StillwatersIowa

Good morning. Our crew had a busy and productive harvest week mostly in the northern part of the county where we had enough rain to have normal yields. Speaking of rain, we had two rain events last week of an inch and a half and an inch here south of Oskaloosa. One morning everyone arrived to the shop early and it was raining so we enjoyed going out for breakfast together. Last Sunday morning we celebrated with Pastor Paul and Ellen on being in the ministry 35 years. They and their grown children  and their families reside in Michigan. However they have been serving Osky 1 CRC for the last 13 months. Congratulations and thanks for your friendships. It's always a treat when the gals hunt us up with supper. This past Wednesday evening Emily, Jackson, and Jayden fed us in the field. Thanks Emily for being so patient while the crew was moving from one farm to another. Coming home with a load of corn late one evening Kurt hit a deer. Below we are in...

Some folks live life so looking for the future they miss out on their purpose in the present. Others are scared to take a risk for fear of failing or thinking they are too young. Finally some are constantly looking backward at missed opportunities and live with regrets.  Most of this week's stories are examples of young folks not waiting to make a difference. They are living out their lives to the fullest in the present. Cobie and I became acquainted last Sunday. Her parents had their churches potluck dinner and afternoon service at the cabin. While waiting for lunch she brought me a riddle. She asked me if I could figure out how to get an inch lock washer off a three quarter inch bolt that had a the nut welded on. I couldn't figure it out. She had to show me. :) Robert and his wife have 3 daughters. Last Sunday afternoon Robert and his youngest (I so wish I could remember her name) sang at the Good News Chapel service. What a blessing. Bec...

Do you have jobs on your list that need to be done so that you can finish a project or meet a deadline? We had several of those at our house this week. In our everyday lives, in the farming occupation, and even in our interaction with others we all have those action items that need to happen in order to accomplish a purpose or for a project to succeed. In the business world those action items are called deliverables.   Just like making a plan to move the ball across a football field with the hope of crossing the goal line deliverables move things forward toward a goal.   Sometimes we get kidded about wasting time visiting. Although that happens occasionally we make a plan and tackle our deliverables as a team. It helps everyone know what's going on and keeps folks knowing what the goal is for the day. Have you ever had a helper ask what's "so and so" doing? Just barking out orders only gives the empl...

When you think back what years do you remember?  I dare say they are probably the years with either extra praise or extra pressure. Many of the years we remember involve people. Either people we have gained or people we have lost. If you are having a year of extra praise look out and up and thank people and God that have helped you. If you are having a year of extra pressure look out and up and lean on people and God to help you.   I stopped at Pablo and Paula's house to help Alex hook up the drill for a fall seeding job. Since it was just going to take a minute I left my truck running and door open. When I returned this chicken was in the passenger seat waiting for a ride to somewhere. I took this picture yesterday thinking I was going to visit with you this morning about not seeing the whole picture of our lives when we are up close. When we experience those years of praise or pressure we often don't see the complete picture until we look bac...