This Morning at the Lake

These videos are from my trip to the lake this morning.  Spent more time looking around than I did fishing.
The first video is of my favorite springtime crappie spot.  Where I was standing to shoot the video is usually about 6-8 ft deep.  The rocky bank is like crappie heaven in the spring.  The little bit of water you see in the video is only inches deep.
The next video is of the first beaver I've ever seen in the wild. I've seen evidence of them before, but this is the first one I've ever come across. At first I couldn't tell what it was. Thought it might be a gator. Then I thought it might be a nutria until I saw its tail. I chased him some with the trolling motor, then he slapped his tail against the top of the water and dove. He resurfaced a bit later and seemed to be doing the same thing I was this morning, just wandering around dismayed at the low lake level and wondering when it was going to rain again.

What's Influencing Me?

I guess it's because of the beginning of a new school year, but I've been thinking a lot lately about who is influencing my kids.   Thinking about that has led me to think about who's influencing me.  It's healthy to take stock once in a while, examine what kind of stuff you are putting into your life.
"...for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap."  Gal 6


Andy Stanley- Pastor of North Point Church in Atlanta, son of Charles Stanley of "In Touch" and First Atlanta Baptist fame.  I've been subscribing to the podcast of his sermons.  Not a lot of fluff like a Joel Osteen (no offense to you Osteen fans), but lots of meat and practical spiritual lessons.

Garrison Keillor-  Another podcast subscription.  Up to a year of his "News from Lake Wobegon" monologs from the "A Prairie Home Companion" radio show are available.  Just made up stories about his made up home town, but I like them.

I read Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar's second book, "A Love That Multiplies", a couple of months ago and I'm  still thinking on it most everyday.  Whether you have one child or nineteen, both of their books are full of practical marriage, parenting, financial, and spiritual influence.

For the last several months I've mostly been reading Elmer Kelton, Louis L'Amour, and Zane Gray.  Novels about the last half of the 19th century and the first half of the 20th.  Sometimes I think I would have fit in better back then.


Dave Ramsey-  It's been a year and a half since Leslie and I graduated from Financial Peace University, but we are still being influenced by what we learned.  Living on a budget, faithful giving, and having cash money set aside for car repairs, doctor visits, and new shoes really does bring financial peace.

Break the Chain-  When I visit Albuquerque I'll know where and what to eat, but will I have enough time and money to try them all?

What's influencing you???