To say that my husband and son love to fish is an understatement. They own a bass boat and take, find, or sneak every opportunity they can to hit the lakes. I spent some time recently with my son in front of his computer admiring pictures of the big beauties he'd caught on a recent trip to the Sierras. It got me thinking about how it's said people are like fish in a pond ~ some are little fish in a Big Pond, and some are Big Fish in a little pond. Which one do you think you are? 
My old nature wants me to be the big fish that makes a big splash, a "keeper" ~ but God's nature in me says otherwise. Sometimes our lives seem small and insignificant, or we're made to feel that way (if we take the bait). But that's not the truth. You actually might be the one that walks into a room and brings critical mass.Jesus understood the significance of a few right people. In the story of Jairus' daughter, where he was making a house call to a sick little girl, he dismissed all but a handful from the room before he prayed for her. It was those with big faith that were allowed to remain.
It's not how we look, or feel. What matters is that we allow a loving Jesus to be big in us and through us to overcome evil, and by caring about people. 
Philemon 1:6 Let the communication of your faith be made more effective by the full acknowledgment of all that is in you through Christ Jesus.
Study along:Luke 8:51, Deut. 28:15, Math 18:20, John17-21-23, 2 Pet. 1:4
Yay! The tree is up!
Christmas Blessings, Susy
I'll be linking to Spiritual Sundays
I'll be linking to Spiritual Sundays
Photos: son and brown trout, antique Austrian fish platter & plates (gift from son and fam),
ornaments on our tree - of course
Oh my gosh, Susy, I love this!!!! And love your ornaments too!!! My husband loves fishing too...he just adores it!!!
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend!
XO
"What matters is that we allow a loving Jesus to be big in us"...I love this!
ReplyDeletei love the line, "let a loving Jesus be
ReplyDeletebig in us." isn't that the essence of
humility? our understanding of our
frailty in comparison to His greatness,
but letting Him live BIG through us?
this is a beautiful post, susy.
Hi Susy, what a powerful post. Truly the last shall be first. Blessings to you, olive
ReplyDeletesuch a lovely post Susy!
ReplyDeleteHi Suzy,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading this post that speaks to who I am. Understanding my identity by identifying with Christ is the difference between living victoriously and living in defeat.
The emphasis of your post stands out in these words:
"It's not how we look, or feel. What matters is that we allow a loving Jesus to be big in us and through..."
Blessings and peace.
MTJ
This is so interesting. A friend of ours is a bass fisherman. Through the years he has shared a lot of his fish with us. He even cleans it, freezes it, and then gives it to us. In my opinion, that is the best fish in the world. I am a real seafood lover. Big fish in a little pond or little fish in a big pond. That's an interesting question. I just want to be a fish in God's pond. I don't care whether it is big or little. BTW I love those plates with the fish on them.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Charlotte
Thank you for this wonderful inspiration!
ReplyDeleteYour post kinda goes along with a conversation I was having with a friend the other day. We were talking about the amazing talents that some people have, and talents glorifying God. Some people can write or speak wonderful words to witness about the Lord. But it still came down to the fact that we are all witnesses - witnesses every day. We do not choose to be a wittness. We are a witness. We are either a good witness or a bad witness by the way we live our lives and how we interact with others.
ReplyDeleteYou are way ahead of me with your decorations. I hope to get a few things up this weekend - it just makes it seem more like Christmas.
I can soooo relate! My brother is an avid bass fisherman. He sells Ranger boats as a side job. He travels all over the country to fish!
ReplyDeleteHello dear Susy, Yes we are His hands and His feet and need to love with a heart like His..you are right in all of this. God Bless you. Crystal xx
ReplyDeleteOh Susy, I think this is my favorite post of yours especially this paragraph--so inspired and anointed!
ReplyDelete"It's not our position or education, social status or gifting that makes us big fish. It's what we bring to the "pond" through Jesus. In Him, you are "the head and not the tail, above only and not beneath". It's possible that when you show up, so does the Presence of the Lord. You are a carrier of His Glory, and a partaker of the Divine Nature. You are His hands and His feet; His ambassador representing His kingdom wherever you go."
This bears repeating and I just did--
Love you,
Dianne
I like your analogy using fish. It's wonderful how God teaches us so many truths by using all the things He brings into our lives (like fishing husbands). Very encouraging post...thank you!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post! God does teach us in simple ways. Love the verse. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteJocelyn
http://justalittlesouthernhospitality.blogspot.com
great post!
ReplyDeleteI loved your post today. I just pray that I'm fish for our Lords pond. Some days I feel big and there are days when I feel small.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless,
Ginger
This is a wonderful post, it reminded me of a poem from
ReplyDeleteTeresa of Avila (1515–1582)
Christ Has No Body
Christ has no body but yours,
No hands, no feet on earth but yours,
Yours are the eyes with which he looks
Compassion on this world,
Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good,
Yours are the hands, with which he blesses all the world.
Yours are the hands, yours are the feet,
Yours are the eyes, you are his body.
Christ has no body now but yours,
No hands, no feet on earth but yours,
Yours are the eyes with which he looks
compassion on this world.
Christ has no body now on earth but yours.
Blessings,
Virginia
this is so encouraging! I am a little fish, but I am a carrier of His glory, His hands and His feet. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI've certainly enjoyed reading your post this morning. My father-in-law (now retired) was in the fishing business in San Diego, owning several large Charter Boats. Consequently my husband and three sons all grew up deep-sea fishing with all the "pictures" to show off their "big catches". I loved your analogy and was inspired and blessed by your insight!
ReplyDeleteAnd congratulations on having your tree up and looking so gorgeous......that's on my agenda for this afternoon! :)
Blessings,
Elaine
What a wonderful devotional for Spiritual Sunday! In my current season of life, caring for elderly parents and helping with grandkids, I'm pretty much a small fish in a small pond. But, oh my, when I sing a song about Jesus to one of my grandkids, or they tell me something that shows how much they love Him, I feel giiiii-normous! It's such a sweet joy - with the possibility of ripples as they grow. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd what cute and unique Christmas tree ornaments. And what great gifts for all the fishermen - from the young ones on to the elderly parents and grandparents. I know of two of our senior relatives who would love them!
Thanks for a lovely visit. MERRY CHRISTMAS! :)
I love the way you say things and your photos are so cute too. Have a blessed Sunday.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful illustration! There's nothing fishy about this post! There's a book in you, Susy!
ReplyDeleteLove, hugs, and mush, KJ
Very well said. Gives me food for thought.
ReplyDeleteYour ornaments are fun.
What a great post! It's something I need to read to myself (and be reminded of) daily!
ReplyDelete