# 100 Kids!

I spent last weekend with a bunch of 4-H kids teaching about camera buttons!

This gecko was a hit and they turned him into a star! 

Yea even us big kids got in on the act! after all we do love photography! It is great to work with kids who are truly interested in learning!

# 99 Fruit!

Persistence does pay off! I am pleased to say that this week I got the first few copies of the "Kayak Book". This has been a two year time investment for me,starting from the early days when I decided to write this book. One year + to get the book written and almost a full year to find a publisher, work through the set up and see the book printed. I could not be happier with the way it turned out.

Now the marketing begins.

The publisher, Texas Fish and Game magazine has books already in Academy stores and this will be the new edition. We will also have the book in Fishing Tackle Unlimited as well as kayak distributors like Austin Canoe and Kayak (ACK).

The fruit of this labor looks pretty sweet!

I have learned a lot, and also forged some great new friendships.

The book is available online at http://fishandgamegear.com/

Psalm 103:21-22 (NASB)

21 

Bless the Lord, all you His hosts,

You who serve Him, doing His will.

22 

Bless the Lord, all you works of His,

In all places of His dominion;

Bless the Lord, O my soul!

# 98 Summer Shift

So here it is July 2015. I used this picture from Utah last year to remind me what it is to be cold! The second book I wrote "101 Freshwater Kayak Launching Points" is due to be in stores this month. Texas Fish and Game magazine did a nice write up in the July issue. If you are in Texas and do not get the mag now, pick up a copy at Academy.
 I have been full speed ahead every weekend for the past 2 months gathering information on my latest book writing venture. I have enjoyed the research process of  gathering this information, but my blogging has suffered! I do plan to start back with the "Where In Houston" blog soon and convert it to a Where TO FISH in Houston blog!
Fishing is a great activity for all members of the family, and the Houston area has plenty of neat spots to spend a little while away from the hustle of the city life.
I do hope you will continue to enjoy the posts!

Psalm 91

1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
    will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
    my God, in whom I trust.”

# 97 Lost in the shuffle

It is hard for me too look here and see its been a month since I posted last! Wow! I saw this sticker last week and thought it was pretty funny. Right now I feel like a stick person!
Busy is not the right word for what has been going on the last few weeks. No excuses..Just  trying to prioritize. The kayak book has gone through a couple more edits. I keep finding things I didn't do right the first time. I have sent the last edit to the publisher and printing is not far off. I am pretty sure all my vacation for the rest of the year will revolve around some form of marketing! The next book project is in the information gathering stage. I am working most every night and every weekend to get my outline in place. After almost a month of non stop rain we are settling into summer. Get ready for the heat! I will try and not go a month with out an update this time.

James 1 :19

19 This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear,slow to speak and slow to anger;

# 96 Bird Nerd

 It happened this week that I arrived home from a trip to Dallas late one afternoon and found a couple new visitors!

I was treated to this pair of Scarlet Tanagers..just passing through.

I have never seen this bird species around my house before and I was pretty excited.

Some of you may be amused by that, but sometimes the simple things are the best things.

I hope you have something new in your life, a goal or hobby that will allow something as simple as a new life bird to get you excited!

Don't take your self too serious, find something fun and enjoy the simpler things in life!

Proverbs 16

9 

9 The mind of man plans his way,

But the Lord directs his steps.

# 95 Finish Line

Sometimes you have to kick, scream, cry and claw your way to the finish line. The picture above is my son and his friend doing the Battlefrog Obstacle Course. A brutal event designed by Navy Seals. 

Another battle is also being waged in Florida by my brother in law Charles. 

He is in the last week of chemo and radiation treatment. 

I remember well the obstacles involved with these cancer treatments.

As I reflect on these two family members the word determination seems to fit . We must all, at many points in our life look at the road ahead, set your jaw, put your head down and go THROUGH IT.

Not around it; not, lets just figure a way out of it; just determine that you are going to do it.

Then do it.

Whatever finish line lies in front of you today remember that God is always with you. Keep fighting! We are praying for you Charles!

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd,
I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters.
3 He restores my soul;
He guides me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.

4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil, for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You have anointed my head with oil;
My cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and loving kindness will follow me all the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

# 94 April Showers!

April showers remind us its time to "jump" up and get outside to look at all the new growth and a fresh spring! Happy Easter to all of you. I hope you enjoyed the lovely weekend and are reminded that Easter is a time of new beginnings. We can not change our past but we can start today wil a whole new beginning. You get this weeks post early because I am headed out for a few days of vacation with two of my sons. I hope to have some great pictures for you next week! I have placed the Woodcrafting for Birds and Wildlife in two retail stores locally Community Hardware and Knox Feed. If you are close by you can get your copy this week!

John 11

21 “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.”

23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”

24 Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”

25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

27 “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”