Older in Years and Wisdom Teaching the Younger

Fishing Diary – Day 2. Maybe I skipped over Day 1 – that’s because half the day was driving to our destination in the rain and when we made it to our Lower Fork fishing hole -- it was pouring down rain the rest of the day. Still about three fish were caught, but we threw in the towel – rather we used the towel to dry off to get on with the birthday man’s celebration. In honor of his 20th in 2020, we ate our traditional fried gator, fried pickles, and the big finale was pizza and Nana’s Chocolate Cake, opening presents and playing the fun game of Chameleon!

Fishing Diary Day 2 – I woke up the crew at 5:45 because it was a clear, beautiful morning. I knew they would want to spend the entire day doing what they do best! And, yes, the fishing did not disappoint. We clearly have plenty of rainbow trout for tonight’s annual beer-battered fish fry.

What impressed me the most about this day was the inspiring moments of watching the older in wisdom and years training the younger the best techniques for trout-fishing and trout fileting. We have a couple of rookies on board with us – and it's a joy to see them learning from the pros (my kiddos). Then, I watched a dad with his young daughter (about 6 years old), after having caught about six trout, fileting his catch with her watching. He was showing her what was in the fish's tummy. She showed no girlie-girl yuck, but leaned in to hear everything her daddy was showing her. “Let’s see what’s in the fish’s tummy! See, he eats food that goes in his tummy like our food does.” I commended him and his little girl. He went on to say that he’s teaching his daughter that when others say “Girls can’t do that!” – she’ll know – oh, yes she can! Way to go, Dad!

I’m thinking that this training others is right at the heart of Jesus. He kept showing the disciples how to live out everything He was doing, showing them the right techniques, the wisdom and all they needed to ensure they were able to be the BEST fishers of men and women!

We all learned our best fishing skills years ago from Papa and he learned them from old fishermen. They were happy to tell their favorite fishing tips--the best spots to fish, what to fish with, (the best bait), how to hold the rod and reel that causes the fish to chase after the lure, and how to fillet and cook the fish. The older taught the younger. Now I’m watching Larry, Staci, Payton, and this wonderful father with his little girl, pass on wisdom!

Thinking back on those disciples who weren’t fishing as a sport or a fish-for-a-day fishing excursion. Fishing was what they had been doing to make a living. So, when Jesus came walking by the seaside and said to them, "Follow Me and I will show you how to fish for people", they followed. What an attraction Jesus had to those who wanted what he had. When the disciples followed Jesus' instructions (John 20:6), they caught so many fish that the net could not be brought in. That great catch of fish gave the disciples a foretaste of what God was going to do through them as “fishers of men.”

So, today, I’m carrying “fishing” to another level of training for you and me. Any wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and abilities that we may possess – especially as a follower of Christ -- shouldn’t we be the ones who demonstrate in actions and words to the younger in years and the younger in wisdom – the beauty of being a Christ-follower? Just imagine the possibilities of what God could do for us if we will faithfully follow Him! Are you ready to do some fishing? Grab your pole. Get your tackle ready. Set some priority time aside. Follow Jesus to the river and expect a great catch! “Come follow Me and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matthew 4:19)

The Older Teaching the Younger has its Rewards

The last several days, my family and I have been at Beavers Bend in Broken Bow, OK. We’ve had plenty to eat--all the cargo I brought with us and the best of all -- the trout meal we had last night from our big haul of fish. Beer-batter rainbow trout! One of the great rewards of our labors, rather Larry, Staci and Payton’s lab
Alexia and I are two free spirits: fish a little, take care of the meals, and capture lots of sweet moments in photos. We are fair-weather fisher-girls. The others--rain or shine--are after a haul. Patient, diligent, and unrelenting. There are so many things that inspire me on a trip like this. This time I was so impressed by how Larry was an amazing, tender-hearted image of what Jesus must have been like as he kept instructing the disciples in the way they should go.

We learned our best fishing skills years ago from Papa and he learned them from old fishermen. They were happy to tell their favorite fishing tips--the best spots to fish, what to fish with, (the best bait), how to hold the rod and reel that causes the fish to chase after the lure, and how to fillet and cook the fish. The older taught the younger. Now I’m watching Larry and Payton pass it on.

A single mom had her 13-year-old son here from Dallas, spent the night in their van, and was desperately wanting her son to catch at least one fish. He was rigged up for a bass (big hook and big lure). Larry not only told him how to best catch trout, he hooked his line up exactly the way to make it happen. Small hook and small power bait. Immediately he caught a small trout and then a larger one.

Yesterday, again, Larry was showing a man and his son how to rig up their lines. I saw Payton taking a young boy under his wing and showing him step-by-step what to do and how to do it. I can’t help but think about Jesus and His disciples and teaching them.

The fishing they did wasn’t a sport or a fish for a day fishing excursion. Fishing was what they had been trying to do, what they did for a living. So, when Jesus came walking by the seaside and said to them, follow Me and I will show you how to fish for people, why did they go with Him? The Bible doesn’t tell us but I just wonder......

Had the fishing been so lousy that day for Peter, Andrew, James and John that it was a no-brained to give up fishing and follow a man they had never met before? Maybe on this day their nets kept coming up empty, maybe the net-mending was especially monotonous, maybe the heat and humidity were almost unbearable. Were they looking for a good excuse to change occupations — from fishermen to anything-could-be-better-than- this! Had they heard reports about Jesus and His powerful ways enough to pull them away from their nets, their boat, and follow Him?

Why did Andrew, Peter, John and James follow Jesus that day? Did they have any idea that following Him would mean a radical change in their lives? Maybe they thought “Follow Me” simply meant “You deserve a break today.” Maybe they figured they deserved a holiday and tomorrow be back to fishing again. Surely, they couldn’t have guessed what lie I had for them — the excitement, the fun, the grief, and the joy of it all.

We don’t know why they followed Jesus. But we do know that immediately they left their nets and followed Him. To follow Jesus means that we cannot predict what that decision will lead to. Is Jesus calling you to leave your nets? Sometimes the call to follow Jesus Jesus is as loud and clear as a fire siren. Sometimes, His call is more like a still, small voice.

One thing the Bible makes clear is that the call of Christ is the same One who calls us is the strength, the resources, to follow. Maybe, after all, that was the decisive factor for the four fishermen who left their nets and their boats to follow Jesus. Maybe they sensed at some deep, unconscious level, that this was Someone who could be trusted; Someone who, if he asked much, would give even more.

When the disciples followed Jesus instructions (John 20:6), they caught so many fish that the net could not be brought in. That great catch of fish gave the disciples a foretaste of what God was going to do through them as “fishers of men.”

Just imagine the possibilities of what God could do for us if we will faithfully follow Him! Are you ready to do some fishing? Grab your pole. Get your tackle ready. Set some priority time aside. Follow Jesus to the river and expect a great catch! “Come follow Me and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matthew 4:19)

I'm a Fisher-Woman

When my Austin family asked what I wanted for my birthday, I didn’t hem-haw around like I usually do: “Your love is all the gift I want!” But this milestone year, I went in for the jugular: I asked for all 13 of us to be together!” And did they ever comply! Then they asked what the “grandchildren” could give me. Again, I didn’t hesitate. I asked for a “Fishers of Men” bracelet. My heart overflowed last year while at the Sea of Galilee. I was at the Sea of Galilee. I walked where Jesus walked and I was where Jesus called two brothers, Peter and Andrew, from their fishing business to follow Him and become "Fishers of Men".not just fishers of fish. (Matthew 4:18-20) “Fishers of Men” became a Christian term for those who desire to live their lives as devoted followers of Christ and who become "Fishers of Men", too.

I make many references to our family's love for fishing so I had several reasons for desiring that little bracelet: 1) It replicates the snap swivel used for tying the fishing line to the swivels; 2) It is commonly worn by those of us who have attended and served at an ACTS Retreat where “being fishers of men and women” is the underlying theme, and 3) It will continually remind me to strive to be a "fisher of men AND women".

A night of fishing and coming up with empty nets was a sad outcome for those fishermen, but that scene quickly changed when Jesus stepped up and saved the day for them. With His help they caught more fish than their nets could even hold. Peter and Andrew did as they were told; they cast their nets where Jesus directed them to and hauled in a boatload of fish. Their own natural ability wasn’t enough. They needed the Lord’s help to guide them, and with His help,.they caught a boatload!

That is the point for those of us who are passionate about being fishers of men, as well as being partners with God in our everyday walk of life. Sure God wants us to do our part and use the abilities He has given us to realize good outcomes for our efforts, but He also wants us to acknowledge our need for His help, even before we work really hard and come up empty. He wants us to call on him in whatever we are doing.

Maybe we’ve been striving for way too long to get the job done our way and on our own. What if we partnered up with God and took the time to consciously bring Him into our plans at our jobs, in our homes, and in our world? For example, if the children are acting up, ask Him for strength, grace, and patience. If facing a challenging issue at work, ask Him to inspire you and give you wisdom. We can trust that, indeed, “all things are possible” when we rely on Him. And, when we rely on Him, just imagine the boatload of wisdom, understanding, ideas, witty inventions, words to say to someone to encourage them, and everything else He gives us to have a boatload-of-blessing.

I plan on wearing my "Fishers of Men" bracelet every chance I get to remind me of His "call" to follow Him, and to purposely stretch out my faith "net" with this daily post to catch as many of those who are weary, hurting and longing for hope and rescue, and introduce them to the greatest Fisherman of them all. After all – He is right here on my fishing “boat” with me! What does YOUR "fishing" net look like?

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!

GONE FISHING

We’re heading out this morning for our annual fishing trip to Marval FamilyTrout Camp in Oklahoma. The list of "must take" items that was made by Papa and I years ago, was updated, added to, and all items for the cabins, the food and, the most important, fishing gear are present and accounted for.

I don’t endorse too many places just because my experience may not be your experience, but for years we’ve gone to Marval. And, sincerely, it is a little piece of heaven on earth, but that depends on what your “heaven” might look like. Our oldest grandsons dubbed it the “Red Neck Yacht Club” the first time we went there, many years ago, when they saw folks fishing from their lawn chairs right smack dab in the middle of the Illinois River. LOL! When my sweetheart 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, and lots of memories made. Today, we'll start making more.

The first time Ron and I went there, it was by ourselves, just to check it out. We had a conversion van back then so we 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, and it is still “the birthday gift of choice for Payton” to get to go there. It appears that we’re all along for the ride, but NOT – we all love the adventure. I remember last year, after fishing almost all day and it was starting to get darker, Larry asked Staci “Wanna’ go fishing?” Her reply was “Morning, noon and night!” LOL!

We're in good company with Jesus and His disciples. After all, it was Peter and Andrew, brothers who were fishermen, that Jesus called to be His disciples. It was fish that Jesus multiplied to feed the 5,000+. It was fish that Jesus cooked for His disciples. It was in a fish’s mouth that Jesus sent the disciples to obtain the coin to pay their taxes. It was fish that Jesus likened to, when He said to His disciples “Be fishers of men”! There’s something about being a fisherman. Jesus set the example, and we’re simply doing what He did. There’s competition, calm relaxation and a potential meal (or meals), as the fruits of the rewards of fishing are bountiful. We’ll be having a huge fish fry while we’re there. Great expectations! Aw! I can taste it now.

We’ll sit by the campfire and laugh and talk about our adventures in each day. We’ll talk about the “big one” that might have gotten away or the fishing techniques that an old fisherman might have shared with us. We’ll make lots more memories that we’ll continue to share for years to come. 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 that they want to carry on the tradition when they have little ones?