Part Of A Family

I was going to introduce you to people and wrap up my thoughts on our family trip. However with all the activities and  happenings since we've been home, Jamaica is starting to feel like a memory and it feels like it's time to move on.

Winter is still here however it is slipping away and there is still much to be done. The planters are scheduled for the shop over the next two weeks. We are just 6 to 7 weeks away from using them.

Mike totally went over his dozer mechanically and is even giving it a new paint job. It should be all ready for spring by the end of next week.

Kurt and Emily will be moving to a farm west of Leighton sometime before fall. Kurt and his family have been cleaning up outside including dropping three silos.

Emily's dad and helpers have gutted the farm house and are getting it ready for a remodel. A project like this would be so much less feasible without the help and support of family.

We met as a family leader board this past week and celebrated accomplishments.

For the past four years the cattlemen have grilled steaks for the Iowa Barnstormers. They are an arena league football team.

It's always fun for us to have them come to the cabin for their annual visit.

It's always fun for them to visit since most of them have never been on a farm or near a tractor. Most of them stay together as a big family during football season.

John on the right is the general manager and minor owner. Jeff on the left is the primary owner of the team. He also owns the Casey's stores.

Yesterday was the first time this winter the motorcycles were on the pond. Mark enjoyed riding with his boys.

Last Sunday most of the men in our church went up to sing. God created men to be leaders of their families. God created men to provide, protect, and defend. Our culture today is so trying to take away the masculinity of our society. I'm so thankful our kids are raising families and allowing their boys to be boys. 

 I would ask you to pray for a miracle for Leon and Lana and their family. Leon is a fellow farmer, friend, and church brother. He had a severe heart attack early this week and has remained in a coma. He and Lana have an awesome family with several grandkids as you can see. 

Whether in bad times or in good times we all need to be part of a family. As you can see in the picture below being part of a family sometimes means you don't even have to have the same color skin. This group was one big happy family during our stay in Jamaica.

"You will notice we say brother and sister around here. It's because we're a family and these folks are so near. When one has a heartache we all share the tears, and rejoice in each victory in this family so near."

"I'm so glad I'm a part of the family of God. I've been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His blood! Joint heirs with Jesus we travel this sod, for I'm part of the family, the family of God."