A NYE placeholder (jic)

Who knows? I might get last-minute inspiration! I want to be ready. 

God’s grace is sufficient

As year 2 dominated by the global Covid pandemic winds down, I am grateful to know I have much to be grateful for. 

The journalist in me wants to write some glowing words to highlight the good & offer poignant insights. The overthinking & overwhelmed part of me says that’s not going to happen this year. The spiritually focused part of me says that’s ok. 

I claim 2021 — & this last day of it, as I have done daily for weeks — as good, with God’s grace through my faith in Jesus Christ as my sufficiency. 

Period.
Amen. 

Christmas hangover

I admit it: I may have overdone it in Christmas festivity with my loved ones. 

Even as I feel the tiredness, congestion & aches of food portions of the revelry, I’m grateful for grace & peace that comes from knowing I don’t get to be perfect. 

This is not what I want this post to be about, so I hope to come back later & revise or continue … 

(And that was before I became aware of “the bug.”)

Unwrapping Christmas

 Very grateful for Whaley service of  “Christmas unwrapping” with many members of extended family. Enjoyed interactions with Diana & Josh & Ian & Belle. And Felderhoffs (2 generations) & Hoffmans (& Ami’s boyfriend AJ) & Mom & Amy.

Grateful for a family that spends quality time at church — not just Christmas, Easter, weddings & funerals. Participation by so many — including pairings that included Josh — added to my joy. And then cooperation for pictures. These all do my heart so much good. And singing the familiar carols. And of course, I’m grateful Gene was there. 

My heart & mind were reminded that these regular moments worshipping together have helped shape who we are. So grateful to be children of God, seeking to live to His glory. 

Christmas blessed!

 May I never forget that God’s promised love, peace, joy, hope, forgiveness, power & protection are mine even in those moments I don’t feel it. 

In all things, give God glory, honor, thanks & praise. 

God is good. 

I’m grateful for the Christmas spirit of peace, hope, joy, faith & love. 

Updated version Christmas Eve

 It was 80 degrees in the afternoon on Dec. 24 in south central Oklahoma — so I put on the Santa hat to make it feel a little more like Christmas Eve as we headed to Texas. 

After sunset, I was grateful to attend the Christmas Eve Candlelight & Communion Service at Whaley UMC with Gene, Mom & a lot of our family, plus the extended church family.  

I’ve struggled some this Christmas season to feel grateful & joyful. It’s a reminder to me that spiritual warfare is real. Nothing else can account for how I can know on every level that I am blessed — and still I daily battle negativity & despair.

Even on Christmas Eve. 

I’m grateful that the truth of God’s great gift of love doesn’t rely on my feeling it. And I’m grateful for God’s promise that He is with me always, even when I’m not feeling it. 

Even so, I pray to be filled with God’s Holy Spirit & to let His love & joy flow through me. And even so, not my will but Yours be done, I pray, gracious Lord. 

(I wrote the less upbeat part of that earlier in the day & am grateful to report that God has, indeed, restored a sense of inner joy that departed briefly after the warmth & beauty of the candlelight service. And the present joy is accompanied by peace. I pray that all may experience the love & joy & hope & peace of Christmas, knowing it is real even in those fleeting moments we may not feel it.)

#christmaseve

82 degrees the afternoon of Christmas Eve afternoon

It was 82 degrees in the afternoon on Dec. 24 — and that’s far from the only reason it didn’t seem like Christmas Eve. 

I’m struggling to be grateful & joyful. It’s a reminder to me that spiritual warfare is real. Nothing else can account for how I can know on every level that I am blessed — and still I daily battle negativity & despair.

Even on Christmas Eve. 

I’m grateful that the truth of God’s great gift of love doesn’t rely on my feeling it. And I’m grateful for God’s promise that He is with me always, even when I’m not feeling it. 

Even so, I pray to be filled with God’s Holy Spirit & to let His love & joy flow through me. And even so, not my will but Yours be done, I pray, gracious Lord. 

Strange December gift

This is shaping up to be — or at least to seem to be — a December like no other for me. I can’t think of when I’ve been so unprepared for Christmas. Unprepared materially, spiritually and emotionally. Even when I had a job that I let consume too much of my time, I did more to experience what I think of as the Christmas spirit than I have this year. 

I don’t prefer how it is this year. I also don’t really understand how it happened. 

And yet, in its own strange way, this year’s unfolding of December and the lead up to Christmas is likely exactly what I need and how it’s supposed to be this year. 

Otherwise, how could I be at more peace than seems possible without accomplishments to show for it? 

Right. 

It’ll be my 63rd Christmas. I am still learning to truly accept the gift God offers through Christ. 

Dec. 1 placeholder

 December 1 placeholder — I’m even sharing it to only me on Facebook. Is this dishonest? Ot hopeful? 

It has to do with me wishing I would have taken on a something-a-day for December, since I did not starting on the first day of Advent. I really hope to just let it go. I guess I’m not yet willing. 

Thanksgiving & advent.

 Grateful November and the #30daysofgratitude #30daysofthanks is over. I’m continually baffled by how hard such a simple daily discipline is for me. And the final question seemed the hardest of all: 

Day 30 of 30 days of gratitude:

What talent or skill do you have that you are grateful for?

Ability to put aside my doubts & insecurities to offer my voice in songs of praise to God. 

https://youtube.com/watch?v=dGdqQrbgA7s&feature=share

#30daysofgratitude #30daysofthanksgiving 

And now it’s already the third day of Advent, although in some ways it seems like advent shouldn’t start until tomorrow, Dec. 1. The first week’s theme is hope. Which involves waiting. 

Gratitude & waiting. Expectation. Anticipation. 

I need to maintain an attitude of gratitude as I wait for God to fulfill His promises. 

Grateful for big & small things

 Today’s gratitude prompt asked what small thing that happened today am I grateful for. The answer was easy and is posted below. 

The big thing included all of the ways God worked for good in my marriage, at my church and in life in general, including the small thing highlighted below for Sunday.   

Day 28 of 30 days of gratitude (Sunday): What small thing that happened today are you grateful for?

The neighborhood kitty came out to be petted while we walked. It had been quite a while since Nala greeted us. Her sweet presence delighted me. 

Day 27 of 30 days of gratitude (Saturday): What small thing that you use daily are you grateful for?

The obvious would be my iPhone, for reasons stated previously. 

Day 26 of 30 days of gratitude ((Friday): What form of expression are you most grateful for? 

Words. Talking. Writing. Singing. Poetry. 

#30daysofgratitude #30daysofthanksgiving 

Catching up on Thanksgiving

I was feeling peacefully grateful for not feeling compelled to post anything on my blog for Thanksgiving. And then this happened!

I started thinking about the days I’d failed to post on my #30daysofgratitude #30daysofthanksgiving commitment. And I couldn’t let the day end without trying to catch up. 

I’m pretty sure either choice would have been fine — catching up or letting it slide; maybe even giving up on a minor little discipline. A time may come when not writing is the right choice. But I guess that’s not today!!. 

Day 25 of 30 days of gratitude: What moment this week are you most grateful for?

About 9 am Wednesday. Seriously! (Although I won’t elaborate.) I’m also especially grateful for a moment late Wednesday afternoon. That’s when God led me to “Not That Far From Bethlehem” to sing for the first Sunday of Advent. 

#30daysofgratitude #30daysofthanksgiving 

Day 24 of 30 days of gratitude: What challenge are you grateful for?

The need & desire to overcome negativity, despair, complaining & victimhood. 

#30daysofgratitude #30daysofthanksgiving 

Day 23 of 30 days of gratitude: What tradition are you grateful for?

I’m fond of many Texas Aggie traditions, including kissing after the football team scores. 

#30daysofgratitude #30daysofthanksgiving 

Day 22 of 30 days of gratitude:

What story are you grateful for?

The story of God’s love & redemption & how He never gives up on His creation. 

#30daysofgratitude #30daysofthanksgiving 

Day 21 of 30 days of gratitude (Sunday): What song are you most grateful for? Impossible to choose just one. Today, it’s “He keeps me singing,” after hearing Mom share about its importance to her!!  

Day 20 of 30 days of gratitude (Saturday): Who in your life are you grateful for? 

How do I choose? So many!! Every day, I thank God for my family, friends & fellowships of faith & recovery. When I list names, it almost always starts with Gene & Mom. 

Day 19 of 30 days of gratitude (Friday): What touch are you grateful for today? The touch of my husband’s hug as we left for separate trips. 

#30daysofgratitude #30daysofthanksgiving

Day 18 of 30 days of gratitude: 

What piece of art are you grateful for? 

I’m posting the first thing that came to mind. Even though she’d be the first to admit it’s not her best work, I like that it was done by a dear talented friend. And it represents a turning point in my life for which I also am grateful. 

#30daysofgratitude #30daysofthanksgiving 

Day 17 of 30 days of gratitude: 

What knowledge are you grateful for? 

#JesuslovesmethisIknow

#30daysofgratitude #30daysofthanksgiving 

Day 16 of 30 days of gratitude: 

What about your body are you grateful for? 

Health. Strength. Resilience. 

#30daysofgratitude #30daysofthanksgiving 

Day 15 of 30 days of gratitude: 

What season are you grateful for? 

The one I’m in. That’s easy to say when it’s fall. Summer used to be my favorite, and winter the one I was least grateful for. As I strive to give thanks & praise & glory & honor to God in all things, I am learning to appreciate winter as well. I just don’t want another one like this most recent one. 

#30daysofgratitude #30daysofthanksgiving 

Day 14 of 30 days of gratitude: 

What sight are you grateful for today? 

Worship on a screen when I’m fighting off a cold. Children’s time. Baptism x 3. A beloved choir. 

#30daysofgratitude #30daysofthanksgiving 

Day 13 of 30 days of gratitude: 

What abilities are you grateful for? 

Singing. Encouraging. Determination. Commitment. Perseverance. Communication. 

#30daysofgratitude #30daysofthanksgiving 

Day 12 of 30 days of gratitude: What texture are you grateful for?

I’m most grateful for soft. A kitty’s fur. A cozy sweater. A warm blanket. A baby’s skin. A gentle touch. 

#30daysofgratitude #30daysofthanksgiving 

Day 11 of 30 days of gratitude: What holiday are you grateful for?

I’m especially grateful for Thanksgiving, Christmas & Easter. 

#30daysofgratitude #30daysofthanksgiving 

Day 10 of 30 days of gratitude: What taste are you grateful for?

I’m going with salty, choosing among the standard 5 tastes that also include sweet, sour, bitter & savory (aka meaty or umami). 

As much as I like sweet tastes, salt seems much more practical & satisfying in the long run. Mostly, this question makes me grateful I can enjoy a wide variety of flavors by mixing & matching tastes. 

And I’m thankful to be OK, for a day or two, to take a break from finding photos to illustrate my gratitude.  

#30daysofgratitude #30daysofthanksgiving 

Day 9 of 30 days of gratitude: What place are you most grateful for? 

The Davidson farm came to mind first, then Whaley Memorial United Methodist Church. It’s all about foundations, connections, memories. Other homes, farms, churches, schools, lakes & parks also have places in my heart & on my gratitude list. 

#30daysofgratitude #30daysofthanksgiving

Day 8 of 30 days of gratitude: What book are you most grateful for? 

The Bible! No question about it. This picture also includes elements of the Day 7 topic: a memory for which I am grateful. That would be Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, by which we are saved, which we remember each time we take Holy Communion. 

#30daysofgratitude #30daysofthanksgiving

Day 7 of 30 days of gratitude: 

What memory are you grateful for? 

This may be a little too cheesy, but today I’m going with Hideaway Pizza. Lots of lunches with co-workers — and in later years, gatherings of former co-workers. Meanwhile, Gene & I continue to make our own Hideaway memories. 

#30daysofgratitude #30daysofthanksgiving  

Day 6 of 30 days of gratitude:

What in nature are you grateful for? 

I want to say “everything”!

My first thoughts were blue skies & sunshine. Plants. Animals. Seasons. Cycles. Growth. Change. Resilience. Rhythm. Beauty. Variety. Vitality. Sunrises. Sunsets. Rainbows. Rain. Clouds. 

I settled on time!! I was grateful to spend a little time in the sunshine on the neighborhood trail. Yesterday I was aware of a lack of fall color in the trees. The beautiful red greeted me today. Another example of why I’m grateful for time in nature: Time has a way of bringing delightful changes & surprises in nature. 

#30daysofgratitude #30daysofthanksgiving  

 

Day 5 of 30 days of gratitude: 

What sound are you grateful for today?

I was pretty sure this would be music, likely from a celebration of life I debated whether I should attend. I did attend, and I was blessed beyond measure. I restrained myself from recording or taking photos. But these songs stayed with me, along with a new appreciation for “Through It All” and “Jesus Will Still Be There.”

#JesusLovesMe

#VictoryInJesus

#faithfamilymusic

#30daysofgratitude #30daysofthanksgiving  

Days 4 & 3

 Day 4 of 30 days of gratitude: 

What food are you most grateful for?

The food I choose to be most grateful for today is oatmeal, made from old-fashioned rolled oats. It’s a hearty, comforting & nourishing staple to which I can add a variety of other flavors & textures. And sometimes I enjoy it plain!

#30daysofgratitude #30daysofthanksgiving  

Day 3 of 30 days of gratitude: 

What color are you grateful for?

I’m grateful today for green, the easily overlooked hue of the stems that support my beautifully colored cut flowers. 

#30daysofgratitude #30daysofthanksgiving  

An amazing day of grace & blessings

Day 5 of 30 days of gratitude: 

What sound are you grateful for today?

I was pretty sure this would be music, likely from a celebration of life I debated whether I should attend. I did attend, and I was blessed beyond measure. I restrained myself from recording or taking photos. But these songs stayed with me, along with a new appreciation for “Through It All” and “Jesus Will Still Be There.”

#JesusLovesMe

#VictoryInJesus

#faithfamilymusic

#30daysofgratitude #30daysofthanksgiving  

I hope to write more soon about why it was so hard to decide and how God showed the way to go. 

 

Day 2 of thanks!

 Gratitude & thanksgiving are essential to my well-being. Each day, I try to remember to be grateful to God & give Him glory, honor, thanks & praise in all circumstances. 

My words & actions often fall short. I’m grateful I can recommit to gratitude, optimism & positivity whenever I become aware I’m off track. 

So, here I am on the second day of November. Yesterday, I started seeing the social media posts about #30daysofgratitude #30daysofthanksgiving and similar “challenges” (or maybe opportunities is a better way for me to view it). I wanted to join in but couldn’t think of where to begin. 

The hard part for me is narrowing it down. I’m grateful for everything!!! I posted some words on my blog and thought I would just leave it there. 

This morning, I can’t resist joining in the daily challenge. I’ll start by saying I’m grateful I can start my 30 days of thanksgiving a day late. I’m also grateful for the various prompts I’ve seen, including the one posted by Stephanie Bredesen and the Simple Gratitude guide I picked up at Whaley UMC. 

A smell for which I am grateful is cinnamon. The fragrance is a part of so many favorite flavors and warm feelings for me. Cinnamon Apple Spice tea comforts me on these chilly first days of November. 

Thankful

 I’m inspired by the folks who post something for which they are grateful each day in November, with the hashtag #30daysofthanks or something to that effect. I entertain the idea of joining them. And each time, I’m stumped! Will I ever not overthink things?!?!?

For tonight, I’m grateful I can be grateful without posting on social media. It would be fine if I did. And it’s fine that I won’t. 

Boo hoo

I forgot to reflect on yesterday being 10 years since Daddy died.  

Boo!

That’s all.  

Blessed by trusting God

Very grateful. I committed to trust God & trust Gene with whether or not to go with Gene to the Bassmaster Opens event at Grand Lake trip. 

During  the night all the aches & pains, including the chest ache, I had in the evening diminished. I slept better than I can ever think of before a trip — and I was nowhere near where I thought I should be regarding being ready. 

That rest & relief could only come from God! A scripture I meditated on at one of the few times I was awake was the 23rd Psalm. And verse 6 is the verse of the day. Coincidence? I think not!!

Very, very grateful. I pray to be able to bring this experience to mind when I feel discouraged and-or doubtful about what is possible when I trust God!

10-21-21 9am

Another amazing CROP Walk.

 God is so good! 

More to come ….

#IsurvivedtheOctober 2021 flight cancellation misadventure2

 And how about the Aggies beating Bama while we were too distracted by travel misadventures to even follow along with the second half of the game. (We were able to watch the first half on the flight from Fort Myers to St. Louis.) 

So many unexpected blessings I could list. 

Trouble was on way home instead of to Florida. 

Gene & I were together. 

The Aggies were on CBS network so we could get it on plane. 

Beautiful views of sunset & clouds from the air. 

In the moment

It was helpful to recognize that I’m not as excited about this beach & resort as I have been about others in the past. Whether it’s because of year off & ongoing changes due to Covid, or just getting older, it was helpful to say aloud that I can choose joy & gratitude anyway. I can focus on what I like & enjoy rather than what is missing. 

And just acknowledging that made a huge difference in my perspective. I’m back to seeing the good and appreciating even the little, simple pleasures  

Stay in the moment. Trust God. Be grateful.  

Meaningful moments

 Meaningful moments don’t require photographs. 

Photographs are not a requirement of meaningful moments. 

Moments can be meaningful — and memorable — even if no photographs are made. 

I hope and pray these are true words!!

Another September to remember

 Huge smile. Extreme gratitude. More to come …

As I close out the page on another September … 

So much to remember … 

Anniversary … sunsets … fishing … and my hall of famer!

Wife of the honoree

Tomorrow, my husband will officially be a Bass Fishing Hall of Famer. 

I am so proud. 

I’m also a little jealous. Is it ok to write that? I hope it is, because writing those words, claiming them, frees me to let go & just be proud. 

It’s not about me.  Believe it or not, I tried to make it about me. I thought I was just trying to make sure it was the best it could be for him. (That was related at first to such things as his Hall of Fame bio and items to display in an exhibit. Later it involved me worrying about what I would wear and how I would look, to measure up with my honoree.)

I’m grateful for close friends and a recovery program that are helping me see some errors of my ways. 

It’s taking a great deal of faith to let go and trust God. And yet, that’s all it takes. Let go and trust God. 

Back in December, I found a coin while walking that on one side said “it’s not about me.” On the other side it said “It’s about Him,” with an image of Jesus. That helped me keep a spiritual focus as I prepared for Christmas. 

This week, it is helping me focus on my husband and others. And in so doing, I pray that God will be glorified. 

I’m asking God to guard my heart and guide my steps. Also to guard my tongue; to help me be gracious when I speak. 

When I wrote that, I was thinking of those little things that still continue to slip out of my mouth that would be better left unsaid. 

Then I realized another side of the words challenge. I’m aware of my burning desire to write something wonderful as a tribute on social media to my husband whom I love and am so proud of. And I don’t have words. 

Again, I pray for willingness and ability to let go and trust God.  

If I am to have words, may they come from God. I will trust Him. 

I love and trust my husband. And I love and trust God. That is enough. 

39 years!

 Grateful. Loved. Blessed. 

I meant to post this yesterday, Sept. 4, our 39th anniversary. I got caught up in the moments. 

So I’m posting today.  

Grateful. Loved. Blessed. 

Grateful to turn another page …

 As I turn the page to September, I'm grateful to take time to remember/ Rich blessings of family, friendship and Spirit / Sweet music of life: To hear it! To share it!

God sees me. He knows my heart.

God sees me. He knows my heart. 

He knows my heart needed to process some deep emotions from my childhood that have been buried much of my life. 

With God, everything has its time. It’s not time for me to have a piano or a kitty. 

It is time for me to feel feelings.

It is time for me to acknowledge (awareness) and grow toward acceptance. 

A day will  come when it’s time to act.

  

Yes, this is about a piano and a step stool, among other things. I may update it later, with the rest of the story. 

A month of honoring the 7 am alarm

The rewards have been real. 

Still, it may be time to review and perhaps adjust. 

A lesson in appreciation

 I have new appreciation for my microwave oven after going a few days without it. Sure, we could have bought a new one. But what a waste when it could be easily fixed with an ordered part.

It was a worthwhile exercise to go a few days without it, to realize it is a convenience, not a necessity!

The main problem was that more of our food prep patterns than I realized involve use of the microwave, from defrosting to cooking and reheating. 

Without it, I had to plan further ahead, especially for defrosting.

It also provided renewed appreciation for how the microwave doesn’t heat up the kitchen like the oven or stovetop. 

Honor the alarm

Sunday was the first day in more than 2 weeks that I did not honor my 7 am wake up alarm. 

And in the process, I learned what I thought I already knew: Trust the process. It’s better to get up and find good ways to use that time than to try to go back to sleep. If I need more sleep, I can pray and ask God to guide me during the day to make choices that clear the way for a nap or getting to bed earlier. 

For right now, trying to make up my lack of sleep by ignoring the alarm takes a toll on some positive structure, a boundary and a commitment — discipline — that I desire to honor and develop. 

I could tell it wasn’t ideal yesterday. 

Being back with the alarm is better, even though I’m extremely tired tonight. 

I will trust God to guide me to the rest I need. 

When the new wears off

The rewards of a 7 am alarm continue. Especially in the summer, getting up before the sun is high in the sky is a cool way to start the day. (Pun intended.)

And I’m making some progress on the other aspect of trying to shift my sleep cycle. I’m trying to get to bed with the lights out by 11 pm. Although I’m not there yet, I’m getting closer. 

I accept the fact that even if I’m in bed 8 hours, I’m unlikely to get anywhere near that much sleep, due to various aches, pains and discomfort. I try to ensure the time is restful even if I’m not sleeping soundly. 

Friday may have been a turning point. After a long Thursday and turning out the light late, I toyed with the thought of shifting the alarm to a later time. After prayer and thinking, I chose to leave it at 7, trusting God to help me get the rest I needed, either through a nap or getting to bed earlier Friday. A quick nap helped. 

Now it’s Sunday. I’m still feeling tireder than I’d like. I plan to stick with the 7 am alarm anyway. I don’t think I’ve done this long enough for my body clicks to reprogram. Plus, I’m still not getting enough sleep. 

I will continue to work on it, even though it’s not quite as exciting now that the newness of the concept has worn off. 

Amazing!

I’m still intrigued by an end-of-the-day question posed by my online quick journal. 

Amazing things that happened today: 

Prayer. Answers to prayers. Morning rain. Singing in the rain. Early church. Visiting in between. Part of late church with VBS kids. Church without showering or makeup — just go! Joy in the Lord! 

Working through dilemmas. Facing more challenges. Working through. It’s bedtime now. It is enough. 

The journal then prompts: How could I have made today better? 

For now, it’s important for me to claim the goodness of the day and to give glory to God!

Today was good. I claim its goodness. I maintain its goodness by accepting it. And going to bed, grateful to God. 

We will see — what lies ahead

In retirement, my tendency has been to not set an alarm. My sleep pattern seems to be go to bed around midnight and wake up at 8. 

For some time I’ve known this causes me to miss great parts of the day. 

Is it ok or can it work to try to alter my nature?

Four days in a row, I’ve been up by 7 a.m., all but the first waking to an alarm I set. 

Each day I’ve walked outside. The benefits of doing this before the heat of an Oklahoma summer morning are many. 

I’m pretty sure there also will be benefits even if I’m not planning to exercise outdoors. 

I want to keep this up. I’m working on getting to bed earlier — and working in a catnap if needed. 

One day at a time. Let’s see where this leads. 

Unplanned but not unwelcomed

 I’ve been doing a daily exercise that includes - “quick journal” each morning and night.

One of the evening questions asks: what could I have done to make this day better? 

I’ve been reframing that. It’s important for me to accept each day as good. In all things give thanks and praise. 

I also want to be honest. 

This is how I handled it today:

“Today was good. I accept that it was what it was meant to be. 

“Several things didn’t go as planned and some things that I thought were settled ended up bringing new questions and choices. The change in lunch plans (which meant I could go to meeting; then we talked on phone too long & I missed it anyway); me reaching out to Kevin about singing at Whaley, then Mike suggesting a Rangers game the night before. 

“Things I would like to consider for tomorrow: continue to pray and ask God for direction. Ask for willingness and ability to obey. Trust God. Thank God.”

For right now, that’s a good approach for me. 

In all things …

Thanks and praise. 

Rejoice and sing. 

These are perspective-changing words to live by. 

No matter how a day is going, with faith in God, I can choose to give thanks and praise; to rejoice and sing. 

What typically follows is willingness to do next right things that can make any situation better. 

Thank You, God! All glory to God. 

Another slow start

It’s July 7 and I’m posting a place holder. 

I’m in upstate New York and really hope to come back and edit this into something good!! 

High hopes, great expectations -- and God's gracious guidance

I had such high hopes for how I would wrap up this great month of June on my blog.

Oh well.  Whatever ideas I once had to accompany those high hopes have disappeared. Maybe (hopefully?) those ideas will return or something better will arise as I proceed to write.

Suffice it to say it was a great month. 

Even with the impossibility of meeting my oversized expectations for the north Texas-based 2021 Bassmaster Classic with fishing at Lake Ray Roberts and weigh-ins in Fort Worth, there's no denying the many wonderful moments I experienced with my husband, his colleagues and friends. I love Texas and I love watching and sometimes being a part of the action as Gene does what he does. Plus, I've become a fan of the B.A.S.S. style of fishing tournaments, and the Classic is the pinnacle. I enjoy following the stories of the anglers and the anticipation of seeing who will win.

A couple of personal victories for me came in deciding at almost the last minute to interview the two Oklahoma anglers in the Classic and write up a story. The first victory was that the interviews went great and the story was fun. The second victory was that, when the first place I tried to get to publish the story  wasn't interested, I pursued other options. I didn't let it spoil the whole endeavor. My goal is to share the stories, and I was glad that a fair number of people did get to view what I had written on social media and other platforms. Plus it was really cool to get to know another Oklahoma angler who seems to be a hard worker, dedicated family man and all-around good guy.

I also wrangled some hometown publicity for the Classic, drawing on my husband's roots in North Texas. This also involved some last-minute decisions and actions. I was grateful for how it turned out. And it may have opened doors to future possibilities for me involving home-county journalism.

A week after the Classic, it was time for vacation Bible school at Whaley United Methodist Church, also in Texas. A few months earlier, when I heard they needed someone to help with the music at VBS, I expressed interest. After prayer and more thought, I agreed to help out with "Discovery on Adventure Island." I especially looked forward to the opportunity because I knew six of the participants would be my sister's grandkids -- children whom I adore. They and the others did not disappoint.

I stayed with my mom the week of VBS, which added to the things for which I was grateful. Even though we were both busy with different things and didn't have time to do much together, I always enjoy my time with mom. And I appreciate that she and I can both be busy on our own things and still enjoy the time we have together. 

A little area of self-improvement I realized I needed to work on earlier this month was not comparing myself to others and not being envious or jealous. It's helped me weather some situations where my tendency would have veered into feeling sorry for myself when I saw some of the things others were doing or receiving. It's freeing to recognize that and just stop!

Meanwhile, it was interesting to look back at my most recent post and see that I wrote about transitions and priorities.

I’m continuing to be in some kind of transition. It feels strange not to mark these occasions on social media. And yet it seems repetitive or redundant to post every year. 

The reason I like to post is because people seem to enjoy it and it helps me remember. 

One reason I’m OK with not posting is that it takes time for me to come up with what to post. I guess I have other priorities. ...

And I’m grateful to my Heavenly Father for His unending love and care. 

Maybe that’s what I miss most about posting — the expressions of gratitude I always include. 

God, I pray that my gratitude and encouragement can be felt even when I don’t share on social media.

I was recently reminded that living according to my priorities (based on my values) makes decisions and choices much easier. Of course, that reminded me that I don't have a strong sense of my own values and-or priorities. 

I've started trying to identify them and to incorporate them into decision making. Today, it led me to take pictures while I walked outside, and to post them on social media. And it led me to not give up on my desire to update my blog tonight. 

That's because, so far, things I'm identifying as priorities or values include gratitude and encouragement. Spreading joy. Communicating goodness. Glorifying God.

For the umpteenth time, I don't know where this will lead. But for today, stronger then ever, I trust that God is in charge, leading me along right paths. And I am grateful.

 

Strange times

I didn’t acknowledge my husband’s June 11 birthday on Facebook, and now it looks like I’ll let Father’s Day and the official start of summer pass without a post. 

I’m continuing to be in some kind of transition. It feels strange not to mark these occasions on social media. And yet it seems repetitive or redundant to post every year. 

The reason I like to post is because people seem to enjoy it and it helps me remember. 

One reason I’m OK with not posting is that it takes time for me to come up with what to post. I guess I have other priorities. 

My husband knows I celebrated him on his (65th) birthday. I’m grateful as he’s not getting older, he’s getting better. 

And I have thought of my dad and Gene’s dad on this Father’s Day and first day of summer. 

And I’m grateful to my Heavenly Father for His unending love and care. 

Maybe that’s what I miss most about posting — the expressions of gratitude I always include. 

God, I pray that my gratitude and encouragement can be felt even when I don’t share on social media. 

Oklahoma anglers in Bassmaster Classic experience challenges, rewards of chasing the dream

By Pat Gilliland, freelance journalist

Two lifelong Oklahomans fishing in this year’s Bassmaster Classic exemplify the kinds of choices, sacrifices and rewards that can come with chasing the dream of fishing for a living.  

 

Luke Palmer, 30, of Coalgate, and Chris M. Jones, 41, of Bokoshe, will be in the 54-angler field when the 51st Bassmaster Classic takes place Friday through Sunday (June 11-13) in north Texas, with fishing on Lake Ray Roberts and weigh-ins at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth. 

 

“I could win the Classic, and Tuesday I’d be back at work,” said Palmer, part owner of C&C Hardware, a store that has been in his family for three generations.

Balancing store responsibilities and professional fishing, Palmer qualified for his second consecutive Classic through the Bassmaster Elite Series Angler of the Year standings. 

 

Jones qualified for his second Classic by winning the Bassmaster Central Open on the Arkansas River at Fort Gibson last June. That’s also how the angler, whose home is 10 minutes from the Arkansas River, qualified for the 2014 Classic.

 

Dreams vs. Reality

 

Jones said his “dream-come-true would be to fish for a living.” But with a wife and two sons, he is grateful for his job with AMET in nearby Fort Smith, Ark., that allows him to work 10-hour days and have Fridays off, perfect for fishing in regional events.

That’s served him well, with two championships in the Bassmaster Opens Series and an Angler of the Year trophy in Major League Fishing’s Toyota Series. 

Twice, he’s qualified to fish the big leagues, once with B.A.S.S. and once with MLF. Both times, he declined, opting for the security and flexibility of his job as a machine programmer.

Since then, he’s picked up major sponsorship from Bushnell Optics and The Bass Tank that would help with tour expenses, and the itch to go pro has intensified. (His sponsors he promotes on social media include #Booyah #Yum #teambushnell #bushnelloptics #thebasstank #mercurymarine #basscatboats #powerpole#costasunglasses #ecotungsten #proguidebatteries#viciousfishing #sixgillfishing #bassboattechnologies #Huk#Rodcoffin #Rivervalleytruckoutfitters #MWM)

“Now the task at hand is to requalify,” Jones said.

He knows a couple of things could hold him back from becoming a full-time pro.

“It’s a downfall of mine, and I know it. Because … when you win, you want to win more. And when you try to win every time, try to hit home runs, you strike out several times,” Jones said. 

In other words, he’s more focused on winning than earning points for consistency. That makes it harder to qualify for the Elite Series, which invites Opens anglers based on points.

 

So he plans to keep fishing the Central Opens and going for wins. 

“That’s the only way I can get in the Classic without fishing the Elites, is to win the Opens. Every time I show up, that’s what I’m going to do, is try to win one of them, so I can go back.”

Jones said the other thing that could hold him back if he were to requalify for the Elite Series is his commitment to his wife, Angel, and their sons Hunter, 14, and Fisher, 8.

 

“It’s hard for me to be gone months at a time. To me, it’s a hard road to do it if you have a family,” Jones said. “If I was single and didn’t have a job …”

Third-year Elite Series pro Palmer understands those kinds of choices.

“I made sure when I started I didn’t have any bills,” said Palmer, who is single and owns land near Coalgate in southeastern Oklahoma. 

He worked extra jobs and saved money to have what he thought it would take to fish two years on the Elite Series. A windfall came in winning nearly $100,000 in an amateur fishing league. 

He’s been a consistent performer with the Elites, qualifying for the Classic each year, which keeps him on the pro tour.  It also helped him land a two-year title sponsor deal with Gill Fishing. (His other sponsors include Horizon Trike & Marine, Booyah Bait Co., Thomas Madden Insurance, Sunline, Lumo Batteries and Abu Garcia. His boat is a Phoenix and his motor a Mercury. He promotes these on social: #gillfishing#horizonTrikeandmarine #yum #booyah #abugarcia #sunline#phoenixbassboats #mercury #lumobatteryusa #CandChardware#ThomasMaddenInsurance #thebasstank #NuThreadz)

With his winnings and sponsorships, Palmer has cleared about $20,000 each of his first two years after expenses including entry fees, travel, gear and maintaining a well-equipped boat and truck.

 

So, when he’s not traveling in his camper-topped dually, towing his boat to Elite Series events, usually accompanied by girlfriend Lauren Hayes, he’s glad to be at work in Coalgate. The business responsibilities limit his time for practicing on tournament waters but provide a steady paycheck. 

“I don’t have the sponsorship money to just do fishing alone. That’s the hard gist of it,” Palmer said.

He also acknowledges emotional ties for doing his part to keep the doors open at the hardware store that has been in the family of his mom Ann for so many year. Luke now owns the store with dad Tammy Palmer and his mother’s brother. “Can’t find anyone else to help run the store,” he said.

 

As much as Palmer values the above-average performance that keeps him in the Elites and working with sponsors, he would love to hoist a B.A.S.S. championship trophy. 

“I want to win one. I thought after the (Lake Guntersville Elite) practice I really had a shot,” Palmer said. 

 

As often happens, conditions changed. That's when anglers get to adapt, which Palmer did. However, execution also is key, and Palmer was unable to land the first fish he hooked, probably a 5-pounder.

 

“To win one, everything has to go right,” he said. 

 

He was in the Top 10 the last two days, which meant he had a video camera in his boat. With live television coverage both mornings on FS1, in addition to coverage on bassmaster.com, viewers saw his resilience as he lost four fish in a row and still managed to catch a limit and stay in the Top 10, finishing eighth. 

 

Close-to-Home Classic

 

One of the things Palmer likes about fishing the Elite Series is traveling to new fishing locales, from the St. Lawrence River and Lake St. Clair that straddle the U.S./Canadian border, to Florida, Alabama, South Carolina and several Texas lakes and rivers. 

 

Sometimes the pro tour takes him to a lake that’s unfamiliar even though it’s not far from home. Case in point: Lake Ray Roberts, home of this year’s Classic.

 

Although neither Palmer nor Jones had fished Ray Roberts before qualifying for the Classic, both are eager to take on the lake less than 30 miles south of the Red River and east of Interstate 35.

 

“It’s got standing timber in it, it’s got a lot of offshore structure, and the way that it looks kind of reminds me of Fort Gibson,” Jones said. “And with the water being high, it could be similar to the way Fort Gibson fishes when it’s up.”

 

“I’m excited to get there. I know it’s got a lot of good fish in it and it’s going to be a fun Classic to be in,” Jones said a week before arriving in Texas.

 

Palmer said he spent most of his time at the lake before it went off limits to Classic anglers April 1 getting familiar with structure and how to get around. He fished nearby Lake Texoma over Memorial Day weekend to see how fish are responding during this period of unseasonably mild temperatures and high rainfall.

 

“It sets up pretty good for me, especially with the weather doing like it is,” said Palmer, who hopes to catch fish flipping willows and brush in midrange depths. “You’re going to have some good weights, especially with the lake being up. I think a lot more fish are going to be caught.” 

 

Still, he thinks it will be a “grind,” with anglers competing for prime locations. “If I get 6, 7, 8 bites a day, I’ll be happy,” Palmer said.

 

Originally set for March, the 51st Bassmaster Classic was rescheduled for June in hopes vaccinations and other developments to curtail the COVID-19 pandemic would allow for the return of fans and industry representatives for what has become known as the Super Bowl of professional bass fishing. 

 

Last year’s Classic, with attendance of more than 120,000 during a week of events in early March at Lake Guntersville and Birmingham, Alabama, was one of the last major national events to take place before the spread of COVID-19 shut down much of the nation.

 

Like the rest of the professional sports, B.A.S.S. had to suspend its competitive events during the uncertain times. However, as the year progressed, B.A.S.S. was able to regroup and conduct its full field of events on professional, pro-am, club, collegiate and youth levels, through which anglers qualify for the Classic.

 

Now that Palmer and Jones are in the Classic, they want to win. Palmer finished in 15th place last year. Jones ranked 39th in 2014.

 

As an Elite Series pro, Palmer places value on making the cut to championship Sunday, when only the top 25 anglers fish.  In addition to the thrill of competition, the reward comes through consistent paychecks and more exposure for his sponsors. 

 

“But don’t get me wrong, I’d love to win one,” Palmer said.

 

Jones is more likely to take risks to get the win. “I might end up 50th. But …I’ll be swinging for the fences, for sure,” Jones said. 

 

 

IF YOU GO:

 

Bass fishing fans typically flock to the lake for early morning take-offs, to get a closer look at their favorite anglers in their boats. Some fans also follow along in their own boats.  Of course, the bigger crowds will be in Fort Worth, where the industry-leading Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo and weigh-ins take place.  

 

Events throughout the Bassmaster Classic are free and open to the public, although the host city charges a fee for parking at the Fort Worth venues.  

 

Take-offs for competitive fishing days will be at 6:15 a.m. from Ray Roberts State Park’s Isle du Bois Unit.

 

Weigh-ins at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth are expected to begin about 4:30 p.m. 

 

In between, fans are encouraged to check out the Outdoors Expo at the Will Rogers Memorial Center. Exhibitors will be onsite selling a variety of merchandise for fishing, hunting, camping and more.

 

Also planned for the enjoyment of children and families is the new Go Out(side) Experience. 

 

For more information and live coverage of the take-offs, fishing and weigh-ins, go to bassmaster.com.