Fishing Thoughts

Photo taken by Mandy Sweigart-Quinn. Lake Conewingo. 5 June 2021.

I am sweltering out here on the water. Today is 90f and 40% humidity. This is our first time out since Raystown.

Nathan is doing exceedingly well so far (praise God always puts him in a good mood!). I have attempted to fish but my focus resides on not passing out from heat exhaust, getting sunburned nor getting bit by bugs.

My time out here today convicts me that in Heaven the one thing we won’t be doing is evangelizing. We will not share Jesus with the lost. I am reminded that Jude tells us to “have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire…” (1:22-23 ESV).

Hell is a literal physical place. Unbelievers will be cast out and will spend eternity in torment where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

I don’t know where God has you today or what your outside temperature is like but may we be a people who fight the elements to save others while there is still time.

Lord God, evangelism and discipleship are messy. It is not easy nor is it for the faint of heart. Lord God, teach us to fish. Teach us to show people Jesus as well as talk about Jesus. Lord God, thank You for this reader and lead and guide them today. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Photo taken by Mandy Sweigart-Quinn. Lake Conewingo, 5 June 2021.

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Blue Collar Theologian

My name is Mandy Sweigart-Quinn, I live in Lancaster, PA and I am a “Blue Collar Theologian.” I love Jesus! I am passionate about His Word (The Holy Bible)! I come alive when I can encourage others in their walk with Jesus (whether by writing or speaking). As a “Blue Collar Theologian” it is my aim to live/practice/work out my Christian hope with sincerity, authenticity and genuineness. As a “Blue Collar Theologian,” I strive to meet people right where they are (“Incarnational Theology”). I graduated in May 2019 from Capital Seminary and Graduate School with a Master's in Biblical Studies. I am a passionate, excited and enthusiastic person! I love flowers, sports and sunsets. Since January 2, 2018 I have had the privilege of being married to Nathan.

70 thoughts on “Fishing Thoughts”

  1. I love being on the water. It has been a long time since I had a boat and could do it. Something relaxing about it all. Fishing is fun as well. Blessings to you and Nathan. Enjoy, as best you can in the heat.

    And yes, hell is real. That should motivate us to evangelize at every opportunity.

    Blessings.

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  2. What do you mean you’re focused ON not passing out from heat exhaustion, getting sunburned or getting bit by bugs! You’re FISHING! FOCUS! (Sorry Mandy, couldn’t help myself). Just teasing! Glad you two are having fun! Tell Nathan I just gave him a thumbs up! And same to you Mandy for being there! Blessings.

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    1. Bruce, you have given me a much needed laugh. Thank you!!!! At one point Nathan was joking and said, “this is how fast the house boat went.” Which was 5mph and all I thought was “Lord, help me to have grace and mercy” because while this isn’t a speed boat we can go fast enough to get a breeze!!! Thank you for your love, laughter, encouragement, friendship and blessings. Nathan and I give the same to you and Peggy!!!!

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    2. Well, Nathan is ecstatic. He had a smallmouth on the line and then I got a channel catfish which hooked himself right at the boat. Totally freaked me out, I didn’t know what to do so Nathan ended up reeling in his fish and then pulling in mine. Team work is a gift from God! Thanks in advance for letting me share this with you!!!

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  3. Amen Mandy! I’ll trade places with you. I’m inside doing housework. Lol, I hope you and Nathan have a safe and blessed time together on the river.

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    1. Wes! I am so sorry I thought my comment went through on Saturday and I see it didn’t. Arg! Technology is great when it works 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️😭😭So good to hear from you brother! So glad that we are all free of alligator waters!!! To this point, Nathan says, “Wes, you can come fishing anytime!!!” Hope you, your boys and your job are well! Thank you again for reading and I am so sorry my comment didn’t go through sooner!!

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  5. I was walking the west fence line on our property today. I took a tumble, twisted my ankle, my arms are sore from trying to hand saw through a big tree that fell on the fence, and I sat down to take a break and said, “Gee I wish I was fishing today instead.” (Sorry Mandy, I couldn’t help myself, I had to.) 🤪

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  6. Made my day Mandy and the comments too. Live, Love and Laugh. It’s 90 here in Tennessee also. I’m here at the Roaring River but been in the booth all day. Love your Fishing story. I always say if you think it’s hot and muggy on summer days in Tennessee how do you think you would fair in hell. And your prayer/call for evangelism and discipleship is on point. I like catfish too. Blessings to you and Nathan!

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  7. Thank you for reminding us that evangelization is tough as fishing under the heat of the scorching sun, Mandy; just like the laborers of the vineyard. Also, there are many hazards too, not just natural but also human. Nice catches, Nathan! Blessings to you both!

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  8. Great post and pics Mandy! Nathan did good (why didnt you eat them?) But as fishers of men we may not catch anything soon, or seemingly ever! Sometimes we hold out the bait…the word of life…and someone else reels their heart in.
    May the Lord set our eyes upon the lost and keep our rods ready to cast.
    Thanks dear sister, have a good Sunday! ❤

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  9. I would be like you Mandy, tending to focus on the heat, sun and bugs.
    This was a good reminder for me today. I have been participating in an alpha course at church as a what they call host for a group of about 7 people. The course is designed for those who have questions about faith, and are seeking to know more, if it is for them etc.
    I have had some challenges doing this and you reminded me today that sharing Jesus is messy and not easy but let’s not tire from doing that which is so much needed.
    Blessings to you my friend 🤗💙

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    1. I will be praying for you with your alpha course! My former church had a program like that and I heard stories/challenges from those involved. I am glad this post was an encouragement to you, that encourages me! I am thankful for your heart for Jesus, truth and knowledge! Love, hugs and blessings!!!

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  11. Nice fishes Nate caught! That’s awesome you shared this! Reading this and thinking about evangelism makes me wonder whether I should go back to campus evangelism or move on to other evangelism opportunities after things go beyond Covid…

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  12. Nice catch from Nathan.
    I am with you Mandy, heat exhaustion, sunburn and BUGS !! No way, as much as I like fishing that would be enough to make me swim far far away…😂 But unlike fishing, we don’t swim away from proclaiming the gospel not matter, how hot, how burnt or( Yes! I will force myself to type this..)how many BUGS ..
    Love and blessings

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    1. I get bit by everything it is awful! You are so right that no matter the elements we proclaim the Gospel! I remember summer 2010 I was getting ready to head to Sierra Leone for medical missions trip and I learned about Lassa Fever. I hate rats, they freak me out. So when I heard about this disease I was really thinking that maybe I made a mistake and I shouldn’t go. Well, praise God that I went, that trip changed my life!!! I am so thankful for you!! Have you been able to witness more to the lady at the clothing store?! Love, hugs and blessings sweet friend!

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      1. Isn’t just so wonderful when we go against the flesh(rats big YUK ) and follow after the Spirit ? Then we see glory of God and our life changes.
        I saw the boutique lady once since I have her the book. I was with other people and she was busy so we weren’t able to talk. All in God’s Hands now .
        Love and blessings to you precious Mandy 🌸✨

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      1. I was just relating to Pastor Jimmy that work is actually somewhat enjoyable now that I have my niche position. But the amount of walking is hard. With my sister moved and the realtor handling the house cleanup, I’m getting more and more back into my old routine. Thank you!

        What are your plans for the week?

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      3. Thank you! Enjoy the time with your Mom. I’m struggling to get through the book about the 1920s edition of the KKK and its connection to “Protestantism.” Interesting but I just didn’t have time to devote to it. What are reading? Thanks, and love and blessings to you and fisherman Nathan!

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      4. Your book does sound interesting! I am reading Wisdom Pyramid about being wise with how much media we take it. Also reading Severe Compassion about Nahum. And The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self. I know Trueman has some serious ecumenical issues, however, I find this to be an area I want to learn more about.

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  14. I never liked fish, So fishing for them was not my forte. I’d much rather be fishing for men, open air evangelism, using sketchboards, tracts, one2one evangelism, casting the nets wide and the hooks deep to win the lost to Christ.

    Mosquito’s no problem in the city! LoL

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  16. ‘Lord God, teach us to fish.’
    Good words!!
    I’m definitely not great at fishing for literal fish but fishing in an evangelizing way I’m getting better at!!
    Fun adventures you two have, thanks for sharing!!

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      1. I think Christian blogs are great opportunities and examples of evangelism too though, especially with people on the other side of the world having access…so cool how God can use the internet of all things which is mostly saturated with a worldly mindset to reach and speak to the lost…I definitely think He’s using you in an evangelist form, more than you think!🙌❤️

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      2. I agree with you 100% about the internet and evangelism opportunities! Some of the people I talk and text with the most I have met here on WP! Thank you for your encouragement! So glad we are on this Jesus journey together!!!

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  17. Tell Nathan “nice fish”
    I’m just back from 7 days off grid in the wilderness myself. hot the whole time (barely 90 but hot for us). I’ll get in a couple fish pictures on a blog as well. Sobering to know that the era of decision will pass when time is done and eternity starts for us. Somehow the reality of Heaven or Hell and the love of, and for Christ should motivate us to be redy willing and able to share the good news of a cooler place. lets face it, heaven is gonna be one “cool” place

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