Fishing

This last weekend we celebrated Memorial Day at my In-Laws in Aitkin, MN. This was the first time in a long time that I was able to go fishing. Nela's (my sister-in-law) boyfriend Jesse took Dallas, Jim Bear (a good friend), and myself fishing for Northern Pike on Serpent Lake in Crosby, MN. We didn't catch many fish, but we sure had a fun time getting soaking wet as we experienced the first big rain shower of the year. There is nothing like getting sopping wet to energize ones day. I only caught 3 fish (two Northern's, one that we kept, and a Large Mouth Bass).

The next day I went crappie fishing with Dallas, Hannah and Isaac (Isaac went back out on the paddle boat after falling in the lake the previous night). It is amazing to go fishing with Hannah because she has her own pole and she gets so excited when she catches a fish. I forgot how much I enjoy fishing, and being able to spend the time with my kids (and Father-In-Law) was an awesome experience.

It is amazing to me that spending time fishing can make you feel so blessed. All we did was catch a few fish, but being able to spend time with people that you love makes the trip worthwhile. Even if you get soaking wet doing it, this time spent fishing is worth it.

A Quiet Prayer

I was spending time in prayer today and it occurred to me that I miss being able to spend time alone with God. All I said was a quiet prayer and it was amazing the peace that came over me when I spent time completely devoted to being with God. It was as if I was struggling across a desert and I didn't realize that I was thirsty until I found an oasis and took a sip of water. Sometimes it is hard to spend time alone with God, but we become hardened to the daily routines of life. I forgot how amazing the presence of God is and how personal I take my relationship with Him. Sometimes it takes a sip of water to realize that we were thirsty in the first place.

Life goes on

Since graduating my life has been devoted to finding a pastoral position. It is very difficult for me to suddenly be without something to do other then applying for jobs. River Valley did just hire me part-time to help with IT issues which is a real blessing. Life goes on after school, life goes on after internship, life goes on no matter what. My life is going on and I am praising God that no matter what, He is leading me through whatever door He opens up. What a testimony of God's grace, that even though I don't have an official pastoral position I still have peace about life going on.

Graduation

I graduated today, and I was surprised that the graduation ceremony was as fun as it was. All the speakers were funny and quick, the music and worship was amazing, and I hugged the School President. I was blessed that my Dad, Mom, Sister, Nephews, Wife, Mother-in-Law, Father-in-Law, Grandmother-in-Law, and my Kids, could all come to the ceremony. I wish my brother could have been there, but he was unable to. I have made it through my Bacholars Degree and I hope to get my Masters sometime in the next five years. We will see where we are in the next few years.