StillwatersIowa

It's hard to believe this is the last Sunday of the year already. 2013 has been a full and unique year. What will the coming year look like and will we make a difference? Today's visit is advice about looking forward. Have a sense of duty.  One of the things I appreciate most about our team is their ability and their desire to get things done. We are to use our God given talents to work hard and make things happen. Accept the responsibilities given you. Not all jobs are simple or easy. Sometimes we are asked to get out of our comfort zone. I have been given some extra responsibilities for next year that will require God's direction and help. But remember, He always listens and promises to help if we ask. Have a plan. Just because God promises help doesn't mean He's going to do the work for us. We need to have a direction, set goals, work as a team, and do everything we can to accomplish our job. Have a positive attitude. It's so fun to be aro...

Good morning. This past Friday night I was in the cabin by myself setting up and setting tables getting ready for our family Christmas the following evening. It was so quiet. It was the first time in a while that I had time to think and reflect. All my stories this morning have happy endings. God is Good. BJ had another eye appointment in Iowa City on the two week anniversary of his accident. The doctors called his healing incredible. One doctor called it a miracle. Ones first impression is to think, wow, his accident must not have been as serious as first thought. I can tell you I thought it was serious when I picked him up and he couldn't see. I also thought it was serious when the doctors described the damage and talked about getting the anhydrous out from behind his eyes. I can also tell you there is no doubt in my mind your prayers were answered for BJ. Thank you for praying. Another answer to your prayers is that little Jackson is home with his fo...

Well once more our Iowa seasons have changed and winter is here. All fieldwork has stopped with the exception of the dozers. BJ received and excellent report from the doctors in Iowa City this week. His eyes are healing. God is good. I've had folks tell me life isn't about feelings however it felt good to have BJ stop by the office with his dark glasses for coffee his first morning visit back. Karl and Kristin have loaded out around 1000 head of hogs over the past week. I remember the old days when we would chase a fat hog all over the lot trying to get one more on the 14 foot truck bed. Kurt was telling me he was reminded of the good old days as he hauled manure for BJ this past week. He said he remembered helping haul manure when he was a kid and remembered me constantly telling him the spreader would hold one more bucket. It was fun watching Ezra taking his part so seriously in their school Christmas program. He is a kindergartner at ...

It was 2am. I had told Mark I would be in the field to help him around 3. I wondered if BJ was still out. He had headed for a job on the county line around 8pm.  After getting up I took some Tylenol for my horrible toothache and decided to sit a bit on the porch until the medication kicked in. It was just a few minutes later when BJ came on the 2-way and asked if anyone had a copy. His voice sounded like he was in trouble. After immediately jumping up and responding he asked if I would pick him up. I asked if he was burnt. He said yes, in his eyes. I can count on one hand how many times I felt what I was feeling. Helpless, weak, and scared. He was working on a bottom and had no cell service. I grabbed 3 bottles of water and jumped into the closest vehicle, Jan's pickup. The drive was about 20 miles. Of the 100 plus tanks BJ applied this fall he wore his goggles on every hookup. However on this occasion he had just gone back to make sure no knives were plugged. ...