Matthew, David’s friend, invited him to go fishing along the Co Down coast yesterday evening. He saw a fishing rod in a dream the night before. It had inspired him to go fishing. He got his fishing rods out and called at our home. Isaac was here so he went along as well. His family often go fishingwhen they go on holiday, so Matthew knew what bait was needed and had all the gear. He was saying this year when on holiday, they got up early every morning to go fishing but never caught anything.
The boys headed off. Brendan and I left to pick up Brendan’s mum from hospital. We called at her home first to light her fire and freshen her bedroom up. She had been in hospital for ten days getting treatment for an infection. She had recovered well.
We arrived at her home. Brendan helped her from the car over to the door and proceeded to get the keys to open up. They weren’t in his pocket. They weren’t in the car. This had never happened to Brendan before. Nannie got back in the car. We all were quietly praying Lord help. Brendan kept calm in the tense situation. Not a good outcome for Nannie. Eventually a friend helped us get the door opened. Nannie was glad to get inside. We stayed late until Nannie was settled. Brendan promised to come back in the morning to see about changing the locks and getting keys cut.
I got a phone call from David to say they had caught thirteen fish, some Pollock. They were cooking them and promised to have some for us when we got back. The fresh fish was delicious. What a pleasant surprise after the disappointment of losing the keys. The boys were as pleased as punch with themselves. Isaac had reeled in three at once. He had never fished before. This reminds me of the story about Peter who had fished all night and caught nothing. Jesus told him to fish on the other side and their nets were filled with fish.
My son Aaron was visiting this weekend. A friend of his, Branio from Slovakia was travelling with him. I kept some fish for our visitors. They arrived tonight. I was eagerly telling them about the fish catch and we had a meal ready for them. It’s funny they did not seem as excited as I was. When I was out of the room, Branio asked Aaron if there was anything else other than fish. Fish was his pet hate. In his own country the fish that is popular is boney and tastes of muddy water. He refuses to eat it.
I called the boys down for dinner. Aaron said there was some chilli and offered it to Branio. I said “No, we have plenty of fish for everyone. We made it specially for you.” In our house one of the rules for our children is “You don’t have to like it, you just have to eat it.” Branio remembered the scripture that says “Whenever you enter a home, eat what is set before.” He sat down. I was unaware of his distress. He proceeded to pick at the food. He was surprised. This fish was different. It was tasty. He cleared the whole lot and had a second helping. it seems the rules apply to visitors as well.
He then told me his story about never eating fish. He could not get out of eating it because I had insisted. We had a good laugh. He said I can’t wait to tell my wife. She will not believe me. He said himself he was delivered from his fear. The fish catch proved a winner and gave us joy. God has a sense of humour bringing Branio all the way to Ireland to enjoy fish. God’s promises “The abundance of the sea will be added unto you.” Deuteronomy 33v19
Angela, have you a fishy story?
Healed of Cancer. Angela McCauley 
Great story Mum – “You don’t have to like it, you just have to eat it!”
Angela you’re good at this story-telling!!!!! What a great story!!!!! Thanks!!! Delighted to read it. Here, mackeral is looked down on as a bait & unhealthy fish as it swims close to the shore & neat man’s refuse but Irish mackerel from the fresh clean sea is absolutely delicious!!!!! Glad Isaac had that experience. Happy days! Check out “Duck Dynasty” on YouTube. .a Louisana family who hunt and fish and love Jesus & have top ratings for a tv reality show based on their life that they do. It’s very entertaining. You would enjoy them! Áine xo