Till The Storm Passes By

Central Iowa experienced a number of storms over last week's holiday weekend.

 We had over 5 inches of rain during the storms. All the extra water raised the pond level and covered the dock.

Most fields are experiencing wet feet. We need continued warm weather to keep the crop growing rather than rotting.

 The North Skunk River basin received anywhere from 7 to 11 inches of rain. This was one of the last fields we planted and was in last week's blog. 48 hours after we finished planting and spraying this 250 acre bottom was under 3 feet of water.  

 Whether it's crops or life in general you try and prepare for storms. This field has a series of terraces to try and minimize the damage of heavy rains.

 However storms usually come unexpectedly and seem to overflow our best laid plans.

At Lake Ponderosa near Montezuma folks spent their holiday weekend recovering from high water after unprecedented rains raised the lake level.

 My farmer friend and neighbor lost his battle with cancer last Sunday evening. Steve is the one on the left. He and his wife Carol pictured beside him were classmates. I found this picture from a couple of years ago during an 8th grade class reunion.

 We get through storms by knowing people care. Ed, our county road foreman made sure there was plenty of rock on the wet gravel roads to the small country cemetery. A neighbor mowed the road ditches out of respect.

 Small town business folks respectfully stood in front of their store while the funeral procession went by.

 Local police, sheriff, and highway patrol all took part in standing respectfully at intersections and directing traffic to the cemetery.

 We also get through storms by knowing God cares. He gave Steve the promise of heaven. He gives us the promise that He will get us through our storms here on earth.

So what about you? Do you have an anchor to hold on to till  the storms pass? 

 I'm reminded that life here on earth is temporary and we don't have to be old for God to take us to "that place".

 I'm also reminded that our temporary time here with loved ones is a gift. We mustn't forget to appreciate and enjoy that gift while we have it.

"Till the storm passes over; till the thunder sounds no more. Till the clouds roll forever from the sky. Hold me fast, let me stand in the hollow of Your hand. Keep me safe till the storm passes by".