cell phone when we’re having family time?” He said, “I’m telling you what I’ll be looking for in a wife.” Then he read what he had pulled up…Proverbs 31 – the virtuous woman. Smart kid. Then it was Will’s turn, and he said, “I want a woman that really worships God with her hands lifted and not with T-Rex arms, and I want a woman who can clean fish.” We laughed because Staci helped Larry clean a huge mess of fish today. Fun times. Great memories. Now in the record book!

No, this place may not fit into your idea of an oasis, but for us, it holds memories that continue to mount up – even to the point we know Payton and Alexia will want to bring their kids back here some day! Are you taking time out to make memories with your little ones – so much so, they’ll want a “repeat” with their kids. I promise you. It is worth it!

GONE Fishing!

Another gift Payton received for his birthday was "going fishing". He got to bring a friend with him this time. Before, it was Papa and I taking him and Lexi fishing to our favorite fishing spot, Marvel Camp in Gore, OK. And that's where we came yesterday. Larry and the boys are in one of these great cabins on the Illinois River and Staci, Lexi and I are in the cabin next door.

There are no adequate words to describe what this place means to me. My husband, Ron and I, loved bringing the two older grandkids here each summer. They called it the "Red Neck Yacht Club". They made up that term the first time they saw folks with their lawn chairs, right in the middle of the river....fishing! What hilarious and fun adventures we had -- sitting by the campfire, kayaking, and FISHING. And then, it was Payton and Lexi's turn. The memories made here have lasted a long time, but the sweetest memories are those we want to re-live. That's what we're doing this weekend.

We have always been a family that loves to fish -- each and every one of us -- some more -- some less. We come from a long line of fishermen. My sweet husband led the way for me when we were first married. We would drive from Dallas to Lake Lavon when we'd get off work or go on the weekends to fish. We'd put on our hip waders and walk in below the dam and fish for bass. I would be lined up right beside all the guys. Someone would get a strike and yell "FISH ON!", and the rest of us would reel in our lines so as not to get tangled up in his line with the fish coming in! That started my love of fishing. And, that love has been passed down now to our children and grandchildren. Fortunately, my two youngest boys live right on a creek where they're hauling fish in, almost daily.

Payton, our 3rd-born grandson, because they lived in the same city as us, had more time to spend with Papa and his love of fishing. That was another reason for the tight bond he and Papa had.

There’s something to be said for getting away from it all to get back to God’s creation and “chill”. Chillin’ is what we’re doing. We laugh a lot, tell stories a lot, patiently put our bait on the hook, and cast – over and over again. It’s a routine that brings so many rewards: family togetherness, celebrating life, making memories that will last a lifetime, therapeutic peace and quiet, friendly competition (Who can get the biggest one?) AND the ultimate reward….catching fish for a big old fish fry! Whoo hoo!

What do you do that takes you to a place of peace, quiet, and REWARDS?