StillwatersIowa

Probably the second most talked about question this past week at the grain elevators and coffee shops is, what's this crop going to yield? The most asked question has been, will it make grade or does it have aflitoxin, a mold caused by drought?     Yields vary even within fields. Our crops south of Oskaloosa have been yielding about 1/3 to 1/2 of what we normally expect. Our crops east of town are yielding about 1/2 to 2/3 of what we are used to. We have not been north of town yet.     Last Thursday, Joe, a friend and neighbor east of town, stopped and rode a round in the combine. We visited about the short crop and our summer weather. He mentioned a verse in Ecclesiastes 7 his Sunday School class had discussed which paraphrased says, "When times are good, be happy; however when hard times strike realize that both come from God. Remember nothing is certain in this life." Thanks Joe for the visit.  For the past couple of years we ...

This past Friday evening Hannah and Tony promised to help each other out for the rest of their lives. The festivities on Hannah's grandparents farm included root beer floats, a hayride, and fireworks while the new couple danced together under the stars. Hannah grew up around five brothers and was always helping them out with the farm responsibilities. These are her brothers returning the favor by ushering although they don't look real excited about it in this picture. A father is a helper to his daughter in many ways. Giving her away to a Christian spouse is one of the more important and memorable ones. Bill is one of my three brothers. He is a farmer and an electrician. Parents are helpers to their children in all kinds of ways. Praying for them and with them is helping them in this life and eternally.   One of the benefits of an outdoor wedding is being able to play in the rocks during the ceremony. Who needs a nursery when you can stand in the gra...

People were created to interact socially. It's part of our DNA. In the Bible after God finished creating our world it says in Genesis 1, He saw all that He had made including man and it was good. Then in Genesis 2 God says, "It's not good for man to be alone. I will make a helper for him." We have been built to enjoy each others company. The Pella Chr High volleyball team are enjoying each others company. They kicked off their season with an overnight retreat at the cabin. Becky had three pictures that made it to the State Fair. My favorite is this one called "Catching Up With Edgar". It is a snapshot of Brian visiting with his farm neighbor during harvest last fall. David joined church last Sunday. He always has a friendly smile and a willing hand for anyone that needs help. Congratulations David. Last Tuesday evening close to 250 friends came for supper. The two main reasons for the event is to say Thank you for working or doing business w...

In life and working with people do you just point the way or do you say to them, "hop in, lets go?" As a spouse, a parent, an employer, or a friend, we need to go along on the journey and live the process personally.    Who wants to hop in and go with Dad today? Saturday morning little Allison got to go with her dad and as you can tell from her smile she's not even a year old and loves every minute of it.   When kids are around adults and real life situations they grow up learning how to help and contribute.   Being an example, being part of peoples lives, and helping them contribute affirms folks and helps them crawl out of their shell. About a week ago I received a phone call. Trip said he was a reporter for the New York Times. After an extended conversation about politics he said he was coming to Iowa to get an idea of how small town, rural communities view life politically and socailly. I told him if he would like to meet our ...