You have probably figured out by now, but I am a Bass Fishing addict. I started fishing competitively in 1993. With early success, I had visions of fishing professionally one day. But after getting to know a few pros, I reallized that is not the life I want. Months away from home and family would never work for me.
But, fishing on the club level and higher was something I was interested in pursuing. I have been in Birmingham Bass Club since 1993 and have fished several higher trails since that time. I have had plenty of success at the Club level but have been itching to "prove" myself with the bigger boys.
In 2000, I made the Alabama Bass Federation State Team and fished the Southern Regionals with limited success. But, that was and still is a big deal to me. That was the first time I was able to take my family with me to a big tournament, and I think they really enjoyed it. We spent a week in Santee, South Carolina. I fished during the day while they got to take tours of the local sites and enjoyed the wining and dining of BASS.
Since then, I have been close to making the "Team" several times, but have come up a few fish short every time.
Last year, I had a run at making "Angler of the Year" with the Federation, but fell short once again. I fished as a"Co-Angler" in the BASS Weekend Angler Series and made it to the Nationals, but faltered again.
This year, I dedicated myself to fishing at a higher level. I have not fished much at the club lever. Rather, focusing on the "higher" level trails. The Alabama BASS Federation Nation was my focus. I haven't blown away the competition by any means, but I have fished consistantly all year. There are 5 tournaments in this trail. Four qualifying events in the Spring months, and the State Championship in October. After the 2nd Qualifier, I was in second place for Angler of the Year (AOY). After the 3rd event, I managed to pull out a lead for AOY by 8 slim points.
Last weekend was the 4th Qualifier on my weakest lake int he state. I fished harder for this event than I have for any other, but still did not do terribly well. But, as providence would have it, I finished well enough to stretch out my lead by 38 points. AOY.
After a little math, I realized that if the 2nd place guy for AOY were to win the State Championship, I would only need to finish in the top 38 to win AOY. I am so excited! The state championship is on one of my favorite lakes, and one of my favorite times of the year to fish! I have to like my odds of winning the top honor and getting back on the State Team.
But, there's always a but, I ALWAYS blow up at the Championship. In the last 10 years I have either led the tournament or been in the top 10 after the first day 5 times. Each time, I threw it all away on the second day of competition.
This year is different. I have approached this season a little differently. I now know that God will only allow things to happen that I can handle, one way or the other. Somehow, He has given me a peace about His sovereignty that I have not known in the past. IF it happens, it happens, His will has been done! He has shown me over the years, that if it is not His plan for whatever goal I have, it will NOT happen. That has been a huge change for me. Melissa reminds me all the time, "it's not about you", and it's not. All those years I was so close, it was not His timing,
Saturday morning, I actually prayed that He would provide me what I needed to do well in that event. I know, you think it's silly to pray about catching fish, and it may be, but I believe God is in control of every aspect of my life, not just the "Big" items. I told God that I would trust in Him and whatever happened, I would have peace that it was His will. After the weigh in, I was frustrated that I had not done better. But, I prayed and thanked God for what He had provided and thanked Him for giving me peace...... Then I had to repent for lying about the "peace" part. You ever laugh with God? It's pretty cool, He knew I was lying!
The crux of the story is that God has truely changed my life in so many ways. I now know that it's not about me, it's about what He wants for me. Perhaps, those yeras I didn't make it, He knew my pride couldn't handle the success. Hopefully, I can, now. Either way, if it happens, it is because He has ordained it; if not, it was not His time.
Lord, help me to see your hand in all areas of my life; help me to strive for your "Way" as much as I do for earthly endevors.
Thank you for all you do!
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Monday, June 16, 2008
Dad
We all tend to take our fathers for granted, I know I did. He was a very hard working, loving and caring man. I never really noticed much of that while he was alive because I was wrapped up in my own life and just thought that was how all dads were.
Now that I have a teenager (officially today, Happy Birthday Clay!), I can see his deeds more clearly.
I got the opportunity to fish with a Bass Guide on Lake Guntersville last weekend. He was a great guide, but also a very interesting man. He is a Child Advocacy Counselor with SBC. Definately a job you have to be called for. He deals with and helps children from very bad homes. Listening to his stories of children from homes where the dad killed the mom and left 7 children to an Aunt with two sons with rape and murder charges against them. Children that were sexually abused for years and held hostage in their own homes. Children that have never known a normal, God-fearing home life. What a difficult ministry this man has, but he has been called by God and he loves those kids. Everything he makes from guiding goes to help his 30 kids scattered about the country. He has housed many of them in his some while trying to help them. Soon he will be leaving his job and selling everything to move to Illinois to adopt the 7 children mentioned above. Truelly an incarnational missionary.
His stories made me shutter to think of the "real world" that is out there and all the horrible conditions many children grow up in. It is hard for me to imagine such conditions. Why? Because God blessed me with a great, God-fearing, stable family. A family that always loved, always supported, always showed me Christ.
Thanks Dad and Mom for my childhood and for protecting me from the "Enemy"! Lord, help me to be that Dad to my son, and that husband to my wife!
To learn more about Troy Jens: http://www.castingforcrowns.org
Now that I have a teenager (officially today, Happy Birthday Clay!), I can see his deeds more clearly.
I got the opportunity to fish with a Bass Guide on Lake Guntersville last weekend. He was a great guide, but also a very interesting man. He is a Child Advocacy Counselor with SBC. Definately a job you have to be called for. He deals with and helps children from very bad homes. Listening to his stories of children from homes where the dad killed the mom and left 7 children to an Aunt with two sons with rape and murder charges against them. Children that were sexually abused for years and held hostage in their own homes. Children that have never known a normal, God-fearing home life. What a difficult ministry this man has, but he has been called by God and he loves those kids. Everything he makes from guiding goes to help his 30 kids scattered about the country. He has housed many of them in his some while trying to help them. Soon he will be leaving his job and selling everything to move to Illinois to adopt the 7 children mentioned above. Truelly an incarnational missionary.
His stories made me shutter to think of the "real world" that is out there and all the horrible conditions many children grow up in. It is hard for me to imagine such conditions. Why? Because God blessed me with a great, God-fearing, stable family. A family that always loved, always supported, always showed me Christ.
Thanks Dad and Mom for my childhood and for protecting me from the "Enemy"! Lord, help me to be that Dad to my son, and that husband to my wife!
To learn more about Troy Jens: http://www.castingforcrowns.org
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Providence
Providence Defined
"The English term “providence” derives from the Latin providentia, which signifies “foresight.” Providence has to do with:
the Creator’s maintenance of the functional balance of the natural world;
the fulfillment of the divine purpose in the regulation of international affairs; and
God’s special operation in the lives of those who seek to do his will. "
I have pondered doing this blog for some time. It is a subject that has meant alot to me in the last several years, but it is hard to put into words, if you know me, you know that I am not eloquent by any means.
Through the years of struggling with my company's battles for money, fear of the future, uncertainty of direction, dissapointment in failure, I have come through it all because of one thing....Providence.
It has been along time coming and not an easy lesson, but it is so clear in hind-sight. I AM an Israelite. I ramble through the desert complaining about lack of food, and He gives me manna and quail. I complain about thirst and He gives me the dew of the morning or a spring out of a rock. Tomorrow I will complain about something else that I lack, because I forgot how He provided yesterday and the day before!
Not wanting to name names, but over the last few weeks, I have had two very close friends get to see God's hand in providing to their families in tough times, and they were so amazed. We should not be amazed, but rejoice and praise the one that provided it. Every part of our lives has been orchestrated since the beginning of time! Did you get that? All of it, not just the "really important stuff"! That means when you didn't get the car you were dying for, it was for a reason, God had another, more perfect plan for your life.
God has provided us all with so much. How often do we reflect on that and really thank Him for what we have? Now, reflect on what we give back to Him. Hmm, does it reflect our gratitude?
God has blessed me so much and I am very very gratefull. I have a great wife, son and family, a great church family, a good house, and strange boat, a company that HE alone has run for the last several years and has provided greatly for my family and the families of our employees. He has blessed me and He has made me to give to friends in need, and blessed me through that.
I have never been the compassionate type or even the type to be conisderate of others. It's just not in my make up, just ask my poor wife! God produces that in our lives and directs us to do things that are not of ourselves. Its not dew on the fleece, it's more like a thought you cannot forget, an urge you can't fight off, that's is how I believe God works in our lives.
I have learned so much about Stewardship the last few years in our church. How Godly men and women give graciously, and share so abundantly what God has given them. They do so discretely for one reason, it is not about them, it is about Him. I have also had the regretable posititon of seeing folks that never give, ever. To those I say, you forget God's promises, He will provide.
This is the whole reason I was reluctant to write this blog, I don't want to sound like a "name it, claim it" preacher, BUT, I challenge anyone reading this to start now, write your tithe check to your church (any church) for the full tithe before you write any other checks. Try this for a few months and tell me if God did not bless you and provide for your needs. I believe He will, and He does. If you are living beyond your means, that is a different story all together, I think Dave Ramsay suggests looking through your checkbook register to see where your heart is.
I dont know how I got from Providence to Stewardship, but they are truelly related. This blog is not intended to be for bragging or for condeming, just something that God has shown me over the years and I wish someone would have told me years ago. I hope it will help you as well.
Finally, there is nothing you have or do not have that God did not ordain or provide. Try to remember that the next time you don't get something you want, or something does not go your way. It's a hard thing, but when we start looking at life that way, I think we will have more peace during those times.
Preaching to myself,
Scott
"The English term “providence” derives from the Latin providentia, which signifies “foresight.” Providence has to do with:
the Creator’s maintenance of the functional balance of the natural world;
the fulfillment of the divine purpose in the regulation of international affairs; and
God’s special operation in the lives of those who seek to do his will. "
I have pondered doing this blog for some time. It is a subject that has meant alot to me in the last several years, but it is hard to put into words, if you know me, you know that I am not eloquent by any means.
Through the years of struggling with my company's battles for money, fear of the future, uncertainty of direction, dissapointment in failure, I have come through it all because of one thing....Providence.
It has been along time coming and not an easy lesson, but it is so clear in hind-sight. I AM an Israelite. I ramble through the desert complaining about lack of food, and He gives me manna and quail. I complain about thirst and He gives me the dew of the morning or a spring out of a rock. Tomorrow I will complain about something else that I lack, because I forgot how He provided yesterday and the day before!
Not wanting to name names, but over the last few weeks, I have had two very close friends get to see God's hand in providing to their families in tough times, and they were so amazed. We should not be amazed, but rejoice and praise the one that provided it. Every part of our lives has been orchestrated since the beginning of time! Did you get that? All of it, not just the "really important stuff"! That means when you didn't get the car you were dying for, it was for a reason, God had another, more perfect plan for your life.
God has provided us all with so much. How often do we reflect on that and really thank Him for what we have? Now, reflect on what we give back to Him. Hmm, does it reflect our gratitude?
God has blessed me so much and I am very very gratefull. I have a great wife, son and family, a great church family, a good house, and strange boat, a company that HE alone has run for the last several years and has provided greatly for my family and the families of our employees. He has blessed me and He has made me to give to friends in need, and blessed me through that.
I have never been the compassionate type or even the type to be conisderate of others. It's just not in my make up, just ask my poor wife! God produces that in our lives and directs us to do things that are not of ourselves. Its not dew on the fleece, it's more like a thought you cannot forget, an urge you can't fight off, that's is how I believe God works in our lives.
I have learned so much about Stewardship the last few years in our church. How Godly men and women give graciously, and share so abundantly what God has given them. They do so discretely for one reason, it is not about them, it is about Him. I have also had the regretable posititon of seeing folks that never give, ever. To those I say, you forget God's promises, He will provide.
This is the whole reason I was reluctant to write this blog, I don't want to sound like a "name it, claim it" preacher, BUT, I challenge anyone reading this to start now, write your tithe check to your church (any church) for the full tithe before you write any other checks. Try this for a few months and tell me if God did not bless you and provide for your needs. I believe He will, and He does. If you are living beyond your means, that is a different story all together, I think Dave Ramsay suggests looking through your checkbook register to see where your heart is.
I dont know how I got from Providence to Stewardship, but they are truelly related. This blog is not intended to be for bragging or for condeming, just something that God has shown me over the years and I wish someone would have told me years ago. I hope it will help you as well.
Finally, there is nothing you have or do not have that God did not ordain or provide. Try to remember that the next time you don't get something you want, or something does not go your way. It's a hard thing, but when we start looking at life that way, I think we will have more peace during those times.
Preaching to myself,
Scott
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
List
Everyone that blogs has a list. I have been thinking of topics...what I hate, what I love, pet peeves, etc. I wanted to step out a bit.
So here is a list of my favorite quotes from Jack Handey (no particular order)
It takes a big man to cry, but it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man.
Rehab is for quitters.
Illiterate? Write today for free help.
What is another word for synonym?
Dad always thought laughter was the best medicine, which I guess is why several of us died of tuberculosis.
When you go in for a job interview, I think a good thing to ask is if they ever press charges.
If a mute swears does his mother wash his hands out with soap?
Should vegetarians eat animal crackers?
Why do people who know the least know it the loudest?
If a kid asks where rain comes from, I think a cute thing to tell him is "God is crying." And if he asks why God is crying, another cute thing to tell him is "Probably because of something you did."
Mom used to get offended when I used the word "puke." But to me, that's what her dinner tasted like.
Children need encouragement. If a kid gets an answer right, tell him it was a lucky guess. That way he develops a good, lucky feeling.
If you ever catch on fire, try to avoid looking in a mirror, because I bet that will really throw you into a panic.
I didn't claw my way to the top of the food chain to eat ruffage!
When I die, I want to go peacefully in my sleep like my father did, not screaming in terror like his passengers.
A good man has few enemies. A ruthless man has none.
Save the whales! Collect the whole set
The quickest way to a man's heart is through his ribcage.
Power corrupts. Absolute power is kinda' neat.
Give a man a fish and you'll feed him for a day, but give him a case of dynamite and soon the village will be showered with mud and seaweed and unidentifiable chunks of fish.
I love it!
So here is a list of my favorite quotes from Jack Handey (no particular order)
It takes a big man to cry, but it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man.
Rehab is for quitters.
Illiterate? Write today for free help.
What is another word for synonym?
Dad always thought laughter was the best medicine, which I guess is why several of us died of tuberculosis.
When you go in for a job interview, I think a good thing to ask is if they ever press charges.
If a mute swears does his mother wash his hands out with soap?
Should vegetarians eat animal crackers?
Why do people who know the least know it the loudest?
If a kid asks where rain comes from, I think a cute thing to tell him is "God is crying." And if he asks why God is crying, another cute thing to tell him is "Probably because of something you did."
Mom used to get offended when I used the word "puke." But to me, that's what her dinner tasted like.
Children need encouragement. If a kid gets an answer right, tell him it was a lucky guess. That way he develops a good, lucky feeling.
If you ever catch on fire, try to avoid looking in a mirror, because I bet that will really throw you into a panic.
I didn't claw my way to the top of the food chain to eat ruffage!
When I die, I want to go peacefully in my sleep like my father did, not screaming in terror like his passengers.
A good man has few enemies. A ruthless man has none.
Save the whales! Collect the whole set
The quickest way to a man's heart is through his ribcage.
Power corrupts. Absolute power is kinda' neat.
Give a man a fish and you'll feed him for a day, but give him a case of dynamite and soon the village will be showered with mud and seaweed and unidentifiable chunks of fish.
I love it!
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