Life After Wins

Have you ever noticed or experienced that life after winning seems to be followed by a letdown? Examples are: harvest is in, 2025 is over, the season has peaked, and winter is here. It's tempting for life to get flat. Winning removes the pressure. It can also remove focus.

In the Bible, Elijah defeats the prophets of Baal, a God glorifying win. Shortly afterwards he is down in the dumps, and asks to die. Moses miraculously crosses the Red Sea, only to lose his temper on a rebellious people. David wins many battles including Goliah, and then fails badly with Bathsheba. Hezekiah survives sickness and war, only to lose at the end with pride. 

Pattern tiling is a win, until winter comes. That doesn't mean a tile investment is a failure. It means we live, and expect another win. However God uses winters. Elijah didn't meet God at the fire and burnt offering. He met him after his collapse. David wasn't restored during his wins, but after repentance. God doesn't always meet with us during our healthy times, but He often does during a loss, or when we're sick. The apostle Paul speaks of a thorn. He talks about how God's strength is revealed through our weakness.

On Thursday Mike was busy "defeating" the willows and cattails around his pond with a mulcher. Until he fell through the ice. Fortunately brother Kurt was able to pull him out.

Levi had a win when he pulled a big catfish through a little hole, ice fishing. Fathers, Karl and Ben, had taken their kids ice fishing on our pond. Thanks for the picture Ben.

The guys are going through the list of repairs on Mark's JD 9770 combine. If we hope and expect another winning crop season this coming year, the equipment needs to be ready. That's what winters are for.

"Pictures capture the truth". Pictures can make you ask questions. What's the story behind the picture? Karl is figuring out the electrical details on an idea he fabricated and the guys built.

On September 10, 2025 Charlie was assassinated. Several days later, at his funeral, the gospel was presented several times by a number of dignitaries and heads of state, to tens of thousands that attended, and tens of millions, that watched on-line. Those speeches of God's gift of salvation to the world was possibly the biggest presentation of the gospel of all time. Yet, just four months later, our country's conservative voice is fractured. And Minnesota is an example of the problems we have. 

I am thankful to live in Iowa. I'm thankful for conservative leadership that cares about Iowans. I want that to continue. Last Tuesday evening, Adam, Eddie, Zach, and Brad, met in Des Moines to talk about the future of our state, and their abilities to possibly lead it. A fifth candidate, Randy, chose not to attend even though he was in town. Adam has been Chief Operating Officer for Iowa under Governor Kim for the last five years. He is faith, family, friends, and freedom. He is also a winning father, and is posing for pictures during intermission with his son Ryker.

Adam and Kasey's second son was hanging out before the debate, when I told him thanks for helping his Dad, and asked if I could have a picture. Thanks for the picture Maverick. And thanks for being willing to hang out with grownups.

Letdowns after wins can happen for a number of reasons. Pride says, "Look at me. I'm good". Fatigue says, "I'm worn out, and feel like a failure". Sometimes we take shortcuts after wins and don't do the hard stuff. Winning can empty our gas tank. If we don't refill afterwards (winter) with gratitude, contentment, humility, and rest, we won't be ready for the next win. A final huge lift is helping others win. Blessings.

Stuff That Matters

I enjoy reading, from books with paper pages. My favorite stories are historical fiction. The pictures this morning show it was another good week on the farm for winter projects. However my thoughts come from things I've read about stuff that matters. If words are in parentheses, it means they are borrowed. 

"To be surrounded by children and grandchildren are perhaps the truest measure of prosperity", given undeserved by a "very high God".

I was reading a story about a man who put his faith in status, possessions, and self. The plot finished with, "He raged against the ending of his days, for he found too late, that he had set his gods to low".

I was told multiple times growing up that pride was a sin. And it is. It's a battle. However sometimes I need a word that's just a little stronger, a little more passionate, than the word thankful, for the gifts that I've been given. "A father is never prouder of his children than when they make him a little ashamed of himself". Values were not only passed on but improved on. Occasionally their behavior highlights where I have fallen short. Hopefully it's a self-forgetting kind of pride.

After one cleans a fencerow or overgrown pasture, there is usually a pile to burn, and then stumps and dirty dirt to clean up. Thanks for helping Kasey. Thanks for loaning your dump wagon Mark.

I'm thankful we have folks around here, including Dean, that aren't scared to tackle stuff, including new oil seals on a mechanical front wheel assist.

I'm also thankful for people that see what needs done, and then do it without being asked. Jim is patching a worn out spot on our auger before he finishes loading corn.

Kudos to Alex who has been helping service equipment, and ceramic coating the hoods on tractors.

Save the date: In February we're getting the planters out and ready for planting. All stuff that matters for the 2026 crop. We are also hosting a planter clinic on February 24. We've asked folks with knowledge of multiple colors and brands to lead the meeting. There will also be planter attachment and seed treatment folks here to visit with you. We've asked Kurt and Emily to fire up the wood fired pizza trailer and provide lunch.

On a very cold Friday, Greg from The Church Ambassador Network, and Mike, our Secretary of Agriculture, came to Trinity Global Methodist Church here in Osky, to talk about breaking bondage in Mahaska County. Brother Doug, son Mark, and our Pastor John attended this meeting sponsored by The Family Leader.

From the beginning of Genesis to the end of Revelation, "Scripture is not a rule book. It's a rescue story". God delivers. He gives freedom. He gives talents and abilities. Now, It takes discipleship to make deliverance last. It takes boundaries to hold us in those freedoms. And it takes humility and integrity to keep us in the places talents and abilities bring.

Don't be one to find out too late that one's love and adoration for the things of this world are setting one's "gods too low". "Believe in a very high God". Because He believes in you. And that's the stuff that matters.

For Such A Time

A long time ago a couple of young folks immigrated from Holland to America. They settled in southern Illinois and northern Indiana. Bill and Christine married, moved to Iowa, and raised 10 children (2nd generation). All 10 children married, stayed in Iowa, and had around 40 offspring (3rd generation). I'm the little guy standing in the left front corner of the picture.

In 1957 my grandparents built this home which is just south of the current Oskaloosa Elementary School on the old apple farm. Those 3rd generationers are my siblings and cousins. Most of them married and had around 100 kids (4th generation). Obviously my grandparents are gone. The only 2 wives left from those 10 married children are my mother (Harry) and my Aunt Marilyn (Cornie).

Most of those 100 4th generationers married, (our children included), are raising families (5th generation), have businesses, and are now considered middle-age. A few 5th generation (some of our grandchildren included) are now adults, have their own businesses or helping their parents, and are starting to have children (6th generation).

Earlier this past week was snowless in southern Iowa. Doing dirt work in January is a gift around here. BJ (4th generation), Alex, Kasey, and John (5th generation) pattern tiled on Karl's (4th generation) home farm. Mike (4th generation) leveled dirt where Ethan and Elijah (5th generation) had excavated out a drainage ditch.

Gideon and Emily (5th generation), at their locker (Sully Meat Market), are back in the groove after a busy holiday season. Little Oakley (6th generation) and her unborn sibling, due next month, come to work with their parents often.

We were created to live a bigger life than ourselves. We are also expected to bear fruit. However those things are impossible without the help and grace of our Heavenly Father. Growing fruit takes time. I've often been pruned. Pruning is an act of love, and doesn't mean God is displeased. Outward fruit comes from an inward life.

Christian living is not trying harder. It's abiding, remaining, and staying close to Christ. How about you? For such a time as this, you also are on earth with a heritage and for a purpose. Are you living a bigger life than just yourself? How much time do we have left on earth? How do we want to be remembered?

55 years ago cousin Al and I stood together in front of Calvary CRC Church in Pella, answered the profession of faith questions, and told the church and community we intended to live a life bigger than ourselves. Those profession of faith questions promised us God would never leave us. On New Years Day, 2026, I went and visited cousin Al in the hospital for the last time. We reminded each other of those promises.

Cousin Al lost his battle to cancer on earth. However because of his accepting Christ's gift of salvation, he is now in heaven with his grandparents, his parents, and his older brother. I'm going to remember to keep his wife Joyce, his kids, Matt and Megan and their families, and his sisters Linda, Sheryl, and Valarie in my prayers for awhile. 

I might be wrong, but I'm thinking Al was #13 of our 3rd generation tribe who have went on to eternity. "I will recall all you have done, O Lord; yes, I will remember your wonderful deeds of long ago". Psalm 77:11. Help me Lord to have unity over accuracy, and to see opportunities rather than outcomes, for such a time as this. The picture below is the church service we attended in Grand Cayman last week.

The Gift, The Giver, The Glory

Remember as a child when you were prompted to say thank you and acknowledge the giver when you were given a gift? Actually, it was a good practice to learn, and a great habit to develop. Sadly, expressing gratitude today is not as popular as it used to be.

                             

This past week Jan and I enjoyed a week in the Cayman Islands. The trip was a gift from Becks as a thank you for using their seed on our acres.

The 21 condo apartments known as the London House are filled with farmers from all over the Midwest. There is great comradery and conversation from morning coffee, to sitting on the beach, to hanging out in the ocean. 

Evening are often filled with eating out with new friends, watching a televised game together, playing cards, or reading a good book.

Every year around this time I retell the story of the spice isle. For those of our blog family who are experiencing back issues and could possibly need a solution. In 2017 Jan and I stopped at Fosters Grocery in Cayman. In the spice isle we met a fellow named David from Tennessee. He was on the island for his wife's back disc replacement surgery.

Our son BJ was back home with a ruptured disc in his lower back. When Jan and I returned to our rental car we discussed if we should email BJ and Cassia. This surgery was done by surgeons from the states, but had to be performed out of country because the new procedure was not yet approved in America. The next month BJ and Cassia came for a week's stay in Cayman, had the ruptured disc replaced, and are still farming today because of this divine intervention. Thank you David for the info. Thank you Becks for us being on the island. Thank you Dr. Scott and team for doing the surgery. And most of all thank you Lord for this gift. Today this surgery is done in the states. Google 3Spine if interested. The 3 founders driving force behind the company comes from the principle of "giving back, helping others, and caring for friends". Our family just reconnected two weeks ago when they did back surgery on Natalie's (our 8th grade granddaughter) back.

From obstacles to opportunities, from self doubt to anticipation, from fear to freedom, what we are devoted to, becomes the kind of people we are.

Everything we are and have is a gift from the Giver above. And He wants us to use our gifts for His glory and others good. "God has given each of you gifts. Use them well to serve one another". 1 Peter 4:10

What Makes A Good Story

What makes a book interesting? What makes a good story? In my opinion a good book, either audio or print, is when developing an affection and interest in the characters is more important than what happens in the plot. And after a number of chapters, getting to know the authors heart.

Because of end of the year vacation, on Monday Jan had a house full of grandkids. When I stopped at the house, I suggested Allison, Sydnie, and Brynn take down the old chrome tinsel Christmas tree since they arrived early. Of course Tatum was convinced he could be of some help.

On New Years Eve morning we decided to clean up the tool room. John, Alex, Kasey, and BJ are busy organizing, sorting, tossing, and finishing projects. I so appreciate our hard working team. And my goal as a "Monday morning job" coach is to guide rather than rule. And direct rather than demand.

I'm often concerned on these Sunday mornings, you all read about the same plot, the same story year after year. Human nature has a tendency to repeat itself. My goal is that you become familiar with the characters to the point you feel a kinship to our family. And that from week to week, good or bad, you get to know the author's heart. Thanks for the picture Emily, of Kurt and Jackson repairing a gate hinge.

On New Years Eve evening we were invited to Jake and Lisi's home. This young couple was just married in late October. Jake farms and works at Musco Lighting. What a privilege to hang out with this bunch. However Jan and I were home long before ringing in the new year.

Congratulations to Kristin's cousin, Kara, and her husband Jacob, who were married last evening. Karl and Kristin's daughters were small attendants in the wedding in Sully. They got to play with sparklers before heading home. Mike and Suzanne babysat the boys, Malaki and Tatum, taking them out for supper. Thanks for the picture. 

What plots will be in chapter 2026 of your life's story? In the coming year think twice, before choosing safety over adventure, security over opportunity, and comfort over change. I pray you continue to fall in love with and cherish the characters in your story, written with a purpose for you. And that more and more, you get to know the author's (God) heart.

This morning (I'm posting Saturday evening) I attended the final chapter of my friend Ken's story. Ken farmed, owned his own truck and hopper bottom, drove school bus, and volunteered his time tirelessly. On one of our recent visits we shared with each other that we were so blessed to have our children and grandchildren love the Lord. At his funeral Pastor Erik described Ken's personality as a quiet faithfulness. An excellent example. What should be a goal for our final chapter? "Surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses. Let us run the race not only for the prize. But as those who've gone before us, let us leave to those behind us, the heritage of faithfulness passed on through Godly lives". Steve Green

Living Purposely Or Simply Marking Time

You'all know what "purposely" means. "Marking time" means to wait idly, to pull over on the shoulder, put your flashers on, and watch the rest of folks journey by with their lives. Occasionally troubles require us to pull over. Thanks for the picture Emily.

2025 was a journey neither Jan nor myself expected. After both being diagnosed with health issues we were temporarily sidelined. After excellent advice from surgeons, we were put back on the road to either recovery or waiting. 

Being sidelined often makes one think about if we have been, and will continue to, live purposely. One of our many purposes is to intentionally relate stories to our grandchildren of God's faithfulness. "We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generations about the glorious deeds of the Lord, about His power, and His mighty wonders". Psalm 78:4

I've been reminded in 2025 that work and worship go hand in hand. It's how God designed it in the Garden of Eden before man was disobedient. I've also been reminded that love and laughter are good medicine. "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person's strength". Proverbs 17:22 This verse not only applies to receiving this good medicine, but also prescribing and giving it.

"God give us men! A time like this demands strong minds, great hearts, true faith, and ready hands". Josiah Holland gave this advice 150 years ago. If our generation doesn't pass these character traits along to the next generations, who will? Thanks for the picture Kurt.

On Christmas afternoon Jan and I drove to Ottumwa to watch the movie "David". As a young man, David lived purposely even though advice and troubles encouraged him to sit on the sidelines.

This past Tuesday evening at our family's Christmas supper, Rosie is perfectly content sitting in the middle of the men's table. Sometimes discontentment can ensnare us. "Man is caught by what he chases". Mr. Chapman wrote this line in 1595. Desire can heal or sicken, depending on what we chase.

There are many excuses to "simply mark time" and watch life drive on by. How about you? Let's fill our miles with purpose in 2026. As we're traveling next year, let's not "Fear the things we think, rather than the things that are". Below Jan and I are blessed with our grandkids behind us, and our great-grandkids on our laps. Happy New Year.