Fish camp has been hectic. There are 15 guys here, and the sockeye run is a record. There are lots of fish, and everybody is enjoying fishing and catching. The limit is 6 per day, with 15 people, that is 90 fish. They all have to be filleted and transported to coolers in the vans we drive to the river. Then, when we get back to the lodge, the fish are cleaned, vacuum-packed, and put in the freezer. There is a lot of work to do besides catching. Everybody pitches in and helps, so it goes fast. The goal is to get enough fish in the freezer so that every person can take home 50 pounds of fillets. That is 750 pounds of fish. So far, it looks like we will make that easy.

I took my boat out in the ocean yesterday with four guys, and we caught six halibut, which will add to the total pounds of fish caught. Saturday, I fished from 7:00 pm until midnight. Sunday, I fished for 8 hours for halibut, and then after dinner, we all went down to the river and fished until midnight again. I was exhausted when we returned to the lodge last night, so I slept until 10:00 am this morning and stayed in the lodge alone when everyone else left for fishing. This is the first time I have ever wimped out like this. Oh well, I am still having a great time. This year’s group is all super friendly guys, and everyone gets along well. So there is the added joy of the fellowship and camaraderie between guys who all love to fish. Most of the guys have never been to Alaska and have never experienced the kind of fishing we are experiencing now. It is crazy good.

The book of James says that every good gift is from God the Father, so I thank the Lord all day long, every time I catch a fish, for this wonderful gift I am experiencing now. The scenery is gorgeous here, so I am also thanking Him regularly for His creation, and this morning I thanked Him for rest and a good night’s sleep. I am continually thanking him for friends and the joy of Christian fellowship. Two habits many believers have that dramatically reduce the blessings they receive from God are grumbling, complaining, discontentment, and failing to be very thankful to God for their many blessings. God loves to bless those who thank Him and those who do not grumble about trials that come into their life. A good motto for life is don’t grumble to God or people, and don’t be a grumpy old man. Rejoice always. That habit may increase the number of fish you catch. Try it and see.