Being filled with hope. That’s what I like about being a Christian. Being filled with hope. That’s what I like about fly fishing.

I’m excited, can’t wait, looking forward to this newest adventure,…… and I want you to come along with me. The next few months, I’ll be “guiding” several groups, families, and individuals into the wilderness to hike,explore, and best of all, do some flyfishing! The excitement of what we will experience gets the best of me sometimes. Knowing that someone may experience a hike to the mountaintop for the first time is a rush. Seeing a “just made new friend” catch a cutthroat trout for the first time is something I get a “kick out of”. Seeing a person change from just holding a fishing pole to actually getting into a rhythm and casting a fly makes me “come alive”. And there’s a Big, Big, part of me that wants to share these experiences with everyone, including you who read my wilderness preacher blog. So to everyone, you’re invited. Plan a trip, jump on a plane, Staci and I will pick you up at the airport if needed. Contrary to what “People” say, you don’t need a lot of money, time, patience, physical ability, or heck,…. you don’t need much of anything except a desire. Let’s change that to this,…… you just need the PASSION to want to get out to the mountains, rivers, streams, and lakes. I’ll be glad to go along side of ya!

Those of you who physically won’t be along for each trip, well, there’s good news!!!!!! I’m devoting the next few months of this blog to report on these fishing/hiking/ exploring trips. Each of you will get to experience these adventures as if you were there yourself!

What is it about exploring the wilderness? More specifically, what is it about flyfishing? Why am I so obsessed, so passionate, so “BEING ALIVE” when I’m flyfishing?

I came across this quote the other day. It sums it up better than I can.

The charm of fishing is that it is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope. John Buchan

Bam! That’s it for me!! That’s what causes my excitement! The never ending hope! Just one more cast. The next cast is going to be the one. Missed….. well, try again…… just one more. No luck? No problem cause the next fishing spot, the next day, the next lake. I’ve got an unlimited supply of hope. That’s what makes this so REAL for me. It’s not what you’ve caught. It’s not how many or how big the fish. It’s the pursuit of what is elusive (a mystery), and knowing that there is real hope in catching it.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. NIV Romans 15:13

See, that’s why I’m also obsessed, passionate, and living my life by “BEING ALIVE” as a Christian! God gives His children (me and you) an unlimited supply of hope. It’s not how you’ve lived in the past (whether good or bad). It’s not how big or how many fish ( your status, or wealth, or possessions.) (Or even how good you try to be) It’s the HOPE in Jesus Christ.

Once again read this quote: The charm of fishing (BEING a Christian) is that it is the pursuit of what is elusive(The Mystery of God) but attainable (By Jesus Christ), a perpetual series of occasions for hope (for blessings, joy, and peace).

God has given me a desire to seek after Him. I don’t understand many things here on this Earth. Since I don’t understand, I’ve learned to TRUST my Lord and Saviour. The Hope He’s given me (as well as you too), by the Holy Spirit, allows me to wake up each morning and say “God, what are You AND I gonna do today?”

So, join in with me the next few months by reading (and sharing) my blog. It’s your blog too you know.

I’ve made a bold statement and plan for these adventures. It’s this. They are not going to be just a good thing,…… but a GOD THING!!! I’m looking forward to these trips, and having you along with us.

See Ya! Dan Ainsworth wilderness preacher