Daily Devotional Book Now Available
During the course of a lifetime, there are some people who make a mark on your life that time can’t erase. One such person who touched my life in a special way was the late Dr. Nelda Hughes Spinks who passed away in 2023.
Dr. Spinks was a storied educator, teaching not only in high schools but at LA Tech and Louisiana Lafayette. Her crowning glory was accepting the invitation to teaching at Guangxi University in Nannin, China.
Toward the end of her career, she created, edited and published e-THOUGHTS, a devotional-based system focused on applying Bible scriptures in everyday life, inspiring countless subscribers, including yours truly.
Dr. Spinks was a member of my church, First Baptist in Ruston. I got to know her and she asked me that since I wrote columns for newspapers if I would be interested in contributing to e-THOUGHTS.
After giving her request some prayerful thought, I decided that to do so would not only give me a chance to write for an expanded audience, it would give me the opportunity to tie my love for the outdoors to what the Bible has to say about one of God’s greatest gifts, His great outdoors. I contributed devotionals for several years to the program
After Dr. Spinks death, e-THOUGHTS faded away but I had kept the 90 or so devotionals I wrote on file. I was inspired to have the ones I had written published in a book, and the result was “Seasons; Connecting with God through the year in His Great Outdoors”.
The book is divided by seasons of the year – Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter. Here is a sample of one that is timely, considering the winter storm we just endured.
PEOPLE AND SNOWFLAKES; ONE AND THE SAME
North Louisiana has been given a treat seldom seen in this area. One day recently, even the most callous individual had to stop and gaze in spellbound wonder out the window at a beautiful snowfall. Fat marshmallow flakes floated down quickly turning drab dead grass into a fluffy white blanket.
People who study such things say that no matter how many snowflakes it takes to cover the ground, there are not two of them exactly alike. What an amazing thought to realize that each snowflake is unique.
When considering this phenomenal occurrence, one has to consider that each person on the globe is a creation of God, and like snowflakes, each one is a unique individual.
A favorite scripture that illustrates this truth is the beautifully stated Psalms 139. The entire chapter speaks of the wonder of the creation of human life all designed and orchestrated by Almighty God.
Psalms 139:13-14 (NIV) highlights the truth of this passage that from conception, we are all uniquely created by our Heavenly Father.
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
Snowflakes and people – each one unique….what an awesome thought!
Thank you Dr. Spinks for including me in e-THOUGHTS. Without your encouragement, Seasons would never have happened. The book is now available at Amazon.com.
FISHING REPORT
CANEY LAKE – Bass are in the deeper holes with soft plastics and crank baits picking up some nice fish. Raat-L-Traps are working later in the day. Crappie are in the deeper holes with just out from the spillway. They are best on shiners and jigs. Some have moved up in response to warmer temps. For information contact Caney Lake Landing at 259-6649, Hooks Marina at 249-2347, Terzia Tackle at 278-4498 or the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
BUSSEY BRAKE –Crappie are hanging out just off the bottom. Fishing has been good fishing jigs or shiners near the bottom. Bass fishing has been good flipping jigs and soft plastics around brush.
OUACHITA RIVER – The water is still quite low because of lock and dam problems down stream. Bass are best fishing shad imitation in the run-outs; crappie fishing has been good around the tops in the river in 12-14 foot water using shiners and jigs. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE D’ARBONNE – Bass are best over deeper water in the channels. Jigs and crank baits are picking up some. Some have moved up around cover in response to warmer temps. Crappie are near the bottom in 20 foot water on jigs and shiners but they have also moved up for the time being. For latest information, call Anderson Sport Center at 368-9669 or Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE CLAIBORNE – Crappie are best just out from the spillway in deep water on jigs and shiners with some moving up to the edge of the points and drops. Bass are hitting crank baits and soft plastics in deeper water. For latest information, call Kel’s Cove at 927-2264 or Terzia Tackle at 278-4498.
LAKE POVERTY POINT – Catfish are good while crappie have improved fishing with jigs and shiners around the south end of the lake. For information, call the marina at 318/878-0101.
LAKE YUCATAN – The lake level is on a slight rise. Buffalo and catfish are being caught in nets. Bass and crappie haven’t kicked in yet. For info call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.