Living Your Dash

Last Sunday afternoon on a Ranger ride, Jan and I stopped at a cemetery north of Fremont. Most all the grave stones had a birth date, a dash, and a death date. The dash represents an ongoing journey of living. It won't be perfect. However those of us visiting this morning still have the opportunity to intentionally live our dash so it positively impacts our families, friends, and community.

We found Jan's great-great-grandfather. Margaret, his first wife's dash was only 40 yrs. Rebecca, his second wife, died at 36 years old. His 3rd wife Amanda, outlived John by 11 years. Jan's great-grandfather Elijah, died at 69 years old. Jan's grandfather Carl had a twin brother Curt. Our twin sons Karl and Kurt were born 100 years later, and are named after them. 

In 1964 my dash was 8 yrs long. I was in 3rd grade at Osky Christian. Our family moved to Pella in late November. So on December 15, 1964 Miss Tobac had my 19 remaining classmates write me letters. They meant a lot to me then. I still enjoy them today after again finding them while cleaning my office drawers.

We moved and I changed schools 4 more times in 8 years. In the fall of 1972 my parents enrolled me in the 11th grade at Pella Christian High School. My 11th and 12th grade report cards showed Bs and Cs, teacher notes that indicated a capability to do better, and days absent that showed farming was probably more important to me than school back then.

Mowing CRP acres isn't for the faint of heart. Jim did a great job of putting things back together with John and Kurt's help. Thanks for the picture John.

Last Wednesday evening the gals fed a shop full of customers, landlords, crop input suppliers, family, and friends at our annual appreciation supper held every August.

Our goal at this event is not to sell seed or promote custom work possibilities. It's a thank-you, it's great home grown food, and it's good fellowship. A definition of friendships could be described as folk's dashes intersecting.

Over the past two Sundays we have attended the profession of faith of 4 grandchildren. In both services family and friends were asked to come up and pray over the young people joining church.

We started a bit ago about our dashes having a positive impact on others. That includes writing a classmate a letter when in 3rd grade. It includes trying harder in school. It includes fellowship. It includes being an active member of a church. And more personally, hopefully it includes working with and befriending grandkids till they are wore out.

                                   

In 1996 a gal named Linda wrote a poem called The Dash. I'd like to borrow her last sentence. "So when your eulogy is being read, with your life's actions to rehash, would you be proud of the things they say about how you lived your dash?"

Then And Now

Every August we get calls to mow CRP (Conversation Reserve Program) acres. This is usually marginal ground where a farmer is paid to sow down land for conversation and wildlife. Elliot mowed yesterday until a volunteer thorn tree caused a flat tractor tire.

                              

When I was a kid, we rode to school in a "panel". Neighborhood parents would take turns picking up and driving their children to and from school. The bench seats sat around the edge of the vehicle and we faced each other. Seat belts were unheard of. Nowadays these are called vans. Thanks for the picture.

When Jan was a kid, her family had a car and a truck. We just had a single car. Farmers didn't own or drive a pickup until the late 60s and early 70s. And then they were totally used for hauling or towing. Nowadays 80% of pickups are used for personal use only. Thanks for the picture.

During my teenage years my parents had 6 of their own children plus 3 foster kids. That would make 11 of us in just a 4-door car. The only time we all went together would be twice on Sunday to church, or a family reunion. Other large families had station wagons. Nowadays this would be called an SUV. Thanks for the picture.

I remember as a kid my Mom would take me to Dr Davis in New Sharon to get my neck or back straightened. Or Dr Phillips operated out of his home when we needed stitches. Or very occasionally, Carolina, a single Amish lady who lived on her brother's yard, and was a reflexologist. Nowadays our chiropractor makes house calls during the summer every other week. Then Jan feeds a large group of us lunch. This past Wednesday we had ham and cheese sauce over potatoes out of the garden along with home made rolls.

This summer battling racoons in the sweetcorn patch was the hardest it's been in years. Jan and Lane are doing one last batch out of corn from Karl and Kristin's patch. Sorry for my photo quality. Nowadays pictures are taken with our phones. I hope to find time to get a different cell phone this week.

Back in the old days family reunions were a big deal, both in numbers, and expected attendance. We still have family get-togethers nowadays. They are smaller, voluntary, depending on schedules, and more impromptu. Last Sunday evening, four generations of us sat around one table for Carson's birthday at BJ and Cassia's house.

Nowadays family get-togethers happen around freezing sweetcorn, or house calls from a chiropractor, or an impromptu birthday, or church. BJ and Cassia had 5 of their kids and spouses or significant others in church last Sunday for profession of faith. This morning Becky and Brian's Ezra makes his profession of faith at Faith Church in Pella. 

3000 years ago Solomon wrote not to say, "Why were the old days better than these. For it is unwise to ask such questions". Ecclesiastes 7:10. There were several beautiful sunrises this past week. They show God's presence and glory. This morning I woke to thunder. This also shows God's presence and power. Constantly looking backward at the old days often distracts us from God's purpose for us today. He was faithful back then. He is faithful now.

 

A Month For Relationships

It's August, our last official month of summer. John and Ella got in 200 head of small feeder calves to custom feed for three months. Great-Grandpa Ferguson, who built the barn, would approve.

August is often a month to clean out bins, preparing for the crop in the field. Jim has been hauling corn for Bill and Mark. August is also a month to get trucks ready for hopefully a busy fall.

August is a month when fertilizer and seed prices come out for next crop year. That means  a conversation with input suppliers. It might mean a conversation with one's banker. Is the 2025 crop in the bin sold? Is the 2026 crop in the field sold? When planning, what will 2027 look like?

As a landlord, August is a month when one looks at their farm and determines whether he or she is happy with their renter. As a renter, one is asking himself if he is doing his best to keep his landlord not only satisfied but thankful for the owner/renter relationship. It is also a month when the tenant needs to evaluate the lease, input costs, and markets, to make sure there is a potential for some profit.

Summer harvest is more than sweetcorn and green beans. There is also tomatoes, cucumbers (pickles) onions, potatoes, apples, cherries, berries, and peaches. When the weather cools Jan sometimes plants fall peas.

Hopefully August can be a slower month. For family and friends. Jan is digging potatoes for friends from town to take home and enjoy.

August can be a month when one thanks their extended business family and customers for their relationships and business. Last evening Jan and I went to one of our rented farms, sat in the driveway, and watched fireworks that Co-Line Manufacturing put on after their extended families company picnic. This coming week we will be getting ready for our 38th annual Appreciation Supper coming Wednesday, August 12.

While cleaning drawers and shelves in my office, I found this 1943 Souvenir Booklet of Osky1 CRC church. The church was started by Dutch immigrants in 1903 with 6 families. 40 years later it was recognizing God's faithfulness during the middle of World War II. Osky1 had 19 boys in the military then. There were 561 professing and baptized members in the church directory on the back pages of this booklet. 

Joining Osky1 CRC this morning are 3 grandchildren, Adi and Natalie (pictured), and their cousin Elijah. They are telling our church, our community, and our world they have a relationship with our Lord and Savior. God is indeed faithful. Thanks for the picture BJ.

Salt And Pepper

Hezekiah (King of Israel) was 35 yrs old when his pastor (the prophet Isaiah) told him to get his affairs in order because he would not recover from his illness. Hezekiah wept and prayed to the Lord. The Lord saw his tears and heard his prayers. He sent Isaiah back to the King to tell him He would answer his prayer and give him 15 more years. II Kings 20.

During those 15 years Hezekiah became very successful. So much so that guests from Babylon came to visit. Hezekiah's pastor returned and asked what his guest saw. Hezekiah replied he showed them every treasure he owned (Pride). Isaiah said the time would come when everything in his home (palace) would be carried off to Babylon including descendants born to him. I have always been amazed about Hezekiah's response to Isaiah. II Kings 20:19 "This message you have given me is good. At least their will be peace and security during my lifetime".

Jan and I were in our early 50s. Our extended family was outgrowing the old farm house during get-togethers. We were using Marv and Carol's cabin some. In 2009 we built a cabin next to our pond for our own family use.  We also prayed God would help us share it with others. It sits just north of a significant hill. The hill where I go talk to God when I'm extra thankful, or extra hurting. Where Jan and I have watched the sunrise on a New Year's Day. Where I have watched fireworks on the 4th of July from multiple communities at the same time. This summer we are repainting and repurposing the cabin to be our home.

God has and continues to bless our family get-togethers. He has also surely answered our prayers about sharing it. Stillwaters Cabin events have included birthdays and anniversaries; family holidays; baptisms in the pond; funerals; school prom photo ops; corporate retreats; board meetings; class trip and reunions; graduation parties; church services; quilting and scrapbooking groups; and helicopter rides.

Yes, we have had visits from hundreds of friends and community; multiple governor candidates; a presidential candidate with his family; an army general; company CEOs; and civic leaders. We have also hosted homeless because of a flood or fire. The cabin has had multiple celebration of life services for folks who took their own life. And my father's funeral visitation was here during covid.

Mordecai's family had been among those exiled to Babylon 300 yrs after Hezekiah's reign in Israel. Esther 2:6. Mordecai adopted his young cousin Esther when her parents died. Esther, a Jew, became queen of Persia. Haman (a powerful government official) hated Mordecai because he refused to bow down to him; and made a plot to kill all Jews including Mordecai on March 7 of the following year. Esther 3:13. Mordecai wept, fasted 3 days, and asked his cousin (Queen Esther) to intervene (For such a time as this). Esther 4:14

As per King Xerxes orders, and God's intervention, wicked Haman was told to honor Mordecai. Esther 6:11. Haman ended up being hung on the very gallows he had built to kill Mordecai. The king issued a decree on June 25 and the Jews were saved. Esther 8:9. Mordecai was promoted to Prime Minister. His fame spread throughout the land. And he became a powerful person. Very few people in the Bible handled success and prominence well. Mordecai was an exception. Esther 10:3 "Mordecai was held in high esteem among the Jews, because he continued to work for the good of his people and speak up for their welfare".

Salt is a common mineral that brings out the flavor and good in others; while pepper is a spice that has it's own flavor and qualities. There is nothing wrong with pepper. I like it. I even take the lid off in restaurants when using it. Shaking pepper with the lid on is an effort in futility. Hezekiah was pepper. Mordecai was salt. It take both to bring out the most in a meal. Live distinctly and be the pepper. Live intentionally and be the salt. Bring out the best in yourself. And then, with God's help, bring out the best in others. Thanks for the picture.

A Place In Time

When I was ten years old my Dad would put the stock racks up on our farm truck, load some new straw, a 4-H box, a wheel barrow, three club calves, and we would head for the fair. After unloading, scooping out the straw, covering the stock racks with an old canvas tarp, we would park along the west fence, and that would be my home for the fair week. Later in the summer, Dad would put 2x12s across the top of the stock racks, we would park in Greenveiw, and watch Wednesday night races from across the street of corners 3 and 4.

Today most livestock comes to the fair in 5th-wheel trailers. The camping area is full of campers for the week's stay, and Jan and I give all 4-H and FFA kids free tickets on fair week to those same Wednesday night races. Kurt brings our grill and cooks with the Sheriffs Dept.

Today several of our grandkids are involved. Some with livestock. Some helping the fairboard set up the track for a Saturday night Redneck Rally. Some racing. And these young men helping Grandpa bring the Hybrid to the classic machinery section. We all have a purpose and place in time.

We had two extracurricular activities this past week. One was Becks Seed Summer Camp in Minneapolis. One evening we enjoyed supper at U.S. Bank Stadium. In one of the activities Karl kicked a field goal.

Last week we mentioned Church Camporee in Alberta, Canada. Well, the attendees luggage made it, thanks to Kurt and Karl's rig, and Dean and Matt at the wheel. Thanks for the picture.

Although we don't hear much, we do see pictures on social media. This is Jackson braiding a rope. There was a picture of Malaki playing football. Harris attended as well. This morning will be an awesome worship service. Wish I was there. Thanks for the picture.

Last evening Jan and I decided to use a year old gift certificate and go out to eat. It was fun to see this crew with their parents also eating out. We are so blessed. Thanks for the picture.

We are ending an era. After 17 years of sharing our Stillwaters Cabin to friends and community here on our farm yard 60 to 80 times/year, we are moving out tables and chairs, doing a little remodeling, and Jan and I will be moving across the yard there soon. Jan has two goals in this process. She wants to simplify life. And she wants to go through "stuff" while she still has the health and ability to drive the unnecessary things to the Thrift Store and Love Inc. I also have two goals in moving. I want to continue to live with my wife of 51 years. And I want to "hang on loosely" to temporary things on earth.

We are now going to share our 10 year old home with married grandkids. Hoping to give them an opportunity to save up resources so they can own their own place someday soon. We all have "a place in time". I don't want to be remembered for winning cattle shows as a kid. I don't want to be remembered for owning acres and machinery in the prime of my life. I hope to finish strong while I'm still able. To honor God. And to share with and care about others. Have a good week.

"Now all glory to God, who is able to work within us, to accomplish way more than we might think or ask". Ephesians 3:20 paraphased

The Power To Do So

Last Monday around mid-morning the younger grandkids wanted to go on a Ranger ride. I asked if they preferred a long ride or a short one. Of course, they said a long ride. So we loaded up. I heard Lane tell his cousins he was going to take the BB gun along in case we ran into "robbers".

We drove south to a farm where Karl was spraying fungicide. We have family members using Luke and his Hagie. We have others using the helicopter. We're also using our regular sprayers where the center section drags the tassels. Because of the hot dry forecast, we're also adding a biological called Terramar. It improves the corn plant's response to stressful conditions.

I occasionally remind our crew to enjoy their week, and our grandkids to do their best. What do these have in common?  With being intentional and the right attitude, we have the power to do both. To change things up a little this morning, rather than focusing on our main summer jobs like haying, trucking, and spraying, we're going to visit about some of the smaller details that go into a summer week.

When I grew oats in the old days for seed, we would transfer the grain after it had gone through a sweat. We helped Ezra and his family grow a little wheat this summer. So yesterday, while transferring from one wagon to another I used a fan to blow more chaff out of the grain sample.

While mowing around field edges with our skidloader mower, we sometimes take a Ranger along to scout the rest of the farm. Also the 6 ft. mower is hydraulicly driven, and has 4 blades sharpened on both sides. So if we're in brush, the hydraulics run the blades clockwise. Then if we're mowing in a neater grass situation, we switch the hydraulic flow, run the blades counter clockwise, and use the second sharp blade edge. 

Early this coming Tuesday morning, three grandsons are heading to Cadet International Camporee in western Canada. There will be around 900 boys plus counselors attend from all over the USA and Canada. Kurt has donated his semi and Karl his van trailer to haul the kids' luggage from this area of the state. Our helper Dean and his son Matt will be driving this rig to Alberta. I hope Jackson, Malaki, and Harris feel they have a piece of home at camp as these grade schoolers spend a week 1500 miles from home.

There is a new machinery category at our local Southern Iowa Fair this coming week. It's called "You build it, you bring it". We were asked to bring the Hybrid so it got a bath yesterday.

Our 2nd crop soybeans on wheat stubble are emerged and growing. They were planted 10 days ago. Our every day lives are about relationships. With God. With others. Proverbs 3:27 says; "Don't withhold good from those who deserve it, when it's in your power to help them".

Solomon has more advice. Proverbs 18:21says, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue. Wow. It's so important to recognize as spouses, as parents, as grandparents, and as friends, that we show God's love, and bless others, by planting words of positivity and encouragement, rather than words of negativity and criticism.